A free community event, the summit will bring together local and national leaders from across the sector, including representatives from Music Victoria, Adelaide UNESCO City of Music, Live Music Locator, venue operators, performers, researchers, educators, youth programming facilitators and audiences. 

Geelong has a long and proud music history, from rock band Goanna to Chrissy Amphlett of the Divinyls, and global touring act King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. 

More recently, initiatives such as the GRID Series Geelong mentoring program have supported emerging local artists – including Wild Gloriosa and Baraka the Kid – to gain national recognition and industry awards. This summit continues that legacy by supporting the next generation of emerging artists, venues and industry leaders.

The event forms part of the City’s ongoing work to strengthen and sustain a dynamic, connected and resilient live music ecosystem. It builds on the success of the 2024 Live Music Forum, which attracted more than 100 attendees and helped identify key priorities for the sector.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM 

Live music brings our city to life, creates a vibrant night-time economy and supports local jobs. But we know the sector is facing real challenges.

This summit is about bringing everyone together to share ideas that will help us shape a stronger, more sustainable future for live music in our region. 

I urge anyone who cares about music in Geelong to register and be part of the conversation.

Arts & Culture, Hospitality & Live Entertainment portfolio chair Deputy Mayor Eddy Kontelj 

A thriving live music scene doesn’t happen organically. It relies on venues, artists, industry partners and all levels of government working together.

Geelong has the talent, the passion and the community to grow something truly special.

Since our last Live Music and Live Entertainment Networking Event in 2022, I’ve had strong and ongoing feedback from performers, venues and supporters encouraging us to bring people together again in this way.

This summit is a chance for honest discussion to build connections and identify the practical steps we can take to support venues, emerging artists and activate our city.

This isn’t a one-off event – it’s a check-in point to keep us moving forward with helpful, practical ideas and solutions.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant MP

Opportunities like the Live Music Summit give emerging local artists the chance to connect with industry leaders here in Barwon Heads, while helping to strengthen and grow the future of live music across the Bellarine and Greater Geelong region.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens MP 

The Allan Labor Government has consistently supported Creative Victorians and musicians in the Geelong region.

This summit serves as a vital platform for discussions, with the aim to elevate artists, and provide upcoming musicians and industry enthusiasts pathways to perform, be seen, heard, and celebrated.