Although conceptualised and based upon historical research detailing the WW1 records of Private Cyril Henry Martin of Matcham and in tribute to other locals from our 20th century community, the ‘Gosford Poppy Project 2015’ was a collaboration of We are in receipt of two willing participants.
This community inspired event marks the very first year of the 100 year ANZAC Centenary. The residents of the Central Coast can feel connected and proud of creating such a significant, local ANZAC Poppy commemorative event in respect of our ANZAC Centenary. Personal thanks extends to major sponsor, Gosford City Council, paying particular thanks to Heritage Programs and Projects Officer, Rebecca Cardy and the many Council employees organising and working hard to ensure this was a successful event for the Central Coast.
Gosford City Council commissioned the stunning Poppy Sculpture by Margrete Erling, which made the most exquisite focal point within Rotary Clubs’ fountain for our community inspired handmade poppies to surround. The support of Ms. Karen Jones, DEC, Senior Education Director, Central Coast, and her supportive team of offi ce workers in distributing and gathering poppies from participating Public Schools enabled students to participate. Thank you for the personal support of Cr Bob Ward, Senator Deborah O’Neill and Gosford Rotary Club.
Thank you to many local businesses who contributed to this event. Thank you to the many people involved behind the scenes in preparing poppy making kits for distribution. Thank you to the installation teams from Gosford City Council, NSW Department of Education, volunteers and friends from the community. Another generous group of businesses donated time and assistance in feeding our poppy installation. Thanks to our local ABC Radio 92.5, Scott Levi and Brad Storey for promoting this event.
Thanks to all involved in making poppies throughout the Central Coast, as this ANZAC commemorative event would not have been as successful without the outstanding community response received. Beautiful images of our community inspired poppy park can be sourced from Gosford City Poppy Photos 2015, on Facebook and Gostalgia on Flickr.
To those keen knitters out in our community, please keep donating your knitted poppies until the end of the ANZAC commemorative centenary, which concludes in 2019. Your knitted poppies will be added to our Gosford City Park hedge mesh as a historic record of the 100 Years of ANZAC Centenary (2014-2019). Gosford City Library branches will continue to be drop-off locations for knitted poppies.
While people in their thousands have seen Gosford City Poppy park, people from across Australia and, indeed, throughout various parts of the world have also been captivated by the utmost respect shown by the Central Coast people in creating such a commemorative, community inspired ANZAC event.
Letter, May 4
Merril Jackson,
East Gosford