Sarah McLeod Announced As The New Chair Of Australian Women In Music

Just a few short weeks after The Superjesus released their first album in 20 years and debuted at #10 on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart, singer Sarah McLeod has locked in another remarkable achievement.

McLeod has been named the new Chair of Australian Women in Music (AWM). The position is a natural progression of the Sumo singer’s dedication to advocacy and increasing equity within the music industry. Before being named Chair, McLeod had actively worked with AWM, serving on the Board of Directors over the past year.

As Chair, McLeod will be pivotal in advancing AWM’s mission and focus on addressing the significant gender research gap in the music industry. She will also act to expand the organisation’s impact outside of its awards – the Australian Women In Music Awards (AWMAs) – as well as its First Nations Showcase and Conference.

The AWMAs, established in 2018 by AWM founding Executive Producer Vicki Gordon, address gender inequality in the Australian music industry.

Of her new role, McLeod said, “I’ve spent a couple of years watching Vicki Gordon move and shake this industry to provide opportunities for women and gender-diverse folk. Her commitment to inclusivity and equality is nothing short of inspiring! I signed on to the Board of Australian Women in Music (AWM) a year ago because I felt it was time to give back to the industry, which has kept me afloat for 30 years.”

She continued, “AWM has come a long way, but there’s still so much to achieve. As the new Chair, I will be working with the Board to address the enormous gender research gap across the sector and focusing on opportunities beyond our Award Ceremony, First Nation’s Showcase, and Conference to see where we can provide more support.”

Vicki Gordon said, “Sarah McLeod is a rock legend who represents the very best of what we need to see reflected, especially for young female and gender-diverse musicians.

“Her recent appointment as the inaugural Chair of Australian Women in Music couldn’t come at a better or more critical time for the sector. I look forward to working with Sarah to continue our work to achieve gender equality and build a safer, more inclusive music industry for all.”

Outgoing Chair Jennie Sager added, “I am incredibly proud of what AWM has accomplished during my tenure as Interim Chair. Sarah’s passion, experience, and commitment to the cause make her the perfect leader to take the organisation into its next phase, and I’m excited to see how AWM continues to evolve under her leadership.”