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Team

Music Victoria Staff

Simone Schinkel
CEO
A professional arts leader, Simone brings with her a celebrated reputation for strategic sector development, and a commitment to equity and justice.

Simone comes to Music Victoria from Theatre Network Australia where, as General Manager, she drove the sectors’ COVID 19 response which centred on fundraising efforts and providing essential cash grants to those most impacted. One of her lasting legacies will be the formation of a national alliance of arts industry councils to provide a national advocacy platform. She holds a Master of Arts and Cultural Management, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in technical production, is an alumni of the Australia Council’s Emerging Leaders Development Program and Co-convenor of the Arts Industry Council of Victoria.

Dale Packard
General Manager
Dale was appointed General Manager of Music Victoria in March 2019. Prior to the role, Dale spent years touring the world with many successful bands as a tour manager, sound engineer, artist manager and musician. In more recent times, he managed the touring department at Regional Arts Victoria, coordinating events around Australia that connect artists with new audiences and opportunities. He also runs Club Kids Music Academy an electronic music project for kids, and he is a board member for Schoolhouse Studios, an organisation that provides affordable workspace for emerging artists and creative business.
Danielle Siers
Financial Controller
Danielle Siers is an accountant and consultant with extensive experience within the music, media and events/touring realm. Earning her accounting chops at a Big 4 firm and more recently with KillRockStar, Big Dog Entertainment and Broadsheet Media as well as her own business, she has been crunching numbers since pre-GST times.

No surprise but Danielle is a HUGE music fan and comes to Music Victoria with an obsession and specialisation in electronic music. Danielle produced and hosted a weekly prime time radio show on Australia’s premier independent electronic music station Kiss FM for over 10 years, showcasing Victorian electronic music producers and DJs.

With her old school raver pedigree and her passion for music known industry wide, Danielle readily advises on business matters for niche music events and concurrent to her role at Music Victoria, is a part of the executive team for CHI WOW WAH TOWN festival.
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Claire Portek
Executive Producer
An experienced arts producer, programmer and manager, Claire has 20 years’ experience working with festivals, musicians, artists and organisations to create large art projects, groundbreaking festivals and supporting artists to take risks and experiment. She has worked across many artforms, with a particular focus on music and an interest in community engaged performance and festivals. Claire programmed local acts with Brian Eno, Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson when they curated Vivid Live; programmed and delivered Dark Mofo (2013-2015) and MONA FOMA (2014) festivals; produced the first national tour for Spinifex Gum and led the Alchemy program for State Library Victoria, working with artists to create new works and experiences in a Library context. She has produced new works presented by Melbourne Fringe, Arts House, Sydney Festival, Darebin Speakeasy and MLIVE, Monash.

Claire has a Bachelor of Science in Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and a passion for social justice. She is equally comfortable buried in a spreadsheet, solving a sticky problem, or advocating for arts experiences that make the world a better place for all.

Lauren Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Lauren has been working at the intersection of community, marketing and the arts for over a decade. From her work on major Australian festivals like Laneway, Groovin the Moo and Spilt Milk, running her own ambient and experimental record label, and curating a line-up for RCC as part of Adelaide Fringe Festival, her work has always been centred around music, art and culture, acknowledging the integral role they play in a healthy, functioning society.

Lauren is interested in accessibility within the arts and providing emerging artists and organisations with the tools and frameworks needed to succeed in and industry that can often be dominated by commercial players. Her past work included the development and launch of Blocks, an up-skilling initiative created in conjunction with Bolster and AIR, aimed at providing members of the broader community with the skills and resources to run effective social and digital marketing campaigns themselves.

Holly Pereira
Events & Membership Coordinator
Holly has been involved in the Victorian music scene since the age of 16. From slinging vinyl at Polyester Records, hosting shows at 3RRR and PBS, and booking iconic venues The Corner Hotel and Northcote Social Club, there’s not much she hasn’t done over the last decade. No stranger to Music Victoria, Holly worked as an intern on the 2015 Music Victoria Awards.

Holly is particularly passionate about inclusivity and safety in the music industry, and has volunteered for intersectional feminist organisation LISTEN, as well as the State Government’s Sexual Harassment and Assault in Licensed Live Music Venues Taskforce. Her primary motivation is to work towards a music industry that is welcoming and accessible to all, recognising that change is an ongoing progress.

Alongside her role at Music Victoria, Holly is studying youth mental health and works as a music reviewer and feature writer.
Mikaela Copland
Marketing Coordinator
Armed with a Bachelor of Media and Communications, Mikaela is a marketing coordinator with expertise in influencer marketing, social media, and talent management.

Mikaela’s passion for music dates back to her teenage years when she ran a popular One Direction blog! She has since evolved her love for the industry into a career, volunteering at prominent festivals such as NYE on the Hill and Ability Fest. In 2023, Mikaela successfully completed AIR’s Women in Music Program in artist management, further expanding her knowledge and expertise in the field.

After winning Aimco’s Influencer Marketer Trailblazer of the Year 2022, Mikaela opened her own talent management agency in 2023 called Tall Poppy MGMT. The agency specialises in nurturing young creatives in the influencer and musician space,

Outside of work Mikaela enjoys op shopping, experimenting with new makeup products, and solving puzzles. Her true happy place is at concerts, where she can immerse herself in the music and connect with like-minded fans.

VMDO Staff

The Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO) was established as part of the Victorian Government’s $22.2 million Music Works strategy, is managed by Music Victoria and guided by a steering committee of music industry experts. The VMDO is focused on supporting the Victorian contemporary music industry now and into the future.

Find out more at vmdo.com.au or phone (03) 9686 3411.

AJ
AJ Li
VMDO Manager
Having worked in the global music industry for over eight years, AJ spent the last four years working in Artist Management.

A native of Mainland China, AJ moved to New York City in 2013 and obtained a Master of Arts degree in Music Business at New York University. During her time in the US, she interned for multiple major and independent record labels and worked as a technical researcher for YouTube Music before moving to Australia in 2018.

She is currently overseeing the career of the Australian alt-pop trio, Woodlock, alongside her co-manager. She joined VMDO with experiences from different roles in the Victorian Music industry, including Operations Manager at Mushroom Management/Converge Management and Artists and Operations Manager at Tiny Triumphs Management.
Neil Robertson
Neil Robertson
Project Manager
Neil has worked in the music industry for over 25 years with a number of roles including having his own management company in the UK, overseeing Australian release campaigns for US and European groups at indies and majors, running a merchandise company and founding an independent record label. Amongst a few other things. He currently keeps his skills sharp by managing Sydney group Party Dozen.

Music Market Staff

Part of the Victorian Government’s $22.2 million Music Works strategy, Music Market is an accessible and flexible space that will sustain, develop and grow Victoria’s contemporary music sector to build cultural and economic outcomes. Music Market and the Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO) are funded by Creative Victoria through Music Works and delivered by Music Victoria.

Find out more at www.musicmarket.com.au

Matt Cox
Matt Cox
VMDO Manager
Matt has many years of experience in venues mainly focused on the delivery of diverse electronic dance music events and festivals and joins Music Market after working extensively in the club scene as a Venue Manager (Hugs & Kisses), General Manager (Colour), Artist Manager, Promoter and DJ.

Matt continues to cultivate club experiences and safe spaces through promotion, booking & event management of several local parties in addition to being an advocate for underground & queer dance culture in Naarm.
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Nate Macgregor
Venue Technician
Music has surrounded Nate his whole life starting from playing guitar at an early age, to obtaining a Bachelor of Creative Technology and Live Sound. He then became the Senior Lighting and Venue Technician at Crown Casino, Spice Market, and various other venues around Melbourne. Since late 2021 he resides with Music Market managing production.

Alongside Music Market, Nate takes on various roles touring arenas, large festivals, and events around Australia and internationally. He has worked alongside many artists such as The Black-Eyed Peas, Mario, Baker Boy, Ocean Alley, Fat Man Scoop, Lil Jon, Steve Aoki, Alesso, and Regurgitator.

Music Victoria Board

Chris O'Neill
Chair
Artist, advocate and industry stalwart Chris O’Neill has been committed to music for more than a decade. While he graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Music, it’s been his work on and off the stage that had built his profile and reputation.

Chris makes a daily contribution to supporting songwriters through his role at APRA AMCOS as National Manager – Writer Services, where he regularly engages with industry organisations around the country, whilst rolling out the APRA AMCOS national events program and managing the APRA AMCOS grants program.

An acclaimed drummer, Chris has written and performed with artists from just about every genre, made numerous records, and performed on stages around the country including major festivals such as Prima Vera, Splendour in the Grass, Big Day Out.
Fiona Duncan
Deputy Chair
With over 30 years’ experience across artist management, event and tour management, publicity and industry advisory roles, Fiona has a deep understanding of the musician’s perspective, alongside proven abilities in strategic management, financial management, advocacy, governance and policy.

From her very first roles in radio and publicity, she knew the Australian music industry would be a lifelong passion. As one of the longest-serving female music managers in this country, working with some of Australia’s biggest and most influential performers paved the way for a diverse and challenging career; the highlight being management of Spiderbait from emerging artists to one of Australia’s most successful and enduring rock bands with a number one record, hottest 100 no 1 spot, multiple ARIAs, multi-platinum albums and sold-out tours.

Now living and working regionally, Fiona has a new understanding of the needs of the regional music industry and contributes to several working groups and initiatives such as a member of Music Victoria’s Women’s Advisory Panel, member of the Music Victoria Regional Working Group, the State Government Live Music Roundtable, a member of the Festivals Sub-Committee, and a member of the reference group for the Cultivate Program.

Nkechi Anele
Secretary
Nkechi Anele grew up in Melbourne and has spent over a decade in the Australian music industry as the lead singer in Saskwatch, touring and performing nationally and internationally. In 2015, she along with best friend Lucie Cutting, started The Pin, a discussion platform about race, identity and culture through an Australian lens. With the changing narrative around social identity politics and race in Australia, the two sought out to document the lived experience of BIPOC people, build a bank of knowledge, and foster a community for all people to grow and discover. Nkechi took the helm as host and producer of the weekly music program ‘Roots N’ All’ on triple j for five years. In this role, she championed Australian artists, international musicians, and the emerging global music scenes worldwide to a national audience. Creatively, Nkechi has lent herself to the stage (Caroline, or Change, dir. Mitchel Butel), screen (Rare Birds, dir. Melanie Scammell) and television (Rock Wiz), and has been a featured vocalist for Ex-Olympian (2019), Julian Dyne (2021) and many more.
Dean
Dean Hampson
Treasurer
Dean has been part of creative industries over the past decade, working behind the scenes on productions such as Offspring before moving to music. Dean currently holds a senior management position at Australia’s premier music business and accounting firm, White Sky Music, being involved with several of Australia’s most prominent music businesses.

Dean has also contributed to the industry by being an Artist Manager and is currently in the final stages of completing an MBA with Deakin University.
Latoyah Forsyth
Member
Latoyah is a music-lover, arts aficionado and literature-lover with 15+ years of experience working in the arts, culture and creative industries. She is currently Head of Marketing and Visitor Experience at Melbourne Recital Centre, Chairperson of the Emerging Writers’ Festival Board of Directors and grateful recipient of the Betty Amsden Arts Leadership Award and Scholarship in 2023. Latoyah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies & Creative Writing, a Master of Communications and Media and has completed valuable, high profile leadership programs at Melbourne Business School and London Business School that have been central to her career growth and development. 

Latoyah’s professional areas of interest and expertise include strategy, audience development and engagement, accessibility and inclusivity, wellbeing, connecting communities with the arts, reflective practice and continuous improvement. She wholeheartedly believes in the power of the arts, music, culture and creative industries to create positive value, impact and change for the community, and personal experience from a very young age of how live music can shape, heal, connect and empower people across many facets of life. Latoyah champions sharing, caring and collaboration, and supporting individuals and organisations in ways that affirm a strong sense of purpose, service, community and sustainable success.

Penny Ikinger
Member
Penny Ikinger is a professional musician with almost forty years’ experience working in the music industry. She would like for musicians to be truly valued and adequately renumerated financially for their work, for the benefits they impart to the wider community, and for vital role they play in the industry. Penny is one of the first female electric guitarists to come out of Australia, joining Sydney band Wet Taxis in 1983. She has performed and recorded with artists such as Kim Salmon, Deniz Tek, Louis Tillett and Sacred Cowboys. In 2000, She established herself as a solo singer-songwriter and has performed worldwide. She has a deep love of Australian rock’n’roll plus a keen interest in a broad range of musical genres from different eras and cultures. Penny Ikinger is also a professional museum curator/collection manager, with experience working with art and material culture from indigenous communities around the globe. She currently holds a position with Museums Victoria.
Craig
Craig Lloyd
Member
Craig is an experienced senior executive, board member and musician. Craig is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Whittlesea, one of Victoria’s largest Councils. Prior to this role, Craig has held senior roles in regional and rural Councils, and with the Victorian State Government. Craig also has considerable experience in the emergency services sector.

A professional musician (Singer, Songwriter, Performer), Craig is a Graduate of the Country Music Association of Australia Academy and has performed with some of the biggest names in Australian Country. Craig has held a number of board level positions in a range of industries.
Asia Kwin Taylor
Member
Asia is a live music enthusiast who dove headfirst into Melbourne's music scene in 2016. Surrounded by talented musicians, she's spent the past three years as a band booker at Lulie Tavern, putting together memorable gigs like Block Party - Luliepalooza. 


Beyond organising events, Asia is all about championing visibility, representation, and equality in the music world. Her background in Marketing and Social Media, coupled with a degree in Media Communications with a focus on Journalism and Indigenous Studies, adds a unique twist to her perspective.

In addition to her work at Lulie Tavern, Asia is the co-founder of Wildflower Artist Management, where she plays a pivotal role in booking and managing talents like Queenie. When she's not busy with event planning, Asia channels her passion into live music photography. Asia worked in radio in Jakarta back in 2015, bringing a global touch to her love for the local scene. As a PBS Announcers Program Alumni, Asia has also played a part in building a close-knit community for Melbourne Venue Bookers through a casual Facebook Group that now connects over 45 folks in the industry. 

Asia's journey in the music world is a mix of genuine love for the craft and a commitment to making the scene more inclusive and fun for everyone involved.
Matthew Kennedy
Member
Matthew boasts considerable experience within the sporting industry, both globally and within Australia, with a proven pedigree of strategic leadership and success as a CEO and in executive-level senior sports management roles.

Most recently, Matthew held the position of Chief of Sport Performance at Swimming Australia for a period of close to three years, following on from an eight-year tenure as the CEO of Tennis Victoria, more than a decade with the International Cricket Council including seven years abroad in London and Dubai as its Global Development Manager, and over seven years at Cricket Victoria.

Matthew is currently the CEO of Bowls Australia.
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