POPPIES have become the symbol of remembrance for all who want to express their deep admiration of our military forces in the lead-up to the Anzac centenary.
A national 5000 Poppies Project has inspired a collaboration of women in Blackall in the state's central west to undertake a knitting and crocheting project that will leave a lasting legacy in their community.
The group - consisting of the Blackall CWA, the Red Ridge Creative Circle and the Blackall RSL women's auxiliary - hopes to provide hand-crafted poppies to everyone who takes part in Anzac Day commemorations so that the creations will become an item of remembrance in themselves.
"We hope people will keep them and wear them every Anzac Day now," Lynne Harlow said.
The Red Ridge Creative Circle convenor hoped they would then become a family heirloom of a special day in Australia's history.
One of their biggest supporters has been Beris Dearmer, who started working on the idea last October.
It takes the accomplished spinner and knitter about half-an-hour to turn out each crimson memento. She has already committed more than 100 poppies to the cause.
Her enthusiasm saw community interest soar.
Beris' friend Lynne says it's "taken on a life of its own".
Well over 700 mementos have been created for people to wear at Anzac Day dawn services and morning marches.
Wool donated by Bendigo Woollen Mills was farmed out by Beris all over the local retirement village, and she has also enjoyed teaching young people at the Blackall State School, reviving the ancient art of felting.
"It appeals more to the younger children - it's something they can do," she said.
Young people have been participating in the wider project, too, learning to knit.
"Every poppy is different - they all have individual marks," Lynne said.
It's a project that builds on an existing love, to support community and encourage others to learn, she says.
The group, which has received permission to use Anzac centenary branding, accepted donations of red or black yarn to create the masterpieces.
It comes on top of Blackall State School student Bayley Williams being one of 70 recipients of the 2015 Queensland Premier's Anzac Prize, creating an intense interest in the community about the connections between the 100-year-old battle in Turkey and people in Blackall, and Australia in general, today.
Sally Cripps
Journalist
Journalist
