Board Secretary - Geelong Gardens for Wildlife

• Position: Board Secretary (volunteer) 

• Organisation: Geelong Gardens for Wildlife  

• Location: Geelong region, Victoria 

• Board meetings: Every two months, 5.30–6.30 pm (online) 

• Term: 3 years, with reappointment for a second term possible 

• Eligibility: Ideally residents of the City of Greater Geelong – Surf Coast residents will also be considered. 

About the role 

Geelong Gardens for Wildlife is seeking a passionate and committed new Board Secretary to join us at an exciting stage in our development and help keep us organised and running smoothly. 

Established in 2025, we’re a young organisation with a strong foundation and significant opportunities ahead. This is an opportunity to help shape our strategic direction, governance, sustainability and future impact.  

We are looking for someone who can bring time, energy, ideas and relevant skills to help build the organisation. Alongside good governance, we are seeking someone willing to roll up their sleeves, actively contribute to the work of the organisation and support its growth. 

If you’re passionate about creating more wildlife-friendly gardens across the Geelong region and have the skills, experience and enthusiasm to help Geelong Gardens for Wildlife grow into a strong, sustainable and impactful organisation – we'd love to hear from you. 

Key responsibilities 

As Board Secretary, you will: 

• Ensure that Board and Sub-Committee processes are effective, transparent and appropriately documented 

• Coordinate board meetings, including agendas, minutes and key documents 

• Help to keep organisational records and information up to date 

• Track actions and support follow-through on decisions 

• Assist with basic governance and compliance tasks 

• Ensure the organisation maintains appropriate systems to monitor and meet its statutory, regulatory and governance obligations 

• Maintain administrative systems and documentation 

• Contribute ideas to improve our processes and ways of working. 

Skills and experience 

You do not need to be an environmental professional as we are seeking someone who understands the role of a Board Secretary for Associations or not for profits. 

We are particularly interested in people with skills or experience in the following: 

• Demonstrated experience in Board Secretary, corporate governance, legal, regulatory or senior governance roles 

• Experience with ACNC reporting and governance requirements 

• Experience working with Boards and senior executives 

• Demonstrated knowledge of statutory and regulatory compliance requirements 

About you 

This role would suit someone who enjoys organising information and keeping things on track.  You’re reliable, have an eye for detail, and are comfortable managing administrative processes.  

You will also: 

• Have a genuine interest in local biodiversity and community wellbeing. 

• Think strategically and see both opportunities and challenges. 

• Bring sound judgement and be willing to ask constructive questions. 

• Work collaboratively and respectfully with diverse perspectives. 

• Bring professional expertise without needing to lead or control. 

• Be reliable and willing to follow through on commitments. 

• Understand and value good governance and acting in the organisation’s best interests. 

• ++Have the time, energy and capacity to contribute actively to the organisation—not just provide advice.++  

Why join the Board? 

This is an opportunity to: 

• Use your professional skills for a meaningful environmental and community purpose.  

• Help shape the future direction of a growing local organisation.  

• Contribute to practical biodiversity outcomes across the Geelong region.  

• Help build the organisational foundations for long-term impact.  

• Develop partnerships and opportunities that support local biodiversity.  

• Work alongside people who are passionate about nature, community and positive environmental change.  

About Geelong Gardens for Wildlife 

Geelong Gardens for Wildlife is a community-based organisation working to increase biodiversity across the Geelong region by supporting people to create gardens that provide habitat for local wildlife. 

The group is in its second full calendar year of operation and is affiliated to  Gardens for Wildlife Victoria.

Through garden visits, workshops, community education and partnerships, we help residents make practical changes that benefit biodiversity while creating more connected and nature-rich neighbourhoods. 

Apply for the role 

Email us to get a full copy of the Position Description and application process and timelines.