TWO Hunter licensed premises have picked up federal funds to support live musicians get back in work.
The Shoal Bay Country Club and Criterion Hotel in Weston were on Friday announced as grant recipients in round three of the Live Music Australia program, a round that will distribute more than $2.5 million nationwide. The two venues - both in the Paterson electorate - will receive almost $60,000 combined.
"Shoal Bay Country Club has received $32,000 to support local live musicians and the live music industry in regional areas, and the Criterion Hotel in Weston has received $26,340 for equipment upgrades and increased programming of original music to help grow a local, sustainable live music culture," Liberal Patron Senator for the Hunter Region Hollie Hughes said.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said the program would prompt more original live Australian music in communities right across the country - from pubs in the remote outback, to clubs in major capital cities.
"This funding will help the live music sector to re-emerge as Australians continue to get vaccinated and COVID-19 restrictions ease, allowing venues to begin to reopen and rebuild," he said.
"It is important that our live music sector will be primed to host performances and gigs when permitted to do so, and by supporting these local venues now, we are increasing opportunities to see Australian artists get back on stage."
The latest round brings the Morrison government's total investment in the program to more than $8 million.
More than 300 live music venues have received financial support.
Applications for round four will open later this year.
