Earlier this November, MusicNSW Coordinator for the Northern Rivers and North West regions Niño Haggith had the wonderful opportunity to hit the road with Executive Director of Arts North West, Lauren Mackley. The five-day trip saw them head to Moree, Narrabri, Gunnedah and Armidale to connect with local artists and industry and get to know each town’s unique cultural and live music scenes. Here, Nino shares some reflections on the trip:
The first leg of my trip took me from the green sub-tropical pastures of the Northern Rivers through to the golden plains of Moree via Tenterfield. Lauren and I hit the ground running the next morning with 1-on-1 consultations with local musicians and arts industry workers. The day was hosted by the wonderful team at the Social Co House - an incredible co-working space right in the heart of Moree - equipped with multifunctional rooms for videography, workshops spaces, conference rooms, and what is hoped to be recording studios, professional development, visual arts and event spaces in the future. I met with a diverse range of locals who shared their feedback on how to help their local live music scene- across education, venues, production, funding, and emerging artist support. That evening we held a heart warming networking event which was fueled by the day’s topics of conversation and offered a chance to thank all involved for a full day of music business.
The next morning Lauren and I made tracks for Gunnedah. We stopped in Narrabri along the way to visit some music venues and event spaces. First stop was The Crossing Theatre with its multi event spaces, cinema and cafe situated by the river - the town’s vibrant cultural centrepiece. We then strolled to the art deco jewel of the town - The Tourist Hotel, which impressed not only with its high end 1950s design, but also the newly renovated beer garden & performance space, with brand new staging and production equipment ready for its weekly live music program. How refreshing to see dedication to live music! We also visited The Crossroads Hotel, The Tattersalls Hotel, The Namoi Hotel and The Exchange - a beautiful and modern co-working space in the town centre. We then hopped back into our cars and made our way to Gunnedah.
We arrived in Gunnedah for more 1-on-1s and meet and greets with venues and local industry. First stop was the Gunnedah Conservatorium to tour the facilities and meet with Director Rebecca Ryan. We discussed the current program, and the state of the live music scene, and the need to nurture and inspire young artists who start at the Con to pursue careers and further collaborations in music and performance. We then headed next door to The Civic Gunnedah where we met with staff and production team who were busy converting the modern multi functional theatre from cinema to live performance stage for that evening’s music concert. We meandered through the town visiting live music venues and spaces, starting with the Cultural Precinct - with its beautiful heritage listed Town Hall, Civic Cinema, Smithurst Theatre and Bicentennial Creative Arts Spaces. The newly refurbed Railway Hotel impressed with its new indoor/outdoor entertainment area, equipped with new staging, PA & lighting array and outdoor bar. We also met with owners of the Courthouse and Gunnedah Hotels, visited the outdoor amphitheatre before going for our mixer networking event in the foyer ahead of the evening’s show at The Civic Theatre. Local artists and industry gathered including members of Council, Arts Gunnedah, The Conservatorium and local artists and music lovers. We were then treated to a memorable concert by 90s Australian artist FRENTE, supported by the very talented local vocalist & guitarist Ethan Latsinos - just mesmerising!
Saturday morning dawned and I jumped in the car again and headed to Armidale, via a quick stop in Tamworth (I’ll be back in January!) and a breather at the stunning Moonbi Lookout. I headed straight to my last official engagement at The Black Gully Festival where the successful touring artists of the ‘The Winding North Tour (part of our Regional Tours) performed as their last stop of the tour. Bella Frankie, Ollie Twohill & Kirsty Larkin shone, and the unique annual one day festival boasted its eclectic (usually) all local lineup alongside community stalls, food tents, choirs, and conservation activities. I was joined by MusicNSW Regional Manager Ali Buckley, and Lauren Mackley returned to enjoy the festivities. A brilliant day and way to meet artists and industry who all share a love and passion for the local live music scene.
The next day I drove home to the Northern Rivers inspired, and full of hope for the regional live music scene of the North West, and look forward to continuing to help nurture and empower the future of music there. I stopped at Ebor Falls to catch my breath - and feel gratitude for the many incredible creatives and businesses I’d met during the week... to be continued.
