VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO PROMOTE MARINE CONSERVATION

The Marine Discovery Centre (MDC) at Queenscliff needs volunteers to help people of all ages discover the wonders of the local marine environment. The MDC provides education and eco-tourism services for Fisheries Victoria, part of the Department of Primary Industries. The Volunteer program is a fantastic way to gain experience in marine and coastal interpretation, network with people in the industry, meet people with similar interests, enjoy the activities that the MDC offers and do your bit for marine conservation. Volunteers must be at least 18 and the training involves hands-on activities, some lectures and interactive interpretation training. There is also the option to gain a Certificate III in Tourism (Guiding) in conjunction with William Angliss Institute of TAFE. An information session for potential volunteers will be held at the Centre on Sunday 13 July, 11 am to 1 pm.

For more information and/or to download an initial interest registration form please visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/mdc .

July 9 - 12

AAEE's Environmental Education UP THE TRACK: Hot Topics for our Community

The Australian Association for Environmental Education (AAEE) is the premier professional association for those who work in the fields of environmental or sustainability education. Darwin is uniquely positioned as a cross-road for diverse experiences in tropical Australia . Come ‘up the track' to Larrakia country and Charles Darwin University or join our virtual conference from your home-base. Share your thoughts and ideas on how we can move forward to educate for a more sustainable future through our themes . For more information please visit http://www.cdu.edu.au/ehs/AAEE

Millennium Kids will be coordinating a Youth Conference in partnership with the Australian Association for Environmental Education (AAEE) conference in Darwin from the 9th - 12th July 2008. Two youth delegates from each state will be selected to represent their state at the conference. They will present at the conference on the youth activities happening around Australia and report back to the youth delegates attending the Carbon Free Youth Environment Conference being held simultaneously. If you are or know a young person who is interested in representing Victorian youth at the conference, OR you could assist financially with accommodation and flight expenses, we love to hear from you. Contact Bernadette Thomas on mailto: bthomas@vaee.vic.edu.au or 9349 1806.

August 18 - 20

4th Australia-New Zealand Climate Change & Business Conference

The 4th Australia- New Zealand Climate Change & Business Conference will again look at the risks and opportunities facing business as a result of climate change with a focus this year on emissions trading, both compliance and voluntary, and complementary measures to address climate change. More than 90 expert speakers from the Australia-New Zealand region and around the globe have been invitedincluding Prime Ministers Clark and Rudd. The event is a must for anyone involved in climate change strategy and policy planning and implementation in this region.

This not-for-profit event is being organised by a coalition of business groups, government agencies and NGOs from Australia , New Zealand , the USA and Europe .

Please visit www.climateandbusiness.com for registration and further program details.

VAEE Professional Learning Program 2008:

August 22 – 23

 2008 VAEE CONFERENCE

 The next VAEE conference "Riding the sustainability Green Wave" will be held at the Botanical Gardens from August 22nd to 23rd. We are seeking conference committee members to assist in the organization of the conference. The requirements of a conference committee member are: a short monthly meeting, a few telephone calls to gather information and organise aspects of the conference, and some assistance with putting together the conference brochures etc. This could be your opportunity to help shape the 2008 VAEE Conference. For information contact Gary Shadforth (03) 9349 1806 or via email at gshadforth@vaee.vic.edu.au

October 19 - 12

The 2008 International Youth Coastal Conference

This conference is about protecting and enhancing our precious marine and coastal environments, communities and industries through education and involvement of the next generation of leaders. All primary and secondary schools across the world are invited to attend this conference.

Location: Townsville, on the Great Barrier Reef .

If you are interested in supporting (as a sponsor) or attending (as a school) please speak to Cathy Oke: cathy@fire-starter.com.au or call 3 9329 3736.