By Callum Ludwig
Given the marvellous natural environment we have in the Yarra Ranges, there are a number of dedicated volunteers committed to maintaining its natural beauty.
Yarra Valley ECOSS volunteers have been working on sustainable practices and the Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater (FOHH) continue to care for and support the plight of one of the state’s treasured faunal emblems.
Ruth Menzies has been a long-time member of FOHH, having performed almost any role since the group’s founding, still working in the nursery at the age of 91.
Ms Menzies said birds always interested her, and the Helmeted Honeyeater is a beautiful little bird.
“At the nursery, I work in the propagating area. We bring out seedlings and do cuttings and things like that, but many years ago I was one of the helpers out there helped with the feeding in the early days when the birds had been released,” she said.
“I’m absolutely flattered by the recognition, I just enjoy working not only for our little special bird, but for the company. I get to work with like-minded people, people who are interested in the Helmeted Honeyeater and in the nursery and outside work.”
Ms Menzies also volunteers at the Karwarra Australian Native Botanic Garden in Kalorama and used to volunteer as a guide at Healesville Sanctuary.
Ms Menzie said she has found volunteering very rewarding as she has gotten older.
“It’s [FOHH] a huge organisation and has a huge number of volunteers, and the volunteers that go out and feed the little birds. But if it wasn’t for the volunteers, a lot of things wouldn’t get done so it’s super important,” she said.
“Volunteer for whatever you are interested in or become interested in, because not only does it help surpass the time of the day, but it is something for you to look forward to.”
At Yarra Valley ECOSS, volunteers from Melba Support Services and Interchange Outer East have been helping in the community garden to grow fresh produce for Oonah Belonging Place and the Koha Community Cafe.
Disabilities and Volunteer Project Development Officer at ECOSS Melanie Daymond said the all-abilities Crops For Community volunteers do weekly box donations to those organisations and the program couldn’t run without the help of the volunteers.
“They are involved in everything from propagation and growing our seedlings, to then attending and looking after them, to then harvesting and delivering food boxes out to the community,” she said.
“We have over 30 regular volunteers and their support people each week, it helps to give their day a sense of purpose, knowing that they’re contributing to food relief and helping lots of vulnerable people.”
Sadly, current funding for the program runs out at the end of May, so ECOSS is seeking further funding to continue the good work being done.
Ms Daymond said it has been a popular program and has only been gaining in popularity.
“They get the benefits of working outside and all the wellbeing benefits that come from working in the garden and an inclusive environment, meeting other people from the community and then also giving back to the community through food relief,” she said.
“I’d like to thank the links that we have with Melba Support Services and Interchange Outer East for supporting the program and making it possible for the participants to come and work here, we really value the relationship that we have with those local organisations.”
