Como House and Gardens - Como Christmas New Guides and Room Supervisors Info session
As an Open House Room Supervisor Volunteer, you support the National Trust of Australia (Victoria)’s mission to inspire the community to appreciate, conserve, and celebrate Victoria’s cultural heritage. This public-facing role contributes to the safe presentation and protection of Como House & Garden’s historic interiors, with a particular focus on the highly popular Como at Christmas program.
During the Christmas season, Como House is transformed with festive displays that reflect historical Christmas traditions while showcasing the significance of the house and its collection. Volunteers play a vital role in enhancing visitor enjoyment, sharing information about the house and seasonal displays, and helping ensure the care and security of collection items and decorative installations. This role is ideal for individuals interested in heritage, visitor engagement, cultural storytelling, and museum operations in a historic house setting.
Location; Como House & Garden
Meeting Point ; As directed by Property Staff (onsite)
Reports To NTAV Property Manager and Coordinator
Time Commitment Minimum two shifts per month during the Christmas season and Atendance at Como Christmas Festive day
Days As rostered throughout the Como at Christmas program
Open Hours As advised by Property Staff
Scheduling Volunteers schedule shifts through My Impact or directly via email with NTAV staff
Volunteer Duties & Key Responsibilities
Visitor Engagement
- Welcome visitors into assigned rooms in a friendly and professional manner.
- Interact with visitors, answering basic questions and sharing information about Como House, its history, and Christmas displays where appropriate.
- Provide general guidance to enhance visitor understanding and enjoyment of the festive experience.
- Maintain a positive, approachable, and courteous presence at all times.
- Assist with managing visitor flow through popular display areas.
Supervision of Collections & Historic Spaces
- Monitor rooms, Christmas displays, and collection items to ensure their safety and security.
- Ensure visitors follow house guidelines, including not touching objects, decorations, furnishings, or walls, while explaining the importance of collection care.
- Maintain awareness of visitor numbers and movement within rooms.
- Report any concerns regarding visitor behaviour or object safety to staff.
- Support preventative conservation by ensuring collections and decorative installations are not handled or interfered with.
- Observe and report any changes in object condition or environmental concerns.
Support for Como at Christmas Program
- Assist in creating a welcoming and memorable visitor experience during one of Como House’s busiest annual events.
- Help maintain presentation standards within decorated rooms and public spaces.
- Support staff in providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors throughout the Christmas season.
Skills, Experience & Attributes Required / Desirable
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Friendly, approachable, and confident interacting with a diverse range of visitors.
- Attention to detail and ability to remain observant.
- Interest in history, heritage, Christmas traditions, or museum environments.
- Reliability and punctuality.
- Ability to follow instructions and adhere to procedures.
- Capacity to work independently while remaining connected to staff support.
- No prior experience required; training will be provided.
Support & Training Provided by NTAV
- Site induction and role-specific orientation.
- Visitor engagement guidance.
- Information on Como House history and Christmas interpretation.
- Training in room supervision and object awareness.
- Ongoing support from Property and Collections staff.
Important Notes
- Volunteers must remain in their assigned room or area during open hours unless directed otherwise.
- Do not handle collection objects or Christmas display items unless specifically instructed.
- Report any incidents or concerns immediately to staff.
- If an object or display item appears damaged, notify staff and, where appropriate, take a photograph for reporting purposes.
- Maintain a professional and welcoming presence at all times.
Benefits to Volunteers
- Experience in a historic house museum environment.
- Development of visitor engagement and interpretation skills.
- Opportunity to contribute to one of the National Trust’s most popular seasonal visitor experiences.
- Increased knowledge of heritage collections, house museums, and festive traditions.
- Opportunity to work alongside NTAV staff and fellow volunteers.
- Access to NTAV volunteer programs, events, and networks.
Documents Required
- Working With Children Check (WWCC)
- Police Check
Schedule Summary
This activity has the following schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, September 04, 2026 | 10:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
