The centre has had its doors closed to the public for over six months due to COVID-19 restrictions and is now set to welcome visitors once again.

Temporarily under the management of Kempsey Shire Council, the centre will re-open to the public on Friday December 18 2020, for an initial six-month period.

When the centre re-opens, it will offer accredited Visitor Information Services, a range of art exhibitions, a retail shop with both Slim Dusty and other local and specialised products, a café and the Slim Dusty Museum.

Council will operate the centre for six months in partnership with the Slim Dusty Foundation while preparing a detailed business case, including operating model and business plan, with ownership of the centre potentially set to transfer to council.

Council's Director Corporate and Commercial, Stephen Mitchell, said that the opening represented another triumphant milestone in a difficult year.

"Slim Dusty is one of Kempsey's favourite sons and council has worked through significant planning and negotiations to reopen the doors in time for Christmas," he said.

"While closing was an unavoidable consequence of coronavirus, reopening the centre for both tourists and locals marks a great end to a challenging year for us all."

"Our staff have worked tirelessly with the team at the centre in recent weeks to get the building ready and introduce the new offerings to ensure the best visitor experience."

Mr Mitchell said the relocation of the Visitor Information Centre in South Kempsey to the Slim Dusty Centre will be a positive change for tourists.

"It's also a great outcome to have the Visitor Information Services at the centre which moves it closer to the highway and will also encourage visitors to have a look around the Slim Dusty Museum," he said.

During the interim operating period, the centre will be open from 10am-4pm Tuesday to Sunday, with the Café open from 10am-2pm. The centre will be closed on public Holidays, and from December 25 to 28 for Christmas.

For more information call the Slim Dusty Centre on (02) 6562 6533, email info@slimdustycentre.com.au or visit slimdustycentre.com.au

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