Premier puts his money where his mouth is

“Generations in Jazz is a phenomenal event. It brings our best and brightest young musicians together each May, providing an opportunity to grow, learn, perform and forge important connections and relationships.”

That was just part of the message from South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas as he soaked up the experience that is Generations in Jazz, announcing a State Government cash injection of $720,000 for the event to fund four permanent structured pavilions on a parcel of land owned by Generations in Jazz at OB Flat.

“This investment in event infrastructure will help Generations in Jazz grow and thrive both now, and in the long term,” the Premier said.

“I’m particularly keen to see the benefits reinvested to bring more people from around Australia to get a taste of Limestone Coast.

“It (Generations in Jazz) brings our best and brightest young musicians together each May, providing an opportunity to grow, learn, perform and forge important connections and relationships.

“Generations in Jazz also delivers thousands upon thousands of visitors to experience one of the most beautiful regions of our state.”

Concepts for permanent pavilions have long been in the works and this infrastructure funding boost comes at the perfect time as the event continues to rebound strongly from the effects of COVID when it was cancelled and held virtually in though circumstances.

The State Government funding will provide organisers access to ongoing savings and revenue they can use to grow the successful event.

Permanent construction of the pavilions would deliver significant savings to event organisers of approximately $100,000 per event and will be able to be repurposed as storage facilities for caravans, motorhomes and boats outside of playing host to the best young jazz talent in the nation.

he savings and additional revenue from storage are expected to reap event organisers $150,000 each year, which will be reinvested in Generations in Jazz, including through the provision of support for greater participation of schools from interstate.

Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell welcomed the significant investment in what is the only regional event to have secured ‘major event’ status from the SA Government.

“This achievement is a testament to the dedication of the numerous volunteers and board members who have tirelessly guided this event over the decades, ensuring its continuity in Mount Gambier,” Mr Bell said.

“This funding secures the future of Generations in Jazz and paves the way for its evolution into a truly national event. It will allow our state’s students to continue to showcase their talents alongside the country’s top jazz musicians and vocalists, right here in the Limestone Coast.

“Everyone that has been involved in organising this event since its inception should be extremely proud of this announcement, and of the recognition Generations in Jazz has received from the State Government.”

South Australian Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven was another proud local thrilled to see her hometown event receive such windfall.

“Generations in Jazz provides great economic benefits to Mount Gambier and provides the opportunity to showcase our region to thousands of visitors each May,” Minister Scriven said.

“Many sporting clubs and community organisations benefit from providing accommodation across the weekend, further supporting our local community.

“This investment into improved infrastructure will provide even more opportunities for growth for our region, and even better GIJ events in future years. “

SA Minister for the Arts Andrea Michaels was also thrilled to see such a well-supported event given financial assistance to not just survive but to thrive.

“Generations in Jazz is an incredible festival that gives many students around Australia the opportunity to perform on stage and share their music with fellow jazz lovers, some for the first time.,” Minister Michaels said.

“This additional funding represents us investing in the next generation of our state’s musicians and ensuring South Australia’s extraordinary festivals and events can be enjoyed right around the state.”

GIJ Board member Kylie Boston also welcomed the investment in the nationally significant event.

“It goes without saying we’re all beyond grateful and excited for this show of support for the event we’ve grown from the ground up over the last 30 years,” she said.

“We’ve always had a vision to make this festival like nothing else in Australia, and from humble beginnings we’ve managed to grow it where we’ve had countless thousands of students and people come to Mount Gambier every year, but support like this will help us truly take it to the next level nationally.”

Since its beginnings in 1987, Generations in Jazz has grown to attract a widespread national support base and is considered one of the world’s best school-based music events.

The event provides a platform for jazz performers to compete, collaborate, learn and engage with jazz fans.

It not only attracts jazz legends of today, it helps develops the next generation.

It also delivers an amazing opportunity for new audiences to develop an appreciation for the artform.