With social distancing and limits on mass gatherings due to the ever-evolving nature of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) epidemic continuing, live music in Ballarat has come to a screeching halt.
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While this has had a profound effect on local musicians, who literally no longer have a stage to showcase their work, Ballarat venues both new and old have been devastated by the stoppage.
Owner of the Eastern Station Hotel Matt Stone said the upcoming month was set to be huge for the venue as it approached it's 161st birthday.
Now he is unsure if they will be able to open their doors at the end of the pandemic.
"This was set to be one of our biggest months ever," he said.
"We were really excited but that's all gone now."
Mr Stone said the crisis has forced him to lay off all of his staff, now operating with just himself and his wife Chrissie.
Although numbers at the pub have been steady over the past week, Mr Stone is preparing himself for the worst in the future.
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"This past week was good, the music community was getting around each other and offering all sorts of support but unfortunately it looks like it's all about to stop, we're just hoping we can make it out on the other side," he said.
"The pub and venue game is not a lucrative one, you're in it for the love. If we can get the support from the government and other authorities and get our expenses gown to basically zero we'll have a good chance of surviving."
Less than a kilometre down the road, newly opened venue Volta: Arts & Culture is experiencing similar issues, having had to cancel all its upcoming shows.
Owner Zac Hill is trying to however remain positive, stressing the importance of public safety in this period of uncertainty.
"I mean it's not an easy scenario for us to face," he said.
"You really just have to keep positive and roll with the punches. For us, we just want to make sure everyone is being supported... it's always important to keep chatting and see how everyone is going in this tough time.
"No one ever wants to shut their doors for any period of time but from our perspective it's all about public safety... it's all well and good to talk about business and money but in the end if closing doors keeps more people alive, that's what matters."
Looking forward, Mr Hill said he hopes musicians receive similar help from the government that the hospitality industry does.
"This is a crucial time for musicians, obviously losing their gigs means losing a lot of their income. Whatever help the hospitality industry gets is great, but something needs to be done to help those who have lost their ability to work."
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