Senator Jana Stewart
Labor Senator for Victoria

The Hon Tony Burke MP
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
Minister for The Arts
Leader of the House

The Albanese Labor Government is turning up the volume on music festivals, providing $2.5 million in funding under the latest round of the Live Music Australia program.  

The award-winning Riverboats Music Festival, taking place in the twin-towns of Echuca-Moama in February 2024, is one of the 37 live music festivals to share in the funding. 

Riverboats Music Festival 2024 is set to bring Australian performers Missy Higgins, Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos, Kasey Chambers, Regurgitator, Russell Morris, Mia Dyson, Kee'ahn and many more to the Goulburn-Murray community over three days. 

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the grants will provide essential support to the live music sector.  

“Music festivals are the life blood of the live music sector in this country – that’s why this Government is backing them in. 

“We know the live music sector continues to face challenges, which is why we’re determined to support it.  

“This program will help artists and musicians do what they do best – sharing Australian music and stories with audiences right across the country.”    

Senator for Victoria, Jana Stewart, said the funding will deliver a tourism boost to Echuca and nearby border towns. 

“The Albanese Labor Government is investing $20 million over four years for the Live Music Australia program, and towns in regional Victoria are reaping the rewards.”  

“We know festivalgoers can bring huge economic benefits to regional communities, and I’m proud to be part of a government that is supporting major events along the Murray. 

“We're supporting home-grown talent, backing local economies, and helping attract even more visitors across regional Victoria by funding the very best our state has to offer.”  

As well as providing support to established festivals, these grants will also assist up and coming, grassroots level events – creating opportunities for original Australian live music to reach audiences across Australia.  

The latest round of the Live Music Australia is supporting 105 venues across Australia, covering all states and territories and reflecting a wide range of genres, organisations and audiences.  

The next round of funding through the Live Music Australia program, targeting small to medium live music venues, is opening on 12 February 2024. 

A full list of recipients, and details of Round 8 of the Live Music Australia program can be found here: www.arts.gov.au/funding-and-support/live-music-australia  

For further opportunities on this fantastic part of Victoria, visit www.echucamoama.com