Record Breaking
Record Breaking
A systematic approach to recording landcare volunteer hours - riding on a wave of 'in kind' hours
Local Links - Stronger Communities -
LLCI028-008
The issue
Landcare groups across the country continually contribute countless hours to environmental works. The 'true' value of these works are often underestimated or unknown. When we are asking for support from federal, state or local partners it can be difficult to pitch the product of Landcare in economic terms.
The solution
Eurobodalla Landcare Network has, for several years, operated with a systematic Project Activity Register for events and working bees whereby volunteers, whether they are 'one off' attendees or weekly regulars, sign on to a form so that records of volunteers, hours/effort and site specifics can be collated in a systematic, transparent and presentable manner.
This has often assisted the groups and the network to garner appreciation and support for their programs as well as allowing reflection on
The impact
Each of the 24 local Landcare groups collect and collate the volunteer contribution that they contribute to Landcare works and programs in the area. This data is collected in a simple to use carbon copy form that also acts as a WH&S sign on sheet and is a legal document for insurance purposes. The form allows each group to gather useful data and the contribution in hours has been successfully used several times to leverage external grant funds to extend the scope of group works. Last financial year recorded hours exceeded 10000 hours and allowed the leveraging of close to $200,000 from grant funded invasive species projects to support Landcare works.
https://aboutregional.com.au/eurobodalla-landcare-at-an-all-time-high/
We are looking towards making the form even easier to use hopefully implementing an online version within the next 12 months.
Key facts
- Over 300 volunteer Landcare members in the Eurobodalla Landcare Network
- A systematic process for recording volunteer hours have allowed for significant leveraging of externally sourced funding
- 10000 volunteer hours recorded annually