Key music fests get cash support

TWIN iconic multiday events, the Meredith Music Festival and the Golden Plains Festival, are set to benefit from a Federal Government grant program.

Organisers of the dual festivals are getting just over $650,000 from the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand Fund, or RISE, which will go towards a return of the events in 2021 and 2022.

Last year’s Meredith Music Festival was cancelled due to COVID, and while the 2020 Golden Plains Festival went ahead, the 2021 edition was also put on hiatus.

If it can go ahead the 2021 edition of Meredith, which normally takes place in December, will be the event’s 30th anniversary.

Likewise, the Golden Plans Festival is set for a milestone with 2022 marking 15 years since the first event in 2007.

Along with Meredith and Golden Plains, the Lorne Sculpture Biennale and Geelong’s Museum of Play and Art also received money from the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand Fund.

“Demand for RISE funding has been significant since it opened last year,” said Paul Fletcher, Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts.

“The latest funding will be allocated immediately to create more than 56,000 employment opportunities across the country.

“Our commitment to these organisations will play an important part in rebuilding our local arts and entertainment sectors, and will assist in the long-term sustainability of cultural and creative organisations.”

Independently run, both the Meredith Music Festival and the Golden Plains Festival are held on private property west of Meredith in a natural amphitheatre by a group known as Aunty Meredith.