Caption Above: NSW Premier Morris Iemma presents a cheque to the widow of Slim Dusty, Joy McKean (right), the Slim Dusty Foundation CEO Kathryn Yarnold (left) and country singer Melinda Schneider in Sydney, Thursday, May 29, 2008. Iemma announced a donation of 1.5 million dollars for the building of the Slim Dusty centre in Dusty's home town of Kempsey, in northern NSW.

(AAP Image/Jenny Evans)

NEWS RELEASE from the Premier of New South Wales

Slim Dusty Centre

May 29, 2008

Premier Morris Iemma today announced that his Government had approved the funding to help the building of a lasting tribute to country music legend and Australian icon Slim Dusty AOM MBE.

Premier Iemma announced that the NSW Government would provide $1.5 million to build the Slim Dusty Heritage Centre in Slim’s home town of Kempsey.

It comes on top of the $300 thousand the Iemma Government had already provided to the Slim Dusty Foundation through 12.08 hectares of Crown land on the Pacific Highway at South Kempsey.

The money will add to the previous millions already pledged to the project by the previous Federal Government and reaffirmed by the Rudd Government.

“The Slim Dusty Heritage Centre will enable the life story of a truly great Australian to be preserved,” Mr Iemma said.

“This major tourist attraction will benefit the region, the state and the country.

“It will tell the story of Slim’s amazing career and showcase the legend of Australian music.

“Slim’s dream was to have his and his widow Joy McKean’s vast memorabilia from 60 years on the road looked after.

“I’m delighted to help make Slim and Joy’s collective dream a reality,” he said.

Premier Iemma also paid tribute to the successful fundraising efforts of the Slim Dusty Foundation so far.

“Their efforts have been outstanding. The community has rallied behind a true legend.”

Premier Iemma said the Slim Dusty Centre would lead to the creation 17 direct jobs, with potentially hundreds more through construction, tourism and other industries.

Mr Iemma said the Centre would also focus on helping young talent develop their musical skills.

“Slim also wanted to see the Centre develop scholarships to assist young musicians, especially indigenous talent,” Mr Iemma said.