Cranes share messages of hope

The Bunbury community has shown its support for those affected by the Japanese tsunami and earthquake by making 1000 paper cranes.

The symbolic gesture was helped along by children from Dalyellup College, Geographe Grammar, Adam Road Primary School, Bunbury Primary School and Parkfield Primary School.

The paper cranes were also made by a Japanese national from Perth who heard about the project and members of Bunbury’s multicultural community.

The project was spearheaded by Daravann Meek from the Bunbury Multicultural Services Centre of WA, who said the 1000 paper cranes were away for the Bunbury community to show its grief and support.

‘‘Traditionally when you doa crane, it’s well wishes for that person and with the tragedy that’s happened in Japan, we were trying to convey our grief and have them to understand we were thinking of them and they were not alone,’’ Ms Meek said.

The beautiful paper crane displays were on show at Bunbury Regional Hospital’s Japanese Garden over the past week.

The paper cranes varied in size and colour and created a dazzling addition to the hospital’s peaceful garden, according to Bunbury Hospital’s Rachel Parsons.

Ms Parsons said many people came to the garden to relax and escape the hospital environment.

The paper cranes also contained messages to the Japanese people from our school children.

Some messages included ‘‘Sorry for your loss. Iwish you good luck for the future’’ and ‘‘No matter what happens, we are here.

"Keep hope and always remember you are not alone’’.

The paper crane display will move to Bunbury Plaza Shopping Centre and will be on display this week.