Held at The Westin Hotel, Martin Place, the function was attended by celebrities, politicians and dignitaries with featured appearances from Alan Jones, John Singleton, Dick Smith and performances by country music stars Graeme Connors, Gina Jeffreys, Lee Kernaghan, Jimmy Little, Anne Kirkpatrick and Melinda Schneider with radio king Ray Hadley acting as emcee.

The event marked what would have been Slim Dusty’s 81st birthday which also ensured a prominent contingent of his family were in attendance with family matriarch, Joy McKean celebrating on the night.

All funds raised on the night will go towards the Slim Dusty Foundation and the Slim Dusty Centre building which will be located in Slim’s hometown

of Kempsey and will showcase

memorabilia he collected over his illustrious career.

During conversation at the event, Joy McKean expressed her happiness to Mr Bennet at his attendance and told him “it is great to see Tamworth here and the city represented, it’s always nice to see the familiar face of Tamworth”.

Comprising of dinner, cocktail drinks and an auction, the event was heralded as a success and extremely enjoyable by Mr Bennet.

“Attending the event was a great opportunity for Tamworth to again show our appreciation and thanks to Slim and his family. It was truly a great night that honoured a great man,” he said.

Tamworth residents and visitors will also have the opportunity to celebrate the music and times of Slim Dusty during the 2008 Hats Off to Country Festival with the Slim Dusty Family Reunion tour performing on Saturday, July 5 at West Tamworth League Club.

Tickets are available through the club or online at www.wtlc.com.au

The 2008 Hats Off To Country Festival will be held July 3-6 with the full program available for download by logging onto www.visittamworth.com or www.country.com.au or by visiting the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre.