Music industry luminaries gathered in Meanjin/Brisbane on October 9 for the Australian Women in Music Awards, celebrating the diverse talents of women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals in the Australian music scene. The event honored artists from various backgrounds, from those working in remote communities to those gracing major concert stages.
Significantly, the spotlight shone on First Nations women at the awards, with a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Legacy Award introduced to recognize and promote their contributions to the music industry. The inaugural recipients of this award were the Cultural songwomen from the Arrkula Yinbayarra project, led by Dr. Shellie Morris AO, who also received the Lifetime Achievement and Artistic Excellence Awards.
Ruby Hunter, a trailblazing Ngarrindjeri, Kukatha, and Pitjantjatjara artist, was posthumously inducted into the AWMA Honour Roll for her groundbreaking achievements. Hunter, the first Aboriginal woman signed to a major record label, used her music to tell the stories of the Stolen Generation and mentor future generations of First Nations musicians.
The awards ceremony recognized talent across various genres, from indie-folk to heavy music, hip-hop, R&B, opera, and classical music. Missy Higgins, a Songwriter Award recipient, expressed gratitude to the women who supported her artistic journey, highlighting the importance of female solidarity in the music industry.
Grace Chia, a Chinese-Australian artist, was honored with the Diversity in Music Award for her genre-defying sound and contributions to cultural diversity. The event also acknowledged stalwarts in classical music like soprano Nicole Car and composer Catherine Milliken, underscoring the diverse talent within the Australian music landscape.
Aside from artist accolades, the awards celebrated the contributions of advocates, photographers, journalists, filmmakers, and leaders in the music industry. Tina Broad received the Humanitarian Award for her efforts in promoting musical engagement beyond metropolitan areas, while Kimberley Galceran was recognized with the Creative Leadership Award for her progressive programs.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized the importance of women supporting each other to create a more inclusive and equitable music industry. The event also included a one-day conference addressing ongoing challenges faced by women in Australian music, from gender norms in tech to the empowerment of young creatives.
Hosted by Yumi Stynes and Nina Korbe, the ceremony featured performances by renowned artists like Kate Miller-Heidke, Missy Higgins, and Sarah McLeod, reflecting the star-studded nature of the event. The awards underscored the need for continued advocacy and support for women and gender-diverse individuals in the ever-evolving music landscape.
📰 Related Articles
- Sunshine Coast Music Awards Celebrate Local Talent and Industry
- Australian Women In Music Awards 2025 Celebrates Industry Excellence
- Women in Wealth Awards 2025 Celebrate Financial Sector Excellence
- Sunshine Coast Music Awards Honor Local Talent and Industry
- Diverse Events in Cincinnati This Week Celebrate Music, Art, and Culture