Ecological Restoration Team manages and restores indigenous vegetation along Merri Creek,throughout the Merri Catchment, and across Melbourne. Team members are indigenous vegetation management practitioners who generally have qualifications in natural resource management or a related environmental field.

Key Tasks and the volunteering day

Works typically involve vegetation management and weed control, along with other activities such as planting (seasonal), burning (seasonal), litter removal and pruning. Starting early, the day begins at the depot (2 Lee St, Brunswick East), crews will then head out to the field for the day.

The volunteer experience with the Ecological Restoration Team is most suited to students and graduates in a natural resource management related field. We also encourage those who would like to 'try out' their interest in this field of work, or those from other industries who would like to gain an insight into our work or want to contribute to the Merri Creek's restoration.

While we try to be flexible to accommodate volunteers' needs; our flexibility and capacity to host volunteers may be limited at times due to workplace commitments. Given the volume of volunteer requests that we receive; we can only accept volunteers for a maximum of one day a week for a two-month period. This is to ensure that we can offer the experience to as many people as possible.

Please note that the work undertaken can be physically demanding and occurs in varying weather conditions.

Below is an outline of the day-to-day operation of the team, what we provide and what volunteers need to bring along.

MCMC hours of work:

We start work at 7am and finish at 3.30pm.  Start and finish times may be earlier during hot summer months, please confirm the start time prior to commencing. 

The sites you will be working at are generally not near shops or toilets. Please bring food for morning tea and lunch and a water bottle. We provide tea & coffee and extra drinking water.

MCMC provides:

• Transport to and from work sites
• Personal Protective Equipment including gloves, ear plugs and special protective eyewear (although you should bring your own sunglasses). You need to provide your own appropriate work shoes and wet weather gear.
• Sunscreen
• Induction into the depot, facilities and procedures
• Any relevant training (on the job, on an as needs basis)

Please ensure you are wearing the following:

• Sturdy enclosed work shoes
• Sturdy long pants
• Sturdy long-sleeved shirt
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Bring a jacket in case the weather is cold
• Bring wet weather gear (coat and pants) as the team generally continues to work in the rain
• Do not wear clothing or jewellery that may cause danger or reduce your working capacity.

If you want to volunteer with the Ecological Restoration Team:

Please contact us well in advance before you would like to start volunteering, to help us plan our works schedules.

Then email  with the following information:

• Your availability: Do you want to volunteer for a single day only? Would you like to volunteer one day a week for up to two months?
• When you would like to start and complete your volunteering.
• 1-2 sentences outlining your reasons for wanting to volunteer with us.
• Any questions you may have.

Please complete and return this form before you start volunteering.

We understand that your availability may change from time to time and dates can be discussed and modified by agreement.

Want more information?

The Volunteer Position Description outlines the type of work and the MCMC context in more detail. Also see our Volunteer Policy.