Kevin Turnbull reckons one of the best things about volunteering at the Euroa Arboretum is the opportunity to enjoy the surroundings.
Kevin Turnbull reckons one of the best things about volunteering at the Euroa Arboretum is the opportunity to enjoy the surroundings.
As well as providing a sanctuary for native fauna and flora, the arboretum is home to a nursery, which propagates and sells local native species for use in large-scale revegetation projects undertaken by agencies, including the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA), and community groups.
For the past eight years Mr Turnbull, a retired business man, has volunteered at the arboretum by helping with building and fencing projects and maintenance.
Photo: Kevin Turnbull
"I really enjoy it here – it's a practical way to help out," he said. "There's always plenty that needs doing – slashing of tracks, fencing repairs and things like building the jetty, helping with the wetland development and so on. It's a really nice spot, too. I enjoy walking around the tracks, hearing the birds and frogs and seeing the wildlife. It's a great community asset."
Euroa Arboretum project manager Cathy Olive said Mr Turnbull's contribution was "invaluable".
"We're so lucky to have Kevin helping us," she said. "He's a real handy man and very resourceful. We've got limited resources and Kevin is fantastic at recycling materials – such as old bath tubs to use for plant propagation - and helped with the water re-use system."
Ms Olive said there was a range of activities volunteers could get involved with at the arboretum, including maintenance, administrative tasks, planting and pest control.
"We recognise that people have different skills and try and match them up with their interests," she said.
Goulburn Broken CMA CEO Chris Norman said National Volunteer Week, with its theme of 'Thanks a Million', was the perfect time to recognise and thank people like Mr Turnbull who gave up their time and "did their bit" to help the environment.
"The Goulburn Broken CMA is committed to improving the resilience of our waterways, biodiversity and landscapes but we can only do this with the support of community members," he said. "I encourage anyone who is keen to get involved in natural resource management to contact us to find out more about the various volunteer groups we support and work with across the Catchment."
The Euroa Arboretum is located 2km south of Euroa (76 Old Hume Highway). For more information, phone Cathy Olive on 0429 127 399.
To find out more about Goulburn Broken CMA programs and activities visit www.gbcma.vic.gov.au