The Push Secures Over $400,000 to Expand High School Music Program

The Push will expand its high school music, events and industry careers workshops across Australia, after securing more than $400,000 through the federal government's Revive Live Program.

The youth music charity will receive $400,244 to deliver six high school music events across New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Tasmania and South Australia in early 2027.

The national expansion follows two successful events held in the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria in March this year, and means every Australian state and territory will host a dedicated high school youth music event. 

Up to 12,000 students are expected to participate in the expanded program, which will be delivered in partnership with triple j.

Alongside the live events, The Push will run six careers workshops featuring established artists and providing young people with opportunities to develop practical music industry skills. 

The program is designed to support both audience development and workforce pathways, introducing students to careers on stage and across the wider live music ecosystem.

Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said investing in young audiences and workers was critical to the sector's long-term sustainability.

"The future of Australian music depends on young people having the chance to discover it, experience it and, importantly, see themselves in it.

“Programs like these don't just put great Australian music in front of young audiences — they create pathways for young people who want to be part of the industry, on stage, behind the scenes or among the audience.”

The investment, he said, would help that work reach even more schools and communities across Australia.

The funding forms part of the Albanese Government's broader Revive Live Program, which has so far provided $19.3 million in grant funding to 221 live music businesses. 

That support includes funding for 121 music festival-based activities, and 100 live music venues, with the program aimed at keeping events and venues operating and accessible while growing participation across the live music industry.

“When we talk about supporting live music, it's about more than venues and festivals. We want to back the next generation of artists and bands, create new audiences, and support a skilled music industry workforce for the future,” Mr Burke said. 

“Through Revive Live, we're making sure Australians can continue to experience live music wherever they live, while creating more opportunities for Australian artists and the industry that supports them.”