A raft of new leadership changes have been announced for the QMusic Board, with the personnel movements occurring in line with the adoption of the organisation’s new constitution.
The news was shared in a letter to QMusic Members today, outlining the necessary changes to the leadership structure taking place in accordance with the organisation’s transition from an incorporated association to a company limited by guarantee.
This change was voted on by QMusic Members back in June 2025, with the new Constitution requiring the board to reduce its size. This down-sizing has seen both Cameron Costello and Kristy Gostelow announcing their departure from the Board.
“Cam has brought exceptional wisdom and generosity during his time on the Board,” wrote QMusic President Viv Mellish. “We have been incredibly fortunate to benefit from his perspective on First Nations matters, tourism, government relations, and broader strategic issues as QMusic navigated both challenges and opportunities.
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“Kristy has made a meaningful contribution through her extensive board and artist management experience, while also bringing an important regional Queensland perspective to our discussions. Her insight and commitment to the sector have been greatly valued.”
Additionally, Vice President Maggie Collins has also announced that she will be stepping down upon competition of the transition. Collins’ decision is not related to the Board size requirements, and instead takes place following an interstate move and a desire to spend more time focusing on her family.
“Maggie has been an outstanding national representative for QMusic and a guiding light for our Industry Subcommittee, contributing deep programming experience and strategic leadership,” added Mellish.
Likewise, Mellish also took the opportunity to announce that she will be stepping down as the President and Chair of QMusic.
“QMusic is incredibly close to my heart, and it has been a privilege to serve in this role and to volunteer in support of Queensland’s music industry,” she explained. “This decision allows me to focus more fully on my growing business and my family, however as a passionate industry leader I will remain on the Board as an ordinary member.
Mellish continued:
During my time on the Board, I am proud of what we have achieved together - including helping establish the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of the Music Industry, guiding QMusic through an important organisational review, and contributing to the most successful BIGSOUND events to date.
With increased regional investment, strong governance, and an exceptional team led by Kris, Michelle, Sarah, Fran, Hannah, Katlin, Anthea, Lucy, Eddie and colleagues, QMusic is in an excellent position to continue advocating for and supporting our industry.
Mellish has spent just over 18 months in the role of President, having taken on the role in July of 2024. Alongside her departure, she has announced that current Board member Jake Challenor will be serving as Acting President.
“Jake is a highly respected advocate for our industry, with deep global insight and experience, and is ideally placed to lead QMusic into this next era,” Mellish wrote.
“Thank you for your continued support of QMusic and the Queensland music community. I look forward to continuing to contribute to our success by supporting Jake and the Board as QMusic moves forward.”'
The note to QMusic members also outlined the reason for this new structure change, explaining that under the organisation's previous structure as an association registered in Queensland, it was unable to operate outside of the state.
"As the representative voice for Queensland’s music sector and the producer of Australia’s largest music export event, BIGSOUND, our need to undertake business interstate and internationally is key to supporting the growth of our state’s talent,” QMusic explained.
The new Constitutional change is expected to take place within the first half of 2026, though updates will be provided "pending processing times."
