Gero, G-Town, Geraldton - Jambinu, Western Australia.
It’s 400kms north of Perth and is the hub for the greater Mid West population of 54,000 people. And wow, they love live music here!
Buskers and street performers are welcomed in the Geraldton CBD and outside the entrance of independent grocers, shopping centres and at community events and markets.
This guide has been created to give you a greater understanding of your rights and responsibilities as a busker in Geraldton, with tips from local buskers and resources to evolve your public busking performance to build a rewarding creative career.
Yamatji culture
Within the Midwest region there are various localised Aboriginal language groups which are collectively known as Yamatji and include the Amangu people, Naaguja people, Wadjarri people, Nanda people, Badimia people and additionally the region includes the Western Desert people known as the Martu people.
nding of the history he Yamatji people, please visit: Geraldton website.
YAMATJI HISTORY AND CULTURE
Accessibility
The Geraldton community makes a genuine effort to ensure our City is accessible and inclusive. Our public spaces are designed with mobility in mind.
Please be mindful of walkways and doorways when performing in town.
For more information about accessibility and inclusion in Geraldton, please visit this website. (https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/community/ourcommunity/access-and-inclusion.aspx)
To learn more about promoting your act online and making your content available for wider audiences, please visit this website about accessibility or type www.accessibility.org.au/guides/ into your browser.
How to become a Busker in geraldton
Busking, or street performing, can be a great way to share your creative talents and experiment with new works, with the added potential to earn yourself some money and build your creative career.
Street performers are welcome in Geraldton as they contribute to the vibrancy and safety of our streets encouraging visitors to stay & play in our CBD.
To perform as a busker in Geraldton you’ll need a busking permit.
These are issued by the City of Greater Geraldton and there is no cost to apply.
Location, Location, Location
Please consider the activities of businesses and people around you when setting up your act. Keep walkways and doorways clear and project your set out onto the street.
In accordance with the City of Greater Geraldton busking permit, you may not use amplification (speakers) to make your performance louder when busking on public property.
When setting up on private property, have a chat with the owner or manager to discuss where’s the best place to set up so it’s an enjoyable set for your audience, and a prosperous gig for you!
Note: To perform in Rock’s Laneway you’ll need to book. Follow the link to request your performance day and time.
Busking tips
Here’s what local Geraldton buskers have to say:
“Start with a little money in your hat”
“Remember to engage with your tippers and say thank you!”
“Print a poster with QR codes linking to your portfolio or social media profiles.”
“Take water and protect yourself from the sun”
“A 2-3 hour set is good, have a playlist that you play more than once.”
“Be fair, move around, don’t hog spots”
ROCKS LANEWAY booking link
Beachcomber Busking comp
In 2024, Regional Sounds initiated a new event called the Beachcomber Busking Comp.
Over a dozen buskers took part, performing to summer shopping crowds from ten pre-designated busking stations along Marine Terrace and the Geraldton foreshore.
Only one winner can be named the People’s Choice so please join us in congratulating young singer and musician Aeva for taking out the inaugural Beachcomber Busking Comp People’s Choice Award!
We thank the City of Greater Geraldton and Community Bank Geraldton for their support in making this event possible.
Please follow Regional Sounds on social media for announcements for 2025. @RegionalSoundsWA #BeachcomberBuskingComp
Mid West music industry links
Regional Sounds
Regional Sounds Inc is a new not-for-profit organisation based in Geraldton, Western Australia, dedicated to fostering growth and supporting pathways to help musicians grow. www.regionalsounds.com.au
Central Regional TAFE
Our local campus offers multiple music production and songwriting courses. www.centralregionaltafe.wa.edu.au/courses/creative-industries
Queens Park Theatre
Geraldton’s premier venue for theatre, music, and conferences. Regular events for all ages. www.qpt.cgg.wa.gov.au
Mid West Multicultural Association
Host of popular multicultural community events including Festival of Lights and annual concerts. www.facebook.com/MidwestMulticulturalAssociation
Mid West Irish Club
A popular live music performance venue in Wonthella, Geraldton. www.facebook.com/TheMidwestIrishClub
WA Music (WAM)
The peak body for music industry in Western Australia. Get your performance on the WA Gig List. www.wam.org.au
ABOUT THIS BOOKLET JOIN
The Buskers Guide to Gero (Geraldton) has been put together by Regional Sounds, with contributions from local buskers and the Mid West music industry and support from the City of Greater Geraldton.
The photos within this publication were taken by local photographers and Mullermind Creative, supplied by the City of Greater Geraldton. They are not to be redistributed without consent.
This document is a guide and no responsibility will be taken for actions arising from its use.
