The Servo at Port Kembla will upgrade its stage, audio and lighting with a NSW Government grant. Photo: Supplied.
Five Illawarra entertainment venues will share more than half a million dollars to upgrade sound, lighting and accessibility to be able to host more live music events.
The NSW Government funding is targeted at essential improvements such as soundproofing, ventilation, audio-visual technology, accessibility, production equipment and energy efficiency.
NSW Music and the Night-time Economy Minister John Graham said the funding would allow the venues, from Thirroul to Kiama, to host more live music, create new opportunities for local musicians and boost the night-time economy.
“Future stars will start out on these stages; these venues are a crucial part of the NSW live music sector,” Mr Graham said.
“Too many venues are under pressure from ageing infrastructure, noise restrictions and rising costs.
“We’re supporting them through those challenges so they can keep bringing communities together, backing local music and driving the night-time economy.”
The University of Wollongong’s UniBar will receive the largest funding allotment of $161,722, for audio production equipment, safety barriers, staging fixtures and curtains.
The Servo Food Truck Bar at Port Kembla will get more than $125,000 for stage construction and upgrades, as well as new audio and lighting production equipment.
In Wollongong, La La La’s in Globe Lane will use its funding of $99,933 for a mixing desk, air conditioning unit, audio production gear, projector and screen and to improve lighting.
Thirroul’s Anita’s Theatre will improve soundproofing with its $92,719 grant, while Fillmore’s Cafe in Kiama will receive $100,000 to do the same, as well as purchase staging curtains and safety barriers.
Mr Graham said the upgrades would help keep the Illawarra’s live music scene and the wider NSW industry thriving by increasing the number of fit-for-purpose venues.
“Last year we focussed on soundproofing grants; this year we’ve tripled the program and increased the ways we’re helping venues get gig ready,” he said.
“From regional pubs to city bars and community music venues, this funding will improve the safety, sound quality and experience for artists and audiences alike.”
Wollongong MP Paul Scully welcomed the funding boost for the venues in his electorate.
“This funding is in addition to the $1.9 million in grants to boost the Gong’s nightlife in six districts including Port Kembla, Globe Lane, Lower Crown Street and along Keira Street,” he said.
