Friends groups
A Friends group is a group of volunteers with an interest in a particular park, reserve or species of native plant or animal. The groups are generally named after their area of focus, such as Friends of Watery Gully.
Volunteers work with Council’s Environmental Works Officers to plan works and get involved in planting, weed control, mulching, plant and animal monitoring, as well as special events such as National Tree Day.
Friends groups play a vital role in protecting threatened natural environments, as well as making Nillumbik a more beautiful place to live.
It’s a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and help protect and enhance our significant bushland reserves. You’ll feel connected to your local area, improve your physical and mental wellbeing, connect with others and have fun!
What to expect
Many groups organise monthly work activities and a yearly calendar of events. Other groups are more informal, and run a small number of activities each year. The groups each determine how they operate, but whatever way they operate, it’s a great forum for local residents to meet and share a common interest.
Each group has a convenor who will induct new members, and the groups are supported by an Environmental Works Officer within Council.
What’s required
- Activities generally run for two hours, but there is no time commitment.
- Volunteers must wear appropriate gear including gloves, long trousers, long-sleeved shirt, sunscreen and a hat.
- Volunteers need their own transport, however groups can car pool. If you are interested in joining a group and don’t have transport, please contact the Environment Works and Land Management team to discuss.
Who it’s for
All ages are suitable and no experience is required.
You can learn from the groups and training can be provided by Council as required. Training can help you get an understanding of issues related to land management and biodiversity conservation. You can also get informal training from Environmental Works officers at group activities in areas such as plant identification, revegetation techniques, weed control and using tools.
There are also opportunities to volunteer in less physical roles. Some groups like to keep their members up to date with what is happening in their park or reserve and local area through a regular newsletter. Others like to inform the neighbourhood of upcoming activities and events to encourage new members. If being out on site or physical work is difficult, most Friends groups will offer other opportunities and ways to contribute.
More information can be found in the Friends group manual(PDF, 2MB).
How to get involved
Upcoming events
August
3 August - Friends to Temple Ridge - boneseed removal (meeting at Hillcrest entrance)
3 August - Friends of Mine Road Reserve - weeding at Mine Road
7 August - Friends of Bunjil Reserve - tree guard maintenance and weeding (meet at Bishops Rd entrance, down the hill from the firefighters car park in Panton Hill)
9 August - Friends of Diamond Creek/Hurstbridge - planting at Ben Frilay Reserve
10 August - Friends of Edendale - community planting day/monitoring at Edendale Farm
10 August - Friends of the Eyrie - weeding (access via The Eyrie or Zig Zag Road)
16 August - Friends of Yarramie - weeding (access via Thompson Crescent)
17 August - Friends of Eltham Copper Butterfly - habitat management works
17 August - Friends of Swipers Gully - maintenance works
31 August - Friends of Woodbridge Linear Reserve - planting
31 August - Friends of Karingal Yalloc - planting (Nerreman Gateway entrance)
September
4 September - Friends of Bunjil Reserve - Tree guard maintenance and weeding - Meet at Bishops Rd entrance to Bunjil Rd, down the hill from the Firefighters car park in Panton Hill
7 September - Friends of Watery Gully - Plant maintenance and weeding - Old Hurstbridge Rd
7 September - Friend of Mine Road Reserve - Mine Road
13 September - Friends of Diamond Creek - Hurstbridge - Planting maintenance - Ben Frilay Reserve
14 September - Friends of Edendale - Monitoring - Edendale Farm
14 September - Friends of the Eyrie - Weeding - Access via The Eyrie or Zigzag Road
20 September - Friends of Yaramie Reserve - Weeding - Access via Thompson Crescent
21 September - Friends of Temple Ridge - Boneseed removal - Meeting at Hillcrest entrance
21 September - Friends of Eltham Copper Butterfly - Habitat management works - meeting place TBA
21 September - Friends of Swipers Gully - Planting maintenance
28 September - Friends of Woodbridge Linear Reserve - Planting maintenance - Hartland Way entrance
28 September - Friends of Karingal Yalloc - Planting - Nerreman Gateway entrance
Join a group
To join a group, email the convenor.
Kangaroo Ground
Friends of Moor-rul Reconciliation Grasslands
Contact Jill Kellow
Email jnjellow@gmail.com
Wattle Glen
Friends of Watery Gully
Contact Brioney Ferguson
Email bri.fowg@gmail.com
Call 0401 742 233
If there isn’t a Friends group in your area, contact Council to discuss.