Live Music Action Plan 2026-2028

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Maribyrnong has always punched above its weight culturally and with the Live Music Action Plan 2026–2028, we are supporting our community to play on.

Live music is central to Maribyrnong’s identity, economy and sense of place. It supports cultural diversity and community connection. With over 2,797 live music events, performing to 324,200 audience members, generating $36.4 million in economic output in 2019 alone (Live Music Census) it's fair to say we love our live music!

Community engagement

This plan was shaped by comprehensive engagement with artists, audiences, venue owners, young people, promoters, and music industry bodies.

Over 500 community members contributed to the consultation, with live music emerging as both one of the most loved and most requested areas for growth.

Key themes

From the community engagement there were six key themes identified:

  1. Support for local talent
  2. Reduced regulatory complexity
  3. Support for small and mid-sized venues and infrastructure
  4. Investment in marketing and promotion
  5. Prioritisation of Footscray and near surrounds
  6. Value of participation and belonging.

Key outcomes

This plan proposes a series of actions over a three-year period to realise four key outcomes:

Outcome 1

A music-friendly city with clear pathways for venues, artists and industry professionals to operate, develop new work, perform and prosper.

Outcome 2

A live music scene, which reflects the City’s rich cultural diversity and builds belonging, wellbeing, and participation across all communities.

Outcome 3

A thriving night-time economy powered by live music in traditional and non-traditional spaces.

Outcome 4

Melbourne’s inner west becomes known as the go to destination for discovering new talent and experiencing high-quality, diverse and innovative musical performance.

Live Music Advisory Panel

As part of the Live Music Action Plan, Council endorsed the establishment of the Maribyrnong Live Music Advisory Panel to help guide and support the implementation of the Plan.

Expressions of interest to join the Live Music Advisory Panel closed on Monday 20 April 2026.

Membership will represent stakeholder interest and expertise to support the outcomes of the Action Plan and comprise of Council representatives, State Government agencies, Victoria University, industry stakeholders, venue owners, promoters, musicians and residents.

The Advisory Panel will be governed by its Terms of Reference which are available for download at the bottom of this page.

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