Lorelle Hickson says the aim is for Trash Cult to hold intimate gigs with bands and artists. (Supplied: Bill Conroy, Press1 Photography)
In short:
The owners of an iconic record shop and live music venue in Bendigo say proposed licensing conditions would have made their venue unviable.
Gigs at Trash Cult have been stalled since July, with supporters calling for the venue to be protected.
What's next?
The ABC understands Greater Bendigo City Council has agreed to the owner's requests and gigs could resume in late March.
A beloved live music venue in regional Victoria has been saved from potential closure by a last-minute licensing backflip.
The owners of Bendigo's Trash Cult record and live music store feared the gig was up when a licensing error threatened to draw the curtains on their shop last August.
The venue's owners said they were given an incorrect licence by a broker and proposed restrictions by the Bendigo City Council threatened the venue's existence.
However, a desperate plea from punters shared across local media has been heard by city hall, with a new licence on its way — pending some last minute tests and red tape.
Co-owner Mick Derrick, who runs the business with his wife Lorelle Hickson, was almost lost for words.
"This is totally amazing. Now we can see there's a light at the end of the tunnel," he said.
Ms Hickson runs Trash Cult with her husband, Mick Derrick. (Supplied: Bill Conroy, Press1 Photography)
Mr Derrick said after a last-minute meeting with council, terms had been agreed upon for an amended licence that would allow the venue to continue to operate, pending an acoustic sound test.
He said he just wished it had happened sooner.
"They backflipped on a lot of the restrictions they had on us, which was great," he said.
A widespread issue
The victory for Trash Cult has been tempered by fears its near demise could be being replicated across the state.
Mr Derrick said he felt lucky the council had heard his plea because arbitration or a civil tribunal hearing would have taken an exorbitant amount of time.
Victoria's Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks, said the government was aware of how tough it was for artists and venues to remain afloat.
"It's really important that we put in place protections to make sure those venues can continue to operate," Mr Brooks said.
Magic Dirt guitarist Raul Sanchez says artists and touring acts are seeking smaller places to perform, such as Trash Cult. (Supplied: Zo Damage)
Last week the Victorian government announced a 14-person advisory council to report back on the challenges facing the music industry.
In the years since COVID-19 began, Victoria's live music venues have reduced by 24 per cent.
Magic Dirt guitarist Raul Sanchez said artists were seeking out smaller venues that embraced the niche things in music.
"I think it's very important to look after those spaces," he said.
A hidden gem
Trash Cult has been Bendigo's hidden treasure for four years.
Its supporters are as varied as the record collections along the shop's walls.
"It's one of those few venues where you just get a ticket even if you don't know who's playing," local musician Sam Edmonds said.
Ms Hickson is fighting planning conditions she says are too onerous for her venue. (Supplied: Bill Conroy, Press1 Photography)
The online petition calling for Trash Cult to be saved attracted had more than 2,000 signatures.
A council spokesperson would not be drawn on the new conditions for the venue.
"As there are legislated processes that are required to occur for any amendments to a planning permit, it would be remiss of the city to make comment at this stage of the application," the spokesperson said.
Lee Fitzgibbon says Trash Cult holds small, intimate events that don't warrant having the same conditions as larger venues. (Supplied: Bill Conroy, Press1 Photography)
Lee Fitzgibbon is among those who fought for the return of live music.
She said the venue provided a real sense of community.
"It's about giving emerging musicians, as well as established artists, a go in a small venue and safe space," Ms Fitzgibbon said.
Albert "Skip" Skipper lives and works next to Trash Cult and supports it staying open. (Supplied: Skip Skipper)
Even the store's closest neighbour, Albert "Skip" Skipper, is on board.
"It's a drawcard for the Eaglehawk community and it has changed the demographic," he said.
"I am more than happy to go and fight for this venue."
And as for Mick Derrick, he is just excited to have one of his favourite bands back to the shop.
Japanese "jet rock'n'roll" band Guitar Wolf are booked to play in late March as part of their Australasian tour.
"That's the big one we are really hanging out hat on today. That's the big one," he said.
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