General News
16 February, 2026
Purple Poppy Day
Purple Poppy Day will be marked in Toowoomba on Tuesday 24th February when citizens from across the region will be offered the opportunity to recognise the part played in conflict by a range of animals.
It is significant for Toowoomba as the State War Animal Memorial is located in Newtown Park.
The Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) is a registered not-for-profit institution committed to recognising the service, loyalty, and sacrifices of animals who have served alongside humans in military and peacekeeping operations.
Secretary of the Organisation is local resident Peter Kotzur, who works for Toowoomba Regional Council.
He previously served in the Australia Defence Force.
Toowoomba Regional Councillor Carol Taylor is also a passionate supporter of AWAMO.
Mr Kotzur and Cr Taylor will be among those attending the Purple Poppy Day memorial service, which is open to the public, on Tuesday 24th February at 9.30am.
Arrangements have been made for two representatives of the 11th Light Horse Darling Downs troop to be on hand.
It is hoped that organisers may be able to gain permission for a military working dog to be present.
There are more than 30 War Animal Memorials around the world, most of them in Australian cities and towns.
