20/04/2026
The Lucas Poppy Project has grown once again, the moving installation now features 3,500 hand painted poppies and can be viewed on the Coltman Plaza lawn over the next week as the community comes together to mark ANZAC Day.
The project has been led with care and dedication by Lucas local Bec Love, who has guided and grown the initiative over the past three years with the support of the Ballarat Avenue of Honour committee. Each year, the display has expanded - becoming a powerful symbol of remembrance and community pride. This year 500 purple poppies were added to recognise animals who are involved in war.
Visitors will also notice the purple used to highlight the NZ in ANZAC, a thoughtful nod to the New Zealanders who stood alongside Australians in service. This tribute aligns with this year’s Avenue of Honour / Arch of Victory ANZAC service, where New Zealanders will be specially acknowledged.
The Lucas Poppy Project is a meaningful reminder of service, sacrifice and shared history - and a beautiful example of what a community can create when remembrance is close to the heart.
Haymes Paint generously supplied the special purple paint used to honour the animals and the wooden poppies have been lovingly crafted by local woodcrafters the Furals .
For more information on Animals in War visit Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation
