volunteer with vinc

Volunteers are at the heart of everything VINC does. For 40 years, hundreds of dedicated people have given their time, energy and knowledge to help us grow the plants that restore and rewild our local landscapes. Some of our volunteers have been with us for decades. Others are just starting out. What they share is a love of indigenous plants, a commitment to the natural environment and the satisfaction of doing something that genuinely makes a difference.

Volunteering at VINC is hands-on, social and genuinely rewarding. Whether you are an experienced horticulturalist or someone who has never held a trowel, there is a place for you here. You can volunteer for one day a week or multiple days a week across the following roles.

Yard - Help keep the nursery running smoothly through weeding and plant maintenance, cleaning and resetting tubes and boxes, and general yard work. Yard volunteers work Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9.00am to 3.00pm.
Propagation - Get hands-on with the growing process — sowing seeds, preparing cuttings, pricking out and potting up seedlings, and sorting and cleaning seed. This is where new plants begin, and it is endlessly fascinating work. Propagation volunteers work Tuesday, Wednesday (summer only), Thursday and Friday from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
Retail - Help welcome visitors to our nursery, assist customers in finding the right plants for their gardens, and keep the retail area stocked and looking its best. Retail volunteers work Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
Wetlands restoration - Working to restore the wetlands out the front of VINC by removing environmental weeds, preparing sites and planting and watering in indigenous seedlings. Wetlands restoration volunteers work Monday mornings from 9.00am to 12.00pm.
Skills-based volunteering - We are also interested in hearing from people who would like to contribute their professional skills to support VINC's work and growth. As a small organisation with big ambitions, there are times when expertise from outside our team can make a real difference. Please get in touch and tell us a little about your background and how you think you might be able to help.

To enquire about volunteering drop us a line at: info@vinc.net.au

Volunteer Profile: graham

Retired nurse Graham Riley has been volunteering at VINC for 15 years and says he’s barely missed his regular weekly shift in that time. He first came across VINC when buying 500 indigenous plants for his block – now a mini jungle - and put his hand up to volunteer when he saw a job advertised. The focus of his role at VINC is propagation, whether it be growing from seeds, cuttings or divisions. “My favourite task is dividing a plant – particularly the Dianellas,” says Graham. “It’s like a jigsaw puzzle and each one’s a bit different.” Graham enjoys working alongside people of all ages from students gaining work experience to retirees like himself with time to donate. “If you’ve got an interest in plants, it’s a great way to expand your knowledge. There are lots of opportunities for learning here,” he says.