Bringing your passion to volunteering
Thomas looking out over Falls Creek atop of Mount McKay
As a child, Thomas Cucanic was always fascinated with and drawn to the natural world, which led him to undertake Environmental Science as a subject in high school.
Recognising his passion for the environment, Thomas’ teacher pointed him to consider volunteering to expand his knowledge in the field whilst giving back to the community.
A brief search via Parks Connect led Thomas to discover the Friends of Organ Pipes, a community-led organisation that maintains the indigenous vegetation in and around the Organ Pipes National Park in Melbourne’s northwest. With four years volunteering and counting, Thomas takes a moment to share with us his experience as an environmental volunteer.
“Don’t be shy... Just go for it!”
Describe a typical day in your volunteer role:
Generally, what happens at Organ Pipes is routine working bees and maintenance. This includes clearing of noxious weeds, rubbish removal and filling out reports of the state of the park. During the winter months we tend to re-vegetate certain areas which need attention. This includes previously farmed land, cleared riparian areas and the understory of eucalyptus forests. Other occasions we run fauna surveys such as sugar glider populations and bat populations.
What do you enjoy about volunteering and why is volunteering important to you?
Volunteering is an extremely rewarding experience. Not only do you give back to the environment and the community, but you also learn tons when you're out on the field. Everyone who joins the volunteering group is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. You get hands-on experience with the environment, and you might make a friend as well.
What is your top tip for someone thinking about volunteering?
Don't be shy! That's my top tip. Just go for it! Extra volunteers are always welcome. Also, look for local volunteering groups within your area. You can learn a lot about where you live and meet many of new people.
What is your most memorable experience volunteering?
The absolute most memorable experience I've had whilst volunteering is bringing a friend along to the Sugar Glider survey the park conducts yearly. Within that time, we were able to use the equipment to see the sugar gliders residing within their man-made nest boxes. My friend was in awe and frankly was hooked on the volunteering experience. He now volunteers for his local community. Knowing that volunteering has such a large impact on individuals made me so happy.
What have you learned about yourself and your community through volunteering?
Everyone is friendly in the volunteering world. Everyone is welcoming with open arms to new individuals who want to enter the volunteering scene. You learn a lot about the community with each individual happy to share their own unique story. It is an absolutely rewarding experience. If you're having second thoughts, just go for it! There's honestly nothing holding you back.
You can find out more about the Friends of Organ Pipes by visiting their website or checking out their Facebook page.
Friends of Organ Pipes National Park participated in Volunteer West’s WestSeed project, connecting grassroot organisations to build strong volunteer networks in Melbourne’s west.
Vollies of the West
Share your volunteer journey with us or be inspired by these stories to kick start your volunteer experience!