A crowd funding campaign was launched to secure Jesse Graham’s Pelicant and John Fitzmaurice’s Portal after they were exhibited at Willinga Park, Bawley Point.

The campaign website initially said $40,000 had been pledged but $34,000 was still needed.

However, spokesman David Maclachlan said extra funds had been donated and just $21,000 remained outstanding.

“It has been a huge community effort,” he said.

“We have received direct funds and also a donation from the Batemans Bay Business and Tourism Chamber,” he said.

“We now only need $21,000 from the Go Fund Me campaign, of which we have $2,270.”

“This is the largest amount of money the community has raised for public art in the shire, with a great ongoing legacy for generations to come.”

The Sculpture on Clyde event is organised by the Batemans Bay Business and Tourism Chamber.

“The focus is to acquire new sculptures for a significant sculpture walk to enhance our wonderful location and tourist destination,” Mr Maclachlan said.

He urged residents and visitors “get behind a great community initiative and help make a statement for Batemans Bay”.

The crab-munching giant seabird Pelicant won the hearts of crowds which flocked to Willinga Park. 

Visit https://www.gofundme.com/Batemans-Bay-Sculpture-Walk to donate.

“While (Pelicant) did not win the acquisitive award, it has certainly won people’s hearts,” Mr Maclachlan said.

“We would like other people to put their hand in their pocket and help Batemans Bay get these two fantastic pieces.

“I think we can raise that money. I think we can do it very quickly.

“We could actually see these pieces on the foreshore at Batemans Bay before Christmas. Which would be a fantastic thing.

“We just have to raise a few dollars.”