MINISTER PRAISES LOCAL SUPPORT FOR RESTORED ICON STATUE
May 13, 2008
Minister for Regional Development Karlene Maywald today unveiled the new look for Angaston’s well-known farmer and plough horse statue titled ‘Day Off, Peter’.
The unveiling ceremony celebrated the restoration of the town’s landmark, which was a partnership between the Angaston community, the State Government and the Barossa Council.
The State Government contributed $60,000 from the Rural Town Development Fund. This was matched by funds from a local community fundraising campaign initiated by the Angaston Agricultural Bureau, including $10,000 from the Barossa Council.
“There has been much anticipation within Angaston on the return of ‘Peter’ to his hometown and now the iconic statue will be preserved for generations to come,” Minister Maywald said.
“I commend the local community on its support for the project, which shows just how important the statue is to the cultural and economic life of the town and the region.
“The statue pays tribute to the agricultural heritage of the district and is seen potentially by more than 200,000 visitors to Angaston and the Barossa region each year.”
The original fibreglass statue was erected in 1988 to mark the Agricultural Bureau’s centenary but the work has deteriorated over time, prompting the need for the bronzing restoration project.
“Local support has enabled the statue to be unveiled in time to mark the Bureau’s 120th anniversary,” Minister Maywald said.
Project officer for the restoration Jen Light says the statue is not only significant for Angaston but for the whole State.
“It is a monument that commemorates the role of the working horse and also the Agricultural Bureau of South Australia in the development of all areas of agriculture,” she said.
“As a result we have been thrilled and appreciative of the support for the project provided to us by other Bureau branches throughout the State.”
The money for the statue restoration was made available through the Rural Town Development Fund, which is delivering $2 million over four years to projects which support community infrastructure development and contribute to the attractiveness of regional centres.
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