Live & Local
Townsville City Council is excited to be a part of the Live and Local program, a celebration of homegrown music, creativity, and community.
In collaboration with The Live Music Office, APRA AMCOS, QMusic, and proudly supported by Flinders Lane, we’re launching a powerful development program designed to strengthen local live music communities.
The program will feature:
- Live and Local Industry Forum
- Live and Local Professional Development Workshop and Showcase
- Micro-Festival Music Event that highlights local talent in local venues
This program is all about empowering and elevating Townsville's live music scene!
Why Live and Local Matters
Live music is more than entertainment - it’s a powerful driver of economic, social, and cultural wellbeing. Studies show that for every $1 spent on live music in Australia, the community receives a $3 return. Live and Local aims to amplify these benefits by putting music back where it belongs: at the heart of our towns, streets, and lives.
Australia’s music industry thrives when local communities are actively involved. That’s why Live and Local empowers small-to-medium venues, musicians, and creatives to connect directly with audiences in their own backyards.
Over the last few decades, our live music scene has faced major challenges:
- Stricter regulations
- Noise complaints threatening long-standing venues
- Shifts in how we consume music in the digital era
These pressures have made it harder for grassroots music to grow. The Live and Local program responds with innovative, low-cost opportunities that support local experimentation and community engagement - without the red tape.
What This Means for Townsville
By taking part in the Live and Local program, Townsville is:
- Empowering local artists with more opportunities to perform and develop
- Activating local venues as hubs of creativity and culture
- Encouraging community pride by supporting music that reflects our own voice
- Making music accessible for everyone, everywhere - from parks and pubs to libraries and laneways
Whether you're a musician, a venue owner, a music lover, or simply passionate about Townsville’s creative future - Live and Local is your invitation to get involved.
Together, we can build a thriving local music scene that’s innovative, inclusive, and unmistakably Townsville.
Want to get involved or learn more?
Live & Local Forum
Townsville City Council hosted a Live & Local Music Industry Forum. 
Date: Wednesday 4 June 2025
Time: 5:30 - 8:30pm
Location: The Manhattan – Flinders Lane – 376 Flinders Street, Townsville
Thank you to all the musicians, businesses and venues owners, events managers and all-round music enthusiasts that came along and had their say.
QMusic - Industry Connect Professional Development & Showcase
Presented by QMusic - Industry connect, Townsville's music industry had the opportunity to be involved in a workshop to gain valuable insight from top industry experts. They were given insider tips, practical tools, and real-world advice to energise and elevate Townsville's music and entertainment landscape. The workshop also featured a special showcase of talented local Townsville musician and performers.
It was a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn and level up your live music game!
Date: Friday 6 June 2025
Time: 2 - 6pm (registration from 1:30pm) Professional Development Workshop | 6 - 7pm Networking | 7 - 9pm Live Music Showcase
Location: The Underground – Flinders Lane – 376 Flinders Street, Townsville
If you missed the QMusic - Industry Connect Professional Workshop, you can catch up by watching the video below!
Micro Festival
Get Ready for the Live & Local Micro Music Festival!
In celebration of the incredible Live and Local Program, Council is teaming up with the Live Music Office, APRA AMCOS, and Neighbourhood Productions to bring you an unforgettable micro music festival. This is your chance to experience the best of Townsville’s local talent and vibrant venues!
We're calling on local venues and musicians to join the celebration and showcase the incredible variety of talent that makes Townsville unique.
Date: Coming soon – November 2025
Times: Stay tuned for updates!
Location: To be revealed soon!
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be part of Townsville's music scene!
