The Morrison-Joyce Government is supporting the return of live music in Mallee, with two venues awarded a grant under round four of the $20 million Live Music Australia program.
Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster said the funding will provide much-needed support for local live music venues to rebuild, while also stimulating the economy and igniting the excitement back into community entertainment.
“I’m pleased to announce that through round four of the Live Music Australia Program, Murtoa Mechanics Institute have received $31,800 for Murtoa Hall to fund performances by professional musicians as well as support for an open mic program, and Halls Gap Hotel will receive $27,500 for the installation of a PA and lighting system to allow them to continually host original Australian artists,” Dr Webster said.
“This critical funding will deliver quality Australian live music into regional communities, welcoming local artists back on stage and helping venues maximise their economic recovery and sustainability.”
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the grants would bring more original live Australian music to communities by funding small-to-medium venues across the country – from pubs in country towns, to clubs and theatres in major metropolitan areas.
“Local pubs and clubs are vital to the live music economy, which is why we’re pleased to deliver $2.5 million to support 102 venues rebuild and become operational as COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease,” Minister Fletcher said.
“We want our live music venues primed to host performances, to engage and entertain audiences, and to maximise their economic recovery and sustainability.
“To date the Morrison-Joyce Government has committed more than $10 million under the program to support more than 400 live music venues get Australian artists back on stage, increase job opportunities for venue staff and help live music venues thrive again.”
Arts funding by the Morrison-Joyce Government in 2021-22 stands at more than $1 billion dollars. This is a record level of funding under any federal government, Coalition or Labor.