Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Sia Ahmad

Sia Ahmad is many things to the Australian artistic landscape: songwriter, artist, improviser, curator and facilitator. For two decades, she has brought an outsider's eye and DIY punk aesthetic to the way she brings communities together - be it through creative collaboration, eclectic programming or curating the hellosQuare label.

An Art Music Awards winner and Peggy Glanville-Hicks Address lecturer, Sia has released a wide spectrum of original music around the world alongside her commissioned work in sound design, installation pieces and contemporary classical composition. Over the years, she has performed at venues and festivals such as Arts Centre Melbourne, Brisbane Powerhouse, Cafe OTO, City Recital Hall, Dark Mofo, Mona Foma, Sydney Opera House, SXSW Austin, Rough Trade East, Wellington Jazz Festival and WOMADelaide.

Working in arts administration since 2011, Sia currently leads the Creative Experience team for Arts Capital (Ainslie + Gorman Arts Centres). She has previous board experience with the Australian Art Orchestra and Girls Rock! Canberra, served as panels chair for the Art Music Awards and between 2018-2021, was a member on both the Ministers’ Creative Council and LGTBIQ Ministerial Advisory Council in the ACT.

William Barton

William Barton is Australia's leading didgeridoo player as well as composer, instrumentalist and vocalist.

William first learnt the instrument from his uncle, Arthur Peterson, an elder of the Wannyi, Lardil and Kalkadunga people and was working from an early age with traditional dance groups and fusion/rock jazz bands, orchestras, string quartets, and mixed ensembles.

Throughout his diverse career he has forged a path in the classical musical world, from the London, Berlin and Bremer Philharmonic Orchestras to historic events at Westminster Abbey for Commonwealth Day 2019, at Anzac Cove in Gallipoli and for the Beijing Olympics.

William holds honorary doctorates from both Griffith University and the University of Sydney, has released five albums on the ABC Classics label including HEARTLAND, released in 2022, with Véronique Serret and the words of William’s mother, Aunty Delmae Barton. William has been developing a new musical language, which is epitomised in this record.

William was named Queensland Australian of the Year for 2023 and was an Australian of the Year nominee. He has been awarded with multiple APRA AMCOS Screen Awards, an AACTA Award, and an ARIA Award for his work with the Australian Chamber Orchestra for the soundtrack from the film “River”. His other awards include the prestigious Don Banks Music Award from the Australia Council in 2021, Winner of Best Original Score for a Mainstage Production at the 2018 Sydney Theatre Awards and Winner of Best Classical Album with an ARIA for Birdsong At Dusk in 2012.

Tracy Morgan

Non-Executive Director (Chair AFG Committee)
MBA (Macq.). CAHRI, GAICD

Tracy is the Chief Executive Officer (Australia) for World Hope International. She has over 25 years’ executive and consulting experience, including 10 years running her own consulting practice, working with organisations navigating change. Her career spans NFP leadership, strategy facilitation and development, change management, financial management, executive search, human resources consulting and organisational design.

Tracy’s board roles include NED, Co-Deputy Chair and Chair Finance & Audit Committee for Wesley Mission, Chair of The Housing Connection, and Non-Executive Director roles at Sylvanvale Disability Services and Sydney Philharmonia Choirs.

Martel Ollerenshaw

Director, Arts & Parts

Based in London, Martel Ollerenshaw is an international arts broker and creative producer. With a wide portfolio of skills and interests, she works with artists, organisations and festivals to create and produce work that is pioneering and often genre blurring. Between 2002 and 2017, she worked at Serious International Music Producers/EFG London Jazz Festival, where her portfolio included Seriously Talented, the suite of talent development programs for professional musicians in jazz and improvised music. Martel is the Chair of Pacitti Company/SPILL Festival (an organisation specialising in live art, activism and performance), the vice president of the Europe Jazz Network and board member of hcmf// (Huddersfield Contemporary 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 has built his profile and reputation. Chris makes a daily contribution to supporting songwriters through his role at APRA AMCOS as Director – Creative Programs & Stakeholder Engagement, where he oversees the National bespoke programs for members, and engages with industry organisations around the country. Chris also serves as a Deputy Chair at Music Victoria. 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 and Big Day Out.