There are as many reasons as there are people when it comes to volunteering your time to a good cause.
Byron Bay locals, Bob and Wendy Levett have spent 22 really good years giving their time and knowledge to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), as guides at their much loved Cape Byron Lighthouse.
The work of these active members of the community will leave a strong legacy when they move to Sydney to be closer to family. Along with getting involved in NPWS conservation work, the retired teachers greet visitors at the Cape Byron Lighthouse, sharing their passion for history.
‘We love working for the Byron community’, says Mr Levett. ‘We are going to miss all the wonderful friends we have made along with meeting people from across the globe and learning about their cultures.’
The lighthouse gained a special place in the hearts of the Levetts when they started travelling to Byron with their children for annual camping trips.
‘As we got closer, we would be waiting for our first sight of the lighthouse. It was like a sentinel, letting us know we had almost arrived.’
‘The children would slide down the hill from the lighthouse on big pieces of cardboard as the local goats watched on.’
Bob and Wendy are role models
NPWS Education Officer, Delta Kay says the Levetts have been role models for all the new volunteers who have joined the program in the Tweed Byron area over the years.
‘Bob and Wendy are engaging, kind, and they share their wealth of knowledge in a passionate way to enhance the experience for our visitors to Cape Byron Lighthouse.
‘They have been wonderful advocates for the volunteer program and our local community.’
NPWS runs a state-wide volunteer program which allows people to embrace their passion for nature and make a positive difference to our environment and heritage.
Ms Kay and the rest of the Tweed Byron NPWS team are keen to hear from dedicated people, like the Levetts, who are interested in volunteering their time to support conservation in the region.
Volunteering is extremely rewarding
‘Volunteering with NPWS is extremely rewarding’ says Ms Kay. ‘It’s a chance to have fun working in a team with like-minded people’, she says.
‘There are kayaking tours, and whale watching boat trips during winter. Volunteers like Bob and Wendy who work up at Cape Byron will spend their shifts enjoying the incredible views, spotting marine life and meeting international guests.
‘We welcome volunteers with an induction program and provide them with first aid training and ongoing opportunities to learn about the region’s flora, fauna, history and the Indigenous culture.’
