READ THE REPORT
The report gathers insights from 80+ representatives from across the NSW music sector who participated in a NSW Roundtable held at the 2025 Regional & Remote Music Summit and provided insights into opportunities and challenges across First Nations development, artist development, audience development, industry development and regional development.
Importantly, the report provides insights into the unique challenges and opportunities for those involved in music outside metropolitan areas.
Key priorities identified from these rich conversations include the need for safe and affordable spaces, mentorship pathways and long-term funding, as well as a strong call for collaboration through a ‘Do-It-Together’ (DIT) approach and recognition and support for grassroots organisers as essential contributors to local music ecosystems.
MusicNSW Managing Director Joe Muller shares that the report will directly inform the ongoing work of MusicNSW as the state’s peak body for contemporary music, as well as being a valuable resource for the sector at large.
“It is clear – and unsurprising – that many of the recommendations shared in this report are a pointed call to better support the people that bring music to life in regional NSW. It is often the case in regional places that one or two dedicated music champions carry the weight and responsibility of propping up their local scene.”
“Importantly, the report’s call to ‘Do-It-Together’ reflects something we hear constantly across the state: the strongest communities are built through collaboration across the entire music ecosystem, driven by a shared commitment to music and culture.”
“The recommendations presented here will directly inform MusicNSW’s ongoing work across our programs and advocacy as we head into 2026. We encourage anyone interested in supporting regional and remote music to dive into the report – there are so many insights shared from the rich discussions with leaders from across regional NSW.”
The Report is the result of a NSW Roundtable held as part of the 2025 Regional & Remote Music Summit, with support from Sound NSW and Music Australia. MusicNSW is grateful for the participation of 80+ representatives from across the state. The NSW Roundtable was facilitated by Leanne de Souza and the report authored by Laura Harper.
Six priority areas for action
1. Invest in culturally safe, affordable and sustainable places for creation, rehearsal and performance
2. Develop affordable touring networks that connect artists with communities
3. Build ‘Do-It-Together’ (DIT) alliances that support collaboration and cross-sector partnerships across councils, health, education, tourism and sport
4. Expand mentorship, training and producer pipelines including youth, peer-to-peer and intergenerational models
5. Recognise and resource grassroots organisers and local champions as essential contributors to sustainable local music ecosystems
6. Provide long-term, flexible funding that redistributes resources from metro to regional NSW, embeds social and cultural value, advances diversity in leadership and supports First Nations self determination