How can I help?

By volunteering with the Foundation you can contribute to its growth and strength by participating in a wide variety of activities, such as Track maintenance, guiding, helping at community events and assisting in the Foundation’s office.

However, before undertaking any volunteer work with the Foundation you must be registered as a volunteer with the Parks and Wildlife Service.  We'll arrange this for you.  The key roles are outlined below.

Track maintenance

The installation of water bars helps prevent erosion.
The installation of water bars helps prevent erosion.
The Eyes on the Ground Maintenance Program is sponsored by Newmont Boddington Gold and administered by the Volunteer Coordinator at the Bibbulmun Track Foundation.

The Bibbulmun Track is divided into 147 maintenance sections, varying in length from 5-10km. Some sections include a campsite. Volunteers adopt a section of the Track and are trained to look after it. Their role is essential in ensuring that the Track remains well-kept and well-loved. Each section is maintained by a team which may consist of one person working on their own, a group of friends, family or work mates.  Sometimes the responsibility for a section may be shared by more than one team.

A Field Day is held annually in each district as part of your training. It is expected that each volunteer will attend one Field Day each year. In addition to practical training, these days provide a chance to meet the Volunteer Coordinator, Parks and Wildlife Service staff and other volunteers.

Maintenance volunteers receive the newsletter, Maintenance Matters, four times a year to keep them up to date with maintenance issues.

Volunteers supply their own tools - secateurs, a small saw and a hammer are usually sufficient.  If required, Parks and Wildlife Service will supply a rake hoe for the team which must be returned when the team retires.

What does a Maintenance Volunteer do?

Sweeping the shelter, clearing gutters, checking water tanks and cleaning the dunny are all part of maintaining a campsite.
Sweeping the shelter, clearing gutters, checking water tanks and cleaning the dunny are all part of maintaining a campsite.

  • Undertakes a range of light maintenance tasks including pruning, clearing debris from the Track, replacing missing trail markers, installing water bars, removing litter and monitoring the campsite. All major maintenance tasks are carried out by the Parks and Wildlife Service.
  • Attends to their section at least four times per year (ie once every three months). In areas closer to Perth, or on sections that require a higher level of maintenance, more frequent visits are preferred. If four visits per year are not possible, the responsibility may be shared between two teams, enabling volunteers to attend their section less often.
  • Attends a Maintenance Field Day each year. These are held annually in each Parks and Wildlife Service district. 
  • Submits completed report forms to the Foundation after each maintenance visit. These reports are vital in assisting the Foundation and the Parks and Wildlife Service in dealing with immediate problems and in planning for the future of the Track.
  • Records the number of hours contributed (including travelling time) on a time-sheet which is submitted to the Foundation at the end of each quarter.

Which section will I maintain if I volunteer?
Clearing debris, pruning and weeding are regular jobs for maintenance volunteers.
Clearing debris, pruning and weeding are regular jobs for maintenance volunteers.

  • The Volunteer Coordinator manages the allocation of sections and will assist you in the choice of an appropriate section from those available.
  • Some sections require a greater time commitment than others depending on the travelling time from the volunteer’s home location.

“I would suggest that anyone contemplating becoming a Maintenance Volunteer should do so without hesitation. You won’t regret it!”

P Evans, Maintenance Volunteer

 

Checkout an article about our maintenance program by Go Camping Australia.

 

Guiding

Bibbulmun Track guides teach the kids some camp cooking.
Bibbulmun Track guides teach the kids some camp cooking.
A great way to enjoy the Track, meet fellow walkers, encourage new Track users and to develop a love of the Track in other people is to become a Volunteer Guide.

The Foundation conducts approximately 80 events each year.  Each event is developed to target specific sectors of the community to encourage a wider use of the Track by people of all ages, socio-economic groups and fitness levels. One of the main aims is to attract people who have never bushwalked before and who might otherwise not venture out on the Track because of a lack of confidence, skills or motivation.

We aim to keep our events as affordable as possible so that the broadest range of people can participate and benefit from being introduced to bushwalking. Central to this objective is the role of the Volunteer Guide.

What does a Volunteer Guide do?

  • Bibb Track guides pass on their navigation skills to event participants.
    Bibb Track guides pass on their navigation skills to event participants.
    Helps the BTF Events Manager to deliver a range of activities and events which cater for all ages. These may include leading day walks, overnight walks or multi-day walks on the Track for a variety of group types, leading activities designed for children to develop their skills in the outdoors or speaking to groups regarding the preparation and planning of activities, along with providing information about appropriate equipment. Weekend day walks are the most common type of event conducted by Volunteer Guides.
  • Completes a log-book to record details of each volunteer guiding experience. If more formal guiding qualifications are sought at a later date, this log-book may be used to substantiate prior learning.
  • Records the number of volunteer hours (including travel time to and from events) on a time-sheet which is submitted to the BTF Volunteer Coordinator at the end of each quarter.
  • By completing the BTF Guide Training Program you will acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and ability to lead groups of participants on safe, informative and enjoyable bushwalks.  As an experienced bushwalker, you may find that a great deal of the information is common sense of which you are already aware .  However, the training will fill any gaps in your knowledge, ensure that all guides provide a consistent level of service to participants and provide you with support as you build your skills and confidence.

Pre-requisites:

In addition to registering as a volunteer, trainee guides must:

  • Be experienced, fit and healthy bushwalkers.
  • Have walked a section or sections of the Bibbulmun Track for a minimum of two consecutive nights (three days), camping out at the campsites, in addition to other bushwalking experience.

All prospective Volunteer Guides are required to hold a recognised Senior First Aid Certificate which must be kept current. A bus drivers licence and a police clearance are added bonuses, but are not essential.
More specific information on volunteer guiding can be obtained by contacting the Events Manager at the BTF Office.

In the office

Office volunteers ready to help in our reception
Office volunteers ready to help in our reception
The Bibbulmun Track Foundation Reception (shop) is open Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm and staffed by our office volunteers.

If you have a good knowledge of the Track, are a keen and experienced walker, and have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel) you are welcome to apply to become a regular member of the office team. Office Volunteers provide front-line interaction with our members and the public and assist with an interesting variety of administrative and marketing tasks. Meet engaging and like-minded people in a fun and positive environment.

What does an Office Volunteer do?

  • Carries out a range of tasks relevant to the needs of the BTF. These tasks may include answering general phone, email and walk-in enquiries, attending to merchandise sales and memberships, processing hire equipment, assisting with a variety of projects for Office staff, and providing your relevant skills and input where able.
  • Records the number of volunteer hours on an electronic timesheet which is collated by the Volunteer Manager annually for allocation of rewards.

Community events

Experienced walkers provide information and advice at community events.
Experienced walkers provide information and advice at community events.
If you are knowledgeable about the Foundation and familiar with the Track, and you like talking to people, then consider becoming a community events volunteer. The Foundation is occassionally invited to provide a presence at community events, fairs and festivals, which is a great opportunity to raise the general public’s awareness of the Foundation and the Track and what they have to offer. Promotion of the Track by enthusiastic members and users is very effective.

What does a Community Events Volunteer do?

  • Assists in transport (if possible) and the set-up of promotional displays in a variety of locations and settings.
  • Answers a multitude of questions about types and duration of walks, best walking season, attractions on the Track, most appropriate gear, terrain of different sections, Track towns, best types of food to carry, etc.
  • Answers questions and provides information about membership, services and tourism products (eg Bibbulmun Breaks) provided by the Foundation.
  • Talks to people! Listens to other people’s walking experiences! Shares Track tales with others.
  • Has a great time!
  • Records the number of volunteer hours on a time-sheet which is submitted to the Volunteer Coordinator at the end of each quarter.

Research
Walker surveys are conducted by volunteers at various spots along the Track.
Walker surveys are conducted by volunteers at various spots along the Track.

Walker surveys are conducted every few years to obtain statistical data that is used for planning the ongoing management of the Track and funding applications.

What does a Research Volunteer do?

  • Interviews walkers at designated locations on the Track.
  • Surveys and records walker information.
  • Has a great time talking to fellow hikers.

How do I benefit?

Volunteering for the Bibbulmun Track Foundation can be a source of great pride and satisfaction. The efforts of volunteers help to ensure that the Track remains a world class facility that is enjoyed by many people. Becoming a volunteer is a commitment. You will receive training and recognition. Volunteers are rewarded by both the Parks and Wildlife Service and the Foundation. Rewards are given for hours accumulated during one financial year.

Why it’s good to become a BTF member

Volunteers are encouraged to become BTF members to ensure they are kept informed of all relevant matters regarding the Track and the Foundation.

What now?

If you would like to join our team please complete the contact form to discuss the opportunities currently available in your area of interest.

We thank you for your interest in supporting the Bibbulmun Track and look forward to meeting you soon!

Any other questions?

Check out our volunteering FAQs.