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Passionate young volunteers protecting the environment through adventurous, creative, and impactful activities across Gippsland

Gippsland Intrepid Landcare, formed in 2017, engages young volunteers in environmental work with adventurous activities like kayaking, tree planting, and festival events, fostering community involvement and career connections in conservation.

By news@gippsland - 18th January 2025 - Back to News

Gippsland Intrepid Landcare is a group of passionate, creative and energetic volunteers (aged 18 to in their 30s) who want to protect the region's environment while having epic adventures across Gippsland. Inspired by the national Intrepid Landcare movement, the group was formed in 2017 by then environmental science student Kelsey Tong along with co-founders Kathleen Black and Brita Jobling.

Gippsland Intrepid Landcare, formed in 2017, is a group of young volunteers protecting the environment through exciting Gippsland adventures

Youthful landcare adventures

Kelsey said, "From the very beginning we had a lot of interest. Our vision was about 'doing Landcare' but making it attractive to younger people - no boring meetings! It was about providing a pathway into Landcare that better suited people aged between 18 and thirty-something."

In only a short time the group has flourished. It has 60 members, has run more than 20 successful events attended by 500 young people and planted over 10,000 trees. This is an impressive start, especially considering three years impacted by COVID.

Their innovative activities combine friendship, adventure and outdoors with environmental work such as kayaking trips to map willows, beach-themed events to remove sea spurge and hiking expeditions to monitor deer.

Fun, planting, community events

Kelsey also said, "We're a bunch of mates organising fun events that bring people together. When I'm out there planting trees or on kayaks, I feel proud watching other people making friends, having fun and contributing to the environment. Current Chair of the group, Elsa Burnell, agrees. "It's an awesome, welcoming environment with like-minded people who want to make a difference."

A highlight of the event calendar is the hugely successful Plant & Dance events funded by Victorian Landcare Grants. "We were sitting in a lecture theatre chatting about how good it would be to have an old-fashioned bush doof, and Plant & Dance was born," said Elsa.

At these events, the Gippsland Intrepid team partnered with local Landare groups and private landholders to plant thousands of plants on site in one day amidst a festival atmosphere with live music, DJs and food. "Plant & Dance sums up what the group is about - doing fun stuff and helping the environment." Kelsey explained.

Networking, career growth

Other activities, like camp-out retreats featuring guest speakers, offer opportunities for young people to build professional networks and gain hands-on industry experience in natural resource management. "There are lots of career connections to be made. If you're keen on working in this industry, it's a great avenue to showcase yourself to the work and employers out there," said Kelsey.

Gippsland Intrepid's success at attracting and engaging members and their strong partnerships with other Landcare networks is contributing to a broader understanding of community groups and volunteering in West Gippsland.

"It is wonderful to see a new generation of Landcare Champions in the region who are invested in understanding the needs of younger people and Landcare networks. These young leaders are the future of our volunteer community.," said Deb Archer, Manager of Strategy, Investment and Partnerships at West Gippsland CMA. Gippsland Intrepid Landcare was awarded a 2024 Lyrebird Award from West Gippsland CMA.

Pictures from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com