After almost 15 years on the job, the Slim Dusty Centre's CEO and business development manager, Kathryn Yarnold, has resigned.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ms Yarnold has not confirmed the reasons behind her departure from the Slim Dusty Foundation board and the South Kempsey museum for which she has campaigned so tirelessly.
She finished up at the centre today (Friday, May 20).
“It has been a tremendous honour to be involved in the Slim Dusty Centre journey. I could not be more proud to be part of our dedicated team, who have worked tirelessly to bring the centre to this point.” Ms Yarnold said in a statement.
“I will mostly enjoy spending time with my family, and working around my little farm for a while.”
Slim Dusty's wife, and chair of the Slim Dusty Foundation Board, Joy McKean thanked Ms Yarnold for her dedication to the Slim Dusty Foundation and the centre at South Kempsey.
“As chair of the Slim Dusty Foundation Board, I want to acknowledge Kathryn’s unstinting dedication and resolve to help bring to fruition the establishment of the Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey," she said.
"She has been an inspiration to her staff and the local community. All members of the board, past and present, owe her a debt of gratitude and we wish her all the best for her future."
Slim Dusty's son, Dr David Kirkpatrick said the centre is "currently restructuring internally".
"The recruitment process is underway to continue the progress made in past years," he said.
Looking forward
Ms McKean said despite Ms Yarnold's departure from the centre, it continues to "trade better than expected."
"After just seven months in operation, the Slim Dusty Centre continues to trade with better than expected results and is already attracting the interest of international tourism managers," she said.
"This is in addition to visitors coming from every state in Australia, to make the pilgrimage to this iconic attraction in Slim Dusty’s home town of Kempsey, NSW.
"So many say they are coming back and recommending the centre to their friends and family to come to visit.
"While the museum is the main draw-card, the Nulla Gallery that hosts travelling exhibitions and also Dusty’s Dinner Camp Café, are growing in popularity as word gets out that the centre is a multi-purpose community facility."
