The Wollongong music scene has a reputation for supporting progressive causes and issues. Now local bands and musicians are rallying together to support Rock the Vote Wollongong!, a campaign to promote progressive outcomes at the local government elections in September 2011.
The organisers of Rock the Vote Wollongong are producing a CD compilation and a massive live music show to celebrate the return of democracy to the city, after 4 years without an elected local council.
In 2008 Wollongong City Council was sacked by the NSW State Government following an ICAC investigation into corruption. A major concern to many in the community is that the former General Manager of Wollongong City Council – who was implicated in the corruption scandal – is now running for Mayor. The ethos behind Rock the Vote Wollongong! is to promote progressive outcomes in Wollongong’s local government elections. The aim is to mobilise young people and the music scene behind the idea of progressive election results.
The organisers of Rock the Vote Wollongong! are currently looking for submissions from local bands for the CD compilation. They are hoping to include as many bands as possible. Bands and performers that wish to record a new track for the CD are being offered a special “Rock the Vote Wollongong!” discount rate at Mainstreet Studios.
For more information on how to be involved or to submit tracks for inclusion on the CD, email robcarr09@yahoo.com.au.
GET INVOLVED!
Contact the organisers NOW to find out how you can GET INVOLVED in the Rock the Vote Wollongong campaign.
We’re looking for sponsors, grassroots support, community partners and in-kind support. Many of our supporters are YOUNG PEOPLE, SMALL BUSINESS, STUDENTS and MUSICIANS.
Rock the Vote is for anyone keen to promote progressive ideas, the music scene, our local heritage and arts and culture. Our aim is to highlight the importance of our collective VOICE to candidates running for election to Wollongong City Council.
MORE ABOUT ROCK THE VOTE:
We often hear the phrase: “What’s the big deal, it’s just another election.”
In 2008 Wollongong City Council was sacked by the NSW State Government following an ICAC investigation into corruption.
Evidently, the vote scheduled for 3rd September 2011 is not “just another election”.
ICAC found that ALP Councillors were involved in a string of cash-for-development scandals. It also found that high-ranking Council managers, most notably the former General Manager (who is running for mayor in the upcoming election), had engaged in corrupt behaviour – conduct the ICAC report said ‘was liable to allow, encourage or cause the occurrence of corrupt conduct.’ (http://www.icac.nsw.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/article/3146)
The upcoming election provides Wollongong residents with the first opportunity since the corruption scandal to elect Council representatives. Voters will be able to elect and support candidates willing to deliver a positive and more transparent future in local government.
Rock the Vote Wollongong! is an initiative by members of the local music scene to celebrate the return of democracy in the city.
The campaign is the brainchild of Robert Carr, a Wollongong music scene advocate, as well local businesses including Mainstreet Studio, Relative Silence media productions, Haworths Music, Radar Illawarra and What’s On in Wollongong.com.au.
Rock the Vote Wollongong! is inspired by a similar campaign in the United States which promotes democracy and encourages young people and musicians to vote.
The ethos behind Rock the Vote Wollongong! is to promote progressive outcomes in Wollongong’s local government elections.
Rock the Vote Wollongong! will culminate in a CD compilation as well as a live rock show featuring local and touring bands (details to be announced shortly).
