The bird, named Stanley, after Orana Local Area Command Commander Stan Single, is a looming structure which stares out across the horizon, 10 kilometres out on the outskirts of the opal mining town.

Originally intended for the Birdsville track, artist John Murray said the logistics and costs involved to get the sculpture that far proved impossible.

At the official opening of the sculpture on Saturday night, Mr Murray said as usual the community spirit and can-do attitude of Lightning Ridge residents prevailed and saw the sculpture proudly displayed outside their own town, with the help of many volunteers.

Attending the opening with friends, Superintendent Single said he was flattered to have the sculpture named after him.

"It's great and I'm glad to be here for the opening, the sculpture is going to stand for a long time and we'll be putting a time capsule in it soon to be opened in 50 years," he said.

"The egg is made by Dubbo man Mark Nugent; it's had a lot of Dubbo people contribute to the project."

The welder, Tim Parsons, was visiting Mr Murray's gallery and saw the conceptual painting of Stanley. He fell in love with the idea, and uttered the words "Gee I'd love to be involved in that" - these words have been the catch-cry of everyone involved in the creation of "The Big Bird".

Superintendent Single said the metal for the sculpture would just have ended up as scrap if not used in the construction of Stanley.

Peter Worthington came up with the Volkswagen parts that made up the wings and other parts of the body.

The opening saw locals and visitors turn out in the hundreds to cheer on their town's new mascot.

A huge display of fireworks in the evening wowed the crowd who said the display was among the best they had seen.

Indigenous dancers added another special layer to the opening, performing underneath the giant bird.

For more information on the sculpture and others who contributed to the construction of Lightning Ridge's biggest bird, go to www.johnmurrayart.com.au.