APRA AMCOS appoints manager to represent First Nations members

APRA AMCOS has appointed Leah Flanagan to a newly created role as national manager of its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office.

Flanagan is a top singer-songwriter in her own right, as well as an arts organisation manager, and is set to bring her experience to the role.

Flanagan will also relocate to Darwin, where APRA AMCOS’ Northern Territory operations are based.

She has previously won the APRA Professional Development Award, and recently released a new single titled ‘Love Like Water’.

Her new role will see Flanagan provide support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander songwriter and composers APRA AMCOS members, as well as working closely with stakeholders in the community.

“I’m passionate about advancing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music sector by helping members to understand the value of their work—all of this in addition to supporting songwriters and composers in creating great music,” she said.

APRA AMCOS says its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander membership grew by 10% in the last year, and there are now 1,581 songwriters and composers represented around Australia.

The Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Music Officer has existed since 2012.

Flanagan’s key areas of focus will include advocacy, community engagement and pursuing export opportunities in collaboration with Sounds Australia.

“We’re extremely excited to have Leah head up the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office,” said Chris O’Neill, senior manager – national engagement at APRA AMCOS.

“Leah’s experience as a songwriter, coupled with her background as an Arts professional, provides a perfect combination of skills to take the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office to the next level,” said Chris O’Neill, senior manager – national engagement at APRA AMCOS.

“I’m looking forward to seeing our service and engagement with our First Nations songwriters and composers grow and evolve.”

Flanagan will also work closely with national representative Donna Woods, who has facilitated the Starting Ground music workshop, as well as a range of other member and industry events.