NQ's Rock'n Country Music Festival 2023

Hi, My name is Geoff Baguley.

I created a Country Music Festival 3 years ago. This festival aimed to support artists during the Covid Lockdowns, support Charities and promote Musical Talent.

We have had many many hurdles to clear since this started, and we have cleared them. Though the hurdle facing us now is the biggest of all.

Previous Federal Governments have contributed to the event and were indicating they would continue to support the event. In fact, the current Minister promised the new government would invest more funds into the arts than the previous government. Though we have received final confirmation that the Federal Government will not be supporting the music festival this year.

This decision has caused a massive funding shortfall - that we are struggling to fill.

The Government has made this decision despite the overwhelming evidence of the good that the festival does for the community - and the economic benefits to the City of Mackay.

The people set to lose if the festival cannot go ahead:

1. Artists (both established though most importantly emerging)

2. Local businesses supplying the festival (Stages, equipment hire, food, etc etc etc)

3. Charities (Variety, Variety Bash and RMH)

4. ... and music fans!

It seems as though the local Business Community supports the event more than the Canberra-based politicians, with over 25 businesses providing funds to enable the events to get this far. Locals looking after locals.

We are making last-ditch attempts to reach out to media outlets to raise awareness of the good this event does, and the damage it will cause if it doesn't go ahead.

All we ask is that you kindly contribute to ensuring the event can survive.

Your help is truly appreciated.

Geoff Baguley