The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

Slim Dusty Heritage Centre

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, today announced funding of $0.5 million towards the construction costs of the Slim Dusty Heritage Centre in Kempsey, New South Wales.

The Centre will house a museum about the life and work of Slim Dusty and include a gallery, concert facility, exhibition space, conference and seminar facilities and a recording studio.

“The Slim Dusty Heritage Centre will be a tribute to one of Australia’s most prolific and best selling recording artists,” Senator Kemp said.

“The Centre will improve access to, and participation in, cultural activities for people living in regional Australia.

“It will also boost tourism to the Kempsey area and provide employment opportunities in the region.”

The multi-purpose nature of the facility will benefit a wide range of groups within the community who can use it for staging cultural activities that build community identity and promote participation in the arts.

“The Slim Dusty Heritage Centre will be a constant and fitting reminder of Slim’s contribution to Australian music,” Senator Kemp said.

The total cost of the project is more than $12 million with state and local government funding and private sector support being sought for the remaining cost of the project.

This funding fulfils the Prime Minister’s July 2004 commitment that the Australian Government would provide $1.5 million for the Slim Dusty Heritage Centre. The remaining $1 million is being provided through the Transport and Regional Services portfolio Regional Partnerships Program.

10 May 2005

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