GOVERNMENT PROVIDES LAND FOR SLIM DUSTY CENTRE
09th June, 2007  
Minister for Lands, Tony Kelly visited South Kempsey today and signed a lease for a site the Government has offered to the Slim Dusty Foundation, for an exhibition centre celebrating the life of the legendary singer.
Mr Kelly said the 12 hectare Crown land site has been provided on a long term lease, paving the way for the centre in the home town of the King of Australian country music.
“The Iemma Government is getting on with the job of driving regional economic activity,” Mr Kelly said.
“The Slim Dusty Centre will be a boon for Kempsey’s economy and encourage visitors to further attractions, like Slim’s boyhood home at Nulla Nulla and Kempsey Showground, where Slim first performed publicly in 1944.
“The site is located on the Pacific Highway, at the southern entrance to Kempsey, a superb location for what will be a major tourist attraction for visitors from all over Australia.
 
“It’s proposed the initial stage of construction of the exhibition centre will include a museum, amenities, car park and other facilities,” Mr Kelly said.
 
General Manager of the Slim Dusty Foundation, Kathryn Yarnold said the new Crown Land site was a landmark in the project’s development.
“Since we were notified of the Crown Land site, the progress of the Slim Dusty Centre project has escalated beyond our expectations,” Ms Yarnold said.
“The new architectural design is complete and the Foundation has received Conditional DA approval from Kempsey Shire Council.
“The team is now preparing to commence the Construction Certificate stage, and we hope to start construction in early 2008, Ms Yarnold said.
 

Mr Kelly said the NSW Government is proud to be able to support this local initiative.

 
“It complements the NSW State Plan goal of encouraging more people to participate in music and culture, and supports our commitment to stronger regional and rural economies,” Mr Kelly said.
Photos courtesy of: Neil Morgan of the Mid Coast Observer, Kempsey
Further information about the Slim Dusty Centre and its aims is available from the Foundation’s General Manager, Kathryn Yarnold at 02 6562 6533 or slimdustycentre@midcoast.com.au or our website www.slimdustycentre.com.au
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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