BRAZEN and heartless thieves stole four ceramic poppies from this year’s Anzac Day memorial site at the Mount Isa Civic Centre lawns.
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More than 500 poppies were made by members of Art on Alma, who were disheartened to learn thieves had targeted their artwork.
Art on Alma president Deanne Ivers said security was provided by Neighbourhood Watch Mount Isa to prevent theft, however the safety measures did not stop some people.
“We are disappointed that they were taken because of the spirit in which they were made, which is to commemorate soldiers that have died in the last 100 years, especially World War I,” she said.
“If anything, it is a lack of respect for those that have served our country.” After positive reactions on social media from the community - saying that the poppies complemented the new cenotaph perfectly - discussions will be held with Mount Isa City Council and the Mount Isa RSL sub-branch about having poppies at next year’s services.
“Next time we will look at our security requirements to reduce the risk of it happening again in the future,” Mrs Ivers said. “Even with the theft of the poppies, it hasn’t stopped us from wanting to show our respect.”
Mrs Ivers praised the group for coming together to put the poppies together.
“It was an opportunity to bring our members together and further strengthen the friendships developed through the club,” she said.
“We hope to become more active in the community with future projects.”
Neighbourhood Watch Mount Isa Acting President Zyra Knight said NHW Mount Isa was disappointed to hear some poppies had been stolen.
“The poppies were all beautifully hand made, and it is no surprise that people loved them enough to want to own one, but we had hoped they would have purchased them from Arts on Alma rather than steal them,” she said.
“There was a huge crowd that came out to commemorate the Anzacs so we are extremely happy with the security service we commissioned for the installation, but unfortunately when someone wants to do the wrong thing, there is very little that can be done because they will take any window of opportunity.”
