Port Broughton’s foreshore has once again transformed into a sea of red, with the Barunga West Council’s annual Poppy Fields installation unveiled earlier than usual, to coincide with the Easter holidays.
Now in its third year, the display was initiated by Mayor Leonie Kerley in 2023 and features 1232 handmade poppies affixed to crosses — a striking tribute to Australians who served and sacrificed.
The poppies, individually crafted and generously donated by community members from across Australia and even as far as England, will remain on display until Wednesday, April 30.
Mayor Kerley said the early installation reflected the community’s strong connection to the tribute.
“ In previous years, residents and visitors have told us they missed seeing this tribute because it was installed for such a limited period,” she said.
“By extending the display period, particularly over Easter, we hope to enable many more visitors and locals to experience this moving tribute and reflect on the profound significance for our community of Anzac Day.”
Council has received 2418 poppies, including red, white and purple (which represent animals that served during wartime) poppies, which will all be stored for future commemorative use.
Interim chief executive Paul Simpson praised the collaborative effort behind the project.
“This annual installation beautifully demonstrates our community’s enduring respect and gratitude for those who served,” he said.
“The thoughtful contributions from community members, not just locally but internationally, speak volumes of the shared respect we have for our history.”
An interpretive sign detailing the community’s collaborative efforts and the significance of the Poppy Fields project is set to be installed by Anzac Day 2026.
Horse sculpture proposed
Barunga West Council is working alongside the Port Broughton RSL sub-branch to secure funding for a local artist to create a horse sculpture.
The idea is for the sculpture be adorned with a blanket made from purple poppies, in honour of animals who served in wartime.
This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 23 April 2025.
