New sculpture complements Collie’s heritage

Collie has paid tribute to its coal miners with the unveiling of a new sculpture this week.

Created by Perth artist Robert Hitchcock, the statue was made public on Tuesday when it was unveiled by Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray, who said it was about bringing Collie’s history to life.

“When this cart was sitting by itself it didn’t mean anything, but now you’ve got the horse and the miner, people can see what it was like,” Mr Murray said.

By having this there people can say this is what their dads and grandfathers worked with, I think it’s special.

Collie Retired Miners Association president Ron Guilfoyle said the sculpture was about recognising Collie’s history and the role coal played.

“To us this is something we’ve been trying to get going for a long time,” he said.

Mr Guilfoyle thanked the State Government for contributing funding for the project, and said now the archway was filled in it resembled a real mine.

“It took us a long time and a lot of headaches, but we’re glad that we stuck with the project and we’re very proud of it,” he said.

Mr Hitchcock said it had been a great pleasure to be involved in the project.

“It’s important to acknowledge a town’s history,” he said.

“When you have something like this it is part of your history.”

South West Development Commission chief executive Melissa Teede said it was part of the rich historical precincts in Collie.

“You can see Collie is buzzing and is transforming before our eyes,” she said.

“We’re proud to be part of this important part of history.”