A covered outdoor stage will be built at the Federal Hotel in Childers thanks to a funding boost from the Coalition Government to support the return of live music.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated the Federal Hotel on its successful application to round 3 of the Live Music Australia program.

“I’m pleased to announce that the Federal Hotel have received $24,470 for an outdoor stage to host more live performances of original Australian music in regional Queensland,” he said.

The Live Music Australia program is supporting a variety of activities including the delivery of original live music programs, upgrades to venues and equipment, and support for restarting performances as COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease.

“Not only will this funding provide much-needed support for local live music venues to rebuild, it will help stimulate the economy.”

This funding brings the Government’s investment to more than $8 million since the start of the program, supporting more than 300 live music venues and the recovery and sustainability of the live music sector.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the program will bring more original live Australian music to communities across the country – from pubs in the remote outback, to clubs in major capital cities.

“This funding will help the live music sector to re-emerge as Australians continue to get vaccinated and COVID-19 restrictions ease, allowing venues to begin to reopen and rebuild,” Minister Fletcher said.

“It is important that our live music sector will be primed to host performances and gigs when permitted to do so, and by supporting these local venues now, we are increasing opportunities to see Australian artists get back on stage.”

Applications for round four of the program will open later this year, with funding to support venues from mid-2022 as they continue to re-establish regular programming of original live Australian music.

The Coalition Government is investing more than $1 billion into the arts and creative sector in 2021-22.

For information on how to apply for round four, visit: www.arts.gov.au.