Celebrating nature connections in Volunteers Week
When it comes to restoring and protecting healthy Country, our volunteers make a huge contribution that's worth celebrating.
“Empowered, connected and impactful,” articulates Katie Ronald, National Volunteer Program Coordinator, regarding the efforts of Bush Heritage’s dedicated volunteers over the past 12 months. As we make leaps towards doubling the amount of land we actively manage and deepening our on-ground impact by 2030, we recognise the significant contribution of our volunteers.
In 2024-25, volunteers generously donated over 47,233 hours to our organisation, the equivalent of nearly 50 additional full-time employees. From weeding thistle at Tarcutta Hills Reserve on Wiradjuri Country, New South Wales; surveying threatened Sandalwood on Bon Bon Reserve, Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara Country, South Australia; to de-fencing new and existing reserves, analysing thousands of images from motion sensor cameras, and more – volunteers play a vital role in protecting our landscapes.
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Happy days planting on Scottsdale Reserve, Ngambri and Ngarigo Country, NSW. By Bee Stephens
For our program to create meaningful change and experiences, we work to align willing individuals with tasks that best suit their diverse skillsets. This year, we restructured our Volunteer Coordination team to better support regional relationships, which allowed us to grow our volunteer base and drive stronger local outcomes.
While the weather proved challenging, it didn’t dampen our volunteers’ passion or their enjoyment. After a big week de-fencing, Ronnie, one of our longest serving volunteers reports:
“My fellow workers were a great bunch – friendly, informative, skillful and enjoyable social company in the evening. I have worked with many volunteers, and I would say Bush Heritage has some excellent people helping in this capacity, nothing is a bother, and they work with skill and a happy disposition. I feel lucky to know them and to help in a small way.”
Get in touch if you’re interested in volunteering on a reserve, from one of our offices or home.
The article is published in our Impact Report 2024-25, which celebrates the achievements made for nature in the previous financial year.
