PRESS RELEASE: 2025 Australian Women in Music Awards Finalists Announced
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2025 Australian Women in Music Awards Finalists Announced
It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Dr Shellie Morris AO, Kate Miller-Heidke, Karen Norris, Dallas Frasca, Vikki Thorn & Donna Simpson (The Waifs), Maggie Collins and Missy Higgins are among an outstanding list of finalists for this year’s Australia Women in Music Awards (AWMA).
Now in its sixth year, AWMA attracted a record number of nominations across 20 diverse award categories acknowledging the vast contribution of those working behind-the-scenes across all areas of industry; in technical and leadership roles, those working in regional areas as well as emerging artists and singer/songwriters across all music genres.
AWMA is a fully inclusive event which shines a light on the immense talent and contribution made by female, gender-diverse, First Nations and Multicultural artists and music practitioners.
Three of the country’s finest performers will vie for the Sony Music Australia Artistic Excellence Award with Dr Shellie Morris AO, Kate Miller-Heidke and Missy Higgins named as the finalists.
Other AWMA finalists include:
City of Gold Coast Emerging Artist Award: Beckah Amani, Katia Geha, Maeve Grieve
Brisbane City Council Music Journalist Award: Jane Gazzo, Jules LeFevre, Megan Burslem
SSI Diversity in Music Award: García, Grace Chia, Mindy Meng Wang
Tina Arena Special Impact Award: Elise Reitze-Swensen, Kylie Thompson, Nancy Bates
Studio Production: Elise Reitze-Swensen, Louise Wheatley, Tahlia-Rose Coleman
Photographer Award: Adrianne Armida, Izzie Austin, Suzanne Phoenix
A full list of the AWMA 2025 Finalists is provided.
The 2025 AWMA Ceremony and Concert will be held on 9 October at The Fortitude Music Hall, in Meanjin Brisbane, where industry leaders, special guests and community will gather for a star-studded evening, featuring Black Carpet arrivals and curated performances.
“AWMA’s capacity to reach artists and music practitioners in regional and remote communities whilst raising the collective voice to promote the importance of gender equality is our true superpower,” said AWMA Founding Executive Producer Vicki Gordon. “Congratulations to all the exceptional artists, leaders, techs and music practitioners recognised this year. Your talent, passion and impact continues to shape the future of the Australian music industry”, she added.
The AWMA finalists were assessed by a 49-member Juror Council led by AWMA Juror Chair Queensland musician and educator Dr Diana Tolmie.
Dr Tolmie said: “Our wonderful jurors always work hard to recognise the extraordinary stories of our nominees and this year was no exception. They were excited by the innovation and resilience represented by all and humbled by the nominees’ continued dedication to the art form throughout so many diverse sectors of the Industry.”
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane was proud to host the awards ceremony and concert in the heart of the city’s live music scene.
“Australian Women in Music Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible talent, leadership and diversity that make our music industry so vibrant,” Cr Schrinner said. “These awards are more than just a celebration, they’re a powerful platform to support artists from across the country and inspire the next generation of Aussie talent. “As Australia’s lifestyle capital, Brisbane’s thriving arts and culture scene plays a huge role in what makes our city such a great place to live, work and visit. “Congratulations to all the finalists and we look forward to welcoming you to Brisbane in October”, he added.
Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Multiculturalism, Fiona Simpson, commented:
“The AWMAs shine a spotlight on the incredible talent, resilience and leadership of women in every corner of the music industry. “I warmly congratulate this year’s AWMA finalists, who are not only outstanding artists and professionals, but who are also smashing through the ceiling and forging the path ahead for women of the future.
“In my role representing Women and our First Peoples, I am working hard to deliver equal opportunities for all, and I want to acknowledge the work the AWMAs do in promoting both gender equality and cultural equality.” “The Crisafulli Government is proud to support the AWMAs in breaking down barriers for women in every part of our state, particularly those with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage,” Minister Simpson added.
AWMA is supported by government, industry and community partners, cementing its place as one of the most progressive award ceremonies on the Australian music industry calendar, as well as being a critical movement for change. AWMA will be held on 8 – 9 October 2025 in Meanjin, Brisbane – tickets go on sale in August.
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The Australian Women in Music Awards & Conference Program is made possible with support from the Queensland Government and is assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia and the Office of the Arts.
AWMA is proudly sponsored by Brisbane City Council, the City of Gold Coast, and is supported by corporate, industry, and community partners.
For interview opportunities with Vicki Gordon, please contact publicist Josie Gagliano at [email protected] or 0411 234 022
Notes and links for Editors:
AWMA 2025 Finalists HERE: https://womeninmusicawards.com.au/2025-recipients-and-finalists/
AWMA Website: womeninmusicawards.com.au
MEDIA ASSETS: Link to authorised images for media use HERE: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pzFhn7CSwj708x__JsjkhMRvouLXx6nu
AWMA Board: womeninmusicawards.com.au/awm-board/
Instagram: instagram.com/womeninmusicaus
Facebook: facebook.com/AWMAAwards/
TikTok: tiktok.com/@womeninmusicaus
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@australianwomeninmusicawar4945
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/australianwomeninmusic/
#AWMA2025 #AustralianWomenInMusicAwards #AustralianWomenInMusic #AWMA #WomenInMusicAus
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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 is HERE
Download the AWMA Legacy 2018-2024 HERE
