Gumeracha’s iconic Big Rocking Horse has had a series of exciting wins, as the latest landmark to be featured on a commemorative $1 coin and a special-edition postcard stamp, plus it has inspired a new Drumstick flavor.
The “Aussie Big Things” program by the Royal Australian Mint and Australia Post celebrates Australia’s quirky, larger-than-life roadside icons via coins and stamps. The Big Rocking Horse joins landmarks such as the Big Merino, Big Strawberry, Big Penguin and Big Galah in the collection.
The Big Rocking Horse in the Adelaide Hills is 18.3 metres tall and weighs 25 tonnes. It was designed by David McIntosh and John Twopenny and opened in 1981.
The attraction includes a toy factory, wildlife park, café and viewing platforms and now has a brand new accessible path for strollers and people in wheelchairs to be able to access the facility.
Peter Drumstick is also releasing a limited-edition icecream line-up this month, featuring Rocky Road (inspired by the Hills landmark) with a marshmallow-and-chocolate cone with raspberry syrup and crunchy nuts.
For owner Mell Penno, the national coverage is a welcome recognition. Since taking over two years ago, she’s weathered storms, insurance battles and thefts.
“It’s truly an honor to be able to feature our South Australian icon that I’ve loved since I was little in something so big, so it’s huge for South Australia,” Penno said on ARN’s iHeart SA.
The coin is now available from participating Australia Post outlets and online, while the postcards will also be released as part of the Big Things series. Collector sets include 10 designs and limited-edition numismatic covers.
Hear Mell Penno’s chat with Jennie Lenman on iHeart SA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-iheart-sa-115382495/episode/coining-the-big-icons-of-sa-296751831/
