Slim Dusty Centre Appoints New Project Director

PRESS RELEASE: February 23, 2009

A working group met in Sydney at the Powerhouse Museum this month to analyse the floor plan amendments recently made to the Slim Dusty Centre design, as a necessary step in the process of preparation for tender release. The tender is anticipated to be issued on June 1, which would see construction commence in the months to follow.

Heading up the project review is Mr John Kent, of Wilde and Woollard, the newly appointed Project Director. His engagement follows the mid 2008 resignation of Phil Lahey as Project Manager, who was faced with increased work commitments. Phil generously donated his time and resources to assist the Slim Dusty Centre project in the early critical stages, and he fully endorses his replacement.

“I would like to pay tribute to Joy McKean and her family for their determination to bring the project to Kempsey, and to the team
for their untiring efforts. I have enjoyed my time working with the group and believe that John Kent will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, keeping the project moving forward,” he said.

Kent's impressive credentials here and overseas include Program and Project Management of large and smaller scale projects both as a consultant and an owners representative.

Recent involvements include the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (Australia-wide), Universities, the Stockman's Hall of Fame (Longreach), the National Management Institute, the Royal Agricultural Society and the Olympic Coordination Authority, among many others.

“I look forward to the challenge of working with the Slim Dusty Foundation and the project architects in delivering a state of the art facility that will enable broad celebration of Slim Dusty’s achievements.” Mr Kent said.

The Foundation recently entered into a contract with Schreiber Hamilton Architecture to undertake detailed design and tender documentation, including construction certificate. Since receipt of $1.5 million in State Government funding, the project has increased its momentum.

Joy McKean, Chair of the Slim Dusty Foundation, can now finally see the opening in sight, given the strength of the team entering the tender preparation stage.

“The government funding has allowed us to appoint a project director, project accountant and curator. It is an especially progressive time for the project and we are grateful for the involvement of all new team members, but especially for Phil Lahey’s generosity and valued advice over the years” she said.

Newly selected curator, Linda Raymond, has the mammoth, yet enviable task of assessing the large collection of Slim Dusty memorabilia.

“This is a wonderful project that almost any curator would give their eye teeth to be associated with! I feel privileged to be able to work with Joy and Slim's family to draw together more than fifty years of life in 'show biz'. Theirs has been such a significant contribution to Australia's musical and cultural landscape - we certainly have a lot of hard but enjoyable work ahead of us, with the ultimate goal of bringing this fabulous story to visitors from all over the world.’’ she said.

The Slim Dusty Foundation made a successful application to the Powerhouse Museum for support under the Regional Services Program 2009. Under this program, the Powerhouse Museum provides professional advice and expertise in museum development, providing services to assist organisations working with cultural heritage.

They also encompass professional advice, site visits, workshops and seminars in regional locations and at the Powerhouse Museum, the Powerhouse Discovery Centre and the Sydney Observatory. Collaborative partnerships can include exhibition and collection development, internships, staff exchanges, training, research and facility redevelopment.

Mr Brad Baker, Manager Exhibition, Development and Design at the Powerhouse Museum, was pleased with the progress made at the review meeting held in February.

" The Slim Dusty Centre being developed for Kempsey is an exciting venture that will be a fitting showcase on the life and achievements of Slim Dusty, a true blue Australian legend. The architects design reflects a contemporary and dynamic approach whilst being sympathetic with the surrounding environment. I am pleased to be invited to contribute to this inspiring project" he stated.  

General Manager of the Slim Dusty Foundation, Kathryn Yarnold, said that whilst the project’s momentum is currently fierce, the commencement of construction is dependant upon the arrival of the remaining Government pledges, which would allow a Centre opening to be possible for the end of 2010.

“We have just completed and submitted the pro forma for the federal government’s Better Regions Program, which relates to the $6 million pledge, so hopefully the arrival of those funds is not too far away” she said.

“With the injection of new blood and enthusiasm onto the team – and our proud association with the Powerhouse Museum – the team is now just eagerly awaiting that long anticipated fufilment of government promises, and then all lights will be green for go!” she added.

The Slim Dusty Foundation invites people, businesses and corporations wishing to support the creation of the Slim Dusty Centre to make their tax-deductible donations to the Slim Dusty Foundation by calling 1800 18 SLIM (1800 18 7546) or by visiting its website at www.slimdustycentre.com.au

The Working Group for Kempsey's exciting new Slim Dusty Centre, recenlty attended a successful project planning workshop hosted by the Powerhouse Museum Sydney. Left to Right: Ian Gill (Schreiber Hamilton Architecture), Paul Gould (Slim Dusty Foundation Project Accountant), Kevin Schreiber (Schreiber Hamilton Architecture), John Kent (Slim Dusty Foundation Project Director), Kathryn Yarnold (Slim Dusty Foundation General Manager), Brad Baker (Manager Exhibition Development and Design, Powerhouse Museum), Kevin Farrawell (Slim Dusty Foundation Director), Linda Raymond (Slim Dusty Foundation Curator) and Joel Chamberlain (Schreiber Hamilton Architecture).