The word “Odyssey” refers to an extended adventurous voyage; a spiritual or intellectual quest which encapsulates the aim of the program. The Linkz Odyssey is an 8 month long volunteer program which aims to provide a unique experience that will aid professional development, build knowledge and skills and create greater awareness and understanding of Indigenous Australian culture. The program incorporates a series of training components that not only enable these volunteers to facilitate sport and recreation programs in remote Indigenous communities, but that also builds skills and knowledge for the future. As part of the program volunteers are trained and encouraged to act as ambassadors, sharing their experiences with others, and helping to raise the profile of Indigenous culture as a strong and valuable element of the Australian identity.
Additionally each volunteer will work with the Program Coordinator to develop an individualised action plan that will ensure that training and development can be adapted to suit their location, schedule and goals. The Linkz Odyssey has been designed to compliment and build on a volunteer’s existing occupation or university course and to ensure that they are able to develop skills which can be utilised on an ongoing basis. The key outcome for this process is the development of strong young leaders with an interest in civic participation and advocacy of issues around cultural diversity.
