Providing a stage for those suffering in Hobart’s housing crisis
Published on 01 August 2023
Providing an outlet for talent to shine while also raising funds for an extremely worthy cause is the dual intent of Street to Stage.
The event, to be held on Saturday 5 August, is a fundraising show by local musicians experiencing or recovering from severe housing stress or homelessness.
All funds raised on the day will go to Health with Dignity, a program run by the Salvation Army and partly funded by the City of Hobart and the Hobart Airport that enables Hobartians in extreme need to access general practitioner appointments for free.
But it is much more than just a vital fundraiser.
Participants, such as performer T-Tanny (pictured), will play a fun gig at a great venue – Simple Cider in Elizabeth Street – with the opportunity to make industry contracts while being in the running to win prizes and boost their musical ambitions.
Hobart Housing and Homelessness Portfolio Chair Mike Dutta said it was a great fun way to raise funds for a much-needed sector of the community.
“We know how severe housing stress is on people from all walks of life so to be able to give them a stage for their creative talents while also raising funds to assist those in need is a terrific outcome,” Cr Dutta said.
“It would be fantastic to see people get along to support these artists and enjoy a great concert at the same time.”
Housing with Dignity Reference Group spokesperson Lisa Rime said there was a great deal of excitement around this event.
“Street to Stage is such a lovely opportunity to celebrate and build upon the diversity of our community, to share some different voices and have opportunities to listen, learn, and support one another,” Ms Rime said.
“Personally, I feel extremely privileged to be working with our registered artists, and grateful for their generosity.
“I hope the experiences from the event will enable empowerment and connection for all involved.”
Fellow Housing with Dignity Reference Group representative Tyson Montgomery said the objective was to serve local people who have suffered or experiencing homelessness stress.
"Our Street to Stage event I hope will bring together the wider community and give to those who are less fortunate and experiencing homelessness the opportunity to make connections which would otherwise be unreachable and the hope that they get as much out of it as possible as well as enjoying their music,” Mr Montgomery said.
“The money raised will help the health with dignity program continue their great work helping those who are less fortunate and experiencing homelessness and unable to access health services.” Cr Dutta said Health with Dignity was an important program.
“We know it can deliver significant beneficial outcomes for those who would otherwise be unable to access GPs,” Cr Dutta said.
“This concert will go a long way to raising funds so more people experiencing housing stress can improve their physical and mental wellbeing.”
Compared by ABC Breakfast radio host Ryk Goddard, the Street to Stage concert will be held from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday 5 August at Simple City, 189 Elizabeth Street, Hobart.
The event is being run by the City of Hobart’s Housing with Dignity Reference Group with the City also providing the prize of a $1000 recording voucher.
More information can be found at https://www.hobartcity.com.au/Community/Community-programs/Street-to-Stage.