The Green Hand Book

The

Green Hand Book

Your handy pocket guide to volunteering in the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges region

Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board 205 Greenhill Road Eastwood SA 5063 Phone 08 8273 9100 www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/adelaidemtloftyranges

The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board gratefully acknowledges the Conservation Council of South Australia for its permission to use the design format of its Green Guide – opportunities for young people in the environment movement.

Printed under an ISO14001 - certified EMS with vegetable-based inks. Carbon neutral printing and consulting.

Creative consulting by EcocreativeÂŽ www.ecocreative.com.au

The

Green Hand Book

Your handy pocket guide to volunteering in the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges region

Help!

If you can’t find what you need and you’re interested in volunteering in the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges region, contact the Manager Volunteer Support during business hours.

08 8273 9100 or you can find us online naturalresources.sa.gov.au/ adelaidemtloftyranges

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Contents 4 Welcome to the Green Hand Book 7 Our region 8 Why our region is so special 9 How we’re helping 10 Why we need volunteers 11 What you get out of it!

12 Volunteer opportunities 14 Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary Action Group 16 Adelaide Hills NRC 18 Botanic Gardens of Adelaide 20 Campground Hosts 22 Cleland Wildlife Park 24 Conservation Council 26 Conservation Volunteers 28 Friends of Parks 30 Gawler Regional NRC 32 Greening Australia 34 Mt Pleasant NRC 36 Nature Conservation Society of SA 38 Nature Foundation SA 40 Normanville NRC 42 Trees For Life

44 Victor Harbor NRC 46 The Wilderness Society (SA) Inc. 48 Willunga Environment Centre 50 Zoos SA

52 Volunteer support 54 Volunteer support officers 56 Starting a new group 56 Insurance cover 57 Training opportunities 59 Occupational health and safety 60 Resolving disputes and complaints 60 Grants for community members and schools

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Welcome to the Green Hand Book Under the pressure of climate change and population growth, the race is on to protect the precious natural world around us.

The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges region offers so many different and beautiful natural places, from coasts to creeks, to native bush. There are a lot of organisations that can give you the support to make environmental volunteering a win-win for you and the environment.

This pocket guide will give you all the options for getting involved and having a great time helping to keep our environment healthy.

The environment has never had a greater need of our help. This little book can help you make a difference.

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Sharing achievements with new friends was a nice surprise from becoming a volunteer.

Northern and Yorke NRM Board region

Kapunda Mallala Nurioopta

Northern Coast and Plains Gawler

Northern Hills Barker Inlet Mount Pleasant

Marine

Central Hills

Adelaide

Metropolitan Adelaide

Woodside Mount Barker

McLaren Vale

Willunga Basin SA Murray-Darling Basin NRM Board region

Myponga

Fleurieu Peninsula Cape Jervis

Kangaroo Island NRM Board region

Victor Harbor

Our region South Australia is fortunate to be home to a great number of human and natural communities, including plant and animal communities across a diverse range of ecosystems.

To help manage these natural resources alongside our human needs, South Australia is divided into eight regions known as natural resources management (NRM) regions.

The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM region includes the city of Adelaide and surrounding

areas from the Barossa Valley, Kapunda, Mallala and the Northern Adelaide Plains, to the southern reaches of Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula and into the seas half-way across to Kangaroo Island.

From east to west it starts where the creeks flow down the Mount Lofty Ranges out to Gulf St Vincent.

The region covers 6581 square kilometres of land, 4627 square kilometres of sea, has 364 kilometres of coastline and supports 1.2 million people, or 80 per cent of the state’s population.

Why our region is so special This region is one of the state’s most biologically diverse. It supports a mosaic of bushland remnants, farming land, urban areas, hillscapes and plains, diverse marine environments and spectacular beaches and coastline.

Many animals and plants here are found nowhere else in the world. About 60 per cent of metropolitan Adelaide’s water needs are harvested in the Mount Lofty Ranges and the region’s food production makes a significant contribution to the state’s economy and food security.

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In this most populated region of South Australia, urbanisation causes major pressures on the environment and its natural resources (soil, water, native plants and animals).

Much of this area has been cleared of its original vegetation and it is affected by residential and industrial development. This makes the beautiful remnant bushland, natural streams, wetlands, and stunning coast and marine environments all the more important to keep healthy, safe and sound!

How we’re helping The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges region boasts some of the original environmental voluntary organisations and groups that have been responsible for helping to preserve the unique plants and animals of South Australia over many decades. You’ll find these organisations listed in this guide.

The main task of the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board (the board) is to take on the management and protection of the region’s precious natural assets for the benefit of current and future generations. The board’s programs are now delivered by Natural Resources SA’s Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges (AMLR) region.

Natural Resources AMLR partners with councils, private landholders and environmental organisations to develop projects to conserve our precious water resources, protect threatened animals and birds, and preserve our coasts, beautiful reefs, and unique marine environments.

You can find out how the regional NRM plan supports ambitious targets up to 2028, by visiting our website. Or just get in touch on 8273 9100.

Natural Resources AMLR and all its partners could not continue without your help. Volunteers make a vital contribution to work in this region, both in land management and biodiversity protection and with many sustainable agriculture and sustainable living initiatives.

We welcome you to get involved with our great volunteer organisations and we’d love you to get in touch if there is any way we can help you to look after this special part of the world.

Visit our website: naturalresources.sa.gov.au/ adelaidemtloftyranges

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Why we need volunteers Much of the progress toward sustainable environmental management in the region has been due to the hard work and dedication of thousands of volunteers working either as individuals or as members of volunteer community groups.

Many national parks and reserves in this region and the state only exist thanks to the foresight and passionate advocacy of concerned individuals.

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These efforts contributed to restoring the landscapes cared for and preserved in a healthy state over tens of thousands of years by peoples of the Kaurna, Ngadjuri, Peramangk and Ngarrindjeri nations.

The contributions volunteers make in achieving the targets in the region’s NRM plan are highly valued and are irreplaceable – both in what is achieved on-ground and in increasing public support and understanding of environmental protection.

The skills, knowledge and innovation that volunteers and landholders bring to land management, biodiversity protection and sustainable production continue to be essential to managing our precious natural resources.

What you get out of it!

Volunteering in the natural environment creates mutual benefits. The land, our coasts and seas, and native animals benefit from the understanding, advocacy and conservation efforts of volunteers and evidence is emerging of the health and wellbeing benefits of environmental volunteering.

In a recent study it was found that alongside beneficial environmental outcomes, benefits for volunteers included the enjoyment of nature and the good feeling of contributing to a good cause.

Whether you are working in the open air with a group of like-minded people, or individually helping a group with its administration or communications, being in touch with nature, increased physical activity, enjoyable social time with fellow volunteers and the feeling of making a positive contribution to society add up to a big plus for volunteers and often bring an enhanced quality of life.

Intellectual/ mental stimulation

The benefits of environmental volunteering Social interaction and friendships

Positive emotional state

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Volunteer opportunities There are many opportunities for volunteers in the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges region.

Type of volunteer roles Most organisations are flexible about what sort of help volunteers might offer, though to help make things easier we’ve asked organisations to identify opportunities in one or more of the following categories.

Administration and media Organise events, keep vital records, update web and social media or newsletters.

Research Survey plants and animals, monitor water, bush or marine health, collect/gather ‘how to’ information.

On-ground work Hands-on – planting, weeding, growing plants, caring for animals, park maintenance.

Education and activism Organise events and demo sites, produce signs, brochures, web material, make submissions, run petitions.

Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary Action Group The mission of the our group is to protect the population of dolphins in the Port River and Barker Inlet and the habitat that sustains then.

What volunteers do Under the guidance of the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and in partnership with other government and non-government organisations and other community groups, the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary (ADS) Action Group seeks to help with the on-ground delivery of the six objectives of the ADS management plan.

We also seek to raise awareness within the local community, the Adelaide metropolitan area and in national and international forums about the ecological importance of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary.

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What we’re looking for No previous experience is required, but medium- or long-term commitment is needed.

Our projects • Protection of the dolphins • protection of the habitat that sustains the dolphins • improvement of water quality • community participation • environmental education.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

TYPE OF GROUP

Government REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

66 Commercial Road Port Adelaide 5015

adelaidedolphinsanctuary @sa.gov.au

PHONE

WEBSITE

08 8420 0193

environment.sa.gov.au/ Conservation/Coastal_ marine/Adelaide_Dolphin_ Sanctuary SOCIAL MEDIA

facebook.com/ AdsActionGroup

We provide a unique opportunity to observe, learn about and help wild dolphins just 15min from the Adelaide CBD.

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Adelaide Hills NRC The Adelaide Hills Natural Resource Centre (AHNRC) is a not-for-profit volunteer based environmental information hub that promotes environmental awareness and sustainable land management practices.

We encourage a greater appreciation of our natural environment.

What volunteers do We have a variety of projects and jobs just waiting for the right person to come along to help us improve and build on the services that we offer to the community.

Volunteers can be involved in all aspects of the NRC from simple admin, heading up new projects, organising events or on the management committee.

If you have a few spare hours a week or are looking to meet new people in the community, pop in to talk about the many opportunities we have available or the skills and interests that you have to offer.

What we’re looking for We like our volunteers to project a positive attitude with good people skills to make customers welcome.

A willingness to learn, to be 18

interested in the environment and sustainability or to bring new skills that enhance the operation of the NRC would be valuable assets in a volunteer.

Our projects Staffed by a Coordinator and volunteers, the AHNRC provides a diverse range of services and information resources.

These services include: • up-to-date natural resource management information • community workshops, education days and seminars • equipment and resources for loan • volunteer projects • referral services to contractors and technical advisors • Hills Harvest Exchange, a monthly Fruit and Veg Swap • native seed bank • recycling facilities for household batteries, light bulbs and mobile phones.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

TYPE OF GROUP

Community REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

1 Crescent Drive Norton Summit SA 5136

valhunt@ahnrc.org

PHONE

www.ahnrc.org

WEBSITE

08 8390 1891

We are always looking to build on our successes to provide the best natural resource information to the community.

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Botanic Gardens of Adelaide The Botanic Gardens of Adelaide is one of South Australia’s most loved and visited cultural institutions. We aim to connect people with plants and their role in our lives while caring for three beautiful gardens.

What volunteers do There are a range of opportunities for volunteers in the gardens ranging from hands-on gardening to showing visitors our special places to conservation research in the Herbarium, or with our Seed Centre.

Our projects • Friends of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide programs • horticultural society programs • Botanic Gardens of Adelaide programs, including ongoing projects and eventbased activity.

Volunteers get to learn the inside story of the gardens, our internationally significant work and join a fantastic group of passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable people.

We encourage people looking to volunteer to contact us, so we can talk about what sort of volunteering program may suit them. We have a range of great programs, so whatever your skill, interest or availability, please get in touch!

What we’re looking for We have programs for people of all ages and abilities, from kids under 5 to people over 90. We have programs for people whatever their age, physical ability or interests.

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VOLUNTEER ROLES

TYPE OF GROUP

Government REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

GPO Box 1047 Adelaide SA 5001

botanicgardens@sa.gov.au

PHONE

www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au

WEBSITE

08 8222 9311

The chance to support the beautiful Botanic Gardens and show the community how important and special this place is.

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Campground Hosts Campground Hosts is a program of the South Australian Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR). Campground Hosts can work in parks in any of the state’s eight regions, including the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges.

What volunteers do Campground hosts are people with a sense of adventure who enjoy the outdoors. They volunteer their time to support DEWNR staff to carry out a variety of tasks associated with visitor management in national park campgrounds throughout South Australia. They are often the first, and sometimes the only, contact between the parks visitors and the department, their main role is to assist in meeting and greeting campers, helping them to settle in and enjoy their park experience.

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What we’re looking for The role requires friendly people with good communication skills who enjoy meeting and talking with people from all walks of life. Hosts generally have good levels of health and fitness. The program is ideal for people of all ages, including university graduates, retirees, grey nomads, young families, couples, friends or individuals who love camping in the bush.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

TYPE OF GROUP

Government REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

DEWNR Volunteer Support Unit GPO Box 1047 Adelaide SA 5001

DEWNRCampgroundhosts @sa.gov.au WEBSITE

www.environment.sa.gov.au

PHONE

08 8124 4841

Licensed under CC, Attribution 3.0 Australia License Crown in right of the State of South Australia 2013

Be part of a fantastic group of people amidst beautiful national parks.

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Cleland Wildlife Park Cleland Wildlife Park volunteers are a community-based volunteer group who work in partnership with the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources staff.

We help protect and conserve some of South Australia’s natural and cultural heritage. Our dedicated group of volunteers assist park staff in the care and maintenance of the park’s wildlife and natural habitats.

Our projects Animal/koala Management – Cleland Wildlife Park is one of only a few places where volunteers can gain experience in the care of native wildlife.

What volunteers do Volunteers assist staff in a wide range of programs helping to care for our native wildlife and maintain our parks, gardens and native habitat.

Green Team – Work with likeminded volunteers to help look after our parks, gardens and native bushland.

What we’re looking for This varies depending on the program. Volunteers do need to be 18 years of age to be involved with regular programs, however younger volunteers are encouraged to attend community volunteer days held twice a year with their families.

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Cleland Blitz – The opportunity for families and those with limited time to get involved.

Other programs include food bagging, education and administration.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

TYPE OF GROUP

Government REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

365 Mount Lofty Summit Road Crafers SA 5152

cleland@sa.gov.au WEBSITE

www.cleland.sa.gov.au

PHONE

08 8130 9008

SOCIAL MEDIA

facebook.com/clelandwildlifepark

Great opportunity to work in an amazing environment and learn new skills while caring for our native wildlife and habitats.

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Conservation Council The Conservation Council of South Australia (CCSA) is the peak non-governmental environmental body in South Australia.

Our role is to represent, advocate and engage with a broad group of stakeholders, including member groups, government, other NGOs, industry, business and the wider community, for, and on behalf of, the environment.

CCSA’s aim is to protect, preserve and restore our unique biodiversity and natural heritage, whilst ensuring our built heritage is respected.

What volunteers do Office support – including but not limited to editing, data entry and general administration.

Special projects assistance – including but not limited to advocacy, research, evaluations, event planning.

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Committee representations – Environmental standing committees including biodiversity, energy, water, waste, coast & marine and planning student placements.

Environmental monitoring – Get in touch to find out more.

What we’re looking for For admin roles, only a small amount of office experience is needed and any age. On-ground work is on an individual basis.

Our projects Join our award-winning citizen science program, Reef Watch, to participate in monitoring the status of our coastal and marine ecosystems.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

TYPE OF GROUP

Community REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

The Conservation Centre Level 1, 157 Franklin Street Adelaide SA 5000

officemanager@ conservationsa.org.au

PHONE

www.conservationsa.org.au

08 8223 5155

WEBSITE

SOCIAL MEDIA

facebook.com/ConservationSA twitter.com/conservationSA

Very friendly staff and good facilities.

Central location.

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Conservation Volunteers Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) offers a wide variety of conservation opportunities in and around Adelaide, across South Australia and nationwide.

Our aim is to connect people to the environment. We believe in a healthy and sustainable environment, and for everyone to be involved in managing and protecting that environment.

What volunteers do Join us for a day, choosing from a range of environmental projects at locations in and around Adelaide.

Activities vary according to the time of year and include revegetation, invasive weed control, seed collection, walking trail maintenance, fencing, endangered plant and animal surveys and more.

Projects run every day from Monday to Friday and weekends.

Choose one (or more) that takes your interest.

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What we’re looking for CVA welcomes people with a love of the outdoors and interest in the environment. You don’t need any prior skills or experience, just a reasonable level of health and fitness. All training is provided on site by our Team Leaders.

Our projects We always have a large number of projects on the go, whether it’s our daily urban habitat projects or residential conservation breaks which take place throughout the state. Please visit our website for a full list.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

TYPE OF GROUP

Community REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

130 Franklin Street Adelaide SA 5000

adelaide@ conservationvolunteers.com.au

PHONE

WEBSITE

08 8212 0777

conservationvolunteers.com.au SOCIAL MEDIA

facebook.com/CVAustralia twitter.com/CVAustralia

It’s great to get outdoors, have some fun and make a difference for the environment

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Friends of Parks Friends of Parks Inc is the peak body for member groups of Friends of Parks (FoP) in South Australia. We are the state’s premier national park-based volunteer program.

We are an independent, notfor-profit membership-based association providing voluntary assistance to national parks and cultural heritage in South Australia.

Over 120 groups operate across the state working cooperatively with Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources staff, contractors and a number of environmental organisations.

Our mission is to engage, represent, promote and develop Friends of Parks on a statewide basis.

What volunteers do FoP enables people who care about parks to actively contribute to parks; whether it’s because they wish to help conserve parks, want to have fun, exercise and enjoy parks or because they care about a particular aspect of a park – a plant or a bird.

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Activities vary from weed eradication, flora and fauna monitoring, planting, general maintenance, heritage restoration and in some cases research and education.

What we’re looking for Requirements vary from group to group and nature of activities undertaken. Age generally isn’t a barrier, basic training is available and most activities require a general level of good health and mobility.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

TYPE OF GROUP

Government REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

GPO Box 1047 Adelaide 5001

dewnrvolunteers@sa.gov.au

PHONE

www.communitywebs.org/ FriendsofParks/

Licensed under CC, Attribution 3.0 Australia License Crown in right of the State of South Australia 2013

08 8124 4784

WEBSITE

We love our parks and aim to engage our members in improving stewardship and remaining true to core conservation values.

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Gawler Regional NRC The Gawler regional natural resource centre (NRC) is an independent community-operated hub run by volunteers and a part-time coordinator.

The Gawler Regional NRC aims to engage the community in sustainable living and to build their knowledge, skills and capacity in natural resource management.

The NRC provides a range of community and environmental services including reference material and referrals to technical advice, volunteer programs, workshops, training and field days, community group support and project management, recycling facilities, resources and equipment for loan.

What volunteers do Participating in NRC programs provides communities with new skills, increased resilience, networking and a sense of accomplishment and belonging.

Volunteers at the Gawler Regional NRC can choose to participate in either on-ground restoration activities or office-based projects.

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Currently, volunteers are involved in general administration and program support, event organisation (including the annual Understorey Project), creation of local reference materials (e.g. native garden plant booklet for the Gawler region), specific projects such as making wildlife nest boxes or revegetation along the Gawler River as part of the Gawler River Riparian Restoration Group (GRRR).

The Gawler Regional NRC can also connect volunteers to more than 30 community groups in the region registered with Natural Resources AMLR. What we’re looking for • Passion for the environment and sustainable living • enthusiasm to serve the local community • desire to learn more about the natural environment and sustainable living • basic computer skills.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

The Gawler Regional Natural Resource Centre Inc.

TYPE OF GROUP

Community REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

8 Adelaide Road Gawler South SA 5118

emily.griffiths@sa.gov.au

PHONE

www.nrcgawler.org.au

08 8523 7715

WEBSITE

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: Gawler Regional Natural Resources Centre

We provide innovative ways for community to get involved in sustainability and provide learning opportunities.

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Greening Australia Greening Australia SA is committed to protecting and restoring the health, diversity and productivity of our unique landscapes.

What volunteers do The type of duties volunteers are responsible for in the nursery include: • native plant propagation • watering, weeding and care of seedlings • dividing plants • seed sorting • cleaning pots and plant trays for reuse.

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What we’re looking for Any age, gender and ability is welcome. Fine motor skills are an advantage but not necessary. Most volunteers attend on a regular basis (once or twice a week), but we are very flexible and welcome any time you can spare.

Our projects We aim to plant over 5000 seedlings annually on Arbour Day (this event is open to the public).

VOLUNTEER ROLES

TYPE OF GROUP

Community REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

5 Fitzgerald Road Pasadena SA 5042

general@greeningsa.org.au

PHONE

www.greeningaustralia.org.au

08 8372 0100

WEBSITE

SOCIAL MEDIA

facebook.com/Greening.Australia.org twitter.com/GreeningAust

The Greening Australia nursery provides a flexible, relaxed environment to cultivate your love of native plants.

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Mt Pleasant NRC Mount Pleasant Natural Resource Centre (NRC) Inc is an independent community-owned and operated hub.

We provide a range of community and environmental services including reference material and referrals to technical advice, volunteer programs, workshops, training and field days, meeting space, recycling facilities, resources and equipment. We aim to provide engaging life lessons and practical information about the natural world and sustainable living.

What volunteers do Most of our activities rely on the work of volunteers; ‘learn on the job’ you can meet some interesting people and enjoy contributing to your community. Some of our projects that you could get involved with are the farmers’ market, community fruit and vegetable swap and our community garden.

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What we’re looking for We’re very sociable. Age, gender and skill level is not important.

What you need is a passion for the environment and a desire to learn about sustainable living, with enthusiasm to serve the local community.

Our projects We have the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market which is held every Saturday. It is a great opportunity for volunteers to get involved in a community owned and run business, support local farmers and be involved with a great event.

The market supports the practice of sustainable food production and promotes the importance of a healthy environment to a healthy food chain.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

TYPE OF GROUP

Community REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

132 Melrose Street Mount Pleasant SA 5235

mpnrc@bigpond.com

PHONE

www.mpnrc.org.au

WEBSITE

08 856 81907

At our creative reuse centre, materials depot and workshop space, volunteers can learn many innovative ways to upcycle waste.

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Nature Conservation Society of SA The Nature Conservation Society of SA is a non-profit science-based conservation organisation with an emphasis on protecting and managing habitats, particularly native vegetation.

There are many roles that volunteers can play from helping with office administration to involvement in biological surveys collecting information and researching biodiversity conservation issues.

What volunteers do The society researches threatened species and habitats, promotes the maintenance of an adequate and representative reserve system, good environmental management, appropriate legislation, educates the public and works with all tiers of government and other conservation groups and land managers to promote best practice biodiversity conservation.

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What we’re looking for Enthusiasm, interest in nature conservation, willingness to learn new skills and/or use existing skills.

Our projects Threatened Plant Action Group working bees, biological surveys, Bushland Condition Monitoring, bird monitoring, Walks with Nature.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

TYPE OF GROUP

Community REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

260 Franklin Street Adelaide SA 5000

ncssa@ncssa.asn.au

PHONE

www.ncssa.asn.au

WEBSITE

08 7127 4630

Volunteering with NCSSA helps the conservation of species and habitats in a friendly supportive environment

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Nature Foundation SA Nature Foundation SA is a not-for-profit wildlife charity which works with and inspires others to save, protect and restore South Australia’s natural biodiversity.

The foundation focuses on three key areas: the purchase and management of land with significant conservation value, restoring it to its natural state; the funding of high level conservation research projects on and off its land; and Water for Nature, the foundation’s most recent initiative which involves conducting environmental watering projects along the Murray River.

What volunteers do Our volunteers help us at our nature reserves and project sites by providing their expertise or handy work to improve our buildings, grounds and help with the management of conservation.

At our conservation events our volunteers help to plant or monitor species with guidance from our representatives. We also conduct

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fundraising and awareness activities where volunteers help with a range of tasks that include the set-up and pack-down, plus the on-day positions that are vital to their smooth running and success.

What we’re looking for Nature Foundation SA is seeking volunteers of all ages, gender and skills and we take time to teach and listen to our volunteers’ needs and abilities.

Our projects Hiltaba Nature Reserve Working Bee, Witchelina Nature Reserve Working Bee, Tiliqua Lizard Crawl, Walk for Nature, Para Woodlands Planting Festival, Kangaroo Island Planting Festival and Watering Events on the Murray River.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

TYPE OF GROUP

Community REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

32 Holden Street Hindmarsh SA 5007

WEBSITE

PHONE

08 8340 2880

naturefoundationsa@nfsa.org.au www.naturefoundation.org.au SOCIAL MEDIA

facebook.com/NFSAI twitter.com/naturefsa

Nature Foundation SA is a diverse environmental organisation that offers experiences which bring volunteers closer to nature.

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Normanville NRC The Normanville Natural Resource Centre (NRC) is an independent, community owned and operated hub that provides a range of community and environmental services including reference material and referrals to technical advice, volunteer programs, workshops, training and field days, meeting space, recycling facilities, resources and equipment.

We aim to provide our communities with engaging life lessons and practical information about the natural world and sustainable living.

What volunteers do Participating in NRC programs provides communities with new skills, increased resilience, new networks and a sense of accomplishment.

What we’re looking for • Passion for the environment and sustainable living • enthusiasm to serve the local community • desire to learn more about the natural environment and sustainable living.

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Our projects The centre provides advice, information and referrals relating to natural resource management as well as our monthly veggie swap, a community nursery, recycling facilities, resource and equipment loan, community educational workshops and field trips.

Centre-based volunteers make a regular commitment of time but volunteers involved in the many NRC projects may commit only on a one-off or non-regular basis until their job is done.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

TYPE OF GROUP

Community REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

Shop 3 50 Main Street Normanville SA 5204

admin@nnrc.com.au

PHONE

www.nnrc.com.au

08 8558 3644

WEBSITE

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: Normanville Veggie Swap

We provide innovative ways for community to get involved in sustainability and environmental issues.

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Trees For Life Trees For Life Incorporated provides opportunities for people to play an active role in the restoration and conservation of our natural environment.

What volunteers do Our volunteers grow seedlings in their backyards over summer, work individually or in a group on bushland sites of conservation value, collect seeds for the tree growing program, assist in the nursery or assist in the office What we’re looking for Passion, interest in the state of our environment, willingness to learn, team spirit, sense of humour.

There are no real age barriers, younger kids can learn with aid from parents or mentor for growing seedlings and retirees are some of our best volunteers.

Our projects The Tree Scheme – This program matches country landholders with mainly city volunteers – the most cost effective way to revegetate rural properties.

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Seed collection – Seed is the vital source for our revegetation programs and we are always looking for volunteers to assist us with collecting and processing of seed.

Bush For Life – This program was started in 1994 to help people take practical steps to conserve our bushland. Bushland remnants, fragments of the original vegetation that covered the state before clearance, are the jewel in the crown of our biodiversity – it’s where the most precious plants, birds and animals are found.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

TYPE OF GROUP

Community REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

5 May Terrace Brooklyn Park SA 5032

info@treesforlife.org.au

PHONE

www.treesforlife.org.au

08 8406 0500

WEBSITE

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: Trees For Life SA twitter.com/TreesForLifeSA linkedin.com/company/trees-for-life-sa

For 30 years we have educated, empowered and engaged individuals to take action and make a real difference to our environment.

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Victor Harbor NRC The Victor Harbor Natural Resource Centre is a non-profit community hub that promotes sustainable living and meaningful environmental connection.

What volunteers do • Support ecologically sustainable natural resource management in the region • provide resources and information on the environment and sustainable living • build the capacity of the community to undertake action to support natural resource management • provide a focus for the natural resource management activities of community groups.

What we’re looking for We are looking for people interested in connecting with the environment and the rest of our community through a number of interesting programs and workshops.

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Our projects The Market of Earthly Delights – A community garden produce sharing market.

The Eat Your Garden – An educational urban food garden.

Recreate – An ongoing program of workshops turning waste materials into art.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

TYPE OF GROUP

Community REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

41 Victoria Street Victor Harbor SA 5211

info@vhnrc.com

PHONE

08 8552 3677

WEBSITE

www.vhnrc.com SOCIAL MEDIA

facebook.com/vhnrc

Grown by the community, for the community 47

The Wilderness Society (SA) Inc. The Wilderness Society protects, promotes and restores wilderness and natural processes across Australia for the evolution of life on Earth.

What volunteers do Our volunteer are the heart of our organisation. They aid our community outreach activities at various events, festivals, actions etc in support of our environmental protection campaigns.

What we’re looking for We look for volunteers who are passionate and willing to give things a go. Good team players and communicators are valued, and volunteers of all ages and skill levels are welcomed.

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Our projects We offer internships and can develop individual volunteer work projects based upon desired skill development.

Activist exchange program – Volunteers travel interstate to help another campaign centre for two weeks during a busy period.

Volunteer wilderness trips are undertaken into campaign areas.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

TYPE OF GROUP

Community REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

GPO Box 1734 Adelaide 5001

sa@wilderness.org.au

PHONE

www.wilderness.org.au/sa

08 8231 6585

WEBSITE

SOCIAL MEDIA

facebook.com/WildernessSocietySA twitter.com/WildernessSA

We have a great team of genuine, valuesdriven volunteers who believe in the power of people to make change!

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Willunga Environment Centre Willunga Environment Centre is an independent community owned and operated natural resource centre (NRC) that provides innovative ways for communities to get involved in sustainability.

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What volunteers do Participating in NRC programs provides communities with new skills, increased resilience, new networks and a sense of accomplishment.

Centre-based volunteers make a regular commitment of time but volunteers involved in other natural resource management projects may commit only on a one-off or non-regular basis until their job is done.

Our projects The hub provides a range of community and environmental services including reference material and referrals to technical advice, volunteer programs, workshops, training and field days, meeting space, recycling facilities, resources and equipment.

It aims to provide its communities engaging life lessons and practical information about the natural world and sustainable living.

What we’re looking for Passion for the environment and sustainable living, enthusiasm to serve the local community and a desire to learn more about the natural environment and sustainable living.

We have annual events for volunteers plus many NRC events which are highly sociable with much networking and enjoyment.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

TYPE OF GROUP

Community REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

18 High Street Willunga SA 5172

info@willungaenviro.org.au

PHONE

www.willungaenviro.org.au

08 8556 4188

WEBSITE

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: Willunga Environment Centre

We are a community owned and operated hub that provides innovative ways to get involved in sustainability.

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Zoos SA The Royal Zoological Society of South Australia (Zoos SA) is a not-for-profit, conservation charity dedicated to biodiversity conservation. It owns and operates Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Zoo. It is the only major zoo in Australia that is not operated by local government.

What volunteers do Zoos SA’s conservation efforts are not possible without the active support of nearly 500 volunteers.

Volunteer-based activities include preparing animal enrichment, animal behaviour monitoring and hosting guided zoo tours.

What we’re looking for To become a volunteer, you need to be over 18 years, undertake a police check, be a member of Zoos SA and undertake appropriate training programs including OH&S.

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Our projects Monarto Restoration Project – The aim of this project is to restore and expand habitat at Monarto to represent what used to exist in the region before clearing for agriculture and the introduction of pest species.

There are a range of activities to suit individual skills and abilities, with many of these activities child-friendly.

Work includes planting, seed harvesting, propagation, establishing and conducting bio-surveys, weed control, and maintenance and construction of facilities.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

TYPE OF GROUP

Community REGION

ADDRESS

EMAIL

Frome Road Adelaide SA 5000

information@zoossa.com.au

PHONE

www.zoossa.com.au

08 8267 3255

WEBSITE

SOCIAL MEDIA

facebook.com/AdelaideZoo twitter.com/zoossa

Volunteer at Zoos SA – we’re the only notfor-profit major zoo in Australia.

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Volunteer support As well as appreciating all volunteers do across the region, Natural Resources AMLR provides a range of services to support volunteers, groups and individuals.

If you need extra help, call the Manager Volunteer Support on 08 8273 9100.

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Volunteer support officers We’re people from Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges with the local knowledge and experience to help any volunteer or group. No question is off limits – just check out some typical questions below (that we frequently answer). Call us any time on 08 8273 9100.

How can I get involved or make a difference?

I’m interested in volunteering, what groups are active in my local area?

What if volunteers hurt themselves on site? What do we need to do about insurance?

Do you have any events especially for volunteers?

How can we source the right native plants for our project?

How can I improve my skills (or learn the basics) in bushcare or coastcare?

How can we get access to personal protective equipment?

And other tools?

Are there any volunteer jobs that are not outdoors, like admin or internet roles?

What is the best way to control weeds on our site, including in creeks?

Are there family-friendly groups, activities or events available?

How do we attract birds and other native animals to our area?

What are our options for controlling erosion, including in creeks?

How do I go about starting a new volunteer group or attracting new members?

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How can we get access to grant funding?

What sort of training is available for environmental volunteers?

What sort of assistance is available for our group?

Our friendly team is here to help you or your group.

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Volunteer support A range of support services are offered by many organisations that provide opportunities for volunteers.

Natural Resources AMLR staff also provide a range of services for: • volunteers in independent community groups who contribute to natural resource management outcomes in the region • those volunteering directly with Natural Resources SA’s statewide or AMLR regional programs such as Friends of Parks.

If you’re ready to consider joining a group that matches your skills or interests, flip back to the ‘Volunteer opportunities’ section.

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The following pages outline the services Natural Resources AMLR provides to volunteers in recognition of the vital part they play in achieving the region’s environmental targets.

Starting a new group If you are interested in getting together with others to tackle an environmental issue, Natural Resources AMLR can offer advice and limited financial support to help establish and/or incorporate a new community group (see page 54 for contact details).

Insurance cover Volunteer groups working on environmental issues can be insured by the State Government Captive Insurance Corporation (SAICORP) under the policy held by the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board for: public liability, medical costs, reasonable rehabilitation costs on an out-of-pocket basis (that is, reimbursement for bills paid by the volunteer) after other entitlements like Medicare or private health cover, other insurances or employment sick leave have been used up.

To be eligible for this volunteer insurance cover through the board, volunteer groups must: • be a community group working on natural resources management (NRM) issues in the region • undertake activities that are in line with the board’s regional NRM targets and are consistent with the board’s role and function (see the regional NRM plan on our website) • agree to follow minimum safety procedures outlined by the board (see the board’s website and search for ‘volunteer support services’).

In line with WorkCover arrangements, volunteers are not covered whilst travelling from home to an activity or from the activity home. However, travel between work sites may be covered. Insurance cover is provided to volunteers while they are participating in group activities specified in their insurance application or annual insurance renewal with the board.

Queries or claims in relation to insurance should be directed to the regional Manager Volunteer Support.

Training opportunities Training for volunteers Many organisations provide training for volunteers before they start work and provide on-going training to increase their skills as they go along. On occasion this training is available to interested community members not currently involved with a specific volunteer program.

Organisations that have strong training programs include Trees For Life, Conservation Volunteers and Natural Resources AMLR. Please contact these organisations to learn more (flip back to the ‘Volunteer opportunities’ section).

Visit our website: naturalresources.sa.gov.au/ adelaidemtloftyranges

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Natural Resources AMLR offers information about, and access to, a variety of hands-on training opportunities useful to environmental volunteers: • on-the-job orientation provided by group leaders or project officers • accredited specialist training in topics such as first aid, equipment use and maintenance, risk management • training sessions on techniques for bush restoration • Volunteering SA training opportunities for group skills and maintenance.

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Please note: specialised training is a pre-requisite for some volunteer activities – for example, using a chainsaw, brush cutter or handling chemicals for weed control.

Please contact the regional Manager Volunteer Support for further information.

Land management education and advisory service A wide range of opportunities for advice and training are available through six local community-run Natural Resource Centres located in the rural and peri-urban parts

of the region at Gawler, Mount Pleasant, Norton Summit, Willunga, Normanville and Victor Harbor.

Details on how to contact these organisations can be found in the ‘Volunteer opportunities’ section.

Natural Resources AMLR also provides advice, training, and in some instances financial support via the NRM levy, to help rural land managers manage their land in a more sustainable way.

Training sessions are also open to volunteers.

Training sessions cover the following areas: • bush and native vegetation management • revegetation • practical watercourse management • pest animal and plant control • erosion control • pasture management • salinity management • soil monitoring and conservation • stocking advice.

To provide land owners and community groups with easy access to skilled staff and information, Natural Resources AMLR has three regional service centres at Willunga, Lobethal and

Gawler. For information on services available in your local area visit our website.

Occupational health and safety It is strongly recommended that all community environmental groups adopt simple but effective occupational health and safety (OH&S) processes to ensure that their work is well planned and safe for all participants and members of the public.

The board recommends a threestep health and safety process for community groups.

They are: 1. Register members’ contact details, emergency contacts, information about any medical conditions that might affect their activities.

2. Identify hazards and manage the risks involved in their activities – develop a plan to deal with emergencies.

3. Keep an attendance record to show insurers if required.

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Natural Resources AMLR also has templates for recording these steps and Safe Operating Procedures for equipment use and other activities.

For copies of all templates, please contact the regional Manager Volunteer Support on 8273 9100.

Resolving disputes and complaints If a volunteer or volunteer group has a dispute with other group members or project partners that cannot easily be resolved, the regional Manager Volunteer Support may be able to help.

If a volunteer or volunteer group has a dispute with, or wishes to make a complaint about, a Natural Resources AMLR staff member or any board processes, they are encouraged to contact the regional Manager Volunteer Support for advice on how to proceed with resolving disputes or in registering their complaint.

In the event that these steps in resolving the dispute or handling the complaint, are not sufficient staff are able to engage the services of independent mediators skilled in assisting parties to reach satisfactory resolution to disputes.

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Grants for community members and schools NRM Action Grants Funded by the NRM levy, these annual, small grants are offered to schools, pre-schools, community groups, small businesses and individuals for projects that promote the sustainable management of our natural resources.

Schools’ NRM Action Grants Up to $1500 is available for projects enabling young people to experience and learn about conserving nature and living sustainably.

Community NRM Action Grants Up to $5000 is available to help community groups, individuals and small business realise their ideas for promoting environmental understanding and values and protecting bush, streams and coastal habitats.

Both grants are coordinated by the region’s Manager Volunteer Support. Information about these grants is available on the website.

State NRM Program Community Grants Natural Resources South Australia offers small and medium grants annually to help community groups carry out local land, coast and water care projects. Grants are either small (up to $10,000) or medium (between $10,001 and $30,000).

The grants support volunteer and community groups, such as land, catchment and water care groups; conservation groups; progress associations; farming and agricultural groups; Aboriginal organisations and schools.

Other grants There are a variety of websites where information can be found on grants from other organisations and trust funds.

To view available grants, visit the grants page on our website.

Visit our website: naturalresources.sa.gov.au/ adelaidemtloftyranges

Funding is provided for a range of natural resource activities such as fencing watercourses, sustainable land management, soil protection, weed control, native plant revegetation and habitat protection for native animals

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The environment has never had a greater need of our help. This little book can help you make a difference.