Voices of change: unstoppable volunteers

When you speak to any of the dedicated field staff at Bush Heritage Australia, there is one tool they hold in the highest regard – volunteers. These incredible individuals generously contribute their time and skills to support our vision of healthy Country, protected forever. In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we had the privilege of hearing from three remarkable volunteers who shared their experience. From what initially drew them to conservation volunteering to what inspires their ongoing commitment, their stories encapsulate the essence of being true change makers.

Eva You

What do you love about volunteering?

I love the opportunity to utilise my developing skills to contribute to what I value the most – conservation, our environment, and its relationship to culture and communities. It has been invaluable to connect with like-minded people who share a common goal. I love how fulfilling and inspiring it has been.

What made you want to volunteer for Bush Heritage?

I first heard of Bush Heritage from a friend – and I knew immediately I wanted to get involved. It bridges an incredible gap in Australian conservation. As a non-for-profit organisation, I decided to apply for my student placement with Bush Heritage and contribute my developing skills within it.

What inspires you to volunteer?

The incredible biodiversity and ancient endemic ecosystems that we have in Australia inspire me to volunteer. I have been fortunate to contribute towards a research summary for the Southwest Western Australian priority landscape – one of 25 original global hotspots in the world.

Garry McDonald

What do you love about volunteering?

I have had a lot of fun volunteering. I adore being involved in any work that restores, conserves, or builds ecological resilience in our Australian rural landscapes. I love the camaraderie that comes from working with other volunteers and staff, young and older, and the sharing of knowledge. And I love the opportunity to work on reserve – places of natural beauty and tranquillity. It’s great for the soul.

What made you want to volunteer for Bush Heritage?

I wanted to contribute to an organisation whose values I share, whose staff I admire, where my skills can be applied, and where my contributions will be enduring.

What inspires you to volunteer?

In my case, I felt particularly inspired to work in a team building a climate adaptation strategy at Nardoo Hills in response to the effect of extreme heat in past years on canopy loss in local Eucalypts. This has been a fabulous opportunity as the project combines current science and collaboration with a long-term outlook – all features which motivate me. Building climate resilience into the reserve and surrounding woodland landscapes is a great example of embracing and making change.

Georgia McManus

What do you love about volunteering?

Being able to give back in a meaningful and tangible way to a cause I am passionate about is extremely rewarding. There is an amazing sense of fulfillment associated with giving your time to a worthy cause.

What made you want to volunteer for Bush Heritage?

I initially gained exposure to Bush Heritage seeking a university placement. After witnessing the work undertaken by the organisation and how much I enjoyed myself, it was a no-brainer to keep volunteering!

What inspires you to volunteer?

Growing up in the Hunter Valley, I was very fortunate to be surrounded by stunning landscapes and animals. However, there is also a huge tension with mining companies taking those places away. From that experience, I have always wanted to protect what I can of our environment.

I strongly believe that you need to be the change you wish to see in the world. Being one person among the army of volunteers at Bush Heritage to stand up and fight for nature fits this year’s volunteer week theme well, as we collectively change our world for the better.