Kempsey's Slim Dusty Centre re-opens after COVID-19 forced closure

Temporarily under the management of Kempsey Shire Council, the centre has been upgraded during the break to include accredited Visitor Information Services, a retail shop offering local products and a range of art exhibitions.

Ahead of the opening, chair of the Slim Dusty Museum Trust Fund and son of the legendary musician, David Kirkpatrick, took a tour of the space to see the latest additions to the museum.

"Back in March, we were only given 24 hours' notice to close our doors, which was a hard thing to do, especially for all the dedicated staff, many of whom had devoted a big part of their life to the centre," David said.

"We took the opportunity during the closure to improve the facility, and through a collaborative partnership with Kempsey Shire Council, we have ensured the centre will thrive in new and exciting ways.

"Significant effort has gone into getting it re-opened before Christmas, and the success is a testament to all the hard work and dedication of everybody involved."

At this stage, the council's stewardship will be for only six months; however, Slim Dusty Centre CEO, Louis Calleja, hopes the arrangement will become permanent after the trial period ends.

"Our ultimate goal is to transfer control of the Slim Dusty Centre to the Kempsey Shire Council after the end of the six months' trial," he said.

"We see the centre as a legacy project, and that legacy is safe in the hands of the council."

Kempsey Shire Council could be a permanent fixture in the future of the Slim museum, but mayor Liz Campbell says the foundation and family will remain heavily involved as well.

"Council will operate the centre in partnership with the Slim Dusty Foundation and family while we consider taking permanent ownership," she said.

"The family and the current team will continue to focus on bringing new exhibits to life, while trusting council's expertise to improve the operational management and marketing to allow the centre to reach its full commercial potential."

All options are being examined for the future, which could include transforming the space into a civic and cultural centre, something akin to the Glass House in Port Macquarie, while still retaining the permanent Slim Dusty exhibition.

"There is so much Australian culture here, the centre represents an important modern landmark in the shire and a vital link to our heritage," Cr Campbell said.

"I'm so excited by the potential that this fantastic facility holds for the entire community, and I'm looking forward to the next stage of the Slim Dusty Centre."

During the interim operating period, the Slim Dusty Centre is open from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday, the café is open from 10am to 2pm.

It will be closed on public holidays, and from Friday, December 25 to Monday, December 28.

For more information, call the Slim Dusty Centre on 6562-6533, email info@slimdustycentre.com.au or visit slimdustycentre.com.au.

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