Welcoming visitors from around the world for more than four decades, the ship plays a key part in the Museum experience and remains one of Albany’s most iconic attractions.
The vessel is manned entirely by volunteers who help share the story of its perilous 1826 voyage from Sydney to Mammang Koort / King George Sound, which led to the first European settlement on the west coast of Australia.
Museum of the Great Southern Regional Manager Catherine Salmaggi said volunteers play an essential role in keeping the Amity running.
“Our Brig volunteers are the face of the experience. They welcome visitors, share local knowledge and help keep Albany’s maritime history alive. Without them, we simply can’t open the ship.”
Brig Amity volunteers receive induction and training, a travel reimbursement for each shift, and get to meet visitors from around Australia and the world.
Volunteer John Beaman explains that each day on the Brig is different.
“I get to meet people from literally all over the world. I could be chatting to an ex-sailor one minute and a curious six-year-old the next. You never know who’s walking up the gangway!”
Volunteers are stationed in the ship’s galley and help orient visitors on self-guided tours. Two shifts are available each day and volunteers are asked to commit to at least one shift per week.
To find out more, visit: https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/greatsouthern/volunteer or drop into the Museum for a chat.
