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The Gov Secures Future With $300K Government Funding

The grant is part of a $1 million injection into the local live music industry announced today, that will support to artists, bands and venues.

The future of iconic live music venue the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, aka The Gov, is secure thanks to a $300,000 grant from the South Australian Government.

The grant is part of a $1 million injection into the local live music industry announced today, that will support to artists, bands and venues.

For 27 years The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel has been the mainstay of live music in South Australia. It plays an integral role in the wellbeing of South Australians, providing a musical hub for touring International, Interstate, and South Australian musicians and performers, as well as hosting many schools, disability groups, musical community groups and fostering the development of many young, local, up and coming musicians.

The Tonkin family, who own the hotel, are excited about the funding, which ensures the hotel can open its doors and continue to support live, local events.

“This announcement by the SA government is the most exciting thing to happen in the Adelaide music scene for a very long time,” Melissa Tonkin said.

“A financial acknowledgement of this size reflects the real value of what music means to the state, not just in monetary terms but to the wellbeing of our community.

“Live music makes life worth living. It creates shared experiences that bring our community together. Keeping venues and organisations alive through these difficult times guarantees musicians a place to play into the future.

“It is so heartening for us, the musicians, the music lovers, the venues and all those intrinsically involved in the live music scene, to know that our work is valued. We are very appreciative of all who have supported us along the way to help make this happen.”

Minister for Innovation and Skills, David Pisoni, said the grant recognises the important role The Gov plays in fostering a strong music industry in South Australia.

“The Gov is an iconic live music venue which hosts international touring acts, national touring acts and is obviously a great supporter of local acts too – but COVID-19 has seen a huge number of shows cancelled or postponed which has had a huge impact on their business,” Minister for Innovation and Skills, David Pisoni said.

“SA’s music industry contributes $170 million to the South Australian economy and employs more than 2,300 people – this investment in the sustainability of The Gov is an investment in the broader live music ecosystem.”

Up to 200,000 people come through the doors of The Gov every year as audience members and participants in music-based activities. They find a safe, interesting and energetic musical hub, where everyone is welcome.

The Gov business model focuses on celebrating emerging artists and local performers, along with a regular roster of community-focused opportunities to play and learn music. These activities are supported by income generated from major international and national touring artists, a revenue stream that is severely impacted due to COVID-19.

This State Government Grant allows The Gov to continue to let the music play for smaller, local audiences without the risk of bankruptcy while we wait for borders to open and audience sizes to safely grow.

The Australian Hotels Association’s CEO Ian Horne backed this investment in the state’s live music industry.

“It is The Gov’s unique business model that has create one of Australia’s premier live music venues recognised by the multitude of state and national awards.

“It is widely acknowledged that The Gov is South Australia’s principle and most valuable live music facility.

“This financial support from the State Government adds new meaning to the popular chant “long live The Gov!’,” Mr Horne said.

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