‘It’s Been A Great Privilege’: John 'JC' Collins & Tina Radburn Step Down From QMusic

QMusic Chair Vivienne Mellish has announced that two members of the QMusic Management Committee will soon depart the organisation.

The members are Secretary Tina Radburn and Vice Chair John “JC” Collins, who will depart the committee in early June.

Radburn has devoted close to a decade to QMusic. She’s served on the committee since April 2016, working as the Secretary for many years with the organisation.

Per a press release, Radburn was “instrumental” in connecting QMusic with key partners, both local and international, as well as having a pivotal role in delivering the Creative Industries Export Strategy in Queensland and the Contemporary Music Export Program in North America.

Mellish notes Radburn’s “unwavering reliability, exceptional organisational skills, and deep respect within the industry,” all of which have left an “indelible mark” on QMusic.

Collins, meanwhile, has made a name for himself outside of Powderfinger as someone who’s consistently advocated for the Queensland live music scene.

During the pandemic stages of COVID-19, he was instrumental in keeping doors open at music venues across Queensland by helping secure lifeline funds from the state government. Mellish also described Collins as “an excellent sounding board and advisor.”

While Collins is departing QMusic, he won’t be leaving the music industry, as he’ll continue to champion Queensland’s live music scene and night-life economy as the state’s first-ever Night-Life Economy Commissioner.

In a statement, Collins told The Music it’s been a “great privilege” to be part of QMusic and “represent and try to improve things for the Queensland music industry.”

He added, “I came in in 2019, just ahead of COVID, and really, really worked hard with the QMusic CEOs and the board to get funding for the industry, which was successful through the state government.

“That was a pretty hard three years; I’m into my sixth year on the board, and it just felt like the right time to step down and give someone else a go. And also, I think ultimately, with my role as an Art Commissioner, I can still have a really good influence over what happens in the Queensland music industry, particularly the venue side of things and related to night-time.

“I just think it’s a good opportunity to step down and give someone else a go and keep working in my new role.”