Chung Wah Community Care (CWCC) recently gathered seniors and volunteers for a special poppy-making project led by the Poppy Ladies of RSL WA. As they crocheted, participants learned about the history of ANZAC Day and helped create a local public commemoration, one stitch at a time.
Special guests Ruth and Marianne from the Australian Asian Veterans Association joined the workshop to guide CWCC seniors through the crochet process. With their help, participants made red poppies, which are symbols of remembrance and respect. Before starting, the staff explained the history of the poppy and honoured those who have suffered or died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions. These stories inspired everyone to take part and created a warm, focused atmosphere.
The poppies made by our CWCC seniors, staff, and support workers were gathered up and will soon be on display at Government House this April. Seeing thousands of these carefully crafted poppies together is a powerful, moving tribute. By joining in, CWCC shows how people from all backgrounds can come together, share traditions, and honour the memories that unite us.
CWCC observed that community projects focused on creating together help seniors feel a stronger sense of purpose and stay engaged, more so than traditional recreational activities. By learning about the meaning of the poppy, participants became both learners and keepers of cultural memory. Making and sharing the poppies helped them build real emotional connections with the wider community.
When craft and commemoration come together, community participation becomes even more meaningful. In the upcoming ANZAC Day installation, these poppies, made by people from many different backgrounds, will be displayed alongside others from across society. For CWCC seniors, this is more than just showing their skills; it is a meaningful way to join the wider community and contribute to Australia’s shared memory.
