I wish I had an interesting story – but like many other teens, I was passionate about music and wanted to be around it. I was born and bred in down south WA, so access to gigs and music was limited, but I was hooked. I would send resume’s to east coast businesses,  being a pest and trying to get my foot in the door – Mushroom was always a goal of mine. Eventually, I moved across the country to Brisbane so I could go to shows without having to see my ex who’s band would support touring acts and now have an amazing husband, family and awesome career..

I’ve since found myself working more behind the scenes in tech based music businesses, from Nightlife Music, to now 7 years at Oztix and am proud to work at Australia’s largest independent ticketing company!

My role is Head of Partnerships (I’ve gone from EA, to Project Manager, to Operations Manager, to Head of Operations to now Partnerships in the space of 7 years) and I’m responsible for helping delivering strategic goals for our clients and ensuring our clients receive support in the areas that will have the most impact in their business. A day in the life could be anything from reviewing and sending client reporting on ticket sales and marketing performance, generating ticketing agreements to requesting and preparing for meetings, following up on project movement and discussing sponsorships!

Presenting the Heavy Music award at the 2023 Australian Women in Music Awards – what a thrill. I had spoken to Vicki Gordon about the lack of representation in that area and thankfully she was already working on it. Oztix proudly sponsored it and I got to be up there (this is after 6 years of getting over debilitating fear of public speaking) presenting the award to a room full of people I admire – and the rest who watched it on ABC iView!

Linda Bosidis – after hearing her speak at the One of One Breakfast in 2020 just before the world collapsed, I was so inspired. Her industry tenure and respect are something to be admired.

Vicki Gordon – another kick ass woman doing incredible things for the women in this industry. She is a powerhouse.

My boss Smash worked on the Big Day Out for many years, and he gave advice to our other business owner, Stu when bumping in for the festivals, which Stu then passed onto me. He said you won’t be able to tick everything off in the list of things to do – but the kids will still come in and have an amazing time. As someone who gives everything my all and am proud of my work, it is important to just remember I can’t control everything. Now I just wish I could take my own advice!

Crave Death – Candice the vocalist is an absolute weapon!

Hot Honey Brown – they performed at AWMA and blew the top off. Was so fun!

Middle Kids – I’m excited to see them perform for the first time in a couple of weeks at the Tiv!

No I don’t – I wish I had the answers, but I know that whenever attending any industry event, it is always out weighed by men. Thankfully – they’re mostly good men! I’ve not personally had to encounter any misogynistic men in my workplace, however broader speaking I know there is much more work to do, and it starts at the top. Annabelle Herd taking position as CEO at ARIA is a step in the right direction. The lack of diversity is institutionalised and systematic and will require many hands to change it however it can’t all be by the women – we need more men standing up to help.

It’s tough out there in the live music space – with the likes of Groovin the Moo and Splendour cancelling, it’s putting a strain on everything else – including small to mid size venues due to lack of consume confidence. Consumer patterns are changing – kids are drinking less, which I love, however venues are taking the hit when they rely on bar spend but have all the overheads. There should be more federal government funding support where Australian owned businesses are prioritised, as well as government backed regulated insurance for live music venues. They act as the launch pad for emerging artists and we need to help them.

I feel like an imposter even doing this interview haha. I see the calibre of women who have also participated and think “I’m just working behind the scenes at a ticketing company!” but then I think about what I’ve done in the past 7 years here alone, and what we went through during Covid to protect the business, but also our clients and the fans. We are all faking it till we make it, but thankfully this is such an amazing, supportive, and empathetic industry that you can be vulnerable, you can ask questions, and you can be confident that you’re on the right track.

You’ll find me belting out “I’m With You,” by Avril Lavigne at a karaoke bar near you! (I apologise in advance)