The Kimberley, Western Australia

Few environments are as biologically diverse, stunningly beautiful, and physically remote as the Kimberley region. Recognised as the most intact tropical coastline left in the world, the Kimberley’s waters are a refuge for many threatened species and include the calving grounds of one of the largest humpback whale populations in the world.

On land, the Kimberley is the only region on the Australian mainland to have had no extinctions of species. It’s tropical savannahs are part of the largest remaining savannah left on Earth.

Pressure to open the Kimberley up to irrigation and mining development, alongside the impacts of wildfire, noxious weeds and feral animals threaten to tip the balance on the Kimberley.

The Outback, Western Australia

90% of the state is considered the ‘Outback’, stretching from the culturally rich tropical savannahs of the Kimberley in the north to the mega-diverse Great Western Woodlands in the south. The plant and animal life is extraordinarily rich and complex and much of it is found nowhere else on Earth.

Throughout history, the Outback has benefited from the presence of people on the land, actively managing it and keeping it healthy. However, there are now fewer people living in the Outback and managing its landscapes than at any time in the past 50,000 years. Uncontrolled fires, feral animals and invasive weeds are driving a wave of wildlife extinctions and undermining the natural and social fabric of the Outback. The Outback needs a new approach – one that will support both people and the environment.

About the Community Campaigns

The Pew Charitable Trusts is working alongside partner organisations to advocate for improved conservation and management of the Kimberley and Outback landscapes in Western Australia. Public campaign partnerships include The Kimberley – Like Nowhere Else (likenowhereelse.org.au), Create Ranger Parks (createrangerparks.org.au), and Our Outback Our Story (outbackwa.org.au).

The campaigns are championed by an alliance of leading conservation organisations. Based out of West Perth, the Community Campaigner will be the latest addition to a team of people making a real difference to protecting nature and communities in Western Australia.

Purpose of the Community Campaigner’s work

The Community Campaigner will work with the Campaign Coordinator to coordinate engagement with the wider community. Their aim is to raise awareness and catalyse action in support of protecting the diverse landscapes of Western Australia’s environments. The Community Campaigner will primarily be gathering this support by running information stalls and coordinating other community events.

The Community Campaigner’s brief is to:

1. Engage with members of the community, convincing the largest possible number of people to show their support for protecting the Kimberley through actions such as signing postcards, writing letters, and circulating petitions.
2. Lead the set-up, running and pack-up of information stalls at festivals, markets and other events to a professional standard.
3. Support, recruit and motivate our great team of volunteers who lend a hand at stalls and other community- based events.
4. Work with the Campaign Coordinator to find and make the most of a full program of face-to-face engagement opportunities.
5. Ensure good communication with the Campaign Coordinator regarding event success, stalls materials, new event opportunities, volunteer support and any enquiries that require follow-up.

Terms

• It is expected that the brief will require an average workload of 1.2 days (10 hours) per week, most of which will be conducted on the weekend. These hours may increase if more opportunities to engage with the community can be identified.
• The fee scale per annum ranges from $55,000 to $65,000 pro rata, negotiable on skills and experience plus 9.5% superannuation.
• The initial contract period is for 4 months with a possible extension, dependent upon campaign requirements.

Attributes and skills we’re looking for in a Community Campaigner

1. Passion and energy to get excellent outcomes for nature conservation.
2. Fantastic people skills.
3. High levels of initiative and being well organised.
4. Ability to motivate community volunteers.
5. Ability to work regular weekends.
6. A driver’s license and a car.