Volunteer Group Leader Resource Hub

Welcome! Volunteering as a group leader is a vital part of caring for Victoria’s places. Together, we achieve more than we ever could alone. We are glad you are here. This hub has the information you need to lead your volunteer group with confidence.

Keep reading on this page for what you need to know to manage your groups, work alongside rangers and support positive volunteer experiences.
Safety and Emergency helps you to prepare for and respond to incidents.
Working with Traditional Owners, Heritage and Others explains what you need to know about caring for Country, cultural heritage and specialist support needs.
ParkConnect outlines how the online portal helps you manage and promote your group and activities.
Group Leader Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) provides answers to common questions.
Key policies and resources supports you when situations arise. You can return to them whenever you need more detail.

Help us recognise our volunteers

Click here to share your story [tile TBC] We support you We work as a team to protect our parks. To support you, we provide a dedicated contact ranger for every group. This partnership ensures you have expert advice and a direct link to Parks Victoria. Your contact ranger helps your group by providing: Safety advice and supervision to manage risks on-site. Guidance on priorities, partnerships and expertise on relevant activities. An induction and resources to support your contributions. As a Group Leader, you coordinate your group and activities and work closely with your Contact Ranger. Rangers are responsible for approving activities, confirming safety requirements and providing expert advice. You are not expected to assess risk or interpret policy on your own. If you are unsure at any point, pause and check in with your Contact Ranger who can reach out to the Volunteer Support Team for further assistance. Your Role Inducting Volunteers [Link: This checklist] supports welcoming new volunteers and setting clear, shared expectations. It is a guide, not a form, and does not require signatures. Supporting Respectful Behavior Volunteering works best when everyone feels safe, respected, and included. Group Leaders play an important role in setting a positive tone. What respectful behaviour looks like We ask volunteers to: Treat others with courtesy and respect Follow safety instructions Work cooperatively with the group Respect the park, wildlife and cultural heritage Listen to feedback and guidance If concerns arise Most issues can be resolved early through calm, respectful conversation. If behaviour affects safety, wellbeing or the group: Pause the activity if needed Speak with the volunteer privately and clearly Refer to shared expectations and safety guidance Offer support or alternatives where appropriate If the concern continues, contact your Contact Ranger for support. Rangers can guide next steps and, where needed, support formal processes. Your group activity plan To make the biggest difference, every group that works regularly in our parks creates a Volunteer Activity Plan (VAP). The VAP is a shared roadmap built by you and your contact ranger. It helps us support your group’s safety and match your group’s skills and passion with the areas of our parks that need the most care. Note: If your group only undertakes one-off or irregular activities, you do not need to create a VAP. Please see our [Link: One-off Activities section] A VAP can last for up to 3 years. You will submit your plans through a VAP form on ParkConnect for discussion and approval by your contact ranger. This introduction page explains how to do it [link to introduction page]. A VAP covers: How your work helps meet park goals. The activities you have planned for the year. The tools, funding, and support your group needs. Safety and Working with Children Check (WWCC) requirements. Annual review Once a year, you will meet with your contact ranger to check in and review your plan for the year ahead. This is a chance to celebrate your wins and take changing circumstances into account for the next year’s partnership. During a review, you will: Look at what your group has achieved Troubleshoot issues and address risk Finalise your list of planned activities for the year ahead. Plan the training and support your group requires. How it works We recommend picking one month each year to focus on this review. You can choose a time that best suits your group and your ranger. The review can be one long meeting or a few short chats over 2 weeks. To make the most of this time, please come prepared with: Your information: A summary of your group’s activities and volunteer hours from the past year. Your ideas: A list of any areas you require support from your ranger or issues to troubleshoot together. Park priorities: Your ranger will help you align your plans with the latest park needs. Once your ranger approves your plan in the VAP, your activities will appear in [Link: ParkConnect]. This is our online portal that makes running your group easier. Read on to find out more about how ParkConnect supports your group’s activities. One-off Activities If your group does not undertake regular activities on Parks Victoria managed land and would like to arrange a one-off activity, you are not required to create a VAP. Please contact the park team to discuss your plans and support requirements. You will be required to log your activities on ParkConnect for approval and can choose to utilise the platform to assist in activity management and promotion. Funding and Grants Your group may need extra support to get a project off the ground. There are several ways to find funding for tools, plants, or special training. Before you apply for any funding, you must speak to your contact ranger. They will help ensure the project matches the park’s needs and safety standards. They may also be able to provide a letter of support for your application. The best time to discuss funding is during your Annual VAP Review. Funded projects will be included in your VAP for the year ahead. If a new grant comes up mid-year, reach out to your ranger before you start the application. Where to look for funding Many groups find success with outside partners. Common sources include: [Link: Victorian Landcare Grants]: Victorian Government grants for landcare and environmental volunteer groups. [Link: Coastcare Victoria Community Grants: For groups working on marine and coastal environments. [Link: Victorian Junior Landcare & Biodiversity Grants]: For projects that engage young people in biodiversity. Local Councils: Many councils offer community grants for local projects [Link: Find your local council] Philanthropic groups: Private foundations including the Ross Trust, Wettenhall Environment Trust and Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) often support nature and heritage projects. If you have a project idea that needs funding, message your contact ranger to discuss next steps. Need a hand? Who to contact Sometimes it’s hard to know who can help you best. Here’s a quick guide. Contact your Contact Ranger for: Activity planning and approvals Safety questions or incidents Volunteer behaviour or wellbeing concerns Working with others, permits or specialist activities Updating group or group leader details Contact Customer Service on 13 1963 for: ParkConnect access or technical support General questions about volunteering systems If you’re unsure where to start, contacting your Contact Ranger is always the right first step.