Songwriters' conference cancelled

The Australian Songwriters Conference, normally held in Ettalong over the June long weekend, has been cancelled this year due to a lack of funding.

Organiser Ms Lisa Butler said the conference would not be held, despite a grant of $3000 from the Australian Performing Rights Association.

She said no other funding had been secured.

"The conference costs a minimum of $60,000, plus promotion and wages, to run.

"A great deal of time and effort has been spent in the search for funding.

"However, no other grants or sponsorships have been secured, so it is impossible to run the event this year," she said.

Ms Butler said the conference team would now focus on seeking financial support to run the next year's event.

"Without songwriters, there would be no music in our lives."

Media Release, 2 Mar 2011 Lisa Butler, ASC