9th March, 2023

The Australian Music Association has presented awards to Rob Walker and Greg Phillips at a special industry reception, held at the Melbourne Guitar Show. These are rarely presented, only for individuals that have made a significant long-term contribution to the music products industry, and this was the first award presentation since 2019.

Greg Phillips was awarded a Significant Service Award, for his immense contribution to the industry through his media work, notably as Editor of Australian Musician since it was established as a trade magazine in 1995. Greg was also responsible for Music In Action, the publication for music educators, and continues to produce Australian Musician in its current online platform after the print magazine was discontinued in 2012. He has also played a major role in covering and promoting the Melbourne Guitar Show.

The Australian Music Association’s Executive Officer, Alex Masso, said “Greg’s achievements are substantial and very important to our association and the industry. The title of this award – Significant Service – barely captures his commitment to supporting Australian music, the breadth of his skills and experience, and all that he has done for this industry and the association. He is widely respected by artists and people in this industry, has moved with the times and evolved the Australian Musician platform, and interviewed many high profile artists.”

(L-R) AMA Executive Officer Alex Masso; Rob Walker (Honour Roll); Greg Phillips (Significant Service Award)

Rob Walker was added to the AMA Honour Roll, the highest accolade given by the association. The Honour Roll provides recognition to those who are or who have been industry leaders and whose contribution over many years has made a significant difference to the way we all do business and/or to the growth and prosperity of our industry.

Rob’s career has included important roles at Allans Music & Allans Billy Hydes, NAMM and the Australian Music Association, and leading or working on many events and projects including the Melbourne Guitar Show, Make Music Day, Weekend Warriors, Music For All, Australian Musician, and more.

Executive Officer Alex Masso said “Rob is widely respected in the industry for his persistence and his results. Over many years he has been working in the music products industry, developing programs that support and bring together the industry, and bringing music making to more people. Some of us see his work behind the scenes, but everyone can see the results in the success of the Melbourne Guitar Show and other things that Rob has led.

Both awards are given by the Australian Music Association Executive Committee, which is elected each year from the association’s membership of wholesalers and retailers. They are not presented annually, only when a contribution is so significant that the AMA decides an award must be presented. The previous Honour Roll award was for Steve Lincoln-Smith in 2019.