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Byron Shire
November 9, 2026

Eltham Hotel funded to get ‘gig-ready’

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The Eltham Hotel is included in a list of 39 venues announced for funding as part of $5.1 million in state government grants.

The government says its Venue Upgrade Grants scheme is aimed at helping operators pay for sound proofing, equipment and professional advice needed to host live music without impacting on neighbours.

Head of Sound New South Wales Emily Collins says projects will includeupgrades to lighting and sound systems, accessibility and energy, improvements in ventilation and air-conditioning.

Most of the other venues approved for funding are in and around Sydney.

They include The Enmore Theatre and Marys Underground in Newtown, The Factory Theatre and The Red Rattler in Marrickville, the Metro Theatre and City Recital Hall in the Sydney CBD.

Sound-proofing, AV and consultants funded

The government says its 2024/25 Venue Upgrade Grants are being delivered across two streams, with most, or $4,950,114, allocated via the Venue Upgrade Infrastructure Development stream.

Funds have been delivered to 30 dedicated live music venues to support sound proofing, energy efficiency upgrades, and the purchase of audio-visual equipment, the government said in its announcement last week.

Another $117,366 has been delivered to nine venues to support access to best-practice advice from consultants and experts, including guidance on development applications and planning expenses, legal services, licensing consultants, energy efficiency audits, and acoustic reports.

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham says the government focussed last year on sound proofing grants and has this year tripled the grants program help venues get ‘gig ready’.



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