Western Australians marked Remembrance Day across the State this week, with thousands pausing to remember the courage and sacrifice of Australian service personnel.
This years’ service followed several days of Poppy Appeal collections across the local area.
The Appeal is RSL WA’s largest annual fundraiser and has been running since 1923.
Donations are exchanged for poppies and merchandise, with all funds helping support veterans and their families.
The red poppy has been a symbol of remembrance since 1920, inspired by the flower’s growth on First World War battlefields.
It serves as a reminder of the bravery and loss endured during times of conflict, and on Remembrance Day it is worn to honour those who served.
Among those who help bring the Appeal to life each year are the RSL WA Poppy Ladies. The group consists of more than 50 volunteers who knit and crotchet thousands of poppies for displays and fundraisers across the State.
Their large installations, including those placed at Kings Park and Government House, have become familiar sights during commemorative events.
In Canning, the statewide season of remembrance came together on Sunday, November 9 when the Canning Districts RSL held its Remembrance Day service. The Sub-Branch chose an earlier date so more members could attend, with the flag set to be raised again on Tuesday for anyone wishing to visit the site and pay their respects.
About 100 people gathered at the Wharf Street Sub-Branch for the service, which began at 10.45 am and included the Ode at 11 am.
Ron SAO MLA attended along with City of Canning Council members, and Reverend Brett Gibson delivered the service before a light lunch was shared.
A spokesperson for the Sub-Branch said the day carries deep meaning for local veterans.
“This is a very important day for our veterans, giving them the opportunity to show their respects and to remember their friends and family,” they said.
The event came at the end of several days of local Poppy Appeal collections.
Volunteers collected at Woolworths Carousel, Hambley IGA, Bentley Centre and Bunnings, with support from the Air Force Cadets and the Cannington Education Support Centre Year 10 class, who made and sold ceramic poppies as a fundraiser.
The State Government has recently opened applications for the new Veterans Facilities Fund, which the RSL said arrived at the right time.
“This funding opportunity comes at a very welcome time for us as we are in the process of trying to raise funds to upgrade our facilities. We have been working hard over the last year to raise enough funding and we now have the possibility of reaching our goal,” the spokesperson said.
The Sub-Branch thanked the large team of volunteers who gave their time, including 91-year-old Peter Dempsey, who spent three days collecting at IGA with the help of Eric and Baldev. Julz and Carol collected at Woolworths, while Terry, George, Carol G, Arpad, Tom, Annette, Tony, Brian, Amanda and Don all contributed across the week.
As a volunteer-run organisation, the Sub-Branch said it could not continue without help from the community.
The Sub-Branch encouraged residents to attend services, support local collectors and consider becoming members. Canning Districts RSL is open to all service members, their families, and social members, with meals served every Friday from 6 pm.
“We would like to encourage all the residents in the area to attend the service but also to make them aware that the Canning Districts Sub Branch is open to all service members, their families and also for social membership,” the spokesperson said.
They added that community involvement remains vital throughout the year.
“We are always looking for new members and as we are a totally volunteer run Sub Branch, more help is always needed.”
