Walk remembers animals who served alongside troops

THE Portarlington foreshore will turn purple next week as the community gathers for the second annual Purple Poppy Walk.

The commemorative event, which recognises the deeds and sacrifices of war and service animals, will take place on Sunday, February 22 at Henderson Reserve.

Community members and their dogs are invited to take part in the leisurely 1km walk ahead of National War Animal Day, held on February 24.

The event is organised by the Woofers and Walkers Responsible Dog Owners Group in partnership with the Portarlington Pony Club.

Event organiser Julie Elterman said the walk offered an opportunity to pause and remember the animals that have served alongside military personnel in times of war and peace.

“We invite you to take a moment to pause to remember our animals,” she said. “Dogs with their owners are invited to walk, honouring all service animals.”

Participants will meet at the foreshore from 10am for registration, where they will receive a purple poppy and meet the event’s mascot ponies before the walk begins.

The ponies honour the more than 130,000 Australian horses sent to the First World War. Only one survived.

Donations raised from the event will support the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO).

Dedicated to ensuring war and service animals are remembered, the not-for-profit organisation provides financial assistance to veteran service animals, sponsors animal projects that assist veterans, and works to establish memorials at important sites.

Ms Elterman said the 2026 walk coincides with a significant moment of national recognition for service animals, with AWAMO president Nigel Allsopp set to attend a ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on February 24.

The ceremony will honour service and veteran animals receiving the Australian Animal Distinguished Service Award.

Dogs attending the Portarlington Purple Poppy Walk must be well socialised and kept on a lead at all times.