Volunteer of the Month - Joanne La Fontaine

Our Volunteer of the Month for February 2011 is Joanne La Fontaine.

Joanne or Jo as we like to call her is one of our regular volunteers who has a great interest in the environment particularly birds. She has been on many trips around Australia surveying birdlife and has also been known to call up the odd rare bird while out volunteering with Parklands Albury Wodonga. Jo is a regular at the weekly working bees at Padman Park.

"The Fast 7"

1) How long have you been at volunteer at Parklands?
“I started with parklands in February 2008 and Wednesday is the day I most often attend."

2) How did you first find out about Parklands?
 “As a student at Charles Sturt University, I attended Market day and talked to one of the Parklands Rangers about volunteering with them.”

3) What have you gained out of your time at Parklands? 
“I have learnt a wide range of practical skills relating to the restoration and maintenance of bushland. It has also allowed me to meet a wide range of people from different backgrounds. Volunteering was a great supplement to my University Course.”

4) What is your favourite memory of your time with Parklands?
“My favourite memory is of the day Toby (one of the Parklands Rangers) and I were plotting fence lines out at Thurgoona and we had to herd some cattle out of a revegetation area. I am not too sure if it was successful but it was very funny.”

5) What is your favourite activity?
“I really enjoy the Padman Park days.”

6) What is your least favourite activity?
“I don't like the hot summer days in the sun.”

7) Any comments?
“Parklands provide people with the opportunity to work in a team; learning practical skills while also providing them with an opportunity to contribute to the community.”