Victorian Environment Friends Network

The Victorian Environment Friends Network (VEFN) is dedicated to protecting, restoring, and enhancing Victoria s natural environment through communityled volunteer groups, including Friends Groups, local conservation groups, and other bodies supporting species across the state. These groups work to conserve their special places and protect native species. At the heart of VEFN s work is a vision for the future: A flourishing and biodiverse environment, supported by all the friends and resources it needs. To achieve this, VEFN s mission is clear: We connect, inspire, engage, and empower individuals, groups, and networks to become effective protectors and advocates for the natural environment. Key Activities and Outcomes in 2024 Growing and strengthening environmental volunteering: VEFN s membership grew from 80 member groups in 2023 to 150 member groups by the end of the reporting period. Collectively, these groups represent over 8,500 volunteers caring for Victoria s terrestrial, riparian, marine, and coastal reserves. The VEFN Awards Program continues to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Friends Groups and environmental volunteers. Building awareness and engagement: The VEFN website attracted 25,000 visits in 2024, with visitors from 20 countries (99% Australian). VEFN s quarterly newsletters and regular updates reached a mailing list of 6,000 subscribers, providing vital information on: Grant and funding opportunities Training and capacitybuilding resources Environmental policy and legislative updates Submission opportunities on key environmental issues News and updates on Victoria s environment and native species Advocacy and capacitybuilding for the future: VEFN continues to grow its capacity to provide a united voice for nature and advocate for the work of Friends Groups. We aim to build and sustain the strength, capacity, and influence of VEFN longterm, ensuring we remain a key network supporting environmental volunteers across Victoria. Through these initiatives, VEFN is actively working towards a future in which everyone is a friend of the environment.