Let's Get the Wheels in Motion....a Truckies Tribute to Slim

"I'd like to say the Nation runs on wheels, and it's the wheels of the trucks that the nation runs on, so let's start makin' a mile..." Slim Dusty AO MBE 2003

How true are these words from the "Man Who Is Australia" and who recognised the true worth of the trucking industy within this great nation.

The affinity that Slim Dusty held and still holds with the Truckies of our nation is legendary, and to honour this relationship, the Slim Dusty Foundation would like to introduce the "Truckies Tribute to Slim" as an integral part of the soon to be constructed Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey, NSW, Slim's home town. The Slim Dusty Centre will be a living Museum dedicated to Slim Dusty and his life, and his portrayal of Australian history and culture.

How many miles have Australia's Truckies clocked up while driving the length and breadth of this wide country singing along to a Slim Dusty tune. In fact, every time you hear the lyrics of "...the windscreen wipers are a beatin' in time..." you can't help but think of the truck drivers on a deadline to deliver their next load in all conditions!

The excitement amongst the communities across Australia is palpable as we draw closer to commencement of the construction on the Slim Dusty Centre. This museum will be a major tourism drawcard for local, national and international visitors. It will create many positives for the Macleay Valley, the Mid North Coast region and beyond, through increases in economy, employment and flow-on benefits through boosted tourism numbers.

With so many avid Slim Dusty fans throughout Australia, we have a unique and exciting project that can include all Australians from all walks of life. It will recognise all those people who have supported this exciting Australian initiative in both the past and the future. The Slim Dusty Centre, when complete, will feature a courtyard area which will feature the engraved pavers donated by so many of his fans.

Many people from right across Australia and overseas have already donated their paver, and are ready for inclusion in the special courtyard with the messages ranging from person salutes to Slim Dusty, birthday congratulations, remembering a loved one or maybe just your name and where you live - think how exciting it will be for you, or in years to come, your children and grandchildren to visit the Slim Dusty Centre when it is completed and be able to walk through the courtyard and find your name as a part of history. In recognition of your Paver donation, you will receive a certificate portraying an image of your Paver and its inscription which makes a wonderful gift!

An important section of this tribute courtyard will be an area designated to the Truckies, their strong industry, and their love of Slim. So, if you are a Truckie, or you are associated with the trucking industry and would like your name as well as the name of your rig, or family name to become a part of history, for a tax deductible donation of $50, you may donated a paver and have it engraved and proudly displayed in the Truckies Tribute to Slim.

If you would like to become involved in the Slim Dusty Foundation at a higher level as a Foundation Donor or to donate a paver please call Melissa at the Slim Dusty Foundation on (02) 6562 6533, freecall 1800 18 SLIM or email your request to slimdustyadmin@midcoast.com.au and make sure that you are included in this great Australian initiative for the Truckies.