Three major Illawarra festivals have received a significant financial injection, ensuring the celebrated Yours and Owls Festival will make its highly anticipated return in 2026. A combined $355,000 in federal funding has been allocated to support these events, with a key focus on paying Australian artists fairly in a challenging economic climate.
Major Funding for Local Festivals
The substantial funding package comes from the Albanese government's Revive Live program, designed to bolster the Australian live music industry. The flagship Yours and Owls Festival has been granted $250,000, which will be directed towards Australian artist fees, marketing, production, and enhancing accessibility for attendees.
In addition to the major festival, two other local venues are beneficiaries. Port Kembla's Servo Food Truck Bar will receive $72,000 specifically for original Australian artist fees. Meanwhile, La La La's in Globe Lane has been granted $33,832 to support artist payments, equipment upgrades, and infrastructure improvements.
A Secure Future for Yours and Owls
Adam Smith, director of Yours and Owls, expressed his enthusiasm for the festival's confirmed return. "This support allows us to continue championing Australian artists and delivering a festival the Illawarra can be proud of, while also helping sustain a stronger and more resilient live music industry," he stated. "We look forward to bringing everyone together again in 2026."
While specific dates and the lineup for the 2026 event are yet to be announced, organisers had previously indicated their hope to stage the festival at Wollongong's Flagstaff Hill for a second consecutive year. Furthermore, they plan to expand the festival's footprint to incorporate more of the city in the lead-up to the main event.
Co-founder Ben Tillman revealed in May that the vision for 2026 includes fringe and satellite events, drawing inspiration from internationally renowned festivals like South by Southwest. This suggests a broader, more integrated cultural experience for Wollongong in the coming year.
Critical Support for a Struggling Industry
This funding arrives at a crucial time for the local festival scene. Cunningham MP Alison Byrnes highlighted the difficulties the sector has faced. "It's been such a tough few years, and I am so proud to be supporting these three great organisations to keep music and culture alive in Wollongong," she said.
Her comments come in the wake of two recent local festival cancellations. Kiama's Changing Tides festival was permanently cancelled just weeks from its 2025 event, and Folk By The Sea also folded due to a loss of camping options at the Kiama Showground.
Arts Minister Tony Burke emphasised the government's commitment to the live music sector. "We understand the challenges contributing to cancellations and closures among the live music scene, that's why the Albanese Labor Government established Revive Live, to provide targeted support," he explained. "Gigs have always been a huge part of my life. I know the vital role live music venues and festivals play in providing local artists with the chance to perform, develop and grow audiences."
This is not the first time these events have received Revive Live funding. In 2025, Yours and Owls received more than $190,000 from the same program, while the Servo was granted $49,000. The continuation of this support underscores its importance in maintaining a vibrant and sustainable music culture in the Illawarra region, ensuring that Australian artists can continue to thrive on local stages.
