Torquay Back Beach

A key volunteer group in Torquay, Torquay Coast Action was formed in 1995 to tackle the invasive woody weeds and rejuvenate the sparse land from Point Impossible to Point Danger. Torquay Coast Action provides knowledge building opportunities and hands on participation to improve coastal environments.

After volunteering with the Jan Juc Coast Action group, founder Glenda Shomaly decided to start environmental working bees at the eastern end of Torquay, tackling popular Torquay sites including the Deep Creek river mouth, Voss’s Car Park, and Horseshoe Bend Road.

Major revegetation and woody weed removal works have transformed the sites to be high habitat zones for native wildlife.

Meetings | Fourth Sunday of every month (except January) at a pre-arranged location along the coast at 10:00am.
Contact | Glenda Shomaly on 5261 6266.

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Read the latest volunteer stories from Torquay Coast Action on our blog.

The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enhancement of oceans, waves and beaches for all people worldwide. Surfrider has local branches all across Australia and the world to help look after the coast through their CARE motto: Conservation, Activism, Research and Education.

The Surf Coast branch was established in the early 90s in response to the growing development and use of the local beaches.

With around 200 supporters in the local Surfrider network, the group works between Breamlea and Anglesea and often support other environment volunteers in the region including SANE and the Friends of groups.

Surfrider Foundation Surf Coast focus on the protection of the natural landscape and waterways, the management of space on the coast, advocate for stronger positive environmental policies and educate schools and other groups to share the message to be at one with the ocean.

Join network of interested and motivated people who share a common aim!

Contact | Darren Noyes-Brown on 0411 552 447 or surfcoast@surfrider.org.au 

Facebook | Website

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Read the latest volunteer stories from Surfrider Foundation Surf Coast on our blog.

Cosy Corner is a beloved quiet spot for families and swimmers alike to visit in Torquay. With barbecue and picnic facilities as well as plenty of shade to escape the sun, Cosy Corner is a great spot for a paddle away from larger waves.

Being such a popular spot, Cosy Corner has unfortunately also suffered from increased human pressures. To help give the sheltered cove the extra TLC it deserves, a group of regular swimmers started a volunteer group called ‘Friends of Cosy Corner’ in 2018. Friends of Cosy Corner works collaboratively with the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee in the  conservation of Cosy Corner. The group meets as works are required.

Meetings | As required

Contact | Cassie Curnow on 0438 089 061

Founded by two dedicated locals in 1994, Jan Juc Coast Action has grown to include 90 members with around 20 volunteers attending each working bees. The group works to preserve and revegetate the Jan Juc coastline with indigenous species. Major works have been completed to remove invasive woody weeds over the years and revegetate with indigenous flora.

The group also works with GORCC to help deliver erosion control programs and the provision of tracks and lookouts.

In 2015 the group launched an interactive, online plant database for the Surf Coast designed to help the community identify weeds and choose indigenous species for their gardens via www.scnaturesearch.com.au.

Meetings | First Sunday of every month, 10.00am (except in January)

Contact | Luke Hynes on 0406 113 438 or email luke@beaconecological.com.au

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Read the latest volunteer stories from Jan Juc Coast Action on our blog.

The Friends of Taylor Park are an informal volunteer group who work collaboratively with GORCC to perform weed eradication and revegetation in Taylor Park, Torquay.

The group works to keep the park to a high standard for tourists and locals alike, removing fallen bark, invasive weeds and other tasks as required to beautify the area.

The group emphasises the social enjoyment of volunteering with a morning tea and a chat at every working bee.

Working bees | Second Saturday every month (except January) 10.00am

Contact | Ian Convery on 0418 386 190 or Friends.of.Taylor.Park.Vic@gmail.com

View the blogs

Read the latest volunteer stories from Taylor Park on our blog.

Surfers Appreciating the Natural Environment 

SANE has been providing quality ecological stewardship for the Bells Beach Reserve since 1988. With more than 100 volunteers, the group aims to combat the biggest threats to the environment which includes human impacts stemming from the growing population pressure between Bells Beach and Point Addis.

Increased recreational activity, urbanization and tourism in the area have added extra challenges for the group who aim to reduce the presence of garden plant weeds and feral animals.

Projects include restoring the indigenous habitat for endangered species such as the Rufous Bristlebird and Swamp Antechinus. SANE works with Parks Victoria and the Surf Coast Shire to encourage corporate entities and other groups to get involved and help preserve the natural environment.

Working bees | Second Sunday of each month, 10:00am-12:30pm

Locations vary

Contact | Graeme Stockton on 0425 752 648

Website | www.sanesurfers.org.au.

Committed to inspiring people to engage in environmentally sustainable management of agriculture, habitat, biodiversity and natural resources. Speakers and field trips are organised throughout the year, as well as an annual rabbit program.

Torquay Landcare Group is a not-for-profit community based organisation that has been working in area of Torquay and its environs since its official Incorporation in 1990.

With more than 50 members, Torquay Landcare Group has worked on a number of projects including:

• Anglesea dune revegetation program
• Larcombes Roadside Reserve
• Ocean Acres Reserve
• East Spring Creek
• Bowman Track/ Spring Creek revegetation program
• Greenfields Reserve stage one (Moriac)

Contact | The secretary, PO Box 431, Torquay 3228