Q ’n’ A: Support Act CEO Joanna Cave

For the uninitiated, could you let us know about Support Act’s history, and the work you do?

Support Act is a charity established 16 years ago by the music industry in recognition of the fact that a career in music is uncertain and risky. Illness or injury can result in a loss of income and this can quickly turn into a crisis. We help anyone who has worked professionally in music – songwriters, composers, musicians, roadies, technicians, managers and so on and we pride ourselves on working without judgement and with compassion.

You are honouring the Sapphires this year – their recently elevated status aside, why did you feel they were a worthy act to celebrate? 

The story of The Sapphires is by now well known but what we are interested in is what came next. All four of the women, Naomi, Laurel, Beverly and Lois went on to do wonderful work in the community, working in Indigenous health care and education organisations for many years. Their contributions as professionals in these fields have been enormous and their status as role models has been of huge importance, not only for Indigenous women but for the broader community. Jessica Mauboy will be performing at Music in the House in their honour and in recognition of their achievements.

What can people expect from the Music in the House luncheon?

Music in the House is one of the most popular events on the Australian music calendar. This year’s is going to bigger and better than ever before: an intimate and spellbinding performance from one of Australia’s biggest stars, Jessica Mauboy in the presence of The Sapphires who will be there to receive their awards. Veteran journalist George Negus will be our splendid host and we will also be hearing from one of our service users, saxophonist Neill Duncan, whose profoundly moving story of losing his arm does not have the ending you might expect. In addition to all of that, we promise a delicious lunch with drinks in one of the most prestigious venues in Sydney. If you care about music, you just have to be there. 

Could you explain a little about the annual charity award?

We honour music professionals who, through their tireless acts and charitable works, contribute to the fabric of the broader Australian community. Last year’s recipient was John Butler and previous recipients have included Jimmy Barnes, Don Spencer, Glenn Shorrock, Richard Clapton, John Paul Young and Russell Morris.

Support Act has had a complete overhaul in the past year to help streamline its services. What changes have been made?

For many years, Support Act has been managed on a voluntary basis, assisted by very part time staff whilst the charity found it feet and built up funds. This year the board to decided to employ a chief executive for the first time. Sweeping reforms followed, aimed at raising awareness of our service, reaching more people in need and delivering meaningful assistance painlessly and promptly. Our goal is to establish ourselves as the heart and hand of the music industry and we are already well on way: we are already on target to help three times the number of people this year than we helped in the whole of last year.

What’s the best way to support Support Act? Are there fundraisers year round?

The best way to support us right now is to buy a ticket to Music in the House which is our big annual fundraiser. Tickets are selling fast but there are some still available. As a charity we have to raise every dollar we need to help music professionals in crisis. It’s easy to make a donation online, and of course all donations over $2 attract tax relief. Later this year we will be launching another exciting event with Allans Billy Hyde Music which will offer an irresistible opportunity to win a brand new car full of brand new musical instruments….and help music professionals in crisis all at the same time. What’s not to like?

Music In The House happens on Friday October 11, from noon til 3pm, at NSW Parliament House, Sydney.

Bookings can be made online. Enquires can also be made viaadmin@supportact.com.au.

Tickets cost $165.00 per person / $1,500.00 per table of 10 and includes a three course meal, drinks and a special performance by Jessica Mauboy.