Australasia News: NSW Live Census; Live Performance Exec Steps Down; RAC Resorts Deal; NZ: RIP Willie Hona; Rodger Fox

AUSTRALIA

Inaugural Census Highlights NSW Live Sector

The first ever census of New South Wales (NSW)’s live sector has provided feedback that the state government will use to grow it.

Live music provides 25,000 jobs and contributes $5.5 billion ($3.62 million) to the NSW economy, reported The State Of The Scene.

There are 795 live venues, 55 dedicated live music venues. The survey of 1,300 executives and fans highlighted growth potential from dealing with challenges such as escalating cost of venue operations and cost of living issues for audiences, red tape reducing operating capacity and high security costs, complex funding grants schemes and lack of late night public transport.

“We have never known the full number of venues or had a clear picture of their economic impact of live music in NSW,” minister for music and the night-time economy John Graham said.

“Now we want to grow that number.” He added the census also highlighted “the different types of venues and the important roles they play in their community.”

In the June 18 state budget, the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner will receive A$26.9 million ($17.7 million) to grow the night-time economy industry and Sound NSW gets A$18.5 million ($12.1 million) for programs that drive audience and international market development, strengthen the live music ecosystem and champion artists and stories.

Live Performance Australia CEO Stepping Down

After 18 years, Live Performance Australia chief executive Evelyn Richardson is stepping down at the end of the year. “It has been an incredible journey through a time of tremendous change and challenge across our industry,” she said.

“I am pleased to leave LPA in a very strong position as an effective industry voice and leader, with a strong financial base and an amazing team in my wonderful staff who do all the hard work on behalf of 400 members.”

Richardson remained outspoken on government, music industry and union policies, and lack of follow-through on sensible solutions devised by the industry particularly during the pandemic.

LPA president Richard Evans added under Richardson, “LPA has become a trusted and highly effective source of advice, guidance and leadership for our members across Australia’s live arts and entertainment industry.”

Live Sector Names Honored In Kings B’Day List

Leading the entertainment names honoured in the June 10 King’s Birthday List was John Collins, former member of Powderfinger, and who now serves as the operator of Brisbane music venues The Triffid and Fortitude Music Hall. Collins, who was awarded Member of the Order of Australia (AM) is also on the board of various economic development and small business agencies.

Receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for contributions to country music were Barry Harley, director of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and Kate Nugent, one time head of the Country Music Association of Australia.

RAC Arena Inks With Crown Resorts

Perth’s RAC Arena, managed by ASM Global, struck a deal until 2027 with Crown Perth as its first Integrated hotel and resort partner.

The 14,000-seat arena’s newest premium offering is now known as Crown Concert Club, and both brands will work together to deliver elevated experiences for members and guests of both the RAC Arena and Crown.

RAC Arena’s general manager Michael Scott said, “We believe pairing this new standard for corporate hospitality with Perth’s premium entertainment precinct is a match made in heaven.”

NEW ZEALAND

Biz Bids Farewell To Hona, Fox

The NZ biz bid farewell to two household names. Wiremu ‘Willie’ Hona, singer and guitarist with reggae band Herbs, died of cancer. Forming his first band in high school with a guitar made from a desktop, Herbs had Australasian hits with “Slice Of Heaven” and was inducted into the NZ Music Hall of Fame 2012.

Jazz trombonist and composer Rodger Fox died at 71. Synonymous in NZ with big band jazz, he played jazz festivals in Montreux, Monterey and New Orleans, taught at the NZ School of Music in Wellington and was made a Companion of the NZ Order of Merit in 2022.