Contribute to the well-being of dolphins in an idyllic setting at a non-profit Centre committed to dolphin research, education, conservation and tourism. You'll learn a great deal through the training course you'll receive which covers a wide range of issues and skills and includes presentations from a selection of guest speakers relevant to the operation of the Centre.

re are up to 100 dolphins living in the Bay and groups of them regularly visit the shallow waters in front of the Centre. The Centre enables people to interact with Bottlenose dolphins in a variety of ways. This is the first Centre in Australia dedicated entirely to dolphin research and is a rewarding conservation volunteering abroad experience!

WORK CONTENT:
Being a volunteer at the Centre can be a wonderful experience, you meet people from all around the world, not to mention the dolphins! However, your time as a volunteer will involve a lot more than being in the water with the dolphins. Talking and answering questions is a very important part of your role. Eighty percent of your day will involve talking to people who come down to the beach to see the dolphins, thus educating them about their characteristics and making them aware of how crucial it is to conserve these wonderful animals.

Here are some of the tasks you may be involved with:
• Talking to visitors on the beach - explaining what the Dolphin Centre does.
• Assisting to coordinate the Interaction Zone when dolphins visit.
• Managing the front entrance and Dolphin Room area.
• Participating in ’’Coastcare” activities and assist with current research projects.
• Assisting with the research program, recording observations in the bay and monitoring dolphin visits to the zone.
• Inputting the research data into databases for analysis
• General maintenance and cleaning.
• Guide groups through the Interpretive Centre for the general public and school students.

The work that you'll be involved in depends on what is available at the time of your placement.

TRAINING
You'll learn a great deal through the training course which covers a wide range of issues and skills and includes presentations from a selection of guest speakers relevant to the operation of the Centre. Regular volunteer meetings are held to ensure you are kept up-to-date with the latest issues regarding marine mammal management and the operations of the Centre.

After having completed a minimum of 20 hours training, you'll receive an official Volunteer T-Shirt which will identify you to the public as a trained representative of the Centre.

The Centre relies on the assistance of volunteers to advise visitors on the operations and ethos of the Centre, help manage the dolphin interaction program, actively participate in their research program and act as a guide. Staff members attend monthly meetings, as well as regular video and BBQ nights, which you'll be invited to attend. By volunteering, you will achieve a great sense of satisfaction knowing that you are assisting in a worthwhile project to increase public awareness about dolphins and other marine life.

Hours of Duty and Work Schedule
This project is a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks. You will work between 20-40 hours a week, with weekends off.

This placement is definitely for animal loving enthusiasts who are willing to work hard and aren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty - the rewards are well worth it!

Whilst volunteering is rewarding in itself, time spent at a project such as this is an excellent springboard for traveling around Australia. Meeting other volunteers from around the world, and listening to their stories and recommendations can give you the confidence to travel and experience more.

PROJECT LOCATION – BUNBURY
This programme is located in Bunbury, the third largest city in Western Australia. The city is small but a major commercial centre in Western Australia and acts as a hub to the local area. Bunbury is about 2½ hrs drive south of Perth on the South West coast of WA. Bunbury markets itself as the real Australia. It is located on a spectacular peninsular surrounded by blue waters of the Indian Ocean, Koombana Bay and the Leschenault Inlet. A vibrant port city with a strong maritime history, Bunbury is renowned for its quality lifestyle and unique blend of nature surrounds and top quality facilities.

REQUIREMENTS:
• You should be a hands-on person who loves the outdoors.
• You should be in good health and reasonably fit and able to work in a team.
• You should be prepared for some hard physical work, especially during the summer time when it can get extremely hot.
• You should be willing to get stuck in and get your hands dirty.
• Also flexible and be prepared to move around the City and go wherever you're needed.
• You should also be fluent in English and enjoy talking to people.
• Very Important - you will need to use your initiative and be very proactive, be patient and determined.
• Like most conservation work, there are spiders and snakes in some locations, so you should reconsider this project if you have a fear of these.
• Lastly, self-reliance and independence will help you make the most of this wonderful opportunity!

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
► If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!
► If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
► It’s as easy as that.