Volunteers leave Entally Estate after more than 20 years
In November 2023, the Friends of Entally quit after more than 20 years. The reason was a dispute with the estate's management.
The Friends of Entally had volunteered for more than 20 years. The group ran the annual Gardenfest.
In November 2023, several stopped coming and did not return. Group president Christine Smedley said relations with the estate's management broke down.
One volunteer filed a formal discrimination complaint. It was resolved through conciliation.
However, some refused to sign the agreement. Smedley said the process was extremely stressful.
She received anonymous emails suggesting the group should be dissolved. When she decided to quit, the executives she informed also decided to resign.
- More than 20 years
- Years of volunteering
- November 2023
- Departure month
- Christine Smedley
- Group president
- Entally Estate
- Location
Why it mattersWhen long-serving volunteer teams leave, it signals a problem. It shows how heritage sites and their management handle staff concerns. Loss of experienced volunteers harms community connection to heritage.
AustraliaEntally Estate loses the expertise and labour of a 20-year volunteer partnership. The Tasmanian historic site must now rebuild community engagement from scratch.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 10 h ago
