Jordan Crugnale, Member for Bass announced this week that The Lost Cowe on Phillip Island and The Westernport Hotel in San Remo had received $10,000 and $5000 respectively in the first round of The Victorian Gig Fund.
These much loved local venues join with 142 others across the state to stage paid gigs by local artists.
"We love live music and we continue to back our local venues, musicians, creatives and festivals through these funding programs," Ms Crugnale said.
"Whilst the live music sector continues to face challenges across the country, this investment will help strengthen our local industry, champion local musical talent, showcase contemporary music which benefits creatives and our local economy too."
The Victorian Gig Fund is part of the government's commitment to back 10,000 live music gigs across the state over the next four years.
Established Victorian live music venues can apply for up to $10,000 a year to go towards Victorian artists' fees for gigs at their venues.
Local recipients
The Lost Cowe on Phillip Island, hosts live music every Friday and Saturday night year round as well as selected Thursday and Sunday nights. It focuses on supporting the local musicians, artists and creatives in the region.
"We are so thankful to be awarded this grant from the Victorian Government, it will allow us to continue to support the local live music industry on the island and in Cowes, ensuring musicians are regularly booked," Foster Noonan and Matthew Waters, owners of the Lost Cowe said.
The pair said the support would ensure local patrons could experience amazing entertainment rather than having to go outside the shire.
The Westernport Hotel in San Remo has a long history of offering live original music, having hosted such iconic acts as the Skyhooks, San Cisco, Tash Sultana, The Pierce Brothers and The Waifs through to supporting local musicians as a regional springboard to stardom.
Currently offering live music three nights per week year round, they have won numerous awards under its current ownership of 18 years.
For a full list of recipients visit: creative.vic.gov.au