Our People: Kate Drummond – Volunteer Manager

Q: Kate, could you tell us about your journey with the National Trust? 

My journey with the National Trust has been characterised by my passion for people, heritage, and storytelling. It began in 2012, when I stepped into a casual courtroom facilitator role at the Old Melbourne Gaol after returning from overseas. 

Prior to joining the NTAV, I spent fifteen years working in adventure travel, guiding groups across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, exploring ancient and modern history. 

With two young children, I had to step away from my career in international travel, and yet I still wanted to work in the tourism industry, albeit just a little closer to home. I loved working with the courtroom program at Melbourne Gaol, and thoroughly enjoyed the interactions with children, school groups, and the general public. 

After a hiatus to work on a family business venture, in 2017 I saw a position advertised on the National Trust website for a public programming role and, given my extensive experience in researching and running tours, I applied and was accepted, dividing my time between Como House and Labassa. 

I quickly developed a deep love affair with the narratives of each property and the colourful characters, both past and present, associated with them. 

As my involvement deepened, I expanded my horizons to NTAV properties on the Mornington Peninsula, eventually transitioning to a full-time role in which I operated between Melbourne and the Peninsula. After a year between the two, I returned to Como House and Labassa as Operations Manager. 

Q: What is your current NTAV role and what does a workday look like for you? 

My position has evolved again, and I am excited to be embarking on a new role as the NTAV’s Volunteer Manager, working closely with our wonderful volunteering community. I have long been a strong and passionate advocate for the time and enthusiasm that our volunteers contribute to maintaining the operations of the organisation; their dedication and generosity is truly inspirational.  

During my time at the NTAV, most events and properties I have been involved with have been heavily supported and staffed by volunteers. It is incredibly fulfilling working alongside so many passionate, intelligent, and dedicated people from all walks of life. 

In my new role, I will be working across the breadth of our volunteering programs, attracting new volunteers for our established groups, and ensuring that we are maximizing the use of our volunteers’ skills and seeing positive results in all our special places across Victoria. 

Q: What is the best part of working for the National Trust in Victoria? 

For myself personally, it is the wide array of people that I have encountered across all my roles; those who make such valuable contributions and bring such unbridled enthusiasm to the rich tapestry that is the NTAV. We often talk about the significance of our places, but our people are treasures who consistently exhibit passion and dedication and deeply believe in the essence of what the National Trust does. 

I also love meeting the people whose parents and grandparents introduced them to the National Trust, and for whom it has consequently become a meaningful cornerstone of their life. 

My mother took my sisters and I to National Trust properties throughout our childhood, and I still remember the vivid feeling of walking around the hedge at Como House and being struck by the beautiful house and the lush gardens. 

If my younger self could converse with my present and future self, I believe she would be quite impressed at where I have landed! 

Q: Why should somebody become a volunteer with the National Trust in Victoria? 

There are so many benefits; from spending time with like-minded people and broadening social networks, to being immersed in significant and fascinating heritage settings, giving back to the local community, and connecting with a legacy larger than your own personal story. 

Q: What sort of tasks do volunteers help with and why is this important? 

Volunteering comes in so many shapes and sizes at the National Trust, there is truly something to suit everybody’s interests and skills. 

We have opportunities to share skills, learn, and develop in numerous ways, including performing tasks in conservation, retail, hospitality, and events. If you would like to get involved, the rewards of volunteering at the National Trust are endless. 

Q: In which properties and areas do you need more volunteers? 

All places and teams need more assistance and support. Across Victoria, we are looking for people to help us preserve, maintain, protect, and share our stories. 

Volunteers are vital to our success. 

Q: Do you have a favourite National Trust property in Victoria and why? 

That question is an exceedingly difficult one to answer – it is like asking if you have a favourite child! All the properties hold a special interest for me. Labassa has long captivated my imagination with its interesting host of characters and anecdotes spanning from the earliest days to contemporary times. Como House is also very dear to me after spending so much time there, I feel very connected to the building and the personalities that have lived there. 

Join Our Volunteer Community!

Now is the perfect time to get involved and make your own mark on Victoria’s rich heritage. Whether you’re passionate about history, conservation, or simply want to give back to the community, we have a place for you. From assisting with events to helping preserve our incredible properties, there’s a volunteer role for everyone.

Discover how you can make a difference today—visit our volunteering page and start your journey with the National Trust

Kate was interviewed by Jessica Charleston, Guest Writer, for the Autumn 2024 Edition of the National Trust Members Magazine

Image: Kate Drummond (right) with Alyce McCue (Conservation Manager) and Jelena Ljubisic (Environmental Heritage Advocate) at the Off Grid Living Festival in Chiltern, April 2024. Credit Jason Robins.