The lifeblood of Dundullimal
THERE’S no question that volunteers are the lifeblood of Dundullimal Homestead, with manager Karen Hagan confirming that she wouldn’t be able to run the historic National Trust building and grounds without them.
“I run to keep up with the volunteers,” she said. “They are so awesome. Dundullimal could not operate without them.”
Mrs Hagan said there are 20 active volunteers at Dundullimal who contribute hundreds of hours of their time each month across the property – working on maintenance, guest services and education.
“It’s the best education program in the region, and we have a diverse volunteer mix because there are so many things you can do when you get here – such as guiding and gardening.”
Mrs Hagan believes Dundullimal is important for the history of the community and the volunteers are an important part of that significance.
“It is the most significant colonial property open to the public in this region. I just could not open Dundullimal without the volunteers. They are the ones who really embrace people’s expectations of the property.” z Jan Fletcher – has been a volunteer for 15 years. She loves talking to everybody and getting them enthused about history and hopes that it will develop into a lifelong interest. The friendships made are invaluable. She is also a volunteer with ADFAS. z Sis Honner – has been a volunteer for 14 years. She feels that Dundullimal is very important to Dubbo’s history and they are taking it into the future. It’s a very important role and she said the other volunteers are wonderful to work with. She also volunteers with the Royal Flying Doctors support group. z Soumiya Prakash – Sri Lankan born, she has just moved to Dubbo and loves Dundullimal. She said it’s very quiet and calm and a place where she can communicate with new people. It is helping to develop her language skills and she has been able to learn about Dubbo and its history. z Glenn Smith – originally volunteered in 2001-02 and returned after retiring six months ago. He likes working outdoors and says Dundullimal is a beautiful place with lots of opportunities. He said it provides a sense of satisfaction to see something you have done, giving back to the community. Glenn is also a volunteer driving mentor with the Uniting 120 Countdown.
zDundullimal Homestead is open
from 11am-3pm Tuesday to Saturday. To coincide with National Volunteer Week 2019, Dundullimal will hold a welcome to potential volunteers at 11am on Monday, May 27, which includes a free tour and light refreshments.