LIVE NATION ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NEW PALAIS THEATRE GENERAL MANAGER AND FIRST ROUND OF FUNDING FOR LOCAL PROJECTS AND ORGANISATIONS

- Renowned live and recorded industry expert Neil Cox to head up Palais Theatre operations - Palais Theatre Community Fund will provide grants for 13 community projects within the

Photo credit in Notes To Editor

MELBOURNE (20 September, 2018) – Live Nation , a Live Nation Entertainment company, has today announced the appointment of Neil Cox to General Manager of iconic St Kilda venue the Palais Theatre, while also announcing 13 community projects as recipients of the inaugural Palais Theatre Community Fund.

Neil Cox appointed as General Manager of the Palais Theatre Neil Cox joins the Palais Theatre from the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch, New Zealand where he has been General Manager and Chief Executive since 2008. Cox’s remit in Christchurch included dealing with local and federal government, event creation and procurement and the significant capital project of

rebuilding and returning the Theatre to working order after extensive damage caused by the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes.

Cox has an extensive background in live and recorded music spanning 30 years. Having worked in various global capacities with EMI Music, Cox also promoted a number of tours and events, including festivals, with his own concert promotions business.

Commenting on the appointment, CEO of Live Nation Australia Roger Field said: “Neil Cox has extensive experience and incredibly strong relationships within venues, promoters and producers across the Australasian industry which will give him a flying start when he takes the reigns at ’s beloved and iconic Palais Theatre.”

Commenting prior to departing from Christchurch, Neil Cox said: “The past 10 years at the Isaac Theatre Royal has been extremely varied, massively challenging but ultimately very rewarding. Moving from one iconic venue in New Zealand to an equally iconic and historic venue in Melbourne is a challenge that I relish. By bringing my vast experience to the role, I hope to ensure that the Palais continues to be one of Melbourne’s premier live entertainment venues providing an unforgettable experience for all that walk through the doors.”

The Palais Theatre Community Fund awards 13 local community projects in City of Port Phillip In partnership with the City of Port Phillip (CoPP), the Palais Theatre Community Fund was established to provide long-term benefits for a vibrant and creative St Kilda and City of Port Phillip community and today announces 13 recipients of grants.

The following local registered charities or not-for-profits are the first recipients of the Palais Theatre Community Fund receiving grants of up to $5,000: Artists for Kids’ Culture, Elwood St Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre, Gasworks Arts Park, Linden New Art Inc, Port Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre (City of Voices Inclusive Theatre Group), Port Melbourne Primary School, Rawcus Theatre Company Inc, Space2b Social Design, St Kilda Mums, Star Health Group Limited, The Torch and .

The fund which is part Live Nation’s 30 year lease of the iconic Palais Theatre awards initiatives or ideas relating to local infrastructure, equipment, community, activities and people within the City of Port Phillip, including the creative arts such as live music, theatre, film, art, dance, comedy and writing, as well as events, internships and educational courses.

The Palais Theatre Community Fund is set to generate approximately $100,000 to $120,000 per year into the community, each and every year over the 30 year lease term ($3 million to $3.6 million over the life of the lease) and is funded via a 50 cent donation from Live Nation for every ticket sold for an event at the Palais Theatre.

Commenting on first round of recipients, Erin McMahon, Bookings and Marketing Manager of the Palais Theatre, said: “We received an overwhelming number of quality applications in our inaugural funding round and we are beyond excited to be awarding a number of initiatives that will provide long-term benefits to our thriving local community. We look forward to working with these organisations and watching their projects develop in the coming months.”

The Palais Theatre Community Fund Committee which has been established to oversee and administer the fund is made up of six local City of Port Phillip residents and two Live Nation representatives. Round 2 applications will open in this month.

City of Port Phillip Mayor, Bernadene Moss said: “Congratulations to the worthy recipients of the inaugural Palais community grants. This is a great example of one of the community benefits of the lease with Live Nation. We are looking forward to seeing the results of the partnership throughout the whole community.”

-ENDS-

Live Nation Media Contact: Jackie Antas Live Nation E: [email protected] M: 07920092028