Kiama's live music scene is set for a significant boost with the recent allocation of a $45,000 Live Music Australia grant to Fillmore’s Garage, thanks to the efforts of musician Morgan Lewis. Despite this federal support, local obstacles loom large for the venue's future endeavours.

Lewis, the owner of Fillmore’s, emphasised its role in supporting live original Australian music and providing security for touring artists over the next year. 

"It has not been the smoothest journey so far at Fillmore’s, but we very much are here to stay," he affirmed, highlighting the venue's commitment to fostering a community centred around cultural and musical experiences.

But there are hurdles ahead. Kiama Council initiated actions to close the entertainment facility under the EP&A Act last December. The Council, citing compliance issues ranging from noise levels to fire safety and development on unapproved land, has mandated a Development Application (DA) for Fillmore’s to continue operations, particularly for weekend-long festivals and ticketed events.

Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, underscored the significance of the Labor Government's National Cultural Policy, ‘Revive,’ which aims to invigorate the live music sector across Australia. 

"Live Music Australia aims to support the development, growth, and innovation of Australian contemporary live music," Phillips noted, stressing its role in creating a vibrant and sustainable music industry ecosystem.

The grant received by Fillmore’s will cover essential expenditures, such as equipment purchases, production costs, and artist fees, crucial for enhancing the venue's capacity to host diverse musical acts. 

"We have worked very hard for over three years, programming some of the country’s finest artists at Fillmore's. This grant will just help bridge the gap and allow more confidence for the artists," said Lewis.

Despite local challenges, including regulatory compliance and council approvals, the Kiama community has rallied behind Fillmore’s as a cultural hub. Reflecting on the broader impact of live music, Lewis mused, "Bring back the fun, bring back live music, bring back meeting in a pub or cafe and having a dance with a stranger. This is what the government recognizes in the Revive policy—bringing the fun back!"

Locals have been supportive, with one Kiama resident saying, "What a fantastic endorsement for Fillmore’s. Well-deserved and a great opportunity to uplift Kiama’s night-time economy." This sentiment underscores  Fillmore’s role not only as a music venue but also as a catalyst for community engagement and economic revitalization in Kiama.

While Fillmore’s celebrates its federal grant and prepares for an enhanced music programming schedule, ongoing dialogue with the Kiama Council remains crucial to ensure compliance and operational continuity. 

The intersection of federal support and local governance will determine the future vibrancy of Kiama’s live music scene, echoing the broader goals of cultural enrichment and community cohesion envisioned by government policies like ‘Revive.’