Volunteer Task Outline Childrens Garden Volunteers

05 June 2015 Volunteer Task Outline

Title: Garden Ambassadors Branch/Division: Melbourne Gardens, Public Programs Contact: Co-ordinator Volunteers Site: Melbourne

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Vision & Mission Our vision is a flourishing community and healthy planet, sustained and enriched by plants. Our mission is to use our two remarkable gardens, our innovative science, and our skills at sharing knowledge to help the community understand and value plants.

Context The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV) at Melbourne Gardens was founded in 1846 and comprises 38 hectares of garden beds, tranquil lakes and sweeping lawns. It is home to more than 50,000 individual plants, representing over 10,000 species from around the world. A centre for horticultural excellence and scientific research into plant systematics, taxonomy and biodiversity. Established in 1970, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria at Cranbourne Gardens is dedicated to the conservation, display and enjoyment of Australian flora. Within an hour's drive of Melbourne and covering 363 hectares, the Cranbourne Gardens are a natural haven in a rapidly developing urban area. Two thirds of the site is remnant vegetation of state and regional significance, and is home to a number of endangered, vulnerable and ‘at risk’ species of fauna and flora. Both the Melbourne and Cranbourne sites are managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens Board, under the Royal Botanic Gardens Act 1991. Today the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria also includes the National Herbarium of Victoria (NHV) and the Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology (ARCUE), based at The University of Melbourne.

Public Programs Branch Public Programs Branch offers a positive, memorable and informative experience for our visitors: Visitor programs, tours, events and workshops Informing the general public on everything from water conservation and what plants to plant in their home gardens to appreciating art and sculpture Advancing the communities understanding of plants in sustaining life on earth Education programs for early childhood through to tertiary students Provision of customer service at the Visitor Centre and in the gardens 05 June 2015 Volunteer Task Outline – Childrens Garden Volunteers Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria rbg.vic.gov.au 1 Interpretation of the RBGV living collections through engaging the public Public Programs Volunteer programs The Voluntary Guides program was established in 1981 and has been successfully running for over 30 years. Over 45 Voluntary Guides conduct daily Garden Discovery Tours, lead special themed interest walks, present off site talks to organisations such as garden groups and aged care facilities. Voluntary Guides help to provide visitors with valuable insights into the plant collections, history, landscaping, conservation, projects and goals of the RBGV. The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden Volunteer program commenced in 2004. The program currently has approximately 20 volunteers who engage with visitors in the Children’s Garden, perform hands on gardening tasks and assist with delivery of education and public programs. This volunteer program has been very successful in enhancing Children’s exploration of nature. The Garden Ambassador program commenced in 2010 with currently 20 volunteers operating from the Garden Ambassador mobile information Pod. The Garden Ambassadors engage with visitors providing general information, insights into the plant collections, history, landscaping, conservation, projects and goal of the RBGV.

Aim of Garden Ambassadors To engage with visitors and enhance their gardens’ experience by providing information and demonstrations about garden history, plant collections, activities, guided walks and tours, special events and ‘’What’s On’’ in Melbourne Gardens.

Main Duties Providing general information about RBGV Engage with visitors at the mobile Pod through displays, photos and other resources Assist with the delivery of public programs and special events such as NAIDOC celebrations, the Titan Arum, special openings and education programs Informal talks and demonstrations Garden Ambassadors are at various locations throughout Melbourne Gardens, currently: Friday – Sunday, shifts are approximately 3 hours depending on the season Garden Ambassadors may represent Melbourne Gardens off-site to engage the community. Requirements Successfully gain a Working with Children Check prior to commencement of duties. Be physically fit to undertake opening and closing of the Pod and mobility to cover the site, as necessary. Work out doors in a wide variety of weather conditions. Wear a uniform and identification when on duty. Be reviewed periodically. Complete compulsory online training annually.

05 June 2015 Volunteer Task Outline – Childrens Garden Volunteers Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria rbg.vic.gov.au 2 Have a personal email address and a basic level of computer skills to enable regular electronic communications and correspondence. A small annual subscription is required (currently $15.00). Knowledge, Skills & Experience A keen interest and familiarity in Botanic Gardens and plants. Ability to engage and communicate effectively with diverse range of people. Have a keen interest in people, gardening, plants and the environment. Ability to inspire and excite people in the importance of plants. Reliability, punctuality and commitment. Willingness to keep updating knowledge about the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Commitment After successful completion of the 12 week training program (one full day per week), the minimum commitment is: Attendance at approximately 8 meetings throughout the year and training sessions. Two shifts every month, 9.45 –1.00 or 12.45 – 4.00pm or as arranged in agreement with the committee and seasons. Be reliable and on time for shifts and other organised activities. Serve a term on the Public Programs Committee or take on other areas of responsibility. Volunteers will be asked to commit to the program for a minimum two-year period.

Key Communications Garden Visitors – regular informal interactions to provide information related to site orientation, garden highlights and promotion of relevant events and programs. Presentation of short, informal activities or demonstrations designed to engage visitors. Public Program participants – assisting with delivery of structured activities and programs, particularly for public programs. RBGV staff – regular liaison regarding feedback from visitors, developments in the gardens and upcoming programs. Co-ordinator Volunteers – regular contact via telephone, email or in person regarding availability, rosters, special events, training opportunities and information relating to the Gardens.

Recognition & Rewards The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria acknowledges the importance of the relationship with its volunteers and commits to reciprocal rights, responsibilities and recognition. The RBGV is committed to excellence in management of its volunteers and is committed to acknowledging, celebrating and recording all voluntary contributions. The RBGV Volunteer policy and handbook provides more in-depth information on recognition, rewards and objectives of RBGV volunteer programs. For further information please contact Jane Griffin Co-ordinator of Volunteers, [email protected] or Phone 9252 2331 (Monday–Thursday).

05 June 2015 Volunteer Task Outline – Childrens Garden Volunteers Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria rbg.vic.gov.au 3