Beccy Cole, Alison Hams & More Among 2023 Australian Women In Music Award Finalists

The Australian Women In Music Awards (AWMA) will take place in Meanjin/Brisbane on 27 September 2023, with a broadcast on ABC TV to follow. Today, the Australian Women In Music Awards has revealed its finalists for the upcoming star-studded ceremony, which includes a black carpet, concert and party.

Jessica Mauboy, Sarah McLeod, Kate Ceberano, Beccy Cole, and Vika & Linda are just some of the names on the impressive list of finalists.

Australian music industry legend Oana Gilbert, who sadly passed away in October 2022, has been nominated for the Tina Arena Special Impact Award alongside Support Act’s Chief Financial Officer Lisa Smith and WA-based hero Kylie Thompson.

In the inaugural ARIA Executive Leader Game Changer Award, Emily Collins, Nazlican Eren, and Sophie Galaise have all received recognition with their nominations. Ceberano is up for the Lifetime Achievement Award with Jeannie Lewis and Clare Moore by her side.

Another inaugural award will be presented this September: the Women In Heavy Music Award, where Jelena Goluza, a Project Manager for the Victorian Government’s Victim-Centred Restorative Justice Program and vocalist of the band Outright, music journalist and RedHook vocalist Emmy Mack and heavy-hitting publicist Amy Simmons are all up for the first-ever award.

Jessica Mauboy has been nominated for the Artistic Excellence Award alongside Beccy Cole and Vika & Linda, while Tanya Batt (BATTS), Sarah McLeod of The Superjesus fame, and Toni Watson (Tones & I) have been nominated for the Songwriter Award. You can view the complete list of nominees here.

The 2023 AWMA Honour Roll inductee will be announced soon.  

“AWMA has raised the collective voice - demanding equitable access, safety and recognition for women in the Australian music industry, AWMA Founding Executive Producer & Program Director Vicki Gordon said in a statement.

“We support and promote women as vital, essential contributors to the future business growth of the sector and are calling on the industry to adopt Gender Equality as a Core Music Industry value.”

Kate Ceberano added, “I have seen the industry of music in this country change so much and the education and delivery of music through the eyes and hearts of Australian women, my peers Renée, Chrissie, Olivia, Colleen, Kylie and more…. It has been an education and, at times, a baptism by fire.

“But we are hardy, and the Australian singers that are striking notes globally, not only with their music but with their minds, is outstanding! I’m glad to be a part of this modern community of like-minded artists who wish to share their wisdom and prevail despite all provocation to do otherwise!”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk also made a statement congratulating this year’s nominees, adding, “This event not only celebrates the most innovative, committed, and visionary singers and songwriters in Australian music, it provides an opportunity to further promote gender equality and diversity, including the voices of First Nations women.

“The future looks bright for the music industry as our government invests in a 10-year roadmap to promote arts, culture, and creativity.”