VOLUNTEERING
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Finding restful sanctuary Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an iconic part of the Gold Coast with visitors flocking there every year to see the animals and enjoy the surrounds. The park is run by the National Trust of Australia, Queensland and relies heavily on a volunteer work force to keep it going. Sanctuary’s Park Volunteer Program manager Brooke Wood said they had a large band of volunteers helping out in all facets of the park. “National Trust of Australia Queensland (NTAQ) Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has 500 wonderful Volunteers based at the Sanctuary, and an additional 150 volunteers included in our National Trust family spread over our 13 Heritage properties across QLD from Currumbin to Cooktown,” she said. “That is a total of 650 Volunteers. “With NTAQ Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary being a not for profit organisation, the Sanctuary relies heavily on the assistance of many volunteers, and without the dedication and support of our volunteers, we could not do the important work that we do within heritage, conservation and environmental education.” So how do you become a volunteer? “Each Volunteer Program within the NTAQ Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is unique and has a very specific set of requirements,” Brooke explained. “The mandatory criteria to volunteer at NTAQ Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary across all of the programs are the following: Volunteers must be a minimum of 18 years of age Volunteers must be able to commit to one shift per week for a minimum period of 6 months Volunteers must be computer literate, with an email, and be able to complete online components for training Volunteers must meet the physical fitness requirements of each position Volunteers must successfully complete trial shifts and on the job training Volunteers must successfully complete three months’ probation” On the job training is provided for all roles with in the park and thee criteria
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Iconic Currumbin Sanctuary. plus specialised requirements for each individual position can be found on their website. “You can apply online through the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Website – www.currumbinsanctuary.com.au , the National Trust of Australia (Qld) Website - www.nationaltrustqld.com.au or Volunteering Gold Coast volunteeringgc. org.au,” she said. On site at the Sanctuary they currently offer four Volunteer Programs. Each Volunteer Program and position within the Sanctuary is unique and has individual requirements. The four programs available include: Park Volunteers, Guest Relations - Providing information and support to Guests regarding shows, facilities, and animals; Wildlife Volunteers - Assist Wildlife keepers with enclosure care tasks and feeding. There are seven places to volunteer at the animal hospital - assist staff with Hospital Reception, Animal Rehabilitation, Wildlife Ward, Hospital Facilities, Animal Kitchen, Animal Ambulance
The Sanctuary. and Wildlife Deck Liaison. The Horticulture Volunteers include Assist Horticulture Department, with improving and planting the gardens throughout the Sanctuary. “We have an incredible range of ages within the volunteer program, with our
youngest volunteers being 18 years old through to 80 years old,” Brooke said. “Each position available at the Sanctuary is open to all ages 18+, but it is necessary to meet all the mandatory criteria and physical requirements of the role.”
Bronwyn relishes her Currumbin role Journalist Tania Phillips asked volunteer Bronwyn Huitfeldt what it’s like to volunteer at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and what it all entails. How long have you been volunteering? I have been volunteering for over eight years having completed my training course to become a fully fledged Park Volunteer in March 2013. How did you become involved? I have always loved the Sanctuary having taken first my children, then my grandchildren to visit on numerous occasions. When I retired it was my first choice of volunteer opportunity. How often do you go to the sanctuary? And what sort of commitment do you have to give? 6 SENIORS TODAY SUMMER: DECEMBER 2021
Initially I was a Park Volunteer one afternoon a week. Later I had the opportunity to assist the Park and Wildlife and Horticulture Managers with a wide range of administrative duties so added another day to my volunteer commitment for several years. Currently I volunteer two shifts per week assisting the Volunteer managers with administration for one shift and assisting the Wildlife Hospital with a range of administrative tasks during the other shift. What do you do at the sanctuary? Has that always been your role? My administrative role with the Park and Wildlife and Horticulture Volunteer managers includes assisting with recruitment of new volunteers, maintaining databases and office tasks such
as filing, photocopying, laminating etc. At the Wildlife Hospital I maintain databases and am currently involved in a project digitising records. Do you enjoy it? Why? I love the work I do knowing that I am assisting a wonderful group of people who are dedicated to the welfare and conservation of Australia’s unique wildlife and fauna. I am also able to not only keep up my existing skills but also learn new computer skills. What is the best thing about being a volunteer at the sanctuary? There is no one best thing. It is the people, the animals and the beautiful natural environment that all come together to make an amazing volunteer environment.
Bronwyn Huitfeldt – Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary volunteer.
