PRESS RELEASE: 2025 AWMA Queensland Regional & Remote Women’s Music Program delegates announced
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Friday, 29 August 2025 2025
AWMA Queensland Regional & Remote Women’s Music Program delegates announced
Eight women from regional and remote Queensland have been selected for a career-enhancing opportunity to develop their skills and connections in the music industry.
Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) Queensland Regional & Remote Women’s Music Program enables aspiring First Nations women, female, and gender diverse artists and music practitioners from regional and remote Queensland to travel and attend the two-day Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) Conference, Ceremony and Concert Program in Meanjin, Brisbane on 8 and 9 October, 2025.
The Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring music practitioners to gain professional experience and participate in the entire two-day AWMA Program , which includes a Conference Program, a series of forums and an ‘In-Conversation’ keynote address, networking opportunities, the AWMA Black Carpet, Award Ceremony, Concert and After Party.
Supported by the Queensland Government, the Program provides a safe and supportive environment for industry connections to develop and thrive, ensuring all participants are nurtured by experienced music industry professionals to achieve their aspirations. AWMA is one of the only major music events in the Country curated and produced by women.
Now in its sixth year, the Program has provided employment and performance opportunities for previous recipients, along with the opportunity to participate in all areas of AWMA to make invaluable industry connections.
Fiona Simpson, Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Multiculturalism, congratulated this year’s successful delegates: “I am thrilled to celebrate the talented women selected as this year’s delegates for the Queensland Regional & Remote Women’s Music Program.
“This program empowers women in regional and remote parts of our state to thrive in the music industry – breaking down barriers and inspiring the next generation of female artists.
“The Crisafulli Government is proud to support the AWMAs in championing female artists from across Queensland, particularly those from diverse cultural backgrounds and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage,” Simpson said.
The AWMA Regional Program provides opportunities for women in a range of music industry roles. Previous regional delegate Elly Hanlon, from Airlie Beach, is working as a key member of this year’s production team to assist with delivering the two-day event.
The AWMA 2025 delegates were selected based on their current music experience, their role in the industry, and the impact they are making to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive music community. They are provided with travel, accommodation and per diems to attend the AWMA Conference on 8 October and the AWMA Award Ceremony and Concert on the evening of 9 October.
With an incredible array of fi nalists and stellar line-up of artists performing at this year’s AWMA, the regional and remote delegates will have behind-the-scenes access to some of the most experienced and talented musicians, artists, music practitioners and industry leaders working in the Australian music industry today.
Featured artists include Kate Miller-Heidke, Missy Higgins, ‘Babyshakes’ Dillon, Sarah McLeod, Arrkula Yinbayarra (Together We Sing) featuring Dr Shellie Morris from remote NT, Donna Simpson and Vikki Thorn of The Waifs, teen prodigy IXARAS, and mezzo soprano Aylish Ryan. Australian broadcaster and author Yumi Stynes returns as co-host with Australia’s rising star, operatic soprano, Nina Korbe. The AWMA House Band, featuring some of Australia’s top female musicians, Zoe Hauptmann (AWMA Music Director & Bassist), Sarah Belkner (Keys & Vocals), Kath Halloran (Guitarist & Vocals), and Lozz Benson (Drums), will be accompanying the extraordinary musical talent on the night.
The full list of 2025 Queensland Regional & Remote Women’s Music Program delegates is provided on the following pages below.
Further details on the AWMA Program are available on the AWMA website: www.australianwomeninmusic.com.au
Tickets are on sale through the website https://womeninmusicawards.com.au/program/
www.womeninmusicawards.com.au
AWMA Queensland Regional & Remote Women’s Music Program is proudly supported by the Queensland Government
2025 Queensland Regional & Remote Women’s Music Program Delegates
The AWMA 2025 QLD Regional and Remote Delegates are:
Mish Cat Davie is a self-described “powerhouse front woman of Australian rock band HER”. With a music career spanning decades, from blues to soul, and everything in between, they have led multiple successful projects, from fronting the hard rock band Steel in the 1990s, to The Magical Marmalade Machine corporate Disco band in the 2000s, performing regularly with Get Zepped Australia to their current genre, blending work in their original classic rock band HER, also performing regularly with their acoustic blues rock duo The Davie Smith Duo.
Daniella Williams is an Indigenous woman, born and raised on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, from a multicultural background, and her fi rst language is Torres Strait Creole. She says she has “been in and out of the music scene over the years, due to raising my children, but the passion for music is still strong as ever”. Daniela has studied music while in her senior years of schooling and later tried to gain more musical knowledge by attending the JMC Academy in Brisbane, performing in choirs, bands, and performing her own songs over the years. She is now self-employed, and recently started her small indigenous business.
Natalee Johns has been the drummer of queer indie rock band Hugo And The Hive since 2019. In 2024, they took on their role as manager for the band, too. The band has played across Brisbane and Sunshine Coast. Hugo and the Hive is a rising queer indie rock band making waves far beyond their hometown of Gympie’s thriving school music scene; the band was formed while members were still in junior high, through the Gympie High Music School of Excellence program. Each member of this dynamic four-piece band is also a prolifi c songwriter, and their upcoming debut EP is eagerly anticipated. Alongside Louie’s soaring vocals and emotive guitar work, layered with Lizzy’s infectious basslines, Korbin’s genre-bending guitar to saxophone fi nesse, and Nat’s joyous rhythm and energy behind the drums, their chemistry onstage is electric.
Arika Appleby is a proud Gudjula, Juru, and Gugu Badhun woman living on Bindal and Wulgurukaba Country in Townsville. She is currently a Programs Coordinator with PCYC, where she designs and delivers engaging programs for young people who are disengaged or at risk of disengagement. Arika’s work spans sports-based initiatives, cultural programs, and youth-led radio projects across Townsville, Palm Island, and other regional and rural communities. She is also a radio host in Townsville and Palm Island, hosting a midday show called Rolling With Reeks Midday Show, on 4K1G 107.1FM, and runs youth-focused radio programs, creating a platform for young voices and stories to be heard. The mother of two is also part of the Indigenous Marathon Project—a deadly collective of 12 inspiring young people training to take on the New York Marathon later this year. Arika says she is living her dream, by supporting young people to realise their potential, and connecting with artists, community, and mob from across the region through her work as a media personality and radio host.
Jemzel Costales is a Filipino/Australian independent artist and producer “making music in a bedroom”, and grew up in a musical culture and environment, and naturally fell in love with singing and playing instruments at a young age. At age 11, she started learning music production through YouTube videos, and began writing her own songs at the start of high school. In year 10, she independently released her debut single ‘Epiphany’, and this was awarded the Triple J Unearthed High 2022 ‘Class Shakespeare’ title. In 2023, she released her single ‘Tell Nobody’, quickly getting traction on social media, leading her to being crowned the ‘Class Quiet Achiever’ of that year’s Unearthed High. Since 2022, she has released 12 singles and one EP, all of which are entirely written, produced, mixed and mastered by her, amassing over 1 million streams on Spotify alone. Live performance highlights include opening for Old Mervs, supporting Ixaras, opening for The Belair Lip Bombs, and Dust at Anti-Dismal’s Happy Feet Fest, and playing at Space Girls Outer Space Festival. Jemzel creates music with the use of transparent songwriting based on personal experiences, thoughts and emotions that resonate with a wide audience, then fuses lyrics with a plethora of sonic influences – from rock to folk to soul – to create her unique sound.
Victoria Charnley is a Cairns-based vocalist of English and Chinese descent, born in England in 1988 and raised in Portugal before settling in Far North Queensland in 1999. A passionate performer since childhood, Victoria began her professional music career 13 years ago while working and raising two children. She quickly became a fi xture in the local live music scene working with multiple bands; known for her dynamic voice, engaging performances and versatility across genres. Throughout the years Victoria gained vital hands-on experience in all aspects of performance — from PA setup, stage presence, and set design to client coordination, marketing, and band management. It was this knowledge and professionalism that she would utilise in the launch of her own project, Rude Boy in 2016 (later, Victoria Ley). In forming her own band, Victoria’s creative vision took shape and with the support of her talented band, the group went on to perform hundreds of shows at venues, events, and private functions across the region. Through resilience, versatility, and a deep-rooted love for music, Victoria has carved out a meaningful and dynamic career as a regional artist, and is now focused on transitioning from cover artist to original artist, sharing her own stories and sound with new audiences.
Elke Louie Vogels is an emerging acoustic indie folk singer-songwriter from Gympie, Queensland, who is carving out a unique space in Australia’s contemporary music scene. With a voice that carries both raw emotion and delicate storytelling, Elke blends acoustic warmth with heartfelt lyricism, crafting songs that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. Elke is set to release her debut single in late 2025, followed up by other singles and a highly anticipated EP titled ‘Lavender’ with Clare and Lawrence of Those Folk. Turning heads with her evocative songwriting and captivating vocals, Elke has collaborated with established artists like Jen Mize from The Rough And Tumble and Clare Quinn from Those Folk. Having performed solo across South East Queensland, including standout solo sets at Spring in the Vale Festival, Agnes Waters in 2022, and Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival 2024, Elke has honed her ability to captivate audiences with an intimate and soul-stirring presence. Elke also fronts Hugo And The Hive, a young dedicated indie rock outfi t formed with best friends from Gympie High School, effortlessly embracing the full spectrum of musical storytelling.
Natasha Baira is a proud First Nations woman, born and raised on Palm Island where she has lived all her life. Hosting programs at Bwgcolman Radio Station – where she has worked for the past 11 years – she is passionate about using music and storytelling to inspire strength, resilience, and positive choices among young people. Through radio, she shares encouragement, culture, and leadership, aiming to guide the next generation and be a strong role model in her community. Natasha believes in unity, growth, and fi nding light through struggle, and she uses her platform to refl ect those values every day. Natasha’s role involves daily broadcasting, sharing music, stories, lyrics, quotes of encouragement, and cultural content that refl ects and uplifts our community. Natasha uses radio as a tool for connection, healing, and guidance, especially for youth, and says her experience also includes storytelling through art, spoken word, and lived experience.
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For interview opportunities with AWMA Founding Executive Producer and Program Director Vicki Gordon, please contact publicist Josie Gagliano at [email protected] or 0411 234 022
Notes and links for Editors:
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About AWMA Founded and led by highly respected music producer Vicki Gordon, the AWMA team is made up of experts with extensive experience in the production of large-scale event management, digital media, strategic planning and development. AWMA is overseen by a Board of Directors with extensive experience in the music industry and the arts, accountancy, community engagement, not-for-profi t governance, stakeholder engagement and law.
The mission of AWM: https://womeninmusicawards.com.au/mission-statement/
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