Communities across bushfire affected areas have involved volunteers from around Australia as recovery progresses.
The community of Strathewen was devastated by the Black Saturday bushfires. 23 residents lost their lives and 80 homes were destroyed. Strathewen is rebuilding with the help of thousands of hours of volunteer labour, donated materials and the funds so generously donated after the fires. The road to recovery is a long journey, and the community sincerely thanks everyone who is helping them.
Strathewen Primary School has a long, proud history of being the focal point for the community. It is a school which has traditionally had a very high level of parental involvement and many wonderful projects have been achieved. Sustainabillity has been a key theme in Strathewen's award winning community led recovery effort. The School is undertaking a number of projects that require assistance so please contact them if you would like to help.
Firefoxes is a group of resilient Kinglake women rising together from the bushfires. This amazing group won the Community Spirit award in the recent Herald Sun Pride of Australia Medal awards. Firefoxes is an incorporated group, auspiced by and run as a program of Uniting Care Cutting Edge. This group of inspirational women run diverse programs including boot camps and retreats.
From Water Forums and local Water Action Groups to community work engagement programs - KANDO is a network of community members dedicated to sustainable development. Let them know if you are interested in contributing.
Caring for local ecosystems is a vital aspect of the bushfire recovery. Landcare is active in Flowerdale, Kinglake, Marysville and right across bushfire affected communities. Through their 'Fences Without Borders' program Landcare is encouraging corporate volunteering in a big way - so get involved.
Not-for-profit organisations can advertise for volunteers in our opportunity matching service. Get ideas for ways to volunteer, what to expect and how to get started as a volunteer. Read inspirational volunteering stories and share your experiences with others.
Seek Volunteer is a non-profit initiative designed to bring volunteers and the organisations seeking them together. Volunteer opportunities are updated daily and you can search by organisation or position.
Find out more information about joining VICSES and why thousands around Victoria already have. VICSES volunteers come from different professions, backgrounds and all walks of life. As well as saving the lives and property of many Victorians, VICSES volunteer members find there are many personal benefits to volunteering. There is the opportunity to hold leadership positions, earn accreditations that can be used beyond VICSES, become a respected figure in the community and form strong friendships.
There are many different types of volunteer roles at CFA. By making a contribution to your community you will make new friends, learn new skills and be part of Victoria's largest volunteer team. You don't need experience to join CFA as we will provide you with all the necessary training. The training is aligned with National Competency Standards so your new skills will be recognised throughout Australia. The job isn't all fighting fires, and there are many support roles that help brigades, and will also help you to build professional skills
Volunteering Victoria is the State peak body for volunteering. Volunteering Victoria supports volunteers, volunteer managers and co-ordinators and volunteer-involving not-for-profit and community organisations within Victoria.
Julia, Mike and Otis talk to Green Cross Australia's CEO Mara Bun about their straw bale home and rebuilding in a more sustainable way post Black Saturday.
The Build It Back Green team get a tour of Flowerdale and the rebuilding progress that has been made since Black Saturday, February 9th 2009.
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