The launch of Powerhouse Materials: Paper with beloved children’s author Andy Griffiths – the mastermind behind the best-selling Just! books and the Treehouse series – was a truly unforgettable day. Visitors were treated to Andy’s personal selection of Powerhouse Collection objects, as well as a lively talk and Q&A. Andy promised to answer every question truthfully… though with the warning that if he didn’t know the answer, he’d happily make something up!
At the heart of this vibrant event were our ten fantastic volunteers, whose energy and enthusiasm shaped the success of the day.
From the moment the doors opened, our volunteers supported a wide range of activities with warmth and big smiles. The Discovery Station, featuring an old typewriter and a model eyeball, was a huge hit – especially with children who had never seen a typewriter before. Volunteers loved showing them how it worked and watching their amazement as keys clacked and letters appeared on the page.
During Andy’s book signing, volunteers expertly assisted with crowd flow to ensure families had a smooth and enjoyable experience. They also helped children post their handwritten notes to Andy into the delightful Treehouse Post Box, a commissioned creation made entirely from paper and cardboard. It quickly became a favourite activity for kids and adults alike.
Throughout the day, volunteers supported children working through the self-guided activity book and supported curators in managing the flow of the behind-the-scenes tours of the Powerhouse paper collection.
We had an amazing time, and a huge thank you goes to our incredible volunteers who brought such energy and enthusiasm to every part of the day. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Blogpost by Karen Griffiths, (Volunteers Program Officer)
