2026 Professional Development Award recipients announced
13 artists share $130,000 cash including Boox Kid, Lizzy Welsh, Queenie and REDD.
The awards recognise outstanding emerging and established music creators across a diverse range of genres, supporting them to take the next step in their careers
The 2026 APRA Professional Development Award (PDA) recipients have been announced – 13 songwriters and composers who have been awarded $10,000 each to spend on their professional development.
The PDAs are presented by music rights management organisation APRA AMCOS, which is proudly celebrating 100 years of APRA championing songwriters and composers in 2026. They recognise outstanding emerging and established music creators across a diverse range of genres, supporting them to take the next step in their careers.
This year’s recipients include creative voices from across the musical spectrum, from classical and screen composers like Lizzy Welsh and Paul Nicolaou to pop sensation, REDD., country music sweetheart, Queenie, and Noongar electropop artist, Boox Kid.
Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, explains: “The recipients of this year’s awards demonstrate not only artistic excellence, but a strong commitment to their craft. Together they showcase the breadth of incredible talent we have in this country right now.
“These awards play a crucial role in supporting and nurturing the next generation of talent, highlighting the importance of investing in the future of Australian songwriters and composers to give them the best opportunity to be seen and heard both at home and on the global stage.”
Recipients were selected by an experienced judging panel comprising journalists and presenters like Sosefina Fuamoli and Tim Shiel, along with artists and producers including Adalita, Dallas Frasca, Danny Harley and previous PDA recipients Ninajirachi and Sam Marks.
Past recipients who have gone on to great things have included Angie McMahon, BARKAA, Baker Boy, Elsy Wameyo, Gotye, Jem Cassar-Daley, Melanie Dyer, Miss Kaninna, Rebecca Bracewell, Sara Berki and Yirrmal.
View the full list of recipients here.
