Shocked Shrine volunteers told they’re no longer needed for school tours

Many long-serving volunteers at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance have been told their services are no longer needed on school tours of the commemorative site.

The Shrine’s 70 volunteers have been said to be shocked and saddened by the decision. Picture: Gemma Scerri

Many long-serving volunteers at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance are being told they are no longer required to conduct school tours at the commemorative site.

The Shrine’s 70 volunteers were said to have been shocked and saddened by the decision, confirmed in an email from chief executive Dean Lee on October 4.

One of the changes being considered is for staff to lead school tours with volunteers “shadowing” the groups.

An average 50,000 schoolchildren visit The Shrine every year.

Concerns about the changes were raised at a special meeting of the Volunteer Reference Group on October 17, the Herald Sun can now confirm.

Shrine of Remembrance chief executive Dean Lee. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Mr Lee told the group: “The challenge is to make it work for everyone. This is not a negotiating process. The decision has been made but how can we make it work?’’

But one volunteer said: “I was ‘shattered’ when I received Dean’s email informing me I will no longer be able to take students on tours from next year.

“I love volunteering at the Shrine for a number of reasons but the main one is that I get to pass on the amazing history to students.’’

A regular volunteer warned that self-guided groups could be “chaotic’’.

Another said: “What I’m really sorry about is the new arrangements mean so much knowledge, insight and genuine passion that volunteers have will not be able to available to

students in a formal tour structure.

“It’s one of those situations where everyone loses!’’

Many volunteers increased their roles in the post-pandemic return to The Shrine’s operations. Picture: Daniel Pockett

Mr Lee told the Herald Sun that the volunteers were “valued members’’ of the Shrine Family.

“They have supported the Shrine’s education, ceremonial and visitor programs for more than 30 years and will continue to do so.

“Professional education staff are responsible for the delivery of student group tours with the support of volunteers.

“In keeping with standard business practice, all operational aspects of the Shrine are reviewed each year to ensure we continue to maintain the high standards expected of us as Victoria’s principal place of commemoration.’’

Mr Lee last week told volunteers that the decision was based on the Fairwork Commission’s position on the distinction between volunteering and employment. Although he said he did not believe The Shrine contravened any laws, he was concerned about volunteers’ “work-like’’ status.

It’s believed many volunteers increased their roles in the post-pandemic return to The Shrine’s operations.

Originally published as Shocked Shrine volunteers told they’re no longer needed for school tours