Volunteers

"On behalf of everyone who has been a part of the Duyfken Project during the last two decades, I would like to say welcome aboard.

Duyfken was created to tell the story of the early European exploration of the Australian coastline. We regard our ship as a floating museum which aims to inform and inspire everyone who visits her. Keeping the ship alive and operating is our long term goal and to achieve this requires a great commitment from a great many volunteers.  While Duyfken is only a relatively small vessel, she requires constant maintenance.  It is critical that we attract visitors and students to help us meet our maintenance and operating budgets.

Everyone in the project plays a part in achieving this, and I hope you can help the Little Dove as well. Our volunteers bring many valuable skills to the project. From guiding, to a social calendar and fundraising, to crewing the vessel on day sails, to helping with maintenance and re-fits, there is something for everyone. 

It is fun and immensely rewarding to be part of Duyfken.  I have personally been involved with Duyfken since 1993 and I can say that Duyfken has given me more than I have ever given to the ship.  I hope you will feel the same after getting involved in our very special ship."

Graeme Cocks - Chairman

  

Duyfken Volunteer Program

The Duyfken Volunteers Program was first introduced in 2000 in Fremantle Western Australia. Since then the Duyfken has acted in an unofficial ambassadorial role for Australia in South East Asia, the Indian Sub-continent, Africa and Europe. 

The primary objective of the Duyfken Volunteers Program is to facilitate community involvement and assist in achieving our goals. The Program provides individuals with opportunities to participate in aspects of the operation of the Foundation and activities of the ship.                               

Crew Training Program

In the new year Duyfken will be commencing a Day Sailing programme.

Before we do so we need to train sufficient trained volunteers to be able to competently and safely sail the ship in a manner that reflects well on the Foundation.

Crew training will initially comprise two stages (others may be added at a later stage).

Stage 1 - Theory lecture that will cover the design of the rig, setting and handing sails, tacking, wearing ship, mooring and safety procedures.

Stage 2 - Morning on board training sessions from 0500 to 1000.

Crew selected to sail the ship on any occasion will need to have successfully completed both Stages.

The first theory session will be held at the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce Board room, 16 Phillimore Street Fremantle, on Thursday 20th December at 1900.

Interested volunteers are asked to email Bill Porter and register.

All Volunteers must be a registered Member of the Friends of Duyfken. 

         

 Available Volunteer Roles

• Shipkeepers
• Volunteer Guides
• Tour Guides
• Maintenance Volunteer
• Shipping Coordinator
• Sales and Merchandise Coordinator
• Voyage Crew

Volunteer Guides

Volunteer Guides conduct regular tours and organised events for all age groups and be available to answer questions about the exhibitions and assist with functions.

Prospective guides complete a training course with the Duyfken Foundation outlining operational aspects, guiding techniques, evacuation procedures and information about the ship and the historical period Duyfken represents.  Guides are invited to complete further training to prepare for leading school tours. This will include specific techniques in engaging with children and particularly in the use of hands-on activities that highlight shipboard life.

Guides will also be made aware of the way the Duyfken experience links to the Australian Curriculum. Guides and prospective guides should familiarise themselves with the DUYFKEN CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Volunteers have a responsibility to themselves, their colleagues and their supervisor to act fairly, safely and with respect for the needs of the Duyfken Foundation.  For further information please read THE VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT and THE VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITY statement.                                    

Volunteers will be required to obtain a "Working with Children Check" and National Police Clearance and you can download the form by clicking below:

AFP National Police Check Application Form (477 KB)

     

 

Apply to Become a Volunteer

       

You can apply to join the Duyfken Volunteer Program by CLICKING HERE AND COMPLETING THE ONLINE FORM or by downloading the the application form and following the instructions on that form.     

     

The Duyfken Application Form v2 (1507 KB)

VOLUNTEERS MUST ALSO BE A FRIEND OF THE DUYFKEN