The Pit Horse Statue Project committee is aiming to crack the $20,000 mark this month.
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The project – which aims to have a statue honouring the legendary pit horses of the South Maitland Coalfields built in Kurri Kurri – began with a petition just over two years ago.
A small committee was formed and has since joined forces with Towns With Heart.
With raffles, two concerts and three significant donations, the committee is closing in on $20,000 – about one-fifth of the statue’s estimated cost.
A pit horse statue was earmarked for a spot near the community wall in Rotary Park in Cessnock City Council’s draft Kurri Kurri District Strategy.
Committee members Royce Moore and Col Andrews say they hope the plan is revised and that the statue can be located further into the park, near the existing mining monuments.
Mr Moore said the committee hopes the statue does form part of the district strategy as it will give the project further momentum.
“Once we have a location and get the paperwork finalised, it will give us a greater chance to apply for corporate and club grant funding,” he said.
The committee is collecting photos and memorabilia to put on show at their fundraising events and promotional activities.
Cessnock resident Baden Powell presented the committee with a photo of 1952 pit horse derby winner ‘Miner’ (Mr Powell’s father was in charge of the horses at Aberdare Extended).
This photo and others will be on display at the fundraising concert at Kurri Kurri Bowling Club on Saturday, August 19.
X-Factor 2014 finalists Brothers3 will perform on the night, along with Alita Fahey, Tara Naysmith and Greg Bain.
Tickets are $15 and the show will start at 7pm.
The committee is also selling raffle tickets and merchandise including mugs and stubby holders.
Inquiries can be directed to Towns With Heart on 4936 1909.
