05 June 2015
Volunteer Task Outline
Title: Voluntary Guides
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
 Interpretation of the RBGV 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 succesfully
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 the 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 goal of the Royal
Botanic Gardens Victoria.
Aim of Voluntary Guides
To enhance the visitor experience and to support the mission of the Royal Botanic Gardens
Victoria through well informed and engaging walks and talks.
Main Duties
 Leading general tours through the Melbourne Gardens i.e. Gardens Discovery Tours.
 Talks to external groups and booked groups.
 To engage with visitors and to inspire an interest in the importance of plants and the
role of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
 To assist with the interpretation of Melbourne Gardens’ living collections.
 Researching Melbourne Gardens’ plant collections and building a knowledge base.
 Ongoing training for the delivery of specialist walks.
Requirements
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Successfully gain a Working with Children Check prior to commencement of duties.
Be physically fit, able to walk up to 2 hour duration, moderate pace.
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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A keen interest in and enthusiasm for botanic gardens and plants.
Familiarity with basic botany.
Excellent verbal communication skills.
Interest and skills in tour leading.
Flexibility and well developed communication skills in engaging with different size
groups and visitors from all over the world.
 Ability to inspire visitors’ interest in the importance of plants through knowledgeable
story telling.
05 June 2015
Volunteer Task Outline – Childrens Garden Volunteers
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria rbg.vic.gov.au
2
 Reliability, punctuality and commitment.
 Willingness to keep updating knowledge about the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
Commitment
After successfully completing the 12 week training program (one full day per week), the
minimum commitment is:
 Take a minimum of ten rostered Gardens Discovery Tours (GDT) a year, this includes
up to four weekend Gardens Discovery Tours per year
 Take at least four Booked Walks per year. Guides active in the Talks program to take at
least two Booked Walks a year
 Train for and participate in Special Interest Walks
 Be reliable and on time for all walks and other organised activities
 Attend at least 9 out of 11 monthly Meetings, currently the second Monday of the month
(10am – 1:00pm)
 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 education groups.
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 Royal
Botanic Gardens Victoria is committed to excellence in management of its volunteers and is
committed to acknowledging, celebrating and recording all voluntary contributions. The RBG
Volunteer Policy and Handbook provides more in-depth information on recognition, rewards
and objectives of the Gardens’ volunteer programs.
For further information please contact the Jane Griffin Co-ordinator of Volunteers,
Jane.Griffin@rbg.vic.gov.au or 9252 2331 (Monday – Thursday).
05 June 2015
Volunteer Task Outline – Childrens Garden Volunteers
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria rbg.vic.gov.au
3