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“I think that the time frame that we’re presenting with our Anzac display is showcasing a mindset that was resilient.”<\/p>\n
“It’s about more than just reverence and respect this year, it’s about reminding people that we have done this before, and we can do this again.”<\/p>\n
Alongside wartime memorabilia, the campaign will feature the signature river of poppies and a rosemary hedge, with plans to illuminate the display at night.<\/p>\n
“Hopefully we will be able to illuminate it at night so you will be able to see that red peaceful glow that is so humbling, and people can just sit in that space,” she said.<\/p>\n
The exhibition is built on community contributions, with locals lending artefacts passed down through generations.<\/p>\n
Ward said it is the stories behind these items, from trench art and badges to letters and even a Light Horse saddle, that make the display so meaningful.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “People tell the story when they come in with the items,” she said.<\/p>\n “And then they say, ‘can we entrust this to you, so everyone can share this?’.”<\/p>\n Ward recalled a moving moment from last year’s display.<\/p>\n “I was moved to tears when this soldier in uniform stood at the threshold and saluted me,” she said.<\/p>\n “He told me, ‘I could not step across the threshold without saluting, thank you’,” she said.<\/p>\n She said the display also highlights the post office’s historic role in connecting soldiers with their families.<\/p>\n “People think the post emblem is a ‘P’, but actually it’s a bugle,” Ward said.<\/p>\n “During wartime we were integral in connecting soldiers to families.”<\/p>\n Through the sale of badges and Anzac memorabilia, the campaign will raise funds for the local RSL sub-branch, supporting veterans and their families.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “We are investing back into our local families,” Ward said.<\/p>\n “We’re assisting people who come from here, that’s really important.”<\/p>\n The post office itself is a piece of local history, housed in a nearly 150-year-old cottage known as ‘Ettie’, named after its original postmistress, Ethel Thomas.<\/p>\n For Ward, Thomas’ story remains inspiring.<\/p>\n “Ethel Thomas was hammered by local officials who were appalled that a woman should manage such an important business as post,” Ward said.<\/p>\n “Yet here I stand today as a single woman, carrying on her legacy in this grand old building.”<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/04\/SthLisnmorePO_LynMcC_27857.jpg\")
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