Published on Wednesday, 21 October 2020 at 12:28:00 PM
ANZAC Cottage is being transferred from the City of Vincent to the National Trust of Western Australia, with the move backed by one of the original inhabitants of the historic home.
The National Trust approached the City in June, seeking to add the Mount Hawthorn memorial to its significant portfolio of heritage and conservations sites.
As part of the proposal, the National Trust promised to keep ANZAC Cottage open to local residents and schools and encourage community involvement with the memorial.
The National Trust has also committed to working with the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia WA (VVAAWA) and Friends of ANZAC Cottage to ensure both groups can access the memorial.
“We know that ANZAC Cottage is an incredibly important monument for our community and its preservation is critical,” said Mayor Emma Cole.
“The National Trust has the resources and experience to maintain ANZAC Cottage for future generations, ensuring the story of this treasured memorial is preserved for years to come.
“ANZAC Cottage will remain open to the Vincent community for Remembrance events and regular visits and will always have a special place in our community.
“It will also be widely celebrated and promoted as a national monument.”
National Trust Chief Executive Officer Julian Donaldson said: “The National Trust is humbled by the Mt Hawthorn community’s support for the transfer of the precious cottage to its care and undertakes to continue to illuminate the Anzac story embedded in the place.”
The City agreed to transfer ownership of the Cottage to the National Trust after consulting with the community.
During the consultation period, the City received an email on behalf of Marjorie Williams (nee Porter) – a member of the original family who lived in ANZAC Cottage.
Marjorie was born in the front bedroom of the Cottage in 1921 and lived there until 1946.
She acknowledged the City’s support of the Cottage but said she felt the transfer of ownership was in the best interest of the memorial.
Here is an excerpt of her submission:
‘Whilst the family acknowledges the assistance and support that has been given to the Cottage by the City of Vincent, it is appreciated that the City, like all local government bodies has a huge agenda of issues and responsibilities with which to deal. Because of this and because the National Trust focus is purely centred on heritage, we feel that the transference of ownership will be beneficial to the Cottage and to the City as well, relieving the City of maintenance costs and the responsibility of caring for a building that is over a century old and was built in one day!! The National Trust staff and associates have a high level of expertise in dealing with heritage buildings and this knowledge and skills will ensure that any work carried out on the Cottage is in keeping with its heritage and the era in which it was built.’
ANZAC Cottage was the first memorial to the Great War in WA and the second memorial in Australia.
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