PRESS RELEASE: Live music venues plea for Dan Andrews’ support
Live music venues plea for Dan Andrews’ support for $50 million to save $1.4 billion industry
When Covid-19 hit Melbourne, one of the first industries to close was live music venues. Over 6 weeks later, and tens of thousands of job losses, the local, State and Federal governments have ignored pleas for financial assistance.
Guy Palermo, the Publican of the Bendigo Hotel could see the writing on the wall and started a www.change.org petition that now has over 16,000 signatures and counting.
“If the Victorian State government invested $50 million to keep 553 venues across Melbourne and 197 venues in regional Victoria, we could keep our billion dollar industry. But right now, its looking catastrophic for most venues ” says Guy.
He has gained the support of the music industry but has been largely ignored by the City of Yarra and the Victorian State Government.
To make his industry’s voice heard, Guy has turned to Melbourne’s ubiquitous band posters to get Dan Andrew’s government to listen.
In the coming days, inner Melbourne will be plastered with eye catching posters demanding action from Dan Andrew’s Labour Government.
“Since closing our doors, music venues continue to pay rent, insurance, utilities and permits we aren’t using. On average, this costs a venue $15, 000 per month before they open their doors and pay for staff.”
Live music venues creates 42,000 jobs and contributes $1.4 billion to the Victorian economy and yet has received nothing from the State government since social distancing policies were established.
Live music venues are a major contributor to our cultural and economic life. Closures have a significant domino effect on staff, musicians, bookers, organisers; suppliers and their workers; food venues and other business that surround the venue; GST and liquor tax revenue; tourism and Melbourne’s international reputation as the music capital of the world and most liveable city.
“Melbourne’s live music venues are cultural institutions that will be hard to replace when they shut up shop. We need the support of our government if we are going to keep our status as one of the great global live music cities”.” says Guy Palmero
Live music venues are asking for the government to invest $50 million into the industry through:
0% interest rate draw down loans with repayments to start when businesses open again.
A pause on all fees, liquor licenses and permits
Stop insurance companies charging exorbitant prices for policies that aren’t being used
Assist in finding alternative uses for venue spaces during the lockdown, such as expanding that Creative Spaces initiative.
If you would like further information, please call Guy Palermo, Publican of the Bendigo Hotel on 0415 522 787.
Background
Petition details
Help live music venues survive the lockdownhttps://www.change.org/SaveMusicVenuesinVictoria
Melbourne Live Music’s contribution in 2017:
Melbourne has more live music venues per capita than any other city in the world
553 Greater Melbourne live music venues
17.5 million annual patron visits
$1.42 billions spent in small venues and at concerts and festivals
https://www.musicvictoria.com.au/assets/2018/census/MLMC%202017%20Executive%20Summary%20.pdf
The Bendigo Hotel is an iconic Melbourne venue at the heart of the hardcore rock scene. At the Bendigo, punters can see can see to local live music 5 nights a week. With a constant line-up of shows, you can pay as little as $10 to see five lively bands in a night.
Situated in inner city Melbourne, this unique heritage listed castle-esque building is comprised of 3 small social areas which revolve around and compliment one large 300 person central band room.
The building itself boasts gorgeous Art Nouveau influenced architecture by Sydney Smith & Ogg, and is now home to one of the city’s liveliest music venues. The unique untouched external aesthetic and large open air beer garden provides a unique Melbourne experience.
The poster to be plastered across Melbourne starting now of the premier Dan Andrew’s blocking his ears as he hasn’t heard our cries for help.
