Volunteer opportunities in Tasmania’s parks and reserves are as diverse as they are numerous, ranging from multi-day working bees on remote offshore islands and restoring historic huts, to maintaining local reserves and improving the condition of walking tracks.
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During National Volunteer Week, the Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) has acknowledged the efforts of the many volunteers who contribute to looking after Tasmania’s natural areas and the well-being of the community.
PWS General Manager Jason Jacobi said the community plays an integral role in contributing towards maintaining the extensive network of 19 national parks and more than 800 reserves managed by PWS.
“Our volunteers have a really diverse skill set. Many are professionals who generously donate their time, as well as sharing their varied talents and passions,” said Mr Jacobi.
“This all helps to achieve quality results and protect the core natural and heritage values of our reserves.
“Volunteer work is often undertaken in challenging conditions and locations, such as remote walking tracks or areas of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Our volunteers readily meet these challenges with a smile on their face and endless enthusiasm.”
Volunteer opportunities range from day-long working bees to caretaking positions that run over several months.
“Through our primary volunteer partner, Wildcare Inc, a huge number of active volunteer groups play an integral role in looking after reserves, through fundraising, practical maintenance, and leading and motivating others,” said Mr Jacobi.
“For example, in the past 12 months the Wildcare Friends of Freycinet volunteer group has contributed a huge amount of time and effort to removing invasive weed species and undertaking general maintenance to improve camping and walking track facilities around Freycinet.
“The Friends of Bass Strait Islands group has also been doing great conservation work on the Furneaux outer islands and has recently completed works on Roydon Island.
“The commitment and dedication of all our volunteers – many of whom have been volunteering for a number of years – is to be commended. One shining example is the Wildcare Tamar Island Volunteers, who welcome visitors to the Tamar Island Wetlands Centre year-round and have done so for many years.
“Each individual contributes in their own way and the entire community continues to benefit from these efforts.”
People interested in volunteering should visit the PWS website at www.parks.tas.gov.au and consider joining Wildcare Inc. Volunteers can register their skills and interest with Wildcare Inc, join a volunteer group, find out about volunteer activities and opportunities, and be supported as a volunteer. To find out more visit www.wildcaretas.org.au. For further information about volunteering activities with the PWS Northern Region, email volunteersnorth@parks.tas.gov.au.
