Parks Victoria enjoys new volunteer contribution record

VICTORIA’S parks are benefitting from more volunteer help than ever before, with Parks Victoria announcing a new record in hours contributed by volunteers last financial year.

More than 280,000 hours were recorded over the course of the 2017/18 financial year, eclipsing the previous year’s tally by more than 60,000 volunteer hours.

This contribution equates to more than $10 million of in-kind contribution, providing major support for Parks Victoria’s predominantly regional workforce in delivering a number of projects that benefit local economies.

Parks Victoria statewide volunteer coordinator Leesa Riley said that Parks Victoria had been determined to create enticing and unique ways for people to get involved.

“We have been amazed by the incredible growth of volunteer contributions this year including over 1,500 new volunteer registrations, predominantly from people aged 18-35.

“This is a big shift in our volunteer demographic and will be valuable in supporting our existing dedicated volunteers.

“To have volunteers assisting our rangers in habitat restoration, environmental research, historic heritage conservation and gardening is invaluable.”

More than 37,200 volunteers participated in activities across 167 parks across Victoria last year, with multiple volunteers generously donating their time on a regular basis.

Some offered their valued time by being a Volunteer Track Ranger or Campground Host during busy holiday periods. Others provided their assistance as a Volunteer Sherpa, enabling visitors in wheelchairs to experience places that may have been difficult to access previously.

Many are part of our committed partner organisations including our dedicated friends groups, recreational user groups such as 4WD and Bushwalking Victoria and other community organisations that give back locally.