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.

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