ANAM is currently seeking your help to encourage Victorian Government support.
With the 2026 November Victorian election approaching we urge all major parties to match the Greens’ commitment (read our announcement here) and support this once-in-a-generation project that will restore the magnificent South Melbourne Town Hall to life, and bring renewed energy and vitality to the South Melbourne precinct.
The $125M redevelopment and restoration of the Town Hall is progressing at a pace, and we are currently due to return to the building for our musicians' second semester in 2028.
We have raised close to $60M of our $70M target, which, with an investment of $55M from the building's owner the Port Phillip Council, will repair and make safe the historic building for the next 150 years, and deliver a magnificent new $125M cultural, community and education asset to the State.
We first approached the Victorian Government in November 2019 with an invitation to join the consortium with a $10M contribution over three years – 8% of the total project budget – however they are still to confirm their involvement. Like the Greens, the Liberal Party committed funds to the project prior to the 2022 State election, and we ask them not to walk back from this commitment in 2026. The ALP is yet to commit funds.
We invite you to assist us in our campaign to secure much-needed State investment by sending an email of support to the Albert Park candidates of the two major parties, copied to their key leadership.
You may use the details and template, your own version of this or something completely different.
EMAIL ALBERT PARK MAJOR PARTY CANDIDATES
Email: Nina Taylor MP (ALP Member for Albert Park): nina.taylor@parliament.vic.gov.au
Copied to: Premier Ben Carroll: ben.carroll@parliament.vic.gov.au
Treasurer Colin Brooks: colin.brooks@parliament.vic.gov.au
The Hon Vicki Ward MP (Creative Industries Minister): vicki.ward@parliament.vic.gov.au
Email: Andrew Cook (Liberal Candidate for Albert Park): andrew.cook@vic.liberal.org.au
Copied to: The Hon Jess Wilson MP (Leader of the Opposition): jess.wilson.mp@parliament.vic.gov.au
The Hon David Davis MP (Coalition Arts Spokesperson): david.davis@parliament.vic.gov.au
Dear [NAME]
I write in support of the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM's) plans to save and refurbish the South Melbourne Town Hall, and urge you to commit a future Victorian Government to ensuring that this $125M project is delivered without compromise.
In playing host to a range of cultural and community activity almost every day or night of the week, a refurbished Town Hall will become a destination venue, drawing visitors from across the city and driving improvements in retail, hospitality businesses and general precinct amenity.
Most importantly, in providing a safe and secure home for ANAM for at least the next 50 years, the renewed Town Hall will secure Victoria as the home to this internationally acclaimed organisation, thus significantly adding to the cultural wealth of the State.
With $55M committed from Port Phillip Council, $25M from the Commonwealth Government and a forecast contribution of $35M from ANAM's donor community, I ask you to commit a future Victorian Government to providing $10M – just 8% of the total confirmed project budget – to ensure the delivery of ANAM's visionary designs without compromise. It will then be a fully funded project.
The Liberal Party committed $10M to this project prior to the 2022 Victorian election, and I ask that this is maintained, and that the ALP match it.
Without your support at this crucial moment, the beautiful designs of architect Peter Elliott will be significantly diminished, a major loss to the community.
I urge you to act now, commit these funds, and ensure that this major community, education and cultural infrastructure project can proceed in full.
SPREAD THE WORD
This action is invaluable in communicating the community's widespread support for ANAM's future, and for that of this iconic heritage building.
Help us spread the word about the project and its need for government support by sharing with your friends, family, neighbours and community on social media or in-person.