It's sadly no secret that live music venues have been closing across Melbourne in recent years. In the last year especially. 

We want to be part of turning that tide together, for future generations.

I / we at Galaxy Music were searching for a communcal space for our label, our network and our students. Because we were everywhere all at once, or in one place no-one could get to. 

When someone said "Wouldn't it be great if there was a Galaxy Bar?" it was THE lightbulb moment that refused to dim. 

I went online and looked what was for sale, and saw the Bendi. 

I couldn't believe it - firstly, this was potentially another huge casualty for the scene :( Secondly, I wanted to check it out immediately. And the next day I did - it had all the space I was dreaming of, and then something even better - a self-sustaining business proppping it up. 

I got my closest colleagues and friends together, and convinced them this was the best thing they would ever do. And I am certain it will be. (This is where we need the wider creative community's help). 

Between us we've got a diverse set of skills in the music industy, and in hospitality, and other oddly adjacent jobs. 

Financially, we've got the bare minimum to get the doors open between us. But we really need support if we want to deliver the very best experience. And we really do. 

This means:

1. Building on the amazing legacy and reputation the Bendi already has, keeping the venue and the bar thriving, and at the same time extending the opening hours and diversifying the offering. (Hardcore / Metal - still very much on the menu, but also bringing in a wide range of promoters who can deliver techno, R&B, disco - you name it. In fact - do name it - we want to hear it). 

2. Renovating upstairs to create a collaborative co-working space for musicians, artists and media in Melbourne. That's right, upstairs there are quite a few great rooms currently unused, and we intend to fit those out as a studio, a rehearsal room, an education room, a photography / media room and a co-working office space. Add to that that downstairs is THE BENDIGO bar, what is not to love? 

3. Creating something that makes a difference. A space that can, and will, support charities, not-for-profits, youth development and education. Music is the soundtrack to change. And at the Bendigo, we will turn that up really loud. 

4. Cultivating a community that looks out for one another, that lifts each other up, and is grateful for the opportunity to learn from different perspectives. 

How you can help

It takes a village - and that's exactly what we're asking for. Every contribution, big or small, helps us keep the Bendigo Hotel's doors open and build the upstairs space into everything it can be for Melbourne's wider creative community.

Check out our rewards. If you have any ideas or questions or things you'd like to discuss, please do not hesitate to reach out. We welcome all opinions and ideas. 

Thank you for stopping to read this far. Let's do this together. 

Lee & the gang.

We have some money. Enough to "buy" The Bendigo Hotel. But there are costs we didn't know about. Like an extended bond (apparently that's quite normal, but we're new!). We also have to purchase existing stock (which is fine because it is good stock at cost). Also the lease for all the incredible equipment - which is some of the best available (nice work Bendi!) - we have to take that on - but we would have had to maintain the standard anyway, so it's perfect. What else? Oh the legal fees for the whole operation? If you know you know. If you don't? Don't! :) 

That's keeping the lights on - as I said in the description and the video, we are not coming in to just run a bar or a music venue, we are coming in to support Victorian musicians from learning how to sing, learning how to write, learning how to sign up to APRA and AMCOS, rehearsing with a band, recording demos, playing on an amazing stage to ana amazing crowd - ALL UNDER ONE ROOF. That is the goal. And that's mainly where we want help - not to keep the lights on night by night, but to revive the importance of music in our everyday lives. 

Budget:

(These are accurate estimates but may fluctuate. Probably not downwards):

Business purchase: $200,000

Premises Bond: $38,000

Premises Rent: $165,669 incl. GST (p.a)

Council rates: $9,622.39 per annum

Insurances (Premises): $23,625.48 + GST (p.a)

Legal fees: $25,000 (per annum)

Existing stock: $15,000

Equipment Lease: $10,000 (per annum)

Renovation costs: $70,000

(you do the maths - help!).