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There Is Music In The House
Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts, Virginia Judge will today host a fundraising luncheon at Parliament House to support NSW musicians who are facing hardship or distress.
Ms Judge said the annual Music in the House luncheon raises money for Support Act Limited, an organisation aimed at helping musicians who have fallen on hard times.
”As a long time supporter of the live music industry I am very pleased to be hosting this year’s Support Act lunch,” Ms Judge said.
“Musicians play a pivotal role in giving our communities a voice and building community identity and cohesion.
“However, a career in music can be a tough slog, spending long hours on the road or following the pub circuit in a bid to make it in the industry.
“Not everyone in the music industry is lucky enough to become a household name and in an uncertain environment Support Act is a vital safety net for musicians in need of assistance.”
Ms Judge said Support Act was formed as a registered charity in 1997 by a group of concerned music industry veterans who wanted to help struggling musicians.
“The board members, most of whom volunteer their time, are an inspiring example of the caring and generosity that characterises the music industry,” she said.
“This year’s Music in the House luncheon has attracted some of the biggest names in the Australian music industry.
“Musicians Brian Cadd, Glenn Shorrock, Ian Moss, Harry Vanda and Shannon Noll and entertainers Billy Birmingham and Donnie Sutherland, as well as Country Chairman of Australasia and SVP Marketing, EMI Australasia, Mark Poston and ARIA Chairman and President and CEO of Warner Music Australasia, Ed St John.”
Ms Judge also congratulated Australian rock legend Richard Clapton who is the recipient of this year’s 2009 Excellence in Community Support Award.
“This award recognises the enormous contribution Richard has made to the community through his charitable work,” she said.
“For more than three decades he has been a household name in the Australian music industry, but today we recognise his behind-the-scenes work.
“Richard has performed free-of-charge at many events to help raise funds for those in need.
“Without community-minded individuals, like Richard, these groups would not have the funds to survive.”
Director of Support Act, Brian Cadd said Richard remained one of the most ‘loveable rogues’ in the music industry and NSW Chairman of Support Act, Wayne Rowley said today’s turnout was a tribute to Richard’s enduring popularity.
“Richard remains one of Australia’s finest ever singer/songwriters and he deserves the recognition,” Mr Rowley said.
“We are extremely grateful for the support we have received from Minister Judge and her team as well as the ongoing support of the Australian music and entertainment industries.”
Ms Judge said the State Government has supported a range of strategies to develop and sustain the music industry in New South Wales.
“Earlier this year, I held a live music forum to look at ways in which we can develop long term policies to support the industry,” she said.
“We are also in the process removing Place of Public Entertainment (PoPE) regulations to revive the live music industry and create more job opportunities and financial certainty for NSW musicians.”
