“I’m delighted that Jimmy Ladgrove’s participation in the grant-writing workshops I hosted last year has led to a $67,100 grant to build up his family’s North Wangaratta hotel as a go-to, COVID-safe live music venue.

I visited Jimmy and his parents Ian and Cathy at their 160-year-old Vine Hotel this week to congratulate them, and to talk about the work the Live Music Venues Program grant has helped to fund. 

The Vine has long had a high reputation for supporting live music and local performers. The grant has helped to pay for a new outdoor stage with sound and lighting, an outdoor kitchen and all-access toilet.

Jimmy told me the application was the first he’d made. ‘I attended your grant workshop which helped give me more of a understanding about grants and ensuring, most importantly, that you’re eligible before you apply. I saw all the resources on your website to find grants and support for small business to help us through COVID. It was a great tool and it’s there I came across the Live Music Venues Program grant from Creative Victoria.’

What a great outcome! As Jimmy says, the new works will boost live music at The Vine and help audiences stay COVID-safe. The funds also helped the family employ seven new staff.

You can find more information about grant resources on my website and through Indi Funding Finder.”

PHOTOGRAPH: With The Vine Hotel’s Jimmy Ladgrove in the hotel’s historic cellar, where the family is planning another project – to tell the building’s 160-year history.