By telling the stories of our past, we can honour those who came before us. The stories of Eleanor Lucas, the ‘Lucas Girls’, and local soldiers who enlisted in World War I, are stories to be remembered, honoured, and handed down. To make such an acknowledgment, the Ballarat suburb of Lucas was named after the ‘Lucas Girls’ who played such a vital role in creating two of Ballarat’s most distinguished historical landmarks - the nationally renowned Avenue of Honour and the Arch of Victory, paying tribute to the 3,801 local men and nurses who enlisted in World War I.
The names and stories of some of these soldiers have been memorialised by local land developer Integra in the ANZAC Commemorative Naming Project, every street in Lucas being named after a soldier who gave his life during World War I.
The only exception to this is Eleanor Drive - the main Lucas thoroughfare - named to honour Eleanor Lucas who founded E. Lucas & Co.in 1888. The business was home to 500 employees known as the ‘Lucas Girls’ who, under Managing Director Edward Price, substantially planned, paid for, and planted the Avenue of Honour, which is now the longest commemorative avenue in Australia. They went on to raise money to build an arch to serve as an entrance to the Avenue of Honour - The Arch of Victory - a landmark that has become one of the most recognised and iconic images of Ballarat.
Below is an interactive map showing all completed streets in Lucas and the story behind their namesake. As new streets open, new names are added.
Ballarat's main thoroughfare, Sturt Street, is recognised as one of the grandest boulevards in Australia. Cutting east-west through the city, it features more than two kilometres of central gardens, bandstands, and memorials. Sturt Street leads to The Arch of Victory and Avenue of Honour, and connects Lucas directly to the Ballarat CBD and beyond.
The Avenue of Honour was conceptualised, planned, and planted by Eleanor Lucas and the 'Lucas Girls'. Mrs. Lucas started her textiles company with her daughters and 20 employees in 1888. What started as a home-based business grew to employ 500 women by 1917. The 'Lucas Girls' came to encapsulate all that the community spirit of Ballarat stands for - working together through difficult times, honouring those who have contributed to a greater cause.
The 'Lucas Girls' were instrumental in the construction of The Arch of Victory. The Girls raised a large sum of money to pay for the construction of the Arch, and were honoured to attend the official opening in June 1920 by the Prince of Wales.
Between 1917 and 1919, the 'Lucas Girls' raised money to buy and plant almost 4,000 trees to honour all the local men who enlisted in the Australian Imperial Forces during the First World War. The Girls' commitment to raise money during tough times and plant thousands of trees on weekends showed a strength and determination that is admirable. Ballarat's Avenue of Honour stretches for 22 kilometres and has set a standard that has not been surpassed.
Integra acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders both past and present.
