News

Where can I volunteer to protect my local environment?

By Ashley Darling

Jun 5, 2026

Volunteering is a good way to get outside and be involved with protecting your local environment. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

World Environment Day was held for the first time on June 5, 1973 and has since spread to more than 150 countries around the world.

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The day is an opportunity to raise awareness and inspire action for a healthier, more sustainable planet that can be enjoyed by future generations.

While many of the needed action can feel too big to take on personally, there are volunteering opportunities closer to home available for communities to protect their local ecosystems.

Greater Shepparton City Council

You can volunteer directly with council to take part in tree planting, cleaning up rubbish, weeding and monitoring wildlife.

For more information and to get involved, visit tinyurl.com/4y69wrp8

The council also publishes the RISE newsletter (covering resilience, innovation, sustainability and environment).

To subscribe and for past editions, visit tinyurl.com/36x4xxx6

Friends of the Australian Botanic Garden Shepparton

The Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton is supported by a community of volunteers who help provide a showcase of native Australian plants and public art.

The group hosts social morning sessions fortnightly to maintain the space, as well as monthly propagation sessions and plant sales.

To sign up and see what’s on, visit fabgs.org.au

Shepparton Mooroopna Urban Landcare Group

The Shepparton Mooroopna Urban Landcare Group helps rehabilitate areas in local bushland and wetlands, particularly Reedy Swamp, the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton and The Boulevard Bushland Reserve.

The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm to organise activities and has participated in tree planting, weeding, picking up rubbish and walks and talks with schools and the community.

To contact the group, email wadamore@bigpond.com or call Wendy on 0407 331 376.

Goulburn Murray Landcare Network

Goulburn Murray Landcare Network is operated by community volunteers and works with schools, governments and other groups to achieve sustainable land management.

The group has held forums, restored habitats, run school programs and managed pests on the agricultural floodplains of the Goulburn Broken and North Central catchment.

Find out more at gmln.com.au or visit the group’s Facebook page, Goulburn Murray Landcare Network.