Detailed description

Mission Statement

Our vision is ‘an outstanding park and waterway system, protected and enhanced, for people, forever.

However, we cannot realise this 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 and friends groups.

Our organisation

Parks Victoria was created in December 1996 by bringing together the management of the former National Parks Service and the former Melbourne Parks and Waterways. We manage around 18% of the State through environmental and recreational management.

Our volunteers

Parks Victoria highly values the contribution of its volunteers, who contribute hundreds of hours of work each year to support our vision. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and there are volunteer activities for every age group, nationality, skill and ability type. Volunteers work as individuals or form part of a group, and have the option to join regular activities or just participate occasionally.

Volunteers are supervised by Parks Victoria staff members, and are provided with induction and training. There are often special events that Parks Victoria volunteers can attend, and opportunities to engage in activities all over the state.

Some of the activities that our volunteers undertake include:

• seed collecting and plant propogation
• garden bed maintenance and fencing
• GPS monitoring and data collection
• track inspections and administration
• research and survey work
• communication and awareness raising
• visitor information
• nature rambles and guided walks
• litter collection

Friends Groups

Joining a Friends Group is a great way to get involved in the work of Parks Victoria. A Friends Group is a team of people with an interest in supporting a particular park, conservation reserve or species of native flora or fauna. There are more than 300 different Friends Groups helping Parks Victoria to maintain and protect one of the world’s finest networks of parks. Friends groups vary in size, activities and structure. Groups usually meet and volunteer weekly or monthly but some volunteers are in the park every day. Some groups have weekly activities, many have a monthly activity and visitors are always welcome to attend.

Benefits of volunteering with us

Volunteering in parks is a great way to get involved in our natural environment. There are many benefits of volunteering with Parks Victoria such as learning more about plants and wildlife, gaining new skills, being in the outdoors and socialising. Research has shown that volunteering, especially with nature is great for your mind, body and spirit – Healthy Parks Healthy People.