Volunteer with us

Volunteer at a stunning heritage property! Listed on the National Heritage Register as one of the  finest examples of original suburban estate in Australia, Rippon Lea estate is comprised of a large Victorian mansion and 7 hectares of gardens. Built in 1868 the mansion and now comprising of 33 rooms, Rippon Lea was home to the Sargood & Nathan/Jones families.  With it’s own swimming pool, tennis courts, fernery and lavish decor Rippon Lea was the place to be seen for over a century.

Louise Jones, the last inhabitant of Rippon Lea, left it to the National Trust and in 1972 we opened the doors to the public for the first time. Nearly 50 years later we continue to tell the story of those who lived and worked here and invite the public to learn about Melbourne high society over the years.

If you would like to know more and spread the stories and wonder of this property we are looking for help.

We need:

• House tour guides
• Gate House Volunteers
  • urgently in need of a volunteer who can regularly volunteer on Friday’s

As we come into spring/summer Rippon Lea will get busier and we are in need of more volunteers to help, preferably those who can commit to a regular volunteer day and time.

Orientation and training is provided.

In return, you can extend your experience, learn new skills and enrich your life by becoming involved as a volunteer with the National Trust.

If you are interested  please contact [email protected]

Volunteer in 2019, new year, new challenge 

• Are you interested in our history and in supporting the National Trust?
• Would you enjoy joining a team of dedicated McCrae Homestead volunteers?

We are needing enthusiastic for people to join our volunteer gardening team.

They meet every Wednesday from 10am – 4pm.

The homestead built in 1844 by lawyer Andrew McCrae and his artist wife Georgiana is a rare example of drop slab construction.  Georgiana’s great-great-great grandson sold it to the National Trust in 1970.

The Homestead is one of Victoria’s oldest, original existing houses, and was built on a large lease in the Port Phillip colony, Arthur’s Seat Run, comprising 33 square miles or 20,500 acres (8,296ha). The building was designed by Georgiana McCrae who was the illegitimate daughter of the 5th Duke of Gordon, a talented artist and dedicated diarist. The McCrae family were one of the first six pioneer families to establish properties on the Mornington Peninsula.

In return, you can extend your experience, learn new skills and enrich your life by becoming involved as a volunteer with the National Trust.

If you are interested in helping preserve our heritage please contact [email protected]

We are looking for volunteer helpers to assist in running our fun history Discovering Our Heritage Program at the National Trust property, Barwon Grange, on the banks of the Barwon River in Newtown.

Join us in this fully immersive program where classroom size groups of school children dress up to tour the house, explore the garden and draw what they see and then play all the games that entertained inventive youngsters in the 1850s.

You will be among other volunteers, who will teach you how to manage small groups of children and give you notes so you can answer their inquisitive questions.

These are fun educational sessions run in a very informal manner with children eager to learn the history of this amazing property and to discover some of the aspects of what it was like growing up in early Geelong.

You will be added to a roster of other volunteers and called on, when required, to join these 2 1/2 hour sessions that occur on weekdays randomly throughout the school year. The volunteering commitment is not on a regular basis and is not overly time consuming.

For more information on volunteering and details of requirements for working with children registration required by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) please contact [email protected]

Old Melbourne Gaol – Short-Term Volunteers wanted

With the holiday’s nearly upon us, an exciting opportunity exists to volunteer for Australia’s premier heritage and conservation organisation. Guided by our experienced staff, you will join our team of volunteers.

We are seeking energetic and motivated volunteers, during the period 21st of September 2019 – 6th of October 2019:

• To learn about and subsequently share knowledge of the Old Melbourne Gaol with the general public.
• To provide customer service to our visitors.
• To assist visitors with the Watch House experience and Former Magistrate’s Court, as directed by staff.

Volunteers especially needed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & alt Sundays.

In return, you can extend your experience, learn new skills and enrich your life by becoming involved as a volunteer with the National Trust.
Information sessions will take place during mid-September.

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) (NTAV) is an independent, non-profit organisation supported by a large community base. We are Victoria’s premier heritage and conservation organisation and the major operator of historic properties and sites open to the public across Victoria.

If this sounds like you..(or someone you know), please get in touch for more information and please share this with your networks.

As part of the application process we will ask you to agree to register as a National Trust Volunteer. We will require a police check and a working with children’s check from volunteers – we can assist in you obtaining a check.

Thank you for considering volunteering with us. We believe in inclusiveness, diversity and equality and are committed to ensuring that our workplaces are a reflection of that. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply to our vacancies.

This is an exciting opportunity to build and maintain relationships in the local community.

What’s Involved:

• Welcome & assist visitors to the site
• Retail sales
• Talking to visitors about the history of the property
• Providing support to the property manager
• Processing orders
• Having fun

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) (NTAV) is a community – based, non-government organisation committed to promoting and conserving Australia’s heritage for future generations to enjoy. Founded in 1956, it has since grown to become Australia’s largest community based, heritage conservation organisation that works as an independent, privately funded, not-for-profit body. It is the premier heritage and conservation organisation in Victoria and the major operator of house museums and historic properties open to the public.

Apply today and become a part of the friendly Como house volunteer team tomorrow. We are seeking retail volunteers for all week days, particularly Monday’s, Tuesday’s and Friday’s.

As part of the application process we will ask you to agree to register as a National Trust Volunteer.

Thank you for considering volunteering with us. We believe in inclusiveness, diversity and equality and are committed to ensuring that our workplaces are a reflection of that. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply to our vacancies.

‘We promote diversity and practice equity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply’.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact [email protected]

EXCITING NEW VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY

The National Trust is excited to be opening to the public one of the oldest properties in the Port Fairy district. We are seeking keen and driven volunteers to help open up Mills Cottage to the public and share its unique local history.

Mills Cottage nestles in the historic town of Port Fairy and is one of the oldest buildings in the district. Captain John Mills resided here and is a significant figure to the district, working as the Harbour Master in Port Fairy from 1853 to 1871. Mills Cottage is further significant as it highlights various early building methods and materials, including containing some of the oldest standing timber.

We are looking for volunteers for areas such as tour guiding, welcoming visitors to the house and conservation.

Help the National Trust conduct group and individual guided tours. Interpret the contents of the house and provide an interesting and accurate account of the social history to visitors.

In return, you can extend your experience, meet new people, learn new skills and enrich your life by becoming involved as a volunteer with the National Trust.

Join us at the magnificent Portable Iron Houses!

With gold discovered in Victoria in 1851 accommodation was needed for the many migrants flocking to the colony. Iron houses met that need.  Constructed in Britain, the houses were dismantled, every component labelled then packed into crates and shipped abroad to be reassembled in their new location.

Bell House, Patterson House & Abercrombie House are among the last pre-fabricated houses left and we are in need of volunteers to tell the stories of these houses

We are looking for volunteers to hep with:

• Tour Guiding
• Conservation
• Customer Service

If this sounds like you..(or someone you know), please get in touch for more information and please share this with your networks.

As part of the application process we will ask you to agree to register as a National Trust Volunteer.

Thank you for considering volunteering with us. We believe in inclusiveness, diversity and equality and are committed to ensuring that our workplaces are a reflection of that. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply to our vacancies.

If you are interested in these volunteering roles please contact [email protected]

Volunteer in 2019, new year, new challenge 

Constructed of local sandstone and timbers, Portarlington Mill is a significant example of the earliest mills.

After conversion for residential use in the twentieth century as flats for holiday makers the building was condemned in 1962 but saved from demolition when it was purchased by the Shire of Bellarine and presented to the National Trust.

We are searching for volunteers to become a part of the volunteer team at Portarlington Mill

• Gardening Volunteers
• Customer Service
• Tour Guide Volunteers
• Conservation
• Help with events such as weddings & birthdays

In return, you can extend your experience, learn new skills and enrich your life by becoming involved as a volunteer with the National Trust.

If you are interested in helping preserve our heritage please contact [email protected]

Discover a gem in 2019!

The Federal Standard Printing Works at Chiltern was established in 1859 and was the major printing site for newspapers across North East Victoria. It is one of the few substantially intact provincial newspaper printeries remaining from the gold mining era.

The Federal Standard has original equipment including two printing presses, a linotype machine in working order and metal text and graphics in original type cases.

We are in need of volunteers to continue to keep the display open to the public. Anyone with previous history in the trade, or an interest in printing methods of the past would be very welcome to apply.

We promote diversity and practice equity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply

For more information on the the Federal Standard Printing Works at Chiltern click Here

To apply and for more information on volunteering, please contact [email protected]

Get involved in your community heritage in 2019

Are you a Member of the National Trust and interested in becoming more actively involved in the work that we do? Why not join one of our volunteer Branch Committees, currently located at centres across Victoria.

As a Branch Committee Member you would have the opportunity to support and lead local advocacy campaigns, organise historical walking tours and events, and more generally raise awareness for heritage within your community.

Interested? Get in touch: [email protected]

Volunteer in 2019, new year, new challenge 

Gulf Station began in the 1840’s as part of a 25,000 acre run known as the Gulf . The Bell family began their lives here in the late 1840’s and the homestead and outbuildings are a part of the legacy that the family has left behind for the public to explore and enjoy. The Trust is expanding the activities onsite to be able to welcome the public back to the property.

We are currently seeking energetic and motivated Volunteers:

• Gardening Volunteers
• Customer Service

Garden Volunteers

We are urgently seeking gardeners of any skill level to join our volunteer team on Thursday’s between 8.30am and 2pm.  Working in the garden to specific specs, you will join a dedicated team who maintain the building and grounds for now and the future, preserving the Bell legacy and the beautiful garden created.

Customer Service

We need volunteers to introduce the public to Gulf Station and assist them with any questions. You would be the first point of call for the public and an asset to the volunteer guiding team.

If you are interested you can visit Gulf Station on a Thursday to get a feel for the role.

Orientation and training is provided and a regular commitment of at least a half day a fortnight,

In return, you can extend your experience, learn new skills and enrich your life by becoming involved as a volunteer with the National Trust.

If you are interested in helping preserve our heritage please contact [email protected]

Volunteer in 2019, new year, new challenge 

Mulberry Hill is an American Colonial style house, set on 29 acres surrounded by the beautiful countryside and Western Port. It was the home of artist Sir Daryl Lindsay and his wife Lady Joan.The Lindsay’s left their beloved Mulberry Hill, and its significant collection of Australian art, fine Georgian furniture and glassware, and Staffordshire ceramics – to the National Trust of Australia so that others could share and enjoy the collection.

We are currently seeking energetic and motivated Volunteers to help us look after Mulberry Hill:

• Gardening Volunteers
• Conservation and cleaning Volunteers
• Tour Guide Volunteers
• Event Volunteers
• Exhibitions Volunteers

Help the National Trust conduct group and individual tours through the house and/or grounds. Interpret the contents of the house and provide an interesting and accurate account of the social history to visitors. Help keep Mulberry Hill looking great.

Orientation and training is provided

In return, you can extend your experience, learn new skills and enrich your life by becoming involved as a volunteer with the National Trust.

If you are interested in helping preserve our heritage please contact [email protected]

Learn a new skill in 2019!

We’re revitalising the much loved Polly Woodside by undertaking conservation works to the rigging and masts.

During 2019 the Polly Woodside will be undergoing extensive conservation works to her masts and rigging. The purpose of this major project is to restore her to a sound and safe condition; repairing and refurbishing where possible and renewing where required.

Tusk Engineering, Ferdi Darley and the Polly Woodside Volunteer Association will be –

• removing and replacing the rigging,
• sanding, refinishing and replacing areas of the masts and
• repainting or replacing associated elements like the blocks.

We are looking for short term and long term volunteers of any description to join us to help overhaul the rig. This includes learning traditional rigging skills and all aspects of stripping down, repainting, re-serving and re-rigging the lines.

Although Polly requires ongoing maintenance, right now, the large and urgent job is to complete this major overhaul.

To apply and for more information on volunteering, please contact [email protected]

An exciting opportunity exists to volunteer for Australia’s premier heritage and conservation organisation. Guided by our experienced staff, you will join our team of volunteers.

We are seeking Volunteers to assist at Labassa Mansion in both public facing and behind the scenes roles. There are opportunities in various roles including admin, hospitality and guiding.

Brief overview of Labassa:
Labassa is a stunning Victorian era mansion. Originally called ‘Sylliot Hill’, it was renamed ‘Ontario’ in the 1880s reflecting its new owner Alexander William Robertson’s Canadian heritage. Robertson was a founder of the Cobb and Co. coach company that successfully ran mail services throughout Victoria. He had the mansion redeveloped in the French Second Empire style by commissioning the German born architect, John A. B. Koch, to remodel the house into a thirty-five roomed mansion.

We are searching for volunteers to become apart of the volunteer team at Labassa.  Assisting on Open days, once a month 3rd Sunday of each month.

Labassa’s friendly volunteer team operates all aspects of the tearoom including set up, table service, food preparation, drying dishes and general cleaning.

By volunteering in the house, volunteers provide customer service to our visitors and gain knowledge of Labassa’s history and architecture.

In return, you can extend your experience, learn new skills and enrich your life by becoming involved as a volunteer with the National Trust.

If you are interested in helping preserve our heritage please contact

[email protected]

• Tour guiding – training provided
• Gardening
• Collection Care
• Admin

Spend time in Victoria’s environmental heritage in 2019

Join the volunteers of Endeavour Fern gully to maintain the property for the enjoyment of all visitors.  Help volunteers monitor flora and fauna so that we can record changes over time.

Why not get a group of work colleagues together and make a team building day of it.

It’s only with your support that The National Trust can look after some of Melbourne’s historic places. The National Trust is an independent non-profit organisation, supported by the community. Come along have a great time and support a fantastic community site.

Volunteers meet on the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month, excluding January and Christmas,  9.00am – 11.30am, meet at ‘the shed’. Morning tea is often provided.

We are also seeking volunteers to assist in fundraising for National Trust by facilitating car parking for the monthly Red Hill market. Volunteers are needed to direct cars to parking spaces, take money, make change and help people cross at the crosswalk. The Red Hill Market occurs on the first Saturday of every month. Funds raised support Endeavour Fern Gully.

We promote diversity and practice equity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to volunteer

It’s only with your support that The National Trust can look after some of Victoria’s historic places. The National Trust is an independent non-profit organisation, supported by the community. Come along have a great time and support a fantastic community site.

If this sounds like you..(or someone you know), please get in touch for more information and please share this with your networks.

As part of the application process we will ask you to agree to register as a National Trust Volunteer.

Thank you for considering volunteering with us. We believe in inclusiveness, diversity and equality and are committed to ensuring that our workplaces are a reflection of that. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply to our vacancies.

If you are interested in these volunteering roles please contact [email protected]

Get involved in your community heritage in 2019!

We are seeking energetic and motivated volunteer guides to conduct combined tours of Government House and La Trobe’s Cottage undertaken by the National Trust on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 am to 12.15 pm. Rostering is flexible, we are ideally looking for someone to commit to one tour a fortnight/month.

About these wonderful places:

La Trobes Cottage, Melbourne

The original home of Victoria’s first Lt. Governor, Charles Joseph La Trobe from 1839 to 1854.  La Trobe’s Cottage is now a vital part of Victoria’s history. The cottage was made from prefabricated materials brought from England to be the home of La Trobe, his wife Sophie and their children.

Government House, Melbourne

Is the office and official residence of the Governor of Victoria. The current Governor of Victoria is Her Excellency The Honourable Linda Dessau AM. The House is set next to the Royal Botanic Gardens and surrounded by Kings Domain in Melbourne. It was the official residence of the Governor-General of Australia from 1901 to 1930. It is the largest Government House in the former British Empire and is almost double the size of the Viceregal Lodge, the former residence of the Lords-Lieutenant of Ireland. Construction began in 1871 and was designed in the Victorian Period Italianate style, and is reminiscent of Queen Victoria’s summer residence on the Isle of Wight, Osborne House.

Whats Involved:

Help the National Trust conduct group and individual tours through the house and/or grounds. Interpret the contents of the houses and provide an interesting and accurate account of the social history to visitors. Training provided.

In return, you can extend your experience, learn new skills and enrich your life by becoming involved as a volunteer with the National Trust.

Any appointment of volunteering in this role requires a satisfactory Police Check and current Working with Children Check (WWCC).
If you are interested in these volunteering roles please contact [email protected]

Barwon Grange is an elegant early Victorian villa surviving alone from many fashionable mid-19th century river frontage residences built along the Barwon River. This unique residence overlooks the Barwon River in Newtown. The picturesque grounds offer a charming setting for wedding ceremonies, receptions and functions.

Volunteering is a great way to be active, meet new people and gain experience.

We are looking for:

• Conservation Volunteers
• Guide Volunteers
• Event Volunteers
• Garden Volunteers

In return, you can extend your experience, learn new skills and enrich your life by becoming involved as a volunteer with the National Trust.

If you are interested in helping preserve our heritage please contact [email protected]

Volunteer in 2019, new year, new challenge 

Comprises many original shop fittings and pharmaceutical equipment, including that used to prepare medicines prior to the advent of modern dispensing. What was it like, being the only pharmacist for miles?

Help The National Trust promote and conserve Australia’s indigenous, natural and historic heritage through its advocacy work and its custodianship of Dows Pharmacy.

Volunteering is a great way to be active, meet new people and gain experience.

We are looking for:

• Conservation Volunteers
• Guide Volunteers
• Retail Volunteers

In return, you can extend your experience, learn new skills and enrich your life by becoming involved as a volunteer with the National Trust.

If you are interested in helping preserve our heritage please contact [email protected]