THE music will play on at the Axedale Tavern, thanks to a $25,000 grant through the Victorian Governments Good Music Neighbours program. Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the grant would support the venues proposed new function centre acoustic treatment. Axedale Tavern is one of 21 Victorian venues to be funded in the latest round of the program, which supports venues to make improvements and best manage their sound, in line with the latest regulations and best practice guidelines. Good Music Neighbours is about creating harmony between live music venues and nearby neighbours. Since its launch in 2016 the program has provided $780,000 to support 82 venues to undertake sound management projects. Part of the Victorian Governments $22 million Music Works initiative, the program is strengthening the states contemporary music ecology through supporting artists, venues, festivals, managers, labels and promoters. Music Victorias latest Live Music Census revealed that more than 73,000 gigs were held at Victorian music venues last year, about 20 per cent more than five years ago. It revealed that across the year, live music attracts more people than the AFL, Spring Racing Carnival, A League, Basketball, Netball, NRL, Cricket and Grand Prix combined. Music is a strong part of our community and this Good Music Neighbours grant is helping Axedale Tavern build their business and strengthen their live music program, Ms Symes said. Music venues add to the vibrancy of our community and are one of the reasons why people love living here. Sunday acoustic sessions have been popular at the Axedale Tavern amongst locals and tourists and this Labor Government will allow the venue to keep rocking. It means you dont have to go into the city to watch live music, and you can support local businesses and artists at the same time. Good sound management is a win for everyone from musicians, punters and venue operators to the surrounding neighbourhood.