A report from the NSW Government shows that its three rounds of vibrancy reforms to kickstart the state’s live music sector have been successful.
The number of venues accessing its incentives and offering live music now number a record 564 – quadruple the 133 venues in March 2023.
“We always wanted live music at the centre of the night-time economy revival and I’m very pleased to see that’s what is happening,” said Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham.
The Minister went on to say that NSW has a “rich history of live music” and “We’re bringing that back as we rebuild the night-time economy from a decade of lockouts and lockdowns.
“To see the number of venues quadruple is a great sign our vibrancy reforms are working, and that there’s a great appetite for venues and fans for live music.”
Incentives included an 80% discount on liquor licensing fees for those who offered live music, and two extra hours of trading on gig nights. An extra hour every other night was given to venues in a Special Entertainment Precinct.
Live music executives agreed that the reforms made a difference.
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“After more than a decade of lockouts, restrictions and uncertainty, these reforms represent a real turning point,” remarked Tyla Dombroski, President of the Live Music Venues Alliance NSW.
“They’re creating opportunities for venues across NSW to rebuild, experiment and grow again – critical not just for operators, but for artists, crews and audiences who rely on a thriving live music ecosystem.”
Dombroski, also CEO of the Crowbar live spaces, went on to note that discounted liquor licence fees made “a real impact on our annual operating costs.” The NSW venue pays just 8.8% compared to the one in Queensland.
The changes also brought greater diversity to what music fans were being offered.
“The introduction of Special Entertainment Precincts and extended trading for live music also gives us greater flexibility to program a wider range of artists, genres and events,” Dombroski pointed out.
Mick Gibb, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said at one point venue operators put live music in the too-hard basket.
"Making it easier and more appealing for venues to program live music is an important part of strengthening the overall night time economy,” he stated. “As one piece of a bigger puzzle, live music had long been considered too difficult by many operators.
"The Vibrancy Reforms have made it possible for venues of all different shapes and sizes to add live music and performance to their offering. It encourages businesses to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving tastes and demands of patrons."
To be eligible for the benefits, businesses in metropolitan areas – including Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Wollongong – must put on at least 10 gigs a month.
According to the Government, some operators went out of their way to increase their commitment. Specifically noted were 7th Day Brewery in Brookvale which increased annual number of gigs from 80 to 300 (375% increase) and the Coledale RSL posting a 208% uptick from 72 to 150 annual gigs.
Flexibility in eligibility for venues in regional areas also worked. Of the 564 live music venues registered with Liquor & Gaming NSW, 158 are regional.
More Funding For Smaller Venues
39 small-to-medium venues across NSW share in $2.89 million towards putting on gigs. It’s the second round of the State Government’s Live Performance Venue Grant Program via the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.
Venues can start booking gigs or increase their current offering with staging and sound gear, paying acts, and marketing and promotion.
Regional
Oyster Cove Cocktail Bar, Batemans Bay – $53,789
The Commercial Hotel Boggabri, Boggabri – $80,000
Dog ‘N Bull Hotel, Bonalbo – $78,000
Braidwood Commercial Hotel, Braidwood – $80,000
Byron Bay Spirits Co., Byron Bay – $80,000
Earp Distilling Co., Carrington – $80,000
The Railway Hotel Condobolin, Condobolin – $80,000
Condobolin Sports Club, Condobolin – $30,000
Big Little Brewing, Gosford – $80,000
Rouseabout (formerly Welder’s Dog), Inverell – $80,000
Shout Brewing, Islington – $36,000
Grainfed Brewing Company, Lambton – $65,510
Bulla Creek Brewing Co., Monteagle – $60,860
South Yeast Brewing, North Nowra – $61,000
Badlands Brewery & Taproom, Orange – $70,870
Mortimers Wines, Orange – $39,257
Driftwood, Scotts Head – $69,292
The Thirsty Devil Brewery, South Albury – $66,000
Trojans Bistro & Bar, Terrigal – $73,740
Olivette, Wagga Wagga – $80,000
Scarborough-Wombarra Bowling and Recreation Club, Wombarra – $80,000
Yamba Distilling Co, Yamba – $43,000
Metro
The Mitch, Alexandria – $80,000
Blackwattle Bar + Brewery, Alexandria – $80,000
Elliott’s, Balmain – $80,000
Freshwater Brewing Company, Brookvale – $80,000
Manly Spirits Co, Brookvale – $80,000
Bundeena Bowling & Sports Club Co-op Ltd, Bundeena – $53,166
Bar 53, Canley Vale – $80,000
Cammeray Golf Club, Cremorne – $80,000
Wings and Tins, Dee Why – $63,053
Blue Mountains Gin Company, Katoomba – $76,101
Sunday Road Brewing, Kirrawee – $76,000
Leichhardt Bowling and Recreation Club, Lilyfield – $65,951
The Social Brewers, Mortdale – $80,000
Earl’s Juke Joint, Newtown – $80,000
Squinters Brewing Co, Penrith – $79,568
Sella Vinoteca, Randwick – $80,000
Zaffi Sydney, Sydney – $71,267
Four Reasons Why Sydney Clicks More Into 24-Hour Mode
Councils and associations have in the past two weeks moved further for Sydney to become a city that never sleeps.
The City of Sydney voted to move ahead with new incentives to fire up the city’s $6 billion night time economy. As it’s already outlined, late night venues in designated areas hosting live music get to trade more hours and have their capacities increased.
The State Government has to tie it off before it goes on public exhibition with the NSW Department of Planning.
Waverly Council-approved Bondi Junction trial a Special Entertainment Precinct. Venues within Syd Einfeld Dr, Hollywood Ave, and Ebley St get extended opening hours to host live music, with sound management to keep neighbours happy.
Northern Beaches Council began debating on advertising for expressions of interest to partner with it to redevelop the heritage-listed Manly Town Hall to turn it into a 350-capacity live music, 100-seat theatre and exhibitions.
The move has been spearheaded by Manly ward councillor Candy Bingham with support from Liberal state Manly MP James Griffin. Before the debate, Griffin urged Council to adopt recommendations, saying it would “attract more visitors to the area and support nearby cafés, restaurants and local retailers. This will allow us to showcase and promote the Northern Beaches’ vibrant arts and cultural scene.”
Transport For NSW (TfNSW) launched a new campaign via cinema ads, social media and station assets to let the public be aware of late night travel options as safe, reliable and affordable. It partnered with the Office of 24-Hour Economy Commission to work with venues, precincts and late night businesses to promote late night travel in their area.
After a successful 24-hour public transport during the Mardi Gras, the NSW Government is considering introducing it during major events.
This piece of content has been assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia and Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body
