Road crews get major funding from Vic Government, AEG Ogden

The Victorian government and venue operators AEG Ogden Arena network were major last-minute contributors to Support Act’s fundraising for road crews.

Both hardship grants were made around the inaugural Roady4Roadies held nationally on Sunday, March 10.

Victoria’s Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley announced a $100,000 grant, saying “Victoria is Australia’s music capital and our music industry makes a massive contribution to our economy and to our cultural life.

“Support Act’s services ensure that our industry stays healthy off-stage as well as on it.

“Roadies really are the lifeblood of our music and entertainment industry, and this is a great opportunity to give back to an industry that gives us so much.”

The minister noted that 40% of those accessing Support Act’s services are Victorian and the Sydney-based organisation recently engaged a Victorian-based social worker due to a generous donation from Mushroom Group founder and chairman Michael Gudinski and his wife Sue.

The AEG Ogden Arena network also made a handsome contribution because “we value and appreciate the work and effort that goes into the entertainment industry, especially behind the scenes.”

The actual donation figure is not available.

The group includes RAC Arena – Perth, the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Qudos Bank Arena – Sydney and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

“We are fortunate to be part of a strong family orientated company who recognise that our people are our most valued asset,” said Trish McNamara, general manager of Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Roady4Roadie proved a success, held yesterday in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

Among the acts who played were Mark Seymour, Mark Callaghan & Buzz Bidstrup from GANGgajang, Tyrone Noonan, Dave Graney & the mistLY, J.R. Reyne and Darren Reid.

Spotted in the crowds were Labor’s shadow arts minister Tony Burke, Rob Hirst and Tex Perkins.

Final figures for crowd attendance, walkathon participants and funds raised on the day will not be finalised until the Adelaide event at the Entertainment Centre on March 24.

But TMN believes that organisers are expecting a total tally of over $50,000.

Support Act CEO Clive Miller stated of the donations, “We have always maintained that any financial assistance we are able to give is a grant awarded in acknowledgment of an artist, roadie or music worker’s contribution to Australian music.”

To find out more about Support Act and its services, visit supportact.org.au.

Only 1% of its clients have health insurance, and 3% get superannuation.

Support Act’s confidential Wellbeing Hotline provides support 24/7 and contacted on 1800 959 500.