Opportunities in the Environment sector for young people
Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA)
Weekend, overnight, single day and long term conservation projects in Australia and overseas. Refer to their profile for more information.
CVA
Go Volunteer
Connects people with volunteering opportunities including dedicated category for environment/conservation. Both professional/ student and non-skilled positions available in Australia and overseas.
>Go Volunteer
Greening Australia
A great way to have a direct impact on the health of our environment. Possibilities exist to get your hands dirty at community tree planting events, help at a community nursery or volunteer in one of Greening Australia’s offices.
>Greening Australia
Friends of Parks Incorporated (Victoria)
Aims to provide voluntary assistance to national parks in liaison with the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment. Friends groups accross the state conduct park maintenance and conservation trips including various tasks such as litter collection, wildlife counts, weed removal, photograhic work, seed collection, animal management, revegation and follow-up care. Refer to their website for a list of Friends groups.
>Friends of Parks
Australian Youth Climate Coalition
A range of volunteering opportunities exist within the exciting and expanding AYCC. Check out the website for current projects to become involved in.
>AYCC
Australian Climate Change Education Network
ASCENT is an independent youth-run organisation based in Victoria which imparts information about climate change to approximately 2000 people. Visit the website to find out how you can become involved in educating others about the consequences of climate change.
>ASCENT
AIESEC
AIESEC is the international platform for young people to discover and develop their potential to have a positive impact on society. AIESEC is partnered with over 3,500 organisations, is present in over 800 universities and 103 countries. Long and short term volunteer and internship opportunities in the environment sector are available both in Australia and overseas.
>AIESEC
Australian Student Environment Network
ASEN is the national network of students active on environmental justice issues. The network links environment collectives across Australia and is a great resource for students to organise and become involved in local campaigns, share information and embark on national campaigns. ASEN meets at the Students of Sustainability (SoS) conference yearly.
>ASEN
Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC)
AYAC is Australia’s non-government youth affairs peak body. AYAC welcomes input from young people concerning issues important to them, including environmental issues.
>AYAC
Centre for Sustainability Leadership
CSL runs programs to educate students and professionals about environmental sustainability and motivate them to make their own communities more sustainable.
>CSL
International Young Professionals Foundation
IYPF is a non profit organisation based in Australia that aims to equip young professionals as sustainability practitioners and social change agents. For more information on how to be involved consult their website.
>IYPF
Oz Green
Oz GREEN is an independent not-for-profit that facilitates life changing learning and leadership programs for sustainability enabling people to build pathways to an ecologically sustainable future. Oz GREEN runs a range of programs, working nationally in Australia and internationally in
India, Papua New, Guinea, East Timor and Pakistan.
Consult their website for more information.
>Oz Green
The Otesha Project (Australia): Cycling for Sustainability
The objectives of The Otesha Project (Australia) are to increase awareness about the impacts of the products and resources we consume, increase the number of responsible consumer choices made by young Australians, and increase the number of young role models and sustainability advocates.
>Otesha
United Nations Youth Association of Australia
The United Nations Youth Association of Australia (UNYA) is an expanding and dynamic youth network which is a significant voice for Australian youth opinion. They run many programs and events annually, consult their website to find out how you can be involved.
>UNYA
University Environment Collectives
Your University is often one of the best places to start to figure out what is happening in your local community and the best ways that your skills can be used in the fight for environmental justice. Get in touch with your student union to find out what environmental groups are active on campus.
Australian Conservation Foundation
The ACF campaigns to protect, restore and sustain the environment. Through informing and lobbying the government, industry and media they protect Australia`s environment and promote sustainable living and development practices. Volunteers participate at every level and in a variety of ways within ACF offices, most volunteering opportunities are during business hours in their Melbourne office.
>ACF Online
Australian Marine Conservation Society
If you’re worried about over fishing, if you’re angry about pollution and rapacious coastal development, if you’re anxious about endangered species then why not add to the effort and volunteer with the Marine Conservation Society today? The Marine Conservation Society is on the look out for passionate volunteers to help out in their busy National Office. Help is sought for administration, research and campaigning. They also require enthusiastic volunteers to help staff our educational and fundraising stalls.
Contact
Tara on 07) 3393 5811 or email: amcs@amcs.org.au
Bicycle Victoria
Bicycle Victoria aims to get more people cycling more often, each year thousands of Victorians enjoy Great Rides put on by inspiring Volunteers. Make new friends, have fun and get fit all in the name of sustainable transport.
Check out their website for more information.
>Bicycle Victoria
Collingwood Children`s Farm
The Collingwood Children’s’ Farm proves social, rural and environmental experiences for communities. They farm sustainably using traditional practices and provide opportunities for people to appreciate and interact with plants, natural cycles, the land and the community. The Collingwood Children’s Farm depends on the active input of volunteers who want to see the farm develop its work and develop new programs and activities. Volunteering opportunities include farm work, administration and environmental education.
>Collingwood Children's Farm
Environment Victoria
Environment Victoria is a group of people from different walks of life coming together to celebrate the environment and defend it for future generations. Environment Victoria aims to educate and engage Victorians about environmental issues and innovative solutions. They have a plan of Green Action and want to get as many Victorians to join the fight for a safe climate; diverse and healthy ecosystems, with a focus on healthy rivers and wetlands; smart products; and sustainable lifestyles. But they need your help to persuade every Victorian to get involved, consult their website to see how you can be involved.
www.environmentvictoria.org.au/
Environmental Defender`s Office
The Environmental Defender`s Office is a non-profit community legal centre advising on environmental and planning law with an aim of increasing public awareness of environmental laws and remedies as well as offering a free telephone advice service on environmental
law questions. Law students are encouraged to get involved to fight for environmental justice while gaining invaluable professional skills.
www.edo.org.au/
EPA Victoria
The Environmental Protection Authority aims to meet the aspirations of Victorians now and in the future, for a safe and ecologically sustainable environment through the protection and restoration of air, land and water quality and the control of unwanted noise. They place the highest priority on keeping the community well informed on the state of the environment. Volunteer programs such as Community Access to Air Monitoring are a valuable part of EPA Victoria’s programs, assisting with community education and environmental monitoring.
www.epa.vic.gov.au/
Farm Tree and Landcare Association
The Farm Tree & Landcare Association aims to encourage a community wide, cooperative, multidisciplinary approach to caring for the land; -promote sustainable land and water management practices; – support and encourage the formation of autonomous, self-reliant local voluntary Groups of people to tackle land degradation on a local and regional basis; -provide continuing and co-ordinated guidance and advice on the formation of Landcare and Farm Tree Groups and the similar groups. If these goals resonate with you consider volunteering your time with the Farm Tree and Landcare Association.
www.landcarevic.net.au
Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth (FoE) Australia is a federation of independent local groups working for a socially equitable and environmentally sustainable future. They promote public awareness of environmental issues in Australia through activities and the production of leaflets, booklets, films and other educational materials and assist people and organisations interested in these objectives to carry out their tasks through the maintenance of resource centres, newsletters, magazines and communication with like-minded national and international bodies. Friends of the Earth is eager for volunteers to help them achieve their objectives.
www.foe.org.au/
Greenlink Box Hill Inc
Greenlink BoxHill aims to enhance and preserve the natural environment by propagation of indigenous flora, to develop an appreciation in the community of the value of indigenous flora and to encourage the nurture of existing plant life. Greenlink Box Hill is a voluntary organisation that works in conjunction with the City of Whitehorse in restoration and management of local flora. If you would like to get involved in propagating plants at the Greenlink nursery and re-establishing them in their natural habitats throughout eastern Melbourne, contact Greenlink today. No prior botany or gardening experience required.
home.vicnet.net.au/~greenlnk/
Greenpeace
One of the best known environmental organisations world wide Greenpeace is an independent, campaigning organisation that uses non-violent, creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems, and force solutions for a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace`s goal is to ensure the ability of the Earth to nurture life in all its diversity. Greenpeace Australia Pacifics aims specifically to End the nuclear threat – Say no to geneticallyengineered food – Protect the ancient forests – Stop climate change -Eliminate toxics – Save the oceans. Campaigning, education, marketing, law and administration opportunities exist in their Melbourne office.
www.greenpeace.org.au/
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria vision is for a state where all Victorians protect and enhance their environment by their own actions. Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria is committed to ensuring cost effective programs that promote good sustainability and environmental practices. It pursues these outcomes through leadership, education and effective public relations, which harness community commitment to their own local environments. Check their website for opportunities to become involved in their community programs such as Tidy Towns; Sustainable cities and clean beaches, Adopt a Roadside, Clean Site (aimed at improving environmental practices in the residential building industry), numerous litter based initiatives and NEAT (Neighbourhood Environment Action Teams) encouraging businesses individuals and community groups to get involved with an environmental challenges or initiative at the local level.
www.kab.org.au
Moonee Ponds Creek Co-ordination Committee
The Moonee Ponds Creek Co-ordination Committee (MPCCC) are a not-for-profit, environmentally-based, community organisation that acts as a champion for the Moonee Ponds Creek and its tributaries. Members of the MPCCC include the Cities of Melbourne, Moonee Valley, Moreland and Hume; the Friends of Moonee Ponds Creek; and representatives from the community. The `Creating Creek Communities Program` which aims to encourage members of the community to get involved with revegetation works and environmental education alongside local Friends Groups is often on the lookout for volunteers.
www.mpccc.org/
Moreland Energy Foundation
Moreland Energy Foundation is working to achieve a working model of sustainability. On a day-to-day basis they work with households, businesses and the wider community in Moreland, in the inner northern suburbs of Melbourne. They give free advice to help people stop wasting energy promote ideas that make homes and buildings warmer in winter and cooler in summer, without the use of energy. They work in partnership with like-minded bodies to increase reach into the community and increase resources available. Even if you don’t live in the city of Moreland consider getting involved in this fantastic project, or perhaps consider proposing a similar foundation within your own city council.
www.mefl.com.au/
OzQuest Young Australian Adventures
OzQuest aims to enable young people aged between 18 to 30 to discover and develop their potential through challenging expeditions that involve adventure, environment, community service and science. OzQuest maintains its values of establishing meaningful projects with other non-profit organisations overseas to assist them in their ongoing commitment to their local community. Go to the website to find out about up coming environmental expeditions.
www.ozquest.org/
Park Community Association Inc
The PCA aims to develop community spirit by involving people in the development of parkland. More specifically to bring people together through active participation in the Corroboree Tree Grasslands project which entails landscaping the Fitzroy Street end of Albert Park. The PCA aims to foster local and wider community interest in Parks and involve the community in matters which affect the function and future development of Parks. If promoting open spaces and native plants is important to you consider volunteering your time to the cause. Planting and propagation usually takes place on the 4th Sunday of each month.
Parks Victoria
Parks Victoria manages a world class network of parks, including national, state and metropolitan parks, marine national parks and marine sanctuaries, many significant cultural assets and Melbourne`s bays and waterways. They exist to: – Conserve, protect and enhance environmental and cultural assets – Responsibly meet the needs of our customers for quality information, services and experiences – Contribute to the social and economic well being of Victorians – Provide excellence and innovation in park management Parks Victoria cannot realise its vision alone. The ability to continue to protect and enhance one of the world`s finest network of parks, bays and waterways depends very much on the assistance and support from volunteers. There are a range of volunteering opportunities within parks across the state. More than 300 Friends Group dedicated to the care of a particular park or parks are active in Victoria. Other volunteers contribute to parks through programs like Camp Host, and organisations like Greening Australia and Conservation Volunteers Australia.
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/
People Outdoors
People Outdoors provides adventure for all, nature and environmental experiences for people of every ability level. They provide various types of programs to enable children, teenagers and adults with disabilities to participate in outdoor adventure programs and camping experiences. People Outdoors relies on the ongoing support of volunteers to provide the one to one care available to enable campers to participate on all of our programs. If you can help out even for one day or weekend per year, you are still a valuable volunteer. Drop us a line to find out what it`s all about! There is a wide variety of activities going on each month, ranging from day activities (such as a trip to the Dandenong Ranges) to weekend camps and the occasional week long camp.
www.peopleoutdoors.org.au/
The Foundation for Young Australians
The Foundation for Young Australians works toward positive outcomes that benefit young people and their communities. To achieve this, The Foundation works in partnership with youth-led initiatives for the benefit of young people and their communities. They are a grant making organisation working in partnership with young people and each year approximately $4 million of funding is allocated to young peoples’projects- aged 12-25. If you have a fantastic environmental project or idea get in touch with the Foundation to see if they can give you a helping hand!
The Foundation for Young Australians also requires volunteers who will have the opportunity to undertake a variety of activities such as decision making on projects to fund, as well as promoting projects and initiatives that enable young people to reach their full potential.
www.fya.org.au/
The Wilderness Society Vic Inc
The Wilderness Society aims to protect, promote and restore wilderness and natural processes across Australia for the survival and ongoing evolution of life on Earth. They work to safeguard sources of clean water and air, to tackle devastating climate change, to create a safe future for life on Earth, and to give a better world to future generations. The Wilderness Society welcomes volunteers from varied backgrounds to many diverse opportunities.
www.wilderness.org.au/
TreeProject
TreeProject is a volunteer organisation dedicated to improving the health of the environment through revegetation. TreeProject volunteers are involved in growing and planting indigenous plants for landholders across rural Victoria. The administration and organisation is also run primarily by volunteers. By creating opportunities for urban based volunteers to work on rural revegetation projects, Treeproject can bring town and country people together to bring about increased communication and understanding while helping the environment. When the seedlings are ready, they are taken out to the farm where volunteers also help plant them. TreeProject also organises many urban tree planting days across Melbourne. Volunteer opportunities also include admin, membership management, publicity and promotion and other activities that help keep the organisation running.
www.treeproject.asn.au/
Trees For Life
Trees For Life collects seed, grows seedlings and protects remnant vegetation with the help of volunteers. Workshops are run in all these areas. Approximately 1.5 million local native seedlings are grown every year. Most of Trees For Life growers are volunteers who grow the seedlings from seed over summer. Detailed instructions are given and propagation workshops held. With 20 years of experience, growing seedlings with Trees For Life is easy. Trees For Life also runs a bushcare program called Bush For Life. Volunteers are trained in bush management techniques at a one day workshop and are encouraged to adopt their own patch of bushland. Trees For Life is currently calling for more volunteer growers, so get involved!
www.treesforlife.org.au/
Other opportunities to consider
Rotary www.rotary.org.au/
Youth Earth Project
Gecko www.gecko.org.au
Earth Charter in Action www.earthcharterinaction.org/youth
Young Environmentalist of the Year
Environmental initiatives or possibilities in local city councils- Banyule City Council, Bayside City Council, Boroondara City Council, Brimbank City Council, Casey City Council, Darebin City Council, Frankston City Council, Glen Eira City Council, Greater Dandenong City Council, Greater Geelong City Council, Knox City Council, Latrobe City Council, Manningham City Council, Maribyrnong City Council, Maroondah City Council, Melbourne City Council, Melton Shire Council, Monash City Council, Moreland City Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Port Phillip City Council, Stonnington City Council, Whitehorse City Council, Yarra City Council, Melbourne City Council
