Bendigo's Trash Cult Calls For Fan Support Following Months Of Red Tape

Bendigo’s Trash Cult is calling on fans to show their support following a months-long battle with red tape related to live music performances.

For the uninitiated, Trash Cult is arguably one of Victoria’s best-kept secrets. An independent store which is filled to the brim with records, CDs, tapes, books, movies, and other memorabilia, it also serves as a beloved venue for those in Eaglehawk and the greater Bendigo area.

However, it’s that last part – live music – which has been a point of contention for some months now.

Back in August, the venue took to socials to announce that “unforeseen circumstances” had necessitated the cancellation of some shows. Soon, they provided an update to explain what had been going on.

“Unfortunately we've had to reschedule and/or move some recent and upcoming gigs due to an administrative error involving our use of amplified live music,” Trash Cult wrote in early August. “We are working to get this resolved as soon as possible, but in the meantime we'd like to thank everyone (bands, venues, incredible friends and customers) who are helping us out.

“Your support is so vital right now, so if you have the opportunity to pop in-store or online and grab something awesome to listen to, watch, read or wear so we can push through and keep those doors on open we would be super grateful!”

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Since then, the self-described “purveyors of upopular culture” have been hard at work as they attempt to cut through the red tape. While gigs have continued to be booked, the continuing bureaucratic nightmare has seen those shows moved elsewhere as Trash Cult continue to find themselves unable to host the shows.

Now, after months spent navigating the unenviable position they find themselves in, Trash Cult have called upon their supporters to send through letters of support to aid in their continual attempts to change the red tape that continues to harangue them.

“Well, 6 months later and our live music issue is still a bloody drama," Trash Cult wrote on social media recently. "We totally hate to ask, but can we please call out to all bands, punters, promoters, labels and supporters to take 5 minutes to send us a personal letter of support. It would be truly appreciated.”

“Please let them know how important this venue is so that we can get this shit sorted once and for all,” they added. “Thanks so much to those wonderful people who already have written us letters of support, and thanks heaps in advance for those who send us something. It’s truly appreciated.”

Anyone who wants to send letters of support to Trash Cult can do so by emailing trashcultstore@gmail.com.