Getting more live music on stage will be easier for one local café thanks to a Federal Government grant.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today announced that Bundy’s Bluebird, Oodies Café, would receive funding under round two of the Live Music Australia Program.

“I’m pleased to announce that Oodies Café have received $20,358 to help bring more live music to the Bundaberg community,” Mr Pitt said.

“The funding will be used to install a PA system, a purpose-built stage, lighting upgrade, and promote live music at Oodies Café.”

The café has become one of Australia’s most popular live music venues for touring artists.

Nicknamed ‘Bundy’s Bluebird’ to pay homage to the Bluebird Café in Nashville, Oodies has been hosting travelling singer-songwriters and celebrating original music for the past three years. It has built a loyal listening audience along the way.

Sisters Suzy Evans and Jenny Haack recently relocated their much-loved establishment to new location on Kolan Street and the timing of the Federal Government announcement couldn’t have been better.

“It means we can take the music nights to a different level and we can create a better-quality experience for our visiting artists and for our regular family who come to support each show,” said Suzy.

Blues singer 8 Ball Aitken has played three shows at Oodies over the past two years and he welcomes the support from Government.

“Oodies is already awesome but it’s just going to look and sound better. It gives the artists a home.”

Meanwhile, Bill Chambers, the father of Kasey, has played two sold out shows at the venue and says its world class.

“It’s one of the unique venues in Australia, one of the best there is in the world and it’s perfect for singer songwriters because people sit and listen. It’s just got the vibe,” Chambers explains.

In August 2020, the Government announced the opening of the Live Music Australia program, which will deliver funding of $5 million annually over four years.

The performance of live music contributes an estimated $15.4 billion to the Australian economy and creates 65,000 full and part-time jobs.

The Live Music Australia Program is providing support for local live music venues, and in turn, supports local communities and economies to re-emerge from the pandemic.

Applications for round three of the program will open later this year. For information on how to apply for round three, visit: www.grants.gov.au or www.arts.gov.au.