Eight Illawarra music venues have been given a hand-out from the NSW Government as part of a multimillion-dollar Live Music Support Package.
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Anita's Theatre in Thirroul, The Servo, La La La's and the UniBar were among the 77 regional venues statewide that were impacted by COVID-19 and awarded funding.
"Live music is the beating heart of our state and this is the largest investment into grassroots live music in the history of NSW with 162 venues to receive crucial funds that will allow them to keep the doors open and get back to work putting on gigs," said Stuart Ayres, Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism.
"We know that there is a whole network of businesses and professionals that are involved in staging live music shows, and many of these venues are pillars of the 24- hour economy and critical infrastructure that allows a whole range of events and activities to take place.
"By keeping the lights on and the amps tuned, we're creating social and economic benefit for the whole of NSW, and it's amazing to see venues from Bega to Ballina receiving funding."
Eighty-five Sydney venues were also given grants.
Applications were assessed by an industry and NSW Government inter-agency panel and funding allocated based on the size of individual venues, and whether the venue operates exclusively for live music or whether live music forms a significant part of the venue operations.
Recipients can utilise funding for operational costs including but not limited to employing musicians and support crew.
The Live Music Support Package is part of a $51.5 million Tourism Support Package, providing funding to sectors engaged in the visitor economy that have been hit hardest by the pandemic.
The fund is administered by Destination NSW in partnership with Create NSW and the Office of the 24-hour Economy Commissioner.
Who received grants:
- Anita's Theatre, Thirroul
- Diamond Dogs Lounge, Dapto
- Kiama Inn Hotel
- La La La's, Wollongong
- Red Square, Wollongong
- The Servo Food Truck Bar, Port Kembla
- The UniBar, Wollongong
- The Vault, Port Kembla