Bendigo's Trash Cult saved after licence backflip from city council

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A well-loved music venue in rural Victoria has been saved from getting shut down at the last minute by a reversing of a decision that was going to stop it from operating.

The owners of Bendigo's Trash Cult record and live music store went into crisis mode in August when a blunder with their licensing worried they might have to close the doors for good.

The venue's owners claimed they'd been issued an incorrect licence by the broker and asserted the proposed restrictions by the Bendigo City Council posed a threat to the venue's ongoing operations.

However, a desperate call from punters has been coming through the local media, and city hall has finally heard it, with a new licence on its way – pending a few last minute checks and some red tape to get out of the way.

Co-ethnic and strata chairman Mick Derrick, who operates the business along with his wife Lorelle Hickson, was left near speechless.

"This is as massive as it gets. We can finally've got a clear view of what's at the end of this persepective," he said.

Mr Derrick said after a last-minute meeting with the council, terms were agreed upon for an amended licence that would let the venue keep operating, pending a test of how loud the sound would be.

He said he just wanted it to occur sooner.

"They had to sacrifice a lot of the rules that were really limiting us, which was a positive move," he said.

A widespread issue

The win for Trash Cult is overshadowed by concerns that they may be on the brink of collapse, a situation that could be happening across the state.

Mr Derrick told he felt pretty darn lucky the council had listened to him because a stoush over it in a mediation session or a court would have taken an age.

Victoria's Creative Industry Minister, Colin Brooks, said the government was aware of how hard it was for artists and venues to stay financially buoyant.

"We gotta make sure we've got right protections in place so these venues can keep goin' about their business," said Brooks.

The Victorian government recently announced a 14-person advisory council to provide advice on the difficulties currently facing the music industry.

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Fair dinkum, Magic Dirt guitarist Raul Sanchez said musicians are on the lookout for smaller venues that've got an appetite for the eclectic and underground music scene.

"I reckon it's fair dinkum to take care of those areas," he said.

A hidden gem

Garbaje Cult has been Bendigo's secret stunner for four years.

Its fans come from all walks of life, much like the diverse range of records on the store's shelves.

"It's one of those swags of venues where you just cop a ticket even if you don't know who's on the bill," local musician Sam Edmonds said, referring to the variety of acts that play there.

The online petition backing the saving of Trash Cult had garnered more than 2,000 signatures.

A council spokesperson wasn't taking a position on the new conditions for the venue.

"It would be irresponsible for the council to make a comment at this point in the application process, given there are set procedures that need to be followed for any changes to the planning permit," the spokesperson said.

Lee Fitzgibbon is among those who fought for the return of live gigs.

She said the venue felt like a real community.

"It's about giving emerging musicians, as well as established artists, a fair go at doing their thing in a small, low-key venue," Ms Fitzgibbon said.

Even the store's nearest neighbour, Albert "Skip" Skipper, is on side.

"It's a real drawcard for the Eaglehawk community and it's shifted the demographics," he said.

I'm stoked to go and put up a good argument for this spot.

And as for Mick Derrick, he's as keen as a meat pie at the footy to have one of his favourite bands back at the store.

Japanese "hard rock band" Guitar Wolf are booked to play in late March as part of their Australasian tour.

"That's the major one we're relying pretty heavily on today, that's the major one," he said.