Precynct owners welcome funding boost as live music sector fights on

Nicklin MP Marty Hunt with Cherry and Rusty Nyman at The Presynct: “People need music. Music is medicine.”

by Cameron Outridge

A Nambour venue that’s been flying the flag for live music has welcomed a fresh injection of State Government funding aimed at helping Queensland’s struggling gig economy.

The Presynct, a mother-daughter-owned venue in the heart of Nambour’s Special Entertainment Precinct, received $18,750 in the first round of the state’s Growing Gigs Fund. Now, the State Government has opened Round Two, offering up to $100,000 per venue to help live music venues grow their audience and boost performance opportunities.

Nicklin MP Marty Hunt said The Presynct’s investment in seating and stage upgrades from Round 1 demonstrated exactly what the funding is designed to achieve.

“We’d love to see that funding coming into Nambour to support our live music industry,” he said. “What we’re doing is trying to make it easier for operators to attract people into the venues and give them a wonderful experience.”

He praised venue owners Rusty and Cherry Nyman as “pioneers” in developing the local scene, and encouraged other venues to apply before the 6 May deadline.

While the grants can cover a range of upgrades and artist fees, Mr Hunt also acknowledged ongoing economic pressures. “There’s a cost-of-living crisis at the moment. As people struggle, they make choices about where they spend their money, and that is having an impact on live music venues,” he said. “We hope these grants can take some pressure off.”

The Presynct owner Rusty Nyman said the venue’s recent improvements wouldn’t have been possible without grant support. “We’ve just completed new booth seating… and some changes to the stage and sound desk. All things that will improve things for the musicians as well as the patrons,” she said.

But she said transport remains a barrier for night-time patrons. “Nambour doesn’t really have any transport after 10pm. A courtesy bus of some sort would be incredible,” she said.

Despite economic uncertainty, Rusty was determined to press on. “People need music. Music is medicine. If we don’t keep trying to do that, then what’s the point?”

• Applications for Round Two of the Live Music Venue Business Grants and Growing Gigs Fund are open now at arts.qld.gov.au.