VOLUNTEERING
The success of the upcoming Australian Longboard Surfing Open at Kingscliff would not be possible without the numerous volunteers who generously offer their time to support this great event. Island Style Promotions is constantly looking for motivated volunteers to be part of the event for the surfers. In order to make our event a reality, we need the help of local volunteers and community organisations.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the Australian Longboard Surfing Open?The Australian Longboard Surfing Open has firmly established itself as the leading pro/am longboard surfing event in Australia.With perfect waves, suitable for a variety of surfing divisions, surf vehicles, kids activities, free movies and live bands plus cold beer at the park in front of the break, there is something for every one. The Australian Longboard Surfing Open promotes surfing as a healthy and enjoyable sport for pleasure and competition, encourage international and interstate visitors and surfers to the Tweed Coast, highlights and promote Kingscliff as a world class, surfing destination and actively supports the development and growth of business in Northern NSWCompetition is fierce in the water, but on the sand the event is all about the fun of finding kindred spirits in surf cultures from all over the world. One thing remains constant over the years, the stoke never changes. What requirements are there to be a Volunteer?
- Be the age of 18 years or older or 15 and have your parents signed consent.
- Be able to volunteer for a minimum of 2 shifts throughout the week
- Complete the volunteer application form
- Must abide by the rules and regulations set out by the Australian Longboard Surfing Open
All volunteers get: • Event & Festival Atmosphere • Experience organising events • The amazing experience of supporting others• Volunteer T-Shirt (Must be available for two shifts)• If you want to compete at the event and you want to volunteer at the same event for us we’ll apply a 50% discount to your registration fee.
Do I attend an event briefing?A mandatory event briefing will be held prior to the event. All volunteers are required to attend this briefing to receive essential information regarding your roles as well as workplace health and safety induction. What do I wear during the event?As one of our volunteers you will receive an official event t shirt. We ask that you wear this with comfortable shorts or pants. For your own safety comfortable footwear should be worn (thongs are permitted), however during bump in and bump out closed in shoes must be worn at all times; lifting and moving equipment during the festival is also included. If you are working on the beach remember to wear a hat and feel free to bring your swimwear for a quick cool off, and remember to slip slop slap! Do I get lunch supplied and what do I need to bring?There will be an esky available where you can store your own cold drinks and/or lunch. Light food and refreshments, sunscreen and water will be available at the volunteer tent during the festival. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the site What roles are there for volunteers?Judges assistants, Competitor Registration/Merchandising/Information, Bar Staff, Event Set Up, Assistant Marshalls, Social Media, Office Staff.
Do volunteers receive an event handbook?Volunteers will have access to the event program that will include runsheets, entertainment lists, festival guidelines, heat draws, maps of festival site, plus important contacts details for staff and what to do in case of an emergency. Do Volunteers have access to First Aid?Volunteers have access to a First Aid kit that will be kept at the Information booth. An incident report kept in the First Aid Kit must be completed for all injuries, no matter how minor. This will also assist me in replenishing equipment. There will also be several staff members on site that have their First Aid Certificate if you require further assistances.
Are Volunteers covered by Insurance?Yes. As a sanction Surfing Australia event all volunteers are covered by the events $20 million Public Liability Insurance from Sportscover Australia under authority from Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s. Personal Injury Insurance is available to those entitled to Australian Medicare. International volunteers are not covered will need to provide their own Travel Insurance.
The Clean Green Sport of Surfing is Powered by the Natural Energy of WavesThe Australian Longboard Surfing Open is honoured to be allowed to conduct our annual event in an area protected from development which is preserved so that future generations may enjoy tomorrow what we cherish today.We believe that this environment is precious. We know the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling and we are prepared to step forward and take responsibility for our actions.To this end, we have taken the following steps to make the Australian Longboard Surfing Open as sustainable as we can, protecting the beautiful Tweed Coast surroundings so that we can all enjoy.
Provision Of Recycling BinsEvery year, we organise the provision of both waste and recycling bins from Solo Resources, emptied daily throughout the event. We have a dedicated environmental officer involved in the set up and cleanup of the event site each day. We regularly encourage all attendees to be aware of their own trash, as well as that of the less considerate visitors to the venue asking that they leave behind only their footprints.
Efforts to Reduce Environmental DamageWe plan our event with significant consideration to the location, minimising the risk of natural areas, such as lawn and grassed areas, the shoreline and the wooded areas. We arrange infrastructure to enhance this, diverting foot traffic to prevent these places becoming damaged or used as thoroughfares.These measures drastically reduce the need for regeneration or rehabilitation after the event.
Promotion of Healthy Eating & LifestyleWe believe surfing is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle for the whole family, and one that enhances environmental awareness. The Australian Longboard Surfing Open encourages our visitors and competitors to get involved with daily yoga workshops, beach clean-ups and various activities that address personal health and wellbeing including programs for cleaner, more sustainable lifestyle fin regards to mental health issues, healthy cooking options and for awareness of too much exposure to the sun.
Sustainable MarketingWith such a huge amount of marketing and information to convey, the Australian Longboard Surfing Open has gone to significant lengths to reduce the amount of paper used. Double-sided flyers, programs printed to be kept as souvenirs, and the use of electronic marketing and communication wherever possible have all greatly reduced the quantity of paper used.
Encouraging Ethical PracticeWe work closely with our suppliers and sponsors in every aspect of the Australian Longboard Surfing Open's creation and development, always searching for new ways to increase sustainability and reduce environmental impact. We also encourage sponsors to take a more ecological approach, reducing the usage of single-use waste and utilising products that promote reuse or natural, less chemical-based options, such as sunscreens and reusable wax containers.
Minimising PowerThere is a necessity for electricity consumption to allow the event to function efficiently and professionally. Sound systems, computers, monitors, digital scoreboards and timers are all essential for the judging alone, and our evening entertainment is also dependent on electricity. But in every area of the events infrastructure we endeavour to be as efficient and limited on electricity consumption as possible, opting for reduced lighting ensuring that power is used only when absolutely necessary.
SummaryWe know we’re not perfect, but we are always striving for better ways to improve and reduce our environmental footprint. Partnering with ecological causes and brands, looking for ways to minimise waste – such as limiting single-use products and utilising biodegradable packaging – and increasing the public awareness are just the beginning.
If you or our business would like to join the Australian Longboard Surfing Open as an Ecological Partner, or if you have any good ideas of ways to create a more sustainable festival, please contact us.
It is the responsibility of us all to protect the environment. As they say "Don’t destroy what we come to enjoy"
