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| THE DREAM to build a state-of-the-art heritage centre to showcase memories of Kempsey's own country music legend Slim Dusty could be just a few months away. |
| 9th July, 2004 |
| Excerpt below courtesy of The Macleay Argus, Kempsey |
| Slim Dusty Foundation board chairman Doug Thompson said subject to finances a development application should be lodged with Kempsey Shire Council in as little as six months. |
| But prior to lodging the application the concept design would be revisited as would site issues but foundation general manger Kathryn Yarnold said that was only to finalise minor details. |
| The project to build the heritage centre has attracted big players in the market with sponsorship coming from companies like Qantas, Toyota, Telstra and Charlton United and $100,000 was raised at Slim's tribute concert during Tamworth's Country Music Festival. |
| Ms Yarnold said there was a short list of targets for further funding but still called on the local community and businesses to keep contributing in the formative stages of the project. |
| She thanked the local community for their support so far, especially the local businesses that contributed to the refurbishment of the new office that has seen the old ABC building in Kemp St take on a new lease of life. |
| The building has now taken on a real country feel with leadlight look windows and doors and at the entrance there's even a rustic water pump trickling into a wooden barrel. |
| The building is already filling with Slim Dusty paraphernalia like cedar tables, old record players and of course an Akubra hat on a wooden hat stand. |
| Slim's songs echo through the offices and a television shows images of the country music giant at various performances. |
| Anyone interested in what the heritage centre will like when completed can view its progress on the foundation's new website at www.slimdustycentre.com.au |
| Mr Thompson praised Kempsey people for the initial idea and was pleased it was driven by the local community and in the capable hands of a local person in Ms Yarnold. |
| He also welcomed Kempsey Shire Mayor Janet Hayes as the newest member of the board and said her personal and professional expertise would be invaluable. |
| "Janet has been influential since the conception of the centre," he said. |
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| Cr Hayes said she was impressed with the amount of work being done, not only the scope of the project but the commitment and dedication of her fellow directors. |
| Ms Yarnold also acknowledged the Macleay Regional Co-operative for providing an office free of charge in Centrepoint Arcade for the past 12-months. |
| Chairwoman Susan Ramke said the board was happy to help and thought it was a wonderful way the co-op's shareholders could assist in such a great project for the Macleay Valley. |
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| Further information: |
| The Slim Dusty Foundation |
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Kathryn Yarnold
General Manager
18 Kemp Street, West Kempsey.
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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