7.1. Training and Support

Our Volunteer Trainers

Helen Davies (left) and Cassandra Vockler (right) are very experienced Bellingen Riverwatch volunteers who have stepped into WQM Mentor Roles to train new WQM volunteers.

Who is WQM Training for?

All WQM Testers (including Roving, Assigned, School Support) require a minimum of two WQM training sessions when they first join the program.

How will I know when my training session is on?

Once you register as a WQM Tester, the Bellingen Riverwatch Coordinator will contact Helen and Cass and share your details with them. Helen or Cass will then be in contact to organise a day, time and place to meet up to start training. Wherever possible, these sessions are conducted on the second Tuesday or Wednesday of the month.

Who will be at the training session?

Sometimes, the training sessions will be one-on-one sessions. Sometimes, there will be other learning volunteers, or experienced volunteers doing refresher training there also. These sessions may be conducted out in the field or at the OzGREEN office.

What do I need to do prior to my first training session?

We recommend you read and watch the following sections of the Online WQM Manual, in this order, prior to your first training session:

1. Part 7 - Training Module (recommended)

2. Part 4 - First Aid Information (mandatory)

3. Part 1 - Must be done at the River (optional)

4. Part 2 - Can be done at the river OR at home / school (optional)

5. Part 3 - Pack Up, Restock & Upload (optional)

6. Part 5 - For Roving Testers (only if you have registered as a Roving Tester)

7. Part 6 - For School Support Volunteers (only if you have registered as a School Support Volunteer)