National Trust of Australia (Qld) Volunteer Information Guide 2023

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past, present, and emerging

. National Trust of Australia (Queensland) acknowledges Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connections to lands, waters, and communities.

WELCOME

Thank you for your interest in our National Trust volunteering programs in Queensland. If you progress your volunteer application process and become a registered volunteer with us, you become a valued team member of one of Queensland’s leading cultural and environmental charities. National Trust of Australia (Queensland) [NTAQ] is dedicated to the conservation and advancement of our natural and cultural heritage.

As an important member of our team, you will be contributing to our conservation work Statewide, at our NTAQ offices, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, our Heritage properties, environmental reserves and NTAQ Community Groups.

NTAQ is an independent not-for-profit organisation, so the funds we make are reinvested back into our conservation work, research projects threatened species programs, education and community programs, and the care of our special places.

This guide outlines the culture of NTAQ and provides an overview for you to determine if our volunteering programs are the right fit for you and what you wish to achieve through committing your time to this worthy charity organisation. We are very committed to creating a wonderful work environment and organisational culture, and the NTAQ Culture Program Wings of Success, helps to create that positive working environment.

We hope to welcome you to the team soon so that you can have an enjoyable and rewarding volunteering experience with us.

Jayme Cuttriss Chief Executive Officer National Trust Queensland

NTAQ Purpose

Our Charitable Purpose:

To promote and advance the conservation, protection and understanding of Australia’s natural and cultural heritage including the heritage of First Nations people, for public benefit and education.

Our Strategic Priorities

1.Financial Sustainability

2.Vibrant and Engaging Guest Experience

3.Digital Transformation

4.Advancing Conservation & research programs

5.Creating A Great Workplace

ABOUT NATIONAL TRUST QUEENSLAND

National Trust Queensland was founded in 1963 and is a charity organisation that works to promote the natural and cultural heritage of Queensland. Our company name changed to National Trust of Australia (Queensland) [NTAQ] in 2014, when NTAQ became a company limited by guarantee. We have fifteen properties throughout the State including the iconic Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital (CWH) The birthplace of NTAQ is fondly recognised at Wolston Farmhouse, Wacol, Greater Brisbane, as the first property of National Trust in Queensland that was derelict but restored by National Trust volunteers.

The focus of NTAQ’s activities is heritage, conservation, and environmental education. Through its properties, conservation activities and research, NTAQ encourages the community to understand and care for our significant places, wildlife, and important stories.

In 2014, NTAQ and CWS consolidated into a single organisation. Our Head Office of NTAQ is located in Currumbin, Gold Coast, and provides support services to heritage properties and Community Groups located throughout Queensland.

Our Gumleaf Logo: Since the 1970s the symbol of the National Trust in Australia has been a trio of gum leaves. The symbol represents Australia’s heritage - yesterday, today, and tomorrow:

- an old leaf with a broken edge representing the PAST a mature leaf representing the PRESENT and a smaller leaf representing the FUTURE

Structure

NTAQ is a registered not-for-profit charitable organisation. We are governed by a Board of Directors that oversees the strategic direction of the organisation with the assistance of Board appointed committees and the NTAQ State Management Team. NTAQ operates independently of other State and Territory National Trust organisations but collaborate under the Australian Council of National Trusts.

Our Corporate Values

Upholding the values of NTAQ is important in your role as a volunteer. Our values are to be authentic, responsible, respectful, trusted and innovative.

NTAQ Culture program

For all NTAQ Team members, our culture program helps to ensure that you work in a safe and friendly environment, combined with delivering amazing guest experiences. The four elements of WELCOMING, EFFICIENCY, SAFETY and FUN have been created by our team members, for our team.

Sustainability and Conservation

NTAQ is committed to supporting sustainable work practices and conservation. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has a dedicated Conservation Action Plan that outlines our commitment to conservation research, and a Responsible Business Statement.

Animal Welfare Committee

There is also an Animal Welfare Committee in place which oversees the standard of all animals in our care.

Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

NTAQ has a strong commitment to enabling reconciliation with First Nations peoples and we document our actions and intentions in this area via our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). A RAP is a registered plan lodged with Reconciliation Australia that provides a framework for organisations to advance reconciliation within their own spheres of influence. The NTAQ RAP lists key steps for NTAQ to establish our own approach to reconciliation with First Nations peoples and communities.

NTAQ created its first RAP in 2018, with its second being launched in 2023. The NTAQ RAP identifies our commitment to existing relationships and how we will further promote opportunities for First Nations peoples. NTAQ is proud of its authentic and genuine approach to reconciliation as it partners with First Nations communities across the state to see practical and tangible reconciliation outcomes.

Our RAP is built upon business wide foundations that are enacted throughout all of our work teams. At NTAQ we are storytellers, and our RAP will help support First Nations peoples and communities and allow for authentic and truthful storytelling, building greater understanding and respect of First Nations cultures and knowledges.

VOLUNTEERING WITH NTAQ

NTAQ currently has over 650 volunteers working within the Volunteer programs across the state of Queensland. Each volunteer program operates to meet the diverse needs of the organisation and to match the commitment and interests of volunteers.

Volunteer Programs at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS)

1. Sanctuary Park Volunteers

2. Wildlife and Horticulture Volunteers

3. Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Volunteers

4. Sanctuary Education Volunteers

5. NTAQ Fundraising Volunteers

6. Garima Conservation Reserve Currumbin Valley

Heritage Volunteer Programs

1. Heritage Office – Brisbane

2. Wolston Farmhouse – Wacol

3. Royal Bulls Head Inn - Drayton, Toowoomba

4. Brennan and Geraghty’s Store Museum – Maryborough

5. Currajong House & Gardens / Heritage Centre – Townsville

6. Zara Clark Museum - Charters Towers

7. Hou Wang Temple & Museum – Atherton

8. Cooktown Museum - Cooktown

The Volunteering Relationship

NTAQ has been hosting volunteers for many years and has a high level of commitment to ensuring best-fit practices to national volunteering standards and practices as defined by State and National Volunteering bodies We understand that your volunteering experience may be motivated by any or all these four key factors:

• Desire to add value to our causes via your volunteering.

• Participate in activities that you enjoy and learn new skills.

• To have social opportunities and meet like-minded people.

• Working with a trusted organisation that aligns with your ethics and wellbeing.

Volunteering principles

NTAQ recognises and appreciates the valuable contribution of all volunteers. A volunteer is defined as an unpaid person who freely provides a service that complements and enhances the operations of an organisation. When you commit to being a Volunteer at NTAQ, you do so under the well-established terms of the programs and under the Code of Conduct presented in this guide.

• At NTAQ, volunteers report to and take direction from Volunteer Coordinator or Manager.

• The work contribution of a volunteers does not replace the work performed by paid NTAQ staff or positions.

• Whilst volunteers are not employed by NTAQ, we value our volunteers as part of our team.

• Volunteers are not subject to industrial award conditions, but under Australian legislation do have well defined rights and responsibilities, especially regarding health and safety

OUR PROPERTIES & COMMUNITY GROUPS

From stunning beachside Currumbin on the Gold Coast to tropical Cooktown in Far North Queensland, this great state has much to offer. Discover intriguing heritage sites and stunning natural wonders from Currumbin to Cooktown.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest property within NTAQ and maintains a unique status in Australian tourism, displaying the preservation and conservation of Australia’s unique natural heritage to our guests. In 2023, CWS celebrated its 75th year of operation In 2022 and 2021, the Sanctuary was ranked in the Top 3 finalists of Australia’s National Tourism Awards in the Major Tourist Attraction category – a fabulous tribute to the hard work of all involved and to the huge degree of support from our valued visitors.

With more than 1,100 animals and birds, the Sanctuary is home to the largest collection of Australian native wildlife in the world. Whilst the rainbow lorikeet feeding remains the hallmark attraction, guests can also get up close with kangaroos, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, wallabies, dingoes, birds of prey, reptiles plus a collection of exotic animals including lemurs, tamarins, capybaras, and red pandas.

The Sanctuary was established in 1947 by beekeeper and flower grower, Alex Griffiths, who began feeding the wild lorikeets to prevent them from ravaging his prized blooms. The colourful lorikeets soon developed to be a popular tourist attraction. Over time the Sanctuary has grown to over 27 hectares of beautiful rain forest habitat and is a natural sanctuary for many species

In 1976, Alex gifted the Sanctuary to the people via the then National Trust of Queensland. NTAQ continues to operate the Sanctuary, with all proceeds reinvested in the care of the Sanctuary and the animals that call it home, the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, as well as funding our research and conservation programs Two important ‘breed-to-release’ programs include the Kroombit Tinkerfrog and the Eastern bristle bird that the conservation team are bringing back from the brink of extinction.

www.currumbinsanctuary.com.au

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital on the Gold Coast is one of the busiest Wildlife Hospitals in the worldcaring for over 14,500 sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife patients annually, including over 450 koalas. In over 30 years of operation, more than 100,0000 native animals have been released back into the wild after treatment by the veterinary team at the Wildlife Hospital. All treatment is free of charge to sick and injured wildlife, as a community service. The skilled and experienced veterinary team, supported by volunteers, prides itself in providing the highest level of veterinary care to all their patients. Our wildlife patients are from a wide radius, extending from Northern NSW to beyond Brisbane.

Gifted to NTAQ in 2021, this stunning 27-hectare property Located in Currumbin Valley, features a natural ecosystem and endemic vegetation which is currently undergoing further bush regeneration activities. Garima Conservation Reserve is home to many native plants and animals and now hosts several endangered species. Garima is essential habitat for Koalas and is home to 13 threatened flora species. The word Garima means ‘respect’ or ‘to take care of’ in local Aboriginal Yugambeh language. This important site is also home to five breeding aviaries for our Eastern Bristlebird program, and a new educational facility to host groups and students

Honeyworld is located across the road from Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and is home to millions of live bees, viewable behind a glass wall so you can see them hard at work. You can also view a movie explaining the importance of bees to our ecosystems, learn about honey making, as well as sample and purchase an extensive selection of delicious honey products, and sweets, and local produce from iconic Queensland brands.

Wolston Farmhouse, Wacol

Constructed in the 1850s, Wolston Farmhouse is Brisbane’s oldest surviving farmhouse. It is associated with its builder Doctor Stephen Simpson and was later occupied by the Goggs and Grindle families. Restored by the National Trust in the 1960s, with funds raised by volunteers and grants, Wolston Farmhouse today comprise of a heritage listed homestead with a charming Tea Terrace. It is a place to enjoy a relaxing visit, as well as a destination for school students on excursion who can learn about life in our colonial times

Royal Bull’s Head Inn, Drayton

Established by William Horton in 1847 to cater for travellers between Darling Downs grazing properties and the Moreton Bay settlement, the Royal Bull's Head Inn was derelict and nearing collapse when acquired by the National Trust in 1973. Furnished with some of the items belonging to previous owners, the Horton and Lynch families, RBHI is opened regularly by volunteers who welcome school groups and those looking for a window to peep back into nineteenth century life.

Brennan And Geraghty’s Store Museum, Maryborough

Patrick Brennan and Martin Geraghty's store was opened in 1871 and operated until 1971 when George Geraghty finally closed the doors. At the time, the building was under threat of demolition and over 50,000 items of stock remained on the shelves or were stored on site. The store was acquired and restored by the National Trust, and today is a fascinating showcase of retail items of a past era.

Townsville Heritage Centre

The Townsville Heritage Centre contains three historical houses dating from 1884 to the 1920s. The most prominent is Currajong House, along with a worker’s cottage and a farmhouse, set in beautiful gardens that have become a popular function venue. There is also the workers cottage which displays life as it would have been for the workers of the region. The Townsville Heritage Centre also displays a beautiful collection of artefacts relating to Townsville’s past. Now Townsville Heritage Centre is hosts weddings, events and school groups along with visitors to the region.

Zara Clark Museum, Charters Towers

Following a bequest from pastoralist Zara Clark in the 1970s, the National Trust acquired two early twentieth commercial buildings. The Zara Clark Museum property began as a transport museum, but the collection has grown to also displays agricultural, domestic, mining, medical and military items to delight and educate visitors with a glimpse into treasures from past eras.

Stock Exchange Arcade, Charters Towers

Acquired when in near-derelict condition in the 1970s, this openended building was constructed in 1888 as the Royal Arcade. Local Stock Exchange members met there from 1890, hence the name. The Arcade's early restoration was thanks to volunteer and architect Don Roderick T stunning façade symbolises the wealth of the region during the nineteenth century. This arcade is open to the public

Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum, Atherton

Constructed in 1903 as part of the Chinatown district at Atherton, the Hou Wang Temple was gifted to the National Trust in 1979 by its then owners, the Fong On family. The Hou Wang Temple is now the last timber and iron Chinese temple in Australia and one of the key tourist attractions of the Atherton Tableland. The Museum houses a significant and fascinating collection of artefacts, and the dedicated volunteers conduct tours of the site.

Built as St Mary's

Convent in 1888-89, the building was rescued from demolition in 1969 after it was gifted to the National Trust This majestic property was opened by HRH Queen Elizabeth in 1970. In 2021 the renamed Cooktown Museum has been reimagined to proudly tell the fascinating stories of the region. The museum houses an extensive collection of local Guugu Yimithir artefacts, along with an original anchor and canon from HMB Endeavour that were salvaged in the 1970s, plus a model of the ship that dates to the early twentieth century. The significant collections tell the story of this fascinating town, including the Chinese immigrant history, the Palmer Gold Rush story, and the story of the children and Sisters of Mercy that resided I this architecturally beautiful convent building.

If you look closely the Cooktown Museum logo shows two people facing each other holding hands. This is symbolic of Cooktown being the place where the first recorded act of reconciliation occurred in a meeting of Lieutenant James Cook and the local Bama. When the crew found themselves stranded in Cooktown when the Endeavour struck a reef, Lt Cook and his crew spent 48 days in the region engaging with First Nations people of the region. In 2021, NTAQ helped local communities get Reconciliation Rocks acknowledged on the Queensland State Heritage Register as a place of significance.

NTAQ Community Groups

Under the constitution, the NTAQ Board can appoint Community groups and committees to assist in the work of NTAQ. Community Groups can operate in regions, typically where we do not operate NTAQ properties, and can be established for the purposes of:

- Driving new NTAQ memberships and fundraising for NTAQ

- Building the NTAQ brand in the regions through engaging activities

- Assisting with event coordination

- Using local knowledge to grow relationships with NTAQ.

- Establishing relationships with relevant community partnerships and potential supporters

- Highlighting local heritage issues or opportunities

Community Groups are dedicated volunteers, aligned by the common goal to support the work of the National Trust and to celebrate heritage in their local region.

YOUR VOLUNTEER BENEFITS

For all our volunteers, being a part of NTAQ brings many benefits. All volunteers must be registered in our program. Your NTAQ volunteer registration must be renewed annually via completion of an annual Volunteer feedback survey The last section of this survey will ask you to advise if you wish to commit to volunteering again for the next financial year.

Volunteer Benefits

After your registration is processed, we extend the benefits to you as a valued volunteer by providing you with an annual NTAQ Team Card which gives you many benefits including access to our properties, complimentary tickets, discounts and partner benefits.

CODE OF CONDUCT & POLICIES

NTAQ Code of Conduct

All people who work for NTAQ must respect each other, and work together to achieve organisational goals and in compliance with our NTAQ Code of Conduct. That includes:

• Treat everyone with respect, including all team members and public.

• Always represent the National Trust in a positive and appropriate manner

• Be familiar with and abide by all company policies and procedures.

• Accept responsibility for the health and safety of myself, co-workers, volunteers, guests, and anyone else who may visit National Trust properties.

• Not act in a manner that might discredit the name and reputation of the National Trust and/or its stakeholders

• Not use the name, reputation, or other resources of the National Trust and/or its stakeholders to promote any unauthorised activity

• To report promptly to management any breach of the Code of Conduct, or any of the organisation’s policies or procedures, or any unlawful activities

Breach of Code of Conduct

Breaches of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of engagement with NTAQ. This disciplinary action can extend to Unacceptable Behaviour

Serious Misconduct

Incidents of theft, assault, fraud, or other serious misconduct shall be deemed to be in violation of the volunteer’s terms of engagement and will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including instant dismissal

Performance Management

NTAQ expects all team members to always perform their duties to the best of their abilities, to behave in a professional manner and follow company policies and procedures. NTAQ has processes in place to assist staff and volunteers meet these expectations. To manage unacceptable behaviour, a performance counselling/ coaching discussion may be held All actions taken by NTAQ will comply with relevant industrial legislation (where applicable).

Policy Summaries

Full versions of company policies can be obtained once you are a registered volunteer Each Volunteer Program will also have policies and Standard Operating Procedures, which must be learned and followed. Policies include:

• Accepting Payments

• Annual Survey and Recommitment

• Attendance and Punctuality, leave requirements and breaks

• BETTER IMPACT Volunteer Management Software

• Car Parking

• Company Assets

• Cultural Awareness

• Communication Expectations, Technology Use and Two-Way Radio Use, Emails Use and Guidelines, Mobile Phone Use

• Complaints, Disputes or Problems (Grievance Procedure)

• Confidentiality and Privacy Policy

• Conflict of Interest

• Drugs and Alcohol

• Equality and Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Workplace Bullying

• Equipment and Documentation

• Exiting NTAQ Volunteering

• Feedback and Suggestions

• First Aid, WHS requirements and Induction

• Marketing and Media Enquiries

• Name Badge, Personal Appearance and Dress Standards

• Social Media Use Policy Summary

• Smoke Free Workplace

• Talent Release

• VIP Etiquette

• Whistleblower Process and Protection

• WHS Requirements

• Working with Children and Young People and Blue Cards

• Workplace Injury Process for Volunteers

Thank you for taking the time to read the National Trust Queensland Volunteer Guide.

Should you have any further questions or queries please speak with our Volunteer Managers or Site Coordinators

Without the support of our committed volunteers, we would not be able to continue to conserve and advance our natural and cultural heritage for future generations.