Crafters on the Central Coast are being encouraged to knit a red poppy to help commemorate the centenary of the Gosford Cenotaph in Gosford Memorial Park.
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said crafting a poppy is a powerful way to honour those who served our nation.
“I encourage our talented and passionate crafters to grab hold of their crochet hooks, knitting needles and red wool over the coming three weeks to create beautiful poppies to adorn the poppy display for Anzac Day 2024 at Gosford Cenotaph,” she said.
“Crafting a poppy is one way in which people can make a well-considered contribution to the cenotaph’s centenary.
“It is important for our community to get behind this inspirational public art poppy project, in support of our annual Anzac services.”
Merril Jackson, who has co-ordinated numerous highly successful grass-roots community poppy projects since 2014, described the Poppy Project as a powerful act of remembrance.
“It’s a way for us all to unite, contribute and create something that is an impactful message of remembrance and understanding,” she said.
“While some local soldiers died during the Gallipoli campaign, the majority of men listed on the WW1 Honour Roll Plaque lost their lives on battlefields across the Western Front – many with unknown graves.”
Jackson said the poppy displays generated meaningful discussion in the community about those who served.
“Since 2014, what has been most inspiring about co-ordinating these poppy projects is the dialogue that stems from poppy crafting…the stories of family members, and their personal war service,” she said.
“We are all touched in some way – through our past and our present family members and friends, to those who serve our nation.”
Jackson said commemorative poppies for 2024 are set to complement the special 100 Years of Anzac Centenary 2014-2018 poppy nets that feature every Anzac Day alongside the Gosford Memorial Steps.
Poppies can be delivered to any Central Coast Bendigo Bank branch before Friday, April 12.
Is it possible to get a pattern published please? I’d very much like to participate