Two venues on the Peninsula have received thousands of dollars in funding to support their live music ventures.
Both the Hardys Bay Community Club and the Link and Pin Café in Woy Woy received $7,500 each as part of the State Government’s Live Music Support Package.
Owner of the Link and Pin Café, Mark Fraser, said he thinks the grant is a great initiative for local venues to get involved with.
“We are very happy to be one of the recipients of this grant,” Fraser said.
“Live music is pretty much our main staple – we put on four events a week and so this funding will allow us to build a PA system and provide a better experience for both punters and performers.
“Having this government support is invaluable … every little bit helps.”
Committee member of the Hardys Bay Community Club, John Brown, said the Club was thankful for the funding after experiencing a tough time through COVID-19.
“It’s going to have a big impact – we haven’t been able to pay our performers since COVID-19 – we didn’t have any money, it was shut for four months,” Brown said.
“And since, the bands have been surviving on tips and free drinks and food.
“People at the club have been generous in giving tips, but obviously it’s not enough to live on.
“We will use the money to pay bands and reward them … we’ll also be able to have bigger ticketed events.”
Applications were assessed by an industry and NSW Government inter-agency panel, with funding allocated based on the size of individual venues, and whether the venue operates exclusively for live music or whether live music forms a significant part of the venue operations.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the venues are among the 77 regional venues to receive a cash boost.
“COVID-19 had a significant impact on every single business, but the pandemic has particularly devastated the live music industry,” Crouch said.
“Without a stage to perform on and audiences to entertain, there are no artists and support teams, so the Live Music Support Package is a lifeline for tens of thousands of people across NSW.”
A total of $150,000 was spread across the Coast with Shady Palm’s receiving $15,000 and Avoca Beach Theatre being allocated the remaining $120,000.
Maisy Rae