Nominated at the Music Victoria Awards as best regional venue (under 50 gigs per year), Trash Cult is not just a venue; it's a cultural pillar, bringing both national and international artists to our small town, invigorating our artistic community, and providing an economic boost to local tourism, all whilst providing a safe community-minded space free of discrimination. Owned by two of the loveliest people you will ever have the pleasure of meeting, Trash Cult needs our help & support more than ever.

The City of Greater Bendigo (CoGB) council's red tape surrounding live music at the venue casts a darkly unfair shadow on Trash Cult's potential to thrive. Small town venues like Trash Cult play a pivotal role in shaping robust localities - economically, culturally, and socially.

We must recognize the wide-ranging impacts of the live music scene at Trash Cult and, at the same time, the hindrances brought on by unfair restrictions.

Without going into all details, some of the red tape surrounding Trash Cult running as an event space include banning the rear "beer garden" from having any alcohol, timed noise restrictions and hiring a security guard to patrol Eaglehawk's High Street, despite the fact that there has never been a security issue associated with Trash Cult and the other licensed venues in the street are not required to do this.

We urge the CoGB council to understand the importance of Trash Cult as a venue and reconsider its current policies surrounding live music there. It's not just about one venue; it's about the vibrancy, economic vitality and community spirit of a small town like ours.

I write this petition both as a loyal Trash Cult patron and as a local working over the road at the Star Community Cinema. Having collaborated professionally with Trash Cult over the years, this is one of the few venues in Bendigo that give a sense of community & inclusivity, and provide an opportunity for rich artistic experiences.

This story has reached many artists and publications such as The Guardian, the ABC. I strongly urge you to share this petition and story with other locals, your friends, etc.

https://themusic.com.au/news/bendigos-trash-cult-calls-for-fan-support-following-months-of-red-tape/L2iNIyIlJCc/20-01-25

Please sign the petition to save this iconic venue.

What else can you do? Shop in-person or online at www.trashcult.com.au and make your voices heard until we can be heard inside Trash Cult again! 

There is no need to "chip-in" to this petition. This is purely to create awareness for our favourite local venue.

UPDATE #1

We reached 50+ signatures in just a few minutes!

I strongly urge you to leave your messages of support that you sent to Trash Cult in the comments for CoGB to read how much of a large impact a small venue can have on a town.

UPDATE #2

We're on track to reach 500 signatures in less than 12 hours!

UPDATE #3

750 in about 12 hours!!! Please share the petition around, but remember there's no need to donate to change to promote this campaign!

UPDATE #4

1000+ signatures after 16 hours! This is amazing to see.