Regional & Remote Music Summit Final Program Announcement
The Regional & Remote Music Summit, taking place at the Byron Bay Community Centre from 23 to 25 July 2025, invites attendees to participate in a program of conversations, cultural exchange, ideas, and performances – all focused on strengthening regional music ecosystems and communities.
Today MusicNSW unveils the second wave of sessions. From discussions on touring networks and music policy, venue sustainability and cultural tourism, the sessions are designed to equip industry professionals with insights, practical tools and inspired connections. For full dates, times, locations and tickets, visit regionalmusicsummit.com.
The Summit opens with Calling Country, led by Rhoda Roberts AO, pays respect to the Bundjalung peoples. Acclaimed musician and podcast host Ben Lee will reflect on the chaos and magic of life on the road, while NSW’s Minister for Music, John Graham, delivers a keynote on shaping a thriving music and night-time economy. Green Music Australia will also launch its new Sustainability Health Check Report for venues.
Beyond the talks, we’ll celebrate community spirit and experimentation in a late-night Little Bandsshowcase, curated by local legends, Mario Fraietta (Howl & Moan Records) and Stuart Grant. The Summit will wrap-up with live music from an eclectic mix of regional talent at Dashville Does The Bowlo. Whether you’re there to listen, learn, play, or connect, the Summit promises to spark new ways of thinking and forge meaningful collaborations across music, place, and purpose.
New sessions added:
Ben Lee on the Magic (& Madness) of Touring
Drawing on an extraordinary career that has (so far!) spanned 20 solo albums, one-off projects like the Bens (with Folds and Kweller), a Grammy-award winning comedy album, a psychedelic children’s musical and now his company Weirder Together, with his wife, actress Ione Skye, Ben Lee brings his signature storytelling and irreverent humour to a session on the magic (and sometimes madness) of taking your music on the road and why he believes regional Australia and scene-building should be part of every artist’s long-term strategy.
In Conversation: NSW Minister for Music & the Night-time Economy John Graham & Jane Slingo
Join the world’s first Minister for Music, The Hon. John Graham MLC, in a keynote conversation with Jane Slingo, Director Asia Pacific of VibeLab, on how to leverage policy to drive change, strengthen music communities in both cities and the regions, and unpack the NSW Government’s strategy to enable the conditions for sustainable sector growth across music and the night-time economy.
Little Bands
Inspired by the disposable, DIY ethos of the original Little Bands movement, this late-night showcase is curated by Stuart Grant of Primitive Calculators and Mario Fraietta of Howl & Moan Records. Expect short sets celebrating small-scale chaos and Northern Rivers community spirit!
Touring Networks & Cultural Exchange
Touring shouldn’t just happen in communities; it should be built with and by them. We’ll discuss how culture, exchange, and community partnerships can support resilient touring ecosystems with Rhoda Roberts AO, Wantok Musik’s David Bridie, Letisha Ackland from Balya Productions and MusicNT’s Executive Director, Mark Smith.
Music is the Destination
Exploring music as a driver of cultural tourism, local storytelling, and precinct activation with the minds behind Dark Mofo, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Queensland Music Festival & OK Motels.
Green Music’s Venue Sustainability Health Check Report Launch
What does it take for live music venues to cut emissions, reduce costs, and lead on climate action? Based on hands-on work with nine venues across NSW, Green Music Australia’s new report reveals the current state of sustainability and offers practical pathways forward.
Dashville Does The Bowlo
Stay on after the Summit officially ends to keep hanging with the Dashville crew and for tunes from Magpie Diaries, Mylee Grace, Johnston City, Joey Leigh Wagtail, Piper Butcher, Max Marvell, Dave Wells, Kingsley James and more. This is a ticketed event open to the public. Summit delegates receive free entry.
These sessions round out the already announced:
Keynotes & Panel: Music as Place, Culture and Community
Bringing together three powerful voices to explore how music strengthens identity, resilience, and drives social impact in diverse regional communities. Mini keynote addresses by Rhoda Roberts AO, Dr Vic McEwan (Cad Factory) and Rona Glynn-McDonald (RONA) will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with broadcaster & journalist Tracee Hutchison.
On the Road to a Better Tour: The Future of Touring in a Climate-Conscious World
Oliver Leimbach of Lime Cordiale joins Green Music Australia’s Tim Shiel to explore how artists can reduce their touring footprint without losing the connection that comes from performing in regional communities.
DIY or Die? Touring Regional & Remote Australia
When you’re touring remote Australia, is DIY the only way to survive? This session explores grassroots, artist-led, and community-oriented approaches to touring with Raechel Whitchurch (Sure Thing Agency), Matt ‘Magpie’ Johnston (Dashville), Ashlyn Jada Koh (First Block Sounds & Sad Cowgirl Tours), Jack Parsons (Guts Touring & Bush Music Fund), Chris O Neill (APRA AMCOS).
Regional Music Strategy: An Update from Music Australia
This session provides a timely snapshot from Director of Music Australia, Millie Millgate, and Creative Australia Research Manager Dr Christen Cornell, of the evolving policy landscape and what it means for regional artists, organisations, and the industry.
Ones to Watch: First Nations Showcase
Live Nation’s Ones to Watch will spotlight First Nations artists at one of Byron’s most iconic live music venues, The Northern Hotel.
How Festivals are Building Communities and Driving Renewal
Regional festivals are more than celebrations; they’re catalysts for connection, creativity, and renewal. This session will explore how community-led festivals strengthen regional identity, support local economies, and create lasting impact with Tara Medina (Strawberry Fields), Jesse Higgs (Party in the Paddock), Guy Grey (Tropical Fruits), Phaedra Watts, (Nannup Music Festival) and more.
Keynote: The Cultural and Economic Contribution of Community Music Radio
What role does community music radio play in Australia’s media and music landscape? Shane Homan shares insights from a three-year ARC-funded project that explores its cultural and economic impact.
Workshop: The Future of Community Radio
Community radio is the heartbeat of Australian music discovery. But as the media landscape shifts, what does the future hold? Broadcasters and industry will come together to co-design ideas in this workshop that will keep community radio thriving as a home for local music and regional voices.
Yarning Strong presented by Support Act
A powerful conversation led by First Nations voices, Yarning Strong, will explore wellbeing, healing, and the importance of culturally safe, inclusive spaces in regional music communities. Featuring Catherine Satour (Support Act), Warren Mason (Tin Camp Studios), Kaleena Smith (MusicNSW), and Angus Field (3%).
Bowls, Bands and Margaritas, presented by Moshtix
Close out the Regional & Remote Music Summit with bowls, beers and margaritas at the Bangalow Bowlo, presented by Moshtix, with live music programmed by Dashville.
More about the Regional & Remote Music Summit
Our vast regional and remote areas, home to 7 million people (approximately 28% of the Australian population), are integral to shaping the nation’s music industry. The first Regional & Remote Music Summit in 2024 was held in Darwin and hosted by MusicNT. The event was created to support a more inclusive, connected Australian music industry – showcasing music’s power as a catalyst for positive change and providing a dedicated platform to tackle the unique challenges facing regional and remote artists. The 2025 Regional & Remote Music Summit is presented by MusicNSW and supported by Sound NSW and Music Australia.
About MusicNSW
MusicNSW is the state body for music in New South Wales. It is a not-for-profit organisation that empowers and connects artists and industry by providing access to professional and skill development opportunities, as well as best practice resources, facilitating strong industry networks, and bringing industry together for consultation. This includes Sound Advice, regional industry development and support for First Nations artists and industry. The NSW Government funds MusicNSW through Create NSW and Sound NSW.
