Environmental Centre Volunteering

Overview

With my passion for the natural world, I found myself getting involved with the community through volunteering through Brisbane's Environmental Centers.  The Karawatha Discovery Centre is where I spend most of my time, meeting new people, handling compost and educating the public about sustainability.  It is there where I've begun most of my networking and had chances to even organise my own Bio Blitz.  The flexibility volunteering there and new opportunities opening as I learnt new skills and experienced a variety of events, that I'm really grateful to have shaped me into the outgoing, adventurous, and curious person I am to this day.


Experiences

Through volunteering at Brisbane's Environmental Learning Centers, I had different opportunities, even out of the center, for volunteers to learn and bond.

1. Brisbane's Green Heart Fair

Brisbane's own sustainability agency, that I got a chance of attending and volunteer at, became a place I got to meet a bunch more new people that are industry and even want to learn more.  During my shift, I supervised the children's craft station and stood by the shorebird diner table.  Both of these spots served as commuting with other volunteers from different centers and also get in touch with the community.  That day I found a lot of kids enjoying the Bluey show and parents appreciating the Councils' Free Native Plant Program. 

2. Volunteer snake awareness training

Back in 2023, I attended a snake awareness training, hosted up in Boondall's Wetland Environmental Center, by one of the park rangers.  I was greeted to a fantastic presentation on snake identification, awareness, and how to deescalate scenarios with potentially venomous snakes. Not only that but had the chance to meet some of the fauna that can be found in Brisbane’s reserves.

3. Guided Walks

Some of the activities I help host at the center were guided walks and share information about Karawatha's environment and answer any questions, from the groups I would help bring out.  One of the walks, we were extremely lucky to run into lots of large fauna that a younger kid got so excited about.  By doing this activity I not only got to meet new people but share my passion and interest with new people. 

The volunteers also had a guided walk training, by a few of the older members, to share what facts we could give to the community.  Primarily focused on one of the tracks and the flora and fauna that can be found on that route, with their ecological roles.

4. Bush Kindy 

During the school holidays I would often give some time in the morning to volunteering at the center.  In Karawatha this is open to parents and toddlers, in effort to introduce them to the outdoors a lot more, though crafts and exploration around the park, and inside the center.  Some of the activities I would help out with is reading books, bug scavenger hunts and clay buddies.  Although we'd often host craft activities already, during Bush Kindy the children are younger, and parents are more invited to be involved.  Working with young kids in groups from 5-15 families, I help create a welcoming atmosphere and find myself getting a long with a lot of them, sharing cool animal fun facts.


Skills

While volunteering I not only learnt some new skills but got to enhance a lot of my own skill set by getting involved in the community.

Hard Skills

  1. Managing the Community Compost Bins
  2. Handling the Free Native Plant Program
  3. Insect Identification and Handling
  4. Environmental Education and Outreach
  5. Understanding Brisbane's environmental policies

Soft Skills

  1. Communication
  2. Teamwork
  3. Leadership
  4. Problem-Solving
  5. Creative Thinking
  6. Time management
  7. Empathy and Compassion
  8. Public Speaking
  9. Networking
  10. Cultural Awareness