The idea to knit thousands of poppies ahead of Port Broughton’s Anzac Day commemorations was inspired by Lynn Berry and Margaret Knight, who crocheted 120 poppies to place at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne for Remembrance Day in 2013. From there, the project grew to 5000 poppies within a year, thanks to community donations.
Barunga West Council's Tourism and Events Committee provided heartening support for Port Broughton’s own poppy project. Mayor Kerley called on the public for assistance, and the response was overwhelming, with volunteers from across the region and as far afield as Queensland offering to knit and crochet poppies.
The Council, in partnership with the Port Broughton RSL sub-branch, will use the poppies to create a field on the Port Broughton foreshore for the Anzac Day service on April 25. The goal is to create a peaceful place to remember and be grateful to all who have fought and died during armed conflicts, and those who returned.
The poppies are not just the traditional red for remembrance, but also purple for the animals that died during conflicts, and white for peace. Purple and white poppies also represent remembrance for all the casualties of war, both civilian and armed forces.
Helpers from the Port Broughton Men's Shed and Roger Nottage, a retired school principal, made crosses that will be used to display the 1000 poppies on the foreshore lawns. Mayor Kerley's friends assisted in painting all of the crosses and attaching the poppies.
Mayor Kerley highlighted the importance of community spirit in the poppy project, noting it could not have succeeded without a joint effort.
“This is all about a dedicated community spirit that involved working for hours in the shed making, painting, and attaching poppies with friends, and involving residents from Barunga Village and Barunga By the Sea, and also the wider community,” Mayor Kerley said.
“It's such a wonderful community effort, and I'm grateful for everyone's participation. The project truly represents the spirit of community, as people from all walks of life come together to honour the sacrifices of those who have served their country.”
Mayor Kerley’s father, Tom, served in the Second Australian Imperial Force during World War II. He was part of the 2/22nd Lark Force. As a young Australian soldier, Tom and his battalion were sent to defend and fortify the capital of Australian territories in Rabaul, New Britain. They were grossly under-manned and under-equipped, and when the Japanese invasion force arrived, the soldiers were left defenceless.
Tom survived the ordeal and returned home, but he carried the scars of war for the rest of his life. This highlights the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by soldiers like Tom and commemorating their bravery and service.
“His story is a reminder of the sacrifices made by Australian service men and women and why initiatives such as this are so important,” Mayor Kerley said.
The poppies will be displayed on the Port Broughton foreshore for up to a week, providing a peaceful place for visitors to contemplate and remember the sacrifices made by Australian service men and women.
Mayor Kerley's hope is that the installation will be a fitting tribute to those who gave their lives and those who returned to a difficult life after serving their country.
“This project is a poignant reminder that some things are too important to forget,” she said.
“The sacrifices made by those who served in war should never be overlooked, and the poppy installation serves as a fitting tribute to their memory.
“Let us all take a moment to remember and honour those who served our country. Let us be grateful for the peace and freedom we enjoy today as a result of their sacrifices.
“It is clear that the success of this project is a testament to the strength of the community and its willingness to come together when required.”
The Port Broughton project also pays homage to the 5000 Poppies project, which began with just 120 poppies and has since become a worldwide phenomenon.
Thanks to Mayor Kerley, and those who supported her vision despite the challenges, Port Broughton’s foreshore will become an inspiring place of contemplation, remembrance, and gratitude for all who have fought and died, and those who returned.
Media Note:
Imagery and video footage of the poppy fields from the Port Broughton Anzac Day Dawn Service will be available for media use.
Media Contact:
Michael Owen | +61 400 042 214 | michael@owenmediarelations.com.au
Anzac Day Services:
- Port Broughton: Dawn service at 6.15am at foreshore war memorial, followed by 7am gunfire breakfast at Port Broughton RSL sub-branch, $8 per person; 10.45am Anzac March; 11am combined service at foreshore war memorial then lunch at RSL sub-branch.
- Bute: Dawn service at 6.30am, followed by 7.30am breakfast, for a donation, and 8.45am Anzac March.
- Alford: Service commences 7am at Alford Memorial Park followed by breakfast, gold coin donation.
- Tickera: Service at the war memorial at 8am followed by breakfast at the Community Centre, $5.