MONASH residents are raising funds to build a life-sized bronze statue honouring the founder of one of the Riverland’s biggest tourist attractions as part of the town’s centenary celebrations next year.
The Monash and Lone Gum Association are hoping to raise $80,000 to construct the statue of Grant Telfer, who created the original playground in the 1970s.
The group have currently raised $12,000 through an online fundraising page, internet banking and cheques.
Mr Telfer’s daughter Alison Halupka said the statue would feature her father bare-foot in his trademark white overalls with his bike by his side.
“We’ve been putting posts on Facebook letting people know that we are organising the statue to honour our living legend, and everyone agrees and says it should have been done 20 years ago,” she said.
“A lot of the donations we have had come through so far have just been through word of mouth.
“We’ve only just started promoting it, so we are pretty happy to be at $12,000 already.
“I have confidence that we will get there in the end, but we may need to do more things like letter-box drops and writing to people who have shown interest in the centenary to ask them if they are prepared to donate.”
Mrs Halupka said the statue would be a great way to honour Mr Telfer, whose free playground drew hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Riverland.
“There were 180 pieces of equipment in the playground, so would people have paid 50 cents per ride, which is $90 all up? And would they be willing to donate that now?” she said.
“When you put it like that, it sounds like a good deal.”
Ms Halupka said the statue would be delivered alongside other centenary projects in 2021.
“Now is the time to give it a push while everyone is motivated,” she said.
“People have been questioning whether this should be a centenary project, but the centenary celebrates the 100 years of the town’s history, and this was such a big part of Monash and the Riverland.”
To donate towards the statue, visit the Monash and Lone Gum Association’s MyCause website (bit.ly/2SxPVvV), or visit the Monash SA, Come Say Hello Facebook page.