Australian_Women_in_Music_Awards
Australian Women in Music Awards
Annual awards nights celebrating women in the Australian music industry
Australian Women in Music Awards (commonly known informally as AWMA) is a not for profit charity which delivers an annual award ceremony and conference program to recognise the vast contributions of women across all areas of the Australian Music industry. The two-day program includes forums, a show case event and networking.[1]
The AWMA was founded in March 2018 by industry veteran Vicki Gordon and come after the research report 'Skipping a Beat' published in 2017 found gender inequality to be rife in the Australian music industry. Artist Katie Noonan said at the launch, "These awards are a powerful signal to our industry, our artists and our audience that female musicians can, should and will take centre stage".[3] The inaugural event was staged in Brisbane on 9–10 October 2018.[4] Helen Reddy was the inaugural inductee into the AWMA Honour Roll.[5]
In its second year, the AWMAs became a beacon for recognising the achievements and contributions of women across all areas of the Australian music industry.[6] In 2020 & 2021 AWMA was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.[7] AWMA returned on 17–18 May 2022 in Brisbane Queensland.