Art installation honours Anzacs
TWO Toowoomba women are on a mission to honour not just their fathers but all those who have served our nation.
Christene Just and Jayne Hodge started the handsewn poppy and violet installation at the Mothers’ Memorial more than five years ago, in memory of their fathers Malcolm Just and Nev Hodge, members of the Darling Downs’ 25th Battalion during World War 2.
Ms Just said this year’s installation would be the largest yet, comprising 10,000 poppies and violets, with more volunteers urgently needed.
“On Anzac Day at the Mothers’ Memorial, we want the visual impact of our poppy and violet installation to linger in the minds of the Toowoomba community,” Ms Just said.
“If you can sew a button, you can volunteer.”
Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki commended the installation and encouraged people to volunteer their services if they could.
“Anzac Day gives us the opportunity to remember those who have courageously and selflessly served our nation so that we may enjoy freedom and prosperity,” he said.
“This installation reminds us of the love, courage and endurance shared by our troops and their families throughout all conflicts in which Australians have served.”
Ms Just said each element of the installation told a different story.
“The poppies signify a life, the white netting represents war brides and those women caught in the theatre of war, and the violets pay tribute to the mothers and women of
Toowoomba who funded the Mothers’ Memorial as a tribute to those who did not return,” she said.
The installation will be on display for three days at the Mothers’ Memorial from April 26.