AFL legends Matthew Richardson and Bob Murphy have added their voices to the chorus of music lovers desperate to save Melbourne's live music venues by appealing to the State Government to lift density restrictions.

An Open Letter published today seeks to bring attention to the imminent closure of Victorian live music venues without further assistance from the Victorian Government. Signed by over 100 of Victoria's live music venues, it calls for a clear and balanced roadmap for easing restrictions and increasing venue capacities. With the JobKeeper cliff approaching in just two weeks' time, this is an urgent plea for action.

Music Victoria is thrilled to reveal that the 16th annual Music Victoria Awards will return in 2020 during Melbourne Music Week to celebrate the vast achievements of Victoria’s music community over the last year. Despite live music coming to a standstill since COVID-19 restrictions came in place, there have been huge achievements by the Victorian music community.