THERE’S always something to do at the Bayles Fauna Park – and the management committee urgently need volunteers to help with the park’s upkeep.
Committee president Bruce Bell has been involved with the park for more than 20 years and said there’s no other reserve like it in Cardinia Shire.
Mr Bell said the committee was looking for some “fresh blood” to help ensure the park’s proper functioning.
“All volunteers are good volunteers – but in particular we are looking for local people, particularly those in Bayles who might be able to help out,” he said.
“There are about eight on the committee and then there’s a Friends group who also help look after the park – we are all volunteers.”
The committee often holds working bees once a month on a Sunday and are encouraging residents to come along and help out.
Park ranger Andrena Francey said the committee was looking for volunteers from the local and surrounding areas.
Ms Francey said the committee supplied the tools and there were a number of jobs to be carried out at the park.
“Collecting bark and leaves, fallen branches and just general tidy up,” she said.
Mr Bell said volunteers were also needed to help with the noxious weeds, mowing and moving the mulch. He said there are people in the community with expertise who could be put to good use at the park.
“There is always something to do, like feeding the animals,” he said.
Committee vice-president Sunny Reeve said there was also room for someone with a passion for horticulture to suggest plantings and help out with the maintenance of the park.
“We are up for any good ideas,” she said.
“The park is like a giant Men’s Shed – 45 acres of it.”
Long-term committee member and treasurer Pat Whittle stressed that the situation was urgent and volunteers were needed immediately.
