Colourful poppies for Anzac cause

A PROJECT in Lucas in encouraging locals to paint a poppy to commemorate Anzac Day.

Known as the Poppy Project and run by developer Integra, the effort is seeking to install more than 1000 of the wooden flowers.

The colourful creations will highlight the work of the soldiers and nurses remembered in the Avenue of Honour, which includes the names of more than 3500 service personnel.

“This time of year, we like to talk about the reason that Lucas is named Lucas, which is after the Lucas factory and the Lucas Girls who built the Arch of Victory and started planting the Avenue of Honour,” said Integra engagement coordinator Victoria Rushton.

“We feel as a community it’s important to mark Anzac Day and talk about some of the events and stories we occurred then.”

Siena Primary School have offered to paint more than 700 of the poppies to educate students on the story of the Anzacs.

Community members can also join in by collecting a wooden poppy from Integra in Lucas.

This is the first time the initiative has been undertaken in Lucas and all the flowers will be put together in a display outside Coltman Plaza.

A community painting day in the Plaza is also being held on Saturday, April 22 from 10am until 3pm.

“I think it’s a good time for the community to reflect on the sacrifices that were made by those soldiers and nurses and to start conversations,” said Ms Rushton.