Volunteers program

The success of Hervey Bay Regional Gallery is in no small way thanks to the support of the experienced team of volunteers or Friends of the Gallery.  Our volunteers are crucial to the smooth operation and professional presentation of each exhibition by assisting in two main areas: gallery reception and exhibition installation. 

The reception volunteers are the welcoming face of Hervey Bay Regional Gallery, greeting visitors, relating information about the exhibitions, activities and events and answering queries, assisting with sales of artworks and merchandise.  They also play a vital role in exhibition security, ensuring the safety of visitors and artworks.  An outgoing personality and good communication skills are among the essential requirements of this role.

The installation team is instrumental in setting up and dismantling exhibitions, overseen by the Gallery Director and Exhibition Officer. Tasks can include unloading trucks, unpacking and packing crates, wrapping and unwrapping artworks, condition reporting artworks and checking for damage/insect infestation/safety issues, hanging and positioning works, assisting artists on-site, construction tasks, using power and manual tools and cleaning.  Each member is trained in correct artwork handling techniques and in operating the gallery’s hanging system. Emphasis is placed on providing a working environment that complies to Workplace Health and Safety requirements. An ability to work in a team, good problem solving abilities and a moderate level of fitness are among the essential requirements of this role.   

Other Friends assist with reception and catering duties during exhibition opening functions and other gallery events, distribute promotional materials and assist with children’s events.

Local residents are welcome to join the Friends of the Gallery (FOG) which also provides opportunities for Fraser Coast residents with a passion for the visual arts to meet new, like-minded friends and enjoy social get-togethers. Talks, cultural activities, delicious luncheons and morning teas and interesting bus trips are organised regularly by the Friends group, which has an emphasis on fun, good company and art appreciation.  FOG members are also fabulous ambassadors for helping to promote the programs and activities offered by the Gallery.  

All volunteers and staff members are required to attend an occupational Health & Safety induction course run by the Fraser Coast Regional Council (approx. 3.5 hours) as well as an on-site safety induction of the Cultural Services building.

Residents interested in joining the Friends of the Gallery are invited to submit an expression of interest by completing and returning this form and returning it to the gallery by post to PO Box 1943, Hervey Bay, Qld 4655, or by hand to 161 Old Maryborough Road, Pialba.