Exploring burnout in Australia's Landcare program: A case study in the Shepparton region

The community Landcare program represents an important element of Australia's approach to sustainable development. However, there is increased concern about burnout in volunteer Landcare participants. Until now, investigations of burnout in Landcare had largely failed to draw on international literature relating to the burnout concept. This article reviews findings from a regional case study of Landcare participants that used a modified version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Survey findings demonstrated that the modified version of the MBI was valid and reliable. A small proportion of individuals were experiencing high levels of burnout, and results indicate considerable potential for burnout to increase.