Planning a holiday road trip? Stop by the regional town of Beaufort and explore the Cyril Callister Vegemite Museum!
Led by passionate volunteer manager Liza Robinson, this community-driven initiative celebrates the legacy of Dr Cyril Callister, the Australian scientist who created Vegemite in 1923.
Hear from Liza below about this unique attraction and its volunteers’ mission to inspire a love for science and regional pride.
What is your volunteer role?
I am the team manager of a group of volunteers who manage the Cyril Callister Vegemite Museum in Beaufort, regional Victoria. The museum is located at an old petrol station, which has been repurposed as a community arts, events and creative co-working space. It celebrates the life, work and legacy of Dr Cyril Callister, the Australian scientist who invented Vegemite in 1923.
Why did you decide to start volunteering?
I came up with the idea of this museum 10 years ago and have been working 24/7 on the project ever since. My idea was to create a tourism attraction that would entice freeway travellers to visit our historical town, stimulate tourism in Beaufort, and create job opportunities for the community.
The museum offers group tours to view the memorabilia, sells Vegemite inspired merchandise, with some being made by local country artisans. The foundation’s mission is to inspire regional youth to pursue science, just like Cyril.
In 2023, we managed to secure a small grant and open the museum 6 days a week. It’s a lot of hard work and can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, but I am very proud of what we have achieved in such a short time.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
Do it! I’ve been involved in an outreach program in schools to talk about regional tourism and volunteering, and I encourage young people to try things outside their comfort zones. Looking beyond your normal life and seeing how the other half live can really open your mind to an entire new energy and value system, which is so rewarding.
“Try things outside your comfort zone. It really opens your mind to an entire new energy and value system, which is so rewarding.”
