Landcare Group Growth & Volunteer Wellbeing

Landcare is rewarding, but we know that volunteering isn’t always easy. Groups can have plenty of work to do, while the number of people available to share it can vary. Volunteers move away, life gets busy, people can’t always make regular working bees, and sometimes the sheer scale of environmental restoration can feel overwhelming.

This afternoon brings together two practical and supportive sessions to help Landcare volunteers build stronger, more welcoming groups while looking after themselves and each other.

Session 1 – Grow your Landcare group

How can you share your enthusiasm for your local natural areas and encourage more people to join in?

This practical, hands-on workshop with community engagement professional and Bushcare volunteer Clementina Velasco will explore simple ways to attract, welcome and retain volunteers, and make it easier for people to get involved.

You’ll learn how to:

• promote your group and attract new volunteers
• welcome new people and structure working bees
• keep volunteers engaged over time
• mix things up and create opportunities for people to contribute in different ways
• share your group’s story and the difference your volunteers are making.

All participants will receive a bonus three-page PDF cheat sheet with practical tips to take home.

Afternoon tea

We’ll take a break between sessions for afternoon tea, refreshments and a chance to catch up with other Landcare volunteers.

Session 2 – Volunteer wellbeing

The afternoon finishes with a relaxed session exploring volunteer wellbeing and avoiding burnout led by Jamie Rose. Offered through the Phase 3 Landcare Enabling Program, this session provides an opportunity to talk about the challenges and rewards of volunteering, ways to look after ourselves and each other, and how we can support wellbeing within our local communities.

There will be plenty of opportunity for questions and informal discussion at both sessions.

The workshop is designed especially for Landcare volunteers. Group coordinators are encouraged to attend, but all group members who would like to learn and share ideas are very welcome.