Volunteer
Bellarine Bayside has a range of volunteer opportunities for those wanting to assist with protecting and restoring the coast.
These programs provide a fantastic way to contribute to conservation efforts while gaining hands-on experience in environmental protection. If you’re passionate about wildlife, coastal management, or citizen science, we encourage you to explore these opportunities and get involved!
Read on below to find out about the different opportunities, and if you would like to find out more or are interested in joining, please contact Bellarine Bayside on 03 5254 4000 during office hours or email contactus@bellarinebayside.com.au.
Friends of Point Richards
The Friends of Point Richards Flora and Fauna Reserve have helped to protect and restore the biodiversity of the 62-ha Point Richards Flora and Fauna Reserve since 2001. The area contains important ecosystems that support an array of native fauna and threatened species.
The Friends’ group undertake a range of activities including weed control, planting and education. Bellarine Bayside supports the Friends group’s efforts by engaging contractors and securing grant funding, tools, equipment and training.
The Friends of Point Richards meet on Tuesday mornings throughout the year for a 2-hour working bee.
Follow the Friends of Point Richards on Facebook
BeachWatch
In 2017, Bellarine Bayside launched BeachWatch, a citizen science program where volunteers monitor and record sand losses and gains along our beaches using survey equipment.
The data collected provides insight into inundation, shoreline movements, water proximity to built assets and tidal changes.
This information improves Bellarine Bayside’s ability to make informed decisions about our coastline through a better understanding of if, when and how the coastal environment changes as a result of coastal processes. The program also encourages local environmental awareness of coastal processes.
Bellarine Nest Box Monitoring Program
The Bellarine Nest Box Monitoring Program is a citizen science activity that is easy for everyone to do!
Nest boxes provide important habitat for wildlife when there is a lack of old hollow-bearing trees. We have several nest boxes in the Lower Bluff Conservation area, Point Richards Flora and Fauna Reserve and W.G. Little Reserve in Portarlington. To help build knowledge about how nest boxes are used, we are collecting data about what animals are using them. Everyone can assist with collecting this data by completing a quick and easy survey.
Access the survey here.
Waterwatch
Waterwatch is a community program with a network of citizen scientists that monitor local waterways – creeks, ponds, lakes, dams, wetlands, lagoons or estuarys – that have been monitoring waterway health since 1993. It brings together schools, community, landcare groups, landowners, councils, water managers and individuals to test the quality of their local stream or waterway so action can be taken to maintain or improve the water quality.
A volunteer Waterwatch group monitors the wetlands in Point Richards Flora and Fauna Reserve, collecting water quality data to support the assessment and management of the ephemeral wetlands.
Regular monitoring helps identify changes in water quality and ecosystem health, enabling Bellarine Bayside to implement adaptive measures to protect these vital habitats and support native species.
Community Planting Days
Join us for our seasonal Community Planting Days, where volunteers come together to help restore and protect our beautiful coastal environments.
Guided by our experienced team, volunteers assist with planting native vegetation, helping to stabilize dunes, support wildlife habitats and improve biodiversity. We provide all necessary tools, equipment, and guidance on the day.
Stay tuned for upcoming planting day dates and locations, and sign up to get involved in making a positive impact on our coastal landscapes!
Market Stalls and Events
Get involved in your community by volunteering at local events and festivals with Bellarine Bayside!
We participate in a range of community events throughout the year, and our volunteers play a vital role in helping to run stalls, engage with the community and promoting environmental awareness.
Whether you love chatting with people, organizing activities, or working behind the scenes, there’s a role for you.
If you’re interested in joining us, get in touch at contactus@bellarinebayside.com.au to lend a hand!
Other Volunteer Opportunities
In addition to the volunteer roles at Bellarine Bayside, we proudly support and collaborate with other organisations that run volunteer programs on the land we manage.
Other groups include:
- St Leonards Community Care: A local grassroots group dedicated to making a positive impact to the St Leonards community. Volunteers assist with activities such as weeding, planting native vegetation, and clean-up events to help preserve the area’s unique coastal environment.
- BirdLife Australia – Red-capped Plover Monitoring Program: Help monitor and protect these vulnerable shorebirds by collecting data on nesting sites, breeding success and threats along our beaches.
- Victorian Coastal Monitoring Program (VCMP): Assist in citizen science initiatives that track coastal changes using photography, drones and surveying techniques to help inform coastal management strategies.
