As Australia’s arts and entertainment sector continues to recover from COVID-19, Gympie Music Muster will go from strength to strength with a $1 million grant through the Morrison Government’s $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.
Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said the Gympie Muster will receive funding through the sixth batch of RISE Fund grants to support its events in 2022 and 2023.
“The Muster is an iconic Gympie event, which is celebrating its 40th year in 2022 after two years of pandemic restrictions, so this investment will support the event as it celebrates this milestone and rebuilds to become even brighter and better than ever,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The Muster hosts more than 100 artists over four days and attracts 10,000 visitors a day from all over Australia, injecting nearly $4 million into the Gympie economy and supporting local jobs in hospitality and tourism. Many people also choose to extend their stay in the Mary Valley and Cooloola Coast areas, further spreading the economic advantage throughout the broader Wide Bay community.
“The Gympie Muster committee has worked hard and shown remarkable resilience to keep this beloved event running, and I congratulate them on their successful application.”
Gympie Music Muster Board chairman Greg Cavanagh thanked Mr O’Brien and said the grant would significantly boost the entertainment industry which has been one of the hardest-hit sectors due to Covid-19.
“This is a fantastic opportunity which will ensure that we remain viable and sustainable after two consecutive years of cancellation and significant financial loss to the Muster,” Mr Cavanagh said.
“It is certainly a timely boost for our belated 40th year celebration in August 2022.”
Noosa-based Queensland Festival and Events will also receive $135,000 for its Legends on the Lawn program, which will bring top Australian performers for a special event in Mackay.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the $19.5 million that will flow to the latest recipients of the RISE Fund is supporting nearly 21,000 jobs in more than 600 locations, more than half of which are located in regional and remote Australia.
“The Morrison Government’s objective, in providing this record level of funding for arts and entertainment, is that as the vaccine rollout continues at a strong pace and states and territories open up, arts companies, promoters and festivals are ready to go,” Minister Fletcher said.
“This is an important stage in the resurgence of Australia’s arts and entertainment sector, with this targeted RISE funding providing an opportunity for venues to reopen to audiences; curtains to rise; and performers to come back on stage to a welcoming roar of applause.”
