The installation, now in its third consecutive year since being initiated by Mayor Leonie Kerley in 2023, features 1,232 handmade poppies affixed to crosses in a striking tribute to Australians who served and sacrificed.
The poppies, each individually crafted and generously donated by community members near and far — including contributions from as distant as England — will remain displayed on the foreshore until Wednesday, April 30.
Mayor Leonie Kerley said the decision to install the Poppy Fields earlier this year recognises the community’s wish for greater opportunity to view the commemorative display.
“In previous years, residents and visitors have told us they missed seeing this tribute because it was installed for such a limited period,” Mayor Kerley said.
“By extending the display period, particularly over Easter, we hope to enable many more visitors and locals to experience this moving tribute and reflect on the profound significance for our community of ANZAC Day.”
Barunga West Council received a total of 2,418 poppies — including red, white, and purple varieties. The additional poppies, including purple ones symbolising the sacrifice of animals in wartime service, will be carefully stored by Council for future commemorative projects.
Council is currently working alongside the Port Broughton RSL, seeking grant funding for a local artist to create a horse sculpture, intended to be adorned with a blanket made from purple poppies in honour of the animals that served.
Interim CEO Paul Simpson acknowledged the ongoing community support and praised the collaborative spirit evident in this commemorative project.
“This annual installation beautifully demonstrates our community’s enduring respect and gratitude for those who served,” Mr Simpson said.
“The thoughtful contributions from community members, not just locally but internationally, speak volumes of the shared respect we have for our history. Council remains committed to preserving and enhancing this project, including seeking funding opportunities to realise new, meaningful additions in future years.”
An informative sign detailing the community’s collaborative efforts and the significance of the Poppy Fields project is planned for installation in time for ANZAC Day 2026.
There will be several Anzac Day services across Barunga West, allowing residents and visitors to pay their respects:
Port Broughton
- 6:15am: Dawn Service at Foreshore War Memorial
- 7am: Breakfast at RSL ($8 pp)
- 10:45am: ANZAC March from Town Hall to War Memorial
- 11am: Combined Service at War Memorial followed by lunch at RSL
Alford
- 7am: Dawn Service at War Memorial followed by breakfast (gold coin donation towards Legacy)
Kulpara
- 6:30am: Dawn Service followed by breakfast at the Old Uniting Church (small donation)
Bute
- 6:30am: Dawn Service at War Memorial
- 7:30am: Breakfast (donation)
- 8:45am: ANZAC March
Tickera
- 8am: Service at the War Memorial followed by breakfast at the Community Centre ($5 pp)
The Port Broughton foreshore Poppy Fields installation is free for all to visit and experience at their leisure until Wednesday, April 30.