Thinking about Volunteering?
Crimson Finch
Mornington Sanctuary
Australian Wildlife Conservancy is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation of Australia's threatened wildlife. AWC now owns and manages 21 properties covering more than 2.5 million hectares around Australia. Volunteering provides an exciting opportunity to assist AWC's dedicated field staff in saving Australia's endangered wildlife.
Volunteering opportunities exist across a broad range of activities. These can range from biodiversity surveys to on-going land management work.
Select events will be advertised through the year – generally those requiring groups of volunteers, specific skill-sets or an extended commitment of time.
On-going volunteering opportunities can be arranged with individual sanctuaries where a volunteer program is currently in place.
If you are interested in volunteering, please complete a volunteer application and follow the instructions below on How to Apply. The more information you can provide about your interests, skills and timing (availability length and dates) the better chance we will have in matching you with a suitable opportunity.
How To Apply
Please complete the Volunteer Application Form and return to:
Email: volunteering@australianwildlife.org
Fax: +61 8 9380 9631
Mail: PO Box 8070, Subiaco East WA 6008
Upcoming volunteering opportunities
Select volunteer opportunities will be advertised throughout the year. We will email volunteers, with relevant skills and an interest in the sanctuary with the advertised opportunity, who have submitted a volunteer application form, but kindly request you check back on this page regularly as this is not currently an automated process.
Please note that there is generally a high demand and limited places for these opportunities, and we will do our best though we appreciate your interest and support.
Bandicoots on the Brink, North Head Wildlife Sanctuary (Manly, Sydney) 2 September - 4 November 2010 (one day events)
Volunteers are urgently needed to help protect North Head's (Manly, Sydney) native bandicoots from attack by introduced predators and save them from extinction.
North Head Sanctuary, nestled within Sydney Harbour National Park, is a spectacular area of endangered banksia bushland featuring, diverse birdlife, military remnants and magnificent harbour views. The region is largely cut off from the mainland, allowing many native animals such as the long-nosed bandicoot to survive, amidst urban population growth. Owned by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and managed for conservation with assistance from the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), the region is an important refuge for the wildlife of Sydney harbour.
A conservation project called 'Bandicoots on the Brink' has been established to protect the endangered long-nosed Bandicoot population on North Head. Earthwatch is supporting the conservation effort with Dr Nelika Hughes, Wildlife Ecologist for the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC).
Richard Gilmore, Executive Director from Earthwatch says "I'm calling on the general public to volunteer by joining a 'Bandicoots on the Brink' team to help lure and catch these bandicoot predators on camera. Teams are only required for one day so it's easy for everyone to get involved".
Volunteers will use remote sensor, infrared cameras and scent lures to attract and then film predators across the entire headland, from the urban fringe to deep within the reserve. Volunteers will also be given a GPS to locate and collect cameras, set up new cameras and record habitats and analyse footage captured.
Dr Nelika Hughes, Wildlife Ecologist says, "The research is designed to deepen our understanding of how feral predators affect threatened native animals living within our urban landscapes. Our findings will enable conservation managers to develop predator control strategies and community education programs, to ensure the long-term survival of the bandicoot."
Up until the 1960's, the bandicoot was abundant throughout Sydney, but rapid urban development has depleted their habitats and the dense vegetation they need to shelter from predators.
"Humans contributed to the threat of this species, and now with the 'Bandicoots on the Brink' conservation project, humans can play a role in helping to protect these iconic native mammals for generations to come," Richard Gilmore, Executive Director from Earthwatch.
Conservation volunteering is a wonderful experience for the environmentally conscious. Join a 'Bandicoots on the Brink' team for just $49 and spend a fulfilling day learning about conservation and contributing to your local community. Your money will go towards this valuable conservation research to ensure this important conservation continues in the future.
To join a 'Bandicoots on the Brink' one day team call Earthwatch on (03) 9682 6828, email earth@earthwatch.org.au or visit www.earthwatch.org.au
Home Tutoring at Marion Downs, Central Kimberley (Ongoing throughout 2010)
Assist children living in a remote area with their home schooling and spend time at Marion Downs Wildlife Sanctuary.
The 289,000ha Marion Downs Wildlife Sanctuary is a former pastoral property located in the Central Kimberley that was purchased by Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) in 2008. Marion Downs is a hotspot for the wildlife of the Kimberley and is home to more than 30 species of mammals, over 180 bird species, 20 frog species and 75 reptile species.
AWC staff member Lindsay Malay and his young family live and work at Marion Downs. In 2009, AWC and the Malay family established a School of the Air program for their children Sally, Helena and LJ. This year, Sally and Helena have moved to Victoria to undertake schooling, but their younger brother Ralph now joins LJ on the daily School of the Air sessions. The Malay’s are seeking people with experience in teaching to volunteer their assistance by home tutoring Ralph and LJ in conjunction with the School of the Air program.
Marion Downs is fairly remote (by road it lies about 460 km (approx 8 hours drive time) southwest of Kununurra or 540km east of Derby and is reached by the unsealed Gibb River Road and the Tablelands Track). Therefore this position is ideally suited to volunteers who have remote travel and camping experience (environmental and safety considerations). An attractive campsite can be made available beside the Wood River. Couples welcome.
Please follow How To Apply instructions – tick the box Other (specific event) and quote event code: MD0310.
Anybody interested in this opportunity will also be asked to register through REVISEWA (Retired Educator Volunteers for Isolated Students Education). REVISEWA have the capacity to provide travel assistance and ensure participants are appropriately registered and have necessary references and clearances.
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