Poppies in Parliament
The Minister for Veterans, the Hon. Natalie Suleyman MP yesterday welcomed RSL Victoria President, Dr Mark Schröffel and veteran volunteers, Jeff Jackson and Stuart McGown, into Parliament House to launch the Remembrance Day Poppy Appeal for 2025.
The first Poppies in Parliament event saw Victorian Parliament MPs invited to buy a Poppy to support and promote the 2025 Poppy Appeal, with all proceeds going to assist veterans and their families transition to civilian life.
Victorian Premier, the Hon. Jacinta Allan, and Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs, the Hon. Tim Bull, were among many MPs to show their support.
RSL Victoria also briefed MPs on an innovation for this year’s Appeal, the Virtual Poppy. The Virtual Poppy allows people to go online and dedicate their poppy purchase in honour of a past or present veteran, then share with their social media network.
“The physical and mental health issues associated with service and transition to civilian life can cause serious problems at any time through a veteran’s life,” Dr Schröffel said.
“Buying a Poppy from a volunteer supports those veterans and their families affected. Money raised from the Appeal helps provide things like emergency financial and housing assistance, advocacy for financial compensation, and social inclusion through community activities.
We want all MPs to buy a Poppy and wear it proudly in Parliament House but also get online and dedicate a Virtual Poppy to someone special in your family or electorate. Then share it with your social media followers to spread the word about how important this Appeal is.”
Minister Suleyman has been leading the charge inside Parliament House to get MPs involve in the Poppy and would like all Victorians to follow suit.
“We’re encouraging all Victorians to donate to the 2025 Poppy Appeal, supporting veterans across the State with the transition from service to a successful civilian life,” Minister Suleyman said.
