If you are an active member of the club and would like to contribute back, we have a variety of subsidies available for various training courses.
However, please note that for most subsidies that there is also an expectation that you are an actively contributing member of ROC, and that after completing the course that you will continue to contribute, and use the skills/knowledge gained to help teach others within ROC, and support running trips. 

How to apply for a subsidy

Training will usually be organised in one of two ways, depending on the nature of the training. 

If you are interested in a specific training course or upskilling, please contact the relevant convenor to find out more and to discuss your eligibility for a subsidy (as well as course dates) Activity specific training will usually need approval by the relevant convenor for applications. 

General training courses, such as first aid, will have an EOI trip posted to the website in order to try to gauge interest, and potentially be able to get private group bookings. To register your interest for the training subsidy sign up to the EOI. You will then receive further instructions depending on the nature of the course, and overall interest, as your application will either be shortlisted, unsuccessful or you may be recommended for a different course than for what you have applied.

Once your request for a training subsidy has been recommended or shortlisted then you will be able to apply for the subsidy.

Eligibility Criteria

There are two main types of eligibility criteria for each courses

General Eligibility Criteria

• Residency:
  • You must be a local resident, AND
  • You must be an RMIT student or a member of the general public
    • Exchange students are NOT eligible
• Trip Participation:
  • You must have have organised or been an active leader on at least 2 trips in the last 12 months, OR
  • You must have been on at least 6 trips in the last 6 months
    • Social Trips DO NOT count

Activity Specific Eligibility Criteria

Each course may have specific eligibility criteria to fit within the relevant training structure, which depending on the level will usually be based around two key factors – proof of suitable skill level (eg being already a checked-off leader of a lower level/doing trips of a specific skill level), and  activity within the club (eg leading on a certain number of trips, potentially also of a specific skill level). 

This section also lists the specific expectations on what you should be commiting to do for ROC after completing the training course, and being willing to contribute to the club in this manner is also an important eligibility criteria to address in your application (eg if you are asking to do a training course, but then planning to leave the club then don’t expect to have your request approved, however if you are having to move away from Melbourne, but can explain how you will be able to meet these expectations then you are likely to still be approved).

See the list of subsidies currently available below for either what the specifics are, or where to find them. If you need more info on any of those details then contact the relevant convenor.

Application Process

Training subsidy approvals will not be granted retroactively, the application must be processed prior to the course being undertaken, otherwise it will not be eligible for any subsidy.

Applicants will need to write a short description (100-500 word) about why they are a suitable candidate to receive club funding, which is to be attached to their subsidy request when submitted to the committee prior to the meeting where you are requesting the subsidy.

Applications should include information about:

• Your current involvement within the club
• Types of activities and locations you participate in
• Your future (trip) plans within the club that would warrant the use of the requested training
• Specifically address the applicable prerequisites for the subsidy you are requesting 
• Cover your plans to fulfil all applicable post training commitments

Applicants are required to attend a committee meeting to ask for your subsidy prior to the course. Committee meeting dates are posted on the trips calendar, and usually occur on the first Monday of the month. At the committee meeting Applicants are expected to briefly summarise, and then answer any further questions arising from their written application. The committee will then deliberate and vote on the application. All subsidies are approved on a case by case basis.

However, in exceptional circumstances, such as over the Christmas break where there may not be a committee meeting occurring prior to the course running, and there are no suitable alternate course dates available, then the executive committee can give a provisional approval pending formal approval at a future committee meeting. Applicants who do this are accepting the risk that they may not receive that subsequent approval at the committee meeting, in which case they will be required to pay the full course cost.

Once your subsidy is approved, then the reimbursement will occur as outlined in the ROC financial procedures.

Subsidies currently available in the Training Fund

We currently have subsidies available for the following courses under various categories.

First Aid

Level 2 First Aid: 

100% subsidy up to $195 is available. 10 places available.
Pre-requisites: No specific prerequisites
Post training commitments: No commitments
NB: Any current RMIT student can complete Level 2 First Aid for free through the university

Wilderness First Aid: 
80% subsidy up to $380 is available. 10 Positions available
Pre-requisites: Trainees must be regularly leading/participating in trips in areas at least 1-2h away from medical assistance
Post training commitments: No commitments

Rock Climbing/Canyoning

SPG Training: 
80% subsidy up to $676 is available. 3 places available.
Pre-requisites: See little book of climbing 
Post training commitments: See little book of climbing

SPG Assessment: 
50% subsidy up to $297.50 is available. 2 places available.
Pre-requisites: See little book of climbing 
Post training commitments: See little book of climbing

MPG Training: 
80% subsidy up to $700 is available. 1 places available.
Pre-requisites: See little book of climbing 
Post training commitments: See little book of climbing

MPG Assessment: 
50% subsidy up to $312.50 is available. 1 place available.
Pre-requisites: See little book of climbing 
Post training commitments: See little book of climbing

Climbing Instructor Training: 
80% subsidy up to $660 is available. 1 places available.
Pre-requisites: See little book of climbing 
Post training commitments: See little book of climbing

Climbing Instructor Assessment: 
50% subsidy up to $312.50 is available. 1 place available.
Pre-requisites: See little book of climbing 
Post training commitments: See little book of climbing

Canyoning

Canyoning Intermediate Leader Training: 
80% subsidy up to $760 is available. 2 places available. 
Swiftwater Rescue for Canyoning through Cradle Mountain Canyons or equivalent. Please note trainee pays for non-course expenses
Pre-requisites: TBC
Post training commitments: Run 2 trips or 4 days canyoning with the club passing on knowledge gained

Canyoning Advanced Leader ‘Master the Canyon’ Training: 
80% subsidy up to $900 is available. 1 place available.
Completed through NZ Canyoning School or equivalent. Please note trainee pays for non-course expenses
Pre-requisites: TBC 
Post training commitments: Run 2 trips or \4 days canyoning with the club passing on knowledge gained

Paddling

Swiftwater Rescue: 
80% subsidy up to $464 is available. 3 places available.
Pre-requisites: Trainee should have completed internal whitewater leader starter course, and lead on at least 3 whitewater trips in the past 12 months
Post training commitments: Instruct on at least 1 whitewater leader starter course, and lead on at least 2 whitewater trips on grade 3 rivers

Sea Guide/Instructor:
80% subsidy up to $316 is available. 1 places available.
Pre-requisites: Trainee should have lead on at least 5 touring/sea kayaking trips in the past 12 months, two of which were overnight trips
Post training commitments: Lead at least 2 sea kayaking trips, and be willing to provide training to other leaders involved in touring/sea kayaking (equivalent to the flatwater guide course)

Kayak School – Grade 3
80% subsidy up to $880 is available. 2 places available.
Please note trainee pays for non-course expenses
Pre-requisites: Trainee should have lead on at least 10 kayaking trips in the past 12 months
Post training commitments: Lead at least 3 whitewater trips on grade 3 rivers

Surfing

Community Lifesaving Certificate: 
80% subsidy up to $300 is available. 0 places available.
Pre-requisites: TBC
Post training commitments: TBC

Snow Sports

Avalanche Rescue: 
80% subsidy up to $256 is available. 4 places available.
Pre-requisites: TBC
Post training commitments: TBC