If any of your questions are not answered by the following, please get in touch with [email protected].
Derech Eretz - Frequently Asked Questions
How big are Derech Eretz groups?
The size of Derech Eretz groups ranges between 6-13 (including leaders).
How old are Derech Eretz participants?
Derech Eretz is for young adults aged 18-30.
How much does Derech Eretz cost?
Derech Eretz is $600 + a flight to Brisbane for all participants. If this cost is a barrier for you, please get in touch.
Where are we going, and how do we get there?
Derech Eretz takes place in Toomelah and Boggabilla, on the border of NSW and QLD. In the lead up to Derech Eretz trips, our First Nations partnerships coordinator will advise further transport and accomodation details. In January 2023, we will travel by driving a rental people-mover from Brisbane. This relies on participants all purchasing their own return flights to Brisbane and on full-licensed participants volunteering to share driving responsibilities.
What does Derech Eretz look like day to day?
Expecting the unexpected is necessary on Derech Eretz. As volunteers, we are most useful when we are flexible around what is already taking place in community. You can expect a combination of running school holiday activities in Toomelah and Boggabilla, a morning/afternoon tea with Elders, meet ups with old friends and local service providers and informal education sessions on First Nations histories and current affairs. There will be meal breaks and free time.
As a guide only, the following is what took place during Derech Eretz July 2022. Please note that this trip involved driving to and from Sydney and in January 2023 we are planning to drive to and from Brisbane. Therefore, participants will be required to purchase their own flights.
Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Monday | |
8:00-9:00 | Drive to Toomelah and Boggabilla | Breakfast | Breakfast | Breakfast | Breakfast | Breakfast | Sleep in/free time | Holiday activities with Toomelah kids | Drive to Sydney |
9:00-10:00 | Visit Toomelah Land Council and Toomelah Clinic | Holiday activities with Toomelah kids | Holiday activities with Boggabilla kids | Visit Boggabilla Central School | On Country cultural immersion with Winangali Infusion | ||||
10:00-11:00 | Holiday activities with Toomelah & Boggabilla kids at DrugARM | ||||||||
11:00-12:00 | Lunch | ||||||||
12:00-1:00 | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Holiday activities with Boggabilla kids | |||
1:00-2:00 | Lunch | Elders' afternoon tea | Visit Boggabilla Joblink and TAFE | Holiday activities with Toomelah kids | Free time in Goondiwindi | Games | |||
2:00-3:00 | Drive to Toomelah and Boggabilla | ||||||||
3:00-4:00 | Informal educational program | Goodbyes | Visit Aunty Madge in Wyong | ||||||
4:00-5:00 | Free time | Holiday activities with Boggabilla kids | Free time | Shabbat preparation | Cleaning and packing | Drive to Sydney | |||
5:00-6:00 | Informal educational program | Shabbat service | Dinner | Dinner | |||||
6:00-7:00 | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner | Informal educational program | Reflection program | |
7:00-8:00 | Informal educational program | Informal educational program | Movie | Games | Games | Free time | Home! | ||
8:00-9:00 |
What is the application process?
To apply for Derech Eretz, please fill out our application form and send a copy of your CV to [email protected].
Following this, our First Nations partnerships coordinator will be in touch to arrange an interview. Interviews are an opportunity for the Derech Eretz team to hear more about you, your volunteer experience and your interest in the program. It is also a chance for you to ask any questions you have for us. The coordinator will be in touch shortly after regarding whether your application has been successful.
How religiously observant is Derech Eretz?
Derech Eretz can cater to any level of religious observance. We are able to pre-prepare food to observe kashrut and do not run any activities during Shabbat. During your interview, please communicate your preferences with the coordinator.
How can I prepare for Derech Eretz?
If your application is successful, our First Nations partnerships coordinator will send you a volunteer handbook with recommended readings, packing lists and preparation. You will also be required to participate in an online Derech Eretz induction two weeks before your trip.