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Back before I even dared to dream about working in the music industry, I'd usually link my professional goals to any rockstar exuding feminine energy; which probably explains my ongoing love for the likes of Blondie, Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett and anything hair metal (pickings were slim in the mainstream window I had open to me in my youth, so the hair metal blokes were sometimes as close as I got to rock femininity).
In 2024, it's exciting not only to see a plethora of female acts and music industry personnel behind the scenes, but also to have a national spotlight available to celebrate and recognise the contributions made by female, nonbinary and GNC artists, musicians and music practitioners around the country, aka the Australian Women In Music Awards.
Established in 2018 by Vicki Gordon, the AWMA has sought to "address the chronic gender inequality across the full spectrum of the Australian Music Industry", with the event growing into both an awards ceremony and full program designed to drive systemic change. In 2024, the event returns with gusto, set to descend on Brisbane in early October with the Confered Program and Music Awards slated for October 1 and October 2 respectively.
Tickets are on sale now for the Australian Women in Music Awards & Conference Program 2024 with the announcement of a spectacular line-up of performers at The Fortitude Music Hall, Meanjin/Brisbane, locked and loaded for Wednesday 2 October. Performing artists for the award night include Sarah Blasko, Kasey Chambers, Mo’Ju, Nina Korbe, Sarah McLeod, Katie Noonan & Karin Schaupp, Ripple Effect Band, Karen Lee Andrews and Emily Wurramara.
Yumi Stynes returns as co-host with the legendary Sarah McLeod, who also performs as a solo artist and
is joined by the AWMA House Band featuring some of Australia’s top female musicians, Zoe Hauptmann
(AWMA Music Director & Bassist) Sarah Belkner (Keys & Vocals) Hilary Geddes (Guitarist & Vocals) and
Lozz Benson (Drums).
AWMA will once again raise the roof and shine a light on the vast contribution of Australian female, non-
binary and GNC artists, musicians and music practitioners across all areas of the industry celebrating
contributions from all countries and cultures.
With 19 AWMA recipients to be announced, two extraordinary matriarchs inducted into the AWMA Honour
Roll and the 2024 Inspiration Award revealed, AWMA 2024 promises to be another unforgettable night of
celebration and recognition. Guests will also enjoy a “Black Carpet” arrival hosted by dynamic Hip Hop artist Kween G with MC and singer Sheba who will also DJ this year’s After Party at The Outpost, upstairs at The Fortitude Music Hall.
Now in its fifth year, the AWMA 2024 Conference will be presented for the first time at the Queensland
Multicultural Centre in Kangaroo Point on Tuesday 1 October as part of the AWMA two-day program. This
year’s conference will focus on gender equality and diversity, providing a unique platform to discuss the
critical pathways to building and maintaining an equitable and inclusive culture for the future health of the
industry.
The program includes a First Nations Women’s Forum Yarning Strong - Always Was, Always Will Be
Blak Matriarch Energy, presented by Support Act through JB Hi-Fi's Helping Hands Program, followed by
Greening Up Our Act, discussing how artists, festivals and industry are paving the way for a greener music
scene, presented by Green Music Australia.
The 2024 First Nations Women’s Music Program is made possible with support from Australian
Regional & Remote Community Services (ARRCS) and features the all-female Ripple Effect Band from
the remote community of Maningrida, in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. They are forging new
ground as the first women from their community to pick up instruments, singing in the languages of their
people, Ndjébbana, Burarra, Na-kara and Kune to tell the story of their land and their culture.
Hosted by Dizzy Doolan and Emily Wurramara, the First Nations Women’s Music Program at The
Outpost on Tuesday evening 1 October includes guest artists Layla Havana, SOLCHLD, Yirgjhilya and
more.
In 2024, AWMA continues to attract overwhelming industry and community support with the establishment
of 13 new partnerships including a new Major Partnership with Australian Regional & Remote
Community Services (ARRCS), Supporting Partnerships with SONY Music Australia, Warner Music
Australia, Opera Australia, QPAC, ALH Group, Face to Face Touring, and Industry Support from
Eleven, Support Act, Green Music Australia, The Fortitude Music Hall and Queensland Multicultural
Centre.
AWMA is also excited to announce a three-year education partnership with Collarts, Australia's leading
tertiary arts education college focused on industry-based learning in the arts and entertainment industries.
Tickets to the Conference and First Nations Women’s Music Program are available here, with tickets
to the Award Ceremony & Concert on sale here.
BY TIANA SPETER
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