Dr Siobhan McGinnity and Will Pawa-Oui are 2026 APRA Board Observers
The 12-month program offers practical experience in board governance
This year’s observers will be supported by experienced APRA Board Directors Caitlin Yeo and Heath Johns
APRA AMCOS has announced the appointment of Dr Siobhan McGinnity and William Pawa-Oui to the 2026 APRA Board Observership Program.
The 12-month program offers participants the opportunity to develop confidence and practical experience in board governance. It also provides invaluable insight into how the APRA Board represents its music creator and publisher members and makes strategic decisions to benefit the music industry.
Dr Siobhan McGinnity is an audiologist, PhD researcher and disabled indie-pop artist based in Naarm/Melbourne. A specialist in musician hearing health, Siobhan has spent over a decade educating and advocating for inclusive and sustainable music careers. Her PhD, Preventing Hearing Injury in the Music Industry, was recognised for its contribution to the wellbeing of musicians by the National Hearing Conservation Association (USA).
“As both an artist and a scientist committed to the health of musicians, I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from a board at the heart of the industry”, says McGinnity. “I look forward to observing the APRA AMCOS Board and deepening my understanding of governance within the Australian music ecosystem.”
Will Pawa-Oui is a Cultural Creative Producer and Strategist, musician and cultural advocate with lived experience working across the music industry. As the founder of Pawa Haus Creative, Will brings a practitioner led approach to creative strategy, grounded in First Nations knowledge, cultural safety, and community-centred practice.
“I don’t see this as just an opportunity for myself, but as an opportunity for my community and my culture”, explains Pawa-Oui. “I feel proud to be here, and I’m looking forward to applying what I learn in practice to help develop a music industry where everyone can thrive—artistically, culturally, and economically.”
Gill Dunn, Senior Manager, Community Engagement at APRA AMCOS, says: APRA AMCOS is proud to offer this opportunity for the fourth year now, supporting a sustainable pathway into board opportunities. The program is designed to be a two-way learning experience for the participants and the board, learning from each other's unique strengths and skills.”
This year’s observers will be supported by experienced APRA Board Directors Caitlin Yeo and Heath Johns. Previous APRA Board observers have included Connor McLeod and Nkechi Anele in 2025, Deline Briscoe and Nathan May in 2024, and Catherine Satour and Fred Leone in the inaugural program in 2023.
