EVENT organisers have been left frustrated by the revolving door of lockdowns with gigs across the region postponed or cancelled due to the latest pause on the easing of restrictions.
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Many in the industry are calling on the federal government for clarity, clearer messaging and more financial support.
That couldn't be more true than for the team behind Raglan Presents, who have had to reschedule their gig The Warehouse ft. Torren Foot & Jordan Brando for the third time.
The gig has been pushed back to August 7 and organiser Will Ryan said the thought of rescheduling for a fourth time was hard to take.
"It's the second time we've had to postpone due to COVID; initially it was due to run on the Queen's Birthday weekend but COVID hit the week before that.
"The first time we had to reschedule was OK and everyone worked really well with us, we were pretty confident with the new date and of course it wasn't able to go ahead which was a bit of a challenge.
"People who bought tickets have been really supportive and the majority have chosen to keep their tickets which is super helpful for us going forward.
"It's getting frustrating now with so much uncertainty going ahead. We're getting to a point where we don't know if we'll be able to reschedule."
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The sold-out Lodge Rock gig earmarked for next Saturday as part of the Port Fairy Winter Weekends was called off until next year.
''I was excited to bring alternative music to the area and give people an opportunity to connect and get inspired," Pyers said.
"COVID-19 makes this goal difficult, however, art and connection are more important than ever right now, so it is crucial we keep planning events.
"I am grateful to everyone in the industry who keep pushing forward, despite these knockbacks.
"We will try Lodge Rock again in 2022 and continue planning events into the future.''
Art and connection are more important than ever right now.
Port Fairy Winter Weekends coordinator Amy Armstrong said delivering a festival during these times was a bit of a rollercoaster.
"We're still so glad we've still been able to deliver most of the festival program," she said.
"It's frustrating, a lot of work has been put off until next year but everything else is full steam ahead.
"Any support for the arts would be welcomed; it's difficult and additional funding for events such as this impacted would be of great benefit."
Ms Armstrong and her team look forward to two more packed festival weekends this month.
"We've had such an amazing group of volunteers come forward this year which has made things easier for us; because of COVID restrictions and rules we need more hands on deck and their help has really made it achievable."
Warrnambool venue owner Tom Richardson was devastated to postpone the sold-out Pierce Brothers gig at The Space Wellbeing.
He said the on-again, off-again climate made it almost impossible to run a venue or small business.
"It's impossible to run with any kind of certainty at the moment," he said.
"We're disappointed that our local live music community have to wait.
"I'm especially feeling for the artists and all the other members of the arts industry that are getting stitched up at the moment."
Raglan Presents' Will Ryan said there needed to be more support for the arts, particularly for regional areas.
"There's no help there, although there's funding available, it's challenging to get funding from the government," he said.
"We've had a lot of support from the council, they've been fantastic and we're pretty lucky the parties involved all have Monday to Friday jobs.
"But the artists that we're booking don't and can't play gigs so there's no financial support.
"There's a huge flow-on effect financially.
"From a local point of view the council has been fantastic, the federal government is where there's a lack of support and direction. There's no clarity around what's going on in the events and arts industry.
"We need clarity and consistent messaging."
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