We celebrate National Volunteer week by acknowledging the incredible work of our many volunteers, who work in public open spaces across the region to enhance the environment for all.

Environmental Volunteering has many benefits for those who volunteer, from providing practical work experience for students or jobseekers to giving community members a supported way to be in the great outdoors and in the company of like-minded people. And of course, there is a tremendous sense of satisfaction of seeing a job well done and being able to revisit your work in twenty year’s time and enjoy the lasting results.

Volunteering has equal benefits to the broader community, achieving change that would otherwise be costly or simply not done at all.  Parkland’s mission to “restore, improve and maintain the network of bush parks connecting urban and rural communities” is made possible by the work of many individual volunteers, community groups and community-business partnerships.

Our volunteer mornings in Albury’s bush parks are a case in point. Thank you to the local residents, students and volunteers from further afield who contribute to this Ranger supervised weekly program in the bush reserves of Norris Ridge, Red Light Hill, Bungambrawartha Creek and Thurgoona environmental lands.

Much has been achieved already this year to keep on top of environmental threats like invasive weeds, improve amenity for residents and enhance the biodiversity of these parks. Your contributions are much appreciated, both by Parklands and ultimately by the wider community who enjoy the many benefits of these natural zones.

Thanks to Albury City for financial support for this program.