Several Kurri community members and Towns with Heart have got behind the idea as they feel the pit horse has not been recognised in the way it deserves and feel a statue would honour the importance of horses in the history of mining.

It started with Colin Andrews and Tom Outram handing out a petition, which they said received an overwhelmingly favourable response from people for the idea.

“No matter where we went, everybody signed the petition,” Mr Andrews said.

Towns with Heart then got involved, and the organisation’s community projects manager Lesley Morris said it was a great idea.

“It’s something that has captured the imagination of the community,” she said.

The committee would like to model the design of the horse off the pit horses that were used in Richmond Main 

While the particulars such as cost and exact location have not been decided, Towns with Heart and the pit horse committee are calling on the community for ideas and are beginning to raise money to bring the idea to fruition.

A fundraising concert has been organised for February 20 at Bellbird Workers Club with Redback on the Toilet Seat singer Slim Newton headlining the show.

The committee are hoping to plan future events to raise awareness and funds for the project, which they believe will be a huge asset to the Kurri area.

Anyone with ideas or wanting to be involved in the concept should contact Kurri Visitors Centre on 4936 1909.