Millie Millgate Appointed Director Of Music Australia

Millie Millgate has been appointed Director of Music Australia after 14 years at the helm of Sounds Australia. She was the organisation’s Executive Producer.

Music Australia has been established to support and promote Australian contemporary artists, increase discoverability and develop the market for the local music industry.

The program was launched in January 2023 by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese under the Australian Government initiative of the National Cultural Policy: Revive, a place for every story, a story for every place.

Throughout her career, Millie Millgate has spent time in commercial, not-for-profit and government sectors.

With a lifelong enthusiasm for music, she began her career as the Macquarie University venue booker, followed by two live music venues - the Annandale and the Hopetoun Hotels. She has since held executive positions with the Association of Artists Managers and as Creative Director for MusicNSW, as well as currently a director for the board of Support Act.

As Director of Music Australia, Millgate will aim to lead impactful change in “investment, policy, and artistic development to fuel the growth of the Australian contemporary music industry,” per a press release. Millgate will commence her new role on Monday, 20 November.

“Music Australia is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and I am truly honoured, excited, and ready to embrace the challenges and lead the change required to shape and grow a flourishing and sustainable industry,” Millgate commented in a statement.

“Success will take an enormous team effort, and I am looking forward to working with the team at Creative Australia, the terrific Music Australia Council, trusted and valued colleagues across our vibrant sector, and all levels and portfolios of government. Let’s go!”

Adrian Collette, CEO of Creative Australia, added, “Millie is a well-known and highly respected figure in the Australian contemporary music industry. She joins us from Sounds Australia, where she has managed the presentation of over 2200 Australian artists on global show stages since 2009, covering 86 different international events in 75 cities across 26 countries.”

As the Music Australia Council chair, Collette continued to say, “I am excited for the future of Australian contemporary music.

“I have no doubt that Millie’s appointment, together with the exceptional skills and experience of the Music Australia Council, will create a bright future for artists and the music industry in Australia.”