One hundred years ago, in the pre-dawn darkness of February 12, some 200 volunteers gathered in Mount Hawthorn to embark on an extraordinary community project.
They had come to build a home to honour the Gallipoli veterans, and by late afternoon that same day, ANZAC Cottage was built - one of Australia's earliest memorials to the Great War.
Veterans Minister Joe Francis today acknowledged the legacy of the volunteers and their community.
"The construction of ANZAC Cottage in a single day is testament to the tenacity and generosity of the Australian spirit, and a community's determination to honour those who had fought for our country," Mr Francis said.
"Officially opened on April 15, 1916, the cottage was home for returned wounded ANZAC soldier Private Cuthbert John Porter and his family until his death in 1964."
In 1991, the cottage, which had become dilapidated, was passed to the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Western Australia Branch (VVAA WA), which with help from Lotterywest and other donors restored the building to near its original condition.
In 2006, the cottage was gifted to the then Town of Vincent, but today continues to serve as the headquarters of the VVAA WA.
"I commend the VVAA WA and the City of Vincent for their efforts in ensuring future generations are able to appreciate the role the cottage has played, and continues to play, in honouring our ANZACs as well as our veterans from all conflicts," the Minister said.
Fact File
ANZAC Cottage is located at 38 Kalgoorlie Street, Mount Hawthorn
The cottage is open to the public on the first Sunday of each month from 1pm to 4pm
Minister's office - 6552 6500
