SIBERIAN intern Violetta Makarova has quickly warmed up to life at Sovereign Hill. Although, she is finding the Ballarat cold, a different kind of cold to what she is used to in Russia, a chilling challenge.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Ms Makarova will spend a month working with the museum’s marketing team, in particular its Winter Wonderlights program, drawing on her own experience.
“Here, there is a very magical atmosphere,” Ms Makarova said. “This is a good experience for me. Before this museum, I haven’t seen much about Ballarat. This will help me also know the history of the town.”
The 20-year-old is visiting on Rotary International’s New Generations program and an existing cultural exchange program between the western Victoria district and its Russian partner district. Ms Makarova studies business at both Irkutsk State University in her hometown and through American school University of Maryland University College.
She chose to intern in Australia because it was where her dad had always dreamed of visiting and so very different to life in Russia.
“This decision was made very spontaneously,” Ms Makarova said.
“When the coordinator said I can go to America, Canada or Australia I asked my parents and my father said I should go to Australia...he said it was very important to learn how Australians live and work.”
Sovereign Hill head of performance and people Mark Karlovic said Ms Makarova was a terrific, friendly person, who interacts well with people around the museum. She arrived in Australia earlier this week and had delved into work by Wednesday.
“Being engaged here hopefully she can get a real authentic understanding of our business and programs in place,” Mr Karlovic said.
