Thanking him on behalf of the Slim Dusty Foundation, Slim’s widow, Joy McKean said:
‘We would like to express publicly our deep appreciation of the wonderful contribution offered to the Slim Dusty Centre by Phil Lahey — who has undertaken its project management as a total donation of his time and expertise.

‘This means we are moving forward with the development application and the establishment of the Centre with renewed confidence and optimism.

‘Our thanks go to Phil who is expressing his support in a down to earth and practical way.’ 

Explaining his generous offer, Phil Lahey was quick to express his long-time admiration of Slim and Joy:
‘They are icons of Australian country music and now that I have met Joy, I understand better how Slim became a legend.

‘The centre will be not only a testament to Slim but also to Joy.

‘My role in the project is overshadowed by the contributions of those that came before me and who are still currently involved in the process,’ he said.

‘I would like to make special mention of the work done by Kathryn Yarnold. If this project becomes reality — and it is my firm belief that it will — it will be due in no small part to her enthusiastic efforts.

‘I would also like to acknowledge the role Mike Dutton from Dutton Engineering Excellence (DEX) made before my own involvement commenced. As a contracted consultant on the civil and ecological sides of the project, he has been a driving force behind our efforts.

Schreiber Hamilton Architects from Newcastle have been selected as the designers of the proposed centre on the new South Kempsey site. The concept design that will be on display as part of the DA process, will confirm that the correct selection was made and that the building will be an Australian Architectural landmark.

‘As many people would know, there has also been a lot of effort put in by many local Kempsey people to help make this dream a reality.