Frequently Asked Questions

How old do I have to be to be able to volunteer for WYD08? Volunteers will need to be aged 18 years or over at the time they intend to commence their volunteer position.

If I am a volunteer, will I need a special visa? Unless you are an Australian citizen or you have permanent resident status you will need a visa. We are currently working with the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to streamline the visa process for WYD08 so more information about visas will be available in coming months.

Will I need to register and pay the registration fee to attend WYD08, even if I am a volunteer? Yes. You will need to register and pay the fee so that we can make sure you have accommodation, meals and transport during the period of Monday 14 July -- Sunday 20 July inclusive. There will be a place on the registration form for you to indicate that you are coming to Sydney as a volunteer.

Do I need to pay my own travel costs if I am coming to WYD08 as a volunteer? Yes, you will need to pay for your own travel to Sydney. Special fare information for international visitors will be available on the website in coming months so check the site for more details.

Do I need to arrange my own accommodation in Sydney for the time that I am a volunteer? If you are a volunteer for the period of 15-20 July only, then your accommodation will be arranged as part of your registration package. Your accommodation will be provided from Monday 14 July to Sunday 20 July inclusive. If you are volunteering for a longer period, WYD08 will provide you with accommodation, meals and a small allowance.

When will WYD08 be notifying volunteers? We will need some "long term" volunteers to start with us from early in 2007. More information about the positions will be available here later in the year. Short term volunteers will need to start in the leadup to the WYD08 events. More information about short term volunteers will be available in early 2008.

If I am a volunteer, can I take friends or family with me? Yes, but your friends or family will need to arrange their own travel, accommodation and food costs for the period of their stay, unless they register as Pilgrims. WYD08 will only provide accommodation, meals and a small allowance for you.