Artist Brett Garling was engaged earlier this year to create the life-size bronze statue and work is well underway on the nine month construction project.

Locals have been fundraising towards the project for several years, with $170,000 raised since 2016. After meeting with Mr Garling, the Pit Horse Statue committee agreed to continue fundraising to enable the inclusion of a bronze skip and wheeler along with the pit horse.

The memorial will be a significant installation in Rotary Park - a fitting tribute to the pit horses, their handlers and the community that worked in the underground mines between 1861 and the 1950s.

The committee has been "overwhelmed" by the support and donations from the local community and mining companies - particularly a $50,000 donation from the CFMEU which really helped the project become a reality.

Money has also been raised through stall raffles, sausage sizzles, fundraising concerts and more.

Fundraising activities are still ongoing. The Bunnings barbecues are set to continue and another Country Music Fundraiser is also coming up on August 17 at Weston Workers Club, where Wayne Horsburgh will entertain for a third time.

A set of five pewter belt buckles featuring pit horses have also recently been donated by Christine Brown to the committee to aid their fundraising.

If you are interested in more information or would like to bid for the belt buckles, please go to www.visitkurrikurri.com or call the Kurri Kurri Visitor Centre on 4936 1909.