New Signs Show Slim Centre has Started

The Macleay Argus, Tuesday February 23, 2010

Story and Photos by Todd Connaughton

Two billboards announcing the beginning of the construction phase of the Slim Dusty Centre have gone up next to the Pacific Hwy.

Placed at Kundabung South of Kempsey and just North of Frederickton, the billboards are notable for at least two reasons; the company that designed the poster and the new sponsor that is supporting them.

The poster has been designed by Port Macquarie based graphic design company Hot Graphics, which is owned and operated by former Kempsey sisters Kylie Morris and Tennille McEwan.

The signs are also proudly supported by the new owners of the Kempsey McDonald's franchise, Sean and Katie Davis. The Davis will officially take over at McDonald's next month and are excited to be involved with the Slim Dusty Centre.

"Being new to the area it is a great way for us to contribute, McDonald's is such a community oriented company and to be associated with one of Australia's real icons is a privilege," Mr Davis said.

"Katie and I have big plans for McDonald's in Kempsey and we are thrilled to be getting off to such a good start."

Kylie and Tennille said it was good to give something back to Kempsey.

"Being local girls we are excited to be sharing the experience of the Slim Dusty Centre," Kylie said.

"We are very fortunate to have an attraction which will benefit the economy and to have something the locals can be proud to have in their home town."

Sydney based company Sports and Outdoor Media have also been supportive of the billboards and the Slim Dusty Centre Project with the construction of the billboards eight years ago.

Slim Dusty Centre CEO Kathryn Yarnold said that while the end of the road was in sight, it had been a long journey.

"I think back to 2001, when our first highway billboards went up - and The Macleay Argus took a photo of Slim standing in front of the sign which said 'Proposed Home of the Slim Dusty Centre'," she said.

"Now they say 'Construction Underway' - what a mammoth achievement from a small town with a big dream and with the help of such a united and strong community team!"

STORY COURTESY OF THE MACLEAY ARGUS TUESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2010

Long Journey:

Slim Dusty Centre CEO Kathryn Yarnold, Kylie Morris and Tennille McEwan of Hot Graphics, new McDonald's Kempsey owners Katie and Sean Davis, and Slim Dusty Centre Executive Assistant Tracey Parker