PROGRAM | AWMA

A powerful conversation centring First Nations women in music, storytelling and cultural leadership. From the high costs of travel and juggling work and family, to cultural responsibilities and the joy of singing in language.

This panel reveals the resilience behind their vision to keep culture strong as they share the challenges and triumphs of creating music in a remote community.

Forum 2

In partnership with Space Girls Festival

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

Facilitator: Cindy Vogels & Georgie Taylor
Panellists: Ella Joy, Ixaras, Jemzel, Lily Morris

This Forum amplifies the voices and visions of young female and gender diverse creatives shaping the future of music. We explore how to support the development and ongoing sustainability of young people in the music industry particularly in the face of challenges for female and LGBTIQ+ artists, above and beyond their peers.

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In Conversation

WITH MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHER BRITTANY LONG

In this year’s compelling ‘In Conversation’ Brittany shares the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her career, her vision for a truly barrier-free live music scene and the evolving role visual storytelling plays in redefining representation – back stage, front of house, on and off the stage.
Brittany Long is a live music and entertainment photographer on wheels, known for capturing the unfiltered atmosphere and emotion of live performance. Her images don’t just document – they immerse, transporting audiences back into the heat and heart of the moment. Renowned for doing whatever it takes to get the shot, Brittany brings an unmatched perspective from both the pit and beyond.

As a disabled artist navigating an often able-bodied, male-dominated space, she is committed to breaking down physical barriers that limit who gets to experience live music. Her long-running portrait series Stairing Through the Lens photographs artists seated on staircases at music venues and festivals across Australia – a striking visual metaphor which sparks conversations about access, representation and physical design of the spaces we take for granted.

Beyond the camera, Brittany is a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusivity in the music industry.

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Afternoon Session

Forum 3

In partnership with WOMP (Women of Music Production)

BALANCING THE MIX: REDEFINING TECH

Facilitator: Elise Reitze-Swensen

Panellists: Becki Whitton, Candice Lorrae, Emily Hopley, Eve Klein

In this Forum we explore innovation, equity and opportunity in music technology, sound production and digital creation.

We examine challenges in the studio faced by women and gender diverse music makers and discuss the issues surrounding gender disparity which are impacting on women’s ongoing lack of recognition in music producer and technical roles.

Forum 4

In partnership with WOW (Women of the World)

LEADING THROUGH DISRUPTION: INNOVATION & ADAPTATION

Facilitator: Jo Pratt
Panellists: Dizzy Doolan, Jaguar Jonze, Kearna Sweeney, Maggie Collins

This forum challenges the belief that gender equity has already been achieved, joining the dots between people, movements and ideas.

We look at new leadership models which move away from traditional patriarchal structures to explore the responsibility of legacy to create a positive and lasting impact for future generations.

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Award Ceremony & Concert

THURSDAY 9 OCTOBER
THE FORTITUDE MUSIC HALL,
312-318 BRUNSWICK ST, FORTITUDE VALLEY, QLD

Australian broadcaster and author Yumi Stynes returns as co-host with Australia’s rising star, operatic soprano Nina Korbe.

2025 Artists

Aylish Ryan
Babyshakes Dillon
Ixaras
Kate Miller-Heidke
Missy Higgins
Sarah McLeod
Arrkula Yinbayarra (Together We Sing) featuring Dr Shellie Morris.
Donna Simpson & Vikki Thorne of The Waifs

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