From improving your health and wellbeing to boosting your chances at that next job interview, there are plenty of reasons why volunteering with NSW National Parks is a great idea.
1. Save our home
Our climate is changing. Greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, agriculture and land clearing have caused the earth’s air and ocean temperature to increase, global sea levels to rise and weather patterns to become more extreme.
This means protecting the environment is more important than ever. After all, Earth is the only home we’ve got, so we need to look after it to ensure future generations have access to the spectacular landscapes and wildlife that we enjoy today.
Even something as simple as planting a tree can reduce carbon in the atmosphere, resulting in less greenhouse gas emissions.
If you’re passionate about the environment and love being outdoors, there are plenty of hands-on volunteer projects in NSW national parks that are making a real difference to the environment, from wildlife conservation and research, to tourism and education.
Fancy yourself a greenie? Get your gloves on for a weeding bonanza with one of our bushcare groups. Help preserve the Minnamurra Rainforest, restore koala habitat at Cudgen Nature Reserve or join regular volunteer meet-ups at Lane Cove National Park.
“Joining as one but partnering with many means combining individual strengths to achieve collective success and shared goals. This is part of Cudgen Nature Reserve’s beauty – watching flora recover nurtures people as well as nature.” – Clare Manning, Ranger and Volunteer Supervisor, Cudgen Nature Reserve
2. Get active, stay healthy
There are heaps of studies that say volunteering can make you feel happier and more socially connected. But it goes well beyond mental health. Giving back has shown to improve your physical health too – reducing blood pressure and increasing your lifespan.
The OECD Better Life Index says volunteers also tend to be more satisfied with their lives, because they’re interacting with other people, setting and achieving goals, and learning new things through hands-on experience. Plus, being active outdoors in the fresh air is so much better than the gym, yes?
Want to get active? Soak up the beauty of Blue Mountains National Park while restoring native habitats with the Prince Henry Cliff walk bushcare group, or head to Blackheath to join the Great Grose weed walk.
“Participants in the Great Grose weed walk program connect not only with the stunning Blue Gum Forest and the wider Grose Valley, but also with each other. Walking, wading and weeding together results in lasting social bonds and keeps us physically fit while protecting the natural values of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.” – Monica Nugent, Great Grose weed walk Program Coordinator
3. Make solid friendships
If you want to expand your social networks IRL, volunteering will connect you with like-minded peeps who share a love of nature. There’s nothing like pulling weeds, counting frogs or taking visitors on guided tours to turn strangers into friends for life. Not only will you have an amazing time, but you’ll hands down have the best stories to share. And hey, you never know who you might meet while working up a sweat (nudge nudge, wink wink).
Ready to get social? Join the crew at Cape Byron Lighthouse Friends to lead guided tours of the museum and lighthouse, or show off your niche nature knowledge as a volunteer guide at Minnamurra Rainforest Visitor Centre.
“Volunteer guiding at Minnamurra Rainforest is a truly rewarding experience. Volunteers have the opportunity to share their knowledge and insights with visitors, bringing to life the story of this ancient ecosystem, its remarkable plants and animals and the rich local history that makes the area so special.” – Peta Standen, Minnamurra Rainforest Volunteer Guide Supervisor
4. Enjoy the view
NSW national parks are filled with spectacular views and a diverse range of plants and animals. Not only will your friends be jealous of your Insta feed, but you’ll be out there experiencing the thrill of nature in a way you can’t do by binging on David Attenborough docos. There’s also an opportunity to mix volunteering with a weekend away, so you can enjoy a break while doing a good deed.
Hanging for a weekend away? Join a volunteering vacation de-weeding the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Barrington Tops National Park. For a shorter trip, head to Crowdy Bay National Park for a working bee by the ocean.
“Scotch broom presents an ever-present threat to our unique montane wetlands and sub-alpine wilderness in Barrington Tops. Volunteers have truly taken up the challenge, and thanks to their continued efforts our threatened ecological communities and threatened species are given space to grow, and a chance to recover.” – Sara Gebicki, Bush Regeneration and Volunteering Officer, Hunter Central Coast
5. Beef up your skills
Bet you’ve never thought of volunteering as something that will help your career, right? In fact, adding it to your CV is a great way to demonstrate skills like teamwork, problem solving and communications. Research shows that a whopping 95% of employers believe volunteer experience will give you an advantage in job interviews, with 85% saying it’s just as credible as work experience. Giving your time, skills, ideas and enthusiasm to a project that benefits the wider community will bring you nothing but good vibes.
Keen to learn something new? Brush up on your gardening skills while restoring habitats in Royal National Park with the Royal bushies. If you’re more of a history buff, Friends of Hartley Historic Site offers opportunities to work with historical objects, garden and lead tour groups.
“Volunteering with Friends of Hartley Historic Site is an opportunity to play a vital role in helping care for the site’s rare moveable heritage and bring its history to life for visitors and the community. It’s a rewarding program with a variety of activities that allow volunteers to share a passion for the past while actively contributing to the site’s preservation for future generations.” – Luke Donnelley, Volunteer Supervisor, Hartley Historic Site
6. Team up for nature
Looking for a way to give back with your team? Corporate volunteering is an awesome opportunity to build relationships and learn new skills while doing your bit for the planet. Working with expert NSW National Parks rangers and guides, your team will help preserve the biodiversity of iconic landscapes through fun, hands-on activities like habitat restoration and beach clean-ups. You’ll also learn about the unique features of the landscape you’re helping to protect along the way. Alert the office chat now!
Ready to make an impact? Plan your next team day out at Middle Head, Land Cove National Park or La Perouse.
“It’s a great way to build stronger connections amongst our teams while doing good cleaning up the environment, giving back and ultimately having a material impact.” – Robert, corporate volunteering participant
Image credits: hero image Helena Lopes via Pexels; image one Porapak Apichodilok via Pexels.
