| Bushcare volunteer training and professional support materials |
   |
|
A NSW Environmental Trust Environmental Education grant was awarded to the SMCMA in 2010 to develop Bushcare volunteer training and professional support materials. A Bushcare Training Review was undertaken to guide the project. More than 120 Bushcare volunteers, volunteer supervisors and training professionals were surveyed as part of this Review, which identified training options available for Sydney’s Bushcare volunteers and gaps in the skills and awareness of volunteers. The findings of the Review informed the recommendation of three topics for development into “Bushcare Booster” training modules. Each Bushcare Booster module contains a participant’s workbook and a facilitator’s workbook which are available for free download below and can be used to deliver workshops for Bushcare volunteers. Boosters workshops aim to help volunteers value and understand their Bushcare and other on-ground work as part of the big picture of biodiversity restoration across Australia. The program encourages recognition of the interconnectedness of work across all sites, big or small and its contribution to habitat health and landscape change. Though readily adaptable to meet the specific needs of each training group, each module is designed to be run as 4-5 hour workshop with groups of 10-12 participants and includes a classroom and field component. The content is of an introductory level and is most suitable for volunteers who have some practical experience in the field and who wish to participate in a short refresher course to develop a better understanding of environmental restoration techniques and safe work practices. It is not aimed at volunteers who have obtained accredited training in environmental restoration. If you would like a copy of any of the documents in Microsoft Word or would like to provide feedback about the materials contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Bushcare Booster Module 1:Working safely and weed control techniques – Participant’s Workbook. Working safely and weed control techniques – Facilitator’s Notes. Bushcare Booster Module 2:Bushcare and the Big Picture – Participant’s Workbook. Bushcare and the Big Picture – Facilitator’s Notes. Bushcare Booster Module 3:The "Birds and the Bees" of Bushcare – Participant’s Workbook. The "Birds and the Bees" of Bushcare – Facilitator’s Notes. Pilot of Module 2 Bushcare Boosters: Randwick City Council Bushcare Volunteers Volunteer Co-ordinators Network ManualThe 2005 2nd edition of the VCN Manual was also reviewed as part of the project. The 2012 third edition is now available. (If you would like to be emailed a high-resolution copy of this document, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) The manual is a best-practice guide for not-for-profit organisations that manage long-term environmental volunteer programs. It has been developed by the Volunteer Co-ordinators Network, an information sharing network of people from government and non-government organisations throughout Australia who work with environmental volunteers. The Manual is a practical working guide containing information and advice on managing volunteers and volunteer programs, legislation, safety and insurance requirements and examples of successful initiatives from current environmental volunteer programs around Australia. |
