If you have some spare time on your hands and like to meet people, volunteering at the Bundaberg Region’s art galleries could be a great idea.
Becoming a volunteer at the region’s art galleries can be satisfying and rewarding work.
We spoke to two volunteers who both love their time at the Galleries.
Russell Davis volunteers at the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery every Monday.
“I wanted to do a regular day every week and Mondays are perfect,” Russell said.
If you visit the gallery on a Monday, Russell may well be the one who greets you with a friendly smile and a wealth of information.
Russell’s connection with the historic BRAG building on the corner of Quay and Barolin Streets in Bundaberg goes back many years.
“I was transferred to Bundaberg when I was young and used to come to this building often when it was a bank,” he said.
Russell has been a volunteer at BRAG for over four years, since retiring from a busy career mostly spent in the paint industry.
He loves talking to people about the exhibitions and history of the building.
“You get a big cross section of the community – local, interstate and overseas visitors – I love the variety,” he said.
“People are really nice to know.
“You get to know the other volunteers and meet lots of people I haven’t spoken to before.”
Joy volunteers at Childers
Meanwhile, busy Childers Arts Space and The Palace Backpacker Memorial Wall volunteer Joy Gubbin splits her time between volunteering there and the Woodgate Beach Rural Fire Brigade.
Joy started volunteering at the Childers Arts Space and The Palace Backpacker Memorial Wall 10 months ago.
She retired from a career in customer service a year ago but missed public contact and teamwork and has found volunteering is something she loves.
“This is my first time volunteering,” Joy said.
“It was always on my hit list for when I gave up full-time work.
“I love the teamwork and working with the public, greeting them and taking people through the art gallery to show them the latest exhibition.”
The other important part of Joy’s role is to show people The Palace Backpacker Memorial Wall.
“It’s very special to be able to take people through, to give them an overview and honour the backpackers,” she said.
Volunteers invaluable
There are a number of roles for volunteers, making them invaluable to Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery and Childers Arts Space and The Backpacker Memorial Wall:
- Visitor services guide
- Events crew member
- Activities crew member
- Exhibition install crew member
Volunteers gain work experience in an ever-changing work environment, with full training provided.
In return, volunteers enjoy bus trips to visit other galleries, art institutions and public art installations.
Bundaberg Regional Council also recognises and thanks volunteers with annual events such as a morning tea with the Mayor.
Anyone wanting more information can contact Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery on 4130 4750 or Childers Arts Space and The Palace Backpacker Memorial Wall on 4130 4876; or email: brgadmin@bundaberg.qld.gov.au.
Keep up to date with Bundaberg Regional Council’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
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