Margaret Offer reckons she works in the best outdoor office in Ipswich as an Ipswich Nature Centre volunteer.
Surrounded by animals in the middle of Queens Park, the Ipswich Nature Centre is home to over 100 animals and birds.
Margaret has been putting her hi-vis on one day a week for the past 10 years.
“I didn’t have these opportunities when I was young and I think I would have made a great ranger,” she said.
“I thoroughly enjoy it. My favourite part is working with the lizards.
“Leo (frilled neck lizard) the old bloke is my favourite, I think I can relate to him.”
Margaret started out doing a mandatory 15 hours a week through Centrelink, she is no longer required to volunteer but continues to do so anyway.
“I just love coming in. Apart from the animals, I like the companionship of the girls and guys,” she said.
National Volunteer Week is held from 20 to 26 May across Australia.
Ipswich City Council has more than 200 valued volunteers who contribute significantly to council’s programs and services.
Volunteering can be a rewarding experience, if you would like to play a part in supporting the Ipswich community check out our volunteering opportunities here.
Becky Sales sweeps out the bird feeding tray.
Amy Petersen washed out the animal feed dishes.
Volunteering programs at Ipswich City Council
Ipswich Art Gallery
The Gallery is a visual arts and social history museum presenting a dynamic program of exhibitions and heritage displays with complementary workshops, performances and an extensive program for children and families. Volunteers at the gallery enhance the experience of gallery visitors and provide support at functions, workshops and events.
Seniors’ Concert Group volunteers
The Seniors Concert Group of volunteers are highly experienced senior performers who provide two professional standard annual concerts in the Ipswich Civic Centre for Ipswich Seniors.
Alchemy Street Choir
The Alchemy Street Choir is an inclusive community music group that provides participants with a means of enjoyment, self-expression, comradeship and community engagement through song.
Environmental Education Volunteer
Get involved as a volunteer at the Environmental Education Centre and help to show others how they can care for the environment. Become an advocate for our city and help promote what’s on offer in your backyard. Volunteers at the EEC assist in the operation of the centre and there is the opportunity for volunteers to help with the delivery of children’s educational programs interactive displays.
Animal Care Volunteer
Get up close and personal with nature, and volunteer your time to help care for our growing range of native wildlife and Australian barn yard animals. From helping to keep the animal enclosures in top condition to helping prepare and deliver their meals, you’ll be involved in all areas of animal care.
Waste Warrior
Waste Warriors will have the opportunity to greet and interact with visitors attending community events and provide information on waste reduction. They will monitor waste stations and help people to correctly sort and place waste into the correct bins. Waste Warriors will play a key role in a waste diversion program and contribute to the sustainable use of natural resources.
Bushcare Groups
Ipswich City Council partners with a variety of groups that aim to conserve, restore and protect natural areas within council boundaries. Black Snake Creek, Blackall Street Reserve, Cribb Park and Peace Park are areas groups are currently working in.
Community Garden
Council is taking expressions of interest from community members who wish to start or join a community garden.
Garden Club
Help care for Maculata Park at Riverview.
Ipswich Visitor Information Centre
Volunteers deliver a professional, courteous and friendly service to assist visitors.
Ipswich Libraries
Library volunteers help promote library services to the Ipswich community whilst enjoying the benefits of being involved and giving back to the local community. Volunteers at the library enhance the experience of library visitors and provide support for projects, programs and events.
Historical Cemeteries Project
Volunteers work on research, data entry and check Ipswich City Council Cemetery records.
