05 June 2015

Volunteer Task Outline

Title: Children’s Garden Volunteers

Branch/Division: Melbourne Gardens, Public Programs

Contact: Co-ordinator Volunteers

Site: Melbourne

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Vision & Mission

Our vision is a flourishing community and healthy planet, sustained and enriched by plants. Our mission is to use our two remarkable gardens, our innovative science, and our skills at sharing knowledge to help the community understand and value plants.

Context

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV) at Melbourne Gardens was founded in 1846 and comprises 38 hectares of garden beds, tranquil lakes and sweeping lawns. It is home to more than 52,000 individual plants, representing over 10,000 species from around the world. A centre for horticultural excellence and scientific research into plant systematics, taxonomy and biodiversity.

Established in 1970, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria at Cranbourne Gardens is dedicated to the conservation, display and enjoyment of Australian flora. Within an hour's drive of Melbourne and covering 363 hectares, the Cranbourne Gardens are a natural haven in a rapidly developing urban area. Two thirds of the site is remnant vegetation of state and regional significance, and is home to a number of endangered, vulnerable and ‘at risk’ species of fauna and flora.

Both the Melbourne and Cranbourne sites are managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens Board, under the Royal Botanic Gardens Act 1991.

Today Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria also includes the National Herbarium of Victoria (NHV) and the Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology (ARCUE), based at The University of Melbourne.

Public Programs Branch

Public Programs Branch offers a positive, memorable and informative experience for our visitors, including:

Visitor programs, tours, events and workshops Informing the general public on everything from water conservation and what plants to

plant in their home gardens to appreciating art and sculpture Advancing the communities understanding of plants in sustaining life on earth Education programs for early childhood through to tertiary students Provision of customer service at the Visitor Centre and in the gardens Interpretation of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s living collections through engaging

the public

05 June 2015Volunteer Task Outline – Childrens Garden VolunteersRoyal Botanic Gardens Victoria rbg.vic.gov.au 1

Public Programs Volunteer programs

The Voluntary Guides program was established in 1981 and has been successfully running for over 30 years. Over 45 Voluntary Guides conduct daily Garden Discovery Tours, lead special themed interest walks, present off site talks to organisations such as garden groups and aged care facilities. Voluntary Guides help to provide visitors with valuable insights into the plant collections, history, landscaping, conservation, projects and goal of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.

The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden Volunteer program commenced in 2004. The program currently has approximately 20 volunteers who engage with visitors in the Children’s Garden, perform hands on gardening tasks and assist with delivery of education and public programs. This volunteer program has been very successful in enhancing Children’s exploration of nature.

The Garden Ambassador program commenced in 2010 with currently 20 volunteers operating from the Garden Ambassador mobile information Pod. The Garden Ambassadors engage with visitors providing general information, insights into the plant collections, history, landscaping, conservation, projects and goals of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.

Aim of Children’s Garden Volunteers

To help children engage with and feel excited about plants by providing opportunities to engage their senses; discover for themselves; reveal interesting and mysterious and hidden aspects of plants and nature.

To encourage participation of community and cultural groups that are currently not well represented.

Main Duties

Volunteers assist with and provide a wide range of child-centred activities. These include a variety of musical activities, holiday programs, special events, horticulture work and involvement with educational and partnership programs

Encouraging children to experience, explore and enjoy the Garden through play General horticultural maintenance within the Children’s Garden

Requirements

Successfully gain a Working with Children Check prior to commencement of duties Be physically fit to undertake set up of equipment and do hands on gardening work Work out doors in a wide variety of weather conditions Wear a uniform and identification when on duty Be reviewed periodically Complete compulsory online training annually Have a personal email address and a basic level of computer skills to enable regular

electronic communications and correspondence A small annual subscription is required (currently $15.00)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Have well-developed communication skills appropriate for children and adults Have an interest in and experience with working with children Have an interest in and knowledge of plants, gardens, gardening and the environment

05 June 2015Volunteer Task Outline – Childrens Garden VolunteersRoyal Botanic Gardens Victoria rbg.vic.gov.au 2

Have a willingness to seek guidance and follow instructions Have the ability to engage with children and adults from a diverse range of educational

and cultural backgrounds and abilities Confidence in leading a variety of activities for small to large groups Reliability, punctuality and commitment

Commitment

After successful completion of the 12 week training program (one full day per week), the minimum commitment is:

Attendance at approximately 8 meetings per year, working bees and training sessions. Two shifts per month, shifts are normally a three hour duration. To assist with public program special events and school holiday programs. Be reliable and on time for shifts and other organised activities. Serve a term on the Public Programs Committee or take on other areas of

responsibility.

Volunteers will be asked to commit to the program for a minimum two-year period.

Key Communications

Garden Visitors – regular informal interactions to provide information related to site orientation, garden highlights and promotion of relevant events and programs. Presentation of short, informal activities or demonstrations designed to engage visitors.

Public Program participants – assisting with delivery of structured activities and programs, particularly for public programs.

RBGV staff – regular liaison regarding feedback from visitors, developments in the Gardens and upcoming programs

Co-ordinator Volunteers – regular contact via telephone, email or in person regarding availability, rosters, special events, training opportunities and information relating to the Gardens.

Recognition & Rewards

The RBGV acknowledges the importance of the relationship with its volunteers and commits to reciprocal rights, responsibilities and recognition. The RBGV is committed to excellence in management of its volunteers and is committed to acknowledging, celebrating and recording all voluntary contributions. The RBGV Volunteer policy and handbook provides more in-depth information on recognition, rewards and objectives of RBGV volunteer programs.

For further information please contact Jane Griffin Co-ordinator of Volunteers, Jane.Griffin@rbg.vic.gov.au or Phone 9252 2331 (Monday–Thursday).

05 June 2015Volunteer Task Outline – Childrens Garden VolunteersRoyal Botanic Gardens Victoria rbg.vic.gov.au 3