4/11/02
Premier Dr Geoff Gallop today announced that the City of Gosnells had been successful in its application for Rammpaage funding to stage six contemporary music events organised by young people, for young people.
Rammpaage is a new State Government program designed to provide safe opportunities for young people to see original bands perform.
Making the announcement this morning at the Kenwick Youth Centre, Dr Gallop said that music was a vital part of youth culture.
"Music is a vehicle for so much that is important to young people and what is happening in their lives," the Premier said.
"It is linked to the communication of ideas and experience, finding a sense of place in the community and notions of self-development."
The City of Gosnells will receive $18,000 to stage six events that will feature a range of music styles, including punk, rock, world and electronic.
"The concerts will be conducted in various venues such as youth centres, schools, skate parks, community centres and parks," Dr Gallop said.
All the gigs will be alcohol and drug-free events that promote the Drug Aware message.
The funding is part of $198,000 earmarked for 11 communities to stage four to six events each over a 12-month period.
Youth and Culture and the Arts Minister Sheila McHale said that the program, run through ArtsWA, had a strong youth focus.
"Young people have told us they want appropriate recreational activities that are of interest to them," Ms McHale said.
"Rammpaage was specifically designed so that live music events will be organised by young people, thereby ensuring their relevance."
The Minister launched a Rammpaage handbook designed as a guide for young people organising a live music event.
"Rammpaage also give local bands on opportunity to play and develop their performance skills," she said.
City of Gosnells Mayor Cr Patricia Morris said that Rammpaage was a wonderful example of a working partnership between the State and local governments.
"The City of Gosnells works closely with all sections of the community to provide community events and programs and we believe Rammpaage will be a big success with our young people," she said.
Participating in the Rammpaage launch was local punk band Two Sense Short.
Rammpaage, co-ordinated by ArtsWA, is a joint initiative of Healthway, Lotteries Commission, Department for Community Development - Office of Children and Young People's Policy, Department of Local Government and Regional Development.
It is part of a pilot program linked to the Gallop Government's $5million over four years contemporary music strategy.
"The contemporary music strategy highlights the Government's firm support to young people, to all artform areas and specifically to the contemporary music industry," Ms McHale said.
The handbook, 'Rammpaage - Regional and Metropolitan Music Program for All Ages', is available from the Rammpaage hotline on 9295 0505.
Premier's office: 9222 9475
Minister's office: 9213 6900
