The Victorian Government will help to deliver a series of live music events to reignite tourism and reunite communities in flood-affected regions.
Through the Australian state’s music industry body, Music Victoria, the initiative will feature large and small events to bring a boost to morale and local businesses. The scheme builds on the government-backed Emerge concert held in Shepparton last December in partnership with education provider, GoTafe.
The government is set to provide A$1m (£575,000/€653,000/$711,000) in funding to help the events go ahead.
Locations, events and more details will be announced in the coming months, with venues, event presents and artists in flood-affected areas urged to get in contact.
Minister for Creative Industries, Steve Dimopoulos, said: “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.
“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.”
Live music events in the region would also help provide job opportunities for local musicians and industry workers.
Music Victoria chief executive Simone Schinkel added: “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.”