Victorian Landcare Magazine - Winter 2020, Issue 78
Last year DELWP collected and collated data about active environmental volunteer groups in Victoria for the Volunteering Naturally 2019 report. The report included a geographic location, and where possible, the number of volunteers and/or volunteer hours contributed over the 2018/19 financial year. Our aim was to showcase the amount of work undertaken by environmental volunteers across our state. The 2019 statistics captured data from 60 per cent of Victoria’s groups.
The results revealed 2100 groups with 134,244 volunteers gave more than 1.5 million hours of time, which adds up to an economic contribution of more than $50 million.
We know that the 2019 numbers were an underestimate. For the 2020 report we are seeking to obtain data from as many groups as possible so we can improve our understanding of the wonderful work that is being done.
Groups that complete the Victorian Landcare Program 2019/20 Group Health Survey will automatically have their information included in Volunteering Naturally 2020. A short survey to obtain the following information will be available for all groups in early July:
• Name and location of group
• Number of active volunteers for the 2019-2020 financial year
• Number of hours contributed for the 2019-2020 financial year
• Current facebook/website contact details to assist people wanting to join.
Data is required by Friday 31 July 2020. The Volunteering Naturally 2020 report will be available in September 2020.
Please contact us at environmental.volunteering@delwp.vic.gov.au to ensure you get a copy of the survey.
In February 2020, the DELWP Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion team produced a bonus issue of the Early Invader Update on weed management after fire. The update includes information on the influence of fire on weeds, and weeds on fire and the benefits of fire for weed management. There are also tips to reduce weed spread after fire, and links to useful weeds and fire resources from Australia and overseas.
The update is available from www.environment.vic.gov.au/invasive-plants-and-animals/early-invaders (then early invader update).
To subscribe to the Early Invader Updates newsletter email bianca.gold@delwp.vic.gov.au with the subject heading, subscribe to early invader newsletter.