LEGO isn't just a pastime for Travis Matheson, it's a way of life.
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The Melbournian is in Canberra for the weekend to attend the Brick Expo, a two-day exhibition of rare and unique Lego creations at the Hellenic Club, Woden.
The 36-year-old has a personal collection of more than one million Lego pieces, which he stores in a dedicated room of his home.
The obsession even dictates his wardrobe, with a Lego hat proving popular at yesterday's event.
''I've spent hours creating models and spent one hour building a hat and it's the most popular thing I've ever made,'' Mr Matheson said.
''Lego is a creative outlet, I can't draw or paint so I create things.
''I get home from work, have dinner and sit down with a tray of Lego and think 'what will I build tonight'.''
Hundreds of enthusiasts lined up to view the exhibition, with highlights including Australia's tallest Lego model, trains, planes, space ships, racing cars, monuments and sculptures.
While fun, the expo also acts as an annual fund-raising event for the Canberra Hospital.
Last year, 10,000 people attended the event, in the process raising $12,000 for the purchase of an Accuveins machine which helps to locate veins in young patients.
This year, organisers the Canberra Lego Users Group hope to raise more than $20,000 to be put towards the purchase of equipment for the paediatric unit.
Event spokesman Stephen Calder said the event sold out last Tuesday, with 40 per cent of visitors coming from interstate and regional NSW.
''We're looking at ways to increase capacity in 2013,'' Mr Calder said.
While not a new toy, Mr Calder said Lego was gaining popularity, ''particularly among adults as a valid way to spend downtime and time with their children''.