The Australian Jazz Museum, incorporating the Victorian Jazz Archive, is located in Koomba Park, 15 Mountain Highway, Wantirna, Victoria. It is an Incorporated Association arising out of a meeting held in Sydney on 23 June 1996 to address the growing concern among the jazz community that the rich Australian jazz heritage was at risk of being lost.
Their mission is to collect, exhibit, preserve and store on a permanent basis all material and memorabilia of whatever nature pertaining to jazz music, performed and/or composed by Australian musicians, covering the period from the 1920’s through to the present day.
Margot Davies is the Secretary and Recruitment Officer at the Australian Jazz Museum in Wantirna for nearly six years.
She grew up in Ivanhoe, with hardworking parents who were always involved in their community and childhood activities.
“My volunteer work has involved working at Meals on Wheels, the Jazz Museum and I’m also a member of Zonta International a women’s service club that works towards women’s rights and equality,” Margot said.
“I volunteered at my son’s schools serving on a number of committees and now help out at my Grandkids school which I really love and being involved gives me a great deal of pleasure.
“I initially became a volunteer to keep busy.
“When I retired I knew I didn’t want to sit home. I wanted to do something with my time that meant something and I finally found the Jazz Museum where I have been for nearly six years.
“I’ve been Secretary and on the Committee of Management for the same period of time.
“I like to keep busy so I’m also in charge of recruiting and managing the volunteers.
“Social interaction is great and I really enjoy getting to know all the volunteers at the Museum.
“I’ve kept my skills up to date, learnt a lot more about jazz and it’s great to be part of something with a purpose.
“The Museum has up to date computer systems, and I’ve also learned to be open to new ideas that will help the museum be a world class Museum.
“I was made to feel like I could help the Museum out from the first interview.”
Margot said she had achieved her personal volunteer goals especially over the last six years.
“I love helping out. I feel I have contributed to the Museum and as a volunteer I am happy to turn my hand to anything that needs to be done,” Margot said.
“I’ve learned that the work being done is worthwhile and could not be achieved without volunteers.”
I have found Volunteer for Knox staff very supportive, friendly, and keen to help in a professional manner. Nothing is ever a problem.”
Margot has a message to people in the community thinking of volunteering.
“Give volunteering at try! You can make a difference, you can learn new skills and you can make friends along the way. Australia would not be the place it is without volunteers and age doesn’t matter!”
