How Natalie discovered hope through action

After finishing high school, Natalie decided that she wanted to take some real action for our local environment and joined the EcoCentre community as a volunteer earlier this year. Natalie helps out with two important citizen science projects, Sunscreen and Bay Marine Life and Clean Bay Blueprint, collecting and analysing samples.

Like many of us, Natalie sometimes feels that environmental issues can be overwhelming and it may seem as if there is no way to effect substantial change. However, volunteering with the EcoCentre has made her realise that collective action makes a difference.

‘Surrounding myself with the community at the EcoCentre and learning about the magnitude of projects as well as getting involved in them, is really quite reassuring and actually brings a lot of hope’

Being part of the EcoCentre community has also opened Natalie’s mind to a whole new set of career options. ‘It wasn’t until I got to work with the dedicated staff, other volunteers who are studying, and people who have retired that I could see how passion is so important when considering a job,’ she said. 

‘Every job you do has an impact and it’s up to you what kind of impact you want to have.’

 

Interested in activating hope? Join our community of volunteers and get involved in working together to make positive change for our planet. Explore our range of community programs today and sign up to volunteer with us.

The EcoCentre acknowledges the Kulin Nations, including the Yalukit Willam clan of the Boon Wurrung language group, traditional custodians of the land on which we are located.

We pay respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to other First Nations and Elder members of our multicultural community.