Team

A professional arts leader, Simone brings with her a celebrated reputation for strategic sector development, and a commitment to equity and justice.

Simone comes to Music Victoria from Theatre Network Australia where, as General Manager, she drove the sectors’ COVID 19 response which centred on fundraising efforts and providing essential cash grants to those most impacted. One of her lasting legacies will be the formation of a national alliance of arts industry councils to provide a national advocacy platform. She holds a Master of Arts and Cultural Management, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in technical production, is an alumni of the Australia Council’s Emerging Leaders Development Program and Co-convenor of the Arts Industry Council of Victoria.

Dale was appointed General Manager of Music Victoria in March 2019. Prior to the role, Dale spent years touring the world with many successful bands as a tour manager, sound engineer, artist manager and musician. In more recent times, he managed the touring department at Regional Arts Victoria, coordinating events around Australia that connect artists with new audiences and opportunities. He also runs Club Kids Music Academy an electronic music project for kids, and he is a board member for Schoolhouse Studios, an organisation that provides affordable workspace for emerging artists and creative business.

Danielle Siers is an accountant and consultant with extensive experience within the music, media and events/touring realm. Earning her accounting chops at a Big 4 firm and more recently with KillRockStar, Big Dog Entertainment and Broadsheet Media as well as her own business, she has been crunching numbers since pre-GST times.

No surprise but Danielle is a HUGE music fan and comes to Music Victoria with an obsession and specialisation in electronic music. Danielle produced and hosted a weekly prime time radio show on Australia’s premier independent electronic music station Kiss FM for over 10 years, showcasing Victorian electronic music producers and DJs.

With her old school raver pedigree and her passion for music known industry wide, Danielle readily advises on business matters for niche music events and concurrent to her role at Music Victoria, is a part of the executive team for CHI WOW WAH TOWN festival.

Kathie Elliott-Scott brings over 20 years of experience across business development, marketing, and advocacy in sectors such as logistics, recruitment, and the arts. With a deep-rooted passion for music and accessibility, Kathie has built a remarkable career securing corporate and government partnerships, driving sponsorships, and creating impactful campaigns that resonate with communities across Australia. Notably, Kathie has been instrumental in launching innovative accessibility initiatives at QMusic/BIGSOUND, Arts Access Australia and The Kindness Pandemic, securing over $15 million in funding for national and international projects, along with shaping public awareness campaigns such as #TV4ALL (successfully bringing funded audio description to free to air TV for the first time in Australian history).

At Music Victoria, Kathie is committed to forging partnerships that reflect shared values, offering meaningful support to the Victorian music industry. She works closely with like-minded organisations that understand the value of a thriving, diverse, and accessible music scene. Her dedication to inclusive arts experiences and her success in championing initiatives have earned her recognition, including being named one of Australasia’s Movers and Shakers by F&P Magazine in 2023.

Fay joins Music Victoria from Splendour in the Grass, where she was the founder and producer of Splendour Forum, the festival’s ideas and discussion stage, featuring prominent figures including PM Anthony Albanese, Julian Assange, Grace Tame, Peter Singer, Perry Farrell, Billy Corgan, Pussy Riot, Henry Rollins, Alex Kapranos, Lauren Mayberry, Courtney Barnett, Allday, Rüfüs du Sol, Julien Baker and hundreds more.

Over 14 years, Fay grew the program to four stages including Splendour’s Comedy Club, Science Tent and Podcast Program. Fay books bands for local festivals and produces concerts, festivals and theatre for Kadimah, including the Green Room Award-winning Yentl.

A huge indie music fan and avid gig-goer since her teens, Fay proudly served multiple terms as an executive board member of The Push, as well as the Byron Writers’ Festival. Her diverse career includes being an award-winning senior journalist for News Limited and a lawyer.

Born in Queensland, Laura Semple began her journey in music at the age of five, studying classical piano, flute, guitar and later studying at SAE (School of Audio Engineering).

Relocating to Melbourne in 2013 to pursue a career in PR and Digital Marketing, Laura began working for a social media agency, at a time when Instagram stories were only a fantasy and TikTok didn’t exist. This was Laura’s first real introduction to how social media could be used as a powerful marketing tool.

Since then, Laura has combined her in-depth knowledge of social media, digital marketing and PR to work with companies such as Wondercore Island, Handsome Tours, Viceroyalty, Moon Mother Productions, Ella Hooper and more.

Outside of Music Victoria Laura runs Hunger Digital, a marketing and booking agency that focuses on emerging avant artists.

Holly has been involved in the Victorian music scene since the age of 16. From slinging vinyl at Polyester Records, hosting shows at 3RRR and PBS, and booking iconic venues The Corner Hotel and Northcote Social Club, there’s not much she hasn’t done over the last decade. No stranger to Music Victoria, Holly worked as an intern on the 2015 Music Victoria Awards.

Holly is particularly passionate about inclusivity and safety in the music industry, and has volunteered for intersectional feminist organisation LISTEN, as well as the State Government’s Sexual Harassment and Assault in Licensed Live Music Venues Taskforce. Her primary motivation is to work towards a music industry that is welcoming and accessible to all, recognising that change is an ongoing progress.

Alongside her role at Music Victoria, Holly is studying youth mental health and works as a music reviewer and feature writer.

After spending 8 years across the Nullarbor in Western Australia, Nathan has worked across a variety of member based organisations in the arts and cultural sector.

Passionate in championing and fostering diverse voices and stories, Nathan has been a presenter on community radio station RTRFM 92.1 (Monday Drivetime) and has been a committee member for the artist-run-initiative Cool Change Contemporary. A fierce advocate for protecting live music spaces and creating safe, accessible venues, Nathan has been throwing parties and DJing at events around Perth. He has also been involved with ARTRAGE team, producing and assisting various Fringe World Festivals, Girls School programs and Rooftop Movies.

With a Bachelor of Arts (Arts Management), Nathan has navigated the complexities of the copyright management landscape at APRA AMCOS as well as working for Performing Arts Connections Australia, the national peak body representing and supporting performing arts presenters, venues, producers and creators in Australia.

Armed with a Bachelor of Media and Communications, Mikaela is a marketing coordinator with expertise in influencer marketing, social media, and talent management.

Mikaela’s passion for music dates back to her teenage years when she ran a popular One Direction blog! She has since evolved her love for the industry into a career, volunteering at prominent festivals such as NYE on the Hill and Ability Fest. In 2023, Mikaela successfully completed AIR’s Women in Music Program in artist management, further expanding her knowledge and expertise in the field.

After winning Aimco’s Influencer Marketer Trailblazer of the Year 2022, Mikaela opened her own talent management agency in 2023 called Tall Poppy MGMT. The agency specialises in nurturing young creatives in the influencer and musician space,

Outside of work Mikaela enjoys op shopping, experimenting with new makeup products, and solving puzzles. Her true happy place is at concerts, where she can immerse herself in the music and connect with like-minded fans.

Highly regarded as a music strategist, Kirsty is a creative force with 35 years of experience at the forefront of government policy and music industry development.
She has held senior positions across government and the music industry, including the Head of Music within Creative Australia, Senior Manager for Contemporary Music at Creative Victoria, and a remarkable 17-year tenure as National Manager for Writer Services at APRA AMCOS. Kirsty has also worked at leading independent Shock records in the giddy 90's and music retail. Most recently she was Industry relations Director at leading communications agency Sound Story.

Kirsty is a powerful advocate for Australian artists who transforms the relationship between music and government through innovative policy, programs and partnerships. In recognition of her significant contribution to the music industry, Kirsty was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2023 Music Victoria Awards.

Passionate musician turned Digital Strategist/Artist Manager, Leesa Snider has been working in the music industry across various sectors for 12 years.

Leesa founded Achord Agency after returning from working abroad at Weller Media Agency in Brooklyn, New York. Whilst abroad, Leesa worked on large-scale artist profiles, from the likes of Republic Records, G Herbo, Kenny Chesney, Pnau and more. Achord Agency celebrated its five-year anniversary on May 13, 2024. During Achord Agency’s growth, Leesa has had the pleasure of working with exceptional Australian businesses and artists including the VMDO, One of One, Festival of Jewish Music and Arts (FOJAM), Multicultural Arts Victoria, Lisa Mitchell, Eliza Hull, Amaru Tribe, Keiino, Offbeat Music Festival and many more. Leesa is a lecturer at Box Hill Institute for the Music Bachelor degree, hosts ‘Tuned In - a podcast for women in music’ and has launched Just Add MLK, a start-up aiming to empower musicians with tailored social strategy.

Leesa currently manages JAZZPARTY, Velvet Bloom, and Loretta Miller and looks to further expand to better help more incredible artists and businesses, local and international to realize their career potential.

Neil has worked in the music industry for over 25 years with a number of roles including having his own management company in the UK, overseeing Australian release campaigns for US and European groups at indies and majors, running a merchandise company and founding an independent record label. Amongst a few other things. He currently keeps his skills sharp by managing Sydney group Party Dozen.

Artist, advocate and industry stalwart Chris O’Neill has been committed to music for more than a decade. While he graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Music, it’s been his work on and off the stage that had built his profile and reputation.

Chris makes a daily contribution to supporting songwriters through his role at APRA AMCOS as National Manager – Writer Services, where he regularly engages with industry organisations around the country, whilst rolling out the APRA AMCOS national events program and managing the APRA AMCOS grants program.

An acclaimed drummer, Chris has written and performed with artists from just about every genre, made numerous records, and performed on stages around the country including major festivals such as Prima Vera, Splendour in the Grass, Big Day Out.

With over 30 years’ experience across artist management, event and tour management, publicity and industry advisory roles, Fiona has a deep understanding of the musician’s perspective, alongside proven abilities in strategic management, financial management, advocacy, governance and policy.

From her very first roles in radio and publicity, she knew the Australian music industry would be a lifelong passion. As one of the longest-serving female music managers in this country, working with some of Australia’s biggest and most influential performers paved the way for a diverse and challenging career; the highlight being management of Spiderbait from emerging artists to one of Australia’s most successful and enduring rock bands with a number one record, hottest 100 no 1 spot, multiple ARIAs, multi-platinum albums and sold-out tours.

Now living and working regionally, Fiona has a new understanding of the needs of the regional music industry and contributes to several working groups and initiatives such as a member of Music Victoria’s Women’s Advisory Panel, member of the Music Victoria Regional Working Group, the State Government Live Music Roundtable, a member of the Festivals Sub-Committee, and a member of the reference group for the Cultivate Program.

Nkechi Anele grew up in Melbourne and has spent over a decade in the Australian music industry as the lead singer in Saskwatch, touring and performing nationally and internationally. In 2015, she along with best friend Lucie Cutting, started The Pin, a discussion platform about race, identity and culture through an Australian lens. With the changing narrative around social identity politics and race in Australia, the two sought out to document the lived experience of BIPOC people, build a bank of knowledge, and foster a community for all people to grow and discover. Nkechi took the helm as host and producer of the weekly music program ‘Roots N’ All’ on triple j for five years. In this role, she championed Australian artists, international musicians, and the emerging global music scenes worldwide to a national audience. Creatively, Nkechi has lent herself to the stage (Caroline, or Change, dir. Mitchel Butel), screen (Rare Birds, dir. Melanie Scammell) and television (Rock Wiz), and has been a featured vocalist for Ex-Olympian (2019), Julian Dyne (2021) and many more.

Dean has been part of creative industries over the past decade, working behind the scenes on productions such as Offspring before moving to music. Dean currently holds a senior management position at Australia’s premier music business and accounting firm, White Sky Music, being involved with several of Australia’s most prominent music businesses.

Dean has also contributed to the industry by being an Artist Manager and is currently in the final stages of completing an MBA with Deakin University.

Latoyah is a music-lover, arts aficionado and literature-lover with 15+ years of experience working in the arts, culture and creative industries. She is currently Head of Marketing and Visitor Experience at Melbourne Recital Centre, Chairperson of the Emerging Writers’ Festival Board of Directors and grateful recipient of the Betty Amsden Arts Leadership Award and Scholarship in 2023. Latoyah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies & Creative Writing, a Master of Communications and Media and has completed valuable, high profile leadership programs at Melbourne Business School and London Business School that have been central to her career growth and development. 

Latoyah’s professional areas of interest and expertise include strategy, audience development and engagement, accessibility and inclusivity, wellbeing, connecting communities with the arts, reflective practice and continuous improvement. She wholeheartedly believes in the power of the arts, music, culture and creative industries to create positive value, impact and change for the community, and personal experience from a very young age of how live music can shape, heal, connect and empower people across many facets of life. Latoyah champions sharing, caring and collaboration, and supporting individuals and organisations in ways that affirm a strong sense of purpose, service, community and sustainable success.

Craig is an experienced senior executive, board member and musician. Craig is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Whittlesea, one of Victoria’s largest Councils. Prior to this role, Craig has held senior roles in regional and rural Councils, and with the Victorian State Government. Craig also has considerable experience in the emergency services sector.

A professional musician (Singer, Songwriter, Performer), Craig is a Graduate of the Country Music Association of Australia Academy and has performed with some of the biggest names in Australian Country. Craig has held a number of board level positions in a range of industries.

Asia is a live music enthusiast who dove headfirst into Melbourne's music scene in 2016. Surrounded by talented musicians, she's spent the past three years as a band booker at Lulie Tavern, putting together memorable gigs like Block Party - Luliepalooza. 


Beyond organising events, Asia is all about championing visibility, representation, and equality in the music world. Her background in Marketing and Social Media, coupled with a degree in Media Communications with a focus on Journalism and Indigenous Studies, adds a unique twist to her perspective.

In addition to her work at Lulie Tavern, Asia is the co-founder of Wildflower Artist Management, where she plays a pivotal role in booking and managing talents like Queenie. When she's not busy with event planning, Asia channels her passion into live music photography. Asia worked in radio in Jakarta back in 2015, bringing a global touch to her love for the local scene. As a PBS Announcers Program Alumni, Asia has also played a part in building a close-knit community for Melbourne Venue Bookers through a casual Facebook Group that now connects over 45 folks in the industry. 

Asia's journey in the music world is a mix of genuine love for the craft and a commitment to making the scene more inclusive and fun for everyone involved.

Thane is an experienced DJ/promoter that has had a past in hosting events and working in the EDM industry, He also proud advocate for his people (the Wurundjeri people) & aboriginal rights in general doing cultural awareness training, Welcome & smoking ceremonies and reconciliation action plans.

Thane finds himself in love with all music from heavy rock & fast paced EDM to slow Jams & country!