Community Garden Maintenance - Centrelink approved activity

Volunteer Position Description

*Garden Maintenance Volunteer – Suitable for Meeting Centrelink Obligations

Southern Beaches Community Garden

About Southern Beaches Community Garden

Southern Beaches Community Garden provides a welcoming community space where people can connect with nature, learn about gardening, grow plants, and contribute to a healthy and sustainable local environment.

Our volunteers play an important role in maintaining the garden as an attractive, safe, productive and inclusive space for the local community.

Position Overview

Position Title: Garden Maintenance Volunteer

Reports To: Garden Coordinator or nominated committee representative

Location: Southern Beaches Community Garden

Purpose of the Role

To assist with the general maintenance and upkeep of the community garden, helping to ensure garden beds, pathways, buildings, shared areas and surrounding spaces remain clean, tidy, healthy and accessible for community members.

The role provides an opportunity to contribute to the local community, enjoy time outdoors, develop gardening skills and support environmental sustainability.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Garden and Facilities Maintenance

 Assist with weeding garden beds, pathways and common areas.

 Water plants, garden beds and newly planted vegetation as required.

 Prune, trim and maintain plants, shrubs and small trees within the volunteers capabilities.

 Assist with planting, transplanting, mulching and soil improvement.

 Maintain garden beds and assist with composting and organic waste management.

 Remove litter, fallen branches and other garden debris.

 Help maintain pathways, garden edges and shared outdoor spaces.

 Assist with seasonal garden preparation and general horticultural activities.

General Upkeep

 Keep gardening tools and equipment clean, tidy and stored appropriately after use.

 Help maintain a clean, organised and welcoming garden environment.

 Identify and report maintenance issues, damaged equipment, hazards or plant health concerns to the Garden Coordinator.

 Assist with garden improvement projects and community working bees.

Community Participation

 Work cooperatively with other volunteers, committee members and garden users.

 Treat all garden users with courtesy, respect and consideration.

 Support the garden's community-focused and environmentally sustainable objectives.

 Follow reasonable directions provided by the Garden Coordinator or nominated representative.

Skills and Experience

No formal qualifications or previous experience is required. The role is suitable for people who enjoy being outdoors and are willing to learn.

The following attributes are desirable:

 An interest in gardening, plants and the natural environment.

 A willingness to undertake practical, hands-on tasks.

 Reliability and a positive, cooperative attitude.

 General building maintenance/handyperson skills

 Respect for community members, shared resources and the garden environment.

Towing a trailer, driver's license.

 The ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Health, Safety and Environmental Responsibilities

Volunteers are expected to:

 Follow garden safety procedures and instructions.

 Use tools and equipment safely and only undertake tasks for which they feel competent.

 Wear suitable clothing, enclosed footwear and sun protection.

 Maintain adequate hydration and take rest breaks as needed.

 Report hazards, injuries, incidents and unsafe conditions promptly.

 Avoid using chemicals, powered equipment or undertaking hazardous tasks unless specifically authorised and appropriately trained.

 Use water, soil, mulch and other garden resources responsibly.

 Follow any applicable site rules and environmental management practices.

Volunteers should advise the Garden Coordinator if a task is beyond their physical capabilities or if they require assistance or an adjustment to participate safely.

Time Commitment

Volunteer hours are flexible and can be arranged in consultation with the Garden Coordinator. Volunteers may participate in regular maintenance sessions, scheduled working bees or occasional gardening activities, depending on their availability and the needs of the garden.

Support and Supervision

Volunteers will receive guidance from the Garden Coordinator or a nominated representative regarding garden priorities, work tasks, safe work practices and the appropriate use of tools and equipment.

Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering at Southern Beaches Community Garden offers the opportunity to:

 Contribute positively to the local community.

 Enjoy outdoor activity and time in nature.

 Develop practical gardening and horticultural skills.

 Meet people and build social connections.

 Support local sustainability, biodiversity and community wellbeing.