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| Slim Dusty Foundation Proud Beneficiary of North Coast Tourism Awards |
| 19th September, 2005 |
| Press Release courtesy of Andy Otes |
| The 2005 North Coast NSW Tourism Awards for Business Excellence, celebrating the best of the region’s tourism businesses, were held at Panthers Port Macquarie in early September. |
| The capacity crowd including business operators, special guests, dignitaries, mayors and members of Parliament applauded as nineteen winners and fifteen Distinctions were announced. |
| Joy McKean and Anne Kirkpatrick, also present, joined in the applause. During the evening, Anne — supported by the energetic Travelling Country Band, a long-time mainstay of Slim’s roadshows — entertained the audience. |
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| Pictured from Left to Right: Juli Morris, Joy McKean (Slim’s widow), Amos Morris, Anne Kirkpatrick (Slim’s daughter) and Kathryn Yarnold (GM, Slim Dusty Foundation Ltd) |
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| In addition to her own songs, including a number of originals, Anne sang several Slim Dusty favourites, including a beautiful and touching rendition of When the Rain Tumbles Down in July. |
| Representing the Slim Dusty Foundation, Anne received a generous cheque from Grant Burtenshaw, Chairman of North Coast NSW Tourism and said: |
“It was truly special for my mother and I to be a part of the Awards night — and wonderful to perform here with the Travelling Country Band — knowing the Slim Dusty Centre project would be the beneficiary of the night.
“We thank them for their willing and warm support; it will enable the exposure for the project to gain even more momentum and bring it that much closer to reality.” |
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| Amos Morris, the young Kempsey Country Music performer was also at the Slim Dusty Foundation table. Amos, who is quickly making a name for himself on the Australian country music scene, said: |
“It’s great to see the project recognised by the tourism community as a significant part of the industry's future.
“The Centre will be vital for Kempsey’s economic growth and will make the town a ‘must see’ location for visitors. It will be a great tribute to Slim and will reflect what he was about: giving people a go by creating jobs in the area, and assisting young country artists with scholarships and such.’ |
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| Kathryn Yarnold, General Manager of the Slim Dusty Foundation, was also most impressed, saying: |
“How wonderful for the North Coast Tourism Association to recognise the Slim Dusty Centre project as a future development of major significance.
“The night was brilliantly put together and we were proud to be portrayed on such a professional stage as that created by the organising committee.
“I just hope that in years to come it may be the Slim Dusty Centre receiving one of these prestigious awards!” |
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| Wendy Dell, Tourism Manager, Greater Port Macquarie, agreed, further saying that the Centre, to be located at Slim’s home town, Kempsey, is an exciting and important tourism development for the North Coast Region. |
| The Centre will provide a uniquely Australian experience in an environment ranking in innovation, excellence and relevance as one of the most significant of its type in the world. |
| It has already met with tremendous support from the Federal Government and many other organisations and individuals throughout the nation who recognise the outstanding contribution Slim made to Australia. |
| The Slim Dusty Foundation is seeking further community support to achieve its goal and raise the substantial funds needed to plan and construct the Centre. Foundation Donor Units of $25,000 are being sought from corporations. |
| 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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