Re-appointments and new appointments announced for Music Australia Council

The Australian Government has announced the re-appointment of Danielle Caruana and Dr Sophie Payten and the appointment of Josh Pyke and Leah Flanagan to the Music Australia Council for two-year terms.

These appointments allow for strong industry representation to continue and to further advance the important work of Creative Australia and the implementation of Revive.

The Music Australia Council provides strategic direction for Music Australia in its vital work to support and grow Australia’s contemporary music sector.

Federal Minister for the Arts Tony Burke, said the appointees would help to ensure the Council continues to deliver greater support and guide strategic investment for Australian musicians and noted “appointing the right mix of skills and experience to the Council ensures Music Australia continues to deliver what the industry needs to grow and realise its potential, at home and internationally.

“It’s essential that Australian musicians and industry experts themselves have a seat at the table – and that’s what these appointments will achieve.

“With their dedication, passion and expertise in Australian music, the appointees will make sure that Australian music is the soundtrack to life in Australia.”

Music Australia is backed by more than $69 million in federal funding over four years.

Danielle Caruana (also known as Mama Kin) is an award-winning singer-songwriter and touring artist who co-founded The Seed Fund, a philanthropic foundation supporting artists. She is also a published author and has devoted her time to working with incarcerated women, performance studies students and emerging artists.

Dr Sophie Payten, known professionally as Gordi, is an Australian indie folk singer/songwriter and medical doctor. Dr Payten signed record deals with Jagjaguwar in the United States in February 2016 and Liberation Music in Australia in April 2016, releasing her debut EP Clever Disguise in May 2016.

Josh Pyke is an Australian singer-songwriter, producer, musician and children’s book author. He is the Director of Josh Pyke Touring and Chair of Phonographic Performance Company of Australia.

Leah Flanagan is an Australian singer-songwriter and arts administrator from Darwin. She has released several albums and has toured Australia with her music as part of festival ensembles.

Gordi, Mama Kin, and Fred Leone were appointed to the Music Australia Council  in August 2023. Other council members appointed in 2023 included ACFTA CEO Adrian Collette, Michael Chugg, UNITY Management Group’s Petrina Convey, Labor parliamentarian Lisa Baker, the Victorian Department of Education’s Fred Alale, and Future Classic CEO Nathan McLay.

Image. Gordi, Josh Pyke, Mama Kin, Leah Flanagan.Credit: The Music/ Bianca Edwards, Michelle Pitiris