Training & Recognition

The Foundation aims to provide all volunteers with appropriate training and support to ensure that they are well prepared to carry out their duties confidently, effectively and efficiently and safely.

Volunteers are expected to engage with the core training offered relevant to their role, and are encouraged to take the opportunities offered for additional training.

Training is designed to be as accessible, useful and enjoyable as possible.

What do we offer?

Maintenance volunteers receive training during Field Days.

• Maintenance volunteers receive introductory material including a maintenance handbook, as well as practical training in the field, and online information via our eNews ‘Maintenance Matters’. Training is included in our maintenance Field Days (at least one, per DBCA district, per year).

• New office volunteers are given thorough initial training and are supported at a comfortable pace to find their feet with the myriad office tasks.
• Volunteer guides receive extensive, practical manuals and checklists as well as a carefully staged sequence of on-Track training.
• Each of the other volunteer roles receives information and training as required.
• Knowledge and expertise is willingly shared by all BTF staff and more experienced volunteers.
• All registered volunteers are covered by insurance held by DBCA.

Volunteer recognition

Both the Bibbulmun Track Foundation and DBCA sincerely recognise, acknowledge and reward the contribution made by volunteers.

Recognition by the Foundation

We recognise and acknowledge the contribution of every volunteer in conversations, written communication and wherever volunteers are in action.

More formally, the volunteer contribution is recognised throughout the year through articles in Bibbulmun News (our members’ magazine), Bibb Bytes (our eNews for all supporters), on social media, during National Volunteer Week (annually in May), and at other opportunities.

Each November we hold ‘thank you’ events – which all volunteers are invited to attend – incorporating personal recognition of individual volunteers.

Regional volunteers enjoy a ‘thank you’ picnic

This recognition falls into two categories: Annual Rewards and Long Service Awards.

Annual Rewards are presented to those volunteers who recorded a notable time contribution during the previous financial year. Meanwhile, many other volunteers contribute a significant amount of time and effort without reaching the minimum threshold for rewards; this is usually due to the circumstances of their location and role. Our appreciation of these volunteers is equally sincere.

To be eligible for rewards volunteers must be registered and regularly submit the time spent volunteering, via the Foundation’s website. Rewards items vary from year to year. Rewards are distributed according to the following categories:

• 100 – 299 hours.
• 300 – 499 hours.
• >500 hours.

Volunteer Long Service Awards recognise the ongoing contribution of volunteers over a significant length of time, regardless of the number of hours worked each year. Long Service Awards are currently based on the years of recorded activity; we recognise the milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service.

Recognition by DBCA

Volunteer recognition by DBCA includes an annual Rewards Program, coverage of volunteer projects in both internal and public communications, an annual Volunteer Impact and Recognition report, special recognition of long serving volunteers and a ‘Volunteer of the Year’ awards ceremony.

The DBCA Rewards partly mirror those of the BTF. To be eligible, volunteers must be registered and regularly submit the time spent volunteering. The rewards are distributed annually, usually in August, after the auditing process has been completed.

* The Volunteer National Park Pass provides free entry into any WA National Park for 12 months. Presentation of the pass also authorizes a 20% discount on selected PaWS merchandise.