Volunteers ensure longevity of Bibbulmun Track

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, the Bibbulmun Track Foundation is paying recognition to their volunteers for assisting with the management and maintenance of the Track to ensure it remains for future generations to enjoy.

Upkeep of the Bibbulmun Track is a never-ending job, which keeps over 315 dedicated volunteers very busy. Whether maintaining the Track, sitting on the Board, answering enquiries, manning displays or guiding events, each volunteer makes an invaluable contribution to the Foundation and to the Track and we thank each and every one of them.

The Bibbulmun Track Foundation is recognised as the primary focal point for community-based support and involvement, and has primary responsibility for promoting the Track to potential walkers and maintaining the Track through the Newmont Boddington Gold Eyes on the Ground volunteer maintenance program.

As part of the Eyes on the Ground program, volunteers adopt different sections along the 1,000 kilometre Bibbulmun Track, and carry out tasks such as lightweight pruning, clearing minor obstacles like rocks and branches, checking and replacing trail markers, keeping campsites clean and reporting back. Their role is essential in ensuring that the Track remains well-kept and a safe experience for walkers.

As well as maintenance volunteers, others give their time and experience guiding events, working in the office or promoting the Track at community events. Without its volunteers, the Bibbulmun Track Foundation would not be able to ensure the Track remains for future generations to enjoy, and we are forever grateful for their dedication and passion.

Volunteering at the Bibbulmun Track Foundation is a great way to meet like-minded people, stay active, be involved with nature and contribute to a world-class walking Trail.

Diane Tinker, who has been a member of the Foundation since 1999 and a maintenance volunteer since 2009 explains, “being able to volunteer and help others gives one a sense of community - it's a privilege to be able to contribute.”

Alex Williams, a Track maintenance volunteer also shared his experience volunteering at the Foundation, adds “(it is) a pleasure it is to contribute to the ongoing viability of such an iconic long distance walking trail (and) a joy it is to see the Bibbulmun utilised by such a broad demographic of walkers, from the ‘almost old and infirm’to the young school teens doing their physical outdoor learning, through to the world-wide tourists that come to Western Australia simply to walk this world renowned long distance track.”

The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world's great long distance walk trails, stretching from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills, to Albany on the south coast, winding through the heart of the scenic South west of Western Australia.

For more information about the Bibbulmun Track go to www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au

National Volunteer Week is being held from 11th to 17th May.

For more information go to www.volunteeringaustralia.org/national-volunteer-week-2015/

6th July 2013 - GUIDED WALKS AND EXPERIENCES ON THE BIBBULMUN TRACK