Published 22 October, 2020

Bonnie Dalton, the inaugural General Manager of the Victorian Music Development Office, is finishing up today to take on the role as Creative Victoria’s Senior Manager of Contemporary Music.

Bonnie was first employed by Music Victoria in 2017 as Professional Conference Organiser to deliver the Music Cities Conference with Music Victoria, Creative Victoria and Sound Diplomacy, and after shining in that role, was employed as General Manager of the Victorian Music Development Office in 2018.

In partnership with Creative Victoria, the VMDO quickly established the office’s reputation for providing innovative support to the industry, and new opportunities through strategic partnerships with complementary industries such as games and film and international markets such as China.

During the Covid pandemic, Music Victoria seconded Bonnie to Creative Victoria in a part time Industry Liaison role where she helped design funding and strategic programs including the Victorian Live Music Venues Program.

Music Victoria CEO Patrick Donovan thanked Bonnie for her important work for Music Victoria:

‘’Bonnie has been a force since she joined Music Victoria in 2017. She threw her energy, verve and strategic thinking into the role and after hiring her gun team, they quickly put the VMDO on the map in a short space of time. 

‘’This is a very exciting opportunity for Bonnie, and fantastic news for the industry to have someone with such an intricate knowledge of the sector representing their interests in government during this critical time as the government prepares its Creative Industries strategy for the next 4 years.’’

Music Victoria Chair Sally Howland added: “From zero to hero. That’s what Bonnie has achieved with the VMDO during her relatively short tenure. She dreamt up ideas, conceptualised them, then delivered. Always seeking to add value. She has done that in spades for the Victorian Music industry. She is absolutely well placed to continue her fantastic work with Creative Victoria and we wish her all the best” 

Bonnie said: ‘’It’s been an incredible two and a half years here and I’m so proud of the VMDO and everything it’s achieved so far. I’ve had the privilege of working with an exceptional team and with the support of the sector, Music Victoria and Creative Victoria. 

‘’Thank you so much to the incredible people who have been a part of everything – presenters, panellists and participants. The VMDO is in great hands with Katie Stewart as the new General Manager and First Peoples projects being delivered in partnership with Songlines Aboriginal Music, the peak body for First Peoples Music.’’

VMDO Music Business Manager Katie Stewart will be stepping in as VMDO Acting General Manager from Monday October 26, until December 31.