Holly Rankin, known to many as the indie-pop artist Jack River, has been making waves not only in music but also in the political arena. The 34-year-old from Forster, New South Wales, has recently met with Governor-General Sam Mostyn and delivered a Speaker's Lecture at Parliament House in November 2024, criticizing government actions that weaken democratic trust.
Rankin's advocacy focuses on increasing government support for arts and culture, as well as issues important to young people. She founded Sentiment, a strategic communications agency that applies cultural and entertainment thinking to political strategy. One of her key successes was lobbying the Albanese government to prevent foreign tech companies from freely using Australian creators' content for AI training.
Despite her political engagements, Rankin remains committed to music. She is working on a third Jack River album, expected in 2027, which reflects her experiences as a mother to three-year-old daughter Maggie. She will also perform at Great Southern Nights in Newcastle, a series she describes as a lifeline for regional artists.
Rankin believes that culture drives political change, stating, 'Politics flows downstream from culture.' While she has considered becoming a member of parliament, she feels she can have more impact as a storyteller and strategist, supporting others' political ideas. She emphasizes that many of her generation's biggest challenges extend beyond government.
