05 June 2015
Volunteer Task Outline
Title: Children’s Garden Volunteers
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
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 52,000 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, 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 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, including:
 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
 Interpretation of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s living collections through engaging
the public
05 June 2015
Volunteer Task Outline – Childrens Garden Volunteers
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria rbg.vic.gov.au
1
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 goal of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
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 goals of the Royal
Botanic Gardens Victoria.
Aim of Children’s Garden Volunteers
To help children engage with and feel excited about plants by providing opportunities to
engage their senses; discover for themselves; reveal interesting and mysterious and hidden
aspects of plants and nature.
To encourage participation of community and cultural groups that are currently not well
represented.
Main Duties
 Volunteers assist with and provide a wide range of child-centred activities. These
include a variety of musical activities, holiday programs, special events, horticulture
work and involvement with educational and partnership programs
 Encouraging children to experience, explore and enjoy the Garden through play
 General horticultural maintenance within the Children’s Garden
Requirements
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Successfully gain a Working with Children Check prior to commencement of duties
Be physically fit to undertake set up of equipment and do hands on gardening work
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
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
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Have well-developed communication skills appropriate for children and adults
Have an interest in and experience with working with children
Have an interest in and knowledge of plants, gardens, gardening and the environment
Have a willingness to seek guidance and follow instructions
05 June 2015
Volunteer Task Outline – Childrens Garden Volunteers
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria rbg.vic.gov.au
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 Have the ability to engage with children and adults from a diverse range of educational
and cultural backgrounds and abilities
 Confidence in leading a variety of activities for small to large groups
 Reliability, punctuality and commitment
Commitment
After successful completion of the 12 week training program (one full day per week), the
minimum commitment is:
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Attendance at approximately 8 meetings per year, working bees and training sessions.
Two shifts per month, shifts are normally a three hour duration.
To assist with public program special events and school holiday programs.
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 RBGV 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,
Jane.Griffin@rbg.vic.gov.au or Phone 9252 2331 (Monday–Thursday).
05 June 2015
Volunteer Task Outline – Childrens Garden Volunteers
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria rbg.vic.gov.au
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