The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) might be moving from a ‘dry’ campus to a ‘sticky’ one.

Students and teachers at the Sippy Downs campus want to be able to purchase alcohol at the uni.

There’s also rumours of a new open-air stage offering live music from student musicians and outside acts, and an eatery serving pizza and beer.

UniSC has previously taken a hard stance against the serving of liquor on campus.

However, the lobbyists say providing booze will allow for the growth of a bigger music scene on the Coast.

A UniSC music student, who remains nameless, says while she isn’t a big drinker it’s important to have the same options that other live music venues have.

“It would be great to be able to unwind with a beer and relax on campus,” she says.

“I think it will bring to the uni a bigger music scene for sure.

“And it offers the university a chance to get behind the Coast’s desperate need for a bigger music scene which can support its students as they move into the music sector.”

A change in the air

Contemporary Music Lecturer Dr Lachlan Goold, known in the industry as two-time ARIA winner and producer “Magoo“, has been vocal in his desire for more live music on campus.

He says “there is a change in the air”.

“Being a dry campus doesn’t help. While I am not necessarily saying music can’t exist without alcohol, it goes a long way to creating a sticky campus where students want to hang around after their lectures and workshops. And as a bonus they can be entertained by fellow music students.

“There’s no question a bar would make the campus somewhere to hang around for longer. The studios are starting to be used more regularly and sometimes you need to unwind and have a break.

“It makes a lot of sense and can be part of the grassroots scene of the Coast.”

Dr Goold wants to see music students stay on the Coast when they complete their studies.

“We are building a really good community of music makers, songwriters and producers at the uni.

“Still those areas need to be added to the infrastructure. The music team and I are working hard to inform Council of the infrastructure problems and the opportunities available to entertainment businesses.”

Alcohol not always the answer

A Noosa band manager, who also remains nameless, says a new live stage area will be great from the perspective of a visitor and local musician. 

However, he disagrees that alcohol should be allowed on the campus.

“Unfortunately, the live music industry and alcohol go hand in hand, however the university campus is a place of learning.

“The only thing alcohol teaches you is how quickly it’s possible to mess up your life.

“I’ve done a fair bit of research into the negative impacts of alcohol. It’s an unfortunate fact that the general public struggles to seperate alcohol and music.”

Local music celebrities weigh in

Dr Goold, who has worked with iconic Australian acts such as Midnight Oil, Regurgitator and Powderfinger, recently hosted a panel where students could “pick the brains” of industry leaders.

Among the panel was Powderfinger drummer and Peregian resident Jon Coghill, and celebrity music manager Ian “Dicko” Dickson, who resides in Maleny.

Jon says it’s hard for musicians to stay motivated with little venue options.

“Solbar is a prime spot for original music and we’re lucky to have such a dedicated venue supporting original local music, but we need more places like it.

“It’s a real chicken or the egg situation – we need more talent but how do you get good without more venues?”

Dicko says the Coast needs to grow a community that can stay here.

“We have a fantastic university course with Andy Ward and Magoo, and that can become special over time,” he says.

“We have to create an environment where people want to work here, instead of running off to the big smoke. Destinations like the Coast are becoming a lot more creative and we need to utilise that.

“Unis should be creative hubs and you need to attract people to those events after-hours.”

The UniSC’s Liquor Use – Operational Policy, which hadn’t been amended since July 2019, was reviewed in June and states: “The University actively encourages a responsible attitude toward the use of alcohol within the University community and outlines the provision of support services to assist staff and students with alcohol-related problems.”

Could this be a sign that UniSC is moving to a ‘sticky’ campus?

The UniSC could not be contacted at time of print.

More to come.

Pic credit: Apply Abroad.