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Joining us for a Discipleship Training School (DTS) or Gap Year with us soon? We have compiled a few resources to help prepare you for the amazing journey that’s ahead!

Get to know Townsville and our Campus

You are about to call Townsville home sweet home! Here are a few videos to help you get familiar with our campus and our region.

Day in the life of a DTS Student
About Townsville
Campus Tour Video
Tick Australia off your bucket list

Fundraising Resources

We understand that fundraising can be a little daunting, but don’t worry, we are here to help support and equip you every step of the way! Here’s a few helpful resources to get you started.

Communication Materials

Here are a few helpful links and videos to support you in your communication with your friends and family about what you are about to be a part of.

What is a DTS Video
Medical Ship Video

Preparing to Come Materials

Wondering what to pack? What the schedule will be? How to go about making travel arrangements? We have you covered!

What to bring video

Resources for Parents

We are here to help answer your parents’ questions too! Below are a few videos, links, and FAQ’s for parents.

DTS from a Parent’s Perspective

Frequently Asked Questions from Parents

Who will be responsible for the welfare of my son or daughter?

There will be a team of dedicated staff members working under the leadership of the school leader to ensure that each student is taken care of during the school. 

In addition to completing a Discipleship Training School either at YWAM Townsville or another YWAM campus, all of our school staff have completed specialised training to equip them to staff the DTS. Our school leaders have staffed a number of Discipleship Training Schools prior to leading.

To allow for quality mentoring and support for your son or daughter, we aim for a ratio of one staff member to every five students on our schools.

How can I contact my son or daughter during their time in Australia?

We have a strong value for families and believe that connecting well with our friends and family is critical! You can stay connected during the DTS through the following methods:

Internet Cafe

Unlimited free internet access is available to all our students at the YWAM Townsville Campus Cafe. We understand that navigating schedules and time zones can be complicated, so this is available 24/7.

Send Letters and Packages

There is nothing quite like receiving physical mail, so we make it really simple for our students to receive the mail you send to them. Each week day, someone goes to the post office to collect the mail. Students then are able to pick it up right from our reception. Send all your mail to this address: YWAM Townsville, PO Box 6221, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia

Follow us on Social Media

One of the easiest ways to stay up to date with all that is happening here is through our social media. We believe having a strong social media presence helps share the good news of what God is doing in our lives and in the communities we are engaging in. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. You never know when your son or daughter’s face might show up on our feed! 

Call YWAM Townsville Reception

If you need to connect with your son or daughter urgently and are unable to reach them directly, you may call the YWAM Townsville reception and we will pass a message along to them. 

Call us on +61 7 4771 2123.

What does the schedule look like?

The Discipleship Training School (DTS) is our entry level course. It is a 22 week school that provides students with the opportunity to grow closer to God and put their faith into action. After 13 weeks of training and discipleship at our campus in Townsville, Australia, participants go on outreach for nine weeks. On outreach, they have the opportunity to be a part of strengthening lives, communities and nations. 

The school is divided up into lecture weeks and outreach weeks. A sample schedule is below:

During lecture weeks, the students will generally be in the classroom in the mornings to receive input from our guest speakers (a mixture of international and local lecturers). The afternoons and evenings will vary, but include a ministry placement where the students gets to partner with our staff and contribute to the work of the ministry. There are specialised input times for the focus of the student’s DTS elective as well as times of worship and social events mixed throughout the week. Here is a sample schedule of a typical lecture week:

What happens on the weekends?

Most weekends will be free to allow your son or daughter to enjoy exploring Townsville or possibly even taking a trip to Magnetic Island located just off the coast. As part of the DTS, the school will take a trip to Billabong Sanctuary where the students get a real Aussie experience and see kangaroos, koalas and crocodiles! 

If your son or daughter is on the Trekking DTS, they will participate in a practice hike each Saturday to prepare for their outreach. 

There are often times for students to volunteer in community wide events at the weekend. This is a great way to serve the Townville community and meet the locals. 

We do not arrange for the student to attend a local church. However, there are a few local churches in the area that they are welcome to attend during their DTS.

Can I contact my son or daughter during their outreach?

Each student’s outreach location will vary in terms of what mobile/cell phone network is available. In both Australia and Papua New Guinea there are areas where network is available and areas where there is no network at all. Where there is network, your son or daughter may be able to purchase a SIM card and credit for their phone to connect with you. 

All outreach team leaders carry mobile/cell phones and where the team is traveling to an area with limited or no network they will also carry a satellite phone. The outreach team leaders connect regularly with YWAM Townsville leaders at the campus.  

If there is an emergency or other urgent matter that you need to connect with your son or daughter about while they are on outreach and you are unable to reach them directly, call the YWAM Townsville campus and we will help get a message to the team so that you can connect.

Where will my son or daughter go on outreach?

Our region extends from Australia to the Pacific Islands and out toward Southeast Asia. DTS outreaches typically go to North Queensland and into Papua New Guinea.

How do you ensure safety while on outreach?

YWAM Townsville has been operating in our region for many years. When sending teams out, we work with known and trusted local contacts and in areas we know to be safe and welcoming to our teams. 

Each team leader is well equipped to ensure the safety of the teams. While it is impossible to eliminate every risk, we train our staff on how to manage risks they may encounter. Any team traveling into remote areas is equipped with safety equipment including mosquito nets, first aid kits, satellite phones and life jackets. Each team connects with our Training Leadership Team at YWAM Townsville many times each week to check in and give updates on how the team is doing. 

YWAM Townsville has Crisis Management Policies in place which would be followed in the event of an emergency.

Can my son or daughter fly home for a family event?

As the DTS is a full time school and there are attendance requirements. We encourage all students to fully participate in every week of the school. However, if there is a family emergency or other urgent need for a student to travel home for a week during the school, that could be possible. The school leader will be able to discuss with you in more detail. 

Due to the nature of outreach and where teams travel, it may not be possible for a student to travel to and from outreach locations for family events.

What does Health Insurance cover?

Each student will have Medibank Essentials Overseas Student Health Cover which we will purchase on their behalf; it will cover them for the duration of their course. Details of what this insurance covers can be found on the Medibank OSHC website. 

Medibank Essentials OSHC will start two days before the start date of the school and will cover your son or daughter for one month after their graduation date. If they wish to travel in Australia before or after these dates, they will need to purchase additional health insurance to cover them for that time

What Immunisations are needed?

The immunisations needed will depend on your son or daughter’s outreach location. Often immunisations are cheaper in the student’s home country, so we recommend they visit a travel doctor to receive these immunisations prior to traveling to Australia. 

All students will be required to have the following routine vaccinations: 

  • DPT (Diphtheria, Whooping Cough and Tetanus)
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
  • Polio (if traveling to PNG, must have had a booster in the past 12 months)

For all students on the Medical or Trekking elective, a portion of their outreach is likely to be spent in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Other electives may also spend some time in PNG, this will be confirmed during lecture weeks of the DTS.

For those going to PNG on outreach, the following vaccinations are required (As per Centre for Disease Control Recommendations):

  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Antimalarial – not chloroquine (malaria in PNG is resistant to this drug)
  • Hepatitis B – required only for medical professionals doing the Medical DTS

Please note, these immunisations are a requirement for students to participate in our outreach. If your son or daughter is unable to have these immunisations, it may affect their outreach location options.

If your son or daughter doesn’t have the immunisations completed before they arrive for DTS, there will be a chance to have them completed in Townsville at their own expense.

How much does the course cost?

The Discipleship Training School costs $6,490 AUD plus outreach travel expenses ($1,000–$1,800 AUD) 

Fees cover 13 weeks of missions training and 9 weeks of outreach. Training costs include all meals, accommodation, free wifi, laundry facilities, transport, an Australian wildlife experience (meet a koala and feed kangaroos!) and use of our campus facilities. These facilities, located right in the heart of the city, near the beach, restaurants and shops, includes a library, lecture rooms, chapel, courtyard and cafe.

Outreach costs include all meals, accommodation, a t-shirt, any extra visas, insurance and field supplies.

Outreach travel expenses (flights, bus, ferries, etc.) will vary depending on the outreach location for your son or daughter and will be between $1,000 AUD and $1,800 AUD. This will be determined within the first few weeks of the school, once outreach locations are finalised. 

The $6,490 does not include travel costs to and from Townsville, student visa, health insurance, immunisations, or outreach travel expenses.

Do you cater for dietary needs?

It is the heart of our food services team to cater well for your son or daughter during their DTS and to be as accommodating as possible for special dietary requirements. The dedicated team in our campus kitchen prepares three meals a day for all students. 

Breakfast: Self-service breakfast bar of cereals, toast, spreads, yoghurt and fruit. On certain days eggs and other options may be available.

Lunch: Self-service sandwich & salad bar

Dinner: Most evenings a hot buffet meal is served in the main dining hall.

The daily menu for students is based on the recommended daily intake of the five food groups consisting of two servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables each day. 

We are unable to cater for severe dietary requirements and allergies such as vegans and life threatening allergies where people can not have the item in the same room or area. If your son or daughter has a severe allergy, they will need to talk with their school leader, who will work with the food services team to see how we can accommodate for their needs. Quite often, these students will need to supplement their meals at their own expense and prepare it themselves. 

Our food services team does cater to the following dietary categories: 

  1. Regular off the menu
  2. Vegetarian
  3. Lactose and/or dairy free
  4. Gluten free
  5. Some item by item allergens
How do I make payments?

Payments for your son or daughter’s school may be made directly through our online payments on our website. Alternatively, there are other payment options outlined on our website.

May I come visit?

Yes! We love it when families come to visit us! Be sure to check the school schedule to ensure you come to visit during a lecture week. 
We would love to host you right here on our campus and have some guest accommodation that might be available. Please email hospo@ywamships.org to enquire about availability before completing your travel plans.

When is graduation?

During the last week of the DTS, we will have a few points of celebration. Typically, we will have a campus wide celebration night on the Wednesday of the last week of your son or daughter’s school. This is a time where we honour long-standing staff and celebrate all students who are graduating from schools, including DTS and our second level schools. 

On the Friday of the last week of your son or daughter’s DTS, we will have a graduation ceremony where the students will receive their certificates as we celebrate the end of the school.

What is expected after DTS?

DTS is an incredible time of transformation where your son or daughter will have the opportunity to process many things about their life. After the DTS, some people may decide to return home and get involved in their local communities. Others may decide to do further study, or work with other missions organisations. Some may decide to stay on with YWAM in Townsville, or at another location.

There is no expectation for your son or daughter to stay longer at YWAM Townsville. Our heart is to release them into whatever they feel called to do. 

If your son or daughter does feel like they want to stay on with YWAM Townsville, they will have the option of joining staff. During this time, they will receive further mentoring and hands-on experience, while serving in our ministry.

See other students’ experiences

Kaitlin’s DTS Experience
Connor’s DTS Experience
Hannah’s Global Health Gap Year Outreach Story
MJ’s Global Health Gap Year Experience
DTS Outreach Team’s Experience in PNG
Kam’s Global Health Gap Year Experience

More questions?

Apply Now

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Discipleship Training School - Townsville Campus

Our Discipleship Training School (DTS) gives you the opportunity to set aside five and a half months of your life to grow in your faith while serving the world around you. After 13 weeks of training and discipleship at our campus in Townsville, Australia, we take you on nine weeks of cross-cultural outreach. The DTS is a life-changing experience! 

10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship 

Dates
  • 28 January - 28 June, 2024
  • 14 July - 13 December, 2024
  • 13 October, 2024 - 14 March, 2025
  • 26 January - 27 June, 2025
  • 13 July - 12 December, 2025
  • 19 October, 2025 - 20 March 2026

Apply Now

Learn More

Discipleship Training School - Port Moresby Campus, Papua New Guinea

The DTS will run from our satellite campus in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The DTS will include a unique combination of discipleship, hands-on missions experience during both lectures and outreach, and the opportunity to make history as we establish a new campus in Port Moresby for generations to come.

Dates
  • 28 January - 28 June, 2024
  • 14 July - 13 December, 2024
  • 26 January - 27 June, 2025
  • 13 July - 12 December, 2025

 

Apply Townsville

Apply Port Moresby

Introduction to Global Health & Development

Be immersed in a powerful combination of essential basic healthcare knowledge and community development training, with a focus on preventing illness, promoting holistic wellbeing, and empowering communities to develop their strengths.

Townsville Campus

To be announced

Port Moresby Campus
  • 14 July - 13 December, 2024
  • 13 July - 12 December, 2025
Learn More
Learn More

HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

 

Apply Now

Learn More

Global Health & Development Gap Year

Our Global Health & Development Gap Year calls those whose heart beats to see communities thriving - physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. The Global Health & Development Gap Year is designed for both those that have experience in the health / community development industry, and for those who are starting out on their journey of healthcare in missions.

10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship

HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

Dates

28 January - 13 December 2024

26 January - 12 December 2025

 

Apply Now

Learn More

Discipleship Bible School

During the course, you will have an opportunity to dig deep into the Bible, reading through all 66 books, gaining an overall perspective of God’s story. You will learn techniques for effective Bible study, and your speakers will help unlock the Bible’s fascinating content.

You will also be taught on topics. For example – you will look at Worldview and Origins as you study through Genesis, Exodus, and Job. Or you might look at Leadership and Worship as you study the life of David in 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Chronicles, and the Psalms. Each book is filled with insights to be discovered!

Dates

28 January - 28 June 2024

26 January - 27 June 2025

Apply Now

Learn More

Introduction to Radio & Media

Good communication is essential for strong relationships, healthy families, and communities! Our mission is to train and equip effective communicators to share good news and influence positive community growth.

CUA31020 Certificate III in Screen and Media

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All Courses

Our wide range of registered training courses are designed to help equip you for your field of passion.

We combine elements of informal, formal, and non-formal education to not only impart knowledge and skill, but also good character, important life skills, and the motivation to serve and invest into the lives of others.

Learn more about our approach to training

Learn More (Townsville campus)

Learn More (Port Moresby Campus)

Join YWAM Staff

Our volunteer staff team is a diverse mix of different nationalities, ages, skills, giftings, and backgrounds. Their dedication and passion makes what we do possible and we are always looking to expand our team!

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Pathways with YWAM

We have a range of pathways within our training and ministry that allows you to specialise in your area and grow your skillsets. From Hospitality to Global Health you can upskill yourself while impacting those around you

 


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Resources
Joining us for a Discipleship Training School (DTS) or Gap Year with us soon? We have compiled a few resources to help prepare you for the amazing journey that’s ahead!

Learn More
For Parents
Do you have a child that is interested in a YWAM DTS or Gap Year? We have created some resources for you as your child navigates their YWAM experience. 
Canvas Online Training

Login to complete your course homework here

 


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YWAM Precinct

Our recently developed YWAM Precinct located in Townsville’s CBD is the perfect hub for youth to find belonging and empowerment. A high, medium and low ropes course, brand new cafe, and multi-purpose warehouse space for seminars and other activities allows youth the opportunity to flourish through adventure based learning.

 

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Youth Ambassadors

As a Youth Ambassador you will have the opportunity to lead your peers and the wider community in helping to support the work of YWAM Medical Ships in Papua New Guinea.

 

Learn More

Work Experience

We offer the opportunity for students to complete their work experience at our city campus in Townsville. This unique opportunity gives students the ability to not only explore a future career pathway, but also get a taste of working with a local charity that is dedicated to serving the community.

 

Learn More

Schools & Youth Leaders

We know that really quality, committed youth workers, teachers and families are some of the best things young people can have in their formative years. Our hope is to make your job a little bit easier by offering adventure based learning, mentoring resources, leadership and training pathways, and service based learning opportunities for youth. 

 

Learn More

Transitional Accommodation

YWAM operates a home in Townsville for at-risk youth. YWAM receives tenant referrals from local collaborating youth support organizations.

 

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Vision & Approach

We have the hope to create a safe environment for the youth of Townsville to be, believing everyone has the right to hope for an abundant and healthy life physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. YWAM works in partnership and by invitation through Australia and Papua New Guinea.

 

Learn More

School Seminars

Our school seminar programs are designed to empower and motivate youth to live full and productive lives. Book these engaging and interactive seminars to strengthen your young people. 

 

Apply Now

Learn More

Youth Adventures

Youth Adventures is the ultimate service based learning opportunity for young people. We do all the work for your school or youth group so you can do the mission!

 

Pre-Register for Impact Summer 2024

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Impact Summer

Make an Impact during your Summer as you engage in epic adventure, learning and serving. 

Gain valuable skills through hands-on learning experiences at The Stable and the new YWAM Precinct, complete with hiropes and rock climbing wall.

 

Apply Now

Learn More

VET in Schools

Vocational education is one of the best ways for young people to explore their passions and get equipped. We offer several registered training programs for youth. In addition to all of the expected elements of a training program, our courses have an emphasis on building good character and the soft skills needed to be employable, while also giving students the chance to practice their skills within our organisation. 

 


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Adventure Based Learning
Adventure based learning programs are complete with a high, medium, and low ropes course, cafe, and multi-purpose youth space to run programs with a ‘learn by doing’ and ‘challenge by choice’ philosophy.
 

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Precinct Cafe

Help build healthy lives and communities in Australia and Papua New Guinea while dining at the YWAM Precinct Cafe

YWAM Precinct Cafe is a not-for-profit cafe located at 312 Walker Street in Townsville’s CBD.

 


Apply Now

Learn More

Dental Trailer

YWAM Medical Ships is now operating a Dental Trailer in collaboration with key stakeholders in Port Moresby with the purpose of providing dental services, training opportunities, and health education to schools in the National Capital District.

Apply Now

Learn More

Small Boat Patrol Outreaches

YWAM Medical Ships is collaborating with key stakeholders in the nation by utilising small boats to bring health and training services right to the doorstep of those who need it most. These patrols have a specific focus on empowering the youth of communities to live healthy lives to contribute to a healthy nation.

Register Your Interest

Learn More

Ship Outreaches

YWAM Medical Ships - Australia & PNG has been operating medical and training vessels in PNG since 2010.

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Our Footprint

Delivering basic services in Papua New Guinea (PNG) poses enormous challenges with 84 percent of the population living in remote, rural areas.

See annual reports

Annual Reports

Read or download our annual reports. 

Learn More

Advocate

Join the YWAM Medical Ships team by becoming a Community Ambassador or Youth Ambassador in your local community.

Apply Now (Townsville Campus)
Apply Now  (Port Moresby Campus)
Learn More
Mission Build
Mission Building is a volunteer program that gives you the opportunity to experience life at our campus all while supporting our work in Australia and PNG. Join us for two weeks to three months at a time that suits you!
 
Apply Now
Learn More
Youth Adventures
Youth Adventures is the ultimate service based learning opportunity for young people. We do all the work for your school or youth group so you can do the mission!
 

Donate / Pay Here
Townsville City Campus - DTS, Volunteer, Donation
Support our community service projects and youth work in North Queensland by giving a donation to the YWAM Townsville City Campus. The campus also serves as the headquarters for the YWAM Training and Medical Ship, 99.9 Live FM, all training activities, youth work, and a home-base for all of our volunteer staff and students.
  • DTS Fees
  • Volunteer Fees
  • Tax-Deductible Donations
Donate Now
Donate to support the work in Papua New Guinea
Join us in the vision of building healthy lives and communities for a healthy Papua New Guinea by giving a tax deductible donation that has the power to change lives!
Pay Now
Ship Outreaches, Dental Trailer Outreaches, and more!

Joining us on outreach in Papua New Guinea soon? We are looking forward to having you! Your volunteer fees can be paid online on this page

Pay Now
YWAM Medical Ships - Port Moresby Campus

Payments are in Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK) currency. Volunteer payments, donations, and projects in Port Moresby, PNG.

Give Now!
Support Our Volunteers
All of our staff are full-time, self-funded volunteers, including our Managing Director! Each of our volunteers raise their own financial support outside of the organisation. This includes essential living expenses, outreach costs, and travel expenses.
Our staff include accountants, cooks, administrators, mariners, outreach leaders, medical personnel, trainers, housekeepers, program developers, communications officers, youth workers, and so many more! It truly does take a dedicated and diverse team to make what we do possibl

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Leave A Gift

Leaving a gift to YWAM in your will is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.

Take Me There!
Charity Gift Shop

Join us in the vision of supporting healthy villages in Papua New Guinea by giving a tax-deductible donation that has the power to change lives!