Stars Unite For National Slim Dusty Day

Some of the biggest names in Australia have got behind an industry led campaign to have an Aussie icon’s legacy celebrated on JUNE 13^th by officially recognising the day as NATIONAL SLIM DUSTY DAY.

Music historian Glenn A Baker said “Slim Dusty Day is a day to celebrate our musical heritage. Slim Dusty articulated the very essence of Australia for a great many Australians”. 

With 2013 marking the 10^th anniversary of SLIM DUSTY’s passing (19^th September 2003), identities from across Australia and around the world have united to pay tribute and support the proposed NATIONAL SLIM DUSTY DAY initiative to be declared on his birth date of June 13^th.

Stars already backing and supporting the proposal include KEITH URBAN & NICOLE KIDMAN, LEE KERNAGHAN OAM, KASEY CHAMBERS & SHANE NICHOLSON, RAY HADLEY OAM, DICK SMITH, BECCY COLE, ADAM HARVEY and Slim’s wife JOY McKEAN OAM to name but a few.

DICK SMITH, Australian Entrepreneur and Philanthropist said “I urge everyone who shares my admiration of Slim, to get behind National Slim Dusty Day, to honour the man who etched our history into song. We must ensure that the legend of Slim Dusty and his Australian story – our story – is never forgotten”.

"Slim Dusty is not only the voice of Australian Country music, but the voice of the spirit of Australia. I was honored to not only know him, but to call him a mate. We toured together, we recorded together, and I was forever changed by his passion for the music, the people, and the country he loved so much. Smart as a whip, funny as hell, as loyal as the day is long, and the perfect personification of what an Aussie is all about! Nic and I are both proud to add our voices in support of recognising June 13 Nationally, as 'Slim Dusty Day'!!!!!!"  - Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman

Australian Country Music legend LEE KERNAGHAN said, “In the steps of Banjo Paterson and Henry Lawson, Slim Dusty embedded our culture and heritage into history. For over half a century Slim touched our hearts and minds through the music he made and the life he lived. National Slim Dusty Day is a way for all Australians to come together to celebrate our musical heritage, the people’s King of Country and the everyday Australian's who make our country great”.

Now a decade since the loss of the national treasure, Australian identities have come together to voice their support of the NATIONAL SLIM DUSTY DAY to ensure his musical legacy continues to be recognised annually.

Australians are asked to register their support seeking the favourable consideration of the Australian Government to mark Slim's birthday as "National Slim Dusty Day". To show your support, please click on the following link:

http://slimdustycentre.com.au/signupforslim.htm

The petition is hosted by The Slim Dusty Centre, a unique community project with national significance, primarily developed as a living museum, governed by a Trust Fund and designed to showcase over 60 years of recording, performing and touring by Slim Dusty and preserving the valuable Dusty Family collection gathered from Australia throughout his lifetime.

In support of the National Slim Dusty Day initiative and to assist in the fund raising program for the Slim Dusty Foundation, the stars of country music have come together for a special event called – THE SLIM DUSTY BIRTHDAY BASH.

This event will be held at Rooty Hill RSL Club on Slim’s Birthday, Thursday 13^th June. Corporate tables and seats for the general public will be on sale from Rooty Hill RSL as of Monday 13^th May. Tickets start at $120 and include a 2 course dinner and drinks. Entertainment will be provided by Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson, Lee Kernaghan, The McClymonts, Adam Harvey, The Wolfe Brothers and The Adam Eckersley Band.

Slim Dusty Voted in the Top 40 Australian Singers of all Time

Slim Dusty has been voted in Australia's Top 40 singers of all time (#37) by a panel of Australian singers and musicians commissioned by News Ltd.

As Lee Kernaghan notes simply, Slim Dusty is "the king of country." Troy Cassar-Daley agrees. "He is simply the voice of Australia and that’s a fact. He is the King of all Country singers here in Australia and to me the father of country music. When Slim sang the whole of Australia listened!"

What a wonderful acknowledgement to a fine singer, musician, entertainer and all-round top bloke.

See the full article here: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/music/john-farnham-tops-the-list-of-australias-greatest-singers-of-all-time/story-e6frf9hf-1226610374225

Special Matching Offer - Become a Mate of Slim Dusty TODAY!! (Friday 11th January)

WONDERFUL NEWS!!!! This morning, Patron of the Slim Dusty Foundation, Dick Smith, announced that today, he would match all $50 memberships made to become a "Mate of Slim Dusty" to help support the Slim Dusty Centre!

So come on, everyone,...be a mate, and please join the "Mates of Slim Dusty Membership Muster". The matching offer is for TODAY ONLY!! Please pledge your $50 membership, that has great benefits for our members, by going to the Slim Dusty Foundation website: www.slimdustycentre.com.au or call 1800 18SLIM or (02) 6562 6533 or email kathryn.yarnold@slimdustycentre.com.au and be A MATE TODAY!

View the advertisement featuring The Wiggles, Dick Smith and Rolf Harris by clicking on the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQOEhRYMybg&feature=youtu.be

A must see concert at the 2013 Tamworth Country Music Festival!

At 11am on Wednesday January 23 there will be a special one-off Slim Dusty Tribute concert held at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre (TRECC). The official ALL FOR SLIM tribute concert will featured the return of The Slim Dusty Family plus some special guests performing many of Slim’s classic songs in this unique, not-to-be-missed Festival event.

Tickets are $35 (which includes gst & booking fee) and available in person from the Tamworth Tourism Centre, or online via www.visittamworth.com.au. All profits from this tribute concert will go towards supporting the great work of the Slim Dusty Foundation.

Catch Joy on her Book Signing Tour!

Tomorrow Joy McKean is venturing on a book signing road trip for the release of the Travelling Still Edition of "I've Been There and Back Again". Celebrating a lifetime of travel with husband Slim Dusty, this special edition contains additional songs, stories and photos.

See Joy at one of the book signing event dates below:

Fri November 30th: 1pm: Hurstville Library – short talk, Q & A, and signing books.

Mon Dec 3rd: 10 am: Scone - "Hunt a Book"

Tues Dec 4th: 10am: Armidale – Dymocks

Wed Dec 5^th: 10am: Dymocks – Event at Toowoomba Library – talk, Q & A, signing (sorry, booked out).

Wed Dec 5th: 2pm: Ipswich – Angus & Robertson book store.

Thurs Dec 6th: 5:30pm–7pm: Lismore Book Warehouse

Fri Dec 7th: 3pm: Taree Manning Valley Books

Sat Dec 8th: 11am: Raymond Terrace – Sunset Books & Music

Sat Dec 8th: 4pm: Umina – Book Bazaar

Visit us on Facebook

Yes, we have joined the population and set up a Slim Dusty (Official) Facebook page! Growing each day, the page is full of Slim's fans with a wealth of knowledge on his music from across the decades. Photos, videos and news is posted regularly so be sure to join the conversation and "Like" Slim Dusty on Facebook. Quick link is in the top left hand corner of this page - click now.

Become a Mate of Slim Dusty

Here's your special invitation to become a Mate of Slim Dusty and help support the Slim Dusty Centre in Slim's hometown by joining the membership muster.

For $50 you can become a "Mate of Slim Dusty". Member benefits include membership card and certificate, invitiations to priority booking for events, newsletters, an exclusive fridge magnet and more.

Slim’s connection to his fans and the Australian bush he loved, was rewarded with a swag of awards and acknowledgements. However, one of the things he valued the most, was the mateship he and his family shared with fans and friends from all over the world. The word "Mate" goes hand in hand with Slim’s identity.

The Slim Dusty Centre is built in Slim’s birthplace of Kempsey, NSW. Slim saw the Centre as his way of giving back to his hometown in the knowledge that it would assist with economic and social benefits throughout the rural stretches of the region, and indeed, Australia. It will be a major iconic cultural tourist attraction, and will house the treasured Slim Dusty collection, for the enjoyment and education of our future generations. Also a venue for Travelling Exhibitions, Conferences and Functions, this multipurpose facility will accommodate a café, retail area, and a national stage for showcasing regional art and culture.

The Slim Dusty Centre building has been completed, however funds are still required to undertake the final stage of road work for access to the site and the all-important exhibition fit out of the displays that will be the heart and soul of the Slim Dusty Centre.

Check out the TV advertisement featuring Rolf Harris, Dick Smith and The Wiggles!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQOEhRYMybg&feature=youtu.be

For more information follow the link: http://www.slimdustycentre.com.au/SDM_Members_Form.pdf

New Release Product: Slim Dusty Classic 5 Album Sets

A stunning range of Slim Dusty 5CD sets are available now from stores across Australia including JB HI FI, Sanity, Leading Edge Music and online at iTunes. Great music at a great price. The best way to complete your collection across the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's.

Here's the breakdown of albums in each set:

Slim Dusty 1990 Classic Albums: Coming Home, Ringer From the Top End, Natural High, Country Way of Life, '99

Slim Dusty 1980's Classic Albums: The Man Who Steadies the Lead, Where Country Is, On the Wallaby, Stories I Wanted to Tell, Cattlemen From the High Plains and Other Places

Slim Dusty 1970's Classic Albums: Songs from the Land I Love, Live At Tamworth, Lights on the Hill, Things I See Around Me, Walk a Country Mile

Slim Dusty 1960's Classic Albums: Songs for Rolling Stones, Songs of Australia, Australian Bush Ballads and Old Time Songs, Songs from the Cattle Camps, Cattle Camp Crooner

Visit our SHOP now to order your own copy.