Community Wellness Hub Thursday 21st August 2025.
It was a great day with over 20 people all regulars except for two.
A big welcome to Geoff and Jill and hopefully they will return.
The Guest Speaker was Elizabeth Olsson who spoke about Adelaide during the 2nd World War and Victory in the Pacific Day. Elizabeth had wonderful photos showing Adelaide during this time. There were pictures of air raid shelters, search lights, and trenches being constructed.
School children were taught a drill should there be an attack. They all went to the shelters until all clear. It was quite fascinating ration books were introduced. There was also a Home Guard established.
After Victory in the Pacific and the war came to an end there was great celebrations in the city centre. Shops closed and people did not go to work.
It was a time of great relief. Elizabeth really captured the feeling of time, and we were all amazed at what happen after the war.
For many of us we had no idea what went on, so we appreciated Elizabeth’s presentation. One of the guests who is 95 years old remembered the time very well as she was 15 years old at the time. One thing she mentioned was not feeling scared as all the adults made the children feel very safe.
It really was a great insight into life during the war and Victory Day. Elizabeth then had to rush of to catch a flight to Europe. We were all very grateful for giving up her time to present on short notice. We look forward to her return in 2026 for more presentations.
Thank you to all the volunteers who make this event so successful: Susan, Trish, Heather, Ken, and John C. Thank you to the City of Burnside.
Submitted by Margie Maloney