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Volunteer

There are many ways to help care for the coast as a volunteer. Barwon Coast works closely with a number of active and passionate local community groups who are always looking for new members to join them.

Some of their activities include planting native species, removing environmental weeds, running environmental education events, protecting threatened species, and water monitoring.

If you’re keen to find out more or get involved, get in touch with one of these friendly groups.

Friends of the Lobster Pot

Friends of the Lobster Pot volunteers are passionate about sharing knowledge about the diverse natural environments and heritage of Barwon Heads and surrounds. The group worked in partnership with Barwon Coast to convert a local, historic building, ‘The Lobster Pot’, into a place where people of all ages can discover the wonders of our local marine life, plants, animals, history, geology and shipwrecks.

Volunteers open the Barwon Coast Discovery Centre every Sunday afternoon, during school holidays, and by bookings, hosting over 2,500 curious visitors each year. The group welcomes new members to help with these regular openings, and to develop new displays and ways for people to learn about the amazing natural and historical features of the local area

Contact Friends of the Lobster Pot at behc.lobsterpot@gmail.com.

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Breamlea Coastcare

Breamlea Coastcare is a small, active, group that formed over 30 years ago to care for and protect their local coastal and saltmarsh environments. The group operates under Coastcare Victoria, which is delivered by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

Breamlea Coastcare welcomes new members to volunteer with them, working in partnership with land managers including Barwon Coast, Parks Victoria and the City of Greater Geelong. Volunteers meet three Mondays each month at 2pm, and on the third Sunday at 10am, focusing on weed removal and habitat restoration within the Breamlea Flora and Fauna Reserve, coastal dunes and Moonah Woodland.

Contact Breamlea Coastcare at coastcare@breamlea.com.au.

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EstuaryWatch
(Barwon River)

EstuaryWatch is a state-wide volunteer program dedicated to investigating and monitoring estuarine and freshwater ecosystems. Running for over 30 years, the program engages communities, gathers valuable data, and promotes the sustainable management of these vital waterways.

Anyone is welcome to join the Barwon EstuaryWatch group who are supported by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority. You don’t need any special skills, just an interest in the Barwon estuary and a willingness to learn how to be a citizen scientist. Local volunteers enjoy meeting once a month to collect data at points along the river in Barwon Heads.

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Ocean Grove Coastcare

Ocean Grove Coastcare was established in 2010 by five enthusiastic young women who were driven to protect the natural values of the Ocean Grove coastal environment. The group operates under Coastcare Victoria, which is delivered by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

Ocean Grove Coastcare volunteers run a range of community activities throughout the year, such as tree planting days, Clean Up Australia Day events, film nights, guest speakers, and weed removal – including their ‘Weekly Weeders’ who come together after 12pm between April and November (at Buckley Park).

Contact Ocean Grove Coastcare at oceangrovecoastcare@gmail.com.

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Friends of the Bluff

Friends of the Bluff formed in 1994 with the mission to educate and engage local residents and visitors to help protect the natural and cultural values of the Barwon Heads area.

The group has achieved a lot in their 30-plus years, including a significant amount of weed removal and habitat restoration on the Barwon Bluff, campaigning to establish the Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary (est. 2002), developing education resources including a comprehensive website and field guides, and running popular guided activities.

Friends of the Bluff were an award finalist in the 2024 Victorian Marine and Coastal Awards, recognising their outstanding achievements in inspiring community engagement and education.

Contact Friends of the Bluff at reimaginebluff2022@gmail.com.

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Friends of the Hooded Plover Bellarine

Friends of the Hooded Plover Bellarine volunteers are passionate about protecting the threatened Hooded Plover. Only 11 adult pairs of these birds remain on the coast from Point Lonsdale to Breamlea. The group operates under BirdLife Australia’s Beach-nesting Birds Program that provides training, equipment and support.

Volunteers are most active during the breeding season, which typically runs from August to April. They work together with Barwon Coast and other land managers to monitor the occurrence of adult birds, nesting activities and new hatchings, and provide education to beachgoers and locals to help give Hoodies the best chance of raising chicks while are beaches are at their busiest. New volunteers are always welcome.

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