Yookamurra - 2026 Yookamurra Bettong Survey

 

2026 Yookamurra Bettong Survey

 

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Project Title: 

2026 Yookamurra Bettong Survey 

 

Dates/Schedule: 16th March to 20th March 2026- Night Survey start around 4pm and end around 4am. 

 

Project description:  

The main aim of our bettong trapping survey is to generate population estimates for the Burrowing Bettong (Bettongia lesueur) and Brush-tailed Bettong (Bettongia pencillata) to enable long-term monitoring of population trends to inform management and stakeholders.  

 

Yookamurra Sanctuary is home to some of the best stands of old growth Mallee still intact in south-eastern Australia, with trees dated over 600 years old. These majestic, venerable trees are a reminder of the age of the landscape, and reveal what the bush was like before extensive habitat loss across southern Australia. There is also a large proportion of long unburnt habitat which is ideal for species such as the Malleefowl and Numbat.

 

Volunteer tasks:   

Volunteers will work as a team lead by Project Coordinator and AWC Sanctuary staff to carry out tasks including.  

 

  • Making bait balls 
  • Setting cage traps 
  • Checking traps 
  • Bagging caged mammals 
  • Processing mammals 
  • Releasing animals back at point of capture 

  

Things to be aware of when considering applying for this volunteer role/requirements:  

  •  
  • This is a NIGHT time survey, you'll be starting around 4pm, with several scheduled breaks, ending up at latest by 4am. 
  • Please bring your own bedding and food with you 
  • Peanut butter allergies.  We use universal bait (which consists of peanut butter) and this is often made up in the communal kitchen area so for this reason we cannot guarantee a nut-free environment and something which should be considered if you have allergies. 
  • Bring clothing for very cold nights but warm days 
  • Phone reception is limited but we have a landline you can use to make calls and wifi for wifi-calling 

 

AWC Provides:  

  • Accommodation room and bathroom, kitchen, shared living area 
  • All necessary training 
  • All materials including cages 

 

Volunteers Provide:   

  • Bedding for a single bed (eg. fitted sheet, sleeping bag, extra blanket or doona) 
  • Pillow 
  • Towel 
  • Clothes for fieldwork eg. long pants, long sleeved shirts.  
  • Closed in, sturdy shoes for walking over sticks, rocks, uneven surfaces and to protect toes if something is dropped on them 
  • Broad-brimmed hat  
  • Warm clothes.   
  • Raincoat (just in case) 
  • Head torch for getting around the village. Battery chargers (AAA/AA) are available to use but please label your batteries with your initials to avoid any mix-ups! 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Insect repellent 
  • Water bottles (at least two or three at 1L each, minimum)  
  • Toiletries and any medication for the duration of your stay (closest chemist and doctor is approx. 40mins drive away) 
  • Backpack 
  • Sunglasses 
  • Food for duration of trip including plenty of snacks. Tea, coffee (instant and plunger), sugar, milo and a variety of condiments are provided in the kitchen. 

 

Project Coordinator Contact:  

Kahli Gifford 

0468 925 754 

Kahli.Gifford@australianwildlife.org 

 

Recruitment Process- AWC Project Coordinators will assess volunteers’ profiles upon application (signup). Suitable candidates that meet project requirements will be contacted directly for a follow up discussion before final decisions are made. Once successful candidates have been offered a position volunteers will be assigned to the project and should expect to receive all relevant onboarding documentation soon after and before deployment. Please ensure your MyImpact profile is complete with contact details and all supporting information to provide you with the best opportunity for a successful placement.

Please note- due to the high-level of interest we receive for our volunteer opportunities we regret we cannot respond individually to unsuccessful applicants. We thank each of you for your keen interest and ongoing support.

 

 

Qualifications Required

  • I have read and agree to the Code of Conduct (see info icon for file link) Must be I Agree
  • I have read and agree to abide by the Volunteer Agreement (see info icon for file link) Must be I Agree
  • I understand that both the 2025 AWC Volunteer Agreement and Code of Conduct must be accepted prior to engaging in volunteer activities Must be YES
  • I understand that it is my responsibility (and recommended by AWC) to have my own personal and vehicle insurance cover, and that AWC’s insurance may not cover me in the event of an incident. Must be Yes

Schedule Summary

This activity has the following schedule


Date Start Time End Time
Monday, March 16, 2026 4:00 PM 4:00 AM
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 4:00 PM 4:00 AM
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 4:00 PM 4:00 AM
Thursday, March 19, 2026 4:00 PM 4:00 AM
Friday, March 20, 2026 4:00 PM 4:00 AM