Home is where you hang your hat: Akubra reopens store at Kempsey workshop

The reopening of Akubra’s Kempsey store caps off the renowned brand’s 50-year anniversary of
craftsmanship at its home in Kempsey, New South Wales.

Akubra kicked off celebrations with the release of a limited-edition heritage hat that sold out in
just 48 hours.

Kempsey is famously the home of Australian country music icon Slim Dusty AO MBE, and to
mark the anniversary Akubra produced 200 now-sold-out limited edition ‘Slim Dusty’ hats – the
style worn by the local legend and ARIA hall of famer.

Local leaders, Traditional Owners and service providers today enjoyed a sneak peek of the
store, which has been shut since 2019, along with a workshop tour and morning tea.

Akubra CEO Natalie Culina said it was another sign of Akubra’s commitment to its
manufacturing heart in Kempsey.“We’re so proud to be part of this community and we wanted to make sure there was a genuine connection to locals, and a place that helps Kempsey attract tourists to the region,” Ms Culina said.

“As a major employer for the region, Akubra will continue its focus on creating new jobs and
training opportunities for future craftspeople because we know that more local manufacturing
positions will help families and this regional community thrive,” she said.

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.

Kempsey Mayor Kinne Ring welcomed the return of the Akubra store, noting how proud the
community is to host such an iconic Australian brand.

“The Akubra hat is forever linked to Australia, to Slim Dusty and to Kempsey,” Mayor Ring said.

“We are proud to be home to Akubra and it’s wonderful to see the store open again to let
Australians from all over the country visit our shire and see the amazing work done by our
incredible locals.”

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.