As part of Collarts’ ongoing partnership with the Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA), Entertainment Management student Jacquie recently completed an internship over several months, supporting the 2025 Awards held on 9 October in Brisbane (Meanjin). Her experience offered a behind-the-scenes look at event coordination, artist liaison, and production, deepening her passion for live music and the community driving it.
Jacquie stepped into the internship with an open mind and a willingness to learn. While her official title was “intern,” her responsibilities quickly expanded beyond administrative tasks.
“I assisted with spreadsheets for the photography schedule, presenter details, trophy management, and delegate information,” she said.
“On the ground in Brisbane, it really was a bit of anything — Green Room setup, conference coordination, artist liaison, and problem-solving.”
Her work took her behind the curtain at Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall, where she witnessed the artistry and organisation that brings a large-scale event like AWMA to life.
Held on 9 October in Brisbane (Meanjin), the AWMA Awards Night celebrated and recognised the extraordinary achievements of women and gender-diverse people across the Australian music industry. For Jacquie, one of the most unforgettable aspects of the experience was simply being in the room — surrounded by the energy, sound checks, and creative buzz of an event she had long admired.
"It was awesome to be seeing behind the scenes at the iconic Fortitude Music hall and the bump-in and tech set-up, hearing/seeing all the sound checks and being alongside some really talented people, not just the artists and award winners but all the production crew as well."
While Jacquie is still exploring where her creative path will lead after Collarts, her AWMA experience has deepened her appreciation for the live music and events industry.
“I'm not sure yet — I want to stay open to as many opportunities as possible,” she reflected. “But it definitely fuelled my appetite for music events.”
Jacquie’s time with AWMA also reinforced her belief in the importance of representation and inclusivity across the music landscape.
“We need to continue to elevate the Australian Women in Music organisation and amplify this cause,” she said. “We also need to include all genders in the conversation — it needn’t be an ‘us vs them’ issue.”
Hearing from the next generation of music professionals at the ‘Young and Restless’ AWMA Forum, held in partnership with the Space Girls Festival, was another highlight for Jacquie — one that left her optimistic about the future.
Reflecting on the experience, Jacquie describes her internship as “an incredible privilege.”
“To say this was an amazing opportunity is an understatement,” she said.
“I met so many leaders and drivers of change and am genuinely inspired to continue this music industry path.”
Collarts’ music and entertainment programs offer students the chance to connect with leading organisations and gain real-world experience that shapes their careers.