Applications open tomorrow for Good Music Neighbours, an Andrews Labor Government program to help Victoria’s live music venues be better neighbours by managing the sound that goes to their local neighbourhoods.

Michaela Settle, Member for Buninyong is encouraging all local venues to apply for the program, which provides music venues with matched funding of up to $25,000 for noise management projects.

Since its introduction by the Andrews government, the program has supported more than 80 venues across Victoria, from iconic music hotspots like The Corner, The Espy and The Tote in the inner city as well as many regional venues, the program has also helped venues to host live music events and programs for the first time.

Part of the Labor Government’s $22.2 million Music Works initiative, the program has allowed venues to host more gigs to bigger audiences and increase revenue, while ensuring they uphold local noise laws and regulations.

More than 17 million people soaked up one or more of the 73,000 live music gigs in Victoria in 2017 alone, compared to 62,000 in 2012.

The Labor Government announced last year that Victoria will also stage a huge new music festival, Victoria Live, across the CBD, the suburbs and regional Victoria, this will kick off in winter 2020.

Victoria Live will showcase the best the Creative State has to offer, with free and ticketed events ranging from music to workshops and talks, great local food, wine and craft beer.

Applications for this round of the Good Music Neighbours program will open tomorrow and close on 7 March.

For more information, including full guidelines and application tips, visit creative.vic.gov.au/gmn.

Quotes attributable to Michaela Settle

 “Regional Victoria and Ballarat have a proud tradition of supporting live music – that’s why we’re keen to support venues to be better neighbours, even when they turn it up to 11.”

 “I’m encouraging all of live venues, and potential live venues, in Buninyong to apply for a grant. Live music is great for the community, great for venues, and this government’s aim is to ensure everyone has a great time, even the neighbours.”