Construction Begins on Slim Centre

14th July, 2010

Media Release Courtesy of Mid-Coast Observer

Story Jarrod Lipscopmbe

The roof and conrete slab are expected to be in place at the Slim Dusty Centre within the next month. Work has been progressing well - when it hasn't been raining - and all the external walls are now in place.

Slim's daughter Anne Kirkpatrick visited the Slim Dusty Centre site this month and was thrilled with the progress. "To see the representation of the last eight year's hard work coming to fruition is a big thrill" she said. "The size and scale of the building let alone what is going to be inside it is quite impressive."

Mrs Kirkpatrick said thare had been many hurdles to overcome, but everyone had kept the faith. "My dad would be just so thrilled to know it is finally going to happen. He and mum were both working towards this before he passed away," she said. "Dad wanted to give something back to the people of the Macleay and it was his dream to see this become a reality. The people in Kempsey, our Board and the Slim Dusty Foundation run by Kathryn Yarnold have all worked so hard and have been fantastic."

Slim's wife Joy, visitied the Centre on Wednesday last week and was overwhelmed. "I wish Slim was here to see this," she said. "The realisation of a dream and so many years of hard work is amazing."

Slim Dusty Foundation CEO Kathryn Yarnold said wet weather had delayed the project. "So far we have lost six weeks due to wet weather," she said, "but I tend to pinch myself, after so many years, to see it taking shape - it's very rewarding."

Completion of the Centre to lock-up stage is expected by the end of the year. The internal fit-out of the Centre will then start, with the memorabilia collected by Slim throughout his lifetime being installed for exhibition.

Museum displays will aim to showcase the life of Slim Dusty and the Values Slim held as he travelled the land singing about his country.

(L-R) Slim Dusty Foundation CEO Kathryn Yarnold, Slim Dusty Foundation Director Anne Kirkpatrick and Daughter Kate Arneman.

(L-R) Slim Dusty Foundation Director Steve Read, Slim Dusty Foundation CEO Kathryn Yarnold, Slim Dusty Foundation Chairperson Joy McKean and Slim Dusty Foundation Director Kevin Farrawell.

 
For information regarding the Slim Dusty Foundation and its aims, please contact
Kathryn Yarnold, CEO on (02) 6562 6533
Or Phone 1800 18 SLIM, or visit the website at www.slimdustycentre.com.au