The push to create a lasting memorial to one of Tallangatta's unsung 'soldiers' has gained ground thanks to the determined efforts of a new community working group.
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The Sandy the War Horse Memorial Action Group has now enlisted the support and guidance of Northern Victoria MP Tim Quilty to further advance their campaign to erect a life-size bronze statue of the only horse to return from World War I.
The group's president, Ross Smith, said fundraising would now begin in earnest to find the $142,000 needed to complete the project, which would include information boards detailing the horse's remarkable story.
The community has already raised $15,000 towards the initiative in the 10 months since the new steering group was formed.
The plan is to have the bronze statue erected at one of three possible sites in the town by 2023, commemorating 100 years since the brave war horse was put down.
Mr Smith said the memorial would recognise the story of Sandy and the town's role in our Anzac history.
Sandy was donated to the war effort by Francis 'Bonner' O'Donnell, of Old Tallangatta, in a reported gesture of patriotism.
The rather non-descript bay became the favoured steed of Major General Sir William Throsby Bridges.
Sandy accompanied the Major to Gallipoli but when there was no room to land horses on that beach they were returned to Alexandria.
Sandy's master was injured at Gallipoli and died at sea on May 18, 1915 but his dying wish was for the 10-year-old gelding to be returned to Australia.
In May, 1917 the horse sailed home on the SS Booral - the only Australian horse to do so.
Mr Quilty said Sandy's story was of national significance and commemorated all the horses that played an important part in saving so many lives at war.
"It's a great local story and it speaks to the personal connection to so many family members who went to war," he said.
Mr Quilty said in addition to helping guide group towards appropriate funding avenues, he would seek to "leverage" money for the project from the Victorian and potentially federal governments.
Meanwhile committee member Therese Davis is developing a project plan to put before Towong council in line with its Tallangatta Tomorrow masterplan.
That could help cement plans for the memorial, an idea first floated by the Upper Murray Horseman's Association about 10 years ago.
The group has also been in talks with sculptor Brett Garling, who was commissioned to create the life-size Man From Snowy River bronze now standing in Corryong's main street.
