Max Roughley’s Historic Place

Max Roughley has a real history in Dural and surroundings.

Max Roughley began volunteering with Council in 1984, working on the committee that helped to restore Roughley House. Max is a direct descendant of the Roughley family, who lived in the historical house, which was built in 1856.

He has also volunteered with other organisations including Hills Shire Community Care Gardening.

Max continues to volunteer at the Visitor Information Centre, sharing his family history with those who tour the historic property, located in Dural.

“There are so many rewards at Roughley House and the Visitor Information Centre. I get to meet with and talk to people, particularly on house tours,” Max said.

He encouraged others to begin their volunteering journey. “I would say that taking the first step is probably the hardest because you have to motivate yourself to sign-up,” Max said.

“People have preconceived ideas of what the experience is going to be, but I can say to people who are considering it: make the step, get involved and you’ll find that you do enjoy it and that you’ll want to keep doing it,” Max added. Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said: “Max, Marilyn, Gloria and Les are incredible people who have given so much of their time and knowledge to educating and helping others in this community.”

“Our volunteers are one of the most valuable resources in our Shire and its thanks to them that we can impact the lives of so many people in a positive way,” she said.

Council programs seeing volunteers include Bushcare, Justice of the Peace, Youth Army, Community Care and committee groups.

For more information on Council’s Volunteer Program, visit The Hills Shire Council website, www. thehills.nsw.gov.au and search “volunteering” in the search bar. You can also find volunteering opportunities through NSW Volunteering, www.volnteering.nsw.gov.au