Family, fans and some of the biggest names in country music enjoyed the long-awaited official opening of the Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey on Thursday.
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Radio personality Ray Hadley broadcast his 2GB program live from the centre this morning and also acted as the MC of the opening.
Mr Hadley, who has been on the Slim Dusty Foundation board for several years, was announced as an honoured patron of the Foundation in a speech by Slim’s widow Joy McKean.
“It’s a big day for the Macleay and for Kempsey,” he said of the new centre. When I found out about the plans for this centre, I joined the board. I wanted to do what I could.
“It’s absolutely magnificent. It surpasses all of expectations. It’s here now. In future years this could become the focal point of the town.”
Country singer Graeme Connors kicked off the day’s entertainment when he sang a tribute song with the West Kempsey School choir.
“I really wanted to be able to pay tribute to a great Australian artist who unified the industry and brought young and old artists together,” he said.
“He focused on telling Australian stories – that’s something I don’t think we have anymore.
“The centre is fantastic and so appropriate. I hope it’s supported and cherished by the Kempsey community.”
Slim’s daughter Anne Kirkpatrick said she considered it the “Slim and Joy Centre.”
“I’d just like to say to my brother David and my mum Joy – we made it!,” she explained.
“He’d be so amazed at all of this and the legacy he’s left. I see this as the Slim and Joy centre. It is as much Joy McKean’s as it is my dad’s.
Slim’s widow Joy McKean thanked all of the volunteers who have made the centre a reality especially Slim Dusty Foundation CEO Kathryn Yarnold.
“Thank you - this would not be possible without all of your hard work,” she said. “The team that we’ve had – I’m so proud of their dedication.”
Slim Dusty Foundation CEO Kathryn Yarnold said the centre was worth the wait.
“I’m very pleased it wasn’t raining. We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout. We’re very humbled and excited for the future,” she said.
“They’ll definitely be more to come. There is so much still in his collection that we can develop into future exhibits.
“The centre will also act as function centre so the prospects are very bright.”
Other guests at the opening included radio host Alan Jones, singers Graeme Connors, Lee Kernaghan, Troy Cassar-Daley and Adam Harvey.
