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Mission Build

Mission Building is a volunteer opportunity that gives you the chance to experience life on a thriving YWAM Campus all while supporting and investing in the vital work of YWAM in Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Mission Building is flexible; you choose the dates you want to come (from two weeks to three months, all year round), we place you in an area of most need at the time that best suits your skill set.

Experience life on a YWAM Campus

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The YWAM Medical Ships Townsville Campus is our hub; you will serve alongside the 100+ full time volunteers that are dedicated to serving communities throughout North Queensland and Papua New Guinea. The 8,826m2 property in Townsville’s CBD serves as our headquarters and home to the students and volunteers, providing accommodation, catering, classrooms, offices, and other facilities that are essential in maintaining a thriving environment where we live, learn, and work together.

For many Mission Builders, being a part of the YWAM community is the highlight of their experience. It is very special to work alongside volunteers from all over the world who share the same passion to serve!

Hands-on Service

Mission Builders serve in areas that require the most support. This may include cooking in the kitchen, maintaining grounds, answering phones in reception, assisting with preparing accommodation, cleaning, restocking our medical ship, helping with construction projects, or joining our communications team. When you apply, be sure to let us know your skills, qualifications and work experience so we can match your skills and experience with the most appropriate placement.

We also recently secured and are renovating a Youth Precinct facility just half a block from the campus. Our hope is that this development will allow us to further support the lives of young people by building stronger communities through early intervention and prevention for at risk youth. Many of our mission builders have been helping to support the development of the property through a range of ways.

Work hours are typically 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday.

Our teams on campus include:

  • Accounts
  • Grounds
  • Housing
  • Media and Communication
  • Property Development
  • Venue Management and Housekeeping
  • 99.9 Live FM (we have a community radio station right on campus!)
  • Community Life
  • Guest Services and Hospitality
  • Kitchen and Cafe
  • Medical Ship
  • Training
  • Youth Precinct

Travel with a purpose

Mission Building gives you the opportunity to combine service with travel! Just off our coast is the Great Barrier Reef and Magnetic Island (home to the largest koala colony in Australia!) We have 320 days of sunshine every year, giving you plenty of opportunity to enjoy life in the tropics.

Our campus is located in the heart of the city, just a short walk to the beach, restaurants, and shops.

We are happy to give you our local travel tips to help you make the most of your time in Townsville!

Meet one of our Mission Builders

Dates & Cost

Dates

Come at any time! Mission Builders can serve from two weeks to three months, all year round.

Accommodation cost

Dormitory accommodation (shared room and bathroom) is $7 AUD per person per night. Couples and families interested in something more private are welcome to apply. These spaces are subject to availability and will incur additional costs.

Food cost

Breakfast $1.75 AUD
Lunch $2.50 AUD
Dinner $3.25 AUD
Complimentary tea and coffee

 

Other Costs

Construction Safety White Card Course – $44 AUD (for those involved in construction projects only)

Travel costs to and from Townsville at your own expense.

Health insurance at your own expense (required).

Interested? Contact us

    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!  

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

     

    10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship (Non-Current - in transition period)

    Apply Now

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    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
    • 13 April - 12 September, 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
    • 13 July - 12 December, 2025
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    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

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    Gap Year
    Explore a Christian Gap Year with YWAM Medical Ships

    Deepen Your Faith, Equip your Character and Make a Global Impact through missions!

    Elective Focuses:

    • Hospitality
    • Global Health
    • Youth Ministry
    • Media and Radio

     

    Dates

    January - 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

    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.

     

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    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.

     

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    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. 

     

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    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

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    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!

     

    Apply Now!

    Learn More

    Impact Summer

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

    High Ropes, bringing history to life, purpose driven teaching, breakfast, lunch, dinner! What more do you need?

     

    Apply Now

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    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

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    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

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    Ship Outreaches

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

    Learn More

    Our Footprint

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

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    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!