Slim's widow, Joy McKean is delighted by the design, saying, 'It is visionary, yet practical; I think it is entirely workable while conveying the feeling of country and heritage that is contained in Slim's recordings.

'This wonderful new design portrays those feelings through its exciting use of iron, stone and timber – the basics that our pioneers used to build their homes and this nation. They're the same basics we still rely on today.'

'I would like to compliment Schreiber Hamilton Architects for their vision and dedication, Kathryn Yarnold, the Foundation's General Manager, for her tireless efforts and all members of he Slim Dusty Foundation for their persistence and support to make this dream a reality.

'I am proud to be part of this project. The greatest thrill for me has been to have been given the opportunity to meet and be associated with Slim's wife Joy.

'She is an inspiration and Kempsey owes her a huge debt of gratitude for insisting that the Centre be built on the Macleay. I hope that as a community, we realise the opportunity we have been given and that we really get behind the project to make sure it happens.'

'In the design I seek to imbue the built forms and spaces with this spirit, exemplified by Slim's music, to inspire and engage the visitor to recognise, respect and care for this great but fragile continent of Australia. It has given us all so much; is so reassuringly familiar yet at the same time remains subliminally remote and unfathomable. Like life itself.

Justin Hamilton agreed, saying: 'It is a real honour for me personally as co-director of Schreiber Hamilton Architecture, to provide professional architectural expertise to the Slim Dusty Centre.

'To be involved in a physical tribute to his life, songs and legacy, is a chance to express, in a way, the personal effect his music has had on my own life's journey.

'As with so many Australians, Slim's music has been a part of my childhood and upbringing. My father introduced me to his music, played on cassette in our family wagon as we travelled up the Pacific Highway on our annual family holiday pilgrimage north. I listened to the simple stories of the land, its varied people, about the forces of nature and of course the travelling songs.

'I formed memories of places and events that are truly Australian, most of which were racing past the car window right before my eyes and unique to each town we stopped at. I also think the songs helped to shape my relationship with my father who was a shearer and wool classer out west. I could relate to his own experiences growing up on the land through the verses written by Slim and Joy.

'I have heard it said that "the song remembers when". Slim's music does that to me now as it takes me back to the places and times where I first heard his music with my Dad out on the open road.

"I know this exciting new design will attract involvement and support from a wide cross-section of companies,' she says. 'Hopefully, many will be able to donate some materials for construction of the buildings.

'What better place for them to showcase their innovative products, brand name or services than this major tourist attraction —one destined for of national recognition.