QMUSIC MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBERS: WELCOMING MAGGIE COLLINS AND JAKE CHALLENOR
QMusic, the peak body for Queensland's contemporary music industry, proudly announces the appointment of Maggie Collins and Jake Challenor as new members of its Management Committee. These appointments follow the Committee leadership transition in July, 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.
The QMusic Management Committee also congratulates Vice President John “JC” Collins on his appointment as Queensland’s first Night-Life Economy Commissioner. He will work with key stakeholders in live music venues, nightclubs, festivals, and entertainment precincts to ensure the sustainability and growth of Queensland’s nightlife economy.
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.”
Both Maggie and Jake bring with them a plethora of industry experience and credentials, to help QMusic service our state’s rich music community.
Maggie Collins, currently based in Brisbane, has held a diverse range of roles within the music industry over 17 years. She was a presenter and producer at triple j for 10 years and founded the artist management company Morning Belle, representing ARIA Award-winning and Gold Record accredited artists such as DZ Deathrays, Odette, Miiesha, and Donny Benet, amongst many others. Collins held the role of Executive programmer for BIGSOUND from 2016 to 2019, and after seven years on the board of the Association of Artist Managers, in 2021 she moved into the Executive Director role where she currently remains. In 2020, she also received The Lighthouse Award, an honour given to Australian female managers who exhibit passion, creativity, advocacy, integrity, and commitment to the community.
Jake Challenor is the CEO and co-founder of Sound Story, Australia’s go-to strategic communications consultancy catering specifically to the creative industries. With over 20 years of experience, Jake co-creates narratives for brands across the music, media, advertising, and technology sectors, utilising his incredible talent for storytelling. Jake owned an independent record label and artist management company prior to returning to the world of journalism and launching Sound Story in 2023. As the former print editor of Rolling Stone Australia, founding editor of variety Australia, and publisher of both The Music Network and Radio Today, Jake has hands-on expertise across a variety of creative sectors, and is able to assess Queensland’s music landscape from an assortment of different viewpoints.
Looking ahead, Vivienne Mellish emphasized QMusic’s ongoing efforts to engage with policymakers to secure greater commitments for Queensland’s music sector in the lead-up to the upcoming State election.
“Alongside QMusic CEO Kris Stewart, various Management Committee members have been meeting with key stakeholders and policy makers 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.”
