Are you passionate about preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Dutch Australians? The Dutch Australian Cultural Centre LTD (DACC) invites you to become a valued volunteer and contribute to the maintenance of our precious resources housed at the Abel Tasman Village in Chester Hill, NSW. Currently, we have a pressing need for dedicated volunteers to join our archival team.
About DACC: Established in 1983 by the Federation of Dutch Societies and incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in 1984, DACC has a clear mission:
“DACC’s mission is to collect, preserve, promote, and disseminate Dutch culture and heritage in Australia.”
Our vast collection comprises an extensive array of materials generously donated by Dutch clubs, associations, families, and individuals in New South Wales. Many of these clubs and associations, formed by Dutch migrants after World War II, have since ceased to exist. Within our archives, you’ll discover an invaluable trove of historical treasures, including business records (correspondence, meeting minutes, financial statements, newsletters/magazines), private/personal records, and a captivating assortment of objects and memorabilia (photographs, CDs, videos, promotional materials, paintings, clothing). Additionally, we boast an exceptional collection of books in both Dutch and English. These valuable resources are meticulously processed and maintained by our dedicated volunteers, who generously devote their time each week to this important work. Our team catalogues books and adds them to an online library database, while archival materials are systematically processed, indexed, and stored in accordance with best archival practices.
How You Can Make a Difference: We are facing a pressing need for additional volunteers, especially within our archival department. Our current archivist, who has been generously contributing one day a week for several years, will be unable to continue beyond this year. We are seeking someone with archiving expertise to take her place, but we also welcome anyone who shares an interest in Dutch-Australian history and culture and can dedicate time to this essential work. Rest assured, our outgoing archivist will provide mentorship and guidance until you are confident to carry on independently.
Get Involved: If you are enthusiastic about preserving the heritage of Dutch Australians and are eager to join our team of dedicated volunteers, please reach out to our Executive Office Manager, Jorien van Beukering:
- Email: dutchaustraliancc@gmail.com
- Text: 0415 227 872
Your commitment will help ensure that the remarkable Dutch-Australian legacy continues to shine for generations to come. Join us in this rewarding journey of cultural preservation and celebration at DACC.