Conservation Volunteers

[Nuts]

Some years ago I was involved with the Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers, a non profit, non-political organisation started by a group of victorian teachers. For a time they contracted the federal gov Greencorps initiative and consequently the organisation has grown over the years to include a vast range of projects around Australia. These projects involve day/weekend as well as week-long activities usually on public grounds, sometimes private land. Often it might be just a matter of pulling weeds though some projects are more diverse such as track building, conservation fencing, wildlife monitoring etc.. The applications being open to any worthy cause keeps the work interesting.

This is a great stepping stone into employment in conservation, often working closely with project partners to whom the public would otherwise have little access (ie working with rangers, landcare, council executive and other management authorities). A foot directly into the door of a local employer. Leading these teams is a great job in itself.


I caught up with a friend still managing projects in NSW and while the organisation is going strong, some things could be improved.
Popular with the 'GAPpers' and travelers (from what I noticed) the bigger projects suffer an imbalance of travelers V local help..

So...I mentioned the forum and we agreed that it would be a good place to post a shout out, some may already be involved here but otherwise- if youv'e got a spare day (or week) (or life)

To me it's a good organisation, deserving of more Aussies being involved. There's some small fee to offset food and travel but not much and you get to stay in some cool accommodations, work with great people, have fun doing good things. The project partner actually pays for the team so you are expected to 'work' but it's not hard and often there are a few 'bonus' activities unique to the place and project partner.

Clicky MAP

Thanks for reading

[ULWalkingPhil]

I been volunteering with the Parks Service up here in QLD in particular with the Sea Turtle Research Team for over 13 years. I know what you mean about meeting some people, I've met rangers, celebrities including 60 minutes, that was a surprise, was about to head down to a beach one night when all of a sudden Charles Wooley and his team turned up out of the blue to do a story on Endangered Species. Got to spend a night with the 60 minutes team on the beach working with Loggerhead Turtles. I've met professors from around the world and Members of Parliament.

And yes, It does help a lot to volunteer for the service if you want to be employed by them.

[Nuts]

Great stuff Phil, it's good to hear it's still going. That would be an awesome project to be involved in. As I mentioned, it was posted all over the uni notice boards... I was very surprised to hear that Colin struggled for helpers, perhaps you should throw up some contact details when volunteers are needed?
(ps.. yes I was going to mention the pollie and media visits but thought that could put folks off...unless I suppose they're into politics and media..)

[ULWalkingPhil]

I love it. I could not see myself ever stopping.

Looking forward to the upcoming nesting season, which is about to start.