Music events to hit Darling Downs thanks to whopping $250k funds
Local and internationally-renowned artists will travel around the southwest performing shows to fill a massive void left in the lives of residents following the disastrous impacts of the pandemic on the arts industry.
Toowoomba
Don't miss out on the headlines from Toowoomba. Followed categories will be added to My News.
In a first for Queensland, local artists and globally-recognised performers will tour the region, performing some of the greatest locations in the Darling Downs and beyond with a share of $250,000 in funding from the Government in their pockets.
Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch launched Queensland Music Trails on Thursday, with the first trail travelling through the region in June and July.
Ms Enoch said the arts industry had be hit hard during the pandemic and its subsequent impacts on the community, and said the project was an example of just one way the arts industry was being bolstered this year.
“Following the impact of the global pandemic there’s never been a better time to explore our own backyard, and the outback towns of Jimbour, Charleville, Quilpie, Windorah and Birdsville will be the first to host big musical names for the Outback Music Trail,” she said.
“The arts are key to delivering the Palaszczuk Government’s plan for economic recovery, each year contributing $8.5 billion to the state’s economy and supporting more than 92,000 jobs across Queensland.
“Queensland Music Trails will employ over 120 artists and artworkers and is expected to generate $4.5 million in domestic tourism, stimulate economic opportunities and create new jobs.”
The Opera at Jimbour will be the first stop of the trail, from June 25 to June 27, before heading to Music for Stargazing at Charleville from June 29 to June 30.
The trail continues with immersive musical experience Echoes In the Dust in Quilpie from July 1 to 2 and kicked-back weekend performances for Oasis Afternoons in Windorah from July 3 to 4.
Queensland Music Festival CEO Joel Edmondson said with international borders closed, everyone was searching to fill the void created last year when countless shows and performances were cancelled.
“The events along the first ever Outback Music Trail are a new way to get to know the diverse people and places of Outback Queensland,” he said.
“Nothing makes memories like seeing something totally amazing in a place you would never expect.
“To me, that’s the definition of adventure.”
The $250,000 in funding was provided through the Government’s $22.5 million Arts and Cultural Recovery Package’s Spaces and Places initiative.
More Coverage
Winter wonderland: 10 things to do this weekend
Distract yourself from the cold with a Christmas in July feast or laugh away the winter blues with an award-winning comedian. Here’s your ultimate guide to the winter weekend.
‘Exclusive’ Carnival of Flowers event reveals eye-watering ticket price
Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers will see a major overhaul in 2025, including an ‘exclusive’ event where patrons will pay $350 for entry. Here’s what you’ll get for that high price.
Chilly temps spark memories of Toowoomba’s snow day
It’s been more than four decades since the unthinkable happened and snow fell in Toowoomba, so how does this year’s winter stack up? Forecast here.
Machete and hammer-wielding teens on alleged city-wide spree
Multiple terrifying incidents took place across Toowoomba where teens were allegedly armed with hammers and machetes while attempting to steal cars.
Toowoomba mayor echoes calls for bridge upgrade
Toowoomba’s mayor has joined the chorus of Darling Downs and South Burnett residents urging the Queensland government to prioritise upgrade funding for a notorious single-lane bridge.
Councillor donates $30,000 to repair graves smashed by vandals
A Toowoomba councillor has personally pledged $30,000 to help repair 150 graves that were callously smashed in one of the most devastating acts of vandalism in the city’s history.