The much-anticipated memorial for Kempsey's favourite son has moved a step closer today with the announcement of the successful tenderer for the Slim Dusty Centre.
At tonight's Slim Dusty Memories Concert at Kempsey Racecourse, Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Maxine McKew, announced that local builders Lahey Constructions would build the Centre.
"Slim Dusty has a special place in the hearts of Australians," said Ms McKew.
"I'm proud that the Rudd Labor Government is providing $6 million in funding to the Slim Dusty Foundation for this $7.5 million project to allow Slim's legacy to live on."
The Slim Dusty Centre is being funded under the Rudd Government's four-year $176 million Better Regions Program of commitments made to regional Australia in the 2007 election campaign.
Work on the Centre will begin almost immediately.
"The Centre will be a living museum celebrating the life of Slim Dusty in his hometown, and will include a cafe, museum shop, meeting and seminar spaces, a temporary gallery for travelling exhibitions and a venue for regional producers," said Ms McKew.
"When completed the Centre also plans to develop scholarships for young musical talent and provide a community hub."
"Importantly, more than 100 jobs will be created during construction, 20 of which will be ongoing positions when the Centre opens in late 2010.
"The Slim Dusty Centre will become a great tourist attraction for the Macleay Valley region."
Ms McKew congratulated the Slim Dusty Foundation, the NSW Government, Kempsey Shire Council, the local community and the countless supporters that have put in so much time and effort to deliver what will be a world-class facility.
Media Contacts
| Matt Pulford ( McKew's Office ) |
0434 655 781 |
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