ANZAC Buffet plaque
Object numberM2009/007
TitleANZAC Buffet plaque
DescriptionBronze plaque, in relief lettering: "The ANZAC Buffet, This Building is a Gift from the Jewish Citizens of Sydney, 19.9.40".
The Sir John Monash Hut ANZAC Buffet officially opened in Hyde Park on 19 September 1940. It was 37 meters by 18 meters and could seat 1000 people. It provided free meals, showers, entertainment and a place to read, write, rest and relax for service people on leave in Sydney during WWII. Sydney's Jewish community donated 6000 pounds to erect this facility. Many women's groups, including the National Council of Jewish Women, volunteered to cook and serve the meals, which were often followed in the evenings by entertainment and dancing. 70 of the young Jewish women volunteering at the ANZAC Buffet married servicemen they met there. On its busiest night, which was a Christmas Eve, 76 Jewish volunteers catered for 4000 men. The final night of service for the ANZAC Buffet was 26 February 1946.
In 1947 the Sir John Monash Hut transferred to Rose Bay as the meeting place for the RSL. The building was demolished in 1959.
The Sir John Monash Hut ANZAC Buffet officially opened in Hyde Park on 19 September 1940. It was 37 meters by 18 meters and could seat 1000 people. It provided free meals, showers, entertainment and a place to read, write, rest and relax for service people on leave in Sydney during WWII. Sydney's Jewish community donated 6000 pounds to erect this facility. Many women's groups, including the National Council of Jewish Women, volunteered to cook and serve the meals, which were often followed in the evenings by entertainment and dancing. 70 of the young Jewish women volunteering at the ANZAC Buffet married servicemen they met there. On its busiest night, which was a Christmas Eve, 76 Jewish volunteers catered for 4000 men. The final night of service for the ANZAC Buffet was 26 February 1946.
In 1947 the Sir John Monash Hut transferred to Rose Bay as the meeting place for the RSL. The building was demolished in 1959.
Production placeSydney, New South Wales, Australia
Production date 1940-09-19 - 1940-09-19
SubjectAustralian Jewish history, Jewish service, Jewish communities, war relief, war workers, entertainment structures
Object nameplaques
Materialbronze
Dimensions
- width: 415.00 mm
height: 175.00 mm
depth: 155.00 mm
weight: 10.00 kg
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by the Australian Jewish Historical Society