What Is 2018 Australian Women in Music Awards

Overview

The 2018 Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) marked the first official celebration dedicated to recognizing the contributions of women across all facets of Australia’s music industry. Held on October 9, 2018, at the Brisbane Powerhouse, the event was designed to highlight gender disparities and celebrate excellence among female artists, songwriters, producers, and music professionals.

Founded by music industry veterans Tamara Catchpole and Vicki Gordon, the AWMA aimed to create a platform for visibility, advocacy, and change. The inaugural ceremony coincided with a broader cultural push for gender equity in the arts, reflecting growing public and institutional awareness of underrepresentation in music.

• 14 award categories were introduced in 2018, including Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Live Act of the Year, ensuring recognition across creative and technical roles.
• Indigenous artist Emily Wurramara won the National Indigenous Music Award, highlighting the importance of cultural representation in mainstream music recognition.
• Tamara Catchpole, a key organizer, emphasized that the awards were not just about performance but also about honoring behind-the-scenes contributors like producers and audio engineers.
• The event was held during October 9–14, 2018, as part of a week-long series of panels, workshops, and performances promoting women in music.
• Brisbane Powerhouse was chosen as the venue to symbolize a central, accessible hub for the arts, reinforcing the event’s national significance.

How It Works

The Australian Women in Music Awards were structured to evaluate nominees across artistic merit, industry impact, and advocacy for gender equity. Each category followed a nomination and judging process involving industry professionals, ensuring credibility and transparency.

• Nomination Process: Artists and professionals were nominated by peers or industry bodies, with submissions reviewed by an independent panel. All nominees had to identify as women, including cisgender, transgender, and non-binary individuals.
• Judging Panel: A diverse committee of 15 music industry experts evaluated entries based on artistic quality, influence, and contribution to gender equity in music from 2017–2018.
• Award Categories: The 14 categories included technical roles such as Producer of the Year and Music Director of the Year, addressing gaps in traditional award shows.
• Live Performances: The ceremony featured performances by Emily Wurramara, Kate Miller-Heidke, and Deborah Conway, showcasing the breadth of female talent in Australia.
• Advocacy Focus: Beyond awards, the event hosted 6 panel discussions on topics like pay equity, mental health, and Indigenous representation in the music industry.
• Media Coverage: Broadcast partnerships with ABC Music and FBi Radio ensured national exposure, reaching over 250,000 listeners and viewers.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2018 AWMA with other major music awards reveals its unique focus on gender equity and inclusive recognition.

Unlike the ARIA or Grammy Awards, the AWMA specifically centers on elevating women and gender-diverse individuals, particularly in technical and leadership roles often overlooked. This focus fills a critical gap in Australia’s music recognition landscape, where women historically receive fewer nominations and awards.

Why It Matters

The 2018 AWMA was more than an awards show—it was a statement on equity, representation, and the need for systemic change in the music industry. By honoring women across all roles, it challenged the status quo and inspired future generations.

• Gender equity in music was advanced by spotlighting disparities, with data showing women held only 22% of performance slots at major Australian festivals in 2017.
• The awards provided national visibility to artists like Indigenous singer Emily Wurramara, helping amplify marginalized voices in mainstream media.
• Behind-the-scenes professionals, such as producers and audio engineers, received rare recognition, addressing a long-standing industry imbalance.
• The event fostered networking and mentorship, connecting emerging artists with established figures through workshops and panels.
• Media partnerships with ABC and community radio stations ensured broad reach, with over 70% of coverage focusing on underrepresented genres and regions.
• The 2018 ceremony laid the foundation for future AWMAs, with annual events continuing through 2023, expanding categories and participation nationwide.

The inaugural Australian Women in Music Awards set a precedent for inclusive recognition in the arts, proving that celebrating women’s contributions benefits the entire industry. Its legacy continues to inspire policy changes and greater diversity in music programming and leadership.