More Victorian music workers will have access to important mental health, wellbeing and crisis relief services, with new funding to boost support for Victoria’s local industry workers.
Ahead of this week’s Ausmusic T-Shirt Day, the Victorian Government has committed $2 million to national music charity Support Act.
From musicians to managers, crew, music workers and organisations, Support Act supports anyone working in Australian music with mental health and wellbeing programs, short term financial support and a free Wellbeing Helpline.
The investment will ensure Victorian music workers have access to programs like phone counselling services, mental health first aid, and mentally healthy workplace training as well as financial wellbeing workshops and crisis relief for financial hardship.
These services are more important than ever, with 66 per cent of people working in the music and live performing arts sectors in Australia reporting high or very high levels of psychological distress – more than four times that of the general population, according to research undertaken in 2022 by Support Act.
Working late-night hours, long stints away from home, insecure work and potentially challenging working conditions all mean that live music workers need more mental health and wellbeing support.
Support Act also runs initiatives like Yarning Strong, a series of mental health webinars for First Nations people working in the industry, and Access All Areas, an education program to help music workers intervene if they witness sexual harassment, assault or bullying.
Ausmusic T-Shirt Day encourages all music fans to wear their favourite Australian band or artist t-shirt and raise money and awareness for Support Act’s work.
To find out more visit ausmusictshirtday.org.au or supportact.org.au. Support Act’s free and confidential Wellbeing Helpline is available on 1800 959 500.