Organiser of the annual Passport to Airlie competition  James Stewart Keene said there’s not enough avenues for young musicians to get a foot in the door.

Running parallel to the adult heats will be the Park Sound Factory Illawarra competition at an earlier “family-friendly” time of 6:15pm each Friday in August.

“There isn’t really a great deal of these thing happening for young bands and places to play where they get a feel for the industry,” Keene said.

“Licensed venues are well positioned to cater to families … that’s a great thing for any teenager to have the support of mum and dad in their goals and dreams.”

Keene hopes more family-friendly venues will follow suit and help foster young talent around the Illawarra and South Coast.

Bands have 20 to 25 minutes stage time and are required to play at least three original songs. Most genres accepted except heavy metal/hardcore.

The winner of the competition will win $1000 worth of studio rehearsal and recording time plus music industry mentoring.

Entries are open now for the two competition via Facebook:

Over 18s: www.facebook.com/PassportToAirlieIllawarra/ 

Under 18s: www.facebook.com/ParkSoundFactoryUnder18sBandComp/ 

Winner of the Passport to Airlie will represent the Illawarra in the national final at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, $1000 performance fee, four nights accommodation and VIP tickets to the Main Stage including food and beverage package.

The Nathan Lamont Band won the 2016 competition and went on to support The Radiators as a result.

Heat 1 August 4: 6.15pm Under 18s comp, 8.30pm Over 18s comp

Heat 2 August 11: 6.15pm Under 18s comp, 8.30pm Over 18s comp

Heat 3 August 18: 6.15pm Under 18s comp, 8.30pm Over 18s comp

FINAL August 25: 6.15pm Under 18s comp, 8.30pm Over 18s comp