Locals in the spotlight | ourballarat summer 2023-24
Taking to the stage at Spilt Milk, Ballarat rapper Sami Regague hopes representation of local artists at the popular festival will inspire the next generation of Ballarat musicians.
Growing up in Ballarat, rapper Sami Regague didn’t know there were other musicians like him in the region.
Songwriting from as young as 10 years old, the Triple J Unearthed winner believes events like Spilt Milk are crucial in showing young, local musicians that a career in music is possible.
“Getting local musicians to perform on these massive stages with tens of thousands of people not only gives us a chance, but also motivation,” he says.
“It shows us it can be done.”
More than 32,000 people attended the 2022 Spilt Milk Festival, contributing an estimated $5 million to the Ballarat economy — more than triple the average Saturday expenditure in the city.
City of Ballarat Executive Manager Arts and Events Jeff Johnson says events like Spilt Milk cement Ballarat’s reputation as a creative city and home of major events.
“Not only do events like Spilt Milk help to foster the development of the local creative community, but they are fantastic for local businesses as we welcome thousands of visitors to our city for the event,” he says.
“We are pleased to see events like Spilt Milk returning annually to Ballarat and making Ballarat their home.”