From artists working in remote communities to those gracing Australia’s biggest concert stages, the Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) celebrated women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming members of the Australian music community in Meanjin/Brisbane on October 9. This year, the event placed a significant emphasis on recognizing the contributions of First Nations women, adding a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Legacy Award to the roster.
The ceremony, which honors the diverse talents and contributions of women in music, saw cultural songwomen from the Arrkula Yinbayarra (Together We Sing) project, alongside Dr. Shellie Morris AO, as the inaugural recipients of the new award. The project, aimed at preserving the languages of Borroloola in the Northern Territory’s Gulf region, highlights the critical role of music in cultural preservation.
Honoring First Nations Women
The spotlight was firmly on First Nations women at this year’s awards. Ruby Hunter, a trailblazing Ngarrindjeri, Kukatha, and Pitjantjatjara woman, was posthumously inducted into the AWMA Honour Roll. In 1994, Hunter made history as the first Aboriginal woman to sign with a major record label, using her music to tell the stories of the Stolen Generation. Her legacy as a mentor and role model for subsequent generations of First Nations musicians was celebrated by many, including Yvette Scholtmeyer, who spoke on her importance.
Dr. Shellie Morris AO, a prominent figure in the music community, took home multiple awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Artistic Excellence Award. Her work with the Arrkula Yinbayarra project and her broader contributions to music and cultural preservation were key highlights of the night.
Recognizing Artists Across Genres
The awards spanned a wide range of musical genres, celebrating the diversity and creativity of Australian women in music. Donna Simpson and Vikki Thorn from The Waifs were honored with the Inspiration Award for their roles as creative role models. Missy Higgins, a beloved figure in the Australian music scene, received the Songwriter Award and expressed gratitude to the women who supported her journey.
Grace Chia, a Chinese-Australian hip-hop/R&B artist, was recognized with the Diversity in Music Award for her genre-defying sound and efforts in promoting cultural diversity. Internationally acclaimed soprano Nicole Car received the Opera Impact Award, while composer Catherine Milliken was awarded the Excellence in Classical Music Award.
Celebrating Broader Contributions
The awards also acknowledged the vital roles of advocates, photographers, music journalists, and other industry professionals. Tina Broad received the Humanitarian Award for her efforts to enrich musical life outside metropolitan areas through national programs like Play for Life and SongMakers.
Kimberley Galceran, Dark Mofo’s music director, was honored with the Creative Leadership Award for her innovative programs showcasing diverse artists. The ceremony underscored the importance of women supporting each other and striving for a more inclusive future in the music industry.
Exploring Challenges and Future Directions
Throughout the ceremony, speakers highlighted the ongoing challenges women face in the music industry and the importance of creating supportive networks. Vicki Gordon, founding executive producer and program director of AWMA, emphasized the need for continued advocacy for safety, opportunity, and creative freedom.
“We pay tribute to the many among us and those who have gone before us, who have fought for safety, for opportunity, for creative excellence and the freedom to express the deepest truths of ourselves,” said Vicki Gordon.
The awards were preceded by a conference addressing issues affecting women in Australian music, with discussions on topics such as the experiences of remote First Nations women in music and the role of young female creatives in shaping the industry’s future.
Performances and Celebrations
Hosted by broadcaster Yumi Stynes and soprano Nina Korbe, the ceremony featured performances by artists like Aylish Ryan, Babyshakes Dillon, and Missy Higgins. In a memorable moment, Kate Miller-Heidke, along with the house band, delivered a tongue-in-cheek performance that captured the spirit of the evening.
The Australian Women in Music Awards continue to be a vital platform for recognizing and celebrating the diverse talents and contributions of women in the music industry, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
