Music Victoria CEO, Simone Schinkel, has announced her decision to finish with the organisation at the end of this year.
During her almost four-year term and having started in the midst of the pandemic, Schinkel has led Music Victoria by guiding crucial advocacy and vital change, including securing over $88m in direct sector investment from the Victorian Government.
Throughout Schinkel’s leadership, Music Victoria has delivered a solid program that includes research, industry resources, professional development opportunities, targeted promotion, a help desk as well as ongoing industry engagement and advocacy.
Some of Schinkel’s key achievements for Music Victoria include:
- Releasing the white paper Priorities for the Victorian Music Industry ahead of the 2022 Victorian state election where 75% of the proposed actions were endorsed by government, including ending the 13-year freeze on new late night liquor licences.
- Preparing and lobbying over 20 advocacy submissions to the federal and state governments. Most recently, a collective submission with over 500 Victorian music industry representatives for the next Victorian Creative State strategy.
- Introducing new Music Victoria Award categories to acknowledge the diverse Victorian music scene. These included Best Pop, Best DJ, Best Regional Festival, the Amplify Award for a disabled artist and the Diaspaora Award.
- Inducting Victorian music champions in the Music Victoria Hall of Fame – Kylie Minogue, Pierre Baroni, Kirsty Rivers, Kutcha Edwards, Helen Marcou and Quincy McLean, Deborah Conway, Ollie Olsen and The Push.
- Undertaking and releasing the first ever whole-of-state Victorian Live Music Census in April 2023 (reporting on the period from 2019 to 2021). A 2024 update is scheduled to be shared later this year.
Schinkel explained that she proudly supported and represented the Victorian music industry, “My journey at Music Victoria was made possible through an incredible and insipring community alliance. We have achieved some great outcomes and it is a bittersweet moment that I announce my departure.”
“While the landscape has changed during my time at Music Victoria, the power of music remains strong. We have continued to shape a more sustainable and equitable future. The Victorian music industry will continue to soar,” Schinkel highlighted.
“Our work is a collective effort and I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to engage with some incredible people to achieve our vision to champion for the entire Victorian music sector,” said Schinkel.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our 5,000+ members, our dedicated staff and Board – both past and present – and our partners, industry advisors, fellow peak bodies and collaborators,” Schinkel acknowledged.
Kutcha Edwards, Mutti Mutti musician and Music Victoria Hall of Fame inductee, remarked, “During Simone’s time as CEO, Music Victoria has emerged as an engaged and effective partner with First Nations music mob and community across the state. This is a testament to her commitment to deep listening, reflecting and learning, while consistently creating connection and representation time and time again.”
Sophie Paten, Music Australia Board Member, award-winning artist, and beloved Aussie export, Gordi, commented, “Simone has made an invaluable contribution to music in Victoria. She led through a particularly difficult period during the pandemic and was able to navigate conversations with stakeholders and government in a way that united and motivated the industry.”
Eliza Hull, a musical artist, writer, journalist, and disability advocate shared “I always felt truly heard, respected, and valued by Simone. Her passion for Victorian music, local artists and the local industry was evident in every decision she made. She has always had her heart in the right place, remaining focused on the bigger picture, championing accessibility, inclusion and equity in every way. While I’m sad to see her go, I have no doubt she’ll continue to accomplish incredible things. A true advocate for all of us!”
Jaddan Comerford, UNIFIED Music Group Founder and CEO, said, “We greatly value the important role that Music Victoria plays in supporting our local music industry. Thank you Simone, for guiding our peak body through a very challenging time and doing so with integrity and passion.”
Chris O’Neill, Chair of the Music Victoria Board, added that Schinkel has demonstrated incredible passion and dedication as CEO over the past four years, “Simone’s collaborative efforts with the Victorian Government have been instrumental in securing essential funding, supporting our diverse membership through the pandemic and the challenging times that have followed.”
“Through her hard work, Simone has transformed Music Victoria’s operations, strengthened internal procedures and cultivated a positive, inclusive culture within our growing team. We extend our deepest thanks to Simone for her commitment and wish her every success in her future endeavours,” O’Neill concluded.
Schinkel will finish at Music Victoria on 20 December 2024 and the Board will now commence recruitment for its next CEO.
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