Tuesday 4 May 2021: Support Act reports it has received more than 600 applications since announcing the creation of its new MusicKeeper and CrewKeeper cash grants in March, which have been made possible thanks to funding from the Australian Government through the Office for the Arts. Payments in support of these applications will exceed $1.2million.

Despite the great uptake, Support Act is urging anyone who works professionally in any genre of music and needs assistance to visit the website and submit an application. The charity is concerned there are many more people who need help, but who don’t believe they are eligible or don’t know where to apply.

Clive Miller, CEO of Support Act, explains: “We are pleased with the response to date and delighted that we’ve been able to help many struggling music workers to stay afloat in these uncertain times, but we continue to hear feedback that some people feel embarrassed or not worthy enough to apply. 

“While this is completely understandable, we want to remind all music workers that the pandemic has impacted almost everyone working in live music, and there is absolutely no shame in reaching out for help. 

“We have worked hard to make the application process as easy as possible and our social workers are available to provide support to anyone who needs it.”

MusicKeeper and CrewKeeper are cash grants valued at $2,000 for individuals and $2,700 for families with dependent children. The grants are available to anyone working in the industry, from musicians, songwriters and publishers to crew workers, managers, promoters and journalists. They are for all music genres including rock, pop, indie, classical, country, cabaret, heavy, electronic, dance, hip hop, jazz, blues and folk. 

Commenting on her experience, Bachelor Girl frontwoman and solo artist/songwriter, Tania Doko, said: “I felt that I was undeserving or that perhaps I wasn’t ‘as vulnerable’ as others may be. It was fantastic to talk to Support Act’s social workers and to feel heard as a family, particularly challenged by our untimely move from Stockholm to Melbourne during an already turbulent 2020, for the sake of my Swedish husband’s Partner Visa. 

“Absolutely do not hesitate to reach out as no situation or circumstance will be minimised. Support Act can make that tangible difference so that you can get on with being your best, creative self.”

The recent government funding has also allowed Support Act to continue to deliver life saving mental health and wellbeing programs such as the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline, Manager Support Hotline, First Nations Dedicated Helpline, Mental Health First Aid Training, Workplace Wellness Check Ins, Tune Ups mental health content series, On My Mind open access webinars and more.

Applications for MusicKeeper and CrewKeeper grants, as well as other help and resources including video testimonials from people who have already received grants, can be found on the Support Act website.

The Wellbeing Helpline, Manager Support Hotline and First Nations Dedicated Helpline can all be accessed by calling 1800 959 500.