To celebrate National Volunteer Week, we're announcing changes to our Volunteer Governance Framework which will better support volunteers by removing barriers so they can get involved with ease.
We are fortunate to have thousands of committed volunteers spread right across the state, regularly donating their time and energy to care for nature. Every year more than 20,000 volunteers contribute over 148,000 hours of dedicated work in Victoria's parks and reserves.
These volunteers come from all walks of life and play an important role in protecting our unique natural and cultural heritage, improving it for the benefit of others.
We have listened to feedback from volunteer groups across the state about the difficulty some groups face in attracting and retaining volunteers. Today we're announcing changes to our Volunteer Governance Framework which will make it easier for groups and individuals to volunteer in our parks.
The changes will reduce administrative burdens for volunteers, allow for longer-term planning, and provide better support, training and information.
From today:
- Only volunteers legally deemed to require a Working with Children Check (WWCC) under the Worker Screening Act 2020 need one.
- Everyday volunteers will no longer be required to hold a ParkConnect account.
- Duration of Volunteer Activity Plans (VAPs) will be extended from 1 year to as long as 3 years to allow for longer-term planning.
- A new dedicated Volunteer Resource Hub will be is available on the Parks Victoria website with resources for Group Leaders, current volunteers, and people interested in volunteering for the first time.
Child safety remains a core priority for Parks Victoria. By aligning our volunteer Working with Children Check requirements with the Worker Screening Act 2020, volunteers now have clearer guidance on who is legally required to hold a Working with Children Check.
Volunteer organisations must also declare they understand their legal obligation under the Act upon submitting an activity for approval.
This update ensures child safety remains a priority for volunteers who work closely with children, while also removing unnecessary administrative barriers for future volunteers that do not require the check.
