Music Victoria chief executive Simone Schinkel has announced she will leave the organization at the end of this year. It caps off nearly four years of transformative work that has helped shape and elevate Victoria’s music scene.
Schinkel took over during the challenging early days of the pandemic and oversaw an era of substantial growth, spearheading major advocacy efforts and securing more than $88 million in direct government funding for the industry.
Throughout his tenure, Schinkel has driven a range of initiatives and programs designed to support Victoria’s music community, from launching a helpdesk and resources for industry professionals to expanding the Victoria Music Awards. Her white paper, Victoria’s music industry prioritiesplayed a key role in getting the government to take action on key issues, including lifting a long-standing freeze on new late-night alcohol licenses.
Reflecting on her time at Music Victoria, Hinkle said: “My journey at Music Victoria has been made possible through an incredible and inspiring community coalition. We have achieved some great results and I declare Leaving is a bittersweet moment.
“While things have changed during my time at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, the power of music remains strong. We continue to shape a more sustainable and equitable future. The Victorian music industry will continue to thrive.
“Our work is a collective effort and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to engage with some amazing people to realize our vision of supporting the entire Victorian music scene,” Hinkle said.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our more than 5,000 members, our dedicated staff and board of directors (past and present), as well as our partners, industry advisors, other peak bodies and collaborators,” Schinkel acknowledged.
During her tenure, Hinkle launched new Victoria Music Awards categories to celebrate the diversity of Victorian music, including Best Pop, Best DJ, Best Regional Festival and awards for disabled artists and diaspora talent. In 2023, Victoria Conservatory of Music held its first statewide Victoria Live Music Censusproviding valuable insights into the health of the industry post-pandemic, with follow-up plans to be released later this year.
Schenkel’s collaborative leadership style has earned praise from prominent figures in the industry. Call Edwards, The Mutti Mutti musician and Victorian Music Hall of Fame inductee highlighted her impact on the Aboriginal music community, noting her “commitment to deep listening, reflection and learning”.
Jadan ComerfordUNIFIED Music Group CEO praises Schinkel for his steady leadership during challenging times Eliza Hull“Her passion for Victorian music, local artists and local industry is reflected in every decision she makes,” said a musician and disability advocate.
Chairman of the Board of Music Victoria, Chris O’Neill, Hinkel was praised for her “incredible passion and dedication” and credited with transforming the organization’s operations and providing essential support to the industry. Under Schinkel’s guidance, Music Victoria has expanded its outreach, refined internal processes and fostered an inclusive culture within the team.
Schinkel will resign on December 20 and the Music Victoria board begins a search for her successor.
