The National Trust of South Australia is changing the way its Moonta sites are managed to provide more administrative support and reduce the growing burden on local volunteers.
Making the announcement today, Chief Executive Officer Nicolette Di Lernia said that in recent years the Moonta Mines State Heritage Precinct had become increasingly complex to manage, involving three paid staff, multiple sites or facilities that operate up to seven days a week, over 110 volunteers and a turnover of more than $600,000.
“It is by far the most complex operation managed by a National Trust branch anywhere in the state, if not Australia. In fact, it has become the equivalent of a substantial small business,” Ms Di Lernia said.
“A detailed review and a series of meetings and site visits in recent months have made it clear that this is placing an unreasonable burden on the Moonta Branch Executive Committee and local volunteers, which is clearly unsustainable.
“We are also conscious that the National Trust has a vital part to play in securing UNESCO World Heritage listing for key Cornish copper mining sites at Moonta and Burra, and helping to deliver the significant economic and cultural outcomes this will generate for the wider community.”
Ms Di Lernia said that for the Australian Cornish Mining Sites bid to be successful, the National Trust had to demonstrate very clearly that it had the capability and resources to manage its sites and progressively implement the conservation and interpretive works required, including full compliance with a host of government regulations and UNESCO requirements.
“These will be critical factors in whether the bid is successful or not. We owe it to our partners in the bid consortium and the community to make sure our house is in order and that we are working proactively with them to win recognition for these unique places on the world stage,” she said.
“The scale of operation at Moonta and the challenges ahead in relation to the bid means this is just not realistic. After deep consideration of all these factors and our legal obligations, we believe the best way forward is to disband the branch for the time being and for Head Office to assume full management responsibility,” Ms Di Lernia said.
The branch was informed of this decision in a meeting this afternoon at Moonta with Chief Executive Officer Nicolette Di Lernia, Governing Council Vice President Jo Lokan and Chris Guille, who is Chair of the National Trust of South Australia Audit, Finance and Governance Committee.
“Obviously, not everyone is going to be happy with this change, however we have a duty of care to our volunteers,” Ms Di Lernia added.
“We believe this step will provide essential breathing space for them to step back from endless administrative tasks and meetings, and regather their energy to focus on what they enjoy most and what they are uniquely placed to deliver – championing local history and sharing their knowledge and local stories with the thousands of visitors who come here every year.”
While the Moonta Mines walking trails will remain accessible, the National Trust museum, sweet shop, tourist railway and miner’s cottage will be closed for five weeks to allow staff to make necessary operational changes. This will include working with volunteers to make sure they are fully aware of their roles at each site and how our staff will actively support them.
“While this closure is regrettable, it has been carefully considered, and the timing ensures we will be well prepared to reopen for the busy Easter weekend,” Ms Di Lernia said.
In closing, she emphasised that there was absolutely no intention for a similar approach to be taken at Burra, which is also part of the bid.
“Burra has a very different operating model which is much more sustainable, and they have built strong partnerships to support them,” Ms Di Lernia said.
“The National Trust is a community-based organisation, and remains committed to working with local communities to share their unique stories. Local knowledge and participation remain vital to the National Trust and its vital role in preserving, protecting and promoting South Australia’s built, natural and cultural heritage for future generations.”
Refunds for prepaid tickets purchased for the closure period will be automatically refunded. Queries should be directed to admin@nationaltrustsa.org.au
For more information please contact ceo@nationaltrustsa.org.au – 0409 494 014
