Family members of William 'Bill' Ferguson have had one of their proudest days as a bronze statue of the campaigner for Aboriginal rights and working class people was unveiled in Dubbo's main street.
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The memorial seen for the first time by the public on Saturday depicts the activist delivering his impassioned message as a soapbox orator in the Domain.
Mr Ferguson set up the Aborigines' Progressive Association at Dubbo in 1937 and played a key role in improving the lives of his people.
- READ MORE: Aboriginal hero to be immortalised at Dubbo
The statue by nationally-renowned local sculptor Brett Garling was unveiled on Saturday afternoon in front of a large crowd.
It was a poignant moment for Mr Ferguson's family, including son Fred Ferguson and grandson, John 'Willie' Ferguson.
Willie, who along with Dubbo's Rod Towney, and Meg Huddleston was a driving force behind the statue, told of his hopes it would ensure his grandfather's legacy carried on.
Mr Ferguson had worked for both Aboriginal people and working class people, having involvement with the Australian Workers' Union since he was about 16 years of age, Willie said.
On Australia Day in 1938 he and two other Aboriginal leaders, William Cooper and John Patten organised a 'Day of Mourning' gathering for Aboriginals.
Willie said in the past, people may have heard of Mr Ferguson, but with the statue's unveiling they "knew who he was".
"I was impressed to see all the people, white and black people, that many faces, it was really good," he said.
The response to the statue was heartwarming for Willie, who did about 10,000km travelling from his home at Lightning Ridge to be involved in the process.
"It's one of the proudest things I've done," Willie said.
"The family is that pleased and proud we've done something for Grandfather Ferguson."
In 2018 Dubbo Regional Council received funding from the NSW government to construct and install the memorial statue.
Dubbo mayor Ben Shields said it was important for the community that icons like Mr Ferguson were immortalised so that future generations would also learn of their achievements.
"Dubbo Regional Council is proud to be part of the efforts to commemorate this great man," he said.
"I believe all people who live, work and visit this region should know who Bill is."
Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders said it was terrific to see Mr Ferguson's contribution recognised.
"There's little doubt Bill Ferguson had a profound impact on Aboriginal rights, and his passion for the cause should be celebrated and remembered, particularly in the region he called home," he said.
"I look forward to more people being able to learn about the legacy Mr Ferguson created."
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