QMusic Management Committee Announces New Members

Queensland’s peak body for the contemporary music industry, QMusic, has today announced two new members who will join the body’s management committee: Maggie Collins and Jake Challenor.

Maggie Collins of Brisbane comes from a varied background in the music industry over the last 17 years.

Having previously presented and produced at youth music radio station triple j for ten years, Collins went on to found the artist management company Morning Belle, home to artists such as DZ Deathrays, Odette, Miiesha, and Donny Benet.

Jake Challenor, meanwhile, is the founder and CEO of the Australian strategic communications consultancy company Sound Story.

He joins QMusic with over two decades of experience within the music, media, advertising, and technology sectors. Prior to launching Sound Story, Challenor owned an independent record label, was the former print editor at Rolling Stone Australia, was the founding editor of Variety Australia, and spent time as a publisher for The Music Network and Radio Today.

Today’s announcement follows a leadership transition of the QMusic Management Committee, which saw Vivienne Mellish and John “JC” Collins step into the roles of President and Vice President, respectively, succeeding Natalie Strijland and D-J Wendt, in July.

QMusic President Vivienne Mellish expressed enthusiasm for the new committee members,  saying,

“We are so pleased to welcome Maggie and Jake to the QMusic Management Committee. So many excellent applicants put themselves forward which is a testament to the breadth of knowledge and commitment out there in our local industry.

“Maggie has a rich history with QMusic and brings excellent national policy and industry knowledge through her current work with the Association of Artist Managers (AAM) which will be an asset to our strategy to help propel our Queensland music economy forward. 

“It’s also great to have our first Sunshine Coast-based Committee member join us. Jake’s extensive experience in music and entertainment media and communications, and executive industry connections both nationally and abroad will bring a fresh perspective to the organisation as QMusic moves into this new chapter.”

Adding that QMusic has been making an effort to engage with policymakers to improve the lives of creatives in Queensland, Mellish said, “Alongside QMusic CEO Kris Stewart, various Management Committee members have been meeting with key stakeholders and policymakers to ensure the Queensland music industry is not forgotten in the upcoming State election. We are hopeful to see a commitment from all  sides of politics over the coming weeks.”