While the South Gippsland Council provides a little ongoing funding assistance, the great majority of facilities in the Landscape Country are still run by volunteers. It’s a big job, and almost all the groups are very eager to have your help—whether its a one-off like mowing the grass, a working bee, helping run a stall or adding your expertise to a committee on an ongoing basis.

Most town planning bodies, sports clubs, Reserves, public halls, arts groups, churches, cemeteries, Landcare groups, Opshops and service Clubs such as CWA and Lions are run by Volunteers and could use your assistance – now or at some stage of your life cycle here in Landscape Country! The easiest way is to pay them a visit and have a yarn about what sort of help you can offer.

A few actually conduct Open Days, or appeals, and /or ongoing training. We’re happy to include a listing of these if requested. Here are some organisations that actively promote volunteers.

The Strzlecki Lions Club is one of a number of busy organisations helping the community, co-operating with other like-minded groups and raising funds, whether it be through the Loch Village Summer Markets, the Wine and Food Festival, or the Hills are Alive. We’re also alive and keen to welcome helpers or volunteers who may or may not choose to become Lions members. Age or gender is no barrier! Tasks might include helping with social media, dreaming up and leading new fund-raising or service projects, administration, cooking or serving food at fund-raisers. Lions (along with other community groups, such as CWA and churches) are also able to provide some short term welfare help (eg lawn mowing), for people with sudden or temporary issues. Volunteer/Membership enquiries Noel Gregg.

Country Fire Authorities (CFAs) are an essential service and volunteers are always needed! Both what are called “active” and “non-active volunteers”. The “actives” are provided with local training in Fire-fighting, and at a higher level, some in Rescue services. A “non-active” member may help with other aspects. For example, helping clean a vehicle after it’s been out on duty! Trucks can get dirty. And a tired first respondent will be happy to have an extra hand cleaning the firetruck. During the February 2024 fierce storms in Gippsland, much of the region lost main grid power supply for several days. No power, no frig, no mobile coverage, no phone-charging! So, the Poowong CFA opened its doors for locals to charge their appliances, have a Cuppa and even enjoy a barbecue. Local volunteers servicing local community!

If you think you may be interested in helping out in some way, you could attend a Training Day. For example, the Loch (also Nyora) Training Day is 2nd, 3rd and 4th Mondays at 7.00pm, and Sunday mornings are maintenance days from 10.00am – ring 5659 4308 first. Poowong meetings are first Tuesday and training third Tuesday monthly. On most Sundays, volunteers check over equipment and appliances around 9.30-11.00am. Drop in then, or have a chat on 5659 2376.

Landcare provides very important services for the land about us. It’s is all about the environment, soils, trees, wildlife, waterways, sustainability and much more. Members conduct regular farm walks and talks, activities, projects and information sessions throughout the year. You might help hands-on with local vegetation planting – or perhaps learn about issues such as water catchment flow, giant Gippsland earthworms or the critically important Strzelecki koalas through the Landcare Open Days. From a regional perspective, the South Gippsland Landcare Network (based in Leongatha) helps co-ordinate 15 groups throughout the region. You will find up to date information by calling Jane McKenzie Smith or sending her an email.. The closest groups in our part of the world are:

    • Loch Nyora Landcare Group. Contact is Malcolm Brown at lochnyoralandcare@gmail.com or phone.

    • Poowong-Triholm Group. Contact is Wilma Mackay on phone or email.

    • Arawata Group. Contact is Jo Sapir on phone or arawatalandcaregroup@gmail.com

    • Mt Lyall Landcare Group. FB Mt Lyall Landcare at email