Last night, the Music Victoria members elected two board directors at its annual general meeting, held at Richmond’s Corner Hotel.
Musicians and music industry workers Chelsea Wilson and Chris O’Neill were re-elected to the board for three years, under the recently amended rules of association which increases the terms from two years.
The new board then co-opted Sally Howland and Matthew Kennedy to the board, with Ms Howland unanimously re-appointed as Chair. The board unanimously re-appointed Ms Wilson as deputy chair, while Ms Dine was appointed as the new secretary.
They will join Catherine Haridy, Heidi Braithwaite, Melinda Dine and Tim Heath on the board for the next 12 months.
Ms Howland thanked the unsuccessful applicants for nominating, as well as all of the members who attended the AGM to vote.
She also thanked outgoing board members Sarah Blaby and Paul Luczak, as well as former chair Tim Northeast.
‘’To our departing Board members – Tim Northeast, Sarah Blaby and Paul Luczak – thank you so much for putting in the hard yards’’, Ms Howland said. ‘’There may not be much glory in all the behind the scenes work which you’ve done, but you should know that you’ve made difference.
To my other board colleagues – Chelsea, Cath, Tim, Chris, Matthew, Mel and Heidi – your dedication to the cause is obvious and I’m very grateful for all of your support.’’
Elected at the 2019 AGM:
Chelsea Wilson
Chelsea Wilson is a Melbourne based vocalist, broadcaster, DJ and producer with over 12 years music industry experience. Her debut soul-inspired album ‘I Hope You’ll Be Very Unhappy Without Me’ was lauded #2 Album of the Year on ABC Radio National and nominated for Best Soul album at the Age Music Victoria Awards 2014, leading to performances including Glastonbury Festival UK and the headline spot on the Arts Centre stage at the Australasian World Music Expo. Her behind the scenes roles have included Concert and Events Licensing Representative at APRA AMCOS, Music Manager at PBS 106.7FM, Artistic Director of Stonnington Jazz Festival and Music Programmer of Brunswick Music Festival.
Chris O’Neill
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 Senior Manager - National Engagement, 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.
Appointed at the 2019 AGM:
Sally Howland
Sally has worked for APRA AMCOS for 40 years, most recently as an Advisor to both companies. Prior to that she held the executive position as the Head of Member Services. Sally is the author of Song Cycles – An audit of support infrastructure for Indigenous Music in Australia. Commissioned by the Australia Council and published in 2010. She researched and authored Starting Ground – A Scoping Study into NSW Aboriginal Artists (2015) and was the Project Manager for the NSW Skills Development program – Starting Ground, which started in 2015 and is now in its fifth year. Sally is a Non-Executive Director of the Archie Roach Foundation and Support Act Ltd (SAL), having been appointed Chair of the SAL Board in 2013.
Matthew Kennedy
Matthew has worked within not-for-profit business management and development, across all of local, state, national and international levels, for more than 20 years. Since 2011, he has been the Chief Executive Officer of Tennis Victoria, which has 38 staff and about 900 member clubs, centres and associations. He previously worked for the International Cricket Council for a decade and was its Global Development Manager, first based out of London and then later Dubai, responsible for supporting 94 non-Test cricket nations.
For inquiries, please contact Music Victoria CEO Patrick Donovan
9686 3411
