Indigenous Employment Partnership for the NT Music Sector 2009 - 2012

Build on the Northern Territory’s extraordinary talent to grow a successful, vibrant and sustainable music industry

Music is big business in Australia. The Music Council of Australia’s Music in Australia Knowledge Base puts the value of the music sector to the economy at $6.8b in 2005-2006.

The Northern Territory has a unique pool of musical talent featuring many languages and cultures. Musicians are emerging from schools, regional centres and remote communities. For years though, there has not been an adequate support structure that could help musicians make a living out of their talent.

The music industry in the Northern Territory has said that there is a need for a comprehensive plan to help musicians develop their talent and skills and gain employment.

One of the recent success stories in the music industry is the award-winning Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. Gurrumul’s career grew out of his cultural roots in Arnhem Land and was brought to the national scene through the support of his publisher. Gurrumul’s success is the result of talent, hard work and a well coordinated support and infrastructure.

Like Gurrumul, there are other musicians whose talents need to be identified, encouraged and nurtured through a joint effort by all stakeholders. Evidence from past and existing programs shows that music provides a strong incentive in the areas of school retention, lifelong learning and other positive social and community outcomes.

To succeed, the music industry needs to be strong and cohesive. It also needs capital investment in performance equipment; career pathways, which include training and mentoring; and touring opportunities and festivals.