What’s happening?
A civic service will be held at the Queensland War Animal Memorial in the Queensland State Rose Garden in Newtown Park, Toowoomba, from 9.30 am on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
The service forms part of National Purple Poppy Day and will recognise the service and sacrifice of war and service animals.
Toowoomba Regional Council’s Cr Carol Taylor said residents are invited to lay wreaths and attend the ceremony.
“The purple poppy symbolises all animals that have died during military conflict around the world,” Cr Taylor said.
“Purple Poppy Day is a fitting tribute to the thousands of animals that faithfully worked in many different and dangerous roles throughout history.
“Bravery, determination and doggedness are qualities that are regularly attributed to the heroic deeds of Australian military and civilian personnel in war and peace-keeping operations across the generations.
“These qualities apply equally to the thousands of animals that worked faithfully beside their human counterparts in all conflicts.”
Why it matters
War animals have long played vital roles in military and peacekeeping operations.
“The tales of Simpson and his donkey and the charging horses of Beersheba are legendary,” Cr Taylor said.
“There are countless other tales involving horses, camels, dogs, cats, pigeons and marine animals that will be remembered on the day.
“Throughout history animals have served our armed forces as beasts of burden, messengers, protectors, mascots and faithful companions.”
The memorial service also recognises animals still in active service.
Toowoomba resident and Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation secretary Peter Kotzur, a former RAAF serviceman, said Purple Poppy Day is about both remembrance and recognition.
“Apart from remembering the actions and service of animals from past military campaigns, Purple Poppy Day also serves as a chance to recognise the efforts of animals that remain in active service, whether in all military services or in roles with the Police service and border force operations,” Mr Kotzur said.
“The memorial service allows the community to honour the loyalty, courage and sacrifice of our war animals and the important role they played as companions alongside all service personnel.
“On National Purple Poppy Day we should all take a moment to honour the contributions animals have made to our nation.”
Local impact
Toowoomba is home to one of Australia’s most striking memorials to war animals.
The Soaring Spirit statue was created by artist Susan Bahary and unveiled in 2017. It rises above a horseshoe-shaped Queensland War Animal Rose Garden featuring the official Australian War Animal Purple Rose, Charles de Gaulle.
Mr Kotzur said a horse and rider from the 11th Light Horse Darling Downs Troop will attend the service. Community members are also welcome to bring their pets.
By the numbers
• More than nine million animals are estimated to have died during World War I, according to the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation.
• Thousands of Australian war horses were among those lost in World War I.
• One major memorial in Toowoomba, unveiled in 2017, stands as a lasting tribute to war animals’ service and sacrifice.
Zoom in
The purple poppy stands as a symbol for all animals that died in military conflicts worldwide.
For many, it brings into focus stories often left out of mainstream war remembrance.
Zoom out
Across Australia and internationally, Purple Poppy Day services are held to ensure animals’ roles in conflict are not forgotten.
The Toowoomba service forms part of this broader national reflection.
What to look for next?
Residents can attend the 9.30am service on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Newtown Park.
For more information about National Purple Poppy Day, visit www.awamo.org.au.