Michelle Daw, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

Moonta’s beloved heritage attractions have been shut down for five weeks and its many local volunteers say they are banned from entering the premises.

This follows a shock decision by the head office of the National Trust of South Australia to disband its Moonta branch and assume full management responsibility for the Moonta Mines State Heritage Precinct — including the museum, sweet shop, tourist railway, walking trails, the Moonta History Centre, and the Miner’s Cottage.

NTSA chief executive Nicolette Di Lernia said yesterday afternoon (Monday, February 23), all the attractions, except for the walking trails, would be shut down for five weeks to allow NTSA staff time to make changes but would reopen in time for Easter.

She made the announcement prior to a meeting held with branch representatives to inform them of the decision.

The volunteers say they are shocked by the decision, with local historian and Moonta History Centre convenor Robyn Knight describing it as a “hijacking”.

“The successful Moonta Mines National Trust venues have been hijacked because it is the most successful branch of the National Trust and the Adelaide office is scrambling for finances to address their deficit.

“It is time Moonta Mines National Trust became independent of city-centric control and that funds generated by Moonta branch volunteers remain in Moonta,” she said.

Mrs Knight said volunteers were unable to access their personal belongings because the locks had been changed on heritage premises and closed signs erected at the entrances.

Ms Di Lernia said this morning (Tuesday, February 24) volunteers could call the numbers on the signs to access their belongings.

Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis met yesterday with upset volunteers and said he would continue to do so.

“This is a very disappointing outcome and I am aware that many of the dedicated local National Trust members who have volunteered at the museum, the lolly shop, the tourist train and the information centre, some over decades, are shocked and outraged at this development.

“The organisers of the World Heritage bid, that so many of these same people have contributed to for years to get us to this crucial last stage, will be very concerned and I fervently hope there is no long-term adverse impact from today’s announcement.

“The Moonta National Trust branch has capably run their own organisation successfully for many years — including the very profitable tourist attractions within this key tourist precinct for the region and the state — and at risk now is losing that vital local experience and volunteer contribution.”

Copper Coast Council chief executive Dylan Strong said, as a partner of the Burra and Moonta World Heritage bid, council acknowledged NTSA’s commitment to strengthening governance and support structures in its operation.

“Council also acknowledges the longstanding commitment of local staff, volunteers and community supporters,” he said.

“Change of this nature can be unsettling, and it is vital that the transition is managed through transparency and ongoing engagement with local stakeholders to maintain confidence and continuity at this very exciting time for the region.”

Shut down. The head office of National Trust of SA has shut heritage attractions in Moonta for five weeks, after taking them over from the trust’s Moonta branch. Photos: Yorke Peninsula Country Times

‘Unreasonable burden’ on volunteers — CEO

The National Trust of South Australia has given a range of reasons for its decision to take over the Moonta Heritage precinct.

NTSA chief executive Nicolette Di Lernia said these included the complexity of the precinct, which involved three paid staff, multiple facilities operating seven days a week, more than 110 volunteers and an annual turnover of more than $600,000.

“It is by far the most complex operation managed by a National Trust branch anywhere in the state, if not Australia,” she said.

“It has become the equivalent of a substantial small business.”

A detailed review, and a series of meetings and site visits, had made it clear this was placing an “unreasonable burden” on the Moonta branch committee and volunteers, which was “clearly unsustainable”.

“We are also conscious the National Trust has a vital part to play in securing UNESCO World Heritage listing for key Cornish copper mining sites at Moonta and Burra, and helping to deliver the significant economic and cultural outcomes this will generate for the wider community,” Ms Di Lernia said.

For the bid to be successful, the National Trust had to demonstrate it could manage its sites and implement conservation and interpretive works, including compliance with government regulations and UNESCO requirements.

“These will be critical factors in whether the bid is successful or not,” she said.

“We owe it to our partners in the bid consortium and the community to make sure our house is in order and we are working proactively with them to win recognition for these unique places on the world stage.”

Ms Di Lernia emphasised there was “absolutely no intention for a similar approach to be taken at Burra”.

“Burra has a very different operating model which is much more sustainable, and they have built strong partnerships to support them,” she said.

“The National Trust is a community-based organisation and remains committed to working with local communities to share their unique stories.

This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 24 February 2026.