From the remote communities of Australia to the grand stages of its largest cities, the Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) celebrated the achievements of women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals in the music industry. Held in Meanjin/Brisbane on October 9, the event highlighted the contributions of First Nations women and introduced a new award category to honor their cultural legacy.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the names and images of people who have passed away.
Celebrating First Nations Women
The introduction of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Legacy Award marked a significant moment in the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of recognizing First Nations women in music. The inaugural recipients were the cultural songwomen from the Arrkula Yinbayarra (Together We Sing) project, alongside Dr. Shellie Morris AO. This project was initiated to preserve the languages of Borroloola in the Northern Territory’s Gulf region.
Dr. Shellie Morris, a key figure in the project, also received the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Artistic Excellence Award. Ruby Hunter, a trailblazer in her own right, was posthumously inducted into the AWMA Honour Roll. In 1994, she became the first Aboriginal woman to sign with a major record label, using her music to tell the stories of the Stolen Generation and mentor future generations of First Nations musicians.
“Ruby Hunter’s impact as a role model cannot be overstated,” said Yvette Scholtmeyer, highlighting her importance in the music community.
Recognizing Artists Across Genres
The awards spanned a diverse range of musical genres, from indie-folk to classical music. Donna Simpson and Vikki Thorn from The Waifs were honored with the Inspiration Award for their role as creative role models. Missy Higgins, upon receiving the Songwriter Award, expressed gratitude to the women who supported her journey.
Grace Chia, a Chinese-Australian hip-hop/R&B artist, won the Diversity in Music Award for her genre-defying sound and contributions to cultural diversity. Internationally acclaimed soprano Nicole Car received the Opera Impact Award, while composer Catherine Milliken was awarded for Excellence in Classical Music. Emerging artists were also celebrated, with Katia Geha winning the Emerging Artist Award, and Monica Strut recognized with the Women in Heavy Music Award.
Celebrating Contributions Beyond Performance
The awards also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of advocates, photographers, journalists, filmmakers, producers, and leaders in the music industry. Tina Broad was awarded the Humanitarian Award for her work in creating vibrant musical experiences outside metropolitan areas through national programs like Play for Life and SongMakers.
Kimberley Galceran, the music director of Dark Mofo, received the Creative Leadership Award for her innovative programs that showcase diverse artists from around the world. The ceremony underscored the importance of women supporting each other and striving for a future where gender diversity is celebrated.
“We pay tribute to those who have fought for safety, opportunity, and creative excellence,” said Vicki Gordon, founding executive producer and program director of AWMA.
Acknowledging Progress and Future Challenges
The event was preceded by a conference addressing ongoing issues in the Australian music scene, such as gender norms in audio and tech and the challenges faced by remote First Nations women. Entertainment photographer Brittany Long shared her experiences and vision for a barrier-free live music scene.
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 lighthearted moment, Kate Miller-Heidke and the house band captured the evening’s spirit with a tongue-in-cheek performance.
The Australian Women in Music Awards not only celebrated the achievements of women in music but also highlighted the ongoing journey toward inclusivity and recognition in the industry. As the night concluded, the focus remained on the future, with a commitment to continue breaking barriers and fostering a supportive environment for all artists.
