Help save Elixir! Cairns only independent live music venue

Please help save Elixir Music House's home! Cairns/Gimuy's creative heart. Help us secure our home and become part of our legacy.

Live music venues have been through the absolute ringer the last few years, and us at Elixir have had quite the extra squeeze. There's been over 1,300 venues close since covid, and that figure was from early 2023.... there's been some of the big players forced to close their doors since and we totally, 1000% understand.

Apart from experiencing a 964% increase in our insurance, we've had a neighbour from hell for 2.5 years that had us in constant harassment battles nearly ever 2 weeks, with council, licencing, noise EPA, police and Body Corps. {You can read more about our trials and tribulations on our blog on our Website } We are still going through a DA for MCU on the use of our commercial space due to us being a now ticketed venue since covid. It's been huge for us, all this red tape. I also lost my mum Christmas morning just past, so it's been extra tough......

We have indeed done it tough like so many in the hospitality and especially live music industry, but! we ADORE our community and are giving it a last gung-ho effort to save our home and so we can continue to nurture artists, and ensure our safe haven for live music, culture, the arts and connection thrives for many years to come.

Elixir Music House {downstairs} and Cairns Melting Pot {upstairs} isn’t just a venue—it’s the heart of Cairns' creative community. Nestled in the CBD, our beloved space has nurtured creativity, connection, and culture for nearly 8 years. In the driver's seats of Elixir’s evolution from jazz bar to incubator for emerging artists and epicentre for building dynamic and creative cultured community projects, are me {Sky} and Bill {dad}, two passionate caretakers {along with our dedicated crew amd community} of Elixir’s spirit, hosting live music, poetry, cultural events, comedy, open mics, cabaret, markets, film and more. When we first started in 2017, we didn't even have a stage.....

So, why this now? Our landlords want to sell the building. Its been tough for them also, with them giving us discounted rent for a while so to make sure our community hasn't missed out. So, now, our amazing landlords have given us first option to buy it! To save it, we’re launching a 3-month fundraiser, with GoFundMe, to raise $1.5 million to purchase the building and cover fixed overheads for 12 months and your wooden recognition tiles adorning our walls! Costs breakdown:

3 units $1,325,000

Marketing & Promo $45,000

Administration {including insurance, body Corps, rates} $80,000

Legals and fees $50,000

Enter: 4 Hearts Creative Collective, a newly formed non-profit organisation of 5 dedicated members of our community, we aim to secure 92 Abbott St as a community legacy space, for many generations to come, grow and enjoy.

As Elixir, we have thought about finding a new location however, finding a suitable one ar the moment has been very difficult, then costs, time, refit, new DA again, licencing, location compromise and all to be in exactly the same position paying killer high rent. Unfortunately it's just not sustainable, especially in Cairns. The only way, for now, is to secure our space is to do what were doing now, with our new Org owning the building, it will be a community owned venue with Elixir running as a separate business downstairs.

Saving Elixir and Melting Pot isn’t just important—it’s essential. Our venue is a beacon for creativity and inclusivity, fostering a dynamic cultural and touring ecosystem in regional Far North Queensland. We have given countless emerging artists the opportunity to perform, mature and be discovered, as well as accomplished artists to develop, grow and refine their craft and build their following, all while offering the community a safe, welcoming space to explore, create and connect. Without it, we risk losing a vital hub for local talent and a venue that champions diversity, from First Nations and LGBTIQ voices to school groups and startups. By donating, you’re not just helping save a business—you’re investing in a legacy of live music, artistic growth, and collective joy that touches lives and strengthens our region’s cultural fabric.

Every dollar raised will directly support Elixir Music House and Cairns Melting Pot's survival and future and with 4 Hearts Creative Collective in place, we'll be able to secure the building as a community hub to benefit those who matter most: the people.

As a token of appreciation, donors contributing $200 or Per $200, will receive a personalised wooden tile, etched with your own design. These tiles will adorn our venues walls as a THANK YOU and admiration as foundational, legacy supporters, holding a lasting mark, etched on our walls for future generations to enjoy. Each tile will be unique, symbolising your support for our shared vision of creativity, inclusivity, and connection in our community. Whether you're a family, a band, a local business, or an individual, there's a place for you in our venues.

Jump on Board—Because….. You can’t stop the music!

Massive thanks to the guidance from Melissa and Arts Nexus, whose support has been instrumental in making this dream a reality.