Moonta National Trust Volunteers Launch “Fighting Fund”
A volunteer committee that once ran some of Moonta’s most iconic heritage sites is now preparing for a Supreme Court battle — after being abruptly stood down by the governing body of the National Trust of South Australia.
Back in March, just before a bustling long weekend, Moonta National Trust branch (SA’s biggest branch) was suspended without warning. Locks were changed, volunteers were stood down, and doors were closed on much-loved attractions including the famous Sweet Shop, heritage railway rides, museum, miner’s cottage and tram cars.
More than 100 local volunteers had been running the mine attractions seven days a week — generating around $600,000 a year and preserving a significant part of South Australia’s mining history.
Moonta Community Vows to Fight Back
Now, instead of serving lollies or driving trains, those same volunteers are baking cakes, hosting quiz nights and fundraising — determined to fight their way back in. With the committee’s finances frozen and signatories changed, they’ve started what they call a “Fighting Fund”.
Committee chair Sharron Ward says the March announcement was “traumatising” and the impact has been deeply felt across the region.
“One of the National Trust’s key values is integrity,” Ward said. “While what they’ve done isn’t out of their jurisdiction legally, to go in and destroy one of northern Yorke Peninsula’s most popular tourist attractions certainly doesn’t align with their moral values.”
Ward says the National Trust cited a list of breaches, including hot weather policy issues, the use of ATVs, and volunteers lacking appropriate machinery qualifications. The committee strongly disputes all but one of the claims.
“They’ve painted a picture of a ‘Dad’s Army’ group that doesn’t know what it’s doing,” she said. “But this is a stable, respected committee — teachers, business owners, people with real credibility in the community.”
OAM Volunteer of 40 Years – Locked Out Overnight
The fallout is being felt across the Copper Coast, particularly during peak tourism periods like the school holidays.
Over the Christmas break, the hugely popular Sweet Shop took $70k in sales. On its busiest days, the heritage train alone could bring in $10,000 — but beyond the dollars, it’s the human impact that’s hitting hardest.
“One of committee members has been volunteering since he was 16. He’s now 60, an Order of Australia medallist — and he was locked out overnight,” Ward said.
“That treatment isn’t allowed in today’s society when it comes to paid employment, how can it be allowed to happen to valuable volunteers.”
With the sites now sitting closed, Ward says the loss goes far beyond tourism.
“For so many people, this was their social connection. Their reason to get out of bed. It wasn’t just about preserving history and attracting tourists — it was about community.”
Calls For a Parliamentary Inquiry into National Trust
The committee has now lodged proceedings with the Supreme Court, seeking reinstatement, access to the sites, and the ability to reopen the attractions.
Ward says they were given no right of reply and believes the governing legislation is outdated, allowing overarching control of local branches and their assets.
With government and council both indicating they have limited power to intervene, the group is calling for political action — including a parliamentary inquiry into how the National Trust operates.
“We don’t just want our sites back,” she said. “We want to make sure this can’t happen to another volunteer group anywhere else.”
In the meantime, the community continues to rally — raising funds to support the legal fight and hoping the doors to Moonta’s heritage sites will soon reopen under the careful guidance of locals.
You can help by signing a petition to return Moonta heritage sites to the local National Trust and the community – Sign the Petition
To donate to “The Fighting Fund” – GoFund Me
