With many regional communities coming to terms with the impacts of the devastating bushfires over many months, there are important initiatives underway to ensure the music and creative sector as well as tourist and hospitality industries are supported to get back on their feet.
Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants
Councils are encouraged to apply for their share of $10m in Federal Government grants when applications open on Monday 17 February.
The Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants program has two funding streams.
The first – aimed at local government authorities and regional tourism organisations – will support events, concerts, festivals and visitor attractions in fire affected regions to assist with recovery efforts and encourage international and domestic visitors to return.
The second stream will target the worst affected tourism regions and is open to applicants identified by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), in conjunction with the National Bushfire Recovery Agency.
Applicants for stream one can apply for up to $30,000 in funding per applicant, and are strongly encouraged to partner with other eligible organisations in their region to lodge joint applications.
More details are available here, or by calling Austrade on 1800 048 155 or email rtbr@austrade.gov.au.
In Victoria
Bushfire Recovery Regional Events Fund Open For Business
The Bushfire Recovery round is open until 27 March with grants of up to $20,000 available for eligible events, and applications will be assessed as they are submitted. The general Regional Events Fund remains open to applications from across the state.
In addition to the Bushfire Recovery events support, the Labor Government is backing the regional tourism industry and local communities with a range of initiatives, including:
- Up to $2 million in marketing to be delivered by Visit Victoria to encourage travel in regional communities.
- Business & Sport for Bushfire Recovery, a program which has seen 215 organisations pledge to hold conferences and events in regional Victoria
- Grants of $200,000 for each of Tourism North East and Destination Gippsland.
For information on Regional Events Fund applications, go to http://www.corporate.visitvictoria.com/events/regional-events
In NSW
Tourism Recovery Package
The NSW Government’s Tourism Recovery package is a multi-faceted program that will encourage visitation to NSW, fund new local events and assist tourism businesses to develop, promote and sell their tourism products.
The package includes a $1 million regional events program to support flagship events and a new stream of micro events. More information will soon be made available on this program.
For more information visit the Destination NSW Website
Survey: Shoalhaven, Illawarra and Shellharbour Bushfires Impact 2020
The Live Music Office are seeking information on how the creative community has been impacted by the recent bushfires. If you are professional musician, artist, a venue or agent, a creative business, museum, gallery or collective living or operating in the Shoalhaven, Shellharbour or Illawarra areas and have suffered direct impact from the bushfires we want to hear from you.
See Survey Link to Shoalhaven, Illawarra, and Shellharbour Bushfires Impact 2020
Support
• Support Act Wellbeing Helpline – 1800 959 500
• Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511
• Lifeline – 13 11 14
If you or your family and community have been affected by the fires, and are experiencing mental, physical, aged care or other health issues, visit the Australian Government Bushfire Information and Support website
Help for Australian bushfire affected businesses – This page provides information and support for Australian businesses who have been affected by the recent bushfires.
Music Industry
APRA AMCOS is providing support for members and licensees – see link Members can talk to them about how they might be able to offer support. Theres a dedicated phone line in case members need assistance. Please call on 02 9935 7879 between 7.00am and 7.00pm AEDT.
