APRA Reveals 2026 APRA Professional Development Award Recipients

This year's APRA Professional Development Award recipients include Queenie, REDD., Ruby Gill, Boox Kid, and many others.

2026 APRA Professional Development Award recipients(Credit: APRA/Courtesy of artists)

Ruby Gill

Thirteen Australian artists, including Lizzy Welsh, Queenie, REDD., Ruby Gill, Velvet Trip’s Zeppelin Hamilton, and Boox Kid, have been named the winners of the 2026 APRA Professional Development Awards.

This year’s winners – songwriters and composers – have taken home $10,000 each to go towards their professional development.

As it celebrates its 100th anniversary, music rights organisation APRA AMCOS presents the Professional Development Awards. The annual trophies don’t just recognise emerging and established artists across a variety of genres, but they also support artists to take the next steps in their careers.

This year’s recipients were selected by an experienced judging panel of music industry professionals, comprising artists such as Ninajirachi, Adalita, Danny Harley, Dallas Frasca, Sam Marks, and others, alongside journalists and presenters including Sosefina Fuamoli and Tim Shiel.

And the 2026 recipients are in good company, joining the ranks of Angie McMahon, BARKAA, Baker Boy, Elsy Wameyo, Gotye, Jem Cassar-Daley, Miss Kaninna, Yirrmal, and many others.

You can find the list of the 2026 PDA recipients below and check out playlists featuring their music on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

“The recipients of this year’s awards demonstrate not only artistic excellence, but a strong commitment to their craft,” said Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS. “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.”