Volunteers needed to keep trams on track

BEHIND the scenes, and amongst the action, Ballarat Tramway Museum has sixty volunteers keeping the organisation rolling.

BTM member John Whiting said they’re aiming to double that number as soon as they can, and encourage anyone who can give their time, whether once monthly, or weekly, to express interest.

“With the construction of the Tramway Museum building complete, and the potential to develop more day-to-day operations with functions and special events, we need more volunteers to work at the museum, to be on the trams, and to help maintain them,” Mr Whiting said.

“Volunteers can assist in the shop area, so those with a background in sales and retail would be valuable.

“We’re also slowly developing the function and social area out the back to serve more tea, coffee, and food, so a background in hospitality or cooking would be helpful there.

“We also need friendly people to be our general museum guides. They don’t need to arrive knowing the nuts and bolts about trams, as basic information will be taught to them.”

Mr Whiting said those out on the trams themselves, whether conducting or driving, would ideally be kind and approachable, and some experience with workplace safety would be handy.

“Importantly, we need people to maintain and do restoration work on the trams, so those who are or have been mechanics, woodworkers, carpenters, and plumbers, or know about high-voltage electricity and how it works, would be valuable.”

Mr Whiting said the lifeblood of the Ballarat Tramway Museum is its volunteers.

“We wouldn’t survive without them,” he said. “What we can offer in return is an inclusive space for any people of any age, background, or gender.

“We’ll work in with them to ensure they feel welcome and comfortable to do any task.” Contact [email protected] to express interest.