Generations in Service

Nearly 8 decades separate Powerhouse Volunteers Meg Stevenson and Lara Temel but they are united by something timeless: a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to the value of volunteering.

Meg is 99, the oldest of our volunteers and Lara is 17 and the youngest of our volunteers. Meg and Lara sat down with Jem Newlyn from the Powerhouse Volunteers Team to discuss their contributions to Powerhouse, examine how the role of cultural institutions has evolved over time and reflect on how they have developed a sense of identity within this community.

Jem Newlyn When did you become an intern or volunteer at Powerhouse?

Meg Stevenson A long time ago. It’s got to be 30 years or so.

Lara Temel I became an intern in January 2025.

JN Why did you become an intern or volunteer?

MS A friend and I were playing golf, and both our husbands were about to retire. We decided to find them something to do, and by volunteering, we would be sowing the seed. My husband went to the Maritime Museum and I came to the Powerhouse. I’d worked as a physiotherapist for 40-odd years and thought a new direction would be a good idea. But when you get involved you realise you can be useful. It’s my retirement job, which I really enjoy. 

LT Lucky for me, my school’s careers counsellor gave me the opportunity after she heard that I was looking for work again after quitting my old job. She believed that with my interest in business, this traineeship would be good for me career-wise, but also for school. I have a really deep passion for history, and I also think that this is a very unique opportunity given to people, especially people my age. I mean, you don’t really hear about teenagers working at museums in general.