As part of ongoing Anzac Centenary remembrances, a “Cheer Up Hut” was recently re-created in South Australia.
The Cheer Up Hut was a South Australian undertaking during World War One when ‘huts’ were established to provide refreshment and entertainment for soldiers waiting to be deployed.
The re-created hut is part of a national travelling exhibition celebrating the centenary of the Anzac’s involvement in World War One.
A hut was established in Mount Pleasant Soldiers Memorial Hall and featured memorabilia and contributions from private collections, the RSL, school children and direct descendants of service men and women.
Over the past month, 800 people have visited the hut at Mount Pleasant, which has provided a focal point for community storytelling as part of the Anzac Centenary.
Visitors to the hut have also shared their family stories, which will be uploaded into the Anzac Centenary South Australia website as part of a digital storytelling initiative.
Anzac Centenary Coordination Unit Manager Sharon Cleary said Mount Pleasant was a “flagship example” of the original Cheer Up Hut.
“Veterans SA is delighted to have begun at Mount Pleasant and will continue around the state capturing these remarkable
stories.
“We encourage people to take advantage of this opportunity and talk about the impact of the war on communities – not just the servicemen and women’s stories but how people at home coped with the war and the homefront effort.”
People can record their stories for future generations at the Cheer Up Hut Club at www.anzaccentenary.sa.gov.a
