Powerhouse Castle Hill presents a day of fun hands-on activities, demonstrations and talks focused on local histories. These free activities are designed to inspire people of all ages.

Hear stories from the local area and Darug Country, enjoy a picnic in the gardens, tour the stores to view highlights from the Powerhouse collection, watch Jannawi Dance Clan dance up country and help us build a miniature neighbourhood.

11am
Welcome to Country
Darug Elder Aunty Peta Strachan will welcome us onto Country.

11am
Performance by Jannawi Dance Clan
Jannawi Dance Clan is a leading Aboriginal dance company that centres on Indigenous storytelling through dance and performance. The name Jannawi means ‘with me, with you’ in Darug. Jannawi is a dance collective that celebrates the strength, resilience, and stories of Aboriginal people in NSW.

10am – 2pm
Pop-up Castle Hill Library
Visit Castle Hill Pop-up Library to hear librarians read local stories and histories, including works by Darug authors Leanne Watson and Jasmine Seymour. Sign-up on the day to become a member and borrow a book to read at home.

11am – 2pm
Robert Ryan wool demonstration
Hear from local expert Robert Ryan of wool agency Schute Bell Badgery Lumby. View wool samples from the area and learn about the history of the local industry.

11am – 2pm
Jenny Dunn spinning demonstration
Local business owner and textile artist Jenny Dunn will provide a wool spinning demonstration.

11.30am and 12.30pm (30 min duration)
Tour with Curator Anni Turnbull
Take a family-friendly tour of some highlights from the Powerhouse Collection housed at Powerhouse Castle Hill, guided by Powerhouse Curator Anni Turnbull. *Limited space, free sign-up at reception on the day.

10am – 4pm
Record your story
Make a zine that holds stories of your local area to share with your friends and family. 

10am–4pm
Building a community
Use recycled cardboard to make a miniature home and help us build a neighborhood, inspired by local histories and architectural miniatures from the Powerhouse Collection.

1pm, 3pm (30 min duration)
Local history tours: Pause, play rewind
How much do you know about your local area’s history? Come along as we look back at travel, agriculture, family life and school days — when the only apple was in your lunchbox!

Drop in game 11.30, 1.30, 2.30 (30 min duration)
Mystery Object Challenge
Calling all budding historians, archaeologists and those with curious minds! Drop in and test your sleuthing skills in this family friendly activity to see if you can work out what the historic mystery objects are.

Please note there are no food or drink facilities on site, but you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the lawns.

This is a free event but registrations recommended, with limited parking on-site.