Cyclone shelter volunteer information

The Department of Education and Training is calling on the public to volunteer for the 2023-24 season to work in cyclone shelters if and when required.

Volunteers will be involved in a number of supporting roles and activities including helping to manage the cyclone shelters.

Attributes

Professional qualifications or previous experience is not required as training will be provided. You must have the following attributes:

• leadership and personal resilience qualities, enjoy good health and fitness and have a strong sense of civic duty to assist others in an emergency situation
• must be prepared to be on standby during the cyclone season (1 November to 30 April)
• may have first aid qualifications, other volunteering experience, knowledge of emergency management, or human services training
• must be prepared to leave home or accommodation for up to 48 hours (which may include taking your partner / family to the emergency shelter)
• have a working with children clearance (Ochre card) or be willing to get one - the department will cover the cost if you don't have one. Find out more on the NT Government website.

What you get

You will receive free training and gain experience in managing people and facilities in different emergency situations. In addition, it is a great contribution to your community’s safety.

Roles

We are looking for volunteers to cover a range of roles, including:

• marshalling staff -  car park marshalling, identifying the areas to be used, sign posting and directions
• reception staff – greeting people and recording their details
• communications staff – answering the main shelter landline phone and keeping a log of all phone calls to the shelter group leader
• stores and equipment staff – collecting and distributing stores at the shelter
• hygiene staff – keeping toilets and other areas clean, including removing garbage.

Locations

We require volunteers for shelters located at the following schools:

• Berry Springs Primary School
• Casuarina Senior College
• Dripstone Middle School
• Girraween Primary School
• Nightcliff Middle School
• Palmerston College - years 10 to 12 Driver campus
• Taminmin College - years 7 to 9 Rosebery campus.

Volunteering for shelters in other regions and remote areas is arranged directly through the school or other emergency staff in the community or region.

Check the locations of regional and remote shelters on the SecureNT website.

How to apply

To register your interest, email emt.doe@nt.gov.au and nominate your preferred school.

What else you need to know

Read below to find out  how to prepare for your role.

Duties

During a Cyclone Watch, you will be on standby to assist at your nominated emergency shelter.

Your shelter manager will tell you when you are required at that shelter.

Getting to the shelter

Most volunteers choose to be located in a shelter in reasonable proximity to their residence.

You will need to make your own transport arrangements to meet your individual needs.

Travel and lunch expenses

There are no travel expense allowances with these roles. Make sure you’re prepared by:

• keeping an emergency kit
• bringing your own food and other essentials.

Bringing children with you

Everyone is welcome at cyclone shelters, including your children.

We just ask that you ensure you have another carer, parent or guardian to look after your children while you work as a volunteer.

First aid certificate requirements

You don’t need a first aid certificate to become a volunteer as St John Ambulance manages first aid at the shelters.

However, a first aid certificate is highly desirable.

Contact

Contact the Emergency Management and Security team by emailing emt.doe@nt.gov.au or calling 08 8999 5609.