Vivienne Mellish Named New President Of QMusic

QMusic have today (July 18) announced some major changes in its leadership, naming Vivienne Mellish as the org’s new President alongside John ‘JC’ Collins as Vice President.

It comes as QMusic farewells its outgoing President Natalie Strijland and Vice-President D-J Wendt, both of whom are stepping away from the Queensland music body’s management committee.

Their joint achievements include the establishment of the Qld Safety and Diversity Advisory Group, the largest ever Industry Connect program, additional programs like Goolwal Goolwal and  Tropic Fiesta in Townsville, and some incredible feats in funding for the local music industry – among them being the launch of the $7 million Live Music COVID Support program, a recent boost in government funding for live music venues, and a $4.5 million uplift in funding for BIGSOUND.

In a formal statement, Strijland said she’s eager to see QMusic enter a new era: “Following the recent State and Federal budgets and prior to the State Election, and after 20 combined years of board service, we thought now was an ideal time for a handover to the new board leadership and allow D-J and I the chance to focus more on our own businesses and families.

“It has been my absolute pleasure to spend nine years on the Board of QMusic; with the last four years as President. Over that time we have grown and changed as an organisation and faced challenges both from within and outside the industry. Personally I want to thank D-J who has been an outstanding Vice President. He is the longest standing board member in the organisation’s history and the organisation is indebted to him for his time, care and experience.”

Wendt echoed the sentiment, adding in his own statement: “Giving back to the industry that has been very good to me has been an honour, I will likely miss being involved and will definitely miss working with the many great board members and especially Natalie Strijland, who has the biggest heart in the world and she gets things done.”

Stepping into Strijland’s role as President will be the inimitable Viv Mellish, a modern-day icon in the Australian music industry, best known as a founding partner and the CMO of GYROstream, Australia's leading digital music distribution and artist services company.

Mellish said in today’s press release, “I’m so honoured to be following in the footsteps of such an inspirational and impactful leadership team and I want to thank them both for their immense voluntary contribution to the organisation and our industry. Natalie and D-J are leaving QMusic in the strongest position it’s ever been to not only sustain its current output but put in place real foundations towards a more equitable and vibrant industry for Queensland.

“Thanks to their advocacy, QMusic’s relationship with Government and key stakeholders has never been better and we are excited to be given the opportunity to continue their legacy alongside the rest of the management committee, CEO Kris Stewart and the excellent staff who deliver on-ground each and every day.”

Meanwhile, John ‘JC’ Collins will be taking over Wendt’s role as Vice President, drawing from a storied career spent touring and recording with Powderfinger (one of Brisbane’s biggest musical success stories) as well as managing venues like The Triffid and The Fortitude Music Hall.

Collins upon of his own appointment, “In particular I want to thank Nat and D-J for steering the organisation through the COVID lockdowns and restrictions and securing funding with the State Government during this time, it was critical in keeping the lights on for music venues. Nat and D-J have also left the organisation in such a better state than what it was when I joined the board in 2020. The industry is still yet to bounce back fully, there’s always work to be done and I’m honoured to have the opportunity alongside Viv Mellish to contribute more.”

In other news, QMusic announced last month that it’s looking for a new Conference Programmer to take the reins for BIGSOUND starting in 2025. After five years in the role, Tom Larkin will depart after this year’s music and conference event.