Wildlife & Conservation Volunteering to Open in Australia

Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers, Australia’s leading international volunteering Charity organisation, has begun to set dates for all programs to open. From marine conservation initiatives to animal care and rehabilitation, programs are starting to welcome back volunteers as early as July 2020. A list of our Australian projects can be found here.

Australian Programs to Open in July 2020

Australia is one of the luckier, or well-executed, countries in a position to ease covid-19 travel restrictions only weeks after lockdowns began, with inter-state travel opening in some states, and others to follow shortly. In light of covid-19 and people’s concerns for safety, we have taken even greater measures to keep all of our travelling volunteers safe and in good hands. We have been hard at work, creating a Coronavirus Action Plan, that gives carers, organisations and volunteers peace of mind that when doors open, we can continue to build on the important conservation work we have been doing since 2011. Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers have carefully considered the health and safety regulations per state and continue to monitor changes daily. We are communicating with our organisation partners globally and will post updates to keep volunteers updated on when they can return or re-schedule their placements.

Community and Local Volunteering

We understand that without the certainty of when international borders will open, volunteers need to hold off booking or re-scheduling until restrictions are lifted. However, it will not last forever, so keep your dreams alive and stay focused on doing your part to help conservation. There are many fantastic opportunities to make a difference and travel with purpose in the future, but, in the meantime, you may want to think about what you can do locally to help your community. Then when the time is right to pack your bags, it will mean even more!

What is on offer?

Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers are so excited to welcome back wildlife and conservation volunteers wanting to make a difference when the borders finally open. You mean the world to us and without you, initiatives would have to rely on local volunteers and fundraising alone, and this simply isn’t enough for us to rescue more animals, provide them with the care they need and conduct the research needed to protect our Earth. There is a diverse range of projects available to choose from in Australia, where you can make lasting and tangible positive impacts. Whether it’s volunteering at an animal rehabilitation program following the devastating Australian Summer 2019/2020 Bushfire Season or caring for 150 animals in the Australian Forest, your volunteering contribution is welcomed. Also available are programs focused on wildlife research, habitat monitoring, conservation management, marine conservation, endangered species breeding programs and education initiatives. Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers offer three projects that integrate marine conservation and marine research for the long-term protection of the Great Barrier Reef and rehabilitation of injured and emaciated sea turtles. The Great Barrier Reef Turtle Rehabilitation project and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Conservation programs can be undertaken separately or combined to get an all-inclusive and comprehensive marine volunteering experience. Alternatively, volunteers can participate in specialised marine research, monitoring and surveying the reef with the Island Reef Research and Conservation program.

Why Australia?

Advocates of Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers can work in out in the Australian bush where they are amongst nature at its purest and finest. Where else do you get to camp out in the heart of a wetland reserve, or within lush eucalypt forest bushlands? Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and suburbia to experience a remote destination is where volunteers can gain an insight into the real Australia and be a part of real, ethical, and sustainable conservation initiatives focused on protecting our planet, its animals and people. Some volunteers may wish to join a coastal or tropical island initiative and spend time exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers run several programs from Cairns. Swim with sea turtles, dolphins, rays, fish and other interesting marine creatures. Lay eyes on the vibrant, beautiful corals making up the iconic reef and volunteer to help in the long-term conservation of the endangered Great Barrier Reef. Keep your dreams and adventures alive and get ready for an incredible 12 months where we will see people returning to what is important to them. Start thinking about where you would like to visit, which animals you want to meet and help, and how you can direct your time and skills into positive impacts on the natural environment. Sign up today to an Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers project and mark the date on your calendar. We are fully flexible and can’t wait for the return of our volunteers. For more information, and to view all of the programs on offer in Australia and abroad, check out our website. If you have any queries regarding our covid-19 action plan, the future of volunteering, projects or otherwise, contact us at volunteer@oceans2earth.org. We look forward to seeing you! Written by Megan Cundy, Marine Conservation Advocate for Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers