Volunteer With Us

The Briars is a beautiful 230 ha conservation park in Mt Martha. For thousands of years this place has been home to the Bunurong / Boon Wurrung traditional owners. In the 1840’s it was settled by the Balcombe family, who constructed the original homestead and associated buildings. The Balcombe’s and their descendants lived on the site until the 1970’s, when the 8-hectare heritage property was gifted to the Mornington Shire Council and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). The remaining 220 hectares was purchased by the Mornington Shire Council and is known as the Broadacres. 

As a Property Guide with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), you will play a vital role in bringing our heritage sites to life. By hosting small groups of visitors, you will share fascinating stories, highlight key points of interest, and answer questions to ensure an engaging and memorable experience. As an ambassador for the National Trust, you will not only connect visitors to the rich history of our properties but also help share the broader vision and mission of preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage.

Volunteer activities could include

• Contribute as a National Trust volunteer towards achieving our mission
• Provide the agreed Acknowledgement of Country before tours commence
• Conduct group and individual tours of the Briars Homestead and surrounding gardens to a range of visitors and group types
• Providing heritage experiences during special events.
• Interpret the contents of the house using NTAV’s House Guide notes and present an accurate account of the place's history to visitors
• Inform visitors of the benefits of NTAV membership and engagement
• Manage groups during emergencies, ensuring safe evacuation
• Adapt presentations to suit different audiences
• Maintain a welcoming and professional presence onsite
• Community engagement – answering visitor questions; assisting with programs and festivals where comfortable
• Inspire the community to appreciate, conserve and celebrate its built, natural and cultural heritage 
• Encourage NTAV membership through the tour

A minimum of two days of volunteering a month maybe required.

Benefits for our Volunteers

• Opportunity to meet people with similar interests and make new friends weekly.
• Learn about Australia heritage and cultural sites.
• Meaningful volunteering with contributes to health and well being
• Free entry to site where volunteering with a guided house tour, including events and  exhibitions, on application.
• Join a community of volunteers, with regular meetings and opportunities for attendance at eventsand outings organised by NTAV.
• Chance to make a positive difference to our cultural heritage .

Skills, qualifications or experience required (or desirable) for role

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to learn the history of the house and/or garden. 
• Time management skills and awareness
• Willingness to adapt presentations to suit the audience / group on the tour and current exhibits of house.
• Current Working with Children Card
• Current Police check on application

Training and skill development in: 

• National Trust and Morninton Shire general induction for all volunteers. 
• Site Induction by the property representative from The Mornington Shire

You will be one of a team of experienced volunteers.

The National Trust is a not for profit organisation that aims to conserve Australia’s history and heritage for present and future generations. 

As part of the application process, we will ask you to agree to register as a National Trust Volunteer.  Volunteers are required to have a current Working with Children’s Card (free for volunteers) and police check which you can apply for as part of the application process.  

If this sounds like you (or someone you know), please fill in an application. If you have any problems or  require further detail please contact volunteers@nattrust.com.au and please share this with your networks. 

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.