Two of Kiama’s prime music festivals have received significant support thanks to nearly $180,000 in funding from the Federal Government. This funding will benefit four music festivals in the Gilmore region, with a notable emphasis on events in Kiama.

Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, announced the funding through the Australian Government’s Revive Live program, highlighting its importance for engaging local music fans and boosting the local economy.

“Live music venues and festivals make a large contribution to our local economies, with many tourism and hospitality industries leveraging off the success of the live music scene,” says Phillips.

“This funding will benefit these four great local events and help grow Gilmore’s ecosystem of live music for the future.”

The upcoming Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival in March 2025 will receive $40,000 to cover artist fees and equipment costs. Additionally, the Clearly Music, Art & Wellness Festival, also hosted in Kiama this November, will benefit from a significant $75,000 grant to assist with fees for Australian artists.

“These events are so wonderful for locals as well as visitors to our area. They offer an opportunity for local musicians to showcase their talent in front of a live audience, and also bring some big names to our region, which is really fantastic for music lovers,” says Phillips.

In addition to these two festivals, the NelliJam Music Festival in January 2025 will receive $24,168, while the Culburra Beach Festival and Burradise Bash, planned for Easter and September 2025, will get $39,000.

As Kiama gears up for these exciting festivals, the community can look forward to a thriving live music culture that benefits both local artists and audiences.