'Amplifying Voices': The Inaugural Regional & Remote Music Summit A Success

This week, the first-ever Regional and Remote Music Industry Summit, held at the Vibe Hotel in Darwin/Larrakia Land, went down as a success.

Over three days (7-9 August), industry figureheads, professionals, and artists worked to amplify the voices of Australia’s music storytellers living in remote and regional communities. These communities represent 28% of the country’s population and are home to seven million people who aren’t always heard.

While the first day of the Summit included an NT music industry roundtable that opened up discussions of what was to come, the last day came with a major keynote speech delivered by Michael Chugg AM. Pulling from five decades of service to Australia’s music industry, Chugg shared stories from the road before the day went on to host some panels and workshops.

Another highlight was the second day when Griffith University’s Dr Ben Green gave a keynote speech about the “significant, and often surprising, statistical trends” that affect regional musicians. Later that day, the Summit hosted the Future Of Festivals Workshop, encouraging delegates to think positively and stay future-focused.

A full report of the Summit’s findings will be released in the coming weeks.

Out of the inaugural instalment of the Regional and Remote Music Industry Summit came the agreement that the event shouldn’t be a one-off but an annual meeting that takes place in a different region, as showcased by the announcement that it would go to New South Wales next year.

In a statement, MusicNT’s Mark Smith said of the event, “This Summit has amplified the voices of those living and working in regional and remote areas, providing the visiting industry with unique insights into the realities of regional music from the people who live and breathe it every day.”

Smith continued, “This Summit was created with the hope that it could become an annual event that shifts the focus off the highway onto what’s happening in the regions and how it can be supported.

“Each year, moving to a different region in the country will provide them with the space and opportunity to tell their stories and share their music cultures. Starting this journey in the Northern Territory is an honour, and we look forward to continuing to support a place for discussion on the importance of regional music.”

The NT Minister for the Arts, Chansey Paech, added, “Music plays a crucial role in the lives of Territorians and all Australians. Music allows us to share our stories and draw closer to each other. It allows us to revel in our wins and commiserate in our losses. Music is a cultural powerhouse but also a key driver of our economy. It impacts our hospitality and tourism sectors and enlivens our nighttime economy.

“Our government is committed to giving our musicians the tools they need to succeed and keep growing the live music sector. I am incredibly proud that Darwin hosted this year’s Regional and Remote Music Summit, and I cannot wait to come down to New South Wales when it is hosted there next. The Labor Governments of the Northern Territory and New South Wales will always back our artists, and this Summit is proof of our commitment.”