UNIFIED Grant Recipients Revealed!
Introducing the Class of 2024
Five Projects Inspiring Change in the Music Community
The team at UNIFIED Music Group has proudly unveiled the recipients of its annual grant program designed to unlock entrepreneurialism and drive impact in the Australian music industry.
This year’s five recipients are the Music Product Stewardship Alliance, convened by Green Music Australia; Little Minds by InTonal; Create Racket; All Men; and NoteWorthy: CreateComposeConnect by Gateway Life Solutions.
This year’s grant continues the mission of empowering founders who drive innovation and build community within the Australian music scene. The grant provides $5,000 to each of the five creative projects and extends to ongoing industry support and mentorship to amplify their impact.
Jaddan Comerford, CEO of UNIFIED Music Group and founder of The UNIFIED Grant, expressed his excitement about this year’s winners: “The number of creative, community-driven ideas we receive each year is truly inspiring. Our industry is filled with passionate individuals striving to make the music community more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative. This year’s recipients embody that spirit, and I can’t wait to see how their projects evolve.”
The UNIFIED Grant focuses on projects that align with UNIFIED’s Impact Priorities: Environment, First Nations, Education & Pathways, Health & Wellbeing, and Community Engagement. This year’s investment brings the total funding amount to $150,000 – gifted to creatives, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
Introducing the class of 2024, and their innovative projects:
Little Minds by InTonal
Recipients: Amy Collett & Sam Eads
Summary: Little Minds is creating therapeutic music designed for children to promote emotional healing, mindfulness, and resilience – with a special focus on trauma recovery. Developed by experts in childhood trauma and music therapy, the project will use scientifically proven sound frequencies to target specific brain areas, creating accessible tools that foster resilience and mental health. The music will be combined with storytelling, guided meditation, and breathwork to aid emotional regulation.
- Sam Eads: “For us, this funding is a gateway to creating music tools that support positive mental health outcomes for young people to develop and heal.”
- Amy Collett: “This funding means we can bring the healing power of sound and story to life, helping young people find peace and inspiration through rhythm, resonance, and imagination.”
Music Product Stewardship Alliance, convened by Green Music Australia
Recipient: Berish Bilander
Summary: The Music Product Stewardship Alliance aims to minimise the environmental impact of physical music products like CDs and vinyl. By collecting and analysing data on manufacturing, transport, and waste using custom software, the project seeks to establish benchmarks for carbon emissions and waste reduction. Working with labels, distributors, and manufacturers, the initiative will promote eco-friendly practices and advocate for local manufacturing.
We are incredibly grateful to have the support of The UNIFIED Grant,” said Berish Bilander. “This funding will allow us to better understand the carbon impact of overseas manufacturing and wastage, and take steps to make eco-friendly records the norm.”
NoteWorthy: CreateComposeConnect by Gateway Life Solutions
Recipient: Zarven Kara
Summary: In a partnership between Gateway Life Solutions and Reel to Reel Studios, NoteWorthy will empower aspiring Aboriginal artists through a 10-week program of workshops, mentorship, and collaboration, helping preserve and promote Indigenous traditions. Participants will focus on creating, composing, and recording original music, guided by industry mentors. The program will provide a culturally supportive environment, equipping artists with practical skills, professional recordings, and industry knowledge to elevate their careers and showcase their cultural stories.
Michael Hohnen, Skinnyfish Music Creative Director: “After working with Zarven for many years, I am proud to be working on this collaborative project with Zarven, Nico, TSO and Dewayne Everettsmith. This project will nurture talent in the local lutruwita (Tasmania) community, creating significant impact and a positive environment for local and interstate visiting musicians to engage with and benefit from.
Recipient: Jess Hope
Summary: Create Racket is a new platform and revenue stream for artists, driven by fan engagement and powered by brand partnerships. It empowers musicians, DJs, producers, and photographers to monetise their content in meaningful ways, shifting ad dollars from traditional influencers to artist-first creators. By simplifying the process for brands to co-create with verified artists, Create Racket builds authentic, engaging campaigns that benefit artists and fans, while delivering high ROI for brands.
“The UNIFIED Grant validates our mission to shift ad dollars to Aussie artists,” said Jess Hope. “We’re excited to give artists the tools to create sustainable careers, empowering them to collaborate with brands and build unforgettable, fan-first experiences.”
All Men
Recipients: Luke O’Connor, Tom Larkin, Chris O’Neill
Summary: All Men is a bi-monthly event series engaging men in action-oriented discussions on gender equality, accountability, and respect. It empowers men to create safer, more inclusive environments, addressing issues like gendered violence and inequality highlighted by #MeToo and the Raising Their Voices Report. Focused on fostering change in the music industry and beyond, the series encourages men to take responsibility for shaping positive workplace cultures and supporting marginalised groups. Outcomes include improved workplace cultures, increased allyship, practical skills for handling difficult conversations, and greater emotional intelligence. Participants leave with concrete actions to challenge harmful behaviours, support women and marginalised groups, and promote respect in their professional and personal lives.
“Engaging with men on the challenges our industry faces is incredibly important, and the UNIFIED Grant is the leg up required to facilitate these important conversations,” said Chris O’Neill. “Men making change in our industry is long overdue, and our work is just picking up what great women have started.”
Next event: Monday, November 25 at Brunswick Ballroom (VIC). RSVP: all.men.aus@gmail.com
Visit: instagram.com/all.men.aus
Contact: Email info@theunifiedgrant.com
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