Runnymede has suffered from a significant loss of volunteers at the historic site

The discovery of the sacking of volunteers at the Hobart penitentiary may have signalled a more systemic problem, with a second historic site now being hit by an exodus of old hands.

Former Runnymede volunteers who spoke to the Mercury raised concerns about maintenance of the house and grounds, the future of public tours and popular fundraising events such as high teas. Picture: SUPPLIED

A SECOND Tasmanian National Trust property has been hit by an exodus of volunteers.

Following revelations about a significant loss of volunteers at the Hobart convict penitentiary, the Mercury has been contacted by former volunteers at Runnymede who say a large proportion of that property’s unpaid workforce has also left.

Runnymede, an 1840s colonial homestead and gardens in New Town, is considered one of Southern Tasmania’s finest built heritage properties.

As was the case at the Hobart penitentiary, many of Runnymede’s volunteers had been involved with the property for decades.

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Former Runnymede volunteers who spoke to the Mercury raised concerns about maintenance of the house and grounds, the future of public tours and popular fundraising events such as high teas.

“It’s a shame that people aren’t aware that heritage properties are at risk,” one volunteer said.

One volunteer, who did not wish to be named, said between 20 and 30 people had left the site since last September.

Their exit was partly sparked by a new volunteer agreement, which some saw as intimidating, she said.

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The 25-page agreement, seen by the Mercury, contains clauses including that volunteers must not speak ill of the Trust and that any discoveries or ideas by volunteers will remain the intellectual property of the Trust.

The agreement says the Trust can no longer accept volunteers over 85, citing insurance requirements.

The agreement contains a 14-point code of conduct and a two-page confidentiality agreement.

The National Trust would not comment on the future direction of Runnymede, whether garden tours, high teas and wedding receptions would continue at the site.

The Trust cited the need to comply with “many regulatory and legislative requirements” around volunteering as a reason for the contentious volunteer agreement.

National Trust Tasmania volunteer engagement co-ordinator Wayne Bailey-Walford said a “small group” of volunteers had opted not to sign the agreement and had therefore left the Trust.

“The National Trust has a great sense of gratitude for the many volunteers (more than 400) who generously give their time, skills and knowledge to support the conservation of Tasmania’s rich heritage,” Mr Bailey-Walford said.

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“In October 2018 the National Trust introduced a Volunteer Agreement for the purpose of meeting the most current Work Health and Safety laws and National Best Practice Standards for engaging volunteers.

“A small group of very valued volunteers have found the process of signing such an agreement to be, in their words “unnecessary“ or “too long”.

“On the other hand, the large majority of National Trust volunteers understand the need for such an agreement and have signed the document.

“There was a time when the act of volunteering was simple and uncomplicated; this is not the case in 2019.”

As reported by the Mercury earlier this month, a large group of volunteers from the Hobart penitentiary said they were unceremoniously sacked via email.

The National Trust disputes volunteers were sacked, saying they were offered the chance to continue volunteering.

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