Celebrating Excellence at the 2023 Australian Women in Music Awards

Oct 02, 2023

The spotlight was shining bright on Wednesday night at The Tivoli in Brisbane/Meanjin as the 2023 Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMAs) celebrated and honoured the incredible talent within the music industry. The event saw the recognition of 23 outstanding female artists, musicians, and music practitioners in various categories.


The two-day extravaganza on September 26-27 kicked off with a conference program, forums, 'In Conversation' sessions, and a remarkable First Nations showcase. The grand finale, the Awards Ceremony and Concert, was a star-studded affair with captivating performances by several of Australia’s leading and emerging artists. 


AWMA, an initiative of the non-profit Charity Cicada International Ltd, has become a powerful advocacy body, championing gender equality in the music industry. The event emphasised the need for inclusivity and representation, urging the industry to make gender equality a core music industry value.


As a Board member of AWMA, EP Australia’s  MD, Patricia Powell-Hughes attended the event  and said the highlight for her was the stunning finale of one of Australia's most iconic and most loved songs- AC/DC's 'It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock N Roll)', performed by Vanessa Amorosi, Sarah McLeod, Veronique Serret, Camille Layt, and supported by the AWMA House Band. It rocked alright!” 


Let's celebrate and congratulate the winners and finalists of the 2023 Australian Women in Music Awards for their inspiring contributions that continue to strengthen our music industry and elevate the international reputation of our vibrant music scene. Here's to a future where talent and creativity know no bounds, and gender equality prevails in every corner of the music world.


2023 AWMA WINNERS

Studio Production: Robyn Lee Payne

Artistic Excellence: Vika & Linda

Diversity in Music: Cerisa Benjamin

Music Journalist: Jane Gazzo

Excellence in Classical Music: Celia Craig

Emerging Artist: Ashli

Creative Leadership: Claire Edwardes

Inaugural ARIA Executive Leader Game Changer: Emily Collins

Inaugural Women in Heavy Music: Emmy Mack

Lifetime Achievement: Kate Ceberano, Clare Moore, Jeannie Lewis

Tina Arena Special Impact: Cana Gilbert (posthumous)

Honour Roll: Judy Stone, Renee Geyer (posthumous)

Music Leadership: Marianna Annas

Filmmaker: Triana Hernandez

Live Production Touring: Jenny Moon

Live Creative Production: Naomi Price

Music Photographer: Mia Mala McDonald

Humanitarian: Alison Hams

Songwriter: Toni Watson

Inspiration Award: Vanessa Amorosi


A full list of finalists can be found
here.


Here’s how you can watch the Awards… 

The 2023 AWMAs can be streamed on ABC iView here.

The event was made possible with extensive support from our incredible industry and AWMA’s wonderful community partners.



#AWMA2023 #embracing equality #womeninmusicaus #AWMA #AustralianWomeninMusic #AWMARegional


21 Feb, 2024
Taylor Swift's Eras tour delivers big dollars to the Aussie economy . A staggering $174 million boost in spending in Victoria with approximately $86 million into accommodation, hospitality, and tourism sectors and Sydney set to come, the expected spend on merchandise alone is $66 million. The Australian live music sector plays a vital role in the nation's economy, with research indicating contributions of $5.7 billion in industry value last year. However, local artists face challenges competing with international superstars. That’s why we’re encouraged by the news announced on Sunday, February 18th, that the Victorian Government is investing $2 million in the high school songwriting program, SongMakers , signalling a significant commitment to nurturing the local creative economy. APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston said Australian contemporary music is fast becoming the nation’s biggest cultural export: “When we build Australia’s songwriting capacity, we build our intellectual property, creating careers and generating income for the nation.” APRA Chair, Jenny Morris, captured the essence of this investment perfectly: "A good song creates jobs, lots of jobs. And a good song builds Australia’s intellectual property assets, generating big incomes that include export earnings, because a good song travels the world finding new performers and new audiences." With Taylor Swift's Melbourne chapter coming to a close, the spotlight shifts to Sydney. Are you ready for it? EP Australia is the premier Executive Search & Recruitment consultancy dedicated exclusively to the creative economy across Asia Pacific. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to keep up with news, insights and career opportunities, or reach out to our team if you are hiring and need support on your executive search and recruitment requirements. Article sources: The Music Network , ABC News , and Women's Agenda .
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In a world where creativity knows no bounds, the impact of the creative industries on our broader economy cannot be overstated. It's a symphony that not only resonates with Arts enthusiasts but also contributes to a thriving economy. Investing Beyond the Ticket: Fusing Creativity and Job Growth Attending a concert, show, or event offers an experience that extends beyond the ticket—it's an investment in memories, emotions, and local economies. Fans travelling for these events drive up demand for accommodation, dining, and various local services, positively impacting nearby businesses. Moreover, these gatherings catalyse job creation within the creative economy, contributing to employment opportunities. Taylor Swift's Tour Strikes a Financial Chord Here’s a good example: Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour, a juggernaut of creativity, not only enraptured fans but also reverberated through the U.S. hotel industry, injecting a whopping $208 million into room revenue. Highlighting the substantial economic potential within the creative arts that transcends the concert venues to echo through local businesses, communities, and broader economies. Encore of Economic Vitality: Extending Beyond Applause The positive aftermath of a remarkable show extends beyond the applause—it translates into spending and stimulates job growth. So, the next time you attend a concert event or a film, remember that you're not just witnessing an exhilarating performance; you're participating in a virtuous cycle that fuels the engine of our economy. Let's continue to support the arts and acknowledge the jobs it creates as we continue to elevate our communities through the magic of creativity. #EconomicImpact #CreativeIndustries #JobCreation EP Australia is the premier executive search & recruitment consultancy dedicated exclusively to the creative economy across Asia Pacific. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to keep up with news, insights and career opportunities. Article Sources: Yelp, QuestionPro, Camoin Associates, Warner Bros Pictures, Box Office Mojo
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Australia's premier executive search and recruitment agency for the creative, sports and entertainment sector, EP Australia, has been named the winner of the Champion Recruitment Services category of the 2023 Australian Women's Small Business Champion Awards. The announcement was made at the Awards’ glittering National Presentation Evening held at the new Western Sydney Conference Centre on Saturday, September 23, 2023, where MD and Co-Founder, Patricia Powell-Hughes from EP Australia accepted the award on-stage on behalf of her business before almost 1000 attendees.
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