Getting involved

Contribution of volunteers to Caring for our Country recognised

5 December 2011

On International Volunteer Day, the staff of Australian Government Land and Coasts wish to recognise the important contribution of volunteers to Caring for our Country projects around Australia.

Volunteers make a vital contribution to our communities across the continent - and many people give their time and experience to work on Caring for our Country projects through their local natural resource management organisation, Indigenous group, Landcare body, or community group.

Caring for our Country volunteers are involved in hundreds of projects across Australia: from conserving dugongs and marine turtles in Queensland's Torres Strait to increasing the use of sustainable farm practices in the Wimmera region of Western Victoria; and from restoring Perth's coast between North Beach and Waterman's Bay to revegetating a vital natural corridor linking Crater Lakes National Park and Gadgarra State Forest in New South Wales.

International Volunteer Day is a great opportunity to recognise the vital contribution of Caring for our Country volunteers to strengthening the resilience of their local environment, productive landscapes and communities.

See below for information on how to get involved in natural resource management activities in your community.

The following links can be used as a starting point for ways to become involved in natural resource management activities.

Birds Australia 
A national organisation working for the conservation and protection of Australia's native birds and their habitats.

Conservation Volunteers 
Conservation Volunteers provides support for a range of practical conservation projects through the volunteers that it attracts.

Earthwatch Institute 
Earthwatch provides opportunities worldwide for people to engage in scientific field research to promote the understanding necessary for sustainable environmental outcomes.

Greening Australia 
Greening Australia is focused on the health, diversity and productivity of our unique landscapes through the restoration and management of Australia's vegetation. It has offices in all states and territories.

Landcare Australia 
Landcare Australia works to help individuals, groups and communities to make a positive difference to the environment. There are more than 4000 volunteer community Landcare groups operating throughout Australia across a range of areas. Landcare Australia provides advice on forming new community groups as well as identifying existing groups.

Reef Check Australia 
Reef Check Australia is part of the United Nations' official community-based coral reef monitoring program which operates in more than 80 countries around the world. Reef Check Australia provides a globally-accredited training program that enables volunteers to gather high quality data that are useful to coral reef managers.

Threatened Bird Network 
The Threatened Bird Network is a community based initiative of Birds Australia and Caring for our Country.

WWF-Australia 
WWF-Australia maintains a website calendar providing information on volunteering opportunities to support on-ground conservation projects for threatened species throughout Australia.

Threatened Species Network 
The TSN is a partnership between the WWF-Australia and the Australian Government which works with communities and other conservation partners to help stop the declining numbers of native plants and animals, particularly those listed as threatened by the Australian or state governments.

Waterwatch 
Waterwatch is a community-based initiative operating throughout Australia. The projects include education, training and water monitoring activities.

State organisations

You can also contact your state natural resource management organisation. For example:

Most states have voluntary National Park Associations: