Queensland Government appoints John Collins as first Night-Life Economy Commissioner

The Queensland Government has appointed John Collins as the state’s first Night-Life Economy Commissioner.

Collins has passion for live music and a deep connection to Queensland's creative industries. Collins is best known for his time spent as bassist for Powderfinger, up until 2010 and now co-owner and venue director of the Fortitude Valley Music Hall and the Triffid, a Vice President of QMusic, and a board member of Brisbane Economic Development Agency.

Collins enthused “I am very excited to be given the opportunity to represent the nightlife economy and I feel very privileged to do so.

“I’m very excited about getting around and talking to all the stakeholders in the state and hearing what they’ve got to say and then being a consistent message between the nightlife economy and the Government.”

Collins’ roles will include:

• working with live music venues, nightclubs, festival organisers, bars and restaurants, entertainment precincts, arts outlets, and local pubs across Queensland to boost the night economy which generates millions of dollars.

• developing and assisting partnerships to encourage growth and sustainability of the thousands of local businesses which drive the industry and promote and strengthen development opportunities for more established venues and events.

• providing insights into the night life industry to support state and local government approaches to nurturing and enhancing the opportunities for Queenslanders and visitors to enjoy a great night out and to boost the Queensland economy.

QLD Premier Steven Miles has also announced the state government is providing $1.6 million to support venues to grow and enhance the sustainability of their business as well as providing a stage for local musicians to develop their talents.

The funding, available through the Growing Gigs Fund and the Live Music Venue Business Grants, will help the venues to diversify and develop a new range of opportunities for their business ventures, offset operational costs, and amplify the growth of the live music industry for local musicians and artists.

Small music venues can apply for Growing Gigs Fund grants of up to $10,000 to support performance fees for Queensland contemporary music artists connecting audiences with local and live music.

The venues can also access up to $25,000 to invest in business improvement initiatives with the aim of developing stronger businesses for the future.

Premier Miles notes “John Collins has always been a champion of Queensland’s nightlife.

“He is a great appointment for Queensland and brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and know-how to drive our night life economy to a different level and help businesses of all sizes to thrive.

“We will continue to work closely to ensure we protect the safe environment my Government has worked hard to build and enforce, while also growing opportunities for our business and arts sectors.”

QLD Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch added “We know live music venues are facing increasing cost pressures, and we are amping up our support with these new funds to help smaller live music venues, alongside the appointment of the Night-Life Economy Commissioner.

“Our government is committed to unlocking opportunities to strengthen the state’s live music industry and night-time economy and deliver a uniquely Queensland soundtrack to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Image. Supplied John Collins