The Hon Tony Burke MP

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations

Minister for the Arts

Leader of the House

Dan Repacholi MP

Federal Member for Hunter

MEDIA RELEASE

17 February 2023

MUSIC FESTIVALS BIG RETURN TO RURAL AND REMOTE AUDIENCES

The Albanese Government will invest $2.5 million to help Australian music festivals recover from the pandemic, as part of the $20 million Live Music Australia program.

The 36 grants will support festivals across the country – from folk music to country, pop and rock.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said this round of funding would provide a much-needed boost to the Australian music industry following the disastrous impact of COVID-19.

“Festivals at their best are about more than just the audience and the performances. The best festivals build community that lasts long after the final set has wrapped up.

“We know the pandemic pulled the plug for festivals overnight, and they’re still a long way from recovery,” Minister Burke said.

“This support will flick the switch and help the festival industry crank the volume back up to 11.

Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi MP, said the Live Music Australia grants will entertain residents, attract visitors and benefit a wide range of local businesses.

“Festivals contribute a large part of income for many businesses within our regions and this region will benefit from this support toward Dashville Skyline Cosmic Country Weekender 2023,” Mr Repacholi said.

“The pandemic saw the cancellation of many festivals in regional and remote areas which meant that local businesses and audiences lost out.

“These grants will jumpstart music festivals again, bring community together and provide a boost to businesses in the Hunter electorate.”

Full funding details are available on GrantConnect at www.grants.gov.au and the Department’s website.