Judy Small AM, Babyshakes Dillon, Megan Burslem, Kate Duncan, Katy Richards, and Jessica Wells are among an outstanding list of finalists announced today by Australian Women in Music for the 2026 Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA).
The 2026 AWMAs have attracted a record number of nominations across 22 diverse award categories acknowledging the vast contribution of those working in technical, production and leadership roles, artistry, songwriting, photography, filmmaking, behind-the-scenes and more.
Chrissie Vincent, Kate Duncan and Alexandria Morse have been named as the finalists in this year’s inaugural ARIA Music Advocacy Award, Deb Suckling, Tracee Hutchison and Tania de Jong AM are up for the Tina Arena Special Impact Award and Margaret Brandman, Judy Small AM, and Anita Wardell have been recognised as finalists in the Lifetime Achievement category.
And nominated for the Women in Heavy Music Award are Rachel Whitford, Candace Krieger and Robyn Doreian. The AWMA Conference will be presented for the very first time at the Judith Wright Arts Centre on Wednesday 26 May 2027 which will include a series of in-depth forums, workshops and an ‘In Conversation’ keynote address to be announced.
