Ways to volunteer
Discover how you can get involved
If you want to explore new places, expand your skills, or simply meet new people, volunteering at the National Trust (NSW) is a great opportunity to make a real difference.
Every year, over 1,200 volunteers donate their time to help care for our places and share unique stories of heritage with the community.
This incredible contribution goes a long way towards protecting beautiful and iconic places across New South Wales. And with 21 houses, gardens and galleries to choose from, there’s always a wide range of opportunities on offer for volunteers.
All volunteer roles are flexible and work around your interests, skills and availability. You can volunteer a few hours a week, or full time, depending on your circumstances. We provide full training for roles when required, and as a volunteer you’ll receive free access to all National Trust properties in New South Wales. You also receive an Associate Membership to the National Trust once you volunteer 96 hours over a 12-month period.
Whether you want to volunteer in our gardens, help out with house tours, or lend a hand in our archives, we’ll provide the support and training to make the most of your volunteering experience.
Help us conserve and share our heritage, and join the National Trust (NSW) volunteering team. Register your interest by completing our form below and we’ll be in touch to discuss your interests and next steps.
Do you enjoy talking to people and working in a team? Are you looking to develop new skills in Customer Service, Museum Interpretation and Guiding? The National Trust of Australia (NSW) is currently recruiting volunteers to work as Guides across all properties in Sydney and Regional NSW.
What will I be doing?
Where will I be based?
The National Trust (NSW) has properties across Sydney and regional NSW for further information – go to https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places-nsw/
How much time will I be expected to give?
What skills, qualities and experience do I need?
Why does National Trust (NSW) need my support?
We need volunteers to help us celebrate our rich history, share our incredible stories, advocate for the protection of our natural, cultural and built heritage, or conserve our natural landscapes across New South Wales.
The National Trust of Australia (NSW) is the oldest and largest independent heritage conservation charity in Australia. Established in 1945, we offer many exciting volunteering opportunities at our historic homes, world class art galleries, museums, beautiful gardens and bush regeneration areas.
Volunteer Guides are essential to keeping our places open to the public, and providing an excellent visitor experience. Income derived from ticket sales helps support the conservation work of the National Trust.
What support and training will I receive?
What will National Trust (NSW) expect from me?
What can I expect from the National Trust (NSW)?
If this position is of interest to you, please register your interest via the online form.
Do you enjoy hands-on work in interesting places? Are you looking to share your skills, or develop new skills, in gardening? The National Trust (NSW) is currently recruiting volunteers to work as valuable members of the Trust’s Green Team at our prestigious properties!
What will I be doing?
How much time will I be expected to give?
Where will I be based?
The National Trust (NSW) operates properties across Sydney and regional NSW. We recommend volunteering at a property that is close to home.
Why does National Trust (NSW) need my support?
The National Trust (NSW) manages properties across Sydney and regional NSW. We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to help us care for these properties. Our Green Team volunteers are vital in ensuring our gardens remain safe, attractive and historically correct for all of our visitors.
What skills, qualities and experience do I need?
What support and training will I receive?
What will National Trust (NSW) expect from me?
What can I expect from the National Trust (NSW)?
If this position is of interest to you, please register your interest via the online form.
Are you a patient person with a high attention to detail? Are you looking to use your skills, or develop new skills, in Museum Conservation, Cleaning or Museum Interpretation? The National Trust (NSW) is currently recruiting volunteers to work as Conservation Assistants at our prestigious properties.
What will I be doing?
• Cleaning designated objects using proper conservation cleaning techniques
• Inspecting, measuring and recording environmental conditions inside the house
• Monitoring and recording object condition, and moving objects as necessary
• During exhibitions, you may assist with receiving loan objects and writing condition reports, unpacking and repacking objects, assisting in object movement and installation, and providing feedback and advice on environmental conditions in the exhibition space.
• Working in a small team under the supervision of National Trust (NSW) staff.
Where will I be based?
We need collection care volunteers at various properties across Sydney and regional NSW.
How much time will I be expected to give?
• Volunteers work hours will be negotiated upon commencement.
What skills, qualities and experience do I need?
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Skills or general interest in cleaning, conservation cleaning and management, or museum interpretation
• Some physical work, such as bending, lifting, carrying and climbing stairs, is a genuine requirement of the role.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow procedures
• Working cooperatively and collaboratively in a team with other volunteers, site staff and external contractors
• The National Trust of Australia (NSW) encourages and supports applicants of diverse abilities
• A current Working with Children Check – or a commitment to get one prior to starting work – is a requirement for all National Trust (NSW) staff and volunteers.
Why does National Trust (NSW) need my support?
We need volunteers to help us celebrate our rich history, share our incredible stories, advocate for the protection of our natural, cultural and built heritage, or conserve our natural landscapes across New South Wales.
The National Trust of Australia (NSW) is the oldest and largest independent heritage conservation charity in Australia. Established in 1945, we offer many exciting volunteering opportunities at our historic homes, world class art galleries, museums, beautiful gardens and bush regeneration areas.
We are seeking the time and talent of people who have a passion to make a difference; volunteers with specialist skills including event management to help us keep our beautiful historical properties open.
What support and training will I receive?
• Induction and familiarisation visit with the site and staff.
• Guidance on the content and history of the property.
• Training in customer service and other skills as a volunteer.
• Ongoing support from museum staff and fellow volunteers.
• Please note that training is property-specific and volunteers will not receive any formal qualifications as a result of training for this role.
What will National Trust (NSW) expect from me?
• To be the friendly face of the National Trust and deliver excellent customer service.
• To be reliable in attendance and dependable.
• Help us maintain the highest standards of presentation at our sites and properties.
• To attend your volunteer shift appropriately dressed.
• Help us protect people, properties and collections by understanding and following our security and safety procedures.
• Maintain good working relationships with staff, other volunteers and members of the public.
• Attend appropriate training and learn about the work of the National Trust (NSW).
• Observe organisational policy and procedures.
• Safeguard confidential information about the National Trust (NSW) and let us know about anything relating to your role or the work of the National Trust (NSW) that you think might be controversial.
• Any documentary or other material (including any copyright applying thereto) you are provided with or is created by you in respect of your volunteering will be the property and copyright of the National Trust (NSW).
What can I expect from National Trust (NSW)?
• A welcoming and enjoyable experience.
• To be treated fairly and with respect.
• Discount at National Trust retail outlets.
• Free entry at National Trust properties throughout NSW (except S.H. Ervin Gallery and Retford Park).
• Recognition and appreciation for your contribution.
• Associate membership to the National Trust after completion of 96-hours volunteering over 12 months.
• A certificate to demonstrate work carried out for National Trust (NSW) is available on request to show future employers or further education providers.
If this position is of interest to you, please register your interest via the online form.
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