PLEASE NOTE: CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES.

 

If you are interested in attending, please view the following files

Annex A Firefighters

General Instruction Firefighters SA 2020

GENERAL INSTRUCTION SUPPORT TO FIREFIGHTERS

Introduction

  1. Trojan’s Trek for firefighters will be conducted on Moolooloo station in the North Flinders Ranges (www.moolooloo.com.au) from Tuesday 28 April to Sunday 3 May 2020. The trek is the start of a new journey of awareness through life. It is not a long walk in the bush but designed to re-establish resilience and a new approach to life. The target group is firefighters who are aware of personal difficulties resulting from the recent fires in SA.  Vacancies are limited so early indication is recommended.
  2. A base for the trek will be established at Moolooloo Station shearers’ quarters from which the trekkers will be supplied and supported. The course is conducted in a remote environment and will present new ways of overcoming life’s challenges. Most nights will be spent in the bush in relatively rough conditions sleeping in swags.

Aim

  1. The aim of Trojan’s Trek is to provide the setting and conditions under which participants will experience a lasting positive shift in personal values and interpersonal relationships thus improving life in general. The website www.trojanstrek.com provides anecdotal and other information that explains the trek philosophy.

Objectives

  1. The objectives of the trek are to develop in the participants through the joint and individual challenge:
  • an understanding of how thoughts and feelings influence behaviour,
  • exposure to various strategies which will bring about positive change,
  • suggested individual responses which are effective in achieving that objective,
  • build a peer support group from those attending, and
  • enhance self-esteem.

General

  1. The trek participants will be taken on a journey, both literally and figuratively to explore issues that affect their lives. Group dynamics will be utilised by sharing and discussing issues at team and individual levels.
  1. The area in which the trek will be conducted is out of mobile phone range. The nearest town is Blinman, which has limited facilities and is approximately one hour’s drive away. Participants are to ensure enough personal items are carried to last the duration of the trek.

Organisation

  1. The Commander, Moose Dunlop OAM has overall responsibility for the conduct of the trek. Staff attending are listed at para 9.

Attendance

8. Attendance is free. The course is not physically demanding, however, a basic standard of fitness is required. The point of contact (POC) for attendance is Paul 0435 780 237, listed in paragraph 29. Potential trekkers are requested to contact the POC as soon as possible.

9. Trekkers from out of town but NOT from KI, requiring accommodation should plan on arriving at Keswick Barracks in Adelaide on Mon 27 April between 1400 and 1500 hrs. Accommodation and arrival details should be advised to the POC. Those travelling from KI will be transported from Cape Jervis by bus to the barracks.

10. Participants not accommodated at the barracks are requested to arrange their own transport to the departure point at Keswick Barracks. Note: Personal vehicles may be left at the barracks in the car parks for the trek duration but no responsibility for their safety is accepted by Trojan’s Trek. Departure for Moolooloo will be Tue 28 April at 0800 hrs.

Staff

11. Staff attending are listed below:

13.  Participants are selected on the basis that:

  • they will benefit from the program,
  • a clearance from their GP is received,
  • each has volunteered to attend, and each has completed and submitted Annex A.

14. Annex A is the Personal and Medical Information Form which is to be completed by participants and their respective doctors. This form MUST be returned by 20 April to Moose. Participants should note this Annex includes other relevant information that is required during the trek. It is important that the details of next of kin and personal contact details are accurately recorded as well as dietary restrictions.

Movement and Deployment

15. Deployment to the trek location will be as follows:

  • Field staff and support staff
    Mon 27 April. Under the control of the Commander and in accord with instructions issued separately, this group will depart Adelaide at 0800 hrs in hired 4 WD vehicles.
  • Participants.
    Tue 28 April. Participants will depart from Keswick Barracks at 0800 hrs by bus. Further information will be issued when numbers are confirmed.

16. The driving time from Adelaide to Moolooloo is approximately six and a half hours. Once the teams have arrived at Moolooloo it will be difficult for individual participants to return to Adelaide earlier than Sun 3 May.

17. Drivers of hire vehicles are to ensure that spare tyres, wheel brace and the like are present and serviceable on collection or before departure. This includes any trailers. Separate instructions will be issued to drivers.

18. Most roads in the trek area are unsealed. Due care must be exercised by all drivers and supervising staff. Normal speed limits apply and particular care must be exercised when driving off roads. Further instructions concerning driving standards will be issued to the staff prior to departure and to all after arrival at Moolooloo.

Dress and Equipment

19. All participants are to bring the following items packed in a duffle bag or similar:

  • personal toilet items
  • camera
    towel
  • sleeping bag and night wear
  • swag (swags are available from Trojan’s Trek if required, refer Annex A for indication of requirement)
  • insect repellent or fly net
  • comfortable sturdy boots suitable for walking
  • good quality socks
  • long sleeved shirt and long trousers for bush wear
  • warm jacket or pullover for night wear
  • compass, GPS, binoculars (if available not mandatory)
    matches/source of fire
  • torch
  • money and drver’s licence
  • water bottle and brew mug
  • prescription medicines
  • wide brimmed hat, and
  • pen or pencil

19. Day temperatures are expected to be in the mid 20s with evening temperatures dropping to below 13 degrees. The carriage of some form of wet weather gear is advisable.

Stores and Equipment

20. Rations, stores and equipment will be carried to Moolooloo with the advance party and staff in the 4 WD vehicles.

Medical

21. A paramedic will be present for the duration of the trek. Participants are requested to carry their own medication. The nearest hospital is located at Hawker approximately one hour thirty minutes away. Medical advice from a doctor is available by phone 24 hours per day. Refer paragraph 29.

Rations and Quarters

22. Rations will be provided for the duration of the trek. Stops en-route to and from Moolooloo will allow the purchase of snacks at members’ expense. Participants will spend at least three nights in the bush in a swag. Any special dietary requirements should be indicated at Annex A.

23. Alcohol and drugs (other than prescription) are NOT to be taken to or consumed during the trek.

Evaluation

24. Each participant is required to complete a series of psycho-social instruments before and after the trek. This information is in confidence and will be used only to gauge the effectiveness of the project. Honesty is paramount in completing these documents. Further instructions regarding this aspect will be issued.

Use of Private Property

25. The trek will be conducted on private property. All participants are reminded of the common courtesies demanded in the bush. They are:

  • gates are to be left as found
  • remove all litter
  • do not cut vegetation
  • respect flora, fauna and stock, and
  • extinguish unattended fires.

Fuel and Repairs

26. Fuel and repairs including repair of punctures are available from the Angorichina Village on a debit card held by Moose Dunlop.

Post Trek De-briefing

27. A post trek de-briefing for staff and participants will be held on the last night of the trek at Moolooloo shearers’ quarters.

Communications

28. Communication to and from Moolooloo shearers’ quarters is by land line telephone. The number is listed below. This is to be used for incoming calls in an emergency only. Mobile phones do not operate in the trek area. Channel 3 CB through the local repeater station may be utilized for communications when in the bush or by simplex channels on CB radio.

Contact Numbers

29. The contact details are listed below:

  • Moose Dunlop OAM          0408 088 886 moose@trojanstrek.com
  • Shearers’ Quarters              8648 4754
  • Moolooloo Homestead      86484861
  • Leigh Creek Police              86752004 or 131444 for police assistance
  • Hawker Hospital                 84684007
  • Angorichina Village            86484842
  • RFDS Pt Augusta             86422044 24 hour medical advice
  • POC Paul Wilton                 paul@trojanstrek.com 0435 780 237

A media release will be issued prior to the commencement of the trek. Enquiries will be handled in the first instance by Moose Dunlop.

Public Liability

31. The trek is covered by the Trojan’s Trek public liability policy.

Post-trek Report

32. The report on Support to Firefighters will be available on the web by 12 Jun 2020.

Return

33. All participants will return to Keswick Barracks on Sun 3 May at approximately 1530 hrs. Members will be free to depart from that location shortly after arrival. Those returning to KI will depart by bus for Penneshaw by 1600 hrs to depart on the 1800 hrs ferry.

34. Visitors intending to visit the project are requested to seek approval from Moose Dunlop on 0408 088 886 prior to April 20.

Conclusion

35. Participants are encouraged to attend the trek with an open mind. The opportunity to meet and share experiences with other individuals in a similar position is unique. For a small time investment, trekkers have the opportunity to make a new start in life and enhance relationships.