Anzac poppies pop up in Lucas

AN Anzac commemoration project at Lucas Town Centre has been sparking conversations about the sacrifices made by servicepeople.

The Poppy Project returned to the shopping centre precinct this week aiming to highlight those commemorated in the Ballarat Avenue of Honour.

Three thousand wooden poppies made by Furals Art and painted by local residents and school children have formed the outdoor art installation in the Coltman Plaza garden.

“It’s the result of contribution from the Lucas community, supported by The Arch of Victory and Avenue of Honour Committee, Haymes Paint and Coltman Plaza,” said Project organiser and member of the Lucas community, Rebecca Love.

“Carla and Mark Maxwell from Furals Art have created all the poppies for the project and they have used by-products from a timber mill to create these wonderful poppies, which helps to minimise environmental impacts.”

More than 600 people have been able to paint their own poppy as part of the initiative funded by grant provider, Ballarat Connected Communities.

“The project is also supported through the local primary schools of Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas Primary School and Alfredton Primary School,” Ms Love said.

“Over 1200 Students have been able to reflect on their learnings about Australia’s history and the sacrifices made by the Anzacs by painting a poppy and will have been overjoyed to see their contribution with their creations installed at Coltman Plaza.”

The Poppy Project is in its second year and Ms Love said she hopes it becomes a talking point for many Anzac Days to come.

“The sacrifices made by World War One soldiers and nurses and the incredible story of the Lucas Girls and their involvement in conceptualising the Arch of Victory and Avenue of Honour is something to highlight, and we hope that the Poppy Project plays a role in that,” she said.

“Just as the Anzacs were volunteers, so to are the wonderful community in Lucas, providing painted poppies in commemoration.”