Big Heart Campaign to help build new symbol of hope

SOUTH Lismore Post Office has launched The Big Heart Campaign to create a giant heart-shaped sculpture as a new symbol of hope for the region.

The sculpture will stand above the 2022 flood level and is the brainchild of Tracy Ward, who has revitalised the post office since taking over the business last year.

The campaign asks people to purchase postcards to be sent across Australia, with a target of 100,000 cards.

“If 1000 cards are sold, the post office roof will become the heart, while 100,000 will see a fully built sculpture with solar panels to allow the heart to beat day and night,” Ms Ward said.

She said the idea was to change the perception of Lismore after the devastation of the floods.

“Some of the words associated with the floods are oversaturated and have taken on a negative meaning.

“We’re looking at changing the perception of Lismore as the City of Flood and moving that towards the City of Love.

“We’re asking people to send the postcards out far and wide to all parts of Australia.

“When we get 100,000 cards distributed, we’re going to build a big metal heart to stand above the height of the 2022 flood. Each of the smaller hearts will be a metal sculpture inside the big one which will be up for tender.”

Businesses can get involved by purchasing cards in bulk and adding their logo for free. Orders over 50 cards will receive a Big Heart for display.

It is the third major project Ms Ward has delivered at the post office, following a Christmas Holiday event and Anzac Day commemoration.

Those efforts helped her win NSW Licensed Post Office of the Year and put her in the running for a national award.

“I never thought I’d buy a post office. It’s allowed me to do things my own way to help benefit the community,” she said.

“If I couldn’t pull it off, I would have put my children further back financially after the flood, but I’m here to stay now.”

The best way to get involved is to visit the post office and purchase a postcard directly.