QMusic posts surplus, adds four to mgmt committee

Queensland’s peak music association QMusic announced a surplus for 2015 at its annual general meeting in Fortitude Valley.

It also announced four new members to its management committee. They are Oztix founder and CEO Brian Chladil, Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira, NR Barbi solicitor Natalie Strijland and Tina Radburn.

Treasurer Ben Hancock admitted, "2015 was destined to be a challenging year." However, despite an initial budgeted loss (of $26,674), QMusic ending the year with a surplus of $30,437. Its total surplus as of December 31 was $198,863.

"It was a year of significant transition for QMusic as an organisation and from a financial purview one of increasing uncertainty as we sought to build upon the tremendous successes of 2014 against a backdrop of reduced funding and a tight economic environment," Hancock said.

One of the year’s highpoints was BIGSOUND which had its biggest year, with 1226 delegates from around the world and generating a 10% growth in its economic impact of $3.10 million to the Fortitude Valley precinct in whose venues the conference and showcase event was held. The live showcases drew 4964 attendees. Figures showed that 43% of BIGSOUND attendees came from intestate and outside Australia.

The slashing of funding from the Australia Council saw the end of QMusic’s regional program. But the association is confident this will be relaunched in 2017.

President Michael Crutcher stated: “The most disappointing part  of  late  2015  – and  this  continued  into  2016  – was  the  State  Parliament’s  implementation  of  lockout  laws. QMusic fought against these flawed laws  for  many  months,  co-ordinating meetings  of  stakeholders  and  also  meeting  with  elected  officials. 

“We outlined  the  impact  these  laws  will have  on  this  state’s  outstanding  live  music  industry.  Unfortunately, the music  industry  was  not  given  due  consideration  during  the  political  process. 

“The  live  music  industry  will  face  challenging  times  when  these  laws  are  introduced  unless  the  State Government  can  provide  assistance  to  prevent  similar  problems  experienced by Sydney’s locked out regions. The Government has made promising steps in this regard but  more  needs  to  be  done.  The  industry  can  be  assured  that  QMusic  will  continue  this  discussion  with Government.”

The association continued its programs of artist professional development services including 16 Music Action Plans where emerging artists got career advice from established names, the rising of its Broadcast subscribers to 6582, and the staging of 19 workshops across the state to 417 attendees, and a draw of 375 to networking sessions including the inaugural Women In Music which drew 100.

President Michael Crutcher attributed Joel Edmondson work in his first  year as Executive Officer for the surplus. QMusic farewelled, Lynette Irwin from the board after 16 years. Denise Foley and Lynette Irwin were awarded lifetime QMusic memberships in recognition of their outstanding service to the organisation. Outgoing board members Adam Thatcher and Peter Dann were thanked for their input.