Local environmental enthusiast Scott Hives joins the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee’s (GORCC) conservation team after completing six months’ conservation work along the Great Ocean Road coast last year.
GORCC’s newest recruit was a participant in the Federal Government’s Green Army Program – an initiative designed to offer young adults practical skills, training and experience across a variety of different conservation projects nationwide. The program provided the opportunity for Scott to volunteer one day a week at GORCC, helping the conservation team with their duties around the area.
GORCC Conservation Supervisor Georgie Beale said it was Scott’s outstanding enthusiasm and his willingness to volunteer on his days off that made him a real stand out.
“Scott’s overall energy and enthusiasm was definitely noted over the six months and will be a great asset to the conservation team.”
“It’s been fantastic to be able to see the development of Scott’s skills and environmental understanding during the Green Army Program, and we are very excited to welcome him to our team.”
Scott has always been passionate about the environment, growing up on a farm he has always had an understanding about the importance of maintaining the natural environment.
Scott’s love of the coast is part of the reason he enjoys working with the conservation team.
“To be able to go surfing and look back to the coast and see the areas that you have personally helped rehabilitate and restore is a fantastic feeling.
“The experience with the Green Army Program really helped to understand environmental conservation and the various industries available and now working with GORCC has helped to expand my knowledge and skills,” he said.
Scott recently visited Ecuador and supported the local conservation efforts there, helping communities care for the coast with beach clean ups between surfing. Even when travelling, Scott supports conservation efforts and help communities care for their local environment, recently in Ecuador completing beach clean ups in between surfing.
GORCC’s conservation team is responsible for the environmental preservation efforts along the coast between Torquay and Lorne with a particular focus on weeds and native vegetation, and collaborating with local community groups and partners. To volunteer with GORCC, visit our website.
GORCC’s conservation team is responsible for the environmental preservation efforts along the coast between Torquay and Lorne with a particular focus on weeds and native vegetation, and collaborating with local community groups and partners.
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Blog 