Live music session hits the right notes

Last week, Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, hosted local industry representatives at a session to discuss the NSW Government’s agenda to support the night-time economy and the extension of the 24-hour Commissioner to the Central Coast.

14 June 2023

 

JOINED by Minister for Arts and Minister for Music and Night-Time Economy, John Graham MLC and NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, Michael Rodrigues the session, held at the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music, was a great success with approximately 70 people from local industry in the audience.

 

Minister for Music and Night-time Economy, John Graham MLC said, “We made a commitment in the election that the Central Coast would be the first place we would bring the 24-hour Economy Commissioner and I was excited to deliver on that this week.

 

“The Central Coast has its own incredible collection of venues, artists and nightlife businesses that make it such a great place to live, work and visit; but it also has its own unique set of challenges when it comes to operating at night and that’s why expanding the remit of the Commissioner is so important.”

 

The evening began with a wonderful performance by local musician, Hannah-Rae Caulfield before turning to Minister Graham and Commissioner Rodrigues to discuss the commitment to work with local government and venues to create an entertainment precinct on the Central Coast.

 

Using Sydney and the larger international movement as seen in New York, Paris and London, the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner would lead a coordinated and collaborative effort with local council, communities, industry, and creatives on the Central Coast to build a strong and vibrant night-time economy that prioritises live entertainment.

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP said, “We have such amazing creative talent on the Coast, and it will be fantastic moving forward to unite community efforts and magnify opportunities for our local musos and the talented people working in the sector.

 

“I am committed to ensuring Coasties are able to enjoy live music and the night-time economy in a way we have never experienced before.”

 

It was good to see Central Coast Council’s Administrator and Director of Community and Recreations Services Mel Smith join the discussion, positively adding Central Coast Council will be working with NSW Government to deliver Safer Cities - Her Way to improve safety in Gosford and are currently working on a Night Time Economy Strategy.

 

This session is just the starting point to drive change for the Central Coast live music scene as well as the night-time economy. Change that will see the Central Coast come alive and thrive through music and performance.