National Music Festival headed to Mount Gambier

MOUNT Gambier has been chosen to host the third gathering of regional and remote music voices from across Australia next year.

The annual event follows the trailblazing 2024 event and the 2025 Summit in Byron Bay this week.

The Mount Gambier edition will continue the summit’s mission to champion regional music creativity, connection and collaboration and will gather artists, industry professionals, policymakers and community leaders for a rich program of panel discussions, workshops, keynotes, and live music events – all designed to amplify regional music voices within Australia’s national music industry.

South Australian Minister for the Arts Andrea Michaels said the State Government was committed to supporting the ongoing development of our local music industry.

“We want South Australia to be home to a thriving music culture including in our regions and Mount Gambier is the perfect place to host the Regional and Remote Music Conference,” Minister Michaels said.

“This event will help build upon the previous support and investment we have made to support local artists on the Limestone Coast and bring together musicians and industry professionals for important conversations about how we can best champion regional music right across the country.”

The event is supported by the South Australian and Federal Governments through Music Australia and will be delivered by MusicSA, a not-for-profit committed to supporting contemporary music in South Australia, in partnership with national collaborators and local stakeholders.

MusicSA chief executive Christine Schloithe said MusicSA had invested in building Mount Gambier as a regional touring hub —supporting local talent, connecting artists with venues, and building sustainable live music infrastructure.

“Hosting the Summit here is a natural next step and we can’t wait to share the region’s creative and music spirit with the rest of the country,” she said.

Program details, featured speakers and artist showcases will be announced next year.