Volunteering is evolving

Volunteering Australia's CEO, Brett Williamson OAM, reflects on the 23rd IAVE World Volunteer Conference.

Australia must recognise that the practice of volunteering is evolving. This is among the findings of the 23rd IAVE World Volunteer Conference hosted last week by Volunteering Australia, the National peak body for volunteering. 1,000 delegates from over 40 countries attended the conference.

“Volunteering models here and overseas are shifting,” said CEO of Volunteering Australia, Brett Williamson OAM.

“One lesson to emerge is that not for profits, corporates and governments must adapt if the next generation is to fill the volunteering shoes of their parents and grandparents. The voices of young volunteers must be heard.”

“That means refreshing the image of volunteering, using new media to engage them and creating opportunities that suit their lifestyle.”

Traditional perception of volunteering as a long term commitment is fast disappearing, giving way to one-off spur of the moment undertaking. Understanding the motivation behind the new age volunteer will be critical to charting the future of volunteering not only in Australia but globally.

Shoe Boxes of Love in Adelaide is an example of this new way of working.  In 2012 the start-up, not for profit used Facebook and other social media platforms to organise up to 25,000 people to send 10,000 comfort boxes to Queenslanders caught in the floods.  Since then people, including families with young children, increasingly search out Shoe Boxes of Love to help when disaster strikes.

Volunteer organisations that have already heeded the call are transforming their operational models so they are more compatible with today’s fast paced lifestyle. They are also mastering online, social media and other tools to reach younger audiences and shrink distance.

Mr Williamson said a national dialogue on the future of volunteering is needed. Volunteering Australia will work with voluntary organisations, academics and government to frame a new National Volunteering Strategy.

Article from the Volunteering Australia website.

PAC students remove pest pines on Yorke Peninsula

A group of Prince Alfred College (PAC) students removed more than 2000 Aleppo Pines from the outskirts of Marion Bay recently in partnership with Natural Resources Northern and Yorke (NRNY).

The aleppo pine was declared a weed under the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) in July this year.

NRM spokesperson Deborah Furbank says the tree removal undertaken by the 27 students has had a significant impact on the environment.

“The students were absolutely amazing, the impact they made in just two hours was significant,” she said.

“The partnership between PAC, NRNY and with the Yorke Peninsula Feral Trees Management Group is providing a great opportunity for the students to play a hands-on role in making a real difference to the environment.”

Native to the Mediterranean, the Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis) was introduced for forestry, but has also been used widely as a shade and shelterbelt tree.

“The Southern Yorke Peninsula provides ideal growing conditions for the Aleppo Pine, and as a result, there are now a significant number of self-sown or feral pines in the region,” Ms Furbank said.

“The tree roots damage roads and fences, compete with native vegetation and are a safety hazard.”

Natural Resources Northern and Yorke also worked with the students at Innes National Park where the students were given a presentation on beach-nesting birds and marine debris.

“After a short information session, the students became involved in monitoring of Hooded Plovers on beaches within Innes National Park with me and the community ranger,” Ms Furbank said.

“The partnership with PAC that has been running since the beginning of the year, is already having a significant and positive impact on the Southern Yorke Peninsula environment.”

Photo caption: Harrison Lee and Dylan Peisley from Prince Alfred College were part of a group of 27 students who removed more than 2,000 pest Aleppo Pines from near Marion Bay recently.

Quiet achievers at Innes NP

Trudie Jaques & Tony Lewis have been volunteering down at Innes National Park for over 10 years.

Mark Davison, Ranger-in-Charge at Innes NP says Trudie and Tony have been our quiet achievers, making huge contributions to the Park.

" They are wonderful people, who dedicate their time to increasing our knowledge about the Park" he said.

"I need not tell you how many trips and hours of work they have done on Park, let alone the time they have spent back in Adelaide compiling and collating their information and photos."

"Their achievements speak volumes."

Trudie and Tony have produced the following full colour, bound information and photo compilations of:

• Salt Lake Environs
• Salt Lake Environs - Birds
• The Birds of Innes Books 1 & 2
• Weeds found within Innes NP Volume 1 & 2
• Poisonous Plants of Innes NP - A Guide
• Vascular Plants of Innes NP
• The endangered Daviesia sejucata (Disjunct Bitter- Pea) & the vulnerable Tecticornia flabelliformis (Bead samphire)
• Visual display screened in the Innes NP Visitor
• and a comprehensive herbarium is currently being compiled

" I would definately say they are part of our team, an extremely valuable part of our team."

Introducing Kate Abraham - new Team Leader, Community for the Southern Flinders/Upper North

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Team Leader, Community for the Southern Flinders/Upper North Region based in Orroroo.

I have come over from the Federal Government’s Healthy  Communities Initiative working within the 5 councils in the Southern Flinders /Mid North Region with a background in Community Development & Engagement and Sports & Recreation.

I am excited to have moved over into this role and looking forward to utilising my Community Engagement skills whilst  brushing up on my environmental & natural resources knowledge.

Please feel free contact me at any stage and/or include me in on any meetings, emails, events or groups that you think may be relevant.

Looking forward to working with you all.

Kate Abraham
Team Leader, Community –Upper North & Flinders
 P (08) 8658 1086 M 0411 042 282 E kate.abraham@sa.gov.au.

Slippery customers starting to wake up

As gardens cry out for a spring spruce-up, remember that those quiet corners of the yard might be home to some unwelcome residents.

Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Manager of Animal Welfare Manger Dr Deb Kelly said snakes spent the winter hibernating, beginning to wake and move around from the end of August.

“You’ll find snakes all over South Australia, including metropolitan Adelaide, so don’t think that you’ll only see them in the bush or in rural areas,” she said.

Brown snakes are common all across the state, but you’ll also find tiger snakes around the River Murray and the South East, and red-bellied black snakes in the Mt Lofty Ranges.

Death adders live in coastal areas of the Eyre and Yorke peninsulas and copperheads are common on Kangaroo Island, while mulga snakes are regulars in mining areas and regions north of Port Augusta.

“All of these species are venomous to various degrees and should be avoided,” Dr Kelly said. “If a person or a pet is bitten by any sort of snake, seek medical attention immediately, even if you think it isn’t venomous.

“Even when it is newly hatched and just 15cm long, a baby eastern brown snake has enough venom to hospitalise or even kill an adult.

“Many bites happen when someone is trying to catch or kill a snake. If you see one in your home or business, watch where it goes, keep children and pets away and call a snake catcher to remove it.

“Most snakes aren’t aggressive and they won’t chase you. They are native animals with their own role to play in the ecosystem, such as helping to control rats and mice.”

Dr Kelly said the best way to keep snakes away from the home was to keep yards tidy all year round.

Long grass, wood heaps, stored building materials and piles of rubbish are all popular places for snakes to hide, especially as they also provide cover for the mice and rats that are their favourite prey.

“Keep grass short and wherever you can, store items off the ground in racks,” she said. “When you’re cleaning up, be careful where you step and where you put your hands. If you have chickens or other birds, make sure you remove spilled seed that might attract rodents.

“If you remove the hiding places and sources of food that snakes like, you will be much less likely to have them move in with you.”

For more information on how to maintain your property to reduce the likelihood of attracting snakes, visit the Living with Wildlife website.

Volunteer in some of SA’s most beautiful spots - become a Campground Host

If you are a people person who loves camping or caravanning and wants to experience some of the state’s most beautiful places, then we have just the volunteer opportunity for you.

Mount Remarkable and Innes national parks have vacancies for campground hosts, volunteers who stay free in campgrounds to help welcome other campers, share information and keep a check on facilities while they are there.

Mount Remarkable National Park ranger Donna Ferschl said the Campground Hosts Program was a great way to really get to know a national park.

“You spend time in the park, take enquiries, provide other campers with information and generally keep an eye on what’s happening in the campground,” Ms Ferschl said.

“It’s a great way to meet people and make new friends, while camping for free. You even get an allowance for travel between your home and the park.”

Training and induction is provided, and a staff member is also available for support.

“Mount Remarkable offers some spectacular gorges, a range of walking opportunities, and special flora and fauna including yellow-footed rock wallabies, lace monitors and emus,” Ms Ferschl said.

“Innes offers something different in that it’s a coastal park, so it has fishing, surfing, beach and bush walks, a jetty and a range of different plants and animals.

“They are two very spectacular, but very different parks.”
Ms Ferschl said the Campground Hosts Program attracted everyone from families to grey nomads, with the only restriction being that pets were not allowed in the parks.

“The Campground Hosts Program also provides opportunities in other national parks, so you can use these to holiday around South Australia.

“And for those not so keen on camping or caravanning, there is also the chance to stay in on-site park accommodation.”

For more information, please contact the Volunteer Support Officer on 8841 3400 or dewnrnorthernandyorkevolunteers@sa.gov.au.

Marine Parks and Volunteering

As many of you may already be aware Marine Park sanctuary zones come into effect from 1 October this year.  Extending our national parks network into the sea. 

The sanctuary zones provide the highest level of conservation of the marine parks network and cover 6% of state waters.  All life in these zones is fully protected so while you can visit and enjoy these areas, no extractive activities, like fishing, are allowed. 

While at this stage we do not expect to be forming specific Marine Park friends groups it would be great if coastal groups working near marine parks could become ambassadors, spreading the word about the parks.  Volunteers could educate, inform and help explain the new rules and the value of conservation areas to members of the community.  We would also be interested in any observations of illegal activity that members are prepared to report to DEWNR staff.  However I do not want volunteers confronting offenders or putting themselves in potential conflict situations.

We currently have an A3 Recreational fishing Guide and a CD of GPS co-ordinates that volunteers are welcome to for themselves and associates.  If volunteer groups want more information or a presentation do not hesitate to contact me or one of the other coordinators listed below.

We have a comprehensive website at: www.marineparks.sa.gov.au. Click on “Find a park near you” on this page to find your local parks.

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our newly appointed team of 6 regional co-ordinators who will be the first point of contact.  The regional co-ordinators are:

• South East - Nicholas McIntyre (proxy till a dedicated staff member is appointed) 8735 1132 or 0428 113 264.
• Kangaroo Island - Danny Male  8553 4432 or 0429 854 801 
• Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges - Jon Emmett  8124 4898 or 0428 106 412. 
• Northern & Yorke - David Pearce  8124 4739 or 0437 922 468. 
• Eyre Peninsula - Shelley Harrison  8688 3231 or 0411 164 782. 
• Far West - Dirk Holman (currently in the GAB managers role)  8688 3136 or 0457 541 437

General Marine Park enquiries can be made on 8124 4900 or Freecall 1800 006 120.

We are also developing a Marine Parks newsletter that we will soon be able to link interested groups.

Join the Aussie Backyard Bird Count 20-26 October

Celebrate National Bird Week 2014 by taking part in the biggest citizen science project to hit Aussie shores.

From 20-26 October, thousands of people across the nation are heading out into their backyards, local parks or favourite open spaces to take part in the first ever AUSSIE BACKYARD BIRD COUNT!

To get involved all you need is 20 minutes and some keen eyesight (or binoculars!). It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice or an expert, simply record the birds you know and look up those you don’t on our new Aussie Bird Count app (free download available in October) or on our Aussie Backyard Bird Count website. You’ll instantly see live statistics and information on how many people are taking part near you and the number of birds and species counted across your neighbourhood and the whole of Australia!

Not only will you get to know your feathered neighbours, but you’ll be contributing to a vital pool of information from across the nation that will help us see how Australian birds are faring.

So get your friends and family together, head into the great outdoors and start counting!

Beach Nesting Birds Biennial Count Workshops

Port Wakefield Workshop - Tuesday 21 October, 10 am start

Hardwicke Bay Workshop - Wednesday 22 October, 10am start

Port Hughes Workshop - Thursday 23 October, 2 pm start

The Hooded Plover is a charismatic little bird that lives and nests on your local ocean beaches. Every two years in November, we undertake a survey of hooded plovers to get an idea of the numbers left in the population – the Biennial Count!

There’s more to the beach than meets the eye: come along to one of our Biennial Count Workshop and learn how to ID the birds you will see, tracks in the sand, plants, survey tips and sign up to participate in this year’s event!

We will also have a beach walk so you can see the hooded plovers and their quirky behaviours!

*Please bring along wet weather gear, sun protection (be prepared for any weather!) and binoculars if you have them. Morning tea is provided*

RSVP by 15th October to Team Leader Community, Yorke
0421 617 155 or deborah.furbank@sa.gov.au.

Location Information:

• Port Wakefield - Newsletter Office, 15 Burra Street - 21 Oct
• Hardwicke Bay - Progress Association Community Centre, Progress Road - 22 Oct
• Port Hughes - Port Hughes General Store, 2 Minnie Terrace - 23 Oct

Yacka Moorundie Landcare Group invite you to their information evening

The Yackamoorundie Landcare Group is hosting a series of three information meetings.

The third of these meetings will be held on:

Thursday October 9th 2014
at Ian and Pam Spark’s Shearing Shed
‘Munduney’, 943a Hacklins Corner Road, Spalding
12 kms north-east of Spalding

Commencing at 6pm with a barbeque tea

Tea, coffee, etc will be provided. BYO Chair and Drinks

For those who are interested, prior to this meeting, we will be hosting a walk. If you’d like to participate, please meet at Munduney’s Shearing Shed at 3.45 pm

Speakers for this meeting include:

• Susanne Richards - Native Bees
• Dr Lynley Johnson - Her Life as a Zoo Vet and
• Volunteering
• B/Sgt Luke Elstone – Rural Watch and local
• issues
• Trevor Naismith - “England's Lake District- Farming in a National Park”
• Ruth Sommerville – Echidna Ecology

All welcome. It is a family friendly meeting.

Enquiries: Ian Radford 88452179 or Judith Sommerville 88452070

This event is funded by the Lower North Group, Natural Resources Northern & Yorke.

Sanctuary zones and community awareness

Marine parks have been in place in South Australia for nearly two years, but there is still some misunderstanding in the community about the fishing restrictions that start on 1 October.

Research completed last year suggested that 44 per cent of fishers in metropolitan Adelaide believed fishing would not be allowed at all in marine parks. Marine parks.jpg

In reality, restrictions will only apply in sanctuary zones, which cover less than six per cent of state waters.

DEWNR has been working to improve community awareness about this issue, providing information on a variety of platforms.

Staff have distributed more than 300,000 copies of the Guide to Recreational Fishing in SA Marine Parks, via the Sunday Mail, tackle and bait shops, boat and camping shows, and direct mail. Developed with input from Recfish SA, the guide was designed especially to help recreational fishers plan their fishing trips.

As most fishers use GPS devices to find their favourite fishing spots, DEWNR has created a free CD of all the zoning coordinates, plus online downloads. The free MyParx app is another valuable tool, alerting people as soon as they enter a sanctuary zone.

Local signage will also be an important part of reminding fishers of the locations of sanctuary zones. By October, more than 90 boat ramps and beach access points will have signs showing nearby sanctuary zones, as well as the reasons for their introduction.

Visit www.marineparks.sa.gov.au for more information on marine parks and the beginning of fishing restrictions on 1 October.

Join the Green Army!

Are you aged between 17 and 24, an Australian citizen or permanent resident and would like to be a part of a team that will make a REAL difference to the environment in your local
community?

Would you like to be paid an allowance while gaining skills, training and experience that can help you enter the workforce, improve your career opportunities or further your education and
training?

Then the GREEN ARMY is for you.

The Green Army is an Australian Government initiative open to young people including Indigenous Australians, school leavers, gap year students, graduates and job seekers who are looking to develop skills, undertake training and gain experience in the delivery of conservation projects. Through this, participants will enhance opportunities for careers and further training in conservation.

Healing Dibharra – Yorke Peninsula

This project is your opportunity to be part of environmental restoration including the protection and management of remnant vegetation, native vegetation propagation and pest plant and animal control.

The project will:

• Contribute to the Gynburra Narungga Men's Group vision of 'Healing Dibharra’
• Begin work on environmental restoration and protecting surrounding sites of cultural significance

To Apply complete the application form on www.conservationvolunteers.com.au/green-army

More Information visit: www.environment.gov.au/green-army

New State Flora website now live

An all-new website for State Flora was launched last week.

State Flora is South Australia’s premier native plant nursery and one of DEWNR’s main commercial sites.

The new website will make it easier for customers to:

• understand the benefits of planting native
• learn what plants are best for special conditions, e.g. bushfire resistance
• find out what plants are available at State Flora
• seek advice from experts

The new site highlights other services offered by State Flora, such as the ‘grow to order’ option. The State Flora catalogue is also available. The catalogue has been one of the most downloaded documents on the DEWNR website for a number of years now.

You can check out the new site at www.stateflora.sa.gov.au

Access to Volunteering SA & NT membership benefits

We are a member to Volunteering SA&NT Inc, a non-for-profit organisation and peak body dedicated to promoting and supporting volunteers and volunteering in South Australia and Northern Territory.

As a member we, and our endorsed volunteers/volunteer groups get access to the following benefits:

• 20% discounts on services including, workshops, master-classes, forums, events and consultancy services.
• 20% discount on our merchandise and publications
• Advertising of standard volunteer vacancies online
• Priority option for urgent volunteer vacancies advertising on Volunteering SA&NT's website homepage and V-News (electronic newsletter distributed to 9,000 people fortnightly)
• Opportunity to promote events via V-News
• Access to Corporate Volunteering linkages
• Subscription to the biannual Vitality magazine and the opportunity to submit articles
• Special member-only offers
• Access to the Mentoring Program
• Access to the SAIBT Student Placement Program
• Ability to contribute to State and National advocacy for Volunteering, Volunteers and the not-for-profit sector.

If you would like to take advantage of any of these benefits, please contact the Volunteer Support Officer via email or 8841 3400.

Grant & Funding Opportunities

25th Anniversary Landcare Grants

The 25th Anniversary Landcare Grants 2014-15 are part of the national stream of the National Landcare Programme and are one way of marking the 25th anniversary of Landcare as a national movement.

These grants will harness the expertise and enthusiasm of the natural resource management community, including landcare, Indigenous people, farmers, fishers and other land and sea managers.

Grants of between $5000 and $20 000 (GST exclusive) will assist community groups and individuals to undertake projects to conserve and protect their local environment and / or to manage the natural resource base, contributing to outcomes in the national interest.

Funding round closes: 2.00pm (AEDT) 20 October 2014

For more information:

• visit the website
• Phone: 1800 552 008
• Email: 25thAnniversaryLandcareGrants@environment.gov.au

DEWNR On-park Volunteer Support Grants

The “DEWNR On-park Volunteer Support Grants” are now open. The grants will be open for a 6 week period, closing on Friday 31 October.

The funding is for small grants (up to $5,000) for projects on DEWNR-managed parks and reserves. Community Groups such as Friends of Parks groups and other groups working directly with DEWNR are eligible to apply. Up to $60,000 is available.

You may recall that last year the Volunteer Support Grants were delivered jointly with the NRM Community Grants. As funding is no longer available for the NRM Community Grants in 2014-15 or beyond, the Volunteer Support grants are again being called independently.

As part of the application process, you are requested to obtain an endorsement form signed by your DEWNR Liaison Officer and District Ranger/Manager. Please submit your Application Form directly to the Volunteers and Partnerships Unit (VPU) via the NRM Program mailbox. Your District Ranger/Manager may also submit your Endorsement Form directly to the VPU.

If you have any queries, please contact Liz Matthews on 8124 4923 or dewnrnrmprogram@sa.gov.au.

Volunteer Support Fund

The State Government recognises the importance of supporting our volunteers by providing one-off grants through the Volunteer Support Fund to assist volunteer workers in community organisations.

Individual grants of up to $3,000 are available to not-for-profit community organisations to help provide support for volunteer training and resources.

Who can apply: Community based, not-for-profit organisations incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 1985 are eligible to apply.

How to apply: The online application form and the grant guidelines can be downloaded from the Office for Volunteers website.

For more information phone the Office for Volunteers on 1300 014 712.

Applications close: 5pm, Friday 24 October 2014

Training Opportunities with Volunteering SA&NT

Grant Writing for Beginners - FREE

Tuesday 18th November, 10am - 12pm

Volunteering SA&NT, Corner Flinders St and Victoria Square

Acquire the tricks to finding the right grant for your organisation.

To register for this workshop please complete the form online.

For enquiries, please call VSA&NT (8221 7177).

Communicating Effectively -  FREE

Tuesday 18th November, 1pm - 3pm

Volunteering SA&NT, Corner Flinders St and Victoria Square

Effective communication is clear and respectful and is fundamental to a well functioning organisation. This workshop explores verbal and non verbal communication and effective listening skills.

This session is funded by the Free Volunteer Training Grants program through the Office for Volunteers.

To register for this workshop please complete the form online.

For enquiries, please call VSA&NT (8221 7177).

Volunteer Management: The Essentials - FREE

Wednesday 3 December 2014  10am - 12pm

Volunteering SA&NT, Corner Flinders St and Victoria Square

All you need to know about getting started in coordinating or managing volunteers.

This introductory course supports new volunteer managers to develop their management skills, and to understand the motivations of volunteers and the principles of volunteering. This workshop is supported by the Office for Volunteers.

Who should attend? New volunteer managers - No experience required!

To register for this workshop please complete the form online.

For enquiries, please call VSA&NT (8221 7177).

Finding New Volunteers - FREE

Wednesday 3 December 2014  1pm - 3pm

Volunteering SA&NT, Corner Flinders St and Victoria Square

This workshop is designed to assist volunteer involving organisations to explore their current membership, plan for the future and discuss ways to approach new people to join their group.

To register for this workshop please complete the form online.

For enquiries, please call VSA&NT (8221 7177).

Volunteering Opportunities

October

TBC: Trees for Life Threatended Flora Project (Hart, Blyth)

• Protecting Acanthocladium dockeri
• Broadleaf weed control
• Contact Erica Rees 0408 812 677

11th: Friends of Spring Gully (Sevenhill)

• Working bee
• Contact - Jim Scott

16th: Friends of Telowie Gorge CP

• Working bee
• Contact - Frank Gordon 0447 764 064

21st: Friends of Innes National Park Working Bee

• Working Bee - Working on monuments at Stenhouse, Ethels and along Stenhouse Trail.
• Contact - Malcolm Ball

25th: Friends of Spring Gully (Sevenhill)

• Working bee
• Contact - Jim Scott

29th: Friends of Burra Parks Working Bee

• Mokota Conservation Park monitoring
• Contact - Maureen Wright

November

18th: Friends of Innes National Park Working Bee

•  Contact - Malcolm Ball

22nd: Friends of Burra Parks Working Bee

•  Hopkins Creek CP - Monitoring of Hairy-pod Wattle (Acacia glandulicarpa) and weed eradication
•  Contact - Maureen Wright

Every 3rd Thursday: Friends of Telowie Gorge Working Bee

• Contact - Frank Gordon 0447 764 064

Every 2nd & 4th Sat: Friends of Spring Gully Working Bee (Sevenhill)

• Contact - Jim Scott