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Rippon Lea Estate
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Rippon Lea is a large 19th century mansion surrounded by 7 hectares of Victorian pleasure gardens. It is listed on the National Heritage Register as one of the finest examples of original suburban estate in Australia. The house was completed in 1868. It was built for Frederick Sargood. Sargood made his money selling soft-goods on the goldfields. The house is named after his mother’s maiden-name, Rippon. Lea is an English word for meadow. The property was a large, self-sufficient farm, about twice the size it is now. The mansion was originally 15 rooms; it currently has 33 rooms. Sargood moved in with his first wife, Marian, and their 9 surviving children. There were 7 maids, a butler, 7 gardeners, a coachman and a groom. Sargood was a typical man of the Victorian Age – visionary and practical. This resulted in an elaborate underground watering system and the house having its own electricity supply. Unusually for its time, the house had internal toilets. Sargood was a keen gardener who was particularly interested in orchids and ferns. A large number of plants were imported. The garden is complex and covers almost 14 acres, which includes a large lake, extensive shrubberies and flower gardens, an orchard of historically significant fruit varieties, a fernery, rose gardens and many other features of historical, landscape and architectural interest, all forming the setting for the polychrome brick mansion completed in 1868. Rippon Lea is a vast and complicated site. From gardening, guiding, front of house and back of houses there can be something for everyone here! There is always multitude of roles available with periodic inductions. Please register your interest and we will be in touch! Rippon Lea Estate is located at 192 Hotham Street, Elsternwick on Bunurong / Boon Wurrung Country |
Opportunities Available
Youth Volunteer
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Are you aged between 13 to under 18 and looking for a way to get involved, give back, and gain new skills? Volunteering with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is a great way for young people to connect with history, the environment, and the community—while having fun and making a real impact. Whether you're interested in heritage, gardens, storytelling, events, or behind-the-scenes support, there are age-appropriate opportunities for you to get involved. You might help at open days, assist with tours or activities, support gardening teams, or lend a hand with creative projects and administration. Youth volunteering is a chance to:
We welcome young volunteers and work with schools, community groups, and families to create meaningful, roles that inspire a love for heritage and volunteering. The National Trust is a child safe organisation with all our staff and volunteers having the appropriate up to date compliance checks in place. Join us and become a young custodian of the past—shaping a better future. Knowledge and Skills required :
Volunteer Benefits include
Training and skill development in:
To qualify as a Youth Volunteer with the NTAV you must be under 18 years of age. 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. |
