Volunteering with Urban Parks and Places
Make a difference in your local suburb by volunteering with Urban Parks and Places.
The volunteer program is a fun and inclusive way to meet new people while working to enliven Canberra’s parks and open spaces. The program offers a range of activities for people of all abilities.
Follow the steps below to join a registered volunteer group or start your own.
Join a registered volunteer group
Anyone can become a volunteer. To join a registered volunteer group, follow these steps:
- View the map and decide which group you would like to join.
- Create an account through the volunteer portal.
- Select the 'Opportunities’ tab to find out who the contact person is and more information about each group.
- Contact the group to find out when their next activity will be and what you should bring along.
- Turn up at the recommended time.
Map of volunteer groups
Start a new group
If you can’t find a registered volunteer group in your area, the ACT Government may approve a new group.
To propose a new group:
- Find the urban area of interest on ACTmapi and make sure it is managed by City Presentation.
- Contact us to discuss your proposed activities. What landscape enhancement ideas did you have to improve the value of the urban open space? We’ll also organise a time to meet onsite and further discuss the proposal.
- If the ACT Government agree in-principle to support a new group, you will need to develop and submit a site activity plan, including a group information sheet. We can provide templates.
- The site activity plan and group information sheet will be assessed by the ACT Government, potentially engaging with other stakeholders.
- Once approved, we will provide an on-site safety induction to the newly registered group.
- You can begin your volunteering activities after induction.
- We will create a Better Impact group account for you to record volunteering hours.
In addition to the above, a new volunteer will also have to recruit volunteers from at least 4 different households. You could try letterbox dropping your neighbours to see if anyone is interested. Each participant will need to read the volunteer handbook (PDF 3.08 MB) and register through the volunteer portal.
Related links
Video
Volunteer activities
It is important to note that before any activities can be undertaken, a site activity plan needs to be established and approved between the registered group and the ACT Government. This is done by working closely with the registered group to create an activity plan that:
- is safe
- meets legislation and policy requirements
- promotes engagement within the community.
Some activities to be considered could include:
Weed control and removal programs
In order to chemically treat weeds we may provide AQF 3 Chemical Accreditation training. We also provide training in mapping weeds and provide equipment so the activity is done safely.
Horticultural maintenance
Potentially identify, treat and control pest plants, maintain existing shrub beds and plants undertake pruning, keep paths free of leaves, and propagate and transplant seedlings.
Litter collection
Keep the place looking tidy and encourage others to put litter in its place. Large or bulky items can be reported to Access Canberra.
Monitoring and reporting issues
Something broken or not working? Please contact Access Canberra.
Become a wildlife detective by filming the animals that live in the area. Your photographs and findings can be recorded through Canberra Nature Map or Atlas of Living Australia and might help influence land management practices.
Park restoration projects
Help improve onsite water retention, reduce soil erosion, undertake plantings, maintain and create public informal paths, increase habitat opportunities and visual amenity.
Minor tree maintenance activities
Meet one of the experienced tree maintenance team who can demonstrate proper techniques such as formative pruning, sucker removal and how to choose the best tool for the job.
Habitat enhancement
Bring nature back to the city and set aside a bit of the area as habitat for animals.
Planting and maintaining plants
Be creative and draw up a plan of what could go where. What about a themed garden to attract insects or something based on Ngunnawal plant use? Our plant species guide (PDF 5.5 MB) is the place to start.
Organise community education and social events.
Organise a guided walk and let your neighbourhood know what’s special. Have a chat over cake and drink after a volunteering activity.
Citizen science
Partner with our Urban Treescape Team and take measurements to let us know about tree health.
Take photographs of plants or animals and record them through Canberra Nature Map or Atlas of Living Australia.
Training and workshops
Need something specific to help you be safe and achieve the groups goals? Let us know and we can see what training may be available. Some of our most popular courses are AQF 3 Chemical Accreditation and Provide First Aid.
Conservation
Check ACTMapi to see if there are any significant species nearby. There may be actions from a management plan that can be implemented by the group.
Support
When we meet onsite to discuss potential activities we can also chat about what we can provide to help you achieve those goals.