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

Judy Stone

Renée Geyer (RIP)
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!

Vanessa Amorosi
DONT JUDGE ME – LIVE AT THE AWMAS 2023
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 gender diverse) 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

Celia Craig


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

ASHLI


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

Jane Gazzo

