Zoo Weekly’s ‘special commemorative issue’ cover for Anzac Day featuring a model in a bikini holding a poppy is being called “gross, disgusting and idiotic” on social media.

The headline story teased on the cover is titled “100 things every Aussie should know about Gallipoli” and is on sale for Anzac Day’s 100 Year Anniversary.

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• AFL accused of hogging profits from ANZAC Day
• ‘Vile’ Woolworths Anzac Day ad sparks outrage

The issue includes a story about diggers who “describe WW1 in their own words” – the full cover can be seen below.

Zoo’s cover has not been received well on social media thus far with Twitter user @LeonGetter saying it was, “gross and offensive” while @SallyWhyte asked “how did anyone think this was a good idea?”

“Sexy girls because our soldiers died 100 years ago is a bit weird as a concept,” @rwerkh tweeted. 

Jordan Aldred commented on Facebook, saying: “This is disgusting”. Zoo’s Facebook post of the cover was removed on Friday afternoon.

In part of the interview with model Erin Pash, she says: “Yeah, I do like guys in uniform. They’re bad arses, they have guns and they’re really fit and well built.

Q: Plus they know how to follow orders…

A: [Laughs] Yeah, they do what they’re told. Plus they can usually get down and do 100 push ups in a row, which is impressive!”

They also asked Ms Pash what she usually does on Anzac Day.

“I’d love to say I get up at 4am to go to the dawn service every year, but I usually sleep in … if we’re lucky enough to have good weather, I’ll head to the beach with friends and we’ll get our bikinis out,” she said.

In the spread she wears a red bikini matching her poppy flower, and is pictured leaning up against old army posters.

The Department of Veterans Affairs told Crikey that Zoo Weekly did not seek permission to use the word “Anzac” for the edition and that they’d contacted the magazine but had no response. 

“The Department will continue to pursue this matter until the issue is resolved”, they said.

Last week Woolworths was derided for their “Fresh in our Memories” campaign while other companies have faced similar criticism for commercialising the event.

In March, The New Daily ran a story titled ‘How the Anzac spirit is being exploited for profit’, which exposed several companies using the word ‘Anzac’ for commercial gain.

The term’s use as an advertising tool is restricted under federal law.

The Returned and Services League (RSL) have been contacted for comment and Zoo Magazine were contacted for comment.

This isn’t the first time the magazine has come been questioned over associating scantily clad women with Anzac Day.

In 2006, former child pop star Nikki Webster took part in an “Anzac Day Special”, which was criticised as “taking tacky to new heights” in at least one online forum.

Scroll down some to read some of the tweets about Zoo Weekly’s latest ‘commemorative’ effort.

Nr1 class act, Zoo honouring #Anzac by reinforcing a male narrative that demeans and commodified women #auspoI pic.twitter.com/tzl8V3gDIr

— Margarita Windisch (@MargieWindisch) April 24, 2015

@sallywhyte @maxstainkamph What is Zoo weekly? Never heard of it but it is totally out of place looking at the cover.

— Old Ocker (@OldOckerOO) April 24, 2015

@sallywhyte @NewtonMark the brainstorm: “ANZAC day landings… were on a beach right?” “Bikinis!” “She can be holding a poppy?” “Nailed it.”

— The Decoy Saga (@DecoySanchez) April 24, 2015

@sallywhyte @BernardKeane Exploit women for $, exploit diggers for $. It’s almost as if the mag is dedicated to unprincipled pursuit of $

— Richard Bright (@iDoogie) April 24, 2015