Parks Victoria extends a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of the thousands of Victorians who have donated their time by volunteering in parks and reserves over the past year. 

International Volunteer Day, an important date on the Parks Victoria calendar, is celebrated every year on 5 December. 

Parks Victoria is fortunate to have thousands of committed volunteers spread right across the state, from Brimbank to Budj Bim, Wyperfeld to Warby-Ovens, Creswick to Croajingolong, and everywhere in-between. 

These volunteers come from all walks of life and play a critical role in protecting our unique natural and cultural heritage, improving it for the benefit of others. 

Parks Victoria Community Programs and Partnerships Director Tony Varcoe said volunteers had made an enormous contribution to the state’s parks and reserves.  

“We’re incredibly lucky to have a legion of dedicated volunteers who understand the importance of caring for nature and are willing to contribute their time and skills to both protect and enhance our special natural spaces.”  

“Volunteering in our parks and reserves is not just about giving but also about receiving the immeasurable satisfaction that comes from making a difference in the conservation and enjoyment of our parks.” 

“The contribution of volunteers within the Parks Victoria estate cannot be overstated. From all of us here at Parks Victoria, thank you and keep up the incredible work.”  

Photo: Volunteering with your local community group in Victoria's parks and reserves is a rewarding experience.

Volunteers within the Parks Victoria estate have been involved in a wide variety of activities over the past 12 months, including: 

• Organising community events and education sessions 
• Planting trees 
• Removing invasive species 
• Collecting litter 
• Conducting flora and fauna surveys 
• Improving habitat for local wildlife 
• Park maintenance 
• Acting as guides
• Creating signage and educational material to help other visitors interpret their surroundings. 

All these activities, as well as the many more bespoke volunteer-run events and programs, have helped to protect, conserve and enhance our parks, as well as enabling our communities to obtain the many health and wellbeing benefits that volunteering creates. 

International Volunteer Day raises awareness of the important role volunteers play in responding to the different challenges facing the world. The theme for this year’s International Volunteer Day is “If Everyone Did” and focuses on the power of collective action, asking everyone to do something to make a positive change. 

Please click here for more information on volunteering with Parks Victoria and how you can get involved.