Become a volunteer

Would you like to help the Australian National Maritime Museum in really practical way?  Then come and join our friendly crew of volunteers! Our wonderful volunteers are highly valued members of the ANMM family. They contribute to the museum's operations and programs, working side by side with staff.

Up to 35 volunteer guides work each day at the museum. Most work one day a week or fortnight on a roster system.

Volunteer now

You could volunteer:

• as a guide on our vessels
• as a guide through through our exhibitions
• behind the scenes at Wharf 7 Maritime Heritage Centre
• providing guided tours for visitors through our exhibitions.

Volunteer roles

More than 500 volunteers are registered to assist, on various tasks, at the ANMM in Sydney. Our program is proudly one of the largest and most diverse of its kind in Australia. It connects the community with the museum while helping the museum achieve its goals, vision, and mission.

Benefits

ANMM volunteers enjoy many benefits.  Eligibility for benefits depends on how many hours you volunteer. They include:

• Monthly volunteer newsletter
• 20% discount at The Store and Yots café
• ANMM shirts, name badge, hat and water bottle
• Monthly morning teas and volunteer outings
• Discounts on museum membership
• Six free Big tickets per year
• Certificate of Service signed by the museum director
• Attendance at the annual volunteers party
• Quarterly magazine, All Hands
• Membership of the exclusive volunteers community website

Volunteers also enjoy personal benefits like the sense of satisfaction and rewarding experiences. Many talk of making lifelong friendships through the ANMM. With free training, volunteering gives you new skills.

Training

The museum provides  full training for all volunteer roles. The induction session, for example, helps trainees to become familiar with the museum, its facilities, resources and staff.

Support

Two full-time and one part-time staff members co-ordinate the volunteer program. Also, volunteer representatives and a volunteer patron (a museum council member) ensure that  volunteers have a strong support network across the organisation.

How to volunteer 

Insurance

Volunteers are fully covered by appropriate levels of insurance while at the museum.