The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office (NATSIMO) is pleased to announce the NATSIMO Observership, a new leadership opportunity for two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander APRA AMCOS members to participate in a 12-month Observership program with the APRA Board (Australasian Performing Right Association).
The initiative is being conducted with support and training from The Observership Program.
This NATSIMO-led program aims to build members' experience and confidence in serving on a Board and to learn how the APRA Board works on behalf of its music creator and music publisher members and how it makes decisions.
Expressions of interest open today and will close on Thursday 17 November at 11:59PM AEDT.
The participants will join the APRA Board as an Observer for each of the five Board meetings it holds in 2023 and work with an experienced APRA Director over the12 month period. The NATSIMO Observership program will also run in the 2024 year with two new participants.
APRA Board Chair Jenny Morris welcomed the opportunity to add two Observers to the 13 person Board comprised of music publisher and writer/composer members.
“The APRA Board is really thrilled to partner with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office to enable two Observerships on the APRA Board in 2023 and, again, in 2024. The NATSIMO has a clear vision to enable self-determination for First Nations’ music creators. APRA recognises that building pathways to leadership and governance are central to that journey of self-determination. The fact that The Observership Program has generously offered the NATSIMO Observers access to its respected and robust training and networking program underscores the compelling credibility and strength of NATSIMO’s vision on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music creators," said Morris.
"With my colleagues on the APRA Board, I look forward to welcoming the NATSIMO Observers to the APRA boardroom table. I know our shared respect and regard for music and music creators means that we will learn a lot from each other about leadership and the value of careful custodianship on behalf of the communities that we represent."
"The NATSIMO Observership is part of a broader strategy to address the gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in executive levels of the music industry. At the heart of this program is the intention that the Observerships will help elevate our members' voices and presence so they can inform and guide organisations in the music industry to engage meaningfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music creators, while providing a supported framework for a hands-on learning experience, said Leah Flanagan, NATSIMO Director."
"Both the APRA Board and The Observership Program have welcomed this initiative with enthusiasm, commitment and support, which will no doubt enrich this professional two-way learning experience."
APRA Board Director Bic Runga is one of two Board 'buddies' who will meet with an Observer outside of Board meetings and share insight into the role and responsibilities of serving on a Board, while also gaining insight from the Observers.
"I’m honoured to be involved with the NATSIMO Observership program and to work alongside the participants and advise, discuss and mutually learn from each other. I'm so proud to be part of a board that values diversity of perspective, lived experience and values based decision-making," said Runga.
"I hope that by sharing my Board experience, it helps in a meaningful way to prepare an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music industry professional for a future Board position or leadership role, and ultimately, supports the NATSIMO’s own mission of fostering a self-determined future for First Nations music creators.”
Following the selection process, Observers will participate in The Observership Program training and attend their first APRA Board meeting in February 2023.
What is the NATSIMO Observership Program?
This is a NATSIMO-led program dedicated for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander members of APRA AMCOS.
It offers the opportunity for two Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander members to participate in a 12 month program to build their experience and confidence in serving on a Board.
If you are selected as an Observer you will:
This is a hands-on and rewarding way to grow your professional skills and contribute on behalf of your community in a meaningful way.
Why is NATSIMO offering this?
NATSIMO’s vision is to enable self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music creators in the music industry. Our goal is to see Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander music creators succeed in their music careers and as leaders in the music industry. This Program provides a pathway for experienced professional Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander music creators who want to develop their leadership and governance skills and build networks so that they can have experience and confidence to nominate for and secure board and senior management positions in the music industry and wider corporate sector. It also enables a collective organisation like APRA AMCOS to become more diverse at senior management level and creates more representation and inclusion in the music industry.
How do I apply?
You can complete the form (LINK). Applications are due by midnight on Thursday, 17 November.
When answering the questions, remember to tell us about who you are and what you do.
How will NATSIMO select successful candidates?
Candidates must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander in line with the “working criteria” as used by government agencies and community organisations. See AIATSIS definition.
NATSIMO will review the applications in partnership with The Observership Program.
We are looking for candidates who are experienced music industry professionals, respected in their communities, with a passion for music and a demonstrated commitment to contributing to their community. Strong interpersonal relationship skills, professionalism and an ability to contribute to board discussions when invited is also important.
What will be expected of me if I become an Observer?
NATSIMO will expect that you will:
Do I have to attend everything in person?
No. The training sessions are offered in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. Five of the training sessions are run online and you can access them from anywhere. Four of the training sessions are run in person.
If you are located in a regional area outside of these locations, NATSIMO will provide a stipend to cover the cost of your travel and accommodation to participate in these important networking opportunities.
NATSIMO will also cover the cost of your travel and accommodation to attend the APRA Board meetings in Sydney five times a year.
The meetings with your Director Buddy before and after a Board meeting can take place online.
What if I can’t attend a scheduled board meeting or training session?
Attending board meetings and training sessions is really important. If you miss sessions, you will not receive the full accreditation from The Observership Program. Of course we understand that there may be Sorry Business that happens from time to time – you should let NATSIMO know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend either a training session or a board meeting.
How much time will my participation take?
For both the board meetings and the face-to-face training and networking sessions, food and non-alcoholic drinks are provided.
What happens at the end of the 12 month Program?
At the end of the Program, NATSIMO will ask each Observer to write a report reflecting on their experience and on any issues that they may have experienced which might be considered barriers to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people taking leadership roles as well as recommendations for how these issues might be overcome. There is no obligation with either party to continue the relationship after the 12 month period. Any further relationship will be by mutual agreement