NSF Fairfield crochet club honours ANZACs with poppy wreath
A group from Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF) Fairfield college have found ‘sisterhood’ and honoured the sacrifice of war veterans, crocheting hundreds of poppies to make a memorial wreath for ANZAC Day.
A group of refugee and migrant students at Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF) Fairfield college have banded together to crochet black and red poppies for an ANZAC Day wreath, which will be laid at the National War Memorial in Canberra.
The volunteer group is comprised of women of migrant and refugee backgrounds, many of whom only arrived in Australia in the past few months, who are enrolled to study English, digital and employability skills at the NSF Fairfield college.
Under the supervision of trainer Camilla Portella, they have crocheted over 200 poppies which will be used to create the wreath, with remaining ones sold for charity.
Initially created as a club that would promote English language and crochet skills, the group decided to take the opportunity to use their new skills to pay respect to war veterans after they learned about ANZAC Day.
“For many of these women, the story of the ANZACs and all our veterans resonated deeply, as they themselves have found peace here in Australia after fleeing brutal regimes or war. When I suggested we crochet some poppies to make a wreath, the response was overwhelmingly positive,” Camilla said.
The local Fairfield RSL Branch invited the women to lay the wreath at the dawn service in Fairfield and has also committed to taking the wreath to the National War Memorial in Canberra for a special RSL service next month.
“Being able to participate in this remembrance service through our wreath is such a huge honour for these students and makes them feel part of this new community,” Camilla said.
Participant Sukaina, arrived in Australia after leaving Afghanistan with her family and has been a regular member of the crochet club since enrolling at NSF.
“Having lived through war myself, I deeply understand the true price of peace – it is not just a privilege but an essential need for the world,” she said.
“When I heard about this crochet project and its charitable purpose, it filled me with positive energy and motivation to join the class. This initiative is a beautiful way to contribute to those in need. We should stand together and support those who are currently facing war in their countries. As someone who has come from a war-torn background, I can truly feel the depth of this cause.”
Rawa, another student who arrived in Australia recently, said her personal experiences also inspired her to participate in the club.
“I have gone through war and hardship in my home country, it is very sad when you want to do something that you cannot do, or want to help someone who has helped you, but you can’t,” she said.
“I like to be in this group of people who have learned to smile again because life is beautiful.”
Many of the students said the club has allowed them to forge new friendships and bonds with the other women in the group, many describing it as a ‘sisterhood’.
Participant Serra said, “Meeting new beautiful people is one of the joys I get”, while Rawa said the “sense of community” has helped her feel more settled in her new life in Australia.
“Peace is not just the absence of war, it’s about fostering understanding, kindness and patience between communities,” Rawa said.
Harley, who came to Australia from Vietnam, said she’s made new friendships thanks to the club.
“When I joined this crochet class, I met new people and made more friends,” she said.
“I also learned some new stitches and techniques from my teachers.”
The remaining poppies will be sold by the group to raise money for charity.
For those seeking English language training for themselves or their loved ones, visit navitas-skilled-futures.com.au