What you need to do as a volunteer:

• For insurance purposes you will need to complete the Volunteers Registration after reading the Volunteer Agreement. This helps us identify your emergency contacts and any allergies or health matters should they be needed.
• When you join in working bees, please wear sun protective clothing and bring a hat, gloves, sunscreen and water. Covered shoes or boots are also a must.
• Bring along your favourite garden hand tools, although we have some spares. And you might want to bring something small to share at morning tea, together with a mug for a cup of tea or coffee.
• You can also bring a friend with you and to introduce others as volunteers.

What you can expect at a working bee

• Working Bees are held every Tuesday, from 9am to 11am in summer and 10am to 12noon March to November. You don’t need to ‘book in’ or inform us if you can’t come, just come when you can.
• On your first visit, we will give a short induction, so you become familiar with facilities and safety requirements.
• We stop for morning tea, and often a short talk, to which most people make a contribution. Tea and coffee are provided.
• We also run plant and gardening workshops usually in July and January, which you are most welcome to attend.
• We provide on the job training for different tasks on each occasion, depending on what needs to be done on the day.

Safety is everyone’s concern

• Please observe the government restrictions relating to COVID-19, particularly physical distancing while in the garden, and while these restriction continue to apply.
• Gardens are homes to spiders and snakes, especially around wet areas, so awareness is key!
• We have a first aid officer in attendance at every volunteer day, and a first aid kit with defibrillator on site.
• Please report any incidents or accidents to the site manager as soon as they occur. Usually this will be Charlotte Webb or the nursery manager.
• The evacuation point is situated at the Kangaloon Road gates near the site shed. The Botanic Gardens site is open to the public every day.

What you are not to do

• If you wish to bring plants onto the site for identification could you ensure they are placed in sealed plastic bags. We are a plant propagation site and need to adhere to plant hygiene protocols.
• Please do not take cuttings or seeds, or pick flowers without permission.
• Be aware bikes and dogs are not permitted within the fenced area of the gardens. They are, however, welcome in the eastern precinct through the native garden and the Ponds of reflection.

Any enquiries please contact Administration Officer on Tuesdays or Thursdays. m.0456 752595,e. admin@shbg.com.au