Paddy Donovan is a true music stalwart in Melbourne and in Australia..and I don't use that term loosely or if at all these days.
He has worked in the creative industries, in media and in government throughout his 25 year career. He has played both a 'master and servant' role for the domestic music industry.
I first met Paddy when he was the Head Music Writer at The Age Newspaper in Melbourne a couple of decades ago. This was a time when reviews- good or bad- meant something to the artist community and the industry at large. He has championed many Australian acts over the years and he has done so with integrity and class.
As the inaugural CEO of Music Victoria, the state music peak body, he kicked off his tenure there with amassing five thousand memberships in quick-fire time. He then went on to affect major changes for the wider music industry with the support of the Victorian government, most of which you'll hear about throughout the course of this interview. One of his proudest moments, however, was establishing and producing the Music Victoria Awards to incredible success for 16 long years.
In 2026, Paddy has done a complete full circle and now finds himself as the CEO of the Melbourne Press Club, an organisation that advocates for, advises and encourages journalists from all sides of the media spectrum. And do not think for one minute that he is going to abandon his love for and relationship with music. The man has plans and ideas for days!
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