Get Dirty, Feel Good

Did you know that environmental volunteering can be good for your health and well-being?

Volunteering can give you personal and career skills, help you meet new people and give you an opportunity to contribute to the conservation and protection of the Island’s natural environment.

A new program is being offered that provides the opportunity to get a taste of some of the Island’s environmental volunteer activities and to learn more about the personal, health and employment benefits of environmental volunteering. The program is a joint initiative by Natural Resources Kangaroo Island, Kangaroo Island Health Service, Eco-Action and Finding Workable Solutions.

Robyn Molsher, Natural Resources Kangaroo Island Wildlife Program Manager is enthusiastic about the new program.

‘This is a great initiative that involves a range of agencies and groups on KI working together to improve wellbeing in the community and foster environmental stewardship,’ she said.

‘There are so many environmental volunteering opportunities on the Island but often people don’t know what is involved. This is a great chance to find out more about the local environment and at the same time improve your wellbeing.’

The first nine-week program will commence on Tuesday, 15 October 2013 running each Tuesday between 9:30am and 2:30pm in Kingscote.

There will be a mix of indoor and field activities on various aspects of well-being and the environment. Lunch and transport to activities will be provided.

A second program is expected to commence in February 2014.

The program is free so why not join in and get active? Activities will include tree planting, animal surveys, seagrass seed collection and weed management at various sites around KI.

You’ll learn how to modify your résumé to showcase the skills and experience you’ve acquired through your volunteering activities. You’ll also learn how to improve your wellbeing and measure changes to it.

No experience is necessary and the program is open to all adults. However, be quick to register as there is a maximum of 12 participants in each program.

If you would like more information or wish to register your interest, please contact Robyn Molsher at the Natural Resources Centre Kangaroo Island, 37 Dauncey Street Kingscote, phone (08) 8553 4444 or email robyn.molsher@sa.gov.au

The program is supported by the KI NRM Board and funded under the State NRM Community Grant scheme.