The year 2022 marks the 10th anniversary of Lucas, Ballarat's thriving new suburb. Over the last decade, since Lucas came to life, many milestones have been reached, including the beginning of construction on the first stage of lots, the first residents moving in, and the establishment of the Lucas Town Centre, education facilities and multiple parks.
We are excited to share a new video produced by our friends at Mass Motion that chronicles the life of Lucas and the people involved in its conception, creation and bright future.
In 10 years, Lucas has grown to become a vibrant suburb that encompasses everything a thriving community needs.
In 2012, Integra began naming the streets in Lucas after a soldier or nurse who fought during World War 1. These brave service personnel are commemorated along the Avenue of Honour.
In 2012, Integra committed to creating 23 hectares of open space in Lucas once fully developed, including more than 10 hectares of waterways, wetlands and open space links. More than 40,000 plants can be found in Lucas Central Park alone!
By undertaking approved excavations throughout Lucas, archaeologists and Traditional Owner representatives found evidence of hundreds of artifacts relating to stone tool manufacturing sites. Four of these scatter sites in Lucas are of particular importance and have been retained and protected by Integra.
In 2012, Lucas welcomed its first residents to the Lucas Dawn neighbourhood.
In 2012, Coltman Plaza shopping centre started construction and was named in honour of the Coltman brothers, Charles and Percy, who fought during World War 1.
In 2013, Woolworths Lucas opened its doors with a new look. The 39,000 square metre store is now a key tenant of the Lucas Town Centre.
In 2013, the first park in Lucas was built. Situated in the Lucas Dawn neighbourhood, the park features a playground and kick and play area.
In 2014, Ballarat Community Health's new hub opened in Lucas. This state-of-the-art facility provides GP services, counselling, sexual health services, podiatry and general wellbeing support to the community.
In 2014, Wilson's Fruit and Vegetables expanded into Ballarat’s west. In this year, it was also named Ballarat Business of the Year.
In 2017, Siena Catholic Primary School opened its doors, starting with around 70 students from Foundation through to Grade 6. Now in their sixth year, they have 240 engaged students and over 30 passionate staff.
In 2018, the eagerly anticipated Lucas Community Hub officially opened, catering for young families and community groups alike. The building shape, patterns and colours were inspired by the Lucas Ladies, who pioneered the early textile industry of Ballarat.
In 2018, the Lucas Lifestyle Estate opened and is now home to many residents who enjoy the clubhouse and amenities the estate provides as well as all of the services Lucas has to offer.
In 2019, Loreto College released long-term plans to double in size, build another campus in Lucas, reintroduce boarding and eventually offer all year levels from kindergarten to Year 12, in response to the rapid growth of Ballarat's population and the demand for Catholic education for girls.
2020 and 2021 saw major challenges for the whole community with COVID sending us in and out of lockdowns that seemed to last forever. As a community we stuck together, rallying behind local businesses, creating fun ways for kids to feel connected, and most importantly, being kind.
In 2020, the Lucas Community Garden was born to help residents reconnect with food and their neighbours. Committee member, Katherine Scott, tends to the garden and runs a weekly gardening group that is open to anyone.
In 2020, we celebrated the first day for Lucas Primary School and its 67 pupils. This year also marked the first year in the state's history that more than one million students attended school in Victoria.
In 2020, the long-awaited Lucas Central Park playground was completed, featuring a two-tower giant adventure playground, flying fox, agility trail, nest swing, wizards hut, climbing wall and four-arm swing. Plus, a series of wetlands, toilet facilities, BBQ area, multi-use court and football oval for all to enjoy.
In Spring 2020, it snowed so much that most of Ballarat turned into a winter wonderland! Residents at Lucas Lifestyle Estate welcomed the ‘Spring’ snow, with many who have lived in Ballarat for most of their lives saying it was the biggest snowfall they had experienced.
In 2020, construction began on over 55s community, Ingenia Lifestyle Parkside. The multi-million dollar community development facing Lucas Central Park will deliver 163 homes and is the second Ingenia Lifestyle community in Victoria.
In 2021, Orchard Cafe reopened with new local faces, Leroy Hand and Belinda Pilcher. The cafe provides the community with their morning coffee and delicious lunch options.
In 2021, during the Ballarat Heritage Festival, the names and stories of the Lucas Girls and the soldiers of the Avenue of Honour were brought to life in an exhibition held in Coltman Plaza.
In 2022, Three Thousand Eight Hundred and One Trees, a children's book telling the story of the Lucas girls and their involvement in the Avenue of Honour and Arch of Victory, was published. Written and illustrated by Naomi Irvin and Liv Lorken, sales of the book have raised over $6,000 for the Arch and Avenue of Honour Committee.
In 2022, Ballarat Community Health opened a volunteer-operated cafe with students from Yuille Park Community College. This project is designed to provide the students with work-related experience and help them to develop their literacy, numeracy and personal skills.
In 2012, the very first trees were planted in Lucas, marking the beginning of the suburb. 10 years later, almost 10,000 trees have been planted, along with more than 160,000 shrubs and plants.
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.
