Akubras Hurled High in the Air to Celebrate the Announcement of Six Million Dollars to Slim Dusty Centre!
05th November, 2007  
The Slim Dusty Centre has taken a giant step forward with the announcement in Kempsey on Saturday night (3rd Nov.) by Deputy Prime Minister, Leader of the Nationals and Member for Lyne, Mark Vaile that a Federal Government grant of Six Million Dollars would be made to the project under a re-elected coalition. He was accompanied by local MP for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker.
Joy McKean with Luke Hartsuyker, Anne Kirkpatrick, Mark Vaile, and Dr David Kirkpatrick.
Concept, planning and architectural designs for the Centre on the 35 acre site on the southern outskirts of Slim's home town, Kempsey NSW, are already well advanced.
The funding will be made available through an extension of the Northern Rivers and North Coast Sustainable Regions programme. The Sustainable Regions advisory committee recently wrote to Mr Vaile seeking an extension of funds to accommodate this commitment.

Chair of the Slim Dusty Foundation, Joy McKean hailed the grant saying it would enable the project to get underway in the near future and she paid tribute to those who had worked so hard to make Slim's vision a reality.
Joy said the Foundation wanted to thank the Prime Minister John Howard and Deputy PM Mark Vaile for their strong, on going support of the Slim Dusty Centre project and she also singled out the Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson for his unwavering commitment over many years.
"There are so many people to thank for their part in bringing the project to this point", said Joy. "In the fore front are the vast number of fans of Slim Dusty, who have contributed so much enthusiasm and support for so long".

"The people and Council of Kempsey, have played a huge role, and the release of Crown Land under lease from the NSW State Government, has also been very important in moving the project forward."

Finally said Joy, "The Slim Dusty Foundation's CEO Kathryn Yarnold deserves a special accolade for the dogged determination, unflagging energy, boundless optimism and vast skill she has shown in steering the project development through such a complicated maze over the past few years. Kathryn and her dedicated staff have earned our heartfelt appreciation".

"There is still so much to be done, said Joy, but with this grant we now have the means to make the Centre a fitting and outstanding memorial to Slim Dusty and his music."
Kathryn Yarnold, echoed the work that lay ahead. "The fundraising does not stop here. We still await a final decision from the State Government for our application for $1.5 million in funding, and continue to progress by moving into the Construction Certificate phase. We are undertaking ongoing involvement with potential exclusive sponsors of some of our exciting and innovative internal displays.”
The Slim Dusty Foundation Team: Sonia Fingleton, Kathryn Yarnold, Bruce Woods (Events Co-ordinator, Rotary Club of Kempsey West) and Melissa Killmore.
Speaking from Kempsey after the announcement, Kathryn paid tribute to the team and the incredible positive effect being felt by everyone involved. “This funding announcement will certainly pump new life into a dedicated team, and a little closer to home, we could never have reached this stage without the dedication and hard work of the Slim Dusty Foundation Board and Patrons, and the inspiration and commitment of members of Slim’s own family. Equally important are our Foundation Donors, who have generously donated funds and services from the crucial initial stages.”
The Grant was announced at the Slim Dusty Country Music Memories Show, organised by the Rotary Club of Kempsey West, and held in Kempsey on Saturday 3rd November. In excess of 600 people attended and the concert raised over $14,000 for the Slim Dusty Centre appeal.
For information regarding the Slim Dusty Foundation and its aims, please contact General Manager, Kathryn Yarnold at 02 6562 6533 or 1800 18 SLIM or visit our website www.slimdustycentre.com.au

Photos courtesy of Laurie Bullock, The Macleay Argus, Kempsey
Further information:
The Slim Dusty Foundation  

Kathryn Yarnold
General Manager
PO Box 70, Kempsey NSW 2440
Phone: 02 6562 6533
Fax: 02 6562 1849
Email: slimdustycentre@midcoast.com.au
Website: www.slimdustycentre.com.au

 
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