Dear Members and Subscribers,

It’s been great to see Victorians out there enjoying a COVID-safe summer: seeing our favourite artists again, going back to our local venues, seeing shows at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, or maybe the Malthouse Outdoor Stage. Unfortunately though, the challenges for the music sector are still immense.
 
In addition to venues operating at a significantly reduced capacity, border closures have been directly impacting our national touring networks - leading to cancellations, exhausting reworking and financial hardship.
 
It was encouraging to see Minister Pearson and Minister Foley announce $8million in grants targeting the music industry. Reading the recipient list of worthy venues, artists and industry workers was truly heart-warming. We thank the State Government for their support so far which is now around $25million for the music sector specifically.


Pictured (L-R): Ella Hooper, Isaiah Firebrace, Martin Foley and Danny Pearson

This came days after the sad news that The Lomond Hotel in Brunswick was not able to host live music in their car park. This important case has highlighted some of the problems that exist in the planning scheme. Music Victoria has been in discussions with the venue, local government, state government and regulators in the planning department with the hope to introduce the ability
for live music events to be included as part of the outdoor dining exemptions, without compromising the amenity of residents.
 
On a federal level, there is the looming conclusion of Job Keeper and we are working with national colleagues to advocate for this to be extended for the contemporary music and event sector which is still an industry in crisis.

Stay safe,
The Music Victoria Team