Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an iconic part of the Gold Coast with visitors flocking their every year to see the animals and enjoy the surrounds.
The park is run by the National Trust of Australia, Queensland and relies heavily on a volunteer work force to keep it going.
Manager of the Sanctuary’s Park Volunteer Program Brooke Wood said they had a large band of volunteers helping out in all facets of the park.
“National Trust of Australia Queensland (NTAQ) Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has 500 wonderful Volunteers based at the Sanctuary, and an additional 150 volunteers included in our National Trust family spread over our 13 Heritage properties across QLD from Currumbin to Cooktown,” she said.
“That is a total of 650 Volunteers.
“With NTAQ Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary being a not for profit organisation, the Sanctuary relies heavily on the assistance of many volunteers, and without the dedication and support of our volunteers, we could not do the important work that we do within heritage, conservation and environmental education.”
So how do you become a volunteer?
“Each Volunteer Program within the NTAQ Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is unique and has a very specific set of requirements,” Brooke explained.
“The mandatory criteria to volunteer at NTAQ Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary across all of the programs are the following:
• Volunteers must be a minimum of 18 years of age
• Volunteers must be able to commit to one shift per week for a minimum period of 6 months
• Volunteers must be computer literate, with an email, and be able to complete online components for training
• Volunteers must meet the physical fitness requirements of each position
• Volunteers must successfully complete trial shifts and on the job training
• Volunteers must successfully complete three months’ probation”
On the job training is provided for all roles with in the park and thee criteria plus specialised requirements for each individual position can be found on their website.
“You can apply online through the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Website – www.currumbinsanctuary.com.au , the National Trust of Australia (Qld) Website – www.nationaltrustqld.com.au or Volunteering Gold Coast volunteeringgc.org.au,” she said.
On site at the Sanctuary they currently offer four Volunteer Programs. Each Volunteer Program and position within the Sanctuary is unique and has individual requirements.
The four programs available include: Park Volunteers, Guest Relations – Providing information and support to Guests regarding shows, facilities, and animals;
Wildlife Volunteers – Assist Wildlife keepers with enclosure care tasks and feeding.
There are seven places to volunteer at the animal hospital – assist staff with Hospital Reception, Animal Rehabilitation, Wildlife Ward, Hospital Facilities, Animal Kitchen, Animal Ambulance and Wildlife Deck Liaison.
The Horticulture Volunteers include Assist Horticulture Department, with improving and planting the gardens throughout the Sanctuary.
“We have an incredible range of ages within the volunteer program, with our youngest volunteers being 18 years old through to 80 years old,” Brooke said.
“Each position available at the Sanctuary is open to all ages 18+, but it is necessary to meet all the mandatory criteria and physical requirements of the role.”
