Trash Cult Records and live music venue, a beloved live music spot in Bendigo, Victoria, has been spared from closure due to a last-minute reversal regarding its license. The venue's owners previously feared that their shop might be forced to close last August due to a licensing error. This reversal brings a sense of relief and hope for the future of the venue.
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02-11, 2025According to the venue's owners, they obtained an incorrect license from their broker, and restrictions proposed by the City of Bendigo Council threatened the venue's survival. However, after local media widely reported the urgent appeals from music fans, the City Council listened, and a new license is forthcoming – pending final testing and completion of relevant procedures. The outpouring of support from the community played a crucial role in this positive outcome.
Co-owner Mick Derrick, who runs the store with his wife, Laurel Hickson, excitedly stated, "This is just fantastic. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel now." Mr. Derrick said that after an emergency meeting with the City Council, both parties agreed on revised license terms, which will allow the venue to continue operating, but subject to passing acoustic testing. This agreement marks a significant step forward in securing the venue's future.
Trash Cult's victory is tempered by concerns that its near-closure scare could be replaying across the state. Mr. Derrick said he felt fortunate that the City Council listened to his pleas, as arbitration or civil court hearings would have been time-consuming and costly. Victorian Creative Industries Minister Colin Brooks stated that the government is aware of the difficulties artists and venues face in staying afloat. The government is committed to supporting the creative sector and ensuring its sustainability.
Minister Brooks said: "It's crucial that we have protections in place to ensure these venues can continue to operate." Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the number of live music venues in Victoria has decreased by 24%. Magic Dirt guitarist Raul Sanchez said that artists are seeking out smaller venues that embrace the unique elements of music. "I think it's really important to look after those spaces," he said, highlighting the vital role these venues play in the music ecosystem.
Trash Cult has been a hidden treasure in Bendigo for four years, with supporters as diverse as the record collection on the store's walls. Local musician Sam Edmonds said: "It's one of the few venues where you'd buy a ticket even if you didn't know who was playing." An online petition calling for the rescue of Trash Cult attracted more than 2,000 signatures, demonstrating the venue's importance to the local community. The strong community support underscores the venue's cultural significance.
A City Council spokesperson declined to comment on the venue's new conditions. "As any amendment to a planning permit needs to follow a statutory process, it is not appropriate for Council to comment at this stage of the application," the spokesperson said. Lee Fitzgibbon is one of those who fought for the restoration of live music. She said that the venue provides a real sense of community. "It's about giving emerging musicians, as well as established artists, opportunities in a small venue and a safe space," Ms. Fitzgibbon said.
Even the store's closest neighbor, Albert "Skip" Skipper, expressed his support: "It's an attraction to the Eaglehawk community, it's changing the demographics," he said. "I'm more than happy to fight for this venue." As for Mick Derrick, he is delighted to have favorite bands back in the store. Japanese "jet rock" band Guitar Wolf is scheduled to perform in late March as part of their Australasian tour. "That's the big thing we're really looking forward to today."
