Celebrating Powerhouse Volunteers on International Volunteer Day
On International Volunteer Day, we celebrate the extraordinary Powerhouse volunteers whose passion, generosity and commitment enrich every part of our museums. With more than 160 active volunteers contributing across Ultimo, Castle Hill and Parramatta, the Powerhouse Volunteer Program continues to thrive as a vibrant, diverse community dedicated to sharing knowledge, creativity and cultural heritage.
Our volunteers support work that spans storytelling, research, conservation, events, digital content, public programming and community engagement and their impact is felt every single day.
Sharing Stories Through Collection Conversations
Our Collection Conversations volunteers bring the museum to life through weekly storytelling sessions, offering visitors rich insights and personal perspectives on collection objects. Their deep research and warm delivery create memorable experiences for people of all ages, connecting audiences to the history, design and innovation woven throughout the Powerhouse Collection.
Research Volunteers: Uncovering Hidden Histories
Our research volunteers play a crucial role in sharing stories of the Collection. This year, teams have explored:
Parramatta objects and the stories that help illuminate the cultural and social history of the region
Flora and fauna narratives, uncovering environmental and ecological connections in our natural history holdings
Their contributions help strengthen collection records, build better public interpretation and inform future exhibitions.
Interactive Volunteers: Hands-On Engagement
Our interactive volunteers support hands-on learning across public programs. By guiding activities, demonstrations and exploratory moments, they spark curiosity in families, students and lifelong learners, helping visitors actively connect with ideas, objects and themes.
Archive Volunteers: Preserving Documentary Heritage
From recipes to institutional records, our archives hold decades of irreplaceable history. Archive volunteers provide essential support in processing, organising and caring for these materials, ensuring that the stories embedded in our documentary heritage remain accessible for future generations.
Admin Volunteers: Supporting Documentation and Daily Operations
Behind the scenes, admin volunteers keep things moving by assisting with documentation, data entry and essential operational tasks. Their attention to detail ensures that both the Volunteer Program and wider museum teams can function smoothly and effectively.
Conservation Volunteers: Bringing Steam Alive
At Castle Hill, our steam conservation volunteers maintain and operate historic industrial machinery, preserving the engineering legacy of the Powerhouse Collection. Their expertise allows visitors to experience the wonder of steam technology first-hand — a rare and beloved part of our public offerings.
Digital Story Volunteers: Creating the Next Generation of Museum Content
This year, volunteers also contributed to digital storytelling, working alongside staff and students to produce short videos, object stories and online content.
Through research, script development and narration, these volunteers help translate collection knowledge into engaging digital experiences that reach audiences well beyond the museum walls.
Their work ensures that the stories of the Powerhouse are shared in fresh, accessible and innovative ways.
Event Volunteers: From Sydney Science Festival to Major Programs
Our event volunteers played a pivotal role in delivering major public programs, including the Sydney Science Festival and Powerhouse Food Program. By greeting visitors, assisting with program logistics and creating a welcoming, informed presence across festival spaces, they helped ensure a smooth and memorable experience for thousands of attendees.
Their enthusiasm and adaptability shine at every event — large or small — across all Powerhouse locations.
Thank you
Across every team and every site, Powerhouse volunteers bring heart, creativity and expertise that strengthen our museum in countless ways. They support staff, uplift visitors and help deliver the ambitious programs that define the Powerhouse.
On this International Volunteer Day, we extend our deepest thanks to every volunteer who contributes their time, knowledge and passion to our community. The Powerhouse simply wouldn’t be the same without you.