MusicNSW is excited to announce the members of the OUTSET Youth Committee and the lineup of mentors we have on-board for the program.
The members of the Youth Committee come from all ends of the Mid North Coast, and will work together to develop and deliver their own all-ages live music event scheduled for the end of August.
- Amy Hughes
- Annabelle Kerr
- Arlo Smith
- Brylee Eklund
- Ethan Pursch
- Isaiha Kelly
- Jayden McDermid
- Mahli Grant
- Sam Duff
- Scott Shrimpton
The Youth Committee will be mentored by inspirational music industry professionals Ben Lewis (Gig Big), Daniel Whiffen (Hoey Moey), Lisa Willows (RAWR Music Management/Rough Velvet Records), Lola Willows (The Cage) and Nanette Backhouse (saso.creative/Punk Arts Collective).
Under the guidance of their mentors, they will gain real-world experience and build valuable music industry connections and skills that they can take away and apply to future opportunities, whilst helping grow live music opportunities in their local region.
Read more about the mentors below.
BEN LEWIS
Festival Director, Event Specialist, Founder (Gig Big)
Ben Lewis is an event director and founder of Gig Big, an independent events agency based in Bellingen. Since founding Gig Big in 2014, Ben has gone on to deliver several contemporary music festivals in his local area, including River Sounds, The Big Bonanza and the soon to be Urunga Blues by the Sea. His events are known for their vibrant atmosphere, strong community ties, and unique branding, curating lineups that feature some of Australia’s top artists, while also supporting emerging regional talent.
DANIEL WHIFFEN
General Manager (Hoey Moey)
Daniel Whiffen has been a tastemaker since beginning his music career in London in the 90s. Since relocating to Australia, Whiffen has helped shape Coffs Harbour’s local music scene by creating spaces for artists to grow. After spending some time in Brisbane working across the live music sector, Daniel returned to Coffs Harbour as General Manager of the Hoey Moey — the Coffs Coast’s premier live music venue. He has played a pivotal role in attracting exciting national and international touring acts, while also creating pathways for emerging local talent.
LISA WILLOWS
Founder/Co-Founder (RAWR Music Management/Rough Velvet Records)
Lisa Willows is the founder of RAWR Music Management, and has worked with prominent Australian artists and organisations, including Marcia and Deni Hines, Jon English, the ARIA Awards and more. She is the co-owner of the Howling Moon Blues Festival in Port Macquarie and music and community event Vibez in the Vines. Lisa co-founded independent label Rough Velvet Records, and has spent time as the Music Curator for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council as part of the MusicNSW Live and Local program. She has also played a pivotal role in delivering The Cage’s music events.
LOLA WILLOWS
Programming & Promotions (The Cage)
Lola Willows is a 17-year-old multidisciplinary creative and event coordinator based in Port Macquarie. She handles band bookings, marketing, graphic design, publicity and live production for all-ages live music venue The Cage. Lola is also an accomplished photographer, specialising in live music and band photography. She plays bass in local band Mediocre Sunrise and drums in Expelled by Proxy. Lola is committed to creating accessible, vibrant spaces for young artists and audiences to thrive.
NANETTE BACKHOUSE
Co-Founder (saso.creative), Program Facilitator (Punk Arts Collective)
Nanette Backhouse is an award-winning graphic designer and co-founder of saso.creative, a Coffs Harbour–based design studio. Originally from London, her early work included costume fabrication for film, theatre and couture fashion, with credits for Star Wars, Judge Dredd, Cats, Thierry Mugler and John Galliano. She now works in graphic design, branding, and campaign work for festivals, arts events, and cultural organisations. Nanette also runs Punk Arts Collective, a creative space offering workshops in printmaking, sewing, fabrication, and design.