Are you 15-25 and living in the Far West Outback or Southern Tablelands/Highlands? Do you dream of putting on your own gigs, working behind the scenes at shows, or building the kind of music spaces you want to see in your community? 

Applications are now open for OUTSET, a new opportunity for the regions' live music producers of tomorrow.

Mentored by a lineup of industry pros, up to 10 local young people in the Far West Outback and the Southern Tablelands/Highlands will be selected to work together and create their own all-ages gig as part of our OUTSET Youth Committee.

The Youth Committee will receive hands-on experience in curating and producing gigs in DIY environments and learn how to build real connections and community through all ages gigs.

KEY DETAILS ON WORKSHOPS

Workshops will be held from 20 - 22 November in Goulburn (for Southern Tablelands/Highlands) and Coonamble (for Far West Outback).

The Youth Committee will be mentored by an incredible lineup of industry professionals, who will help them build skills in curation, marketing, logistics & branding.

If you are aged 15 - 25 years, based in the Far West Outback or the Southern Tablelands/Highlands, and are passionate about live music and exploring a career in the music industry, submit an application for the Youth Committee by 11:59PM AEST on Wednesday, 21 October.

Know someone who should take part? Share this opportunity with a young person wanting to learn, grow, and become a driving force in their local music scene.

For more information, you can email Regional Coordinator for the Far South Coast & Southern Tablelands Sam Rees at sam@musicnsw.com or Regional Manager and Coordinator for the Central West, Outback & West Darling Sophie Jones at sophie@musicnsw.com.

KEY DATES

Applications open: Wednesday, 7 October 2026

Applications close: Wednesday, 21 October 2026

Successful applicants notified: Thursday, 5 November 2026

The OUTSET events will take place in the Far West Outback and Southern Tablelands in March 2027, with the dates, venues and lineup to be confirmed in collaboration with the Youth Committees.

Apply for the Youth Committee in the Far West Outback here and the Southern Tablelands/Highlands here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Does it cost anything to participate?

No, the program is free to apply for and participate in. Some travel costs can be subsidised for participants in the Youth Committee.

Who can apply for the Outset Youth Committee?

The Outset Youth Committee is open to applications from people who are:

• Aged 15 - 25 years
• Based in Far West Outback, including Coonamble, Warren, Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke & Lightning Ridge OR
• Based in the Southern Tablelands & Highlands, including Goulburn, Bowral, Crookwell, Yass, Braidwood & Queanbeyan
• Passionate about live music and exploring a career in the music industry
• Ready to collaborate and commit to a program that’s hands-on and rewarding
• Keen to learn how to make music events happen, without needing a huge budget or venue

What will Youth Committee members do?

As a member of the Youth Committee, you will:

• Work in a team to create an all-ages gig with guidance from industry pros and community leaders already shaping the region's music culture
• Participate in skill-building workshops on curation, logistics, branding and marketing
• Be supported by MusicNSW team to develop and deliver your event
• Get hands-on experience working alongside professionals in audio production, lighting, stage management, and event coordination.

What should I do if I am unavailable for a workshop date?

We encourage applicants who are interested in the workshops to ensure they are able to attend all workshops held 20 - 22 November in Goulburn (for Southern Tablelands/Highlands) and Coonamble (for Far West Outback).