focusinterview.
Father Anthony Koppman
Holysmoke
Father Anthony Koppman
H
i Fr. Anthony. What's your background in the area? I am originally from Coffs Harbour, with my parents and brothers still living on the Coffs Coast. In early 2000 I accepted an offer from the Armidale Bishop at the time, Bishop Luc Matthys, to serve in the Armidale Diocese. My Ordination to the Catholic Priesthood was in 2001 at Saint Mary and Joseph’s Cathedral in Armidale. I served as Assistant Priest in Armidale, Moree, and was appointed Parish Priest for the communities of Guyra, Walgett and Lightning Ridge. In February 2019, I was appointed the Parish Priest of Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church at West Tamworth. I still have a special connection with the Armidale and Guyra communities, after receiving the Australia Day Award as Citizen of the Year in 2013 for community work. Tell us a little about your parish work … My parish work is varied - serving and supporting the Catholic Community at West Tamworth, regular visits to Saint Joseph’s Primary School, and pastoral care to the wider community of West Tamworth. I never take for granted my vocation as a Priest, although we are living in challenging times, with workplace and professional standards a vital part of life. With church attendances declining, and the lack of vocations to the Priesthood, this does not mean that the ministry is declining. I am often humbled by the way so many in the community have the highest respect for the dedicated and hardworking clergy today. One thing that has not changed is the vital need for a caring and supportive church that is made up of a variety of people, all working together, with the ability to connect in our own unique and personal ways - that includes my own unique and unusual way through the use of 44 New England focus.
Many of us in the New England have been privileged to witness a Holysmoke fireworks display … Father Anthony Koppman is the man behind the magic, bringing smiles to the faces of both young and old. Pyrotechnics! How did your interest in pyrotechnics begin? Since my earliest ‘Cracker’ came to me through a memories of the old Christian brother on the Gold Father Crackers. Holysmoke cracker night, I recall the Coast. His original name Fireworks was established in array of colours, crackling was ‘Taka’; I changed 2002. noises and the smell of his name to reflect this What do you most enjoy burnt gunpowder mixed wonderful partnership of about a fireworks display? with the smoke from the Holysmoke and Cracker. There is a lot of planning bonfires that lit up the sky involved with each display. I at sunset on those cold am always conscious of any nights on the Queen’s inconvenience to pet owners Birthday June long weekand environmental impacts; end. having a policy of recycling where possible and I remember saving up my pocket money and planting native trees after each display is just one waiting for the sale of crackers in the corner small part of taking an active responsibility for the stores and toy shops, purchasing a variety of future. The greatest joy is the noise of the crowd; items and then making my own special plans for when their applause is louder than all the mortars the best fireworks night of the year. After cracker firing and the salutes exploding in the sky, then I night, the fascination continued after collecting know my team and I have provided a well-earned the burnt-out multicolored cylinders and dismanpat on the back for another successful commutling them to see how they worked. nity event. Two vocations were developing, one of There are several very large and successful disbringing care and support through ministry to the plays: Tamworth Country Music Festival, Commucommunity, and the other being the love for crenity Christmas Carols, and the highly publicised ating a unique “gunpowder artwork” and how I Armidale New Year’s Eve Fireworks. could share this love of fireworks. The Armidale New Year’s Eve Fireworks Less noise, smoke and more colours and originated about twelve years ago, after I witunique effects that literally make the saying “the nessed many families looking for a free and safe sky’s the limit” … This is what challenges me evenvironment to gather once a year to celebrate ery time I am invited to showcase my Holysmoke New Year’s Eve. It was hard work over two years Fireworks to a community group. sourcing the funds needed to get this not for I gained my Pyrotechnic licence in 1999. Back profit display off the ground. It was the support then, it was twelve months of training with a of locals that made the display on the main Rololicensed operator, who was also a Catholic Priest, gas Sports Field possible for everyone. although now retired. Father Tom provided a It has now become such a huge event that last small number of community displays for his paryear, Council took over the management of the ish and other local events. New Year’s Eve Fireworks. After I was ordained a priest, I continued My next challenge is to establish this same to work with fireworks, having the nickname
NYE display with another community and bring that same joy and support to others that I was so privileged to share with Armidale for many wonderful years. Your sidekick is the gorgeous Cracker! What’s special about your partnership? “Cracker” came to me through a Christian brother on the Gold Coast. His original name was “Taka”; I changed his name to reflect this wonderful partnership of Holysmoke and Cracker. He is a great reminder when planning a display that animals don’t always appreciate noise from fireworks, and how I can limit that noise as much as possible. Occasionally on a Sunday he likes to make his appearance after Mass and of course receive all the attention! Cracker is often by my side through the ministry work; each time he brings comfort, support and in his own way, a special healing. Cracker is often seen at the local nursing homes, schools, and other venues while I do my pastoral visits. This is where I soon find out who has the “dog treats”, as he is always eager to make himself known to them. It is a real privilege to be welcomed into people’s lives, whether it be a joyful or a difficult time. Serving the church as a Priest has many rewarding moments and being able to share my love of “lighting up the sky” on special occasions, makes life so worthwhile. God has given everyone a special gift to share and when we find these little treasures and share them, they become huge gifts to so many. We should never take for granted the little blessing we receive each day. Thanks Fr. Anthony. Interview: Jo Robinson.