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E-Petition launched to secure NSW Government support for saving Bluesfest

E-Petition launched to secure NSW Government support for saving Bluesfest
August 29, 2024

Organisers of Bluesfest, one of Australia's most awarded and longest running music festivals in Australia, announced earlier in August that its 2025 edition would be the very last – marking the end of 35 years of celebrating music of all genres.

Since this announcement, the organisers have received significant support from the festival's community - reminding everyone of the powerful bond created through music and shared experiences.

Peter Noble Festival Director of Bluesfest Byron Bay shared "we want to extend our sincerest thanks to each and every one of you for your kind words and steadfast support.

"It's been a journey of joy, challenges, and unforgettable music. Seeing your reactions has only strengthened our resolve to make this final Bluesfest a truly historic event. Thank you for being part of our story. Let’s make Bluesfest 2025 a testament to the spirit of this wonderful festival family."

However, NSW State Government MP, Tamara Smith, NSW member for Ballina (which includes Ballina and Byron shires in NSW), has taken a bold step to save Bluesfest by initiating an E-petition calling for a NSW Government rescue package.

If 20,000 signatures from NSW residents are gathered, the NSW Parliament must hold a debate on the future of Bluesfest. This is a critical opportunity to rally together and ensure that one of Australia’s most iconic music festivals continues to thrive for years to come.

Why is Bluesfest Important?

  • Cultural Significance: Bluesfest has been a cornerstone of the state’s cultural landscape, bringing world-class music to Byron Bay and fostering a vibrant community of artists and music lovers.
  • Economic Impact: Over the last decade.
    • Bluesfest generate $775 million for Byron Shire from festival goers spending in the community on accommodation, restaurants, etc.
    • Plus over $1.1 billion in inbound tourism for NSW (people travelling from outside NSW or internationally)
    • Creating 7,182 fulltime jobs in the Northern Rivers and employing 25,000 music industry workers employed onsite at the festival.
  • Community Spirit: Bluesfest is more than just a festival – it’s a celebration of the arts, a driver of regional tourism, and a vital part of the local economy. We are the pride of our community for over 35 years.

Tamara Smith has made a powerful call to action, urging both the NSW and Federal Governments to step in and save Bluesfest.

"Bluesfest is not just a festival; it’s a crucial part of our community, our economy, and our cultural identity.

"We cannot afford to lose Bluesfest. It is imperative that we take collective action to ensure its survival for future generations to enjoy," added Smith.

Tamara Smith shared the following:

How Can People Help?

We need your support to ensure that this message reaches the halls of Parliament. Here’s how you can help:

1. Sign the E-petition: Your signature can make a difference. Let the NSW Government know that Bluesfest matters to you and our community. You must be a NSW resident to sign.

If 20,000 signatures are secured, Parliament will be required to hold a debate on this critical issue.

SIGN PETITION HERE: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/la/pages/epetition-details.aspx?q=R3_KU5w90AcnCkWT1-E0_A&ref=bluesfest-cm

  • Share the Petition: Spread the word through your network. Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to sign the petition and help us save Bluesfest.
  • Share on Social Media: Use the hashtag #SaveBluesfest to show your support.

2.  Raise Awareness: Talk about the importance of Bluesfest in your community. The more people know, the stronger our collective voice will be.

Related Articles

14th August 2024 - Bluesfest organisers announce 2025 edition to be the very last

17th June 2024 - Bluesfest Byron Bay secures an award for Best Australian Music Festival

9th April 2024 - Bluesfest issues scam alert warning

2nd April 2024 - Bluesfest’s Peter Noble acknowledges Easter weekend festival success

10th January 2023 - Bluesfest reveals site improvements ahead of 2023 festival

8th July 2022 - Bluesfest puts communications systems from D2N Technology Solutions to use

18th April 2022 - Bluesfest kickstarts besieged Australian live music industry and supports flood-ravaged local community

3rd March 2022 - Bluesfest Director encourages festival attendance to support flood impacted communities

15th January 2022 - Confident Bluesfest organisers ‘charging towards April’

23rd October 2021 - Tribunal orders Bluesfest to pay 75% refund to stallholders over cancelled 2020 event

30th September 2021 - Bluesfest Chairman Peter Noble responds to NSW Government’s COVID roadmap

18th August 2021 - No Bluesfest Festival for 2021, as event reschedules to Easter 2022

19th May 2021 - Midnight Oil to headline Bluesfest’s rescheduled festival in October

21st April 2021 - Bluesfest named finalist for ‘Music Festival of the Decade’ by Pollstar

2nd April 2021 - Bluesfest cancellation to cost more than $10 million in losses

2nd April 2021 - Save Victorian Events highlight Bluesfest cancellation as confirmation of need for Governments to back event cancellation insurance

1st April 2021 - LPA calls for emergency Business Interruption Fund after government directive shuts down Bluesfest

31st March 2021 - COVID-19 case sees NSW Health Minister cancel Byron Bay Bluesfest

11th March 2021 - Bluesfest team share their excitement for the return of live music

18th February 2021 - COVID-19 Safety Plan approved for 2021 Bluesfest


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