IF Broken Hill’s St Pat’s Day is looking for a saint of its own there’s pretty well only one choice – John ‘Poppy Jack’ Rogers.
He isn’t just one of the club’s volunteers, Poppy Jack is the benchmark by which all others are measured.
Poppy Jack joined the club way back in 1967, and has never missed a step as an active committee member, until 2024 when he decided turning 91 meant it might also be time he gave a bit of thought to slowing down.
But that doesn’t mean stop, it just means not trying to do everything every year – and Poppy Jack can still be found at working bees (particularly around the bar and barbecue areas because he loves them both).
St Pat’s Day president Andrew Schmidt reckons if you had to describe a St Pat’s volunteer, all you would have to do is produce a picture of Poppy Jack and that would say it all.
“His dedication and work over so many years saw the club name the eastern end of the racecourse after him – and it’s an honour he has always cherished,” Mr Schmidt said.
“At the same time his humble, selfless nature has endeared him to everyone who has been lucky enough to be part of his St Pat’s journey.
“We already really miss him at meetings, but we know, come the week before the races, when the good old barbie is fired up and there are a few coldies on the go, Poppy Jack will pop up at the races and be part of the show again.”
