First Nation talent dominate 2019 Australian Women In Music Awards finalists [full list]

First Nations talent Ngaiire, Mojo Juju, Christine Anu, Thelma Plum, Alice Skye and percussionist and producer Claire Edwardes dominate the finalists of the 2019 Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMAs).

At the same time, up for the Humanitarian award are Lindy Morrison, OAM, Dami Im and Alison Hams.

Morrison who says she’s fallen on hard times herself, has helped clothe, feed and house others, especially musicians through her work at Support Act Ltd.

Im works as an ambassador with Compassion Australia to raise funds for children in poverty in various countries, and sponsors eight children.

Hams, a country music singer-songwriter in regional SA, is involved in a wide range of charities, including ensuring young people from remote and First Nation backgrounds get music opportunities through her co-owned Stormfront Productions.

A wider range of female talent will be on display at the AWMA ceremony, concert and party with appearances and performances from Renee Geyer, Katie Noonan, Clare Bowditch, Melinda Schneider, Ngaiire, hip hop act Kaylah Truth, operatic soprano Cheryl Barker and concert pianist Tamara-Anna Cislowska.

The awards are on Wednesday, October 9 in Brisbane.

This year’s AWMAs add three new categories, for excellence in classical music, music journalism and image-making.

Queensland premier and minister for trade, Annastacia Palaszczuk said, “Queensland is pleased to host the AWMAs for the second consecutive year, profiling our state’s commitment to gender equality and providing opportunities for women.”

“The AWMAs are a fantastic addition to Queensland’s vibrant arts scene,” added Di Farmer, minister for child safety, youth and women and minister for the prevention of domestic and family violence.

“They are another great opportunity to showcase the tremendous creativity and depth of talent of our many female artists and I hope it’s a springboard to further and well-deserved success.”

AWMA founding director and executive producer, Vicki Gordon made the point: “As well as the opportunity to celebrate tremendous talent, AWMA provides a platform for artists and music practitioners including those in regional and remote areas, to come together, to learn and empower one another.

“We received almost double the nominations this year, from every state and across all areas of diversity, reflecting the urgent need for change in the Australian music industry.”

Fifteen AWMAs will be up for grabs following the public nomination process and judging by a group of industry professionals and practitioners.

A special award will be presented to this year’s inductee for the AWMA Honour Roll 2019.

ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE AWARD

Christine Anu Nai Palm NGAIIRE

CREATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD

Claire Edwardes Elaine Chia Katie Noonan

DIVERSITY IN MUSIC AWARD

Christine Anu Lisa Cheney & Peggy Polias (Making Waves) NGAIIRE

EMERGING ARTIST AWARD

Alice Skye Ella Fence Lisa Caruso

EXCELLENCE IN CLASSICAL MUSIC AWARD

Caroline Almonte Claire Edwardes Sarah-Grace Williams

EXCELLENCE IN IMAGE MAKING AWARD

Chloe Jean Melaine Knight Ntombi Moyo

FILMMAKER AWARD

Aimée-Lee Xu Hsien Curran Tashi Hall

HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Alison Hams Dami Im Lindy Morrison, OAM

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Joy McKean, OAM Marcia Hines, AM Vika and Linda Bull

LIVE PRODUCTION AWARD

Jenny Moon Kait Hall Laurie May

MUSIC JOURNALIST AWARD

Ange McCormack Jane Gazzo Jules LeFevre

MUSIC LEADERSHIP AWARD

Elise Reitze-Swensen (producer and educator) Lynette Irwin (jazzlabel and music eventsoperator) Sue Telfer (late Sydney venue booker)

MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHER AWARD

Jessica Vaini Kerrie Geier Tashi Hall

SONGWRITER AWARD

Mojo Juju NGAIIRE Thelma Plum

STUDIO PRODUCTION AWARD

Elise Reitze-Swensen (Feels) Kathy Naunton Virginia Read