Ararat's Carpet of Flowers has a long history of being an integral part of the ANZAC Day tradition in Ararat , with none more so than on ANZAC Day 2024. This tradition began in 1956 and is an important part of the ANZAC Day services.
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Parents, teachers, students, and former students gathered at the War Memorial in Barkley Street on Wednesday afternoon to create the 5000-flower display of the rinsing sun, which is synonymous with the Slouch Hat of the Australian Diggers, a Crown, the word ANZAC, and decorative scrolls.
Leading Teacher of Ararat Primary School, Heidi Jerram, said each class completed a letter of flowers for the display, with parents and former students creating the crown, rising sun and scrolls.
"The flowers are specially grown and picked for the ANZAC Day carpet and are transported in 27 crates to the site."
Ararat's ANZAC Day floral tribute tradition began as an initiative of Ararat Primary School 800's staff and Mothers' Club.
"Each class constructed a letter of the word ANZAC for the display," she said.
In 1956, after the end of World War II Miss Malseed, an Ararat 800 teacher, borrowed the floral display idea from the Portland RSL.
A second teacher at the school, Mr Guppy, created the original design, which has become more elaborate over the years.
Decorative scrolls of They Shall Not Grow Old and ANZAC have since been added to the original crown and rising sun.
Over this period, the displays have never been seriously vandalised, which is a credit to the Ararat community and their regard for the ANZAC tradition.
Flowers for the annual display are grown in the grounds of Ararat Primary School, in family and local gardens and also at the Hopkins Correctional Centre.
In keeping with tradition, marigolds continue to be the most prominent flower used, due to their vibrancy and longevity.
A former teacher at Ararat 800, Mr. Jim Dunn, became Mr. Guppy's assistant in 1958 and continues to be heavily involved in the display presentation.
Miss Pat Dalkin, a former teacher, also continued to assist with the project for many years prior to her passing.
Former Principal Mr. Bill Jones and his wife Penny also continue to support the creation of the ANZAC Display each year.
Ararat Primary 800's students, staff and families are proud to continue the tradition of the ANZAC Day floral tribute, remembering the selfless sacrifice of those who served our country during times of conflict and crisis. Past students, parents and members of the wider Ararat Community as well as current students and families, combine their efforts each year to create the ANZAC Day
This year a special tribute to Jeannie Mc Kinnis recognising her dedication, assistance and support in guiding volunteers to construct the ANZAC Floral display during her years of connection to Ararat Primary School were be featured.
