BaptistCare Residents Handover Knitted Poppies to Honour Fallen Police

Eight residents of the BaptistCare Wingara Hamlet in Springwood have been busy with their knitting needles to create 350 ‘police blue’ poppies for a 300 strong police force in memory of fallen colleagues.

Residents officially handed over poppies to a ‘delighted’ Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy APM and Sergeant Bradley O'Grady, over morning tea on Monday 9th September at the Traffic & Highway Patrol headquarters.

The ‘Police Blue’ knitted poppies will adorn some 300 police officers, dignitaries and invited guests during a Police Remembrance Day Memorial Service on October 13.

At the morning tea, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy APM expressed ‘deep gratitude to the ladies for what they had done and how much we appreciate their personal contribution to Police Remembrance Day.’

“We are so happy to host the ladies here at Traffic & Highway Patrol headquarters to thank them for their efforts,” said Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy APM.

It was Sergeant O’Grady’s mother, Betty O'Grady, a Wingara resident, who came up with the idea when discussing the memorial service with her son. With the police blue significant of the well-known uniform, she organised the other residents into action.

“My mother, Betty, wanted to contribute in some way to the Police and whilst respecting the significance of the red poppies - my father, Grandfather and several uncles (all deceased) served in various campaigns from Boer War to Vietnam - she felt that a Police 'Blue Poppy' might offer some respect to those Police who have paid the ultimate price in service to the community.”

The full memorial service will be held at the Police Wall of Remembrance, National Police Memorial, Parkes ACT, serve as a prelude to the National Police AFL championships at Alan Ray Oval, Ainslie Football Club.

“It is not always operationally possible for Police from around Australia to be able to travel to Canberra to for the official services for National Remembrance Day on 29th September, so it was felt that a supplementary service would be conducted so that those Police attending the championships were afforded the opportunity to pay their respects,” said O’Grady, who coordinates the national championships.

The residents enjoyed the morning tea immensely; which was also attended by a number of senior commissioned police officers. They were presented with flowers, a thank you card and a small gift - a commissioned coin commemorating the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command, which is generally presented to visiting dignitaries and guests from around the world.

During their time at the facility, the residents were taken on a short guided tour and introduced to a number of the specialist police officers at the command.

Nestled in the beautiful Blue Mountains, BaptistCare Wingara Hamlet is home to seniors looking for an active community lifestyle with a touch of natural beauty. The community housing site features social and affordable housing units for seniors.

Find out more about BaptistCare.