THE HON. GREG HUNT MP
Federal Member for Flinders
Minister for Health and Aged Care
THE HON PAUL FLETCHER MP
Minister for Communications,
Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Local venues across the Mornington Peninsula are getting a needed boost to promote live, original music as part of the Morrison Government’s $2.5 million third round of the Live Music Australia Program.
Two local venues have been funded as part of the third round:
- $58,925.50 has been awarded to the Pig and Whistle in Main Ridge, to host a series of original live Australian music gigs and workshops in The Shed Theatre.
- $30,390.80 was awarded to the Westernport Yacht Club for venue modifications, equipment upgrades to support, establish, and promote COVID-normal live original music.
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP said the funding will reinvigorate the local music scene as national vaccination rates continue to increase and State Government restrictions ease.
“This funding is vital to not only boost our economy, but to ensure these venues can once again provide our local communities with the social settings we’ve all missed.” Minister Hunt said.
“Local venues like the Pig and Whistle and the Westernport Yacht Club will once again be able to welcome guests to live music performances like they did before the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“With almost 70% of Australians over 16 double vaccinated against COVID-19, it is important to begin thinking about returning to COVID-normal once restrictions begin to ease.”
James McPherson of the Pig and Whistle Tavern commented that “it’s a great honour and a great opportunity The Pig & Whistle has been presented with through the support of the Live Music Australia grant through the Federal Government.”
“The funds will help us to engage with not only local artists but create touring opportunities for performers from other parts of Victoria, Australia and the rest of the world.”
“The Mornington Peninsula has an abundance of talented entertainment industry professionals – from performers, to writers, to designers, production crew and much much more.”
“This grant will help us encourage artists and provide a professional space for performers and crew to embrace the future, re-discover their purpose and work their way back into the industry.”
Vice Commodore of the Westernport Yacht Club, Adam Smith commented that “[the] Westernport Yacht Club has providing a base for the Mornington Peninsula community music scene for much of the last 20 years.”
“Covid put that on hold, but this grant will enable us bring great original Australian music back to our passionate community in person at the Yacht Club, and now for the first time we will also be able to live stream gigs to reach a much broader audience who for various reasons aren’t able to attend on the night.”
“Our project aims to maximise attendance while adhering to social-distancing requirements or norms. We will be making some modifications to our building to better utilise the outdoor space available to us on the balcony and maximise the flow of fresh air through the venue.”
“We will also improve the acoustic and lighting characteristics of the venue to enhance the artist experience and improve the experience for audiences who may be further from the stage. Most importantly, we will once again provide a stage for the best musical acts from the Peninsula and further afield.”
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the program will bring more original live Australian music to communities across the country – from pubs in the remote outback, to clubs in major capital cities.
“This funding will help the live music sector to re-emerge as Australians continue to get vaccinated and COVID-19 restrictions ease, allowing venues to begin to reopen and rebuild,” Minister Fletcher said.
“It is important that our live music sector will be primed to host performances and gigs when permitted to do so, and by supporting these local venues now, we are increasing opportunities to see Australian artists get back on stage.”
This funding brings the Government’s investment to more than $8 million since the start of the program, supporting more than 300 live music venues and the recovery and sustainability of the live music sector.
Applications for round four of the program will open later this year, with funding to support venues from mid-2022 as they continue to re-establish regular programming of original live Australian music.
The Morrison Government is investing more than $1 billion into the arts and creative sector in 2021-22.
For the list of round three recipients and for information on how to apply for round four, visit: www.grants.gov.au or www.arts.gov.au.
Media contacts:
Fletcher: Christine Byllaardt | 0409 433 357 | Christine.VandenByllaardt@communications.gov.au
Hunt: Callum Carter | 0447 696 500 | callum.carter@aph.gov.au
-ENDS-