IN good news for musicians, the Bearded Dragon at Tamborine has been granted a share of more than $2.5 million in federal government funding as part of round three of the Live Music Australia program.
Arts minister Paul Fletcher said the program would help the live music sector bounce back as Australians continued to get vaccinated and COVID-19 restrictions eased, allowing venues to begin to reopen and rebuild.
"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," Mr Fletcher said.
Wright MP Scott Buchholz said the funding would provide much-needed support for local live music and help the venue to rebuild, while also stimulating the economy and igniting excitement back into our community.
"I'm pleased to announce that the Bearded Dragon has been successful through round three of the Live Music Australia Program," he said.
"This critical funding of just over $49,000 will help the Bearded Dragon's Bandemic program expand, providing further opportunities for bands, local crews and audiences alike in Tamborine.
"I am thrilled to see this funding flow locally, to support our local bands, aspiring live entertainers and local small businesses," Mr Buchholz said.
Bearded Dragon venue manager Monique Gregory welcomed the funding.
"The team at Bearded Dragon are beyond thrilled to be able to further contribute to the music industry that is chomping at the bit to get back on stage, performing to crowds who are equally needing some light relief in this covid era.
"Tamborine, in the heart of the Scenic Rim, offers a perfect location for social distancing and the delivery of safe and much needed live music events.
"Our crew have been committed to live music over our 23 years and more recently our Bandemic programme that gave a lifeline to independent upcoming Australian local artists will certainly gain momentum now with this kick start funding and a big light to look towards as we come out of the tunnel."
The Australian government said it had invested $8 million since the start of the program, supporting more than 300 live music venues.
They said applications for round four of the program would open later this year, with funding to support venues from mid-2022 as they continue to re-establish regular programming of original live Australian music.
For the list of round three recipients and for information on how to apply for round four, visit grants.gov.au or arts.gov.au.
