Hardys Bay Club has received over $15,000 to boost its live music scene thanks to a new grant under the Federal Government’s Live Music Australia Program.
The club, which relies heavily on voluntary support, received $15,296 to upgrade its lighting, PA and outdoor stage to support live music.
John Brown, a volunteer at the Club, said the grant will enable the club to host more live music outside.
“With the current COVID-19 requirements the club is restricted in the number of patrons inside the club,” Brown said.
“Hardys Bay Club will be using the grant to buy and install waterproof blinds for part of the deck area, music equipment and complete electrical works.
“The club is a prominent venue for live music on the Central Coast and normally offers live music up to three times per week.
“To run a club without pokies machines is a real struggle so our focus is on live music, events (which we do a whole range of things), working with the restaurant and the bar.
“[The grant] gives us more capacity – it allows more people to attend as we are restricted at the moment for inside numbers due to restrictions.”
Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the program is designed to help reinvigorate the live music scene as restrictions ease.
“Home-grown live music is essential to Australia’s culture, which is why it is vital we continue supporting the venues that showcase Australian
talent and support the return of our much-loved music industry,” Wicks said.
“Live music events represent more than just economic benefits to artists, venues and local tourism.
“This grant also has social and cultural benefits including artist career development, providing opportunities for nurturing culture and creativity, building community identity and emotional health and well-being.”
Brown said the Club is looking for more volunteers to sign up now that COVID-19 restrictions have eased.
Maisy Rae