One of Australia’s most historic companies is this month marking 50 years of Australian craftsmanship at its home in Kempsey, New South Wales, with local celebrations and a limited-edition heritage hat.
Update - October 21. The limited edition Slim Dusty hat has sold out.
Akubra’s origins date back to 1876 when Benjamin Dunkerley established Kensington Hat Mills in Tasmania, and after decades based in Sydney, then owners the Keir family relocated to Kempsey in October 1974.
Kempsey is famously the home of Australian country music icon Slim Dusty AO MBE, and to mark the anniversary Akubra is producing 200 limited edition ‘Slim Dusty’ hats – the style worn by the local legend and ARIA hall of famer.
“Kempsey holds a special place in the heart of Australia as the home of Akubra and has played a key role in producing an icon that has come to represent the Australian identity worldwide,” said Akubra CEO Natalie Culina.
“For more than four decades, this community has been the lifeblood of Akubra’s production and there’s no better way to pay homage to Akubra’s Kempsey origins, than to recognise another Kempsey legend and create a wearable piece of Australian history” she said.
Akubra was acquired by Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s private investment group Tattarang 11 months ago.
Dr Andrew Forrest AO said he remains committed to preserving the process, knowledge and spirit of Akubra developed over many generations.
“What better way to celebrate one of Australia’s most iconic products than with a tip of our hat to our most iconic country music star,” he said.
“We will continue to make Akubras the traditional way, handmade in Australia, with a manufacturing process that passes through dozens of pairs of hands.”
Nicola Forrest AO said Tattarang is investing in future career pathways in Australian craftsmanship.
“Companies like Akubra are the backbone of regional communities and we are committed to creating employment and training opportunities and doing our part to help support vibrant regions,” Nicola said.
“I grew up in regional New South Wales and my family and I have worn Akubras all our lives. There is no better place for Australia’s most iconic hat to be made than by the proud and skilled craftspeople in the Macleay Valley.”
While the 162-step production process remains unchanged, the business has recently invested in new machinery to support production, which will arrive early next year. As a major employer for the region, Akubra will continue its focus on creating new jobs and training opportunities for future craftspeople.
About The Slim Dusty hat
With only 200 hats handcrafted, this release is set to become an instant collector's item for fans, adventurers and style icons alike. The meticulously designed hat honours two giants of Australian culture – Slim Dusty, the King of Country, and Akubra, celebrating 50 years of handcrafting iconic hats in South St Kempsey. Each hat proudly bears the special inscription: “50 Years of Handcrafting Akubra Hats in South St Kempsey”, a testament to half a century of timeless craftsmanship and is marked with its exclusive edition number – from 01 of 200 – making every piece a unique tribute to Slim Dusty’s legendary life and music. Each hat is also accompanied by a hand-signed note from Slim Dusty’s daughter, Anne Fitzpatrick, adding a heartfelt connection to the Dusty family legacy. Slim’s treasured Akubra collection can be seen at the Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey, which offers visitors an insight into Slim’s life. The Akubra was so intrinsic to Slim Dusty’s identity that he was granted permission to keep his hat on when he met and performed in front of Queen Elizabeth II in Brisbane in 1982.
