CORPORATE VOLUNTEERING EXPERIENCES

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) protects and maintains more than 875 parks and reserves across the State, conserving our wild places and precious cultural sites, while providing endless recreational opportunities.

It’s a big task, and there are many ways the community can get involved and help out.

A great way for business to do their bit for the environment and local community is to get involved in corporate volunteering in a national park. It’s also a unique way to encourage your employees to work together and get things done while gaining satisfaction from improving our natural environment.

Your staff will benefit from getting out of the office and into nature, enjoying the fresh air and feeling the satisfaction of contributing to the health and wellbeing of the unique flora and fauna conserved in our national parks. It’s a great motivator and team builder for all colleagues. Our qualified rangers are keen to share their knowledge and passion throughout the day.

YOUR STAFF ARE INVALUABLE AND SO ARE OUR NATIONAL PARKS

CORPORATE VOLUNTEERING PROGRAM WILL BENEFIT YOUR ORGANISATION

• Increasing the profile of your company’s commitment to the environment.

• Tax deductibility: your fees are tax deductible and go through the Foundation for National Parks.

• Enhanced staff team building - staff gain a different perspective of each other, outside the confines of the office.

• Health and lifestyle benefits for staff

• Increased awareness of staff around environmental conservation.

YOUR STAFF WILL LOVE IT

• Provides the possibility of discovering hidden secrets and seeing amazing wildlife such as whales, birds and other native species.

• Gives a different perspective of national parks and their importance – particularly those in urban areas.

• Outdoor activities such as pulling weeds and planting are great stress relievers and let people get in touch with nature.

• Most will try something that they’ve never done before. New experiences lead to new hobbies and new activities for people to enjoy

• Helps build teams and forge better relationships with colleagues

• They’ll be able to see the difference they’ve made, and feel good about it.

• It is not just nature care – there’s plenty to be done to enhance heritage attractions such as tunnels and forts.

• The catering is great!

WHAT DO PARTICIPANTS NEED TO BRING?

• Bottled water

• Hat and sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Long sleeved pants and shirt

• Quick dry clothing if kayaking

• Enclosed shoes or boots

• Enthusiasm!

The National Park rangers will provide other equipment.

PACKAGES

The itinerary and price of each package will vary depending on the site, staff and your specific requirements, such as additional activities, com-petitions or a catered lunch. A standard Corporate Day includes a brief presentation of NPWS, safety induction, supervision, significant time volunteering and lunch break.

The Team Building Challenge option also includes a tour or bushwalk and an afternoon presentation. An example of a typical Team Building Challenge schedule is shown in the table below.

SAFETY

Uniformed National Park rangers will be on hand at all times and participants will be given a safety briefing. Rangers have first aid training and all safety equipment is provided.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

Fitness is an advantage for some experiences, such as kayaking Sydney Harbour. However, everyone is welcome to join, and participants are teamed with more capable partners if required. Discuss your requirements when booking.

THE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE INCLUDES:

• Planting trees, pulling weeds and restoring heritage sites.

• Tours of historical sites and educational wildlife tours.

• Organised team building activities, competitions and challenges, led and coordinated by experienced NPWS rangers.

• Kayaking on Sydney Harbour and collecting rubbish as you go, helping protect the Harbour’s marine life.

• Sessions on Aboriginal culture and tradition with Aboriginal rangers and guides.

• Sponsorship projects, allowing your company to preserve your own piece of natural or historic heritage.

• Tailored programs to meet specific corporate development needs.

TEAM BUILDING CHALLENGE

0830 – 0900 Tea and coffee

0900 – 0915 NPWS Presentation

0915 – 0930 Safety brief and tool up

0930 – 1100 Get your hands dirty

1100 – 1130 Morning tea

1130 – 1315 Get your hands dirty

1315 – 1330 Pack up

1330 – 1415 Lunch and group photo

1415 – 1500 Tour or bushwalk

1500 Presentation

WHAT DO PARTICIPANTS NEED TO BRING?

• Bottled water

• Hat and sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Long sleeved pants and shirt

• Quick dry clothing if kayaking

• Enclosed shoes or boots

• Enthusiasm!

The National Park rangers will provide other equipment.

PACKAGES

The itinerary and price of each package will vary depending on the site, staff and your specific requirements, such as additional activities, com-petitions or a catered lunch. A standard Corporate Day includes a brief presentation of NPWS, safety induction, supervision, significant time volunteering and lunch break.

The Team Building Challenge option also includes a tour or bushwalk and an afternoon presentation. An example of a typical Team Building Challenge schedule is shown in the table below.

Organised team building activities, competitions and challenges, led and coordinated by

Kayaking on Sydney Harbour and collecting rubbish as you go, helping protect the Harbour’s

Sessions on Aboriginal culture and tradition with Aboriginal rangers and guides.

Sponsorship projects, allowing your company to preserve your own piece of natural or historic heritage.

Tailored programs to meet specific corporate development needs.

Fitness is an advantage for some experiences, such as kayaking Sydney Harbour. However, everyone is welcome to join, and participants are teamed with

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To discuss the best option for your organisation, please contact us on

13000 PARKS (13000 72757), Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm or email: corporatevolunteering@environment.nsw.gov.au

You can also visit our website: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/volunteers

To discuss the best option for your organisation, please contact our Corporate Engagement Volunteer partner at Landcare Australia Ltd.:

Odessa O’Brien on (02 )8440 8812 Monday through Friday (8:30 am to 5:00 pm) or email: Odessa.OBrien@landcareaustralia.com.au You can also visit our website: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/get-involved

For more inFormation