Rio Tinto Earth Assist - a partnership between RioTinto and Conservation Volunteers Australia

Welcome to the students page!

Getting involved in your environment is real easy and there are a number of ways you can get out into your community and reap the many rewards!

Check out our Get Involved page to see what's coming up and sign up for a conservation activity!

However if you're not sure what activity you'd like to participate in, see the many options below...

Community Service

Rio Tinto Earth Assist is available for all students who wish to complete community service ours towards their school requirements or as part of an endorsed Community Service program.  You can complete your hours two ways either - volunteer over the school holidays or get a group of friends together and come out during the school term!

Completing community service during school holidays allows you to nominate which days you would like to attend, especially if you have other commitments like a part time job or sporting activities.  However, many schools allow their students to complete their community service hours during school time - ask your teacher if this is an option for you.  If so, drop us a note via the bookings page and we'll try schdule your school in for a community service visit! 

Community Service is a great way to head out in our bus and explore the environment around you.  Not only will you get a hands on approach in your activities, you'll learn about keeping your community sustainable and have an active role in improving your community for everyone.

Endorsed Programs

Rio Tinto Earth Assist has two endorsed programs for 2010.

1.  CCVFL - Monitoring, Evaluating and Recording - Flora

2.  CCVFA - Monitoring, Evaluating and Recording - Fauna

Completing one of these programs in one year will give you 3 points towards your WACE.  If you complete both programs you will receive 6 points.

Completing an endorsed program is a fantastic way to get out and help your community, learn workplace relevant skills and have a valid input into maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment.   Each program allows you to develop your team work skills, communication skills, knowledge of our native species, enhance your leadership skills and critical thinking skills.

CCVFL - Monitoring, Evaluating and Recording Flora

The flora program looks at safety and risk management, understanding key species of native flora in the area, surveying and monitoring flora, erosion and salinity, interference from introduced species, life cycles, Dieback disease, seed collection procedures and revegetation.   You will complete a workbook which is specific to the program allowing you to reflect, research and participate in open discussions about our environment.  The program gives you an opportunity to discuss your opinions and work together in your team for an appropriate and sustainable outcome.

CCVFA - Monitoring, Evaluating and Recording Fauna

The fauna program looks at safety and risk management, ecology, dietary and fauna life cycle, behaviour patterns, tracking and recording movements, identify interference from introduced species, and revegetation to encourage fauna return to an area. TYou will complete a workbook which is specific to the program allowing you to reflect, research and participate in open discussions about our environment. The program gives you an opportunity to discuss your opinions and work together in your team for an appropriate and sustainable outcome for the fauna you will be investigating.

To find out more about our endorsed programs contact us via our Contact page.

Certificate I in Active Volunteering

A Certificate I in Active Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community but obtain a qualification in the process. To complete a Cert. I you need to complete a minimum of 30 hours with CVA, you also need to complete a workbook which tests that you can apply what you're learning.

Certificate I in Active Volunteering is offered at certain times of the year, usually to school groups and during the school term.

If you think you'd like to get a qualification before you leave school, work in a team environment and learn great work place skills then this avenue is for you.

Wildcare courses with DEC!

If you and your friends are interested in wildlife and would like to get involved in caring for injured wildlife, then the Basic Wildcare Course is for you!

This introductory course, run through the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), is designed for those interested in the welfare and protection of our native wildlife. Information is presented by Perth Zoo's veterinary staff and some of Western Australia's most experienced wildlife rehabilitators. They will share their skills in their specialised fields - marsupials, reptiles and birds.

This course also suits those who want to volunteer at an established wildlife rehabilitation centre and is a prerequisite for those volunteers who would like to become a registered DEC wildlife rehabilitator.

Check out all the information about this course here.

For any students, parents or teachers wishing to get more information about Earth Assist and all it can offer, head to our Contact  page and drop us a line.