Without volunteers the history of the local area could be lost, according to Northam Heritage Forum chairperson Genny Budas.
As part of an ongoing series into volunteers, the Avon Valley Advocate spoke to the local historical society at the Old Northam Railway Station about their aspiration to carry volunteering on to the next generation to ensure history is remembered.
The Old Northam Railway Station on Fitzgerald Street is made up of local community groups who form the Northam Cultural Precinct including the Northam & Districts Historical Society Inc, the Northam Army Camp Heritage association Inc and Earth Solutions-Avon Valley Inc.
Mrs Budas said despite help from the Northam Volunteer Hub, the Northam Heritage Forum still struggles to reach their goal number of volunteers.
"What we are trying to get is two people manning the museum everyday," she said.
"Northam being a transient town, we thought we were fine and then people moved. Life happens."
There are currently nine volunteers available to man the museum on an alternate schedule seven days a week.
Mrs Budas said a lack of volunteers impacts the way the group runs.
"If we don't have volunteers we don't share the history and don't get an income," she said.
"The history is valuable. You've got to know where you come from before you move forward."
She said the addition of younger volunteers has been greatly valued in the past six months, something she hopes continues to grow.
All but three of the volunteers at the museum are retired.
Jacob Ferguson, 15, volunteers at the railway museum once a week.
"I started volunteering in the middle of last year," he said.
"I went to a job expo and they had the volunteering stall and that's how I got involved.
"It's really good experience and it could lead to a job later on.
"It's really enjoyable meeting people and learning about the community."
The TAFE student leads visitors on tours, cleans and sets up.
"One of the reasons I volunteered was to have the opportunity to learn more about the history," he said.
"Most of the people that volunteer are older so it would be good to have some young people to help continue teaching the community about the history."
To get involved with the Northam Heritage Forum contact nhforum11@gmail.com.
