Governor Hindmarsh to get $300,000 State Government lifeline

Adelaide’s most-treasured live music venue looks set to survive the coronavirus crisis despite fears an extended ban on large gatherings would be too much to bear. It is part of a $1 million funding package for the local live music scene, benefiting artists, bands and businesses who have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Advertiser revealedthis week “The Gov” could only last a few more months without patrons as the state went into lockdown. It has existed under a unique business model which has supported the performer, first and foremost. The Gov co-owner Melissa Tonkin said the funding boost was “the most exciting thing to happen in the Adelaide music scene for a very long time”. “We’re absolutely ecstatic,” Ms Tonkin said.” She said the money would help the venue survive until international acts return. “This is something to get us through the long term,” she said. “We don’t know when they’re going to return exactly. “We’ve had acts rescheduling to later in the year, and now they’re looking at rescheduling again to next year. “It would be absolutely devastating if (The Gov closed). “It is very dear to people’s hearts, so many different types of people come through this venue from so many different backgrounds.” Performer Ricky Albeck said some of his best gigs had been at the Port Rd venue. “I heard rumours The Gov was struggling,” Albeck said. “They put on some of the best gigs in Adelaide. It’s a really important venue. “Hopefully live gigs come back sooner than we think.” Innovation and Skills Minister David Pisoni said the iconic venue’s ability to draw international bands had been skittled by border closures and it deserved funding support. “(It) is obviously a great supporter of local acts too – but COVID-19 has seen a huge number of shows cancelled or postponed which has had a huge impact on their business,” Mr Pisoni said. “This investment in the sustainability of The Gov is an investment in the broader live music ecosystem.” Australian Hotels Association chief executive officer Ian Horne said The Gov was one of the country’s premier live music venues: “This financial support from the State Government adds new meaning to the popular chant: “long live The Gov!’” Meanwhile, the successful applicants for $700,000 in State Government grants, for performers who write and perform original music and the venues who support them, will be announced before the end of the financial year. Performers will be able to access grants of up to $5000 while businesss receive up to $20,000.