Tourism information officer Charlie Winter said they were seeking funding to complete a feasibility study to create the Slim Dusty Way that would join the late country music star’s hometown with the ‘home’ of country music in Tamworth.

At the meeting were a number of stakeholders including Katherine Yarnold from Kempsey (she is heading up the Slim Dusty building in Kempsey), Rebel Thompson (Tamworth), local businesswoman Toni Heaney and deputy mayor Kevin Ferrier.

“We hope to get $20,000 funding for the study from the Hastings, Tamworth Regional, Kempsey and Walcha councils,” Mr Winter said.

“The venture would increase visitations to Walcha through the east-west road system and it’s an example of tourism working with a bigger regional focus.

“The Slim Dusty Way will join the country music capital with his birth place. All the things Slim sang about are here in the region - there’s a lot of attachment here. It’s believed he had one of his first performances here in Walcha.

“In the long term it will be a great thing because it could double visitation to the town on the Oxley Highway.

“We are hoping to get the study done in a few months as the next round of funding for regional partnerships is coming up soon.”

Mr Winter resigned from the committee at the meeting, as he will be leaving the Walcha Visitor Information Centre to take up a new position as a ranger with the National Parks and Wildlife Service in Armidale.

“This Friday will be my last day here at the Visitor Centre,” Mr Winter said.

“Thanks to everyone who over the last six or so years of working (in one way or the other) together, helped to push tourism forward. I have enjoyed my time as Walcha tourism officer and have learnt a great deal.”