First 10 Australian songs inducted into The National Songbook
The National Songbook is a new annual initiative celebrating and preserving the songs that have helped shape Australia’s cultural identity
Celebrated at a special event at the NFSA in Canberra, The National Songbook honours the songs, songwriters and composers whose creative vision has given voice to Australian stories
The songs were chosen by a panel of eminent industry experts, chaired by APRA Chair Jenny Morris MNZM OAM and NFSA Chair Annette Shun Wah
APRA AMCOS and the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) have announced the first 10 songs to be inducted into The National Songbook, a new annual initiative celebrating and preserving the songs that have helped shape Australia’s cultural identity.
Celebrated at a special event at the NFSA in Canberra on 4 November, The National Songbook honours the songs, songwriters and composers whose creative vision has given voice to Australian stories.
The inaugural 10 songs span more than a century of Australian songwriting heritage, from traditional bush ballad "Waltzing Matilda", written by Andrew 'Banjo' Paterson and Christina Macpherson and first recorded in 1927, through to The Presets’ iconic 2007 dance anthem "My People".
A wide range of genres and musical styles have been chosen for their artistic and cultural significance, including the 1966 global hit "Friday on My Mind" by George Young and Harry Vanda; Helen Reddy and Ray Burton’s feminist anthem of 1971 "I Am Woman"; plus protest songs "Beds Are Burning" by Midnight Oil’s Jim Moginie, Peter Garrett and Rob Hirst (1987) and 1991’s landmark "Treaty" written by Dr M. Yunupingu, Stuart Kellaway, Witiyana Marika, M. Mununggurr, Cal Williams, G. Yunupingu, Peter Garrett and Paul Kelly.
Personal experience as a powerful act of storytelling is celebrated by the induction of Ruby Hunter’s 1990 classic "Down City Streets", while the enduring connection between people and place is highlighted in Neil Murray’s "My Island Home" (1987), a hit with both Warumpi Band and later with Christine Anu.
Screen and classical compositions round off the final 10, with Peter Sculthorpe’s evocative sound world "Earth Cry" (1990) and the 1998 score to Australian cult thriller The Boys written by The Necks’ Chris Abrahams, Tony Buck and Lloyd Swanton.
The inaugural event features thoughtful interpretations of the inducted songs including ‘I Am Woman’ performed by Deline Briscoe, The Boys soundtrack by Barney McCall and ‘Down City Streets’ by Emma Donovan.
The National Songbook recognises individual Australian songs and compositions that have demonstrated lasting significance and contributed to the nation's shared cultural heritage. It will become a permanent digital archive, preserving these works for future generations and ensuring Australians can continue to discover the songs that have helped define the nation.
Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, explains: “No 10 songs could ever tell the whole story of Australia, but together these inaugural inductees help us understand, as a nation, where we've come from, who we are and the values we've carried through generations.
“As APRA celebrates 100 years of championing songwriters, composers and music publishers, we welcome these debut entries into The National Songbook as songs that have helped become part of our shared cultural story, reflecting the extraordinary breadth, diversity and richness of Australian songwriting and composing.”
Meagan Loader, Chief Curator of the NFSA, adds: “The National Songbook reflects the remarkable breadth of Australian songwriting and composition, from songs of protest, belonging and identity to works that have become woven into our national story and our DNA. As Australia's audiovisual archive, the NFSA will ensure these songs and stories are preserved in our national collection of works of significant cultural heritage, heft and heart, providing a new way for Australians now and into the future to engage with the songs and songwriters who have shaped us.”
To be eligible for inclusion in The National Songbook, songs must be written or co-written by an Australian APRA member, must have been released at least 10 years prior to consideration, and must demonstrate significant cultural impact within Australia.
This year’s inaugural inductees were chosen by a panel of 10 industry experts from across the musical spectrum including songwriters, composers, broadcasters, journalists and historians, chaired by APRA Chair Jenny Morris MNZM OAM and NFSA Chair Annette Shun Wah.
Visit The National Songbook
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The National Songbook?
The National Songbook is a new initiative by APRA AMCOS and the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA).
It recognises individual Australian songs and compositions that have demonstrated lasting significance and contributed to the nation's shared cultural heritage, ensuring they are celebrated today and safeguarded for future generations.
The National Songbook will be an annual collection, growing over time, reflecting the diversity, richness and depth of Australian music and creating an ongoing national conversation about the music that has shaped Australia.
Is The National Songbook an annual initiative?
Yes. New works will be inducted into The National Songbook each year, allowing the collection to grow over time.
How are the songs chosen?
This year’s inaugural inductees were chosen by a panel of 10 industry experts from across the musical spectrum including songwriters, composers, broadcasters, journalists and historians, chaired by APRA Chair Jenny Morris MNZM OAM and NFSA Chair Annette Shun Wah.
Judges assessed works against a range of considerations including cultural resonance, the craft of the songwriting or composition, legacy and influence over time, and wider recognition and impact.
Which songs are eligible?
To be eligible for inclusion in The National Songbook, songs must be written or co-written by an Australian APRA member, must have been released at least 10 years prior to consideration, and must demonstrate significant cultural impact within Australia.
For the purposes of The National Songbook, “songs” encompasses musical works across all genres and forms, including jingles, television themes, screen music, electronic music and classical compositions.
But there are some iconic Aussie classics missing from this list!
The National Songbook is designed as a living collection. The 10 works inducted in its inaugural year represent the beginning of the story, not the complete story. Additional songs will be inducted annually, ensuring the collection continues to grow and evolve alongside Australia's musical and cultural history.
Can the public nominate songs for inclusion?
The National Songbook is selected by an independent panel of music industry experts rather than through a public vote. Audiences are encouraged to join the conversation and share the songs they believe have helped shape Australia through APRA AMCOS and NFSA social channels.
Where will I be able to see The National Songbook?
The National Songbook collection will be hosted on the NFSA’s website and added to each year – www.nfsa.gov.au.
