QMUSIC REINFORCES COMMITMENT TO SAFER, MORE INCLUSIVE NIGHTLIFE THROUGH BIGSOUND'S CONCERT CARE PROGRAM
Photo: BIGSOUND 2026 - somefx
As Queensland looks towards a nightlife economy that is safer and more welcoming for everyone, BIGSOUND 2026 will put those principles into practice through the delivery of QMusic’s Concert Care program.
Now in its fifth year, Concert Care has evolved into a whole-of-event approach to accessibility and inclusion, with an expanded team, dedicated support Hub and new initiatives across BIGSOUND venues and conference sessions.
QMusic CEO Kristy Ellis said BIGSOUND’s Concert Care program reflected QMusic’s commitment to creating a music industry where everyone can participate equally, safely and confidently.
“BIGSOUND brings together thousands of people across Fortitude Valley, and we have a responsibility to make the experience as safe, accessible and welcoming as possible,” Ms Ellis said.
“Concert Care is about more than responding when something goes wrong. It’s about creating the culture, systems and support that help people feel safe in the first place – and recognising that everyone has a role to play in creating safer spaces.”
At the centre of this year’s program is the Concert Care Hub at 400 Rabbits. Open from 9am to midnight from Tuesday 1 September to Thursday 3 September, the Hub will provide a quiet, sensory-friendly space staffed by accessibility support workers and Mental Health First Aiders, where members of the BIGSOUND community can seek assistance, ask accessibility questions or simply take time out.
Returning this year, the roaming Concert Care crew will be present across BIGSOUND venues. Identifiable by their bright blue vests, the crew will act as active bystanders and provide visible, approachable support throughout the precinct.
All Conference sessions at The Fortitude Music Hall, The Outpost, and The Precinct will feature live captioning, while all BIGSOUND showcase venues will be strobe-free for the first time. In partnership with Hey Mate, selected sessions involving sensitive topics will also have a trained therapeutic support person available during and immediately after the session.
Another BIGSOUND first is the Auslan Concierge Service pilot, enabling delegates to request an Auslan interpreter to accompany them to selected events and providing more personalised access to the BIGSOUND program.
The expanded Concert Care program supports the direction set out in Moonside: The Queensland Night-Life Economy Commissioner’s Report 2026 and the Queensland Nightlife Economy Action Plan 2026–2032, demonstrating how the live music industry can contribute practical initiatives that make nightlife safer, more accessible and inclusive.
“Concert Care is a strong example of what safer, more inclusive nightlife looks like in practice. It shows that when you design events with accessibility, wellbeing and active support in mind from the start, you create an experience that is more welcoming for everyone,” said Night-Life Economy Commissioner, Mr John (JC) Collins AM said.
“BIGSOUND is exactly the kind of environment where this work matters. It brings together artists, audiences, venues and industry across one walkable precinct, and it shows how safety is not just about responding when something goes wrong, but about building the culture, systems and support that help people feel confident, included and safe in the first place.”
BIGSOUND 2026 will provide an important demonstration of Concert Care ahead of QMusic’s planned expansion of the program in 2027. QMusic is exploring opportunities to share its framework, resources and practical services with venues, festivals and music communities across Queensland, supporting QMusic’s commitment to practical, industry-led change.
“Concert Care is continuing to evolve as we learn, improve and share what works so that safer, more accessible and inclusive spaces become part of the fabric of live music,” Ms Ellis said.
“Our ambition extends beyond BIGSOUND 2026. We plan to expand Concert Care to support more people and music spaces across Queensland.”
ABOUT QMUSIC’S CONCERT CARE
Concert Care is QMusic’s multifaceted safety, prevention, accessibility and inclusion program, designed to help create safer, more accessible and inclusive spaces across the music industry. Formally launched as a QMusic program in 2021, it builds on QMusic’s longstanding commitment to improving safety and inclusion in live music.
At BIGSOUND, Concert Care includes dedicated support spaces, roaming Concert Care crew, accessibility initiatives, safety systems, awareness and education, and a Collective Responsibility shared by artists, audiences, venues, staff, contractors and volunteers. Concert Care is an evolving program committed to driving long-term cultural change and creating music industry spaces where everyone feels safe, welcome and able to participate.
Concert Care Hub | 400 Rabbits, Fortitude Valley Tuesday 1 September – Thursday 3 September
9am – midnight
ABOUT BIGSOUND | 1 - 4 September, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.
Celebrating its 25th year, BIGSOUND remains Australia’s premier music industry gathering and the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Over the past quarter of a century, it has helped launch the careers of artists including Flume, Tash Sultana, Tones And I and Courtney Barnett, while connecting Australian artists with the people and opportunities that shape successful careers.
BIGSOUND is proudly supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Tourism and Events Queensland, Brisbane City Council, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, together with Presenting Partner Oztix and other valued industry and commercial partners.
For four days each September, Fortitude Valley becomes the meeting place for the Australian music industry where artists are discovered, careers are accelerated, partnerships are formed and the future of Australian music is shaped.
