Here Are The Top Ten Vic Councils That Are Waving The Flag For The Aus Music Industry

Music Victoria has this week unveiled its inagural Top Ten Victorian Councils For Music list, which recognises those who who have strived to ensure that live music and the arts are well-represented in the community. 

Metropolitan and regional councils such as The City of Ballarat, City of Melbourne, City of Port Phillip and the Moreland City Council are just a few that feature in the list. 

The criteria for selecting the councils included the development and implementation of strategic planning for contemporary music in the area, the provision of grants and other programs, curation, support and funding for local music festivals and allowing the use of council facilities for local musicians. 

See the top ten below (in alphabetical order):

City of Ballarat
City of Darebin
City of Greater Geelong
Maribyrnong City Council
City of Melbourne
Moreland City Council
Mornington Peninsula Shire
City of Port Phillip
City of Stonnington
City of Yarra 

"Congratulations to the seven metropolitan and three regional councils that have made the inaugural list," Music Victoria chair, Tim Northeast, said.

"We look forward to working with councils to help deliver more music strategies and new councils making the list in the near future."

Melbourne Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle, said its appointment in the top ten solidifies the support it has given to the city's music scene.

"We are one of the world's top music cities: it's great that Music Victoria has recognised our significant contribution to music," Doyle said.

"We provide ongoing support to the music community through a variety of grants, events such as Melbourne Music Week and our support for buskers.

"Our Melbourne Music Strategy 2014-17 promotes all elements of the city's music industry from venues and musicians to audiences, educators and producers; making an enormous economic contribution to the city by boosting tourism and attracting visitors."

Mayor for the City of Ballarat, Samantha McIntosh, was similarly thrilled about its inclusion. 

"The City of Ballarat is a long and proud supporter of the live music scene in our region and across the state, and has been working hard to ensure our city is a sustainable and innovative creative hub via initiatives such as our Live Music Strategy 2016-2021," McIntosh said.
 
"Council looks forward to seeing this dynamic sector continue to flourish."