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 - Wednesday 4 June 2025
- Live and Local Professional Development Workshop and Showcase - Friday 6 June 2025
- 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 invites YOU to have your say at the Live & Local Music Industry Forum. 
Date: Wednesday 4 June 2025
Time: 5:30 - 8:30pm (registration from 5pm)
Location: The Manhattan – Flinders Lane – 376 Flinders Street, Townsville
Whether you’re a musician, business or venue owner, event manager or all-round live music enthusiast, this forum is a valuable opportunity to network with The Live Music Office, Council and community to discuss what a thriving live music scene looks like for Townsville.
QMusic - Industry Connect Professional Development & Showcase
Get Gig-Ready with QMusic!
Presented by QMusic – Industry Connect, this interactive workshop is your gateway to mastering the live music scene. Whether you're a musician, venue operator, or industry professional, you'll gain valuable insights from top industry experts. Discover insider tips, practical tools, and real-world advice designed to energise and elevate Townsville’s music and entertainment landscape.
The workshop also features a special showcase of talented local Townsville musicians and performers.
Don’t miss this chance 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
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!
