Hello members and supporters,
Today is my last day as CEO of Music Victoria after ten years and three months at the helm.
Music Victoria was established in 2009 just in time to assist the music community rebuild from the liquor licensing crisis, when draconian liquor licensing laws which threatened our grassroots venues led to the music community standing up for what they believed at the SLAM Rally.
And ten years later I leave as we begin to emerge from the ashes of another crisis – the 2020 Covid pandemic.
Music Victoria appreciates what a difficult year it has been for the music community – one of the worst affected industries. But we are far more connected and organised than we were ten years ago, and Music Victoria is strong and established and here for you. We have the ear of the government, which no longer treats us as a nuisance, but an ally. We’re a serious economic driver, soft diplomacy ambassador, the soundtrack and soul of the state, and an important salve in the recovery of the state.
Victorians are crying out to hear your new songs and see you perform live again. We have also undertaken research to learn about better models from overseas so hopefully the industry can make some improvements.
Thanks to all of the board members who have overseen the organisation for over ten years, everyone who has worked for Music Victoria or partnered with us, and all of the members who have supported us. Please stay connected to this great organisation, and take care of each other.
General Manager Dale Packard will be Acting CEO until the new CEO is announced.
See you at a gig sometime,
Patrick Donovan
