Tag Archive for: Opportunities
Have a passion for gardening? Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society (CAHRS) is currently seeking a growing garden guru to lead our Canning River Gardeners group.
We’re looking for a green-thumbed Facilitator keen to share their love of gardening, who knows how to keep our plant friends happy and healthy, and someone that enjoys a social, community-oriented environment.
This is a casual position, facilitating our group planned for the first Monday of the month (though flexible).
A stipend payment of approximately $200 per month (dependent on experience and frequency of events) is on offer to the selected Facilitator, plus any approved incidental costs to be covered by CAHRS (eg transport, materials, extra entry fees or costs for excursions etc). Plus you will receive CAHRS membership benefits + access to VIP events within our society.
You will be expected to:
– Organise approximately one event a month, lasting for a few hours.
– Source and plan speakers, tours, visits, workshops and/or conduct in-house topical meetings.
– Focus on educating the community and providing advice for garden-related discussions.
– Aim to create events and relationships to increase CAHRS and Canning River Gardeners’ membership, and encourage member engagement in the Canning Show & Exhibition.
– Participate and advocate for others’ involvement in CAHRS events.
– Report directly to CAHRS’ Events Officer.
Previous examples of Canning River Gardeners events include excursions to City Farm, Zanthorrea Nursery and Total Green Recycling, or workshops on how to create insect hotels, winter gardening tips, bonsai care and seeds swaps.
Experience with Garden Clubs or exhibiting at a Garden Show is desirable but not essential; We’re really just looking for someone who loves gardening, people, and sharing gardening with people!
INTERESTED?
Please contact our Events Officer Laura on 9451 1820 or via email at laura@cahrs.com.au with the subject line “Gardening Facilitator” and answer the following questions:
Ideally, we’re looking for someone to start ASAP, though this can be negotiated.
PLEASE NOTE:
These events are presented by Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society (CAHRS), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enriching the lives of our community, from hosting community events in the Cannington Exhibition Centre & Showgrounds to organising our own events (including the Canning Show), workshops, programs and more. All events are discounted or subsidised for Members, and members receive a range of benefits, from free Show tickets to warm and fuzzies from helping give back to the community. Find out more here.
As with all Special Interest Groups/events held at Cannington Exhibition Centre & Showgrounds or run by CAHRS, these events will run in accordance with the government’s current COVID-19 restrictions, as well as internally promoted precautionary safety measures, with our patrons, volunteers and staff’s health and safety always held of the highest importance. When at our venue or events, please respect the safety measures in place.
Sitting at my new temporary ‘office’ desk at home takes adjustment. Like everyone else, I am learning to live a safely isolated lifestyle and discovering the benefits of having time at home. Apart from the obvious and practical things like cleaning out the shed, there are opportunities to seize whilst being restricted, including thinking of new ideas for the development of Canning Exhibition Centre & Showgrounds, the evolution of the Canning Show and CAHRS events that will positively impact more people’s lives in brighter days to come.
A few updates since last we spoke include:
CANNING SHOW AND EXHIBITION
At this stage, it is not wise to jump to conclusions as to whether the Canning Show will run on the planned date of 6 & 7 November, but I recommend that you continue to prepare and create your Exhibition entries. Have a go at the fantastic craft challenge by making an article featuring an insect, spider, snail or creepy-crawly.
The Canning Show Exhibition schedule of entries will be given an early online launch this year and will include some special items specifically designed to celebrate the International ‘Year Of Plant Health’, the theme for 2020, with a number of classes now being announced.
INSECT HOTELS
Applauding the world focus of this very important topic, the Show is hosting a special competition suitable for all ages and skills levels; to build an insect hotel. The winners will be the homeless bees and bugs of your garden. After the Show, the hotels can be set up and become home to very happy insects that will propagate your flowers, fruit trees and generally make your garden a better place.
On a recent trip to Bunnings, I did discover that the shelves of seeds and vegetable seedlings were bare. I think perhaps that everyone has already heard how much fun it is to exhibit flowers, fruit and veg and the Show, and have decided to give it a go nice and early. I hope the insects (that currently don’t have anywhere to live) are able to do their work in time.
RECYCLING MATERIALS
We also need to re-think our attitude towards recycling materials used for handicrafts. Traditionally we have expected handicraft items to be made using new materials, but, with art and craft supplies in high demand as parents rise to the challenges of homeschooling, this year we encourage and welcome items made with repurposed materials. Please think carefully about the materials’ previous lives and don’t use items that are not clean and safe. Fabric can easily be re-used if it has been thoroughly washed. Consider what might be suitable if you want to use containers that have been used for storage, if they held chemicals, for example, make sure they are very thoroughly cleaned first and never use treated pine for crafting.
AGM UPDATE
Following the annual general meeting, I am pleased to advise that Ray Porter has been returned as President and Maxine Wylie as Vice President. Ray, Maxine and the other members of the Committee of Management guide the direction of CAHRS. They are a valued part of the team committed to working together to achieve the best possible outcome and ultimately return to normal operations with the least possible disruption or loss. Day by day, the staff continue to manage the venue, looking after the essential maintenance and operational tasks, as well as preparing the plans for re-opening.
VENUE DEVELOPMENTS
Also at the AGM, details for the new venue developments were on the agenda. The members that attended the meeting voted with confidence on the plans and endorsed support for progression to the next stages of planning. We are currently reviewing these, guided by a commitment to enriching communities with perhaps different needs to those we identified pre-COVID-19.
MEMBERS TRIP
Thank you for your support and I am excited by the prospect of seeing you all soon. A spring-time bus trip to Penguin Island is just what we need. Keep posted for confirmed dates of this event and others when normal service is resumed.
THANKS
This is a troubling time for many. Our organisation is made up of 100s of wonderful volunteers, members, friends and family, who put their heart and soul into giving back and inspiring others. We wish them all the happiness and health we can during these challenging periods, as well as everyone all around the globe. Now, more than ever, we all need to band together and look after, respect and help each other as best we can. Our very best to all, and we look forward to opening the doors to the public again as soon as safely possible!
On behalf of the Committee, Members and staff, I wish you a safe and happy Easter.
Dianne Begg
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CAHRS
Whilst events at Cannington Exhibition Centre are temporarily postponed due to COVID-19, Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society (CAHRS) is instead planning ways to strengthen and renew our Special Interest Group offerings, giving the public and members a ranged of reinvigorated options to be educated, inspired and have fun!
Something to look forward later in the year, we have been planning an annual CAHRS Members trip like no other; a road (and boat!) trip to Penguin Island and Naragebup. Although the date can only be confirmed once the current uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 dissipates, we’re hoping that we’ll be able to hold it in mid-September. Penguin Island is home to the world’s smallest penguin species, yet this trip won’t be ‘short’ on anything else, as we also head to Naragebup for an inspirational tour and lunch.
Included:
- Return bus trip, leaving Cannington Exhibition Centre & Showgrounds
- Return ferry to picturesque Penguin Island and penguin feeding at Discovery Centre
- Guided talk and walk around the grounds at Naragebup (Rockingham Regional Environmental Centre), including organic vegetable gardens, rescued marine turtles and aquatic friends
- Packed lunch provided in Lake View function room at Naragebup
Subsidised tickets will be announced as soon as possible, with priority given to CAHRS Members.
PLEASE NOTE: As we don’t yet know when this trip will be able to occur until the COVID-19 situation is resolved, please watch this space for an announcement of dates and tickets as soon as we can!
Whilst events at Cannington Exhibition Centre are temporarily postponed due to COVID-19, Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society (CAHRS) is instead planning ways to strengthen and renew our Special Interest Group offerings, giving the public and members a ranged of reinvigorated options to be educated, inspired and have fun!
In light of this, coming soon to Fairbridge Village, Pinjarra, CAHRS is excited to announce a Weekend Craft Retreat. This escape will be bursting at the ‘seams’ with opportunities for all types of craft lovers, ranging from knitters to crocheters, sewers, and various arts and crafters. Whilst learning, developing and sharing skills, this retreat enables you to have a ‘yarn’ in a social setting, and find new people you really ‘glue’ with.
All meals will be included enabling you to enjoy a weekend filled with creative workshops, outdoor excursions and plenty of social interaction with like-minded people. The total cost of the retreat is $160 per person.
We are currently seeking expressions of interest for a two-night escape to this historical village. Express your Interest by sending an email to laura@cahrs.com.au with the subject line “Craft Retreat”.
PLEASE NOTE: As we won’t know when it will be safe to go ahead and confirm these dates, and are operating with restricted staff hours, please be patient as you will likely not hear from us for a few months to come. Hang tight and we’ll be with you ASAP!
Whilst events at Cannington Exhibition Centre are temporarily postponed due to COVID-19, Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society (CAHRS) is instead planning ways to strengthen and renew our Special Interest Group offerings, giving the public and members a ranged of reinvigorated options to be educated, inspired and have fun!
As part of this, CAHRS is currently seeking a Creative Enthusiast to lead our weekly Craft Connoisseurs sessions. This is a casual, stipend-paying position (helping to cover any associated costs for transport, materials and planning time) that allow someone to facilitate a group every Tuesday 9:30am-Midday. The position won’t start til classes reboot, which will only be when the current COVID-19 situation settles down and it’s deemed safe for both the facilitator and class members to participate.
The successful candidate will be leading a group of 10 -15 participants weekly through guided craft sessions. This is also an opportunity for individuals to showcase their crafty skills and build relationships with like-minded people. While working closely with our Events Officer, you will also assist with special outings and guest speakers for the group.
In return, we offer a weekly stipend payment for your time and participation, a community-oriented environment, CAHRS membership discounts and access to VIP events within our society.
Interested? Please email laura@cahrs.com.au with the subject line “Craft Facilitator” and answer the following questions:
- Why do you want to lead our group, and what inspires you about craft?
- What experience or skills do you have relevant to the position?
- Attach a few photos of work you have created
PLEASE NOTE: As we won’t know when these classes will begin and are operating with restricted staff hours, please be patient as you will likely not hear from us for a few months to come. Hang tight and we’ll be with you ASAP!
Introducing Sarah Capone. Whilst we’ve appreciated her lending her time and growing skills to CAHRS/Canning Show/Cannington Exhibition Centre as a volunteer for almost a year, Sarah’s generosity to the community doesn’t stop there. In between this, her job and life in general, Sarah also volunteers her time as a firefighter.
In between fighting fires and enriching the community, we grabbed this budding community hero for an interview, coinciding with the beginning of our own search for new volunteers (including a Marketing/ Communications / PR relevant internships now being offered here).
How and why did you get involved in firefighting?
When the Banjup fires hit in 2014 I was only fourteen and felt helpless as I fled my home. In 2016 I joined Jandakot Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, giving me the ability to do more for my family and my community. My dad was already a member of the brigade, so the process was a lot easier as I started attending meetings and training sessions almost straight away.
It’s a volunteer position that obviously has some serious risks – what do you gain from it?
In the brigade I have met many different people from different backgrounds and different skills; members, other brigades, career firefighters, other emergency services and community members. My communication skills have benefitted a lot when communicating between all these different backgrounds. And of course the feeling of wellbeing from helping others – from people to animals.
How has the whole situation, with Australia seemingly on fire, affected you?
It has been an extremely busy fire season, particularly over east. Although members from our brigade have joined task forces and have been deployed to help our follow firefighters, it has still been tough to hope for things to get better. Watching footage of the fire and seeing the devastating effects on wildlife and residents breaks your heart. But it has also been extremely heart-warming to see so many business and people from all over the world taking part in raising awareness and raising funds for the crisis.
Tell us about the actual experience of fighting a fire, and what goes through your mind?
Your mindset definitely changes; your brain is switched on from the minute you get the call, to the minute you return to station. When you get to an incident, your brain goes through a checklist of what’s already happened, what is happening now and what will happen soon. You don’t tend to second guess yourself; you remember your training and trust your crew. I trust my crew leader to never put us in a situation that we can’t handle. You are never in your comfort zone at an incident, but you learn to be okay with that and trust yourself.
Can anyone apply to be a firefighter / what makes a good one?
Almost anyone can become a volunteer firefighter, there isn’t one way to be a good firefighter; we have single mums, police officers, paramedics, tradies, those with grandkids and even students. If you are interested, then I urge you to get in contact with your local brigade.
What sort of training do volunteer firefighters undergo?
This is dependent on the service you volunteer with. At my brigade there are several requirements to pass before you’re allowed on the fireground as a probationary firefighter, including two full-day courses, assistance in three hazard reduction burns and a skills assessment. We also attend training twice a month, one in conjunction with a general meeting, for two hours.
You also volunteer at CAHRS – tell us about that experience and what you’ve gained/learned?
Working alongside the Events Officer has made me realise the passion I have for events and has made me realise that I want to work towards having a career in this area. Here, I have learnt so much about general day-to-day jobs, working in an office as a team, and creating a huge event like the Canning Show. Being at two volunteer workplaces, both have allowed me to prioritise the other when required, with flexible hours if I need. It’s great to see that support from both sides.
What would you say to other people who have never taken up any volunteer roles, but are considering doing so?
Go for it. You will never regret volunteering, but you might regret not doing it. Spending your spare time helping a community is rewarding in many ways – the work volunteers do is always appreciated from those who see the change they create. Volunteers are welcomed in all industries, so you don’t have to do something as risky as firefighting: plants trees, volunteer with the Salvation Army, volunteer at a hospital, or CAHRS/Canning Show/Cannington Exhibition Centre… You can go anywhere!
Wanting to learn new skills and build your CV with professional experience, all the while assisting an organisation dedicated to enriching the lives of the community? Luckily, we have some new opportunities to get vital intern experience!
Whilst some may best know the Canning Agricultural Horticultural and Recreational Society Inc for our annual Canning Show, CAHRS also runs the Cannington Exhibition Centre & Showgrounds, which last year saw 437 extremely diverse events held in our grounds, bringing in close to 100,000 visitors.
A not-for-profit organisation, we’re dedicated to providing platforms, activities and events that encourage participation in agricultural and horticultural interests, cultural and artistic pursuits, sport and recreational pastimes, and community-serving events.
We’re looking for interns to further inspire and contribute to the work of an organisation undergoing a strong period of change, and to share with them the collective skills of the staff and fellow volunteers. The interns we’re looking for will have either a range of pre-existing communications, marketing OR general administration skills, educational background or experience, which you will wish to gain further experience and expertise in.
POSSIBLE RESPONSIBILITIES/EXPERIENCES
Depending on your current skills and interests, you could be assisting with:
- General administrative tasks.
- Communicating with a diverse range of key stakeholders.
- Creating engaging original social media content, including promotions via Facebook and Instagram Business Pages.
- Developing new social media content strategies, including on LinkedIn, YouTube etc.
- Managing key contact databases, including updating and expanding media, educational, community and client lists.
- Website content creation and management using WordPress.
- Testing and researching potential new communications tools.
- Utilising Mailchimp to create eNewsletters.
- Various copywriting tasks, including drafting press releases, website content, stories of interest to our members etc.
- Using InDesign or similar graphics programs to help design new promotional assets, including posters, newsletters etc.
- Driving new membership strategies.
- Events work, including assisting project management, research, brainstorming, communicating with clients etc for the Canning Show and CECS-run events.
- Community targeting and distribution of promotional materials.
Apart from possessing some of the skills listed above, applicants with excellent attention to detail, plus strong abilities in problem solving, communicating and new technologies will be looked upon favourably. A passion for thriving in an environment where you can expect the unexpected – and enjoy having fun doingt – is also highly encouraged!
COMMITMENT
Preferably one 9am-5pm day a week for much of the remainder of 2019. This will see you develop skills in the leadup and then be able to apply them to the Canning Show at the end of the year.
PLEASE NOTE: Whilst there are currently no fulltime positions available at CAHRS, we’ll be selecting interns with a view to hopefully employing you in the future, most likely as a freelance contractor. This could be in time for the Canning Show.
APPLY
Interested in a free educational experience and/or a job-boosting internship, hosted by a range of professionals, educators and all-round friendly staff?
Contact Aarom Wilson at aarom@cahrs.com.au and send your CV/resume. Include a few paragraphs telling us about yourself and why you would like to work at CAHRS/CECS/Canning Show.
All ages and experience levels are encouraged to apply. CAHRS aims to provide required tasks with the appropriate applicants.
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About Us
It is our mission to provide platforms, opportunities, events and workshops to encourage cultural & artistic pursuits, agricultural & horticultural interests, to develop community imagination, creation & participation. CAHRS is dedicated to enriching the lives of the community
Contact Info
- Canning Agricultural, Horticultural and Recreational Society Inc.
- Gate 1, Corner of Station St. & Albany Hwy. CANNINGTON WA 6107 Australia