“The Regional & Remote Music Summit invites artists, industry, researchers and community leaders to join us in robust conversation around the importance of regional leadership in a thriving Australian music landscape. From touring in a climate–conscious world, to the roles of community radio, DIY touring and festivals in cultivating strong music cultures, we will centre regional voices and offer inspiration and insights for anyone interested in music as a force for connection, renewal and sustainability in our communities.” Joe Muller, Managing Director, MusicNSW
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.
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? How can we make touring more sustainable and bring music to more communities? This session explores grassroots, artist–led, and community– oriented approaches to touring.
Halfway through the rollout of Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place, Australia’s five–year national cultural policy, this session provides a timely snapshot from Director of Music Australia, Millie Milgate, 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
This special edition of Live Nation’s Ones to Watch will spotlight emerging First Nations artists, offering industry and fans the chance to experience powerful performances at The Northern Hotel — one of Byron’s most iconic live music venues—with a full line–up announced late June.
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) 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? In this presentation, Shane Homan shares insights from a three–year ARC–funded project that explores its cultural and economic impact and considers its relevance to CBAA’s Roadmap 2033 and the Federal Government’s Revive policy.
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? In this workshop, artists, broadcasters and changemakers will come together to co–design ideas 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.
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 inaugural Regional & Remote Music Summit was held in 2024 in Darwin, hosted by MusicNT. The event was created to foster a more inclusive and connected Australian music industry, to highlight the power of music as a catalyst for positive change, and provide a platform to address the unique challenges faced by artists in regional and remote areas. The 2025 Regional & Remote Music Summit is hosted by MusicNSW and supported by Music Australia and Sound NSW.
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
