A life-sized bronze statue of a Clydesdale paying tribute to the role the draught animal played in the nation’s history has been unveiled during the 2024 Good Old Days Festival.
Narrandera Shire Council and the Barellan Working Clydesdales Committee received funding under the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 5 for the statue to be installed in the main street of Barellan.
With the original idea conceived by Barellan residents Emil and Heather White, the statue was officially unveiled by Barellan Working Clydesdale president Bruce Bandy and Narrandera Shire councillor Neville Kschenka on October 4.
Mr and Mrs White wanted to recognise the important role the heavy horses played in the pioneering history of Barellan and district and its continuing prominence at the Good Old Days Festival.
Called Norma, the statue is sited on public land in the centre of Barellan next to the historic CWA Rest House.
Sculptors Gillie and Marc Shattner, Botany, NSW, drew inspiration from a valued member of the Barellan Team, a filly called Norma in honour of Norma Zingel, the late secretary of the Barellan Working Clydesdales.
A bronze plaque detailing the contribution Clydesdales made to the nation was also installed.
Barellan Working Clydesdales committee secretary Fiona Kibble paid tribute to Narrandera Shire’s former economic development manager Peter Dale and Council staff for assistance with the arts grant.
“Australia’s rural history is often placed squarely on the sheep’s back, but it was in fat the mighty working horse teams which carried the young nation from convict beginnings to prosperity,” Ms Kibble said.
“The working horse has continued to live on in the modern era with a revival in pleasure harness vehicles, the showring and tourism industry.
“The Good Old Days Festival is held each year in October to celebrate the role the Clydesdale played in pioneering our nation.”
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Caption: Barellan Working Clydesdales secretary Fiona Kibble and members of the Zingel family, Abbey Neville and Neal Collins, Barellan, with the Clydesdale statue. Image Kim Woods
NFP: For media comment contact Fiona Kibble on 0409 363 682