The Australian National Maritime Museum has partnered with the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) to expand its volunteer program to assist Defence Force veterans.
Acting Director of the Museum, Tanya Bush said that through the volunteer program, CSC would also link volunteers with its Vets Hub, an online community dedicated to improving the financial well-being of Australian veterans and military families.
“The Museum’s volunteers are one of our most important assets and we are pleased to be able to extend our volunteer program to even more Defence personnel to share their invaluable knowledge and experience,” Ms Bush said.
“In partnership with CSC, the program will support Defence Force veterans, through volunteering at the museum, to transition to civilian life, retirement and/or be a stepping-stone to general employment or simply provide community connection,” she said.
“Defence personnel are dedicated, resilient and disciplined individuals, and this program is unique in its design to tailor positions to the skills, knowledge and experience of the veteran community, allowing them to gain the most benefit from participating.”
Ms Bush said the volunteer program included training and professional development, mentoring and recognition.
“Additionally, those who have retired, who cannot work, or who are in civilian employment often miss the connection, purpose and support of military life,” the Acting Director said.
“This program is dedicated to promote and encourage volunteering from Defence Force veterans with familiar objects in a public setting.”
She said that while veterans would have the opportunity to contribute to existing positions, a range of new and diverse volunteer roles were also being developed across the Museum.
Ms Bush said these new positions would be matched to applicants to ensure a good fit between existing skill level, experience, interests, and preferences, as well as the potential to provide opportunity for growth and learning.
“It’s hoped this exciting initiative will lead to further collaborations between like-minded organisations, which will allow the museum to further expand the program.”
She said about 10 per cent of the Museum’s current 500 volunteers had worked in one of the Defence Forces.
“While the Museum works hard to find a place for everyone regardless of mental or physical limitations, there were many more in the Defence community who wanted to be involved.”
Further information on the Museum’s volunteer program can be accessed at this PS News link and on CSC’s Vets Hub at this link.
