The project, funded under the 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II Grant Fund, will see the creation of a life-sized metal horse sculpture. Council is currently seeking a donated saddle and bridle to be used as part of the installation. The sculpture will be adorned with a drape of handmade purple poppies placed over the saddle, symbolising animals who served and sacrificed during conflict.
The portable installation, designed by local artist Wayne Dennis, will debut on the Port Broughton foreshore for ANZAC Day 2026 and feature alongside the community’s popular poppy field display. Its mobility will allow the sculpture to travel across the Top of the Yorke for future commemorative events.
Wayne Dennis, a Port Broughton-based metal artist and mechanic, is known for his public artworks in South Australia's Mid North, including the Loch Eel sculpture at Lake Bumbunga near Lochiel. His work often reflects local heritage and community spirit.
Mayor Leonie Kerley said the installation, funded with a $14,444 government grant, will bring a unique and meaningful dimension to local ANZAC Day commemorations.
“This project gives our community the opportunity to broaden the ANZAC story by honouring the loyalty, bravery and sacrifice of animals that served alongside our troops,” Mayor Kerley said. “It also builds on the success of our past community-led commemorations, including the knitting of more than 1,000 poppies by Port Broughton residents.”
Purple poppies were first included in the community’s ANZAC Day display in 2022 to acknowledge animal victims of war.
While they were removed in later years to focus solely on red poppies, the purple poppies were retained with the intention of incorporating them into a future project. This vision is now being realised through this installation.
South Australia’s Veterans Affairs Minister Joe Szakacs said: “Remembering those who serve and have served is our most important duty as a community. We thank veterans, and their families, for their extraordinary service. We dedicate ourselves to keeping the stories, and the lessons, of war, conflict and loss alive.”
Barunga West Council will oversee the project management in-house, with the final installation expected to be completed in time for the 2026 commemorations.