The Victorian Government is making sure more live music workers have access to important mental health, wellbeing and crisis relief services, with new funding to boost support for Victoria’s local industry workers.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks today joined the Support Act team, Ausmusic T-shirt Day Crew Ambassador Juvi Yellow Beanie and Melbourne musician Queenie to announce the Government is delivering on the promise it made to Victorians at last year’s election, with $2 million for the national charity.
“Victoria is Australia’s music capital and we’re proud to support our music industry workers who give so much to our state,” said Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks. “We’re ensuring that our music industry can access tailored support and training they need to support themselves and each other on and off the stage.”
From musicians to managers, crew, music workers and organisations, Support Act supports anyone working in Australian music with mental health and wellbeing programs, short term financial support and a free Wellbeing Helpline.
“Support Act’s mission is to help provide a safe and thriving music industry for all,” said Support Act CEO Clive Miller. “The Victorian Government’s funding support over four years will help to ensure that we can work in partnership with the Government and local state-based organisations to continue to provide critical support services to music workers who are doing it tough.”
Coming ahead of Ausmusic T-Shirt Day, Support Act’s annual fundraiser on 30 November, the investment will make sure Victorian music workers have access to programs like phone counselling services, mental health first aid, and mentally healthy workplace training as well as financial wellbeing workshops and crisis relief for financial hardship.
These services are more important than ever, with 66 per cent of people working in the music and live performing arts sectors in Australia reporting high or very high levels of psychological distress – more than four times that of the general population, according to research undertaken in 2022 by Support Act.
Working late-night hours, long stints away from home, insecure work and potentially challenging working conditions all mean that live music workers need more mental health and wellbeing support.
The Victorian Government is also supporting initiatives like Yarning Strong, a series of mental health webinars for First Nations people working in the industry, and Access All Areas, an education program to help music workers intervene if they witness sexual harassment, assault or bullying.
“We know that the nature of the music industry brings unique mental health and wellbeing challenges for music industry workers – that’s why we’re backing Support Act to provide tailored mental health support and programs to help make the industry a safer and healthier workplace,” said Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt.
Ausmusic T-Shirt Day encourages all music fans to wear their favourite Australian band or artist t-shirt and raise money and awareness for Support Act’s work. For more information, visit: www.ausmusictshirtday.org.au or www.supportact.org.au for details.
Image: A live music concert (supplied)