With its future at best uncertain during the COVID-19 lockdown, Adelaide's live music venue Governor Hindmarsh Hotel aka The Gov will play on.
The South Australian government has extended a lifeline to The Gov, with a $300k grant securing an icon that's been servicing the local music industry for 27 years. The grant is part of a $1 million injection into the local, live music industry announced by the Marshall government on Friday.With annual ticket sales consistently reaching 100,000 sales, the Tonkin family – who own The Gov – are appreciative of the grant that acknowledges the importance of live music to the well-being of the community.
"This announcement by the SA government is the most exciting thing to happen in the Adelaide music scene for a very long time," Melissa Tonkin says.
"A financial acknowledgement of this size reflects the real value of what music means to the state, not just in monetary terms but to the well-being of our community.
"Live music makes life worth living. It creates shared experiences that bring our community together. Keeping venues and organisations alive through these difficult times guarantees musicians a place to play into the future.
"It is so heartening for us, the musicians, the music lovers, the venues and all those intrinsically involved in the live music scene, to know that our work is valued. We are very appreciative of all who have supported us along the way to help make this happen."
With up to 200,000 people coming through the doors of The Gov every year, Minister for Innovation and Skills, David Pisoni, says the grant recognises the important role The Gov plays in fostering a strong music industry in South Australia.
"The Gov is an iconic live music venue which hosts international touring acts, national touring acts and is obviously a great supporter of local acts too," Mr Pisoni says. "But COVID-19 has seen a huge number of shows cancelled or postponed which has had a huge impact on their business.
"SA's music industry contributes $170 million to the South Australian economy and employs more than 2,300 people – this investment in the sustainability of The Gov is an investment in the broader live music ecosystem."
The Gov's Industry Achievements
• Prime Minister's Award for excellence in Community Business Partnerships: 2006• AHA National Award for Best Entertainment Venue in Australia: 2009, 2012, 2017
• AHA (SA) Award for Best Entertainment Venue in SA: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018
• AHA (SA) Hall of Fame Inductee for Best Entertainment Venue in South Australia: 2011, 2015
• AMC (SA) Venue Hall of Fame: 2016
• APRA/AMCOS Licensee of the Year: 2017
• Lifetime Achievement Award, SA Music Awards: 2017
