Recovery Program for Little Penguins at Manly

Recovery Program for Little Penguins at Manly

Code of Conduct for Community Volunteers

Volunteering provides a great opportunity to participate in conservation activities and interact with wildlife and the habitats in which they live. It is important to remember that as a Penguin Warden you have considerable responsibility in safely fulfilling your role. This responsibility relates to the penguins, as a representative ofDECC/NPWS and the recovery program, and to fellow members of the public, including other volunteers.

‘Share the shoreline’ - the spirit of site supervision

Public use of the shoreline and waters around Manly peaks in the summer and coincides with the breeding season of Little Penguins. Management of sites should reflect the key themes and messages of ‘sharing the shoreline’ and ‘education and enjoyment’. When effectively implemented this means that the public canuse an area and safely enjoy the presence of the birds by acting in a low-impact manner. People involved with shorebird programs, including volunteers, canprevent undesirable activities by informing people of the needs of the birds, their threats and alternate activities, all in a positive way.

Safely communicating with the public

Volunteers have two basic functions when communicating with the public about penguins and how to behave around them. Remember to introduce yourself and identify your role whenever you talk to a member of the public.

• The first is to inform, educate and respond to questions in a positive manner.

This is best achieved when volunteers have a detailed understanding of the penguins. Well-informed volunteers that give clear answers to questions have credibility and quickly gain the respect of other members of the public. Providing information to take away and read at a later date (e.g. brochures) will assist in getting consistent, accurate and detailed information across during a short interaction.

• The second is to act in a supervisory role to prevent disturbance to the birds.

The role of supervising the interested public requires tact and may even require intervention to stop an undesirable activity occurring or to divert members of the public to a more suitable location to conduct that activity.

While penguins are protected by law it must be remembered that volunteersdo not have law enforcement powers and arenotexpected to act as law enforcers.

The first approach to someone whose actions or behaviour is likely to impact on the birds has to be in a friendly, non-confrontational manner by engaging them in conversation about the birds, the recovery program and the positive ways they can help. Nine out of ten people will be acting out of ignorance and respond positively to a little information. Very rarely someone with a grudge against NPWS, ManlyCouncil or dog restrictions will attempt to argue or become forceful. If this does occur, it is best to disengage by stating that you are not involved in policy making, and direct them to state their concerns to the appropriate authority (NPWS, Manly Council, Manly Police). The authorities should be called to carry out the enforcement role if yourinitial measures do not have the desired result. Contact details are included on your volunteer identification card.