Kelly Dixon, Slim Dusty collaborator, to perform at Proston christmas event

Proston’s beloved resident and Australian country music legend Kelly Dixon, known for writing over 160 songs, including 40 for Slim Dusty, will take the stage at this year’s Carols in the Park this December.

Renowned country artist Kelly Dixon will attend Proston’s Carols in the Park in December.

Proston’s Carols in the Park will have a special guest this year; none other than Kelly Dixon, the 97-year-old Australian country music legend.

Dixon, who has written more than 160 songs, including at least 40 for Slim Dusty, will take centre stage on December 10 to open the community event with one of his heartfelt poems or ballads.

Festivities will begin at 4.30pm, with performances from local school students and national artists at 5pm.

Born in 1927 in the bush town of Dirranbandi, Mr Dixon’s early life as a stockman shaped much of his songwriting.

He began working at just 13 on the historic ‘Cubbie’ cattle station, and turned to bush verse as his primary form of entertainment.

Renowned country artist Kelly Dixon will attend Proston’s Carols in the Park in December. Pictures: PETER ROY

His long career in the cattle industry, which took him to iconic outback locations like Kidman Station’s ‘Bulloo Downs’ and ‘Victoria River Downs,’ provided the inspiration for many of his songs, often writing about the events and characters he encountered.

Mr Dixon’s lengthy career includes classics like Leave Him in the Longyard, Six Decks to Darwin, and his personal favorite, Dewdrops on the Bluegrass.

His collaboration with Slim Dusty produced some of Australian country music’s most well-known bush ballads, earning him recognition as one of the genre’s greatest contributors.

Proston’s Carols in the Park will take place at the Proston Platform at Railway Park on December 10, with prizes to be won and plenty of Christmas spirit to go around.

Originally published as Kelly Dixon, Slim Dusty collaborator, to perform at Proston christmas event