A major step towards making Western Australia’s music venues safer places to visit has taken place, with a $60,000 investment from the McGowan Government’s Contemporary Music Fund.
Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman today announced that community sector organisation, Safer Venues WA would receive the funding over three years.
It will work with venues, audiences, artists and the industry to improve inclusivity and personal safety, develop resources to create awareness and provide valuable training and educational tools.
Mr Templeman made the announcement at Northbridge venue The Bird, alongside Women’s Interests Minister Simone McGurk and Safer Venues WA representatives.
Diversity is a priority of the Contemporary Music Fund, an election commitment which will inject a total of $3 million into WA’s contemporary music sector over the next four years.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“There are many potential strategies to ensure the public is protected at events. Venues can publicise the presence of CCTV monitoring, have more female security, and training bar staff and security to look out for possible intimidation or harassment.
“Each week, thousands of Western Australians visit music venues across the State to support local musicians and bands. It is important for everyone, including these punters, to feel safe doing so.”
As stated by Women’s Interests Minister Simone McGurk:
“I am delighted to hear about this initiative and that the Contemporary Music Fund is prioritising safety. It’s vital that women and girls can take part in and enjoy the live music industry freely, without fear.
“This is an issue that young women, particularly, raise with me often so it is important that we create safer spaces for women to enjoy nightlife and live music.”
