BALLARAT pubs, clubs and bars are petitioning the State government to save Victoria\u2019s live music scene.<\/p>\n
Strict social distancing restrictions forced hundreds of local businesses to close during the peak of COVID-19.<\/p>\n
According to the Save Our Scene petition, \u201cVictoria\u2019s famous music scene is on the brink of collapse and there\u2019s no relief in sight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur venues are being crippled by mounting debt including rent, mortgage payments, bills and insurance\u2026 without Government intervention, many of the venues you love will be forced to close their doors permanently.\u201d<\/p>\n
With support from the Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centre, the petition has gained 15,000 signatures.<\/p>\n
Ballarat\u2019s own Volta, formerly Karova Lounge, and The Eastern Hotel are advocating for Government support.<\/p>\n
Home to hundreds of local performers, The Eastern has been a live music venue for over a decade.<\/p>\n
Owners, Matthew and Chrissie Stone, bought the business just two years ago hoping to continue its legacy.<\/p>\n
But COVID-19 and social distancing restrictions have made things difficult.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve lost everything,\u201d said Mr Stone. \u201cAll us music venues, we\u2019re not here to make money, we just do it because we love music. It\u2019s ruined us all.<\/p>\n
\u201cTens of thousands of dollars we would need but there\u2019s been no feedback or advice from the government.<\/p>\n
\u201cVictoria\u2019s music industry gets more people than the grand final every Saturday night, and we don\u2019t get anything for it.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BALLARAT pubs, clubs and bars are petitioning the State government to save Victoria\u2019s live music scene. Strict social distancing restrictions forced hundreds of local businesses to close during the peak of COVID-19. According to the Save Our Scene petition, \u201cVictoria\u2019s famous music scene is on the brink of collapse and there\u2019s no relief in sight.\u201d […]<\/p>\n