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.
The AWMA Queensland Regional & Remote Women’s Music Program enables aspiring female musicians and music industry practitioners to travel and attend the two-day Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) Conference, Ceremony and Concert Program in Meanjin/Brisbane on 1 & 2 October.
Supported by Australian Women in Music and 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.
Now in its fifth year, the Program has provided employment and performance opportunities for previous recipients, along with the opportunity to participate in AWMA and make invaluable industry connections.
Several of this year’s delegates have also been selected to perform as part of the 2024 First Nations Women’s Music Program.
AWMA Founding Executive Producer and Program Director Vicki Gordon said: “We cannot underestimate the impact and importance of supporting regional and remote music practitioners who play a critical role within the broader music ecosystem. In combination with our First Nations Women’s Music Program, the Regional Program sits at the heart of Australian Women in Music. I am delighted that we can continue to showcase the power of music as a healing and connecting force.”
Queensland Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman said: “For the talented women creatives and artists in rural, regional and remote parts of Queensland, this program provides an invaluable opportunity for industry experience and exposure.”
The Minister congratulated this year’s successful delegates: “Not only will they be making their communities proud, but also setting a shining example of what is possible for women and girls in their region.”
The 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 AWMA production team delivering the two-day event.
The AWMA 2024 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 and the First Nations Women’s Music Program on 1 October as well as the AWMA Award Ceremony & Concert on the evening of 2 October.
With an incredible array of finalists 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 female, non-binary and GNC artists, musicians and music practitioners working in the Australian music industry today.
Featured artists include Sarah Blasko, Kasey Chambers, Mo’Ju, Nina Korbe, Sarah McLeod, Katie Noonan & Karin Schaupp, Ripple Effect Band, Karen Lee Andrews and Emily Wurramara.
The full list of 2024 Queensland Regional & Remote Women’s Music Program delegates is provided on the following pages.
#AWMA2024
Australian Women in Music Awards is proudly supported by the Queensland Government
Key Facts:
Further details on the AWMA Program are available on the AWMA website (www.australianwomeninmusic.com.au) and tickets are on sale through Oztix.
About us:
2024 Queensland Regional & Remote Women’s Music Program Delegates
Sophie Rose Raymond (Kawana)
Sophie Rose Raymond is the lead singer of Raining Roses, a rock/pop band from Rockhampton. She has been writing songs and performing since she was 11 years old. Originally a solo country/folk singer, Sophie learnt her craft by competing in country music festivals in her early teens and performing at many festivals and events around Queensland. She recorded an album called Reawakened with Bill Chambers in 2018, which was released at The Tamworth Country Music Festival. In 2020, Raining Roses was created. Collaborating with her bandmates allowed Sophie Rose to explore a more pop/rock and blues sound. Currently the band is working on new original music which has evolved their style into a more alternative rock, post grunge and pop/punk vibe.
Rebecca (Bec) Olsson (Cannonvale)
Bec Olsson – singer-songwriter, schoolteacher, cancer fighter, life student. An accomplished guitarist, Bec captures hearts with stories, carefully crafted lyrics and warm vocals. A rural background has given Bec a deep love of nature and an instilled resilience and resourcefulness – qualities that have profoundly shaped her in life and music. Bec is known as one half of sister duo Innocent Eve, playing many iconic Australian festivals, as well as international performances at Nashville's Americana Fest. During the rise of Innocent Eve, Bec dealt with significant health challenges with humility and grace. Such adversity has gifted Bec a unique perspective on life, a strong spirituality and a steady resolve to live fully, bravely and passionately. This journey has inspired her to begin her first solo project, one full of life experience, reflecting her determination, sensitivity and passion.
Shennae Neal (Yarrabah)
Shennae, whose language name is Gilpul, meaning rainforest umbrella leaf, is a Yindinji (Cairns/Yarrabah) and Djungan (Mount Mulligan) woman renowned for her empowering leadership within her community and beyond. As a dedicated motivator and advocate, she has made it her mission to inspire and uplift women, young people and individuals from diverse backgrounds. With a deep commitment to unlocking potential and fostering personal growth, Shennae’s work transcends cultural boundaries, creating inclusive environments where people from all races and backgrounds can realise their true capabilities.
Kashana Wallace (Holloways Beach)
Kashana Wallace, also known as Diwan, is a First Nations Kuku Yalanji, Kubirriwarra, Julaywarra creative artist, based in Gimuy (Cairns). Art and singing are her way of staying connected to culture and learning traditional language. Kashana is passionate about bringing forth messages that give inspiration to others to follow their dreams and to embrace who they are and feel comfortable in their own skin, no matter their gender, ethnicity, skin colour, height or body type.
Madeleine Mccaw (Capella)
Performing under the name Hello Jane, Madeleine is a singer/songwriter who travels the country with her guitar and a unique blend of folk storytelling, pop melody, with a splash of country. As comfortable on large stages as in your great aunt's living room, she is well known for her heart-wrenching sweet vocals and sophisticated songwriting finesse. She has performed alongside notable artists including 10cc, Melody Moko, Karl S Williams, and Camille Trail. Her most recent single Never Alone reached new heights making its way into the Australian Hot 50 Country Charts, reaching over 60K streams and travelled across Queensland on her regional tour.
Jessie (Mulan) Neal (Whitfield)
Jessie Neal grew up with being called ‘Mulan’. At 19-years-old, she loves to write raps, socialise and seek adventures. She grew up in Yarrabah and recently moved to Cairns for work. Her love of rap has drawn her to perform in front of family and friends, at weddings and at the Yarrabah Music Festival. She hopes to develop this passion for rap through her attendance at AWMA in 2024.
Amanda Heartsong (Baffle Creek)
Amanda moved to the Baffle Creek area after being medically discharged from the Australian Air Force after her second tour of duty in Afghanistan. She was diagnosed with PTSD and continues her mental health healing journey through music. She released her debut single The War Song in April, and has travelled throughout Queensland and New South Wales performing at festivals. The War Song was the first song written and released by a former serving female member of the military who saw time in a war zone.
Breanna Capell (Cairns)
Bre Capell is a direct descendant of the Gubbi Gubbi, Wakka Wakka nations of (SEQ) and Kullilli nation of (SWQ). Bre is a well-recognised music and arts industry professional with over 25 years’ experience working in the Queensland arts sector and a specialist area focus on young and emerging, and First Nations music industry development. Her journey in arts and music began with the first student cohort to attend Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts (ACPA) at the Metro Arts building in Edward Street Brisbane while completing a Bachelor of Performing Arts in 1997, under the tutelage of Michael Lesley, Lindy Link, Steven Oliver and many others. Bre returned to Cairns in 1999 to begin her Arts Admin traineeship at the iconic Graft’nArts, and grew her experience in music industry capacity building and artist development.
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Contact details:
Cheryl Gray 0409 599 890 or via email cheryl@australianwomeninmusic.org
