July 27th, 2023Projects support young people volunteering for nature

Two Grampians region environmental groups will share in funding to inspire young people to
participate in volunteering.

The grants deliver on the Victorian Government’s Volunteering for Nature – Environmental
Volunteering Plan, which aims to support and grow the environmental volunteering sector.

Across Victoria 23 new projects supporting young volunteers have been funded to help protect
Victoria’s biodiversity and environment.

Geraldine Davis, Regional Coordinator Environmental Volunteering: “Victoria has a strong, and proud history of environmental volunteering. Volunteers contribute enormously to improving our environment, our local communities, and our economy.”
“Many Victorians give their time freely to a wide variety of environmental causes and community
organisations. Younger volunteers bring energy and enthusiasm, as well as a high level of concern
about the environment.”
“Having more young people in volunteering ensures groups have long-term futures and allows for
knowledge exchange from older volunteers.”
“Victoria’s 173,600 environmental volunteers contribute more than 1.5 million hours of unpaid work
each year to protect and enhance nature. The economic contribution is projected to be $63 million
annually.”

The projects cover a wide range of areas, including community tree planting events, citizen science
activities to record wildlife observations, climate change action, and environmental leadership.Funded projects include:

• Nature Glenelg Trust – Walking with young people in Western Victoria project
• Victorian National Parks Association – Nature Stewards project