Daily Archives: 25/04/2015

THE SLIM DUSTY CENTRE TO OPEN IN OCTOBER 2015 …ANOTHER “FIRST” FOR OUR AUSTRALIAN MUSIC ICON!

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The Australian legacy of Slim Dusty continues to grow with the official announcement that the nationally significant Slim Dusty Centre, incorporating the long awaited Slim Dusty Museum, will officially open in Kempsey, on the Macleay Valley Coast NSW, this October 2015. The Slim Dusty Centre will be a major “must see” attraction for national and international tourists alike.

Throughout his long and hugely successful career, this Australian music pioneer achieved so many “firsts” in the Australian entertainment industry. Even now, twelve years after his passing, the King of Australian country music is still achieving those industry breakthroughs. With the opening of the Slim Dusty Centre, Slim will become the first ever Australian entertainment artist to have a dedicated permanent museum established to celebrate his music and life story! Slim Dusty took his unique Australian country music touring show all the way from his Nulla Nulla Creek home to the cities and indeed, to every nook and cranny of this vast land, and now it is fitting that in October his show and his music return to his birthplace of Kempsey.

“We have a wealth of memorabilia and rare archival material which will be presented in a highly professional and entertaining way for visitors to see and of course, to hear. With room for the museum exhibition to expand and grow in the coming years, the displays will eventually accommodate the full collection, which is overwhelming in its breadth.” said Joy McKean, Slim’s wife and partner of more than 50 years.

Slim was closely involved in the early days of the project, and in the year he passed away, he said “Joy and I look forward to the eventual opening of a venture that will showcase not just my music and my life, but the role that Australian Country Music has played in the culture of the North Coast of NSW, and indeed, Australia. It is my hope and ambition that this Centre will show the integration of country music and the different facets of life in this country; also that it will assist young artists and musicians in their studies and careers. I believe too, that it will be of great benefit to the town of Kempsey and the district of the Macleay Valley.” – Slim Dusty AO MBE, 2003

The Centre is a contemporary, architect designed building, located on a 10 hectare site on the southern edge of Kempsey on the Macleay, and apart from the Museum exhibition, the centre, will also feature travelling exhibitions, a themed Café and commercial kitchen, visitors’ centre, as well as a retail area promoting local and regional products.

Already operating as a venue hosting a multitude of events and functions, the Centre will deliver major economic benefits to Slim’s hometown and community of Kempsey. Now after a long road of development and fundraising, a contract has been signed with museum specialists, Freeman Ryan Design, to undertake the establishment of the Slim Dusty exhibition for a public opening in October.

“The thanks truly belong to the fans, to the country music fraternity and to all Slim’s mates out there. To the many people who have stood by us on this journey and have supported the Foundation every step of the way….this is for you. The multitude of Slim Dusty fans will be thrilled to see the many displays and interactive features related to the music and touring that made Slim such an Australian icon” said Kathryn Yarnold (CEO of the Slim Dusty Foundation).

Man charged after police pursuit ends in Yass

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About 1pm, Monday April 20, police from Goulburn Traffic and Highway Patrol attempted to stop a white Hyundai Excel on The Hume Highway at Goulburn.

The driver allegedly failed to stop and a pursuit was commenced, however, was terminated due to safety concerns.

About 2pm, police from Yass Traffic and Highway Patrol attempted to stop the Hyundai in Yass, however, the driver allegedly failed to stop and a second pursuit was commenced.

During the pursuit, police successfully deployed a tyre deflation device on the Hume Highway about 10km south of Yass, and the car was stopped.

The driver of the car, a 38-year-old man, was arrested and taken to Yass Police Station.

He was charged with a number of offences, including not stop police pursuit (Skye’s law) (x2), drive whilst cancelled (x2), use unauthorised number plate, and an outstanding warrant.

He was refused bail and will appear at Goulburn Local Court on Tuesday.

Police appeal for information regarding suspicious vehicle – Goulburn

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Police are appealing for information after a suspicious vehicle was allegedly seen following a child on their push bike in Goulburn this morning.

Shortly before 8.30am (Friday 24 April 2015), a nine-year-old boy was riding his bike to school along Kinghorne Street, when he saw a vehicle driving slowly behind him.

Officers from The Hume Local Area Command have been told the vehicle followed the boy as he continued through a number of streets, until he reached the school grounds, where it drove away toward the next intersection.

The driver did not approach the boy or attempt to speak with him.

The boy reported the incident to his principal, who promptly contacted police.

Police are continuing their inquiries into the matter and would now like to speak with a man who may be able to assist with their investigation.

The man is described as being about 40-50 years of age, medium build, brown/grey-coloured hair and he was last seen wearing a brown-coloured shirt.

The vehicle involved has been described as a large dark-coloured sedan.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has any information that could assist police, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Meanwhile, the incident has again prompted police to encourage parents to discuss the ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages with their children, including;

– Make sure your parents or another adult you know knows where you are at all times.

– Always walk straight home or to the place you are walking to. Walk near busier roads and streets, or use paths where there are lots of other people.

– Know where safe places are – a shop, service station, police station, library or school. If you are ever frightened, you should go to one of these places and ask them to call the police.

– Learn about safe adults you can look for and talk to if you need help – police officers, teachers at school, adults you know and trust.

– Don’t talk to people you don’t know and never get into a car with someone you don’t know. If a car stops on the side of the road and you don’t know the person inside, do not stop.

– If you are scared and can use a phone, call 000 and tell them you are scared.

– If someone tries to grab you, yell out, ‘Go away, I don’t know you’. This lets other people know you have been approached by someone you don’t know.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.