First Nations

We believe in a strong, culturally safe, visible and self-determined First Nations music sector - one with more First Nations artists on stages, more First Nations owned and operated music businesses and more First Nations people in leadership roles.

What It Is

Support, opportunities and resources made with community, for community.

Who It's For

First Nations artists and industry workers across NSW and beyond.

First Nations Team

Meet the team walking alongside artists and helping build the next generation of industry leaders.

Kaleena Smith

First Nations Development Manager

Kaleena leads First Nations music development, providing direct support and programs for First Nations artists and industry to strengthen careers, create pathways and grow a sustainable music ecosystem. Kaleena has been in the music industry for 20+ years as a vocalist, songwriter and performer with celebrated duo Stiff Gins. She is Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta, hails from Naarm on Wurundjeri Country, and has lived most of her life on Gadigal land.

Kaleena Smith

First Nations Development Manager

Kaleena leads First Nations music development, providing direct support and programs for First Nations artists and industry to strengthen careers, create pathways and grow a sustainable music ecosystem. Kaleena has been in the music industry for 20+ years as a vocalist, songwriter and performer with celebrated duo Stiff Gins. She is Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta, hails from Naarm on Wurundjeri Country, and has lived most of her life on Gadigal land.

Corey "Nooky" Webster

First Nations Community Coodinator

Nooky helps foster connections and develop programming for First Nations artists and industry shaped by community voices and aspirations. Nooky is also an artist and member of the trailblazing, ARIA Award-winning 3%, as well as being a radio host and the founder of social enterprise We Are Warriors.

Corey "Nooky" Webster

First Nations Community Coodinator

Nooky helps foster connections and develop programming for First Nations artists and industry shaped by community voices and aspirations. Nooky is also an artist and member of the trailblazing, ARIA Award-winning 3%, as well as being a radio host and the founder of social enterprise We Are Warriors.

Thalia Skopellos

First Nations Project Coordinator

Thalia leads the delivery of Wamarra Music Lab and other MusicNSW events for First Nations artists and industry. She is also an electronic music producer (Ellatronix, Lazi Daizo), composer for screen (including for 2026 ABC series Goolagong), an APRA NATSIMO Screen Composer Intensive alum, and the founder of Storybeats, a publishing platform for composers.

Thalia Skopellos

First Nations Project Coordinator

Thalia leads the delivery of Wamarra Music Lab and other MusicNSW events for First Nations artists and industry. She is also an electronic music producer (Ellatronix, Lazi Daizo), composer for screen (including for 2026 ABC series Goolagong), an APRA NATSIMO Screen Composer Intensive alum, and the founder of Storybeats, a publishing platform for composers.

First Nations Programs

Initiatives designed to build careers and strengthen communities.

Wamarra Music Lab

Workshops and mentorship for First Nations music business leaders

Upcoming Events

Upcoming events and programs - in the real world and online.

This
Monday
Sydney

Wamarra Music Lab

Residency for 9 First Nations music leaders building sustainable businesses.

Explore First Nations Resources

Organisations That Can Help You With Your Music Business

First Nations led organisations, programs and others who can help with your music business

Processes & Tools for Your Music Business

Good processes provide the structure needed for to grow your music business

Registering a Business

Registering your music business lays a strong foundation for growth

First Nations News

MusicNSW expands First Nations team with appointment of Nooky and Thalia Skopellos

18 Feb 2026

Playlists

What we’re listening to locally.

First Nations

1
1

Our Programs

First Nations

Championing First Nations artists and music communities

New Wave

Practical insights and real world advice for a new wave of artists

MusicNSW Social Club

Real world meetups for the people making music happen

Wamarra Music Lab

Workshops and mentorship for First Nations music business leaders

Regional Tours

Getting artists on the road in Regional NSW

Outset

Backing young people to build all ages music scenes

Join Our COmmunity

Become part of the network that shapes music scenes across NSW. Get program news, local updates and add your voice to ours.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.