Agricultural Bureau of SA
MEDIA RELEASE
Monday, 30 July 2007
Saving a town landmark
The race is on to save Angaston’s favourite horse in time for an important anniversary next year.
“Day off, Peter” is a fibre glass statue of a farmer and his Clydesdale that has had pride of place in the Angaston Memorial Reserve for the past 19 years.
But a series of vandalism attacks has left the farmer badly damaged and forced the Barossa Council to remove the whole statue in order to protect it.
The local community is now faced with the task of raising $120,000 to have the statue bronzed so it can be returned to public display.
Commissioned by the Angaston Agricultural Bureau in 1988 to mark its 100th anniversary, the statue commemorates the achievements of the Bureau movement in rural SA and the contribution made by the working horse to Australia’s development.
Bureau project officer Jennifer Light hopes the statue’s popularity will work in its favour.
“Everyone loves Peter,” she said. “You often used to see children sitting on his back, having their photos taken.
“We would really love to see him back where he belongs in time for our 120th anniversary next year.”
The Bureau hopes to attract 400 donations of $200 from large and small businesses, service clubs and individuals, giving it the leverage to apply for government grants to cover the rest of the cost.
Donations can be sent to Angaston Agricultural Bureau – “Day Off, Peter” Fund, PO Box 44, Angaston SA 5353.
