About us
VMDO is a State Government-funded initiative delivered by Music Victoria that exists to provide value to the Victorian music industry —
Our vision is that Victoria is the preferred destination/home for independent music business.
Our mission is to build projects to ensure sustainable music industry careers, to create sustainable business opportunities and to leverage Victoria’s global music brand.
We’re a respected industry advisor and collaborator, working with you to drive and develop the broader industry.
We’re a crucial link in the industry, facilitating introductions that move Victorian businesses forward.
We’re a driving force in innovation, inclusion and professional growth with an in-depth knowledge of how the industry is changing.
What we do
We focus on servicing micro to medium businesses and mid-career to established professionals with the goal of creating opportunities, facilitating connections and bolstering growth on a local level for global success. —
We provide a rich resource offering of workshops, panels, reports, information sheets and industry consultation. We offer professional development initiatives and assistance both at home and abroad. We keep our finger on the pulse, sharing the latest in industry news, jobs and opportunities and most importantly, we champion the success stories of our vibrant music business sector.
How we do it
By acting as an industry advisor and analyst, a crucial link for facilitating opportunities and an innovative leader, The Victorian Music Development Office will continue to initiate projects aimed at fostering sustainable careers in the music industry, generating long-term business opportunities, and enhancing Victoria’s global music brand.
contact VMDO
Get in touch with us
1/35 Johnston Street
(The Lock Building, Collingwood Yards)
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
Collingwood, VIC 3066
Accessibility info here
VMDO Staff
Meet our people —
A black-and-white portrait of a woman with medium-length wavy hair, wearing glasses and a patterned button-up shirt. She has a neutral expression and is looking directly at the camera. The background is plain and light-colored.
Kirsty Rivers
General Manager
Highly regarded as a music strategist, Kirsty is a creative force with 35 years of experience at the forefront of government policy and music industry development.
She has held senior positions across government and the music industry, including the Head of Music within Creative Australia, Senior Manager for Contemporary Music at Creative Victoria, and a remarkable 17-year tenure as National Manager for Writer Services at APRA AMCOS. Kirsty has also worked at leading independent Shock records in the giddy 90's and music retail. Most recently she was Industry relations Director at leading communications agency Sound Story.
Kirsty is a powerful advocate for Australian artists who transforms the relationship between music and government through innovative policy, programs and partnerships. In recognition of her significant contribution to the music industry, Kirsty was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2023 Music Victoria Awards.
Neil Robertson is standing in front of a white wall. He has short grey hair and is wearing a white t-shirt with a long sleeve top unbuttoned. The image is black and white.
Neil Robertson
Program Manager
Neil has worked in the music industry for over 25 years with a number of roles including having his own management company in the UK, overseeing Australian release campaigns for US and European groups at indies and majors, running a merchandise company and founding an independent record label. Amongst a few other things. He currently keeps his skills sharp by managing Sydney group Party Dozen.
Leesa is standing outside under a tree with lots of leaves. She has medium length hair, is wearing a black top and a blazer over the top. The image is black and white.
Leesa Snider
Marketing Manager
Passionate musician turned Digital Strategist/Artist Manager, Leesa Snider has been working in the music industry across various sectors for 12 years.
Leesa founded Achord Agency after returning from working abroad at Weller Media Agency in Brooklyn, New York. Whilst abroad, Leesa worked on large-scale artist profiles, from the likes of Republic Records, G Herbo, Kenny Chesney, Pnau and more. Achord Agency celebrated its five-year anniversary on May 13, 2024. During Achord Agency’s growth, Leesa has had the pleasure of working with exceptional Australian businesses and artists including the VMDO, One of One, Festival of Jewish Music and Arts (FOJAM), Multicultural Arts Victoria, Lisa Mitchell, Eliza Hull, Amaru Tribe, Keiino, Offbeat Music Festival and many more. Leesa is a lecturer at Box Hill Institute for the Music Bachelor degree, hosts ‘Tuned In - a podcast for women in music’ and has launched Just Add MLK, a start-up aiming to empower musicians with tailored social strategy.
Leesa currently manages JAZZPARTY, Velvet Bloom, and Loretta Miller and looks to further expand to better help more incredible artists and businesses, local and international to realize their career potential.
Holly Pereira is standing in front of a tree full of leaves. She has short black hair and a fringe. She is wearing glasses and a black high neck top with a necklace and pendant. The image is in black and white.
Holly Pereira
Engagement Coordinator
Holly has been involved in the Victorian music scene since the age of 16. From slinging vinyl at Polyester Records, hosting shows at 3RRR and PBS, and booking iconic venues The Corner Hotel and Northcote Social Club, there’s not much she hasn’t done over the last decade.
Holly is particularly passionate about inclusivity and safety in the music industry, and has volunteered for intersectional feminist organisation LISTEN, as well as the State Government’s Sexual Harassment and Assault in Licensed Live Music Venues Taskforce. Her primary motivation is to work towards a music industry that is welcoming and accessible to all, recognising that change is an ongoing progress.
Alongside working in the music industry, Holly is studying youth mental health and works as a music reviewer and feature writer.