Published in the Warrnambool Standard Oct 30th 2014

Premier to launch Warrnambool Aus Music Festival countdown

THE year-long countdown to the inaugural Warrnambool Aus Music Festival begins with two events this week. Premier Denis Napthine will officially start the clock ticking towards October 30, 2015, at a launch event tomorrow at noon, while a launch party celebrating Australian music will be held at The Loft tonight from 8pm. Dr Napthine will be joined by Music Victoria chief executive Patrick Donovan at tomorrow’s event at the Lady Bay Resort. Festival director Russ Goodear said that by linking in with the state government and Music Victoria, the aim was to give the Australian music-themed event national significance. Mr Goodear said it will run from October 30 to November 1 next year, starting initially as “a small event (and growing into) a great Aus Music Festival” that will be held in the Lake Pertobe and foreshore area of Warrnambool, with a “fringe festival” held in the CBD and suitable Warrnambool venues. “The goal is to create a regional Victorian cultural event,” he said. “The vision is to create a vibrant ‘must attend’ Aus Music Festival, to attract people of all ages from across Australia who want to share and celebrate great Australian music.” A local committee has been working behind the scenes for the past two years to ensure the event is sustainable, securing funding to draw up detailed business plans and a blueprint for growing the festival in the future. Warrnambool musician Liam Gubbins — a member of young up-and-coming band Bonney Ranch — will be a guest performer at tomorrow’s launch. Tonight’s launch party at The Loft will feature music from local music combo Goodear Schack O’Brien MLC, and new Warrnambool band Doctor Juzzy Jones. Patrons are also encouraged to bring their favourite Aussie CDs to play through the night.