Part 1 - Collaboration - The Role of Environmental Volunteers
Part I – Volunteering and Neighbours Collaboration.
Strong communities lead to stronger land management—and that’s good for everyone.
Volunteering - the epitome of collaboration and networking - The Grey Currawongb-Section 13
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to meet new people, especially if you're new to a community or looking to explore a new field of interest. It helps build strong connections, expand support networks, and brings like-minded people together—particularly those who share a passion for making a difference.
Unfortunately, across Australia, volunteer numbers are declining. A combination of economic pressures, limited free time, changing lifestyles, and increasing bureaucracy has made it more difficult for people to engage.
Traditional volunteer-based organisations—especially those in emergency services and regional areas—are feeling the strain. Younger generations, juggling multiple jobs or raising young families, often seek more flexible and varied lifestyles. As a result, fewer are committing to long-term volunteering in the same way their parents or grandparents once did. At a time when our communities and not-for-profit organisations need more support than ever, this trend is concerning.
This post shines a light on a particular group of volunteers: environmental volunteers—and their invaluable contribution to Australia's natural heritage.
Why Environmental Volunteers Matter
Every year, hundreds of thousands of Australians dedicate their time to caring for the environment. From tree planting, wildlife rescue, and coastal clean-ups to recycling education, citizen science, and habitat restoration, their work is essential to protecting our unique ecosystems and responding to climate challenges.
Environmental volunteers aren’t just helpers; they make a difference. Their efforts support biodiversity, improve land and water health, raise ecological awareness, create lasting benefits for future generations and build a broader citizen science base.
Volunteering entering data into the State Biological data base SABDB
Our Contribution to the 16:6 Heritage Trust
At the 16:6 Heritage Trust, we’re proud to play a part in this collective effort.
As heritage agreement owners, the work that we do across the 16:6 land is as volunteers. We are a small group of folk, but our passion means that we can actively protect and restore important areas of land, support local species, and contribute to broader conservation goals.
We are immensely grateful to those who give their time, energy, and skills to support our work. Some of these people include.
Brett and Marie Smith of Ellura Sanctuary ( Please see Post ), who provide a lot of support in species ID and environmental management ideas/information.
Brett Smith - Volunteering by sharing his identification skills
Marie Smith trialing a weed supprerssion mat.
David Armstrong, a very experienced field naturalist, has provided valuable insight into field biology and feral species management.
David Armstrong setting a Cat Trap on 16:6
Aimee Linke – Mid Murray Landcare – the Mid Murray Landcare team supports local landowners with training, resources and a fabulous nursery.
The Mid Murray Landcare groups Pigmy Possum program
Across 16:6 we have errected servral Pigmy Possum boxes as a part of the program.
The team at the Riverland and Murrylands Landscape Board, who fund excellent training, guest presenters, provides many community programs, and then provides federal funding to Heritage Agreement owners.
Landscape Boards around SA manage many important programs, including volunteer training, citizen science programs and Grant funding (such as funding regional revegetation programs)
Supporting those who Support Nature As the demand for environmental conservation grows, so too does the need to support our volunteers properly. Ensuring they are trained, equipped, and safe is critical.
Allan, Ryan and Barry – Neighbours who live on site in the region and look out and report changes, threats and information regionally.
Andrew and Janet – Irongrass Environmental Rehabilitation services – who, like Brett and Marie, have excellent knowledge of land management (weed control) and species ID and are willing to share this. (see Post)
This image is a plant shaped version of Andrew and Janet at work
Our super younger generation – We have some younger emerging conservationists/field biologists, such as Josh and Malcolm.( see Post)
Their commitment enables us to carry out essential projects that would otherwise be so difficult.
To understand better the commitment that volunteering provides, read on -
This is taken from the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board Volunteering page - .The Landscape Board are very proficient in management of volunteers. They aim to increase the contribution of, and support for, volunteering in the region. To achieve this aim, the following objectives have been identified:
- improve recognition and acknowledgment of volunteer contributions and skills
- increase recruitment of new volunteers
- ensure effective communication between volunteers and other stakeholders
- provide adequate funding to support volunteer programs
- ensure the safety and wellbeing of volunteers
- establish effective management and governance systems for volunteer programs
- develop knowledge and skills of volunteers and volunteer managers
- ensure technical support is available to volunteers.
Networking: Why It Matters for Your Career
Networking is essential for career growth. It helps you connect with others, share knowledge, and open doors to new opportunities. Here's how networking benefits you:
In short, networking isn’t just about finding a job—it’s about building lasting relationships, growing your skills, and positioning yourself for long-term success.
We have been asked before why should someone volunteer?
Other that the development of skills and improved communications etc the two simple responses are -1) that it is our civic and community duty to contribute to society .....and 2) netorking brings a future and a career to outselves.
Networking is essential for skill and subsequent career growth as it assists with developing connections.and open doors to new opportunities.
- Meet new people: Connect with professionals and experienced, passionate people outside your usual circles.
- Build support: Gain mentors, allies, and people to turn to for advice.
- Learn from leaders: Access insights from experts and industry influencers.
- Discover job leads: Hear about opportunities before they're publicly posted.
- Find mentors: Get guidance to help you reach your career goals.
- Develop key skills: Improve communication, teamwork, and negotiation abilities.
There is the added benefit of gaining ideas and knowldge and learning from people who may be more advanced or more abrest of what is happening in your field.
In short, networking isn’t just about finding a job—it’s about building lasting relationships, growing your skills, and positioning yourself for long-term success.
Hundreds of folk from so many walks of life, backgrounds and locations around the country volunteer their time to map, track and submit observations on iNaturalist , Atlas of Living Australia, Feral Scan and several other citizen science platforms. THis contributes to literally hundred of thousands of observations annually.
Interested in volunteering?
There are many opportunities to get involved as a volunteer - subscribe to our citizen science e-newsletter to find out about upcoming opportunities. The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board has a range of programs to ensure volunteers are supported and recognised for their valuable work.
Making notes (images) for Feral scan a National data set to track the presence of feral invasive species
Whether you're looking to give back, connect with nature, or join a community of passionate individuals, we encourage you to consider volunteering.
Together, we can continue to protect Australia’s Natural Heritage—for today and for generations to come.