Call out for live music events to boost flood recovery

By Anna McGuinness

Jan 27, 2023

Event opportunity: The Cat Empire performs at December’s Emerge concert in Shepparton. Photo by Monique Preston

The Victorian Government is funding a series of live music events to give flood-affected communities a boost and has put the call out to industry partners who want to be involved.

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The $1 million program builds on the Emerge concert headlined by The Cat Empire in Shepparton in December, which was backed by the government in partnership with GOTAFE.

The free event also featured local acts DRMNGNOW, JB and Me, BricKy B and Tenielle McKenzie, and aimed to reconnect the community after a difficult time and give local businesses a boost.

“We know recovery is about more than just bricks and mortar, it’s about supporting local communities to come together — this live music program will provide Victorians who have done it tough an opportunity to do just that,” Creative Industries Minister Steve Dimopoulos said.

“Regional communities are the backbone of Victoria — these music events will help bring people together after such a difficult time, and we’re proud to back flood-affected communities to stage events with some of Victoria’s top talent.”

Music Victoria is helping to deliver the program and is putting the call out for ideas from affected communities for exciting events to re-ignite tourism and reunite towns.

“Music can provide relief and inspiration — we look forward to working with those impacted, enabling them to create gigs at a scale and timeline that works best for their community,” Music Victoria chief executive Simone Schinkel said.

Music Victoria will work with local partners to deliver the events with a focus on providing job opportunities for local talent and industry workers, and help live music venues get back on their feet.

Venues, event presenters and artists in flood-affected areas are being encouraged to contact Music Victoria at info@musicvictoria.com.au to discuss being part of the program.