APRA Professional Development Award Recipients Revealed

The 13 recipients of the 2026 APRA Professional Development Awards have been revealed, each provided with $10,000 to boost their career growth.

The PDAs, presented by APRA AMCOS, 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.

“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," Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, said.

“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 including 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 have included Angie McMahon, BARKAA, Baker Boy, Elsy Wameyo, Gotye, Jem Cassar-Daley, Melanie Dyer, Miss Kaninna, Rebecca Bracewell, Sara Berki, and Yirrmal.

A playlist featuring the work of PDAs finalists is available on Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube Music.

2026 APRA PDA Recipients:

Classical & Experimental - Lizzy Welsh Country / Americana - Queenie Dance / Electronic – Rromarin Hip Hop / Rap - Zafty Jazz & Improvised Music - Jacques Emery Music Theatre - Jules Orcullo – My Dad Never Saw The Beatles Popular Contemporary (2 awards) - REDD. and Ruby Gill R&B / Soul - Ella Thompson Screen Composition - Paul Nicolaou Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander – General (2 awards) - Boox Kid and Zeppelin Hamilton (Velvet Trip) Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander – Senior (50+) - deborahN