The last few years of bushfires, pandemic and flooding have decimated the live music industry.
Our service users tell us that despite living with the pandemic becoming the ‘new normal’, they’re still struggling. They’re being paid less than before; there’s increased competition for venues, gigs and ticket sales; they’re still getting COVID and having to cancel or postpone shows; and their mental health continues to decline.
Recovery, it seems, is still a long way off for many.
Justin, a crew worker from WA, told us: “You guys were there like knights in shining armour and just saved us. A lot of people were close to suicide and couldn’t make ends meet. You’ve saved a lot of people.” Here’s his story:
Sadly, Justin is just one of thousands of music workers who are desperately struggling right now.
In a recent survey undertaken by Support Act*, 66 per cent of people said they had high/very high levels of distress, more than four times that found in the general population, and over a third reported incomes from their work in music/live performing arts below the poverty line. There is still clearly so much to do and that’s why we need your help.
Over the past two years, thanks to the support of generous donors like yourself, along with funding from the Australian and NSW Governments, we’ve provided more than 16,000 Crisis Relief Grants, along with mental health and wellbeing support to tens of thousands of music workers in need. But unfortunately those funds have now run out, which is why we urgently need your support this End Of Financial Year.
Please help us help our community by making a one-off or recurring monthly/annual donation on or before 30 June. Make a donation here or contact us to donate via EFT.
Thank you in advance for your love of music – and all the people who create it.
Sincerely,
Clive Miller
CEO
*Mental Health and Wellbeing in Music and Live Performing Arts survey, May 2022
