Dr Christopher Cheng

Having moved to Sydney after a decade in Hong Kong, Christopher began volunteering at Old Government House as a guide after completing a PhD. His studies have spanned architecture, anthropology, history and heritage.

I was born in Carins into a migrant family…

My parents divorced when I was young, and I felt disconnected from my ancestral heritage and not fully grounded to where I was. That lack of connection to different places fuelled my desire to learn about the past. Every time I conduct research, I am fascinated by how different bits of knowledge fit together like a jigsaw puzzle revealing a bigger picture.

The idea of bringing heritage to life was something that resonated with me…

I spent so much time alone by myself at home through the pandemic, and research is quite a solitary endeavour, I decided I needed to go out and volunteer and meet new people. Guiding was something I had done when I was in Hong Kong, and the location was perfect – I live in Paramatta, so Old Government House is right on my doorstep.

I love it when I see people’s faces light up…

It’s like a candle in the dark. When they make connections between things they know and things they don’t know, between the past and the present. This is the experience that I recall when I was first shown around Old Government House, and passing that knowledge on is most enjoyable.

I like to tell people I am a product of migration and so is Old Government House…

From the early challenges of recreating the old-world style building to introducing ‘exotic’ flavours like curry as we see in the kitchen, thanks to Governor Macquarie’s love of Indian cuisine, it reflects the beginning of a multicultural Australia.

In Chinese there is an idiom about volunteering…

‘Happiness comes from helping others.’ This describes how I feel when I get home from a day at Old Government House.

Lucy Tripney

After completing a degree in Heritage, Museums and Conservation, Lucy moved to Newcastle and began volunteering at Grossman House while working part-time.

I’ve always had an interest in history…

My mum loved heritage architecture and would always point out the ‘beautiful old buildings’ when we visited new places; I have definitely taken on her appreciation for tangible heritage!

The ability to develop employment related skills and experience is invaluable…

Volunteering with the National Trust has been a great way to get some more hands-on experience in the heritage sector. I majored in Conservation, which has been really useful for understanding the needs of the collection when it comes to caring for it.

I love imagining and learning about the stories of the people who have inhabited the houses…

I work remotely, so knowing that I also have a dedicated morning out of the house (with real people!) each week is lovely. Volunteering doesn’t have to be the massive time commitment you might think it would be. A few hours here and there can go a long way.

Fiona Reynolds

A member of the National Trust for 50 years, Fiona lives in Wollongong and has been engaged with volunteer work for over a quarter of a century.

History and heritage have been a constant in my life…

I grew up in a family of amateur historians. After working in information technology for 25 years, I took a career change to ‘follow my heart’ and now work in a small heritage consulting firm.

A real joy in my role is to engage with our members and the wider community…

As Chair of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Branch, I am the local spokesperson and point of liaison for the National Trust. I’m lucky to be supported by a committee of amazingly talented individuals who bring to the table a diversity of talents, skills and knowledge.

Each branch knows their local areas, local concerns and local threats…

I’m a Wollongong girl through-and-through. If I could call a ‘sense of place’ or a ‘sense of community’ a skill, then I’d put that on the top of the list of skills that I use in my volunteer work. Having the North Beach Surf Life Saving Club House included in the State Heritage Listed North Beach Precinct in 2023 was a personal standout moment for me.

Volunteer for as little or as long as you want, but remember every little bit helps…

Choose a passion or choose a skill, and put it to work. Volunteering increases your sense of self-worth, knowing that you are involved in making a positive difference to someone or something.

Maxwell Mann

Based in the Northern Beaches, Maxwell recently completed a PhD in Archaeology. While studying he volunteered at Cooma Cottage, working closely with the conservation team.

I was looking for interesting new ways to get involved with archeology beyond university…

A mentor mentioned the National Trust and said they were a very active group in heritage and always receptive to people looking to assist. When I met the team, they mentioned the upcoming work at Cooma Cottage. After studying for so long it was a much-appreciated opportunity to put what I had learnt into practice

Being able to see heritage firsthand was fascinating…

Looking back at the past and the objects that are left behind, you realise how many commonalties link us to our ancestors. There is so much that connects rather than separates us.

It’s amazing how different the week to week became thanks to volunteering… 

From looking over the collection at Old Government House, getting involved in the Industrial Heritage Committee to a senior archaeologist looking over the objects I had chosen – it’s hard to pick a highlight from my time at the National Trust.

It’s great working with people who are happy to share their knowledge…

I didn’t feel like age or experience was ever an issue. The whole team has been wonderful and so supportive and caring. It makes it easy to be passionate about heritage.

­­­­­Yvonne Kattell

A former teacher, Yvonne began volunteering at Woodford Academy following retirement, when she was struck by the educational opportunity the historic building offered to schools.

We offer school visits and my role is to coordinate the program… 

My background as an educator has enabled me to go to the school curriculum and devise programs that address educational outcomes.

The education program seeks to bring history to life by engaging children’s imaginations…

Woodford Academy’s preserved heritage provides a place where children can step into another world. We aim to give students and teachers a fun day out, while we broaden their minds. At the end of each visit, we are always tired but happy!

Volunteering with the National Trust has enriched my life in many ways…

I have been able to contribute what I can of the skills and experience I have accumulated over the years. I love the camaraderie, and the sense of achievement of a common purpose. Many important aspects of community life and culture depend on the work of volunteers, and I am proud to be one.

Interested in volunteering?

Discover more about the work of our volunteers or to find out how you can become a National Trust volunteer.