With Slim’s wife, Joy McKean, watching on, accomplished whip maker Richard Taubman showed the 60-strong crowd how to crack a whip, not just any old whip, but a 66 foot long whip made of one-and-a-half bull hides and weighing 17kg.

Mr Taubman said the whip doesn’t have a practical use, but is instead used to draw a crowd and generate interest in other leather products that he sells.

Following Richard’s demonstration, spectators were given the chance to crack the giant whip, which proved a slightly more difficult proposition than some may have first thought.

Musicians Dianne Lindsay and Peter Simpson also entertained the crowd. 

Slim Dusty Centre manager Michele Atkinson said the event was one of several throughout the year where the community can participate and enjoy the facilities.

“It’s a bit of a coup for the centre (having Joy and Richard here),” Mrs Atkinson said.

“The event fits the theme of the Slim Dusty Centre and it’s an opportunity for the community to get involved.”

Ms McKean said the event was something special.

“Slim and I first met Richard when he was an 18-year-old, down at Young,” Ms McKean said.

“We met Richard’s mentor Syd Bayliss, who taught him everything.

“He even taught him how to make a whip if he was stuck in the bush with only a rifle and a knife, from killing the roo to get the leather through to making the whip itself.

Ms McKean said a whip made by Richard is kept inside the centre and it has the dates of Slim’s birth and passing platted into the handle.

Gerry Harvey previously bought another of Richard’s whips for $25,000, with the money going to charity.

Mr Taubman, who hails from Murringo, said he was enjoying his first time in Kempsey and was looking forward to Ms McKean taking him on a guided tour of the Slim Dusty Centre.

“It’s great, usually we’re further inland,” Mr Taubman said.

Mr Taubman said having known Slim and Joy for so long, the Slim Dusty Centre is close to his heart.

Mr Taubman said when he first met Slim and Joy, he had wanted Slim to write a song about the man who taught him the trade Syd Bayliss.

“I’ve also written a book about Syd called One of the last.

“A copy is kept in the centre and it’s now in it’s 8^th edition, so it’s doing quite well.”