MCMC considers that work in environmental management and community education is socially and economically valuable, requires special skills and knowledge and deserves to be paid at award/professional rates reflecting the real value of that work.

However, MCMC accepts volunteer input in certain conditions and for a limited range of activities, including joint events with Friends of Merri Creek, work experience for students, project work of joint benefit, and specialist advice and support. See MCMC's Volunteer Policy.

Volunteer involvement is encouraged through Friends of Merri Creek, which was designed to be the voluntary community involvement organisation for Merri Creek.

MCMC does not want to treat the community like unpaid slave labour, and is keen for participants in voluntary involvement events to themselves get some benefit.