THE YARRA RIVERKEEPER ASSOCIATION

At the Yarra Riverkeeper Association (YRKA), we believe that the Yarra, Birrarung – our beautiful, spiritually significant, and resilient river – brings life, joy, and balance along its 242 kilometres journey from source to sea. The river we know and love is not just water, but land and people, community, and culture – together as one living and integrated natural entity from source to sea.

Founded in 2005, the Yarra Riverkeeper Association is the community voice of the Yarra, Birrarung. We are a for-purpose (not-for-profit), apolitical, grass-roots organisation that works with communities, traditional owners, governments (local, State, and Federal), statutory authorities, and businesses to advocate for the river's health.

As Melbourne's population grows and the climate crisis worsens, the Yarra/Birrarung comes under increasing environmental pressure, pollution, and habitat fragmentation. Riverkeepers are vital to keeping the Yarra, Birrarung healthy.

Our vision is a healthy, protected and loved river. Every day we work to make this possible through advocacy, education, community engagement and on-the-ground litter and regeneration programs.

The Yarra Riverkeeper Association is a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a worldwide network of more than 350 inspiring, determined organisations in 49 countries dedicated to protecting the world's waterways. Founded in 1999, it brings together all Waterkeeper organisations to strengthen and grow a global movement for healthy and clean water to be enjoyed by all.

POSITION PURPOSE

We are needing a volunteer to assist with event coordination, planning, and campaign implementation. This position will help the Yarra Riverkeeper Association strive towards a vision of a healthy, protected and loved Yarra River.

A successful event coordinator will be well-organised and competent in vendor management, will have excellent communication skills and be enthusiastic and passionate about event planning. They will assist in the organisation of events that will ensure the entertainment of participants and facilitate the completion of YRKA’s objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Content planning and creation within active campaigns
• Supporting promotional activities to raise awareness of upcoming events
• Perform general tasks on an event-by-event basis such as set up before event and/or packing away after the event, checking attendance
• Liaising with local businesses for sponsorships / donations for upcoming events (dependent on circumstances)
• Help in maintaining a sponsorship registrar / list of organisations that support us / partner with us for events

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Interest in environmental issues
• Knowledge of sustainability and water policy preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to the vision and mission of the Yarra Riverkeeper Association
• Attention to detail and diligence
• Ability to work autonomously as well as in a team
• Understanding of how to use Canva, Microsoft Office suite
• Previous experience using Mailchimp and WildApricot will be favourable

TIME COMMITMENT

4 hours per week

3-6 months