2023 Recipients & Finalists

AWMA Honour Roll 2023

AWMA Honour Roll acknowledges outstanding women in the Australian Music Industry who have made significant and lasting contributions in their chosen field.

It provides a platform for recognition and appreciation of political activists and exceptional creative pioneers in our sector.

RECIPIENTS: Judy Stone and Renée Geyer

Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented to a female artist or musician who has made an outstanding artistic contribution to the field of recording and/or live performance during her lifetime.

RECIPIENTS: Kate Ceberano, Jeannie Lewis, Clare Moore

The AWMA Inspiration Award

Represents a nationally and internationally highly regarded, creative role model for younger generations of recording, song-writing and live performance artists.

An exceptional musical artist with a unique talent who leads by example with courage, confidence, commitment and integrity.

RECIPIENT: Vanessa Amorosi

She is an inspiration to ABSOLUTELY EVERYBODY!

Inaugural ARIA Executive Leader Game Changer Award

Someone who has vision, integrity/ethics, trust of co-workers/employees, in addition to driving positive industry change, longevity of commitment, prioritising gender equality, respect, inclusion, safety, empowerment and quality of work.

Recognises the exceptional leadership of an Executive leader who creates significant and positive change to bring about equality for women in the Australian music industry. This award category is open to a CEO, CFO, COO, CMO, MD or GM.

RECIPIENT: Emily Collins

FINALISTS: Nazlican Eren, Sophie Galaise

Tina Arena Special Impact Award

This award honours an unsung champion of the Australian music industry.

RECIPIENT: Oana Gilbert (RIP)

FINALISTS: Lisa Smith, Kylie Thompson

Humanitarian Award

Recognises an individual (female, male and GNC) who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education, and/or assisting female artists working in remote and/or regional communities.

RECIPIENT: Alison Hams

FINALISTS: Gemma Farrell, Andrea Smith

Diversity in Music Award

Recognises individual artists or female-driven musical collaborations for their contribution to advancing a culturally diverse and inclusive music industry.

RECIPIENT: Cerisa Benjamin

FINALISTS: Ripple Effect Band, Ruth O’Brien

Excellence in Classical Music Award

Recognises a mid-to-late career female classical music artist who has demonstrated musical excellence throughout her career.
*Includes conductors and artists working in the field of opera.

RECIPIENT: Celia Craig

FINALISTS: Anne Cawrse, Jenny Duck-Chong

Inaugural Women in Heavy Music Award

Recognises a female who has made contributions of outstanding significance as an artist, musician, music practitioner, agent, artist or label manager, supporter and/or advocator of Heavy Music.

RECIPIENT: Emmy Mack

FINALISTS: Jelena Goluza, Amy Simmons

Creative Leadership Award

A curatorial award recognising excellence in creative programming from women working in broadcast media (radio, tv, online, streaming services), a music festival or live performance/venue to champion female artists.

RECIPIENT: Claire Edwardes

FINALISTS: Sharni Honor, Chelsea Wilson

Artistic Excellence Award

Recognises exceptional creative achievement from a female artist/musician across any genre.

RECIPIENT: Vika & Linda

FINALISTS: Beccy Cole, Jessica Mauboy

Studio Production Award

Recognises a female sound engineer or producer who has made contributions of outstanding significance in the studio recording environment.

RECIPIENT: Robyn Lee Payne

FINALISTS: Candice Lorrae, Elise Reitze-Swensen

Live Creative Production Award

Recognises a female working in a live production environment making significant impact in her field: includes but is not limited to roles such as Live Sound, Lighting & Visual Design, Set Design, Show Producer etc.

RECIPIENT: Naomi Price

FINALISTS: Nikki Nouveau, Sarah Ponturo

Live Production Touring Award

Recognises a female working in a live production or touring environment making significant impact in her field: Includes Tour/Operations/Promotions Management, Tour Assistant, Backstage, Roadcrew, and other related support roles.

RECIPIENT: Jenny Moon

FINALISTS: Karen-lee Herrmann, Stacey Queffert

Music Leadership Award

Recognises a female CEO, Managing Director, Label Manager, A&R Director, Artist Manager or Publisher making significant impact in music industry leadership.

RECIPIENT: Marianna Annas

FINALISTS: Beth Appleton, Mary Jo Capps AM

Songwriter Award

Recognises an outstanding female songwriter or composer.

RECIPIENT: Toni Watson

FINALISTS: Tanya Batt, Sarah McLeod

Emerging Artist Award

Acknowledges an outstanding emerging female artist.

RECIPIENT: ASHLI

FINALISTS: Jem Cassar-Daley, Merinda Dias-Jayasinha

Music Photographer Award

Recognises a female music photographer currently working in the field and to acknowledge her body of work.

RECIPIENT: Mia Mala McDonald

FINALISTS: Ruby Boland, Lucinda Goodwin

Filmmaker Award

Recognises a female music videographer, clip-maker, filmmaker, or music animator currently working in the field and to acknowledge her body of work.

RECIPIENT: Triana Hernandez

FINALISTS: Philippa Bateman, Amy Louisee

Music Journalist Award

Recognises a female music journalist, blogger or editor who has made a creative contribution and courageous impact in truth telling and innovative reporting in the Australian music industry.

RECIPIENT: Jane Gazzo

FINALISTS: Stephanie Eslake, Tait McGregor

2023 Award Recipients Media Release