Hou Wang Temple & Museum Atherton - National Trust Volunteer Program


 

Discover the surprising Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum!

 

Constructed in 1903 as the centrepiece in the old Atherton Chinatown,  this intriguing timber and tin Chinese temple is now the last remaining timber and iron Chinese temple in Australia.  Far more than just a temple, Hou Wang Miao features a full display of cultural artefacts to engage and educate the whole family on what was once a site of social and religious significance for the region’s Chinese community. 

 

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?

 

Join our team of passionate volunteers who guide visitors to share facts and information about this exceptional property. The temple is rumoured to now be the only existing temple dedicated to Hou Wang outside of China itself. Most of the temple fittings, including the elaborate carvings, bell and metal vessels, were made in China and transported to Australia. 

Our Volunteers assist with welcoming visitors to the  Museum, the Gift Shop, looking after the extensive grounds and garden and with care and cleaning of the many precious artefacts and displays.

 

We are looking for individuals with a happy disposition who are passionate about providing an unforgettable customer experience and making a meaningful contribution to this important heritage asset.  

 

We have a range of volunteering opportunities available at this special property. There is sure to be something that appeals to you!

WHAT TO EXPECT

Volunteers at National Trust of Australia Queensland (NTAQ) properties play a key part of property operations and in making our guests feel welcome. Our Volunteers are committed to providing an unforgettable guest experience and showcasing our heritage in a vibrant and engaging manner.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

  • Learn more about our intriguing local history and being part of keeping this knowledge alive for future generations.
  • Join a warm and welcoming new friendship group and enjoy new social and cultural experiences.
  • Opportunity to gain new skills, knowledge and friendships.
  • Fulfil mutual obligation requirements from Services Australia.
  • You will be a registered volunteer with National Trust of Australia (Queensland), an ethical charity with a vision of inspiring others to conserve and showcase our natural and cultural heritage.

 

JOINING THE PROGRAM - COSTS AND BENEFITS 

The NTAQ Heritage Volunteer program is free to join. In fact, we want to reward you, as a valued volunteer!


There is a one-month trial period for you to decide whether you would like to continue volunteering and we assess your fit with our program. At the end of this trial period, you become an approved volunteer. We hope you will stay as a member of this program for a minimum of six months.

 

As an approved NTAQ volunteer you receive:

  1. A NTAQ name badge.
  2. A NTAQ TEAM MEMBER Card allowing free entry to any National Trust Queensland property for the volunteer and up to 4 accompanying guests at each visit. 
  3. National Trust Queensland newsletters.
  4. Invitations to National Trust Queensland events.
  5. Team member discounts on food and beverage, retail, and Wildlife Experiences when visiting Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
  6. A 50% discount to National Trust Memberships.
  7. Over time, we are seeking to create new discount partnerships to benefit our team members in our all regions.

  

APPLICATION PROCESS

  1. Online Application via this BETTER IMPACT volunteer software. To get started - please click on the green rectangle " FILL IN AN APPLICATION", and enter your details.
  2. Informal interview and site visit at the property.
  3. A trial shift, so you can determine if this will be a great opportunity for you.

 

NEED MORE INFORMATION? 

Please contact Simone, our friendly Heritage Site Coordinator on 07 4091 6945.

Please select a VOLUNTEER ROLE below that interest you.  For more detail, click on the Continue ......

 

  

 

 

 

 

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Volunteer Roles Available

Hou Wang Temple - Visitor Guide

Property Visitor Volunteers are involved with welcoming guests of all ages and nationalities, hosting guests and sharing interesting facts and stories about the property history and collection items, answering questions and helping our guests to get the maximum enjoyment from their visit.

If you are a person with a warm and welcoming nature, can work independently but also in a team environment and have exceptional interpersonal skills then please apply for this role.

 

WHAT ARE THE TASKS?

  •  Sharing your passion for history with our guests.
  • Working as part of a small team you will welcome our guests to showcase the Temple and the Museum premises, history and collection items.
  • You will be provided with information and assistance to enable you to share stories of past eras to bring our vibrant history to life and create meaning in current times.
  • Be prepared to share information about all aspects of history related to the property.
  • Liaise and talk to members of the public – answering general enquiries regarding the property history and items in the property collection and leaving our visitors with a sense of appreciation of our heritage and its value.
  • We also request that you help out with other duties around the property as may be required, assisting with duties such as guest service, general cleanliness and tidiness and other tasks.

 

WHAT SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS DO I NEED?

  • Be comfortable with talking to people from all walks of life in a friendly and welcoming manner.
  • Good communication skills including basic problem solving.
  • Be polite, diplomatic and have an engaging communication style.
  • Be physically capable.
  • Capability to adapt to change and willingness to participate in and keep up to date with training requirements.
  • Agree to comply with all company policies and procedures.
  • Have basic computer literacy to use the volunteer software and agree to access company communications.
  • Be committed to deliver the values and support the causes of NTAQ.

 

WHEN CAN I VOLUNTEER?

 

Whenever the Temple and Museum are open, currently Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 2 pm. 

 

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Hou Wang Temple - Grounds Care Volunteer

 

Grounds and Maintenance Volunteers are involved with general maintenance of the garden and grounds, and may also like to assist with general property maintenance subject to your skills and ability.

This role would suit retired or semi-retired tradespeople, or skilled, self-taught handy-people.

WHAT ARE THE TASKS?

  • Undertake routine maintenance work and repairs under direction from the Heritage Site Coordinator.
  • Undertake regular lawn and grounds maintenance, such as mowing, weeding, filling, and tidying,
  • Undertake specialised maintenance and repair projects relative to skill sets and under direction from the Heritage Site Coordinator.
  • Work with other volunteers to maintain the property’s gardens and its grounds,
  • Communicate clearly with NTAQ staff about potential issues, hazards, or disruptions to guest experiences, or risks to the property assets.
  • Pending ability, we may also request that you assist with other duties such as tidying, reporting maintenance issues, and other light domestic and administrative tasks.

  

WHAT SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS DO I NEED?

  • Enthusiasm and skills in maintenance and repairs, or the ability to work with others to assist as required.
  • The ability to be polite and respectful towards fellow NTAQ staff and volunteers, and guests to the property,
  • Confidence in working independently as well as in a team,
  • Be physically able to perform the requirements of the role. 
  • Show willingness to follow policies and procedures and undertake any associated training,
  • Agree to comply with all company policies and procedures,
  • Have basic computer literacy to use the volunteer software and agree to access company communications.
  • Be committed to representing the values and supporting the causes of the NTAQ.

 

WHEN CAN I VOLUNTEER?

Ideally we request a commitment of at least 1 x five-hour shift each week, subject to seasonal and operational requirements.  Induction and training will be provided.

 

 

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Mission Statement

Our Mission:

To conserve and advance our natural and cultural heritage for future generations.