Each ANZAC Day, the Rotary Club of Mt Warning AM, NSW, adorns the Murwillumbah Bridge with thousands of gorgeous handmade bright red crocheted and knitted poppies as a tribute of respect and remembrance to those who have served in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
“We definitely put smiles on people’s faces when placing the lengths of poppies on the bridge,” said club member Kaileen Casey. “We had horns honking, people waving, slowing down and shouting compliments out to us.
“We have met some of the people who have made the poppies strolling over the bridge looking for the poppies they created and numerous locals are continually seen walking the length of the bridge admiring all the hours of work that has gone into the Poppy Project.”
The project has truly made a difference and inspired great community engagement and community pride. “As a club, we are very proud of this project,” Kaileen said. “It brings club members and our locals together, with many non-Rotarians from Murwillumbah, Tweed, nationally and even internationally also becoming involved with making these poppies.”
The club has gratefully received grants from iTV, which enabled members to supply quality wool to participants and also have a Bridge Banner and signage made.
“We have created a new local tradition that makes a positive difference each ANZAC Day. Our community is buzzing with thanks and gratitude for our club and for the community spirit that it has created,” Kaileen said.