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Rotary Club handed over a generous donation of $7000
to the Slim Dusty Foundation |
| 15th January, 2007 |
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| The Kempsey West Rotary Club handed over a generous donation of $7000 to the Slim Dusty Foundation after a successful fundraiser in October. This money was raised at the Slim Dusty Country Music Memories Night held at the Kempsey Racecourse. Originally to be held at Bruce and Trish Wood’s property at Hampden Hall, as it has been for two years, the venue was changed due to inclement weather. |
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| This event was initiated by Bruce Woods, a member of the Kempsey West Rotary, and was taken up by the members in support of the Slim Dusty Foundation and the proposed Slim Dusty Centre to be built on the Pacific Highway at South Kempsey. |
| A successful auction of donated items was held, including a Red Cedar coffee table from the unique “Nulla Collection" handcrafted by George Crossingham, a beautifully crafted red cedar bowl made by Brian Irvine, a painting of “Homewood”, Slim's boyhood home by Betty Allman, and a framed, limited edition print of “Homewood” donated by local and acclaimed artist, Gordon Rossiter. |
| The substantial donation was presented by Kempsey West Rotary Club representative Brian Irvine at the new Centre site, which was gratefully received by Slim Dusty’s widow Joy McKean. |
| Brian Irvine said the idea was to not only raise money, but also to pay tribute to Slim for his life and what he did for Country Music and what the proposed Centre will do not only for Kempsey, but the entire shire. |
"The night, and the new venue, was a great success, with a lot of excellent entertainment for all to enjoy,” he said.
“It has given us a few new ideas for next year and we hope to develop the show into a ‘first class’ event that will draw even more people”. |
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| General Manager of the Slim Dusty Foundation, Kathryn Yarnold noted the incredible growth in popularity of the event and its timing. |
“Each year the Slim Dusty Country Music Memories Night and the Kempsey Country Music Festival are occurring around about the same time of year. I think it would be wonderful to see them unite strengths and create even more reason for people to come to ‘Slim Dusty Country’ to enjoy our special blend of Country Music appeal. If you go to the Tamworth Country Music Festival, there are many, many events being staged at any one given time. The secret is to offer variety, to attract more people, slowly, over a period of time. I think the professionalism of the people running both of our local events is commendable, and they have the special ingredients to support a successful union.” she said. |
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| Joy McKean, in her capacity as Chair of the Slim Dusty Foundation said the support of local business and the Kempsey community is very important to the eventual success of the project. |
"The support and participation of people and groups like the Kempsey West Rotary Club are keeping this dream alive, and I thank them for it."
"Local people and many businesses are interested and have been supportive. This is essential because it is primarily the people and business owners in this community who will benefit by the creation of new jobs and increasing spending in the Shire by visitors." she said. |
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| These points were also presented to Mayor Betty Green and other Kempsey Shire Councillors, who were present on the day to discuss the current status of the Slim Dusty Centre project, view the site, the office and to talk about ways in which the Slim Dusty Foundation felt that Council may be able to assist the project toward success. |
| Anyone wishing to support the drive to create the Slim Dusty Centre — at whatever level — are also invited to make their tax-deductible donation to the Slim Dusty Foundation by calling 1800 18 SLIM (1800 18 7546) or by visiting the Centre’s website at www.slimdustycentre.com.au |
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 |
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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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