Meet May Gibbs’ Nutcote

Tell us about May Gibbs’ Nutcote. What is your mission?

May Gibbs’ Nutcote is the historic harbourside home of May Gibbs (1877–1969), one of Australia’s most beloved children’s authors and illustrators, best known for The Complete Adventures of Snugglepot & Cuddlepie.

Located in Neutral Bay, this charming cottage is now a house museum, surrounded by magnificent harbour views and delightful gardens that inspired much of May’s work.

The house displays original belongings and artefacts associated with her, including her easel, paint box, personal objects and other effects, along with some original furnishings. The interiors are period-appropriate, with carefully selected reproduction pieces recreating how the home looked when she lived there.

Visitors can also view a video recording of Gibbs – described as one of her last recorded interviews – along with additional interview footage shown downstairs.

The mission of Nutcote is to promote the cultural significance of May Gibbs — her life and work, and the historic and architectural importance of her home — while preserving this special site for future generations.

What are your programs and initiatives, and why do you run them?

The core program is the operation of May Gibbs’ Nutcote as a house museum, open to the public and supported by volunteer-led guided tours. Visitors can walk through carefully recreated rooms and gardens, learn about May Gibbs’ remarkable life, and experience the place that shaped her imagination.

Affordable entry fees contribute directly to preserving the collection and maintaining the museum. While the property is owned by North Sydney Council, the day-to-day operations and governance are led by dedicated volunteers who help keep this important cultural space open to the community. Nutcote’s governance is also entirely volunteer run, with all Board members serving in a voluntary capacity.

How do you involve volunteers in your programs?

Volunteers play a vital role in the day-to-day running of the museum. They contribute as tour guides, tearoom and gift shop assistants, garden volunteers, and collection and archive support. Their time, knowledge and enthusiasm help create a welcoming and engaging experience for visitors.  

How do your volunteers make a difference in the community?

Without the dedication of our loyal volunteers, we would not be able to share May Gibbs’ story or keep the museum open to the public. Their work helps preserve an important part of Australia’s cultural heritage and gives visitors insight into early 20th-century life, architecture and creative history.

We value our volunteers very highly as we rely on the interest and generosity of individuals willing to give their time, enthusiasm and skills to ensure this wonderful part of Australia’s cultural heritage remains open for the whole community.

Do you have any stories from your volunteers?

Many volunteers speak warmly about the visitors they meet and how grateful the visitors are for the experience the volunteers have created.

Volunteers often describe their time at Nutcote as both socially rewarding and intellectually enriching, as they learn more about May’s life and history every day.

Some volunteers have been part of the Nutcote community for more than 20 years, reflecting the strong sense of connection and purpose they feel.

What resources and services have supported your volunteer involvement?

The Centre for Volunteering is the sole fee free resource advertising Nutcote volunteering roles via its website Find a Volunteer Role and more.

The Centre’s skilled volunteer roles listed in its Skilled Alerts are published in the Sydney Morning Herald’s Help Desk News Review section Saturday’s and main news Mondays. Seek Volunteer (online) picks up The Centre’s roles too.

These services help Nutcote connect with people who are passionate about heritage, community and storytelling.

Why did your organisation become a member of The Centre for Volunteering?

Volunteers have always been the backbone of operations. Being connected to The Centre for Volunteering helps strengthen the organisation’s volunteer engagement, improve its practices, and connect with a broader volunteer community. The Centre’s support helps build sustainable roles and maintains a strong volunteer culture. 

What have you learnt about the value of volunteering and volunteer management?

Nutcote has learnt that volunteers bring extraordinary dedication, knowledge and commitment to the organisation they support.

Effective volunteer management is about recognising their contribution, supporting their development, and creating meaningful experience where people feel valued and connected to a shared purpose.

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?

Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s a chance to learn new skills, meet like-minded people, contribute to something meaningful – and for Nutcote – help preserve an important part of Australia’s cultural heritage.

 LEARN MORE ABOUT MAY GIBBS’ NUTCOTE

Membership

The Centre is proud to support organisations like May Gibbs’ Nutcote doing important work in the community.

Volunteers are the backbone of everything we do at Nutcote, and being a Member of The Centre for Volunteering strengthens our heartbeat.”

– May Gibbs’ Nutcote