By: Christie Eliezer
Live Sector Calls For Extension Of Jobkeeper Subsidy Scheme
Dean OrmstonThe live sector is calling on the Australian government to extend its Jobkeeper subsidy scheme for its members. Introduced March 2020, it offered pandemic affected companies A$1,500 ($1,157) per fortnight for each employee. In September, it was extended it to end of March 2021 at a cost of A$100 billion ($77.1 billion).
The sector, which relied heavily on the subsidies for its survival, argues it is unable to restart trading following COVID-19 outbreaks, quarantine breaches and sudden state border closures.
“(These) mean that any local live music events and national touring is impossible to plan. Hospitality and tourism dollars generated from our sector remain stifled. We are an industry in crisis,” said Dean Ormston, chief executive of APRA AMCOS, a major rights association which includes the Live Music Office.
Mardi Gras and Facebook announce events grant fund
January 22, 2021 9:24
Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras has partnered with Facebook to announce the launch of the Mardi Gras Parade Viewing Events Grants program. Applications opened on 9am 21 Thursday January 2021.
The announcement:
As part of an ongoing partnership, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Facebook Australia announce the launch of the Mardi Gras Parade Viewing Events Grants program; a new initiative to support hospitality venues, small businesses, and LGBTQI+ artists and performers around Australia.
The $100,000 grant fund will support venues across the country who share their plans to host a COVID- safe event for the 2021 Mardi Gras Parade and support and employ LGBTQI+ artists as part of their event.