Skip navigation

Derech Eretz - Frequently Asked Questions

If any of your questions are not answered by the following, please get in touch with [email protected]

The size of Derech Eretz groups ranges between 6-13 (including leaders). 

Derech Eretz is for young adults aged 18-30. 

Derech Eretz is $600 + a flight to Brisbane for all participants. If this cost is a barrier for you, please get in touch. 

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. 

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

 

 

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. 

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. 

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.