As a registered mental health nurse, I deeply believe in the healing power of community.

Participating in these music festivals has been a vital part of my personal well-being, reducing my feelings of social isolation by connecting me to a community of individuals with shared values and understandings. The recent cancellations of the long-standing Esoteric Festival and Rabbits Eat Lettuce have been a grave blow, not just to me, but to many fellow Australians.

Local councils all over Australia are denying permits to music festivals and events, some of which have been part of our cultural landscape for 15 years. This excessive bureaucratic oversight is devastating a key aspect of our Australian culture - a culture we love, identify with, and need for our mental health well-being.

This is not just about music; this strikes at the heart of arts, culture, and the communal connectivity necessary for maintaining mental health. Many people depend on these gatherings for self-expression and sustaining their bond to their communities. The unchecked power of the local councils is threatening these lifelines.

We urge the state government to review these council powers. We call for an even-handed approach that respects and nurtures Australian culture while considering public safety. The resilience and mental health of the Australian community depend on such precarious balance. Your support today can bring about this much-needed change. Please, sign this petition.