Country music lovers can never get enough of the music that they love, in particular, anything that involves Slim Dusty - the King Of Country Music, and to have seven hours of country music, all available at the one venue was a treat that was enjoyed by all who attended.

The introduction this year of the afternoon concert was an additional drawcard that made a whole day out of this concert and is only going to grow and become bigger and better for 2009. The Slim Dusty Family once again performed at the evening concert, entertaining the crowd in a relaxed and informal atmosphere - we would encourage all country music fans to join us next year and become a part of the “Slim Dusty Family”.

The Rotary Club of Kempsey West and the Slim Dusty Foundation would like to thank everyone who attended and enjoyed the day and night with us and invite you all to come back next year and make sure that you bring your family, your friends, your neighbour in fact anyone you know who would like to attend a unique concert and have a great weekend soaking up the atmosphere that the Macleay Valley – the birth place of Slim Dusty, can offer!

The Macleay has many wonderful attractions including the Slim Dusty boyhood home at Nulla Nulla, so why not make a whole weekend of it and visit the Macleay Valley and experience the country hospitality that is uniquely theirs!

With next years event already under way and set down for October 31st, 2009, plan ahead - we would love to see you here next year! For any enquiries please contact Bruce Woods on or the Slim Dusty Foundation on (02) 6562 6533.

Below are some photographs of this years concert supplied courtesy of the Macleay Argus.

Above Left: Bruce Woods drove his truck around the streets of Kempsey with the giant Akubra on board to advertise the upcoming Slim Dusty Country Music Memories Night.

Above Right: one of the unique auction items, a Red Cedar framed (timber from Slim's boyhood home at Nulla Nulla and handcrafted by Brian Irvine) original record of the "Pub with No Beer"

Above left: The inspiring Salvos Country Band performing

Above Right: Another auction item - Red Cedar Chest made from timber from Slim's boyhood home at Nulla Nulla, handcrafted by Kevin Farrawell.

Above left: Joy McKean OAM on stage with Mayor of Kempsey, Councillor John Bowell

Above Centre: Mr Peter Philips promoting his book "Slim Dusty Around Australia" in which he donates all proceeds of the sale of the book to the Slim Dusty Foundation.

Above Right: Amos Morris and Charlie Boyter

Above Left: Amos Morris performing with Mike Kerrin and Rod Coe

Above Centre: Anne Kirkpatrick and her cousin Diane Lindsay

Above Right: Golden Guitar award winner 2008 Steve Passfield who also compered the night concert.

Above Left: Steve Passfield and his band were guest entertainers at this years concert

Above Centre: Tom Maxwell

Above Right: Bruce Woods (Event Co-ordinator) with one of the extraordinary auction items sold on the night.

Above Left: James Arneman with his mum, Anne Kirkpatrick and Charlie Boyter

Above Centre: Joy McKean OAM delighting the crowds as always.

Above Right: Slim's grandson James Arneman and Anne Kirkpatrick.

Above Left: the Slim Dusty Foundation team, Kathryn Yarnold General Manager and Melissa Killmore Office Administrator

Above Right: Mike Kerrin from the Travelling Country Band

Above Left: a very expressive Dennis Mitchell conducting the auction with the help of Kathryn Yarnold.

Above Centre: Diane Lindsay performing.

Above left: Kathryn Yarnold (SDF General Manager) with Anne Kirkpatrick, Slim Dusty's daughter and her son Janes Arneman, Slim Dusty's grandson.

Above Right: Melissa Killmore (SDF Office Administrator) with Leon Concanon