Moving tribute to remember Diggers

TOWNSVILLE is remembering the brave sacrifices made by the World War I Diggers.

A touring art installation is displaying the eight letters of the word REMEMBER.

Each acrylic 3m- tall letter is filled with handmade poppies, with more than 57,000 in total, representing the number of Queensland soldiers who enlisted in WWI.

Acting Mayor Cr Les Walker said he was proud Townsville was the first city to display the Armistice Centenary public art installation.

“Townsville has historically been a garrison city and it is really special to see the tour of this wonderful piece of art commence here,” Cr Walker said.

“It’s fitting to see the tour start in Townsville given the first servicemen to be deployed in the First World War came from North Queensland.

“There has always been a strong local connection with the defence force and it’s great to see Townsville recognised as a major military hub in Queensland.”

Community and Cultural Development Committee chair Cr Colleen Doyle said the installation would be on display until Monday.

“It’s a really impressive piece with significant meaning,” she said.

“More than 57,000 soldiers involved in World War I were from Queensland and this is an amazing way to commemorate 100 years since their service that shaped Australia.

“This recognises not only Townsville’s military history but also as a major artistic centre in Northern Australia.”

The art installation is on display at Landsborough St Headland along The Strand.