A musical windfall is in sight for young people in Moyne Shire, with young musicians set to be able to access $10,000 worth of music equipment in their local community.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the Moyne Shire Council was one of 26 local governments to receive funding under the first round of the Victorian Government’s new $1.3 million Victoria Rocks Music Equipment Grants program.
“The goal of the program is to provide young people access to music equipment in their own local areas, that they may not be able to afford themselves, rather than having to travel away from home to practice, perform or record.” Ms Tierney said.
Ms Tierney said the Moyne Shire Council will create a “Rock Trailer”, a mobile bank of band resources that can be taken to young people across the shire.
The bank will include an enclosed trailer, bass and rhythm guitars, amps, a PA system, microphones and a drum kit and the Moyne Shire Youth Council will establish a Moyne Rock Trailer committee to oversee the management of the equipment and training workshops.
“This ‘bank’ can include a huge range of equipment to help young people practice and get more involved in the music industry,”
“A key part of the initiative is that young people will also manage the equipment in partnership with the community, giving them additional experience and skills.”
Local governments have identified venues in their community where young people can rehearse and perform under the Victoria Rocks – A Place to Rock initiative.
As part of A Place to Rock, Moyne Shire Council has identified a range of community halls in local townships as youth music venues.
Victoria Rocks is a $7.1 million, four-year Victorian Government initiative through Arts Victoria, the Office for Youth and Tourism Victoria.