Looking Forward and Outward: Volunteer Opportunities for 2026
Hello Members,
In 2025, under the leadership of our President Harry Roberts, the Society set a new direction captured by the phrase Looking Forward and Outward. This vision rests on three pillars: Communication, Community, and Participation.
We have made strong progress on the first two; improving our communications both internally and with external partners, and we have strengthened our collaborations with like‑minded organisations. However, we have had less success in increasing levels of member participation.
At present, too few people carry too much of the load. To thrive, we need more members to share in the work. Spreading the tasks not only sustains our activities, it also gives volunteers satisfaction and pride in contributing.
Our Society has many strengths: our quarterly magazine, the monthly speaker program, our publications, the website, and our heritage advocacy. Yet our greatest strength lies in our members. Without your participation, these activities cannot continue; with it, our future is secure.
The Committee has identified opportunities where you can help. Each role requires only a small amount of time, and we are suggesting two volunteers buddy up for each task, both to share the work load and to provide backup when needed. No specialist skills are required, just a willingness and the time to contribute.
Opportunities to Volunteer
Urban Design and Place Heritage Advisory Committee
• Meets every three months at the City offices (6.00–7.30 pm)
• Provide opinions on current heritage issues and hear updates
• Currently: Harry
Geelong Heritage Centre Collections Advisory Committee
• Meets quarterly on Thursday mornings (10.00–11.00 am) at various GRL sites
• Review and vote on donations presented by the resident archivist, Tracy Caulfield
• Currently: Harry
Speaker Recruitment for 2027
• Approach and book speakers for monthly meetings (11 per year; 2026 is already filled)
• Harry will cover one position if necessary
• Currently: Harry
Excursion Organiser
• Arrange two visits per year to places of interest, usually on weekends
• An April 2026 excursion is booked at Moorabool Antiques; one more excursion is needed for 2026
• Currently: Harry
Contributing Stories to Investigator and the Website
• Submit articles, memoirs, meeting reports, puzzles, or photographs
• Contributions can be academic or personal; light‑hearted pieces are welcome
• Currently: Don provides a monthly puzzle; Four regular contributors plus Harry, Coral, and Lana on the Investigator Editorial Team
Stand for the Committee in 2026
• Attend 4 Committee Meetings per year
• Contribute to the Committee’s work in between meetings
• Be willing to use email to keep in touch with fellow members
Currently: Harry, Mark, Tony, Coral, Pauline, Freda, Peter F., Michael
Thank You and Next Steps
The society is grateful to those already assisting in many ways; setting up rooms, clearing after meetings, and contributing by attending meetings and excursions. Your efforts exemplify the spirit of our Society. But as we look to 2026, more volunteers are needed.
If you are willing to help, please contact President Harry Roberts at our next meeting. Your involvement will strengthen our Society and benefit the wider Geelong community.
Thank you for being a member. As the saying goes: Many hands make light work.
Harry Roberts
President
