- Published:
- Wednesday 12 July 2023
A program of live music events will bring flood-impacted communities together as a show of strength and support, as they mark 12 months of recovery and rebuilding.
Acting Minister for Creative Industries Ben Carroll today announced more than 30 live music gigs in country pubs, regional halls and community venues across regional Victoria, through the Live Music for Flood Recovery Program.
Delivered by the Andrews Labor Government in partnership with Music Victoria, the live music feast will roll out at venues from Tallarook and Pyramid Hill, to Rochester, Euroa and more between July and October.
This follows successful events in Seymour, Shepparton, Kerang and North Wangaratta featuring the likes of Vika & Linda, Greg Champion and The Cat Empire, alongside local artists.
On Saturday 14 October, the Rochester community are invited to come together for Rochella – a family-friendly festival of live music and local food at the Rochester Recreation Reserve.
Organised by community members with support from local sporting clubs and organisations, the event is an opportunity for locals to reunite and celebrate the spirit of the Rochester community.
In the Loddon Valley, Whole Loddon Love will see Dan Kelly, Felicity Cripps Band, Queenie and Jess Parker perform over two weekends in October in local halls and hotels in Boort, Pyramid Hill, Newbridge, Bridgewater and Baringhup.
Marking the first anniversary of major flooding in Mooroopna, a showcase of Yorta Yorta artists will perform at Ngalnin Murrangurang Ganbina (We Always Rise) in Kaieltheban Park on Sunday, 15 October.
Tallarook’s historic Mechanic’s Institute will host a series of events including Deadly in the TMI, featuring Dan Sultan and Madi Colville-Walker, while Pyrenees Hideout presents Connection, with Bill Chambers, Marcus Cassells & The BAHA Collective.
More events and line-ups are still to be announced - visit musicvictoria.com.au for information.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Creative Industries Ben Carroll
“This new program of gigs and festivals will continue to bring people together to celebrate their community and provide a boost to local businesses.”
“Victoria’s flood-impacted communities have shown incredible resilience over the last year, and we have already seen in places like Seymour and Shepparton how live music events can uplift, connect and support communities as they recover.”
Quote attributable to Music Victoria CEO Simone Schinkel
“We’re so excited to see an incredible array of community-led events taking place all over the state. These events will provide a place for people to gather, reconnect and enjoy live music, which is such an important part of the recovery process for these communities.”