Welcome! Here's everything you need to know before applying! (please read carefully - sorry for the serious talk)

This year's a little different from our usual End of Year Trip. As we face challenges from the potential bushfires and COVID-19, we have shifted our focus to local Brisbane volunteering projects. We know some are eager to experience a classic Big Lift trip to rural Queensland, so we have planned a shorter and condensed trip to capture that bucolic experience while mitigating the potential dangers.

If you're keen to volunteer - then fill out this form! Please know the shorter trip is optional, as everyone has individual COVID-19 fears and responsibilities to protect those around us. The Big Lift team are very aware of these risks, and are preparing dense COVID safe plans and practices to ensure your's and the community's safety, so please keep this in mind! Additionally, since COVID-19 and bushfire outbreaks are uncertain, please be mindful that the short trip may be cancelled or postponed. Our local Brisbane projects, however, are a much more assured opportunity for you to support local communities in need and forge new friendships with fellow like-minded people. So in short: Local events? Absolutely. A brief trip to regional communities for service learning and charity work? We really hope so!

If you're still uncertain or just want to meet us all - join our Information Night to hear more about what to expect, the changes we're making to address COVID and bushfires, and to ask any questions you may have. See the event here: http://bit.ly/BigLiftInfoNight

Here's a rough itinerary...
Rural Queensland trip (Optional):
Dates: 24 November - 27 November
What: Big Lifters will be visiting the communities of Dalby and Chinchilla to volunteer, learn and create unforgettable memories along the way.

Rest/ Social Night (Optional):
Date: 27 November
What: Take a rest for the afternoon or get together for fun and hangouts.

Brisbane Volunteering Projects:
Dates: 28 November - 30 November
What: Explore and support different kinds of local initiatives and communities in need. Connect with socially isolated individuals, people with disabilities, homeless people, First Nations people, etc. And learn from these humanitarian organisations how they support the people they care for. (Note: not all communities listed above will be involved, skeptical to change).

The core foundations of QUT Big Lift are:
      - Engagement with regional communities;
      - Needs-based volunteering;
      - Fostering student development; and
      - Respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

We will be engaging respectfully with each community, listening to and learning from their experiences and reflecting after each day through service learning. It will be a memorable, meaningful experience that we cannot wait to share with you. Find out more about what we get up to on our trips and the impact Big Lift has by watching this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOi5-zqTaec

*There are LIMITED spots on the trip and for local projects, so places are not guaranteed.* Therefore it is particularly important that you take time filling out the application. We will evaluate each application individually and anonymously. Applications close 9pm Friday13th November.

There is a participant fee that covers all expenses, such as food, transport, insurance, and activities. Be mindful that during the optional trip, sleeping arrangements are camp-styled to keep costs low. It will be finalised closer to the dates, you can expect about $50 for the rural trip and $15 to participate in the local activities.

*Please don't let this fee deter you from applying* - we will privately assist you in meeting the cost if you are concerned. And encourage your QUT friends join with you!

Please direct any questions or concerns to qutbiglift@gmail.com. If there's anything you'd like to discuss confidentially, please put 'ATTN: Matthew Lowe' in the subject line. Alternatively - you are welcome to call us:
- Matthew on his mobile 0426 018 168 (for general enquires/concerns)
- Alex Vosten on his mobile 0466 099 090 (COVID and bushfire concerns)

If you're uncertain if this is the right opportunity for you, both of us are happy for a chat!

#QUT Life