Ten years ago, a group of like-minded people got together with the aim of enhancing the visitor experience at Werribee Park.
They came from different backgrounds, but they shared the same goal.
Today, the Friends of Werribee Park group continues to improve the visitor experience in many ways.
Using the group’s historic costume collection of fashion of the late 1800s – replicating the era when Thomas Chirnside built the sprawling 60-room Italianate-style mansion – some volunteers greet visitors, lead tours and teach children about the Victorian era.
Other volunteers dress as maids and set up costumes in the mansion, allowing visitors to also dress in heritage costumes and take photos. Another group is charged with helping to maintain the 140-hectare park, including the formal gardens surrounding the mansion.
Friends of Werribee Park president Lesley Knights said volunteers felt privileged to be part of a beautiful piece of history.
“We all enjoy working at the park and helping to keep the history of the mansion and surrounds alive, vital and relevant for our modern visitors,” she said. Ms Knights joined the group six years ago and has loved every minute of her work.
“It’s surprising how many people, even locals, still don’t realise this amazing place we have in our own backyard.”
Volunteers must be over the age of 16, pay a small annual fee and provide 10 hours work every two months. No experience is required.
Past and present Friends of Werribee Park are being invited to a celebration at the mansion on October 16. For more details, call Helen Hopkins on 8734 5171.
