School children plant more than 1000 poppies at new Anzac Gardens in Gosnells

More than 1,000 paper poppies created by school children to commemorate Anzac Day in the town of Gosnells have been planted in the newly named Anzac Gardens.

Mayor Terresa Lynes joined Minister of Veterans Affairs and Burt MHR Matt Keogh at Southern Grove Primary School where students were making poppies.

The poppies were made by students from Southern Grove, Ashburton Drive, Beckenham, Caladenia, East Kenwick, Sacred Heart and Wirrabirra primary schools, as well as Rehoboth Christian College.

“Creating and planting poppies has been a special way for local school children to connect with the Anzac spirit,” Ms Lynes said.

“Anyone who has attended the annual Anzac Day commemorations has seen the bright red poppies scattered across the grass, helping to ensure these traditions remain important for generations.”

The paper flowers were planted at Anzac Gardens by Gosnells Council councilor and ex-serviceman Kylie Dalton, along with students from Wirrabirra Education Support Centre.

“This is a great way to share the importance of the Anzac tradition with future generations,” Cr Dalton said.

Wirrabirra Education Support Center teacher Darran Wilson said students learned about the importance of Anzac Day and explored the Anzac Gardens.

“From an emotional standpoint, we talked about the Anzac tradition and how the war was a sad event,” Mr Wilson said.

He said visiting Anzac Gardens by bus and planting paper poppies was an important part of the school’s community outreach programme.

“Students like to do things in arts and crafts, so we incorporated poppy making into the lessons,” he said.

Wirrabirra student Bibi said she and her classmates were making paper poppies every day ahead of Anzac Day.

“We were talking about soldiers marching and eating Anzac biscuits on Anzac Day,” Bibi said.

Anzac Gardens are part of the City of Gosnells Civic Center Gardens, which surround the Gosnells War Memorial.

“This new name is a small but significant and lasting change that will strengthen recognition of the Anzacs and honor their legacy,” Ms Lynes said.

“The Anzac spirit reflects the values ​​we continue to uphold today: friendship, service, hard work and an underlying sense of humour. As the City of Gosnells, we are determined to ensure that the sacrifice and service of the Anzacs is remembered for generations to come.”