The Hall of Fame plan has been put together by the Australian Country Music Foundation (ACMF) with funding support from Museums & Galleries NSW.

The current Hall of Fame has been developed in smaller leased premises in Tamworth’s central business district and the need for additional space is urgent. The current building, the city’s former Mechanics’ Institute, is almost literally bursting at the seams.

Together with the space needed for collections, we also desperately need more room for our exhibitions. This January, for example, we expanded our hall of fame displays to more than 40, but there are stories to tell of hundreds more performers, musicians and songwriters in Australian country music.

Add to this the entire history of country music in Australia since early last century and the need for a major Australian country music museum becomes apparent.

We also have important recognition schemes like the Hands of Fame and Country Music Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame to highlight.

And the many significant country music events which have taken place over the last 70 years or so.

Not to mention the history of country music recording and the music industry over the years.

And the exciting developments of new stars in our country music history being made today.

The Australian Country Music Hall of Fame is the one main collection point for all of this history and a place for much of it to be displayed to fans, the industry and general public.

SO WHAT IS THE HALL OF FAME GOING TO BE?

The Australian Country Music Hall of Fame is the one main collection point for all of the collection, protection and showcasing of Australia's rich country music heritage and history.

The plan allows for a building with space for

• collection storage and workspace
• exhibitions
• reference and study libraries
• performance theatre
• meeting rooms
• merchandising and administration areas