The Rotary Club of Berrima District has secured the rights from the Department of Corrective Services to use the gaol on this one occasion for charitable purposes.

Volunteers are needed to greet and direct visitors, help them with self-guided tours, sell tickets and merchandise, serve food and drink and help set up entertainment.

It is estimated that as many as 100 volunteers may be needed and Berrima Rotary Club president Allen Cupitt is urging people to sign up now.

"Australia Day may seem a long way off but we need to know we have enough volunteers well in advance," Mr Cupitt said.

"There will need to be inductions at the gaol starting as early as this month to ensure volunteers are familiar with the layout of the gaol, where they will be stationed and how they will carry out their assigned duties."

Mr Cupitt said the event would give volunteers a fascinating insight into the workings of a gaol and would be of particular interest to history buffs.

"And proceeds from this event will support our community and Rotary projects," Mr Cupitt said.

Discounted tickets are available at www.gaolbreak.org.au or from destination Southern Highlands, 1300 657 559.

The gaol has been a Berrima landmark for more than 170 years and was decommissioned in 2011.

It will be open for self-guided tours from 9am to 5pm, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, January 24 to 26, 2015. A bush dance will be held on Saturday evening and an opera performance or movie on Sunday evening.

Potential volunteers are encouraged to contact Wingecarribee Volunteer Centre, which is assisting the Club with the search. Call the Centre now on 4869 4617 or email info@volwing.org.au for more details of positions available and the shifts required to be worked.

Alternatively drop into the Centre at Queen Street, Moss Vale and pick up an expression of interest form. The Centre is open from 9.30am to 1.00pm, Tuesday to Friday.

Photo:?Rotary Club of Berrima District president Allen Cupitt addresses organisers of the gaol event. Photo supplied