Melissa
O'Bryan
Started at independent live music venue Solbar, 12 years ago, and worked into my current role there as Sound Engineer and Booking Agent around 8 years ago. I am also a travelling sound engineer, and tour manager, with tour booking experience.
My passion truly revolves around nurturing grass-roots opportunities, hosting an Open Mic night weekly for almost 8 years, and now still being involved, being available and encouraging to amateur musicians, our youth, and people that simply want to share their creativity or skill.
Involvement across different panels including events by BigSound, Little BigSound, SCEIA and Turn Up.
My committee experience started 4 and a half years ago when i was invited to be a committee member for the sub-committee SCMIC, from there becoming chair, and helping navigate SCMIC from a sub committee into a recognised incorporated association. This journey helped me learn governance and legislation around model rules, committee rules, creating websites, ABN's, company banking and more.
I've been the Chair of SCMIC now for over two years, and part of delivering different industry events, sessions at BigSound, as well as the first Sunshine Coast Music Awards in nearly 20 years."
I believe SCMIC's most valuable achievement, amongst all of our goals, is to create an enthusiastic, respectful, and passionate audience.
Growing audience for our musicians will create a snowball effect in opportunity by presenting a market demand for our amazing musicians, and music industry workers.
I hope to do this by creating 'gig culture', developing our youth audiences, holding more industry connect events, showcasing unknown artists, and another stellar awards. The motivation is to get our talent into newspapers, radio and across people's feeds, culminating in a community, (local and beyond), realisation that what we have here in our music scene is worth attention and visitation.
www.solbar.com.au
www.scmic.org
https://www.instagram.com/lissobryan/
https://www.bigsound.org.au/events/outback-to-onstage-regional-and-remote-muso-mixer-1
Sarah
Howells
Nominating for:
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Vice Chair
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Secretary
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​Committee Member
I've been serving as the Vice Chair and Secretary for SCMIC for the past year, including being an instrumental part of the team bringing together the 2025 Sunshine Coast Music Awards.
I’ve presented music radio programs on triple j, Double J and ABC for 21 years (Roots N All, Weekend Lunch, Stir It Up, ABC Sunshine Coast Mornings), plus working as a DJ and MC.
I have been working in the music industry since 1996, when I began creating and promoting all-ages gigs. I have also worked as a Publicist for Woodford Folk Festival and various bands, been a music writer for The Australian and street press, and my passion throughout the past 30 years has consistently been to elevate and promote local music and musicians in all that I do.
The Sunshine Coast music industry is absolutely thriving right now, and I’m excited to see that being reflected nationally in the future. There’s a real opportunity for SCMIC to shout from the rooftops how great our local scene is, to create real change for the number of high-profile shows that come to the region, giving local artists more opportunities in their own backyard. Raising the profile of local artists, and music workers more broadly, can only do good things for us all.
The 2026 Sunshine Coast Music Awards will be a big step towards this, plus there’s opportunity for more workshops and industry connections to be hosted by SCMIC throughout the year, and I’m excited to see the relationship with QMusic and Bigsound built upon for more opportunities for our local industry in the future.
I’d also love to see an online catalogue of local studios, producers, artists for support slots, and other industry workers hosted by SCMIC, if time and capacity allowed.
Andrew
Ward
Nominating for:
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Treasurer
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​Committee Member
I am an internationally awarded songwriter, producer and recording artist with a PhD in music industry practices.
I founded the bachelor of music in the Sunshine Coast and am a founding board member of SCMIC.
I bring years of industry connection and organisational management to SCMIC.
To expand the SCMAs to a premier event nationally and increase the Professional development opportunities for local musicians. I also hope to bring national and international recognition to the SC.
Chris
Hignett
Nominating for:
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Vice Chair
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Treasurer
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Secretary
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​Committee Member
I am an owner of a large independent regional venue working with promoters, local artists, music educators, producers, corporate events, local and national media and all levels of government I have a whole view of the industry and its challengers and opportunities.
SCMIC has made significant impact in the last 12 months. I am incredibly proud of what the committee has achieved, and am really excited about what has still to be done.
Increasing the opportunities for local artists to support national tours, more industry education sessions, greater investment in local talent development and recognition.
Mick
Hughes
Nominating for:
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Vice Chair
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Working Musician Chair
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​Committee Member
I have extensive experience as a touring musician (national & international) , promoter, producer & event planner over 20 years. Happy to help where I can!
Jarrod
Tutbury
Nominating for:
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Working musician Chair
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​Committee Member
Current member of SCMIC, helped plan and deliver the first SCMIC music awards, pianist and manager for Ampersand band gigging for 5 years, piano teacher for Eumundi School of Music, 16 years of piano experience, full time journalist, host of The Precinct's jam nights, grant writer (including for SCMIC), songwriter, coordinator for Hastings Street's busking program, holds ongoing 3 year residency at Noosa Social, advocate for young musicians,
For 2026, my role would be to lead youth engagement, specifically spearheading the development and execution of a youth event that provides outcomes desired by the youth musician community. These outcomes would be determined by extensive consultation with said community.
Shannon
Carroll
Nominating for:
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Working musician Chair
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​Committee Member
I am a professional working musician based on the Sunshine Coast. I grew up as part of the music industry on the Sunshine Coast since the 1980s and I've performed live music here from the 90s to the present.
I am also a casual academic tutor at the University of the Sunshine Coast delivering courses as part of the Bachelor of Music including Performance for second and third year students (MUS200 and MUS301) and The Business of Creativity (BCI200).
I am interested in music focussed cultural development and strategies for increasing public engagement with the music industry as the Sunshine Coast grows and evolves.
As always, creating more viable opportunities for emerging musicians and bands to perform regularly is high on the list. Ways to educate the Sunshine Coast public about their role in supporting a thriving music scene is a topic I think deserves some attention.
Ranald
Link
Nominating for:
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Indigenous Representative Chair
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​Committee Member
I am a proud Gooreng Gooreng/Gubbi Gubbi hip hop artist, producer, and cultural ambassador.
My music, especially Run The Ball Up, has become an anthem in community—connecting sport, culture, and pride.
It celebrates resilience and unity, resonating with mob on and off the field, and has been performed on both national and international stages.
Through my career I’ve shared stories that uplift our people and showcase the strength of First Nations voices. Beyond performing, I mentor emerging artists, lead youth workshops, and create culturally safe spaces where the next generation can express themselves.
For me, music isn’t just entertainment it’s a movement, a platform to inspire, and a way to keep culture alive.
My vision is for the Sunshine Coast to be recognised as a home of culture, storytelling, and opportunity.
I see SCMIC as a strong platform to amplify community voices and provide real pathways for young artists to step onto national and international stages.
I want to see more collaboration between sport, culture, and music—because when these worlds come together, they create pride, connection, and lasting impact.
By supporting grassroots talent and building inclusive, sustainable pathways, we can ensure the next generation doesn’t just dream of making it in music they live it, proudly carrying our stories with them.
Jodie
Anderson
Nominating for:
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Treasurer
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​Committee Member
Festival operator
Ticketing manager
Music venue event management
​Other professional resume includes qualifications and extensive experience in Adult learning and leadership
Working together with other operators and venues to join together rallying government to support the industry via grants and programs - especially regional industry for live music and arts events.
Jane
Michele
Nominating for:
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Working Musician Chair
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​Committee Member
Extensive history as a working musician, full songwriter membership with APRA as a result of national airplay and a number of experiences in committee work
Training and development that empowers venues to better support musicians and musicians to better support venues, themselves and their audience.
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Educational workshops and online learning for SC musicians and venues who want to support live music.
Katie
Milae
Nominating for:
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Working Musician Chair
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​Committee Member
Professional musician for the past 10 years.
Experience in bookings, tours, applications, press kits, live performance, rejection, networking, wanting to be apart of the future and creating more opportunities.
More original music in quirky original settings, utilising our local spaces, businesses and creating a stronger community involving not just arts, but hospitality, small businesses and more.
Penny
Brand
Nominating for:
​
-
​Committee Member
I launched Sunshine Coast-based online music/arts/culture magazine, Yelo, in 2023, after seeing a need for a platform which could showcase the best of our local creative industries.
SCMIC came into my life around the same time and completely aligned with my vision and goals so it was a no-brainer to jump on board.
As the population grows here, so too does the demand for a vibrant nighttime economy, and I've always had the attitude that if I want something myself I should be a part of that change.
It was a pleasure to help SCMIC with its inaugural SC music awards, and subsequent QMusic and Bigsound industry events. As a journalist of local news for many years, community matters come naturally to me, and I would love to continue the good work in giving the Coast the music industry it deserves.
I'd love to see SCMIC put on some smaller bespoke music events in our suburbs/local neighbourhoods which bring more live music to our communities.
It would be cool to get some surveys/research going of our own to see what people want in their suburbs, and think of ways we can bring that to people in affordable and unique ways.
You can check out yelo.live for all the local music scene goss and yelo.live/gigs to see the Sunshine Coast's most unmissable gigs!
Mark
Gray
Nominating for:
​
-
​Committee Member
I have worked as a performing and recording artist for the last decade, touring nationally in different bands and have been involved with festivals for the same amount of time.
As a musician/film maker I blend audio visual worlds, I have made a number of award winning music videos and 2 movies with a live soundtrack
I want to see Sunshine Coast musicians and artists recognised on the big stage and get a reputation for the sunny coast as a place that breeds amazing music, festivals and gigs.
https://www.youtube.com/@theeddieray
https://www.youtube.com/@burgerjointband
https://www.youtube.com/@JuniorBurgerband
Katie Mateus
Nominating for:
​
-
​Committee Member
I run digital marketing for touring bands and venues, and have had ~10 years experience working closely alongside venues, artists and promoters to gain a wider understanding of the industry and its challenges outside of digital marketing alone. I'm also currently working with SCMIC on our digital presence.
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I hold a senior position at Solbar on the Sunshine Coast as marketing manager though the scope of my role regularly extends beyond promotion alone.
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I regularly work for Bolster - an agency specialising in event & music marketing. Through them I've run tour marketing campaigns for artists including Taylor Swift, Elton John, Tame Impala, Florence & the Machine, Flume & many more.
I've also worked on festival campaigns including Sunshine Coast Comedy Festival, CMC Rocks, Bluesfest & some consultation work with Horizon festival through their Solbar activations.
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Independently I work on marketing tours for artists like Kim Churchill, Boo Seeka, Dear Sunday, Barkaa, Kobie Dee, Philadelphia Grand Jury & more.
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I think the value I can bring SCMIC comes mostly from my connection with the music scene locally, and my broad experience with the wider industry landscape.
I'd like to have a part in helping SCMIC revive gig culture on the Sunshine Coast, especially among young people, and help industry stakeholders tackle the multitude of challenges currently facing live music in particular, by lending my expertise in connecting bands/venues/events with their audience and using my extensive experience to help communicate the cultural and social value that live music brings to the community and its people.
​Boslter - the agency I work for: https://blstr.co/
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Instagram pages I manage, related to music/events:
https://www.instagram.com/solbarmusic/
https://www.instagram.com/scmusiccollective/ (since late June)
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Solbar's Website: www.solbar.com.au
David
Dean
Nominating for:
​
-
​Committee Member
With 25 years in the Australian music industry, I’ve worked across live sound, studio recording, community radio and music journalism. In 2002 I founded Hostile Entertainment, a Sunshine Coast promoter/booking and publicity business.
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I program and deliver shows for emerging Queensland artists through to national and international acts (e.g., The Whitlams, Parkway Drive; tours with Slayer, Megadeth, Dead Kennedys). I focus on audience growth, safe, inclusive events and fair deals for artists and venues. In 2014 I founded Turn Up!, the Sunshine Coast’s annual regional music industry conference.
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I now provide structured coaching and accountability for emerging artists and young professionals—covering release planning, touring, funding strategy and professional practice.
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I also serve on the Nambour Special Entertainment Precinct committee to help establish and promote live music in Nambour. I bring a small-business mindset and an evidence-based approach to strengthen the Coast’s music ecosystem.
My vision is to contribute as an active, collaborative committee member. I want to offer my many years of music industry experience to strengthen and showcase the Sunshine Coast music ecosystem.
I'd like to see the region grow audiences and industry capacity, and continue to attract nationally and internationally significant artists to perform in the region.
Chris
Shervey
Nominating for:
​
-
​Committee Member
4 years event manager and site manager woodford folk festival
Participation and contribution to a worthy cause. Anything I can do to help
Shreen
El Masry
Nominating for:
​
-
​Committee Member
I have over 20 years of experience working across music licensing working for major record companies and music publishers in London and Australia as well as music supervision/ consultancy.
I have long-standing and established relationships with music supervisors, production companies, and TV, Film, and ad agencies across Australia and the UK.
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For the past few years, I have been working as a music licensing consultant and music supervisor and have consulted/ supervised on the Australian films Burn Gently and Sweat it Out as well as multiple ad hoc licensing requests.
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I launched Sunshine Sync earlier this year, a Sunshine Coast based music licensing company that specialises in securing syncs for musicians (mostly Sunshine Coast/ QLD based) as well as music supervision/ music licensing consultancy.
There is something really special about the Sunshine Coast music industry, it’s a best kept secret that deserves to shine!
There are so many talented musicians and creatives here now, and it’s been so exciting to see it grow this past year. There is so much potential and excitement ahead and I want to be part of helping the growth and putting the Sunshine Coast Music industry firmly on the map.
Ant
McKenna
Nominating for:
​
-
​Committee Member
EGM of the Australian Live Music Business Council, with 2000 members nationally representing 20K grass roots live music workers.
Also currently providing income stream development services for the Queensland Music Festival and Yama Nui Records.
Also writing live music policy and planning for four local governments nationally. Previously Program Manager of QMusic / BIGSOUND for two years till March 2025.
I was the first artist rep on the QMusic Board from the mid 1990s for 4 years and then Program Manager for 6 years and CEO of QMusic until end 2005, including setting up the first BIGSOUND showcase and the first group of international delegates to BIGSOUND.
SCMIC has already achieved so much. Maintaining the current successful output will be difficult and will require Board Members dedicated to the best outcomes.
I am an expert income stream development worker and would be focussed on growing the bottom line of the organisation. I'm also an expert professional development worker and would like to see more regular professional development opportunities for local emerging artists and workers.
Dartanyon
Hutchinson
Nominating for:
​
-
​Committee Member
Growing up my dad was a was a musician, so I’ve been in and around the industry since before I could walk.
For nearly 20 years I’ve been playing, promoting and attending shows. I’ve watched the underground music scene shift, change, grow, shrink and grown again into what it is today.
I also perform in the midcore band Citizen Rat. I believe I have a pretty fundamental understanding of the industry from a ground level perspective and feel I have a lot to offer.
Sunshine Coast has one of the best heavy music scene in the country. I’d live to be a part of bringing recognition to the heavier genres.
Brian
Goodworth
Nominating for:
​
-
​Committee Member
I have run a recording studio on the coast since 2008.
Co owned and booked a venue on the coast for six years.
Run a booking agency for 6 years and have been an active member in the music scene on the coast since 2008.
I believe SCIMC is a benefit to the Sunshine Coast music industry as it stands today and can only believe that it will play a bigger part as it evolves and grows. And I believe I can help in this process.
Anna
Armstrong
Nominating for:
​
-
​Committee Member
I have been a performing musician in the Sunshine Coast music industry for over 10 years as half of the folk duo Anna & Jordan, alongside as a session musician for local acts such as AYLA, Andrea Kirwin, Darcy Kate, and more.
Alongside this, I was an instrumental music teacher for 6 years, an MC for festivals and music events, and a booking agent for Nook & Cranny and Studio 88.
I was also a committee member for the Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance.
To help grow, foster and enrich the growth of local original musicians.
To see more council supported music events.
To support more networking opportunities for musicians and industry members.
Jonny
Bundellu
Nominating for:
​
-
​Committee Member
Hi everyone, I’m Jonny.

I am a multidisciplinary music producer/composer/venue and studio operator with years of experience in both creating music and building music culture.
Under aliases such as Mr Boinkin, The Mank, The Brains Trust, and Miami Vice, I have released Vinyl records, remix projects, and have a life long connection back to Aotearoa and the founding Artists of the electronic/ alternative industry both in NZ and Australia. My projects on the Sunshine Coast over the last 15 years have given me strong connections with new and emerging urban/electronic and alternative artists and agencies.
Beyond producing and performing, I founded and ran Guru Life, a fully licensed cultural venue on the Sunshine Coast. At Guru Life I curated and hosted live music events regularly, managed venue operations, licensing, event logistics, promotion, and collaborated with interstate and NZ artists to provide platform opportunities.

These roles have given me strong hands-on experience in both the creative and operational sides of the music industry: event planning, album production, artist management / curation, venue management, promotion, liasing with tour management and live event production.
I feel like I can bring a lot of knowledge and experience to a new age in music. Emerging Artists are now well and truely on the international level when it comes to sound, A/V and experience driven shows. I have been known for an outstanding live event sound in curating and playing urban/electronic shows and understand what’s required.
I believe there is great opportunity for Sunshine Coast Music to grow in sustainability, visibility, and community connectivity. My vision includes:
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Providing more consistent local performance opportunities (non-weekend, varied genres), plus mentorship / workshops for emerging artists, to raise standards and retention of talent in the region.

Using local venues as models for artist-friendly spaces — affordable, flexible, supportive of experimental work, where community and artist collaboration is central.

Strengthening cross-sector collaboration (local councils, media, tourism) to promote Sunshine Coast music festivals, recording-hubs( e.g new Caloundra incentive), and infrastructure so that local artists can build sustainable careers without being forced to relocate.

Ensuring committee transparency, inclusivity (particularly for underrepresented groups), and that we take active, hands-on roles to deliver meaningful outcomes.
https://www.instagram.com/miamivicebeats/
current new project
Asher
Chapman
Nominating for:
​
-
​Committee Member
Tours, Local/International festivals, worked for venues, events and studios, not sure what I can offer but sounds like a cool initiative 🤙
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Operations Manager for - www.teammusicare.com for the last 3 years.
Sunny Coast to the moon ?
Cory
Josland
Nominating for:
​
-
​Committee Member
I have been an active member of the Sunshine Coast music community for around five years.
I myself perform several times per well at a variety of venues.
I host and undertake audio engineering for at least one long-standing open mic night on the Coast, and I regularly interact with, and have strong bonds with a large number of musicians on the Coast, both working musicians and those looking to further the exposure of their own original work.
I am keen to be part of discussions affecting music and the direction of musical performance on the Coast. I’m keen to listen, to meet people with common interests, and to hopefully have constructive, meaningful input where applicable.
The only relevant link I have, really, is my Instagram account, @coryjosland. A quick check of a local gig guide will show you my gig schedule, if that is relevant at all.
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Gemma
Foskett
Nominating for:
​
-
​Committee Member
I have worked in music venues in both QLD and NSW. I currently work at Solbar, where I enjoy networking with artists, encouraging emerging talent, and partying with punters that love live music.
I am also a member of an emerging punk band, Lattes for MILFs, that has played around the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane region.
I love live music and want to be a part of the survival of venues and the scene.
I think there could definitely be a stronger connection between the more mainstream scene and the more underground scenes such as the Nambour punk scene.
Rhys
Fox
Nominating for:
​
-
​Committee Member
Sole creator/editor of The Point Music News (est 2009 as The Point Sunshine Coast), podcasting, reviewing, playlisting.
Championed Sunshine Coast music solely on the website, before shifting to a majorly national focus in 2021.
Bassist in Sunshine Coast bands for 3 decades (Bearfoot from 2013 to 2023, Muules, High Tropics, Flaskas plus more). Now solo with Vulpes Argenteus. Have mentored up and coming Coast acts.
Broadening the perspective of Sunshine Coast music to local general public, as well as continuing to make its mark on a national basis
https://thepointmusicnews.com.au/
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https://open.spotify.com/artist/3kus4TuNJWY5RI14h8ioHY?si=fvlp-NwkSOqxCqFhZQNTKw
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https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZAx5s0XKuGjKMikU9GCrC?si=8w5UpE-zR_qY-zPf7w7gvg
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https://open.spotify.com/artist/27Y7UfyE544BAQc0W9npzS?si=oU_mz45KTLyX2cJmHknLBg
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https://open.spotify.com/artist/5X28aXMhYs62yIy4zT6frY?si=NQWwyU9ARbSF4vBR0DtshQ
Thomas
Wohlson
Nominating for:
​
-
​Committee Member
Music producer for 10+ years. 3rd year music student of UniSC. President of UniSC creative industries student club.
I have a keen interest in growing music events on the Sunshine Coast.
Peter
DeWaard
Nominating for:
​
-
​Committee Member
Experience relevant to committee work:
- I'm a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
- I was a Director on the board of the Caloundra RSL for a couple of years, helping to manage their commercial operations.
- I have 20 years experience as a legal practitioners in a range of areas.
- I have 20 years experience as an officer in the Air Force (very organised, trained leader, a team player, and a strategic thinker).
Experience relevant to the music industry:
- I have been the Band Manager of a very active and successful local band, Wave Raiders, for the last 3 years.
I would like to bring to the committee my perspectives and experiences as a Band Manager of under 18 musicians on the Sunshine Coast, and my ideas for positive change. I would also like to contribute to the success of the local music industry in general.
Geoff
Scanes
Nominating for:
​
-
​Committee Member
Life time love for live music scence in Aus.
2 Kids involved in the local music industry.
Professional Project Manager experience.
Qualified A grade Electrician with interest in Audio Engineering.
Help build and support better youth spaces for musical colaborations and events on the coast.
Help Event locations survive and flourish.
Get involved in Collaborations with other regional areas with common goals.
Better Understandand and support diversity within the local and regional music industry in SEQ.
Help create a group able to lobby politically for positive outcomes in the local music scene..
Hand on helping when required.
Brandon
Boss
Nominating for:
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​Committee Member
I play music for at least 5 people that cheer me on
Make sunny coast a hub for Australian music. How to do this… I dunno