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Maritime Museum calls for defence force volunteers

Media release

Published

Photo of a male in a navy volunteers uniform standing on the deck of navy ship, the the shoulder of a man in the audience on the right side of the image.

The Australian National Maritime Museum is inviting former defence force members to join the volunteer cohort at the museum, in partnership with Founding Partner Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC).

The program allows former defence personnel to bring their knowledge and experience to a new arena, and gain experience of the museum and the cultural sector, training, coaching, acknowledgement, and a professional reference as a volunteer. All participants undergo an induction and receive appropriate training or instruction to be able to complete their volunteer duties.

Museum Director and CEO Ms Daryl Karp AM said, ‘Our volunteers are integral to the success of the museum. They are the welcoming face to our visitors, our friendly experts. They assist us in keeping our vessels afloat and they provide invaluable knowledge and skills across the organisation. The defence force program will provide a great avenue for many ex-service personnel to continue to serve and participate whilst learning new skills.’

Damian Hill, CEO of CSC said, ‘We are proud to be the founding partner for the Museum’s defence volunteer program. This initiative further builds on our strong connection to the defence community and this next step in our partnership with the Museum provides us with a practical way to support those in the defence forces who have proudly served our nation.’

Navy veteran Chris Perrin said, ’Being a volunteer at the Australian National Maritime Museum has been a highlight of my transition out of the Navy into civilian life. The camaraderie among the volunteers is just like being in a mess deck. It is a great mix of Navy, Army, Air Force, Merchant Navy and civilian volunteers. There is a volunteering appointment suitable for all defence veterans, wherever they are on their journey. You can have some fun whilst giving back to the community.’

There are many diverse opportunities in the volunteering program, including guiding visitors, or working behind the scenes on museum collections or fleet.

The museum offers volunteers experiences such as

  • Tour Guide – Enhancing the visitor experience by engaging and providing information and advice about museum collections, exhibitions, and outdoor exhibits such as the historic fleet
  • Fleet maintenance - work alongside museum shipkeepers and shipwrights to help preserve the historic fleet
  • Sailing Hand - Learn and train alongside crew members to support the museum’s tall ships as sailing crew
  • Project Assistant - Contribute to upcoming exhibitions and programs

Volunteers at the museum enjoy a range of benefits including

  • On the job training as well as formal classroom courses for many aspects of the museum.
  • Acknowledgement, support, a learning pathway to somewhere new, and a connection to a like-minded community of individuals
  • Discounted museum membership
  • Discounts in the museum’s shop and café
  • Access to our private Volunteer’s website
  • Access to our quarterly magazine, All Hands
  • Free museum entrance passes annually
  • Invitation/s to annual social events curated especially for our Volunteers
  • Preferential access to the extensive schedule of exhibitions and programs at the museum

For program information please visit www.sea.museum/support/volunteer/defence-force-volunteers