After an introduction by Janine Drakeford, the Publishing Manager of UWA Press, and a speech by Mr Peter Ramsay of the Vietnam Veterans Association (WA Branch) the book was officially launched by Anne Chapple, a grand daughter of the late Private John Porter. Valerie then responded by talking about her inspiration to write the book, the tragedy of Gallipoli and how the enormous casualties inspired the community of Mount Hawthorn to build Anzac Cottage. Valerie thanked her illustrator, Barbara McGuire, for her expertise in bringing the manuscript to life with beautifully detailed watercolours.

Peter Ramsay (Vietnam Veterans WA Branch) and Marjorie Williams (nee Porter)	Valerie Everett on the verandah of Anzac Cottage.
Soldiers in uniforms of the 11th Battalion, with the book.

Valerie closed her speech by pointing out that there is a growing interest in Gallipoli and each year the numbers of people who attend Anzac Day ceremonies, in both Australia and Turkey, are increasing. Hence the need for high quality books like The House that Was Built in a Day which provide a valuable teaching and learning resource for both children and adults.

Valerie finished her speech by mentioning that she dedicated this book to her two grandfathers who both served in World War I: one in the Middlesex Regiment of the Territorial Force (England), and the other in the 28th Battalion of the AIF. She stressed how lucky she is that they both survived when so many others did not.