Volunteering ACT

Category: Arts and Heritage

Recipient: Sue Brown

Background

Sue Brown has been actively involved in ACT community activities since arriving here 32 years ago. Examples of her past and ongoing commitments include the Canberra Visitors Centre, Canberra One Parent Family Support, Radio for Print Handicapped Reading, Floriade and several others cited in the nomination. This nomination relates to her contribution as a volunteer at Old Parliament House.

Scope of Work

Sue has been a volunteer at Old Parliament House since 1993. Her primary role is to deliver informative, interesting and accurate tours of the building, as well as orientation for visitors about current events in Old Parliament House. She must demonstrate sound knowledge of the House of Representatives and Senate Chambers, exhibitions and other significant areas of the building.

Sue greets visitors and leads at least one 45 minute tour per shift. It is tiring work that requires a great deal of stamina and patience and excellent communication skills. She is a very effective mentor of new volunteers and her wealth of experience is very well regarded.

Impact on the Community

Sue is in direct contact with the public and provides a critical support activity for Old Parliament House. She offers excellent political, social and historical interpretations of the building and provides the community with an engaging account of the significance of Old Parliament House in Australian society.

Sue is held in high regard by her fellow volunteers, setting an excellent example to new volunteers and demonstrating how rewarding and professional volunteering can be.

Time Dedicated

Sue has committed four hours per fortnight to Old Parliament House for over 16 years, for a total of over 1800 hours. In addition to conducting tours, she attends regular professional development and training sessions.

Effort Required

Bringing the communication skills needed to relate across all age groups, Sue manages to juggle her significant commitment to Old Parliament House with a host of other community activities.