The Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) is seeking people with a passion for the beautiful Cockle Creek and Melaleuca areas in Tasmania's far south to be volunteer campground hosts for periods from two to four weeks during the coming summer.
Parks and Wildlife Service Southern Region volunteer facilitator Pip Gowen said the program builds on the success of other volunteer caretaker programs at Maatsuyker and Deal islands and on the Overland Track and it also taps into the strong connections that people have with particular areas.
"We've found there are people in the community with an affection for particular parks and reserves in Tasmania who also want to give something back to the community and help to look after these special places," Ms Gowen said.
"Volunteer campground hosts are available to provide a visitor information service and maintain a full-time presence at Cockle Creek and Melaleuca during the peak summer season.
"This program provides a better visitor experience as visitors are able to have questions answered on site by knowledgeable local people. It also helps to support PWS staff at a time of year when there are competing pressures such as high visitation and fire fighting."
Campground hosts stay in the PWS rangers' quarters at both sites. Support is offered on a regular basis by rangers, field officers and the volunteer facilitator. Training required will be provided onsite for the campground hosts.
Ms Gowen said the program has operated very successfully over several summer seasons.
"The volunteers enjoy being involved in helping to look after a place that they love and having the opportunity to pass on their knowledge and passion for the area to visitors and visitors appreciate the volunteers' presence and practical assistance they receive."
A Campground Host Information Package is available by contacting Pip Gowen on 0427 648 463 or by emailing pip.gowen@parks.tas.gov.au. Applications close 12 November 2012.
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