Volunteers

Volunteer programs | Recent research | Other links

Volunteers make a significant contribution to strengthening communities and improving Victoria's built and natural environments, and the Department of Sustainability and Environment supports a number of important volunteer programs.

These programs involve more than 55 000 people actively helping Victoria's land and water systems, marine and coastal environments and our biodiversity and ecosystems.

Volunteer programs

Coastcare Victoria Approximately 20 000 volunteers donate their time, energy and knowledge to care for the Victorian coast.

Conservation Management Networks Many volunteers are active in the growing number of networks that bring people and groups together to focus on biodiversity conservation.
Landcare An estimated 900 groups across Victoria are addressing environmental issues and working to achieve healthy and sustainable landscapes.
Land for Wildlife Approximately 6000 Victorian landholders are voluntarily conserving habitat for wildlife on their properties.
Waterwatch Victoria Around 600 volunteers monitor water quality at more than 1500 sites across Victoria.
Wildlife Recovery: Volunteers are an important part of teams that help care for threatened fauna species and their habitat. For more information visit the Threatened Species Network and Birds Australia

Recent research

Volunteering Naturally - A review of volunteer programs in natural resources in Victoria

[PDF File - 958.9 KB]
This report looks at a selection of programs supported by the Department and furthers our understanding of volunteers.

Other links

EPA works with volunteers in their Beachwatch and Community Access to Air Monitoring programs.
Parks Victoria works with around 4000 volunteers, including Friends groups. Parks Victoria's Kookaburra Awards recognise and honour individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to Victoria's parks.
Fishcare volunteers, a program supported by the Department of Primary Industries, focus on educating recreational fishers about sustainable fishing practices.
Rural Women’s Network is a volunteer program supported by the Department of Victorian Communities to help build skills and confidence of rural women.
Zoos Victoria has opportunities for volunteers at its three locations, Parkville, Healesville and Werribee.
Royal Botanic Gardens has programs that involve volunteers.
Department of Victorian Communities offers support to volunteers working in a wide range of activities.
Conservation Volunteers Australia
Volunteering Australia The national peak body for volunteering.

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