Interested in volunteering? Take a look at our THO – Volunteer Guide
As a harvest volunteer, you will have the opportunity to share in a third of the fruit harvested during the picking events you volunteer at.
You’ll also enjoy some fresh air and exercise while meeting new friends and chatting in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Picking days may be hosted on public or private land, always with the prior permission of the owner or tenant.
Volunteers are expected to follow the instructions of their harvest leader, and be respectful of the property and residents involved.
Harvest leaders will brief their volunteers before each pick as to which trees are to be harvested and how to tell if the fruit is ripe, as well as relaying any instructions from the home owner.
The Hidden Orchard will provide any equipment needed, though you are welcome to bring anything you think may prove useful.
Dress in work clothes with sturdy shoes and bring a hat and sunglasses.
A cheerful disposition usually helps things along, too!
If you can’t go up a ladder, you can still be part of a harvest – we’ve got tools on poles that allow you to harvest high fruit from the ground when everything that can be reached by hand is harvested.
By filling out this application, you agree that this is a volunteer position and The Hidden Orchard will not provide any benefits beyond your share of the harvest.
You also agree that your are responsible for your own insurance cover for any illness or injury arising from providing volunteer services to The Hidden Orchard. The Hidden Orchard and Ballarat Permaculture Guild, and their members, are not legally responsible for any injuries you suffer using their equipment or while providing volunteer services.
You also accept responsibility for the safety of other persons participating and any injury occurring as a result of your careless act, omission or negligence.