Making it easier to volunteer with Parks Victoria
Wednesday 20 May, 2026
This National Volunteer Week, we’re making it easier to volunteer by introducing changes to our governance framework that remove barriers and support greater participation.
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.
Similarly, only Group Leaders and administrators involved in submitting an activity for approval will now require a ParkConnect account, removing another unnecessary administrative barrier for many volunteers. Groups that prefer to manage their volunteer details through ParkConnect as they currently do will still be able to continue doing so.
Increasing the length of Volunteer Activity Plans also ensures groups are better equipped to plan for the future.
These are just some of several changes we will continue to implement to make volunteering easier for all Victorians.
Parks Victoria CEO Lee Miezis thanked volunteers for their contribution, saying removing barriers to volunteering was important for the organisation.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to the thousands of dedicated volunteers who spend countless hours in our parks and reserves caring for nature. Your passion, energy, and commitment are the lifeblood of our parks.”
“Whether planting trees, maintaining trails, guiding visitors, or protecting precious wildlife, you make an extraordinary contribution that helps connect Victorians with nature and safeguards our natural heritage for future generations.
“This year, under the theme ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, we recognise and honour the vital role volunteers play in building stronger communities and a healthier environment.
“We are also taking this opportunity to introduce important changes which will make volunteering with us easier and even more rewarding.
“By reducing administrative burdens and streamlining processes for volunteers, we are freeing up more of your valuable time to spend where it matters most – in our beautiful parks, doing what you love.”
Further details about the changes to volunteering can be found on our Volunteer Resource Hub.
Volunteering in nature
This week is National Volunteer Week (18-24 May 2026). Being a volunteer in our parks is a great way to help conserve the beauty of Victoria’s landscape – while also learning more about plants and wildlife, gaining new skills, spending time in the outdoors, improving your health and wellbeing, and meeting new friends.
Click here to find out how you can volunteer in a park near you or subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest volunteering opportunities and updates straight to your inbox.
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