Honouring our servicemen and women with flowers and wreaths is a feature of local ANZAC Day services each year.
Now, the Sandgate branch of the CWA is creating a long-lasting tribute to those who have served Australia in uniform.
The 5000 Poppies Project initially started in Victoria in 2013, and now the program, which involves knitting or crocheting poppies, is coming to the 4017.
QCWA Sandgate Branch vice-president, Anne Jenkins, saw several poppy projects during a visit to the UK at the end of 2024.
“The installations over there are unbelievable – whole Town Halls just festooned with knitted or crocheted poppies,” she said.
“Here at the CWA, craft is one of our mainstays, and there are lots of other craft groups around, the Bracken Ridge Library has one.
“So, we just thought, let’s see what we can do and how we can get the community involved.”
A Growing Tribute of Remembrance
The 5000 Poppies Project began as a personal tribute by two daughters in Victoria to their fathers, who fought in the Second World War.
The tribute grew into a powerful community art project, and Australia has sent knitted or crocheted poppies to London, including the Chelsea Flower Show, and there have been displays on the Western Front in France and Belgium.
At home, they have been on display at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and Parliament House.
The local CWA ladies are aiming to have 2000 knitted or crocheted poppies ready to display at this year’s ANZAC Day services in Sandgate and Geebung.
“Honestly, we would like as many as possible, and we’re asking the community to get involved,” Anne said.
“If 10 people make six poppies, there’s 60 with no trouble. The patterns are very easy, and it’s a perfect project for beginners.
“It’s something that can bring us together as a community; we’ve all got history there and it doesn’t matter which country you came from; we all share that history and it’s important.”
If you or your craft group would like to help make poppies for this year’s ANZAC Day service, please call Anne on 0413 049 951 or email (to come).
Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
- Bramble Buzz: Updates from the Community
- Sandgate Newsletter – February 2025: Big Goals, Small Steps
- Local Author’s Graphic Novel Series Offers Expansive Universe
- From Setback to Success: A Sandgate Hawk’s Journey Back to the Field
- Kid’s Book Club A ‘Bestseller’
- Community Library Opens at Local Mower Store
- Keep Sandgate Beautiful Association Clean – Up Australia Day Event
- From Setback to Success: A Sandgate Hawk’s Journey Back to the Field
- Celebrating a Century
- Council Concept Plan Signals Progress for Brighton Foreshore
- The Love Language Guide to Valentine Gift Giving
- Celebrate Culture and Cuisine at BrisAsia Festival
- Ear Hustle Podcast Review
- Living in History: Bracken Ridge
- Top Tips for Downsizing Your Property
- Top 5 Picks for Best Picture Oscar