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    • Grant

    Volunteer Museum Grants

    Purpose of Program The Volunteer Museum Grant Program provides assistance to volunteer-initiated community museums and Aboriginal cultural spaces (such as cultural centres and Keeping Places) with collections and displays in NSW. The program supports a wide range of projects. There are no fixed categories, and applications are welcomed for diverse initiatives.   Amount Available The maximum amount that can be applied for under the program is: $4,000 (GST, exclusive). All Volunteer Museum Grants are awarded free of GST. If the applicant is registered for GST M&G NSW will pay that component.   Timeframe There are two rounds of Volunteer Museum Grants offered annually. No late applications will be accepted. Applications for Round 1 must be submitted on or before Sunday, 5 April 2026.

    • Projects cannot commence before June 2026 and must be completed no later than June 2027. Acquittal reports are due by 30 June 2027.
    Applications for Round 2 must be submitted on or before Sunday, 6 September 2026.
    • Projects cannot commence before December 2026 and must be completed no later than December 2027. Acquittal reports are due by 31 December 2027.
    PLEASE NOTE: If successful in Round 1 of any given year, you may not apply in Round 2 of that year.   Staff Contact Applicants must contact M&G NSW to discuss your project. Staff are available to provide advice on writing grant applications, developing a project, budgeting and sourcing appropriate consultants. First-time applicants and those unfamiliar with grant-writing are encouraged to get in contact for detailed and ongoing assistance. Enquiries can be directed to:   Eligibility Criteria To apply for a Volunteer Museum Grant, an organisation must:
    • Be incorporated (or provide the details of an auspicing body that is incorporated, such as a local council) OR provide evidence of appropriate alternative governance structures (e.g. S355 Committee, Trust, Company limited by guarantee, Local government authority, etc.)
    • Be not-for-profit
    • Be an established museum or Aboriginal cultural space with a displayed collection (not an archive, library or historical society without a museum function)
    • Be regularly open to the public at advertised times (i.e. not open by appointment only)
    • Be entirely volunteer run
    • Have discussed their application with a M&G NSW team member
    • Agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the grant
    • Have acquitted all previously awarded Volunteer Museum Grants
      Assessment Criteria Primary Criteria The selection process takes into consideration whether:
    • The project satisfies best museum practice.
    • The museum or Aboriginal cultural space has a current and adequate Collection Policy.
    • Whether the application demonstrates the museum or Aboriginal cultural space has the capacity and resources (both financial and human resources) to undertake the project.
      Secondary Criteria
    • The project incorporates capacity building for the museum or Aboriginal cultural space’s workers or volunteers, such as skill development or knowledge transfer
    • The project aligns with a Strategic Plan to address mid to long term outcomes for the museum or Aboriginal cultural space.
    • The project builds on previous participation in NSW museum development programs (e.g. Standards Program, Museum Advisor Program, internships at state/federal institutions, etc.).
    • Collaborative projects involving two or more museums, Aboriginal cultural spaces, and/or other community organisations. In the case of fully collaborative applications, all contributing organisations should be named, however one should be identified as the lead organisation or project manager.
    • The level of community access to the organisation and its collection (opening hours, website etc.).
    • The financial situation of the applying organisation (i.e. is the organisation more in need of assistance than others).
      Applications for Collection Management Software Applicants applying for the purchase of collection management software need to:
    • Describe how many objects are in the collection.
    • Describe how objects are registered and/or catalogued.
    • Provide examples of existing catalogue records, whether paper based or electronic.
    • Provide a training plan outlining who and how staff will be trained to use the software and long-term training support options.
    • M&G NSW will only fund a single license at the initial stage, but will consider future applications for extra licenses on demonstration of an active data entry program.
    • State that the museum or Aboriginal cultural space (as opposed to a volunteer) owns a computer or tablet capable of running the CMS nominated.
      Applications for Digitisation Projects Applications for digitisation of original materials for preservation and access purposes should take note of the following requirements:
    • The museum or Aboriginal cultural space must own a computer or tablet capable of storing and accessing the digitised collection.
    • Applicants must include their budgeted plan for the digitisation process (including arrangements for scanning, back-up procedures, and access to the digitised records) with supporting quotes.
    • Applicants must include their Digitisation plan for the ongoing management of the digital copies.
    • The project must comply with relevant Australian copyright law.
    • Preservation of original materials should occur prior to digitisation.
    • M&G NSW highly recommends applicants for digitisation projects refer to the M&G NSW publication, Crystal Clear: standards and guidance for digitising regional collections both in their application and during their digitisation process.
      Volunteer Museum Grant Will Fund The program supports a wide range of projects. There are no fixed categories, and applications are welcomed for diverse initiatives, including:
    • Skills development and networking activities, such as engaging a professional consultant to deliver one-off or short workshop programs
    • Strategic or innovative projects with medium- to long-term outcomes, including strategic planning, exhibition development, or professional advice
    • Short-term, collection-focused projects, such as conservation of significant objects, collection management, or audience development
      Volunteer Museum Grant Will Not Fund
    • Retrospective projects or projects that have already started
    • Capital works projects of any kind
    • The purchase of office equipment of any kind
    • Plaques of any kind
    Please call M&G NSW staff for information on other funding sources available for these types of projects.   Application Process To apply, contact Museums & Galleries of NSW to discuss your project with a staff member and request the application form. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Museums Coordinator to receive grant-writing assistance whenever needed. Applicants may also pursue external grant-writing assistance. However, it must be clear that the museum volunteers have ownership over the project. If your application specifically involves Aboriginal culture and heritage, you must supply evidence of consultation and support from the relevant communities. It is recommended you refer to Create NSW’s Aboriginal Arts and Culture Protocols. It is the applicant’s responsibility to complete and submit their application. M&G NSW will acknowledge receipt of the application when it is formally submitted. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact M&G NSW if this acknowledgement is not received.   Important Things To Remember
    • You may not start your project before the time stipulated in the Timeframe section of this document or before receiving confirmation of grant success by M&G NSW.
    • In the Project Summary refer only to the activities, purchases or consultant that the program is being asked to fund. This section is not to be used to express any other aspect of the project or the museum’s activities; you may do so in the Project Description.
    • The budget must be expressed in GST exclusive amounts.
    • A grant application from an unregistered organisation cannot be made unless the application is willing to proceed without GST being awarded.
    • You must attach a quote for each dollar being applied for. Any items included in the budget that do not have an accompanying quote will not be funded. No rounding up will occur. You will be asked to resubmit your application if there are multiple issues with your budget.
    • You must supply both your Financial Report and your Bank Statements.
    • Collection Policies are an important part of the assessment process for the Volunteer Museum Grants so it is important to check that previously submitted current documents are submitted or on file with M&G NSW. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check this. M&G NSW does not undertake to keep an archive of museum documentation. If in doubt, simply resubmit the documents with each application.
    • A Treatment Proposal and a Significance Assessment is important to supply for each object if applying for conservation work.
    • If applying for a digitisation project, applicants must include a Digitisation Plan outlining the ongoing management of the digital copies.
    • If the project is employing an outside consultant to undertake any work, please attach a copy of the consultants CV.
    • M&G NSW will acknowledge receipt of the application to the applicant. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact M&G NSW if this acknowledgement is not received.
    • M&G NSW is not able to return any submitted supporting documentation.
    • If you have any queries into the progress of your application, please contact M&G NSW.
    • If emailing application:
    • Submit your application form and project description as a searchable PDF or Word document. Do not send scanned application forms. If you submit a scanned copy of a typed application form or project description you will be asked to resubmit. Scans of supporting documents are accepted.
    • Please submit your application and supporting documents as separate attachments to an email.
    • The maximum file size that can be received is 8MB. You may submit your application over several emails as long as you make clear how many emails are to be expected.
      Assessment Process Once your application has been confirmed to be eligible, it will be assessed by the Volunteer Museum Grant Program Assessment Panel consisting of:
    • Three members of M&G NSW’s Panel of Peers. For further information on the Panel, please see M&G NSW’s website https://mgnsw.org.au/sector/about-us/register-of-peers/
    • One independent member drawn from those working in a supporting capacity with volunteer museums
    • An appropriate senior member of M&G NSW staff.
    The decisions of the Volunteer Museum Grant Assessment Panel are final. A new panel is convened for each round of the Volunteer Museum Grant Program. M&G NSW will notify applicants of their outcome by phone call and/or email. Funds will not be available until the relevant grant acceptance documentation is completed.   Terms and Conditions Applicants should be mindful of the following terms and conditions associated with accepting a Volunteer Museum Grant. These include:
    • All Volunteer Museum Grants are awarded free of GST. If the applicant is registered for GST M&G NSW will pay that component. A grant application from an unregistered organisation cannot be made unless the application is willing to proceed without GST being awarded.
    • All awarded monies must be expended as per the approved application. A variation in the project must be reported to M&G NSW via email for approval.
    • Unused monies must be reported to M&G NSW and returned in the proper manner (please do not send in a cheque before discussing the matter with M&G NSW).
    • Successful applicants will be required to provide an acquittal report (see the Timeframe section for due dates). The acquittal report includes a one page report to be written by the applicant on an overview of the project, and the resulting benefits to the museum, and/or the individuals involved in the project. Photographs, media clippings and brochures should be included in the acquittal documentation where available. M&G NSW may use all or parts of this report in marketing material for the Volunteer Museum Grant Program or other related M&G NSW activities.
    • M&G NSW must be publicly acknowledged as supporting the project by using the appropriate logos and text acknowledgement on all printed and/or electronic material produced in relation to the funded activity. This includes publications, invitations, banners, websites and any printed or electronic material. Any products developed as a result of the funded activity must also carry the M&G NSW logo and acknowledgments and the NSW Government logo.
    • The following wording must be used: The Volunteer Museum Grant is a Museum & Galleries of NSW program. This must be followed by the M&G NSW logo and the NSW Government logo.
    • The logos and written acknowledgement should be placed in a position appropriate to the level of support. Logos and style-guides are available from the M&G NSW Information and Resources Officer on 02 9339 9900 or email comms@mgnsw.org.au.

    Applications closing: 06 September 2026

    Opportunity: Museums & Galleries of NSW

    • Albury City
    • Federation Shire
    • Greater Hume Shire
    • Residency / Fellowship / Scholarship

    Visual Arts Fellowship (Emerging)

    Key Information

    • Grant amount: The successful recipient will receive $30,000 in funding towards their fellowship.
    • Application opened: 27 July 2026
    • Application closes: 14 September 2026, 2:00 pm
      Program objective The Visual Arts Fellowship (Emerging) (VAFE) program is delivered with the curatorial and exhibition support of Artspace. The objective is to support NSW visual arts practitioners in the early stages of their career to challenge and expand their practice. Up to 6 applicants will be shortlisted to take part in the fellowship exhibition at Artspace, Sydney in July 2027. At the exhibition opening, the fellowship of $30,000 will be awarded to 1 shortlisted artist to undertake a self-directed professional development program. This program could include research, travel, studio residencies, creation of new work, mentorships and other activities that align with the recipient’s practice and career progression. The 6 shortlisted artists will receive to participate in the exhibition and may be asked by Artspace to participate in artist talks, other public programs, meetings with visiting curators, and media interviews to produce greater visibility for their practice. The shortlisted artists will be interviewed prior to the opening of the exhibition, as part of the assessment process to determine the fellowship recipient.   About Artspace Artspace is one of the leading institutions for the production and presentation of contemporary art in the Asia Pacific. Their expansive, multi-platform approach to programming includes new commissions, exhibitions, performances, studio residencies, publishing, public programs, learning and outreach initiatives, and advocacy. Artspace is where artists of all generations test new ideas and shape public conversation. Embracing risk, experimentation, collaboration and advocacy, Artspace’s mission is to enhance our culture and support community vibrancy through a deeper engagement with contemporary art. Image: (Left to right) Sue Jo Wright, Virginia Keft, Tia Madden, Amelia Skelton, Charles Levi, and collaborative duo Natasha Dubler and Caitlin Dubler. Credit: Daniel Boud, 2026 This program is administered by Create NSW.   Eligibility Who can apply Individuals and groups are eligible to apply, providing that an individual or all members of the group are emerging/early career visual artists. Individuals:
    • Applicants must be 18 years or above
    • Currently living in NSW (minimum 12 months)
    Groups without legal status:
    • All members must be 18 years or above
    • All members must currently be living in NSW (minimum 12 months)
    • Must have a written/ signed agreement between all members outlining roles and responsibilities, and their acceptance of the proposed project.
    The successful applicant must have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) with a nominated bank account or be administered by an arts/cultural funds administrator (auspicer) at time of contracting (if successful). If the lead applicant ABN is a private company ABN, ASIC information will need to be provided. For more information on ABN and entities please use this link. What is an emerging / early career visual artist?  An emerging or early career artist is someone who is at the beginning of their career, has created a modest independent body of work but hasn’t yet established public and industry awareness of their practice and reputation.   Types of projects funded under this grant The NSW Visual Arts Fellowship (Emerging) recipient will undertake a self-directed program of professional development which may include research, travel, studio residencies, the creation of new work and/or mentorships, as select examples.   When the project can start and end The fellowship must start after 1 August 2027 and is to be completed within a 2-year period. The project should be started by 1 August 2027 and the project must be completed by 1 August 2029.   Who can’t apply
    • Organisations, including Incorporated Entities, Companies and Trusts.
    • You are a previous shortlisted applicant or have been a successful recipient of the NSW Visual Arts Fellowship (Emerging)
    • Your proposed professional development activity/ies have already taken place or will be started and/or completed before 1 August 2027.
    • You are a current employee of Create NSW or have been employed by Create NSW within the last 12 months.
      Types of projects not funded under this grant
    • Activities that are carried out to satisfy the course requirements of an educational institution, such as TAFE or university
    • Activities that directly support the delivery of an educational program or course
    • Arts and cultural activities that are led by non-professional artists
    • Reimbursement to recover costs of items already purchased (such as flights, accommodation, and materials)
    • Purchasing musical instruments, artworks, equipment (such as laptops, cameras, technical equipment, or machinery), or vehicles
    • Capital works (infrastructure/building activities)
    • Fundraising and donations
    • Awards, prizes, competitions, or prize money
    • Paying back loans
    • Professional development related to filmmaking, screen production, mainstream animation or film festivals (funding programs for these areas are managed by Screen NSW). This does not include videos with direct involvement of artists, musicians and performers such as video art and video for performance.
    • Professional development related to contemporary music (please refer to the glossary for this definition). Funding programs for contemporary music are managed by Sound NSW.
      Example projects The most recent Fellowship recipients include the following artists: Amelia Skelton (2026), Ali Tahayori (2025), Gillian Kayrooz (2024), Morgan Hogg (2023), Eddie Abd (2022), Dennis Golding (2020), Shivanjani Lal (2019), EO Gill (2018), Claudia Nicholson (2017), Consuelo Cavaniglia (2016), Heath Franco (2015), Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran (2014).   Additional eligibility requirements Groups must have a written/signed agreement between all members outlining roles and responsibilities, and their acceptance of the proposed project. Note: this will count as an application on behalf of all nominated group members. Those members will not be eligible to submit separate applications to the Fellowship. One application per applicant will be assessed. If more than one application is submitted an applicant will be asked to nominate which application is progressed for assessment and all other applications will be withdrawn from consideration.

    Applications closing: 14 September 2026

    Opportunity: Create NSW

    • Albury City
    • Federation Shire
    • Greater Hume Shire
    • Award / Prize / Competition

    First Nations Arts and Culture Business Innovation Award

    First Nations Arts and Culture Business Innovation Award We are pleased to invite nominations for the 2027 First Nations Arts and Culture Business Innovation Award. Valued at $25,000 this Award, for one business, recognises innovation and excellence in entrepreneurship among Australian First Nations small to medium arts and culture businesses or community organisations (including Art Centres) nationwide. This category is only open to self-nominations from First Nations owned and led small to medium arts and cultural businesses that demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation and cultural integrity in their business practices.  The recipient will be presented with the Award at the First Nations Arts and Culture Awards ceremony to be held on Thursday 27 May 2027. This initiative is part of Creative Australia’s First Nations First industry development programs. The programs have been developed in response to extensive community consultation on priorities and needs of the sector in response to Pillar 1, First Nations First – Revive, the Australian Government’s shared vision for Australia: a place for every story and a story for every place.  These initiatives aim to elevate existing programs and deliver new funding that builds on a 50-year legacy of First Nations leadership and investment at Creative Australia. About the First Nations Arts and Culture Awards The Awards are held each year on 27 May the anniversary of the 1967 referendum and the opening of National Reconciliation Week, to honour First Nations excellence and the outstanding contributions of First Nations artists, arts workers and entrepreneurs to their practice, culture, and community. The Awards are assessed by an independent panel of First Nations Industry Advisors, with the Red Ochre Awards determined by the Creative Australia’s First Nations Board. The Award categories are:

    • The prestigious Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence, to recognise the outstanding contribution of senior First Nations artists to their arts practice. Two recipients of the award will receive $60,000 each.
    • The prestigious Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cultural Advocacy and Leadership, to recognise the outstanding contribution of senior First Nations arts leaders or arts and cultural workers. Two recipients of the award will receive $60,000 each.
    • The Established Artist of the Year Award, to recognise outstanding achievement in artistic practice of established Australian First Nations artists. The recipient of this award will receive $25,000.
    • The Youth Award for Achievement in the Arts, to recognise the achievement of Australian First Nations artists or arts workers between the age of 18 and 35. The recipient of this award will receive $25,000.
    • The First Nations Arts and Culture Business Innovation Award, to recognise innovation and excellence in entrepreneurship among Australian First Nations small to medium arts and culture businesses and community organisations (including Art Centres) nationwide. The recipient of this award will receive $25,000.
    • The First Nations Arts Fellowships, supporting the creation of major works by two artists.
      Eligibility You are eligible for this award if: 
    • your business or organisation is 100% Australian First Nations-led and owned
    • your business or organisation is part of the arts and culture sector, such as community arts and cultural development, dance, experimental arts, literature, multi-arts, music, theatre and/or visual arts
    • your business or organisation is based in Australia
    • your business or organisation has not previously received this award.
    You are ineligible for this award if: 
    • you have an overdue grant report
    • you owe money to Creative Australia
    • your business or organisation  previously received the Business Innovation Award
    • you, your business or organisation was previously shortlisted for a First Nations Arts and Culture Award within the past three yearsyour business or organisation is nominated for this award by a third party.
    Please note: we only accept self-nominations for this First Nations award category only and you can only be nominated in one category for the 2027 First Nations Arts and Culture Awards.   Assessment criteria Nominations will be assessed against three criteria. This award is for small to medium First Nations Arts and Cultural Businesses. Under each criterion are bullet points indicating what the Peer Assessors may consider when assessing your application. You do not need to respond to every bullet point listed.
    1. Innovation 
    • uniqueness and innovation in practice
    • leadership in bold ideas and new ways of doing business and collaborations.
    1. Recognition
    • contribution to Australian First Nations arts and culture
    • First Nations industry and peer recognition.
    1. Impact
    • business activity directly benefits Australian First Nations communities
    • demonstration of business growth and achieving goals
    • best practice principles for business and governance have been applied and shared
    • contribution to, and expanding of, areas of practice
    • evidence of promoting ethical and environmentally sustainable practices.
      Nominations Please consider the below when providing your nomination:
    • your key area of business practice
    • what outcomes you have achieved through your innovation
    • please describe a recent innovation or entrepreneurial initiative your organisation or business has implemented. How has it created impact and contributed to the growth and elevation of your business activities?
    • provide a summary of your innovation and achievements.
    Please note we only accept self-nominations in this award category.   Support material
    • You must submit a business profile for the nominee (approx. 2 x A4 pages, or a link to the nominee’s website, Instagram or LinkedIn).•    You must submit examples of the arts and culture business practise (up to 2 pages of images or up to 5 minutes of audio/video).•    You may submit up to four letters or statements of support (approx. 2 x A4 pages, or up to 5 minutes of audio/video). Types of support material we accept  •    our preferred method of receiving support material is via URLs (weblinks) •    you can provide up to three URLs that link to content that is relevant to your nomination. Please note:  •    do not supply any URLs that require users to log in or sign up to a platform. •    do not provide links to applications that require users to log in or pay for access. •    If you are linking to media files that are private or password protected, please provide the password in the password field on the nomination form. Other accepted file formats  If you cannot supply support material via URLs, you may upload support material to your nomination in other formats, for example: •    video (MP4, QuickTime, and Windows Media) •    audio (MP3 and Windows Media) •    images (JPEG and PowerPoint) •    written material (Word and PDF). We do not accept support material submitted via post. Material received by post will not be assessed and will be returned to the sender. If you think you will have difficulty submitting your support material online or need advice on what type of material to submit, please contact the First Nations Arts and Culture team at FirstNationsArts@creative.gov.au.
      How to apply To nominate, log in to our Application Management System. You must register an account if you do not already have one. It may take up to two business days for us to process your registration. Once you have logged in:
    1. select ‘Submit a Nomination’ from the left panel menu
    2. under ‘Awards’ select ‘Start a new award nomination’
    3. ensure you select the correct award from the list of options
    4. complete the fields and select answers using the dropdown menus
    5. upload any necessary support material
    6. select ‘Save’ once complete
    7. if you are not ready to submit your nomination you can return to it through ‘Your Draft Applications’ in the left panel menu
    8. when you are ready to submit your nomination, select ‘Submit’.

    Applications closing: 15 September 2026

    Opportunity: Creative Australia

    • Albury City
    • Federation Shire
    • Greater Hume Shire
    • Indigo Shire
    • Towong Shire
    • Wodonga City
    • Award / Prize / Competition

    Roly Sussex Short Story Competition 2026

    Overview The Roly Sussex Short Story Competition, affectionately known as the Rolys, is one of the flagship events of the English-Speaking Union (Queensland Branch). This prestigious competition celebrates the art of storytelling and attracts a wide range of entries from writers across Australia showcasing their creative talents. The competition is named for long-time English-Speaking Union (Qld) member and its immediate past president, Professor Roly Sussex. Roly is an Emeritus Professor of Applied Language Studies at The University of Queensland and a leading champion of language and languages in Australia. His ABC Radio program “A Word in Your Ear” has been running since 1997. This prized literary award was launched in 2015. It fosters original creative writing of outstanding quality, including experimental, challenging or thought-provoking work. Each year, the competition receives an impressive number of submissions, demonstrating the continued popularity and vibrancy of short fiction. Entries are judged based on creativity, the effective use of language and the ability to craft a powerful ending that leaves a lasting impression. With a focus on publishing quality work, the judges – experts with backgrounds in editing and publishing – seek stories that not only captivate but also resonate with a broad audience. Through the Roly Sussex Short Story Competition, the ESU proudly supports and nurtures emerging writers, fostering a community dedicated to the craft of storytelling. Click here to view a presentation on the short story genre and ESU’s prestigious short story competition, the Rolys, from Roly Sussex himself and Kerry Davies, one of the Open Division judges, at Brisbane’s Avid Reader Bookshop.   Submission dates Entries for the 2026 competition are now open. Entries close 5pm (AEST) 18 September 2026. No submissions will be accepted after this date.   Eligibility Authors must be Australian citizens or Australian residents who are not related to the judges or members of the board of the English-Speaking Union (Queensland). Only one entry to be submitted per entrant in each division. Secondary School Division entrants may submit a different story to the Open Division. Entrants to the Secondary School Division must be enrolled full time at an Australian secondary school. Submitted stories should not have been published before. Please see the Submission Guidelines for further information   Prize categories Open Division First Prize: $7500 Second Prize: $1500 Secondary School Division First Prize: $1000 Second Prize: $500   Results The results will be announced by December 2026 through the website of the ESU: https://www.esu.org.au/ The release of the results will be notified to entrants by email.   Judging panels Chair: David Fagan Open Division: Chief Judge: David Fagan Judges: Kerry Davies and Erica Fryberg Secondary School Division: Chief Judge: Brian Clarke Judges: Talisa Pariss-Proby and Dr Jo Skinner  

    Applications closing: 18 September 2026

    Opportunity: English Speaking Union – Queensland Branch

    • Albury City
    • Federation Shire
    • Greater Hume Shire
    • Indigo Shire
    • Towong Shire
    • Wodonga City
    • Award / Prize / Competition

    Lambing Flat National Poetry and Writing Competition

    Calling all Poets and Writers!! Help us celebrate our 44th Writing Competition.   Writers of all levels, all ages and any genre are encouraged to enter our 2026 Annual Writing Competition. Entries are now open and close midnight AEST September 18, 2026.   There is no set theme for short stories up to 1500 words (please show your word count) and poems up to 50 lines. Poetry form can be as you choose – traditional rhyming or free verse.   Entries from school students are welcome. See entry form for word and line limits. Students may enter as individually or as part of a class ‘project’. A separate Schools Section information sheet is available. For two of our Schools Sections this year, we have a special prize: exclusive time with our guest author! Keep an eye on our social media pages to find out who that is.   Changes this Year This year we introduce the Emerging Writer entry category for our unpublished writers who have yet to win a literary prize. We have also made updates to word and line limits, as well as prize money. Excitingly, we are now online! See all competition details at lambingflatwriters.wordpress.com Entry fee is $10 per entry or 4 for $30. Entry is free for school students.

    • Multiple entries are allowed for adults.
    • Postal and bank details are on the entry form.
    • Entries can be posted or emailed. All e-mailed entries will be acknowledged.
    • The results, with judges’ overall competition comments, will be emailed to all entrants who have supplied their email address. (We are unable to provide individual appraisals for entries)
      For more information or if you encounter any difficulties, please contact us at lambingflatfaw.competitions@gmail.com Or Jennifer Haynes on 0457 903 240 or Helen Auld on 0408 112 622. Happy writing!

    Applications closing: 18 September 2026

    Opportunity: Lambing Flat Young FAW

    • Albury City
    • Federation Shire
    • Greater Hume Shire
    • Indigo Shire
    • Towong Shire
    • Wodonga City
    • Grant

    Ruth Whyte Memorial Bequest

    Key Dates Applications open: 24 August 2026, 6:00am Applications close: 21 September 2026, 6:00am   Overview After marrying in England in the 1940s, Ruth Whyte came to Albury as a young woman and quickly joined in the musical life of the region.  While she lived in Melbourne from 1953, the Albury-Wodonga region remained very dear to her. She was a lover of classical music and during her life generously sponsored various local musical events. On her death in 1998, she left a bequest to Charles Sturt University and directed that part of her Estate be used for the advancement of music in the Albury-Wodonga region. Through this generous gift, funds are available annually to community to support musical initiatives.   Guidelines

    1. Grant Amounts
    Grants may be awarded for any amount up to $5,000.
    2. Panel Discretion
    Following receipt and review of applications, the panel may, at its absolute discretion:
    • determine ‘benefit’ to the region;
    • decide not to award any grants;
    • make any number of awards as it sees fit;
    • award less than the amount applied for, where it is satisfied that the project would not be jeopardised by a partial grant;
    • make payments at such times and in such manner as it determines;
    • defer an application to a future funding round (subject to future funding availability); or
    • make a grant conditional upon confirmation of other funding.
    3. Eligibility
    Applicants and the project or other purpose for which funding is sought must or principally benefit the Albury-Wodonga region. The Albury-Wodonga region is defined as the Albury City and Wodonga City local government areas. Applicants may be based either within or outside the region, and project activities may occur within or outside the region, provided the primary benefit of the funded project is to the Albury-Wodonga community.
    4. Purpose of the Grant
    In accordance with the terms of the Will of Ruth Whyte, grants must be used for the advancement of music within the Albury-Wodonga region. This covers any genre of music and may include, but is not limited to:
    • facilitating public performance;
    • the acquisition, development or accessibility of instruments to be made available for music-making in the region; and
    • musical education not otherwise available in the region.
    5. Previous Grant Recipients
    An application will not be considered if the applicant has previously received funding from the Ruth Whyte Memorial Bequest Grant and:
    • has not submitted an acquittal report;
    • has not expended the funds in accordance with the approved grant purpose (or any variation approved in writing by the panel); or
    • has not expended or acquitted the funds by the designated reporting due date.
    6. Other Funding Sources
    Applicants must disclose all other sources of funding applied for or received in relation to the project and advise whether those applications have been successful. Grants may be combined with funding from other sources. Where an application seeks only part-funding of a project, the applicant must identify all other funding sources, including contributions from the applicant organisation, and indicate whether such funding has been confirmed. Priority may be given to projects that have not already secured substantial grant funding. The panel may, at its discretion, decline an application, defer it, or make funding conditional upon confirmation of other funding sources.
    7. Ineligible Expenditure
    Grant funds must not be used for:
    • capital expenditure;
    • debt reduction;
    • ongoing operating expenses; or
    • indirect expenses that cannot be directly attributed to the approved project.
    8. Assessment Criteria
    Applications will be assessed on their merits, having regard to:
    • the capacity of the project or other purpose of the grant to advance music in the Albury-Wodonga region;
    • the audience reach of the project or other purpose of the grant;
    • the impact of the project or other purpose of the grant on the Albury-Wodonga region; and
    • the applicant’s capacity, financial and otherwise, to successfully undertake the project.
    Applications should be for projects or purposes that could not reasonably be funded through other means. The panel may also take into account the capacity or appropriateness of the applicant to obtain funding from other sources.
    9. Variation of Grant Purpose
    The panel may, at its absolute discretion and with prior written approval, permit the approved purpose of a grant to be varied, provided the revised purpose remains consistent with the objectives of the grant program.
    10. Panel Decisions
    The panel is solely responsible for decisions relating to the allocation of grant funds. In making decisions, the panel may have regard to the benefit of the project to the Albury-Wodonga region and other relevant considerations. The decision of the panel is final, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding funding decisions.
    11. Publicity
    Applicants agree to any reasonable publicity requirements determined by the panel to acknowledge the assistance of the Ruth Whyte Memorial Bequest.
    12. Applications and Supporting Information
    Applications must be submitted via the prescribed online application form. Applicants agree to provide any additional information reasonably requested by the panel to assist in assessing the application.
    13. Acquittal Requirements
    Successful applicants must provide documentary evidence demonstrating the expenditure of grant funds and completion of the funded activity within one month of project completion. Applicants who have not satisfactorily acquitted a previous Ruth Whyte Memorial Bequest grant will not be eligible for further funding.
    14. Further Assistance
    Applicants seeking assistance with an application may contact the Charles Sturt University Community Relations Officer at engagealburywodonga@csu.edu.au.

    Applications closing: 20 September 2026

    Opportunity: Charles Sturt University

    • Albury City
    • Federation Shire
    • Greater Hume Shire
    • Indigo Shire
    • Towong Shire
    • Wodonga City
    • Residency / Fellowship / Scholarship

    Public Artist-In-Residence Program

    Public Artist-in-Residence Program Have an idea that could inspire connection, celebrate what makes our community unique, or activate a public space? This project is funded through the successful Elevate, Activate and Create Program, proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Create NSW and AlburyCity. The Public Artist-in-Residence Program delivers site-responsive public art through collaborative partnerships between artists, Council, and community. The program supports bold, experimental works and creative interventions that reimagine civic spaces, enliven the public realm, strengthen cultural identity, and contribute to a vibrant day and night-time economy through innovative placemaking. If you are interested, please download the project brief Please submit a single PDF with the following documents by 12 midnight, Sunday 20th September 2026 Please include ‘FIL25/03232- Expression of Interest EOI – Artist In Residence Project_ 2026_Firstname_Surname’ in the email subject to: Info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au.

    Applications closing: 20 September 2026

    Opportunity: AlburyCity

    • Albury City
    • Award / Prize / Competition

    The Bruce Dawe National Poetry Prize 2026

    Overview The Bruce Dawe National Poetry Prize welcomes submissions from Australian poets in any walk of life. Now in its 27th year, the Prize honours the legacy of Bruce Dawe OAM. Whether you are a new or an established poet, you may submit up to five poems for a chance to win $3,000 (winner) or one of two $500 highly commended awards.   The 2026 call for competition entries is now open for the Bruce Dawe National Poetry Prize.   Deadline 22 September 2026   Word Count Your poem/s must not exceed 50 lines. However, there are no thematic or style constraints.   Description Submit between one and five poems for The Bruce Dawe National Poetry Prize.   Entry Fee $8.00 for each poem, payable upon entry to the competition.   Prizes The 2026 winner of The Bruce Dawe National Poetry Prize will receive $3,000, and two highly commended entrants will be awarded $500 each. For more information, contact BruceDawePoetryPrize@unisq.edu.au

    Applications closing: 22 September 2026

    Opportunity: University of Southern Queensland

    • Albury City
    • Federation Shire
    • Greater Hume Shire
    • Indigo Shire
    • Towong Shire
    • Wodonga City
    • Award / Prize / Competition

    2026 Nature Writing Prize

    Overview Now in its eighth instalment, the Nature Writing Prize has become an established and respected platform for exceptional Australian nature writing. Presented by The Nature Conservancy Australia in partnership with Australian Book Review, the prize brings together literary excellence and environmental storytelling. Theme:                     Writing of place Length:                     3,000 – 5,000 words Closing date:        5pm AEST, 23 September, 2026. Entry Fee:             

    • Standard entry: $30
    • Australia Book Review Subscriber discounted entry: $25
    • Entry + Australian Book Review Subscriber Trial: $25 entry fee + $5 subscription fee
    Prizes:
    • Major Prize: $8,000 and winning essay published in January / February 2027 issue of Australian Book Review.
    • Highly Commended: Rosina Joy Buckman Award – $1,000.
      Conditions of Entry
    1. The 2026 Nature Writing Prize (‘Competition’)writing competition is conducted by The Nature Conservancy Limited (ACN 104 635 654) as trustee for The Nature Conservancy Australia Trust (ABN 83 243 328 398) (‘TNC Australia’) of Suite 2-03B, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton 3053.
    2. These conditions of entry govern the Competition and are intended to be a legally binding agreement. Entry into this Competition is deemed acceptance of these conditions of entry. For the purposes of Australian law, this writing Competition is a ‘Game of Skill’ and chance plays no part in determining the winner.
    3. Participation is open to any Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia, 18 years and over, who is not the immediate family member of a director or employee of TNC Australia or Australian Book Review (‘Eligible Participant(s)’). TNC Australia reserves the right to confirm and verify that entrants are over the age of 18 by requesting proof in writing. The Competition is not open to entries of work authored by individuals who are deceased at the time of judging.
    4. Eligible Participants are invited to submit an entry between 3,000 to 5,000 words in the theme ‘Writing of Place (‘Essay’) and explore a connection, reflection or response to the Australian environment, landscape or seascape.Each Essay must be set in the Australian landscape. Entries will be individually judged on literary and creative merit and will be judged in accordance with these Conditions of Entry.
    5. The Competition commences on Wednesday 1 July 2026 and concludes at 5pm Australian Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday 23 September 2026. A late or incomplete entry that does not meet the requirements of these conditions of entry and/or an entry deemed incomprehensible by the Judging Panel (as defined below) will be deemed invalid. TNC Australia has the sole discretion to determine whether an entry is late, incomplete, or otherwise invalid.
    6. To submit an Essay, Eligible Participants must complete the Entry Form accessible on The Nature Conservancy Australia’s Nature Writing Prize webpagevia the platform Submittable. Eligible Participants must upload a digital copy of their Essay. Entries will not be accepted by post, hand delivery or email. Entries will not be returned. Each Essay must conform to the Format Guidelines set forth in the Entry Form. The Eligible Participant’s name must not be visible on the Essay or in the Essay file name, as each Essay will be judged anonymously.
    7. Entrants are required to pay an entry fee to participate in the Competition. Entrants may select from the following entry fee options at the time of submission: a.     Standard Entry– AUD $30
    8. ABR Subscriber Discounted Entry– AUD $25: Available only to entrants who are current Australian Book Review subscribers at the time of entry. Entrants will be required to provide proof of subscription.
    9. Entry and ABR Subscription Trial Bundle– $30: Includes $25 entry into the Competition, plus a four-month digital subscription to Australian Book Review, subject to activation by the entrant via the ABR website in accordance with instructions provided to the entrant, where entrants must separately pay for their four-month digital subscription by providing their details directly to ABR.
    *TNC Australia reserves the right to verify eligibility for entry tiers (b) and (c) and to charge the Standard Entry Fee where eligibility cannot be confirmed. All entry fees are non-refundable. Entrants who select the “Entry and ABR Subscription Trial Bundle” acknowledge and agree that: (i)    the entry fee is payable directly to TNC Australia, and TNC Australia will issue a receipt for such payment; and (ii)    the receipt will include instructions and a link directing entrants to the ABR website, where entrants must independently pay ABR for the four-month digital subscription. For Entrants who select the “Entry and ABR Subscription Trial Bundle”, an entry will not be considered complete and will not be eligible for judging or to receive the Prize, unless and until the subscription payment been completed in accordance with the instructions provided. TNC Australia will not disclose an Entrant’s personal information to ABR, except (a) an Entrant who chose to enter via “Entry and ABR Subscription Trial Bundle”, or (b) an Entrant who chose to enter via “ABR Subscriber Discounted Entry”; or (c) in the event that the Entrant is the Winner of the Competition.
    1. Entries must the original, wholly human-created work of the Eligible Participant and free of any claims, including copyright or trademark claims, by other parties. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, including but not limited to ChatGPT, Claude, or similar large language models is strictly prohibited for plotting, outlining, generating text, or editing. Any submission containing AI-generated content will be immediately disqualified. If an Essay is selected as a potential winner or shortlist, the Entrant may be requested to provide evidence of the Entrant’s writing process, such as brainstorming notes, outlines, and early drafts, to verify human authorship.  Each Entrant agrees to indemnify and hold TNC Australia harmless from and against all demands, claims, damages, losses, and expenses, including attorney’s fees, arising out of or resulting from any action by a third party against TNC Australia relating to its entry.
    Entries must not:
    1. have been previously published in whole or part in any medium, including internet blogs and websites etc., nor will be published in whole or part in any medium during the period of the Competition;
    2. have been entered into the Competition in a previous year;
    3. have previously won, nor be currently entered in to win any other competition, prize of award;
    4. be restricted in any way; or
    5. infringe the rights of any other person including privacy, intellectual property rights (including confidential information) or moral rights.
    6. TNC Australia reserves the right to verify the validity of entries and to disqualify any Essay which, in the opinion of TNC Australia or the independent Judging Panel, includes objectionable content, profanity, potentially insulting, inflammatory, libellous or defamatory statements and disqualify any Entrant who submits an Essay that is not in accordance with these Conditions of Entry or who has, in the opinion of TNC Australia, engaged in conduct in entering the Competition which is fraudulent, misleading, deceptive or generally damaging to the goodwill or reputation of the Competition, TNC Australia and/or ABR, or who TNC Australia has reason to believe has engaged in any activity calculated to jeopardise the fair and proper conduct of the Competition. Further, TNC Australia reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to disqualify an Entrant if TNC Australia becomes aware that the Entrant and/or their Essay is of a type described in this Section 10. TNC Australia’s legal rights to recover damages or other compensation from such a person are also reserved.
    7. Entries received will be judged by a three-person expert panel.
    8. Judging will take place from Friday 25 September 2026 to Friday 6 November 2026. The Eligible Participants whose Essay is selected by the Judging Panel as the winning entry (‘Winner’) will be announced in December 2026 via TNC Australia’s website: natureaustralia.org.au. In addition to the winning Essay, the Judging Panel will also select a highly commended Essay to receive The Rosina Joy Buckman Award (‘RJB Award’) and four (4) shortlisted Essays. The authors of the highly commended and shortlisted Essays which will be announced together with the Winner. The Shortlisted Entrants will not receive a prize. All decisions of TNC Australia and the Judging Panel are final. TNC Australia and the Judging Panel will not enter into any discussions or correspondence regarding any decision in relation to the final decision. No feedback will be provided on unsuccessful Entries.
    9. By submitting an Essay and taking part in the Competition, each Eligible Participant agrees that, if the Essay they have submitted is selected as the winning entry by the Judging Panel, that Essay may be published by TNC Australia and Australian Book Review (“ABR”) with no additional payment. The Winner will be duly attributed as the author of the winning entry in any publication.
    10. In the cases of required anonymity, either by law or request of the Eligible Participant, TNC Australia agrees to use a pseudonym name and will not publish any identifying details for the protection of the Entrant.
    11. By submitting an Essay and taking part in the Competition, the Winner grants, effective immediately and without further action:
    12.     To ABR: a royalty-free, non-exclusive and non-sublicensable licence to publish the Essay one-time in print and to make it perpetually available on ABR’s website as part of its digital archive of past issues, viewable to subscribers.
    13. To TNC Australia: an exclusive (except for 15a.), royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, distribute, publish, adapt and communicate the Essay anywhere in the world for purposes related to the Competition and its promotion.
    The Winner represents and warrants that the Essay is original, that they are the sole owner of the rights in the Essay, and such permissions are aligned with these Conditions of Entry. The Winner consents, to the extent permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), to ABR and TNC Australia doing any acts or omissions in relation to the Essay that might otherwise infringe their moral rights, including editing for house style, format changes, typographical corrections, and publication and communications. The Winner acknowledges and agrees that these licences are granted in consideration of the Competition of AUD$8,000(‘Prize’). The Winner agrees to execute any documentation required to give effect to TNC Australia’s rights under this clause in consideration of the award of the Prize, including any required moral rights waivers. The writer of one highly commended Essay, will be awarded RJB Award and receive a monetary prize of AUD$1,000 (‘RJB Award recipient’), which is in consideration for the grant of rights herein.
    1. In addition to the Winner, each Eligible Participant hereby grants to TNC Australia and its related bodies corporate, effective immediately and without further action, a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual licence to use their Essay for TNC Australia’s internal archival purposes only. Copies of the entries submitted will not be returned to entrants.
    2. The Winner, RJB Award recipient and Shortlisted Entrants will be notified on a confidential basis by telephone or email prior to the public announcement of the award of the Prize.
    3. TNC Australia reserves the right to confirm and verify the identity of the Winner, RJB Award recipient and Shortlisted Entrants, by requesting all persons to provide proof of age, proof of identity, proof of residency and proof that they submitted the Essay. Identification considered suitable for verification is at the absolute discretion of TNC Australia.
    4. The Winner, RJB Award recipient and Shortlisted Entrants may be asked to participate in editorial requests made by TNC Australia at no cost to the entrants, including but not limited to, being interviewed and photographed, filmed, and/or recorded. TNC Australia is not obliged to invite the Winner, RJB Award recipient or Shortlisted Entrants to participate in any such media campaign and the invitation is at the absolute discretion of TNC Australia.
    5. TNC Australia accepts no responsibility for lost, late, incomplete, incorrectly submitted or misdirected Entries, including Entries not received by TNC Australia or delays in the delivery of an Essay due to technical disruptions, network congestion or for any other reason.
    6. If an Eligible Participant’s contact details change during the period of the Competition, it is the Eligible Participant’s responsibility to notify TNC Australia. A request to access, modify or delete any information provided in an Entry Form should be directed to TNC Australia. No changes may be made to an Essay after submission.
    7. All entries, including names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers, will be entered into a database to allow TNC Australia to carry out the Competition. By entering this Competition, entrants confirm that they allow their personal information to be used and disclosed for these purposes and other purposes described in these Conditions of Entry. TNC Australia may, for example, disclose this information to its service providers to assist in the carry out of this Competition. TNC Australia will provide an opt-in newsletter option to subscribe for news on nature and conservation project updates, if the entrant chooses to receive these. The Privacy Act may provide certain rights of access to individuals whose information is held by TNC Australia. Contact TNC Australia at 03 8346 8600 or email australia@tnc.orgto submit a request for access.
    8. If the entrant opts, via the Entry Form, to receive communication from TNC Australia and its related bodies corporate, TNC Australia and its related bodies corporate may use the names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers for future promotional, marketing and publicity purposes in any media worldwide without notice and without any fee being paid. If an entrant no longer consents to their details being used for these purposes, the entrant should click on the unsubscribe link in any email or otherwise contact TNC Australia by phone at 03 8346 8600 or by email at australia@tnc.org. Any request to update, modify or delete the entrant’s details should be directed to TNC Australia by phone at 03 8346 8600 or by email at australia@tnc.org.
    9. If the Competition is not capable of running as planned for any reason outside the control of TNC Australia including (without limitation) vandalism, power failures, tempests, natural disasters, acts of God, civil unrest, strike, war, act of terrorism; or due to infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorised intervention, fraud, technical failures or any cause which corrupts or affects the administration, security, fairness or integrity or proper conduct of the Competition, TNC Australia reserves the right in its sole discretion to take any action that may be available including to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Competition, subject to any written directions given from the various State or Territory Government authorities (where required).
    10. TNC Australia and its related bodies corporate will not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever which is suffered (including, but not limited to, indirect or consequential loss), or for any personal injury suffered or sustained in connection with this Competition except for any liability which cannot be excluded by law. Other than statutory and other warranties that cannot be excluded by law, TNC Australia and its related bodies corporate assume no responsibility for any incorrect or inaccurate information, either caused by an entrant or as a result of any of the systems, equipment or programming associated with or utilised in this Competition, or for any technical or human error, or any combination thereof that may occur in the course of the administration of this Competition including any omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line, computer line, mobile telephone or satellite network failure, software, server or provider failure, theft or destruction or unauthorised access to or alteration of entries, and reserves the right to take any action that may be available.

    Applications closing: 23 September 2026

    Opportunity: The Nature Conservancy Australia

    • Albury City
    • Federation Shire
    • Greater Hume Shire
    • Indigo Shire
    • Towong Shire
    • Wodonga City
    • Award / Prize / Competition

    2027 Professional Development Awards

    Overview The APRA Professional Development Awards support songwriters and composers at pivotal stages of their creative careers. Across 13 categories, including awards for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, recipients each receive a game-changing $10,000 to support their professional development. Funds may be used for workshops, music education courses, composer seminars, co-writing sessions and other career development opportunities in Australia or overseas. Entries for the 2027 Professional Development Awards are now open!   How to Apply Entries for the 2027 Professional Development Awards are now open! You must complete the Professional Development Awards application form online. The form is not linked to your APRA Writer login. The cash prize is intended to help emerging songwriters and composers attend songwriting workshops, music education courses, composer seminars, co-writing sessions and other relevant activities either domestically or internationally. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members submitting in the Senior category do not need to be emerging, any career stage is applicable. The Awards are NOT intended to fund recording, studio time, equipment or costs associated with a release, such as mixing or PR/marketing costs. The Awards are intended to develop your skills as a songwriter or composer, not to pay for professional services to promote your work. Please consider this when writing your response, as Partner Organisations will only assess applications that demonstrate a commitment to using the prize for professional development. The application form has three parts: personal details, works and responses to questions. Each section is judged individually so please take care when responding.

    1. CHOOSE A CATEGORY
    You may only choose ONE of the following categories to apply to:
    • Popular Contemporary (which includes Pop, Rock, Alternative, Blues, Roots, Folk, Metal, Christian, and Children’s) – two Awards are given in this category
    • Country / Americana
    • Classical & Experimental
    • Dance / Electronic
    • Hip Hop / Rap
    • Jazz & Improvised Music
    • Music Theatre (see below ‘Music Theatre Guidelines’ heading for application details)
    • R&B / Soul
    • Screen Composition (film, television and games)
    • Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander PDA General – two Awards are given in this category
    • Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander PDA Senior (over 50 years of age)
    1. CHOOSE A PARTNER ORGANISATION
    APRA AMCOS engages with a variety of Partner Organisations who assist in reviewing applications in order to create a shortlist which is then assessed by an independent panel of judges. Please review the list of Partner Organisations below and nominate one to assess your application. Please note that the Partner Organisations are not able to answer questions about your application – please address all queries to pda@apra.com.au Note: if you are submitting to any of the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander categories you will not be required to choose a Partner Organisation. 3. SUPPLY THE FOLLOWING
    • A high-res head shot and brief bio to be used if you are a Finalist or Winner
    • If you are under 18, please upload a Letter of Authority from your parent or guardian which can be found both here and within the online Awards portal.
    • Three of your works or songs as mp3 or mp4 for our judges to listen to. This section is worth 45% of your total score.
      • Mp4 files are only permitted in the Screen Composition category. Please do not submit music videos or performances of works for any other categories.
      • Screen Composition: Entrants must provide 3x audio-visual samples of their works composed for film, television or games. These samples can be pre-existing or curated for entry – they should not exceed five minutes each in duration.
    • Jazz & Improvised and Classical & Experimental Entrants must provide scores for each work (if applicable).
    • If you are applying for an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander category, you must comply with the three working criteria as confirmation of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage. These are:
      • Being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
      • Identifying as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
      • Being accepted as such by the community in which you live, or formerly lived.
    1. SUBMIT RESPONSES TO THE FOLLOWING
    A maximum of 300 words per response is allowed. Please note: the written portion of the application is worth 55% of your total score, so please take time in considering your responses when submitting your application.
    • Details of your achievements or current engagements in musical studies, songwriting, composing, performing etc.
    • What are your ambitions for a future career in composing and songwriting, and how do you propose to achieve those ambitions? Applicants should provide a clear and detailed budget that matches your PDA proposal. Ensure accuracy, align expenses with project goals, and include justifications for each item to help assessors understand your proposed goals.
    • How will winning an APRA Professional Development Award help you achieve your goals mentioned in the question above?
    If you have any queries about the application form, please contact pda@apra.com.au   Music Theatre Guidelines Entries for the 2027 Professional Development Awards are now open! The Music Theatre Professional Development Award will give one APRA member $10,000 to be used towards a workshop of their musical theatre piece. Please be aware that this funding is for a workshop only. You will not be required to choose a Partner Organisation for this Award. APPLICATION DETAILS
    1. Works and Supporting Materials
    • Title of Production
    • Duration of full production
    • Cast and character breakdown
    • Details of any previous productions or workshops, if any
    • Overview of story: outline the story and number of works in the production. Please also include a full script (or at least 10 pages) and a web link (if applicable)
    • Workshop summary details: number of actors required + number of songs being workshopped + duration of workshop (one pdf, maximum 3 pages)
    • Two (2) musical works from the production
    • Letters of support: musical and script writing collaborators, theatres, producers, mentors, managers etc. You must upload at least one, with a maximum of five.
    1. Responses to Questions
    Please answer the following questions with as much detail as is relevant.
    • Details of your current engagement in musical theatre, composition, script writing, songwriting, recording etc.
    • What are your ambitions for a future career in musical theatre?
    • How do you propose to achieve those ambitions?
    • How will winning an APRA Professional Development Award help achieve your goal?
    If you have any queries about the application form, please contact pda@apra.com.au   Partner Organisations APRA AMCOS engages with a variety of organisations to process Professional Development Award applications. These organisations are selected based on their expertise and involvement with the music industry and will review each application in order to create a shortlist which is then provided to our judges. Partner organisations are not able to answer questions about the Professional Development Awards, nor are you guaranteed to work with this organisation if you are a recipient. Please direct all your questions to APRA AMCOS pda@apra.com.au Every applicant must choose one organisation to assess their application (excluding the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander categories). There are both national and state/territory based organisations and it’s not a requirement to select an organisation based on your location. Choose the organisation that you think will best be able to assess your music and application, noting that some organisations will only be able to assess specific categories. These are outlined below. All partner organisations will use the same scoring criteria. Professional Development Awards 2027 Partner Organisations
    • 2SER (Sydney based community radio station)
    • Association of Artist Managers (Peak body for music industry managers)
    • Association of Independent Record Labels (Represents Australian-owned record labels and independent artists)
    • Australian Guild of Screen Composers (National association for professional screen composers) *Only assessing Screen Composition submissions*
    • Australian Music Centre (National organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting art music) *Only assessing Classical/Experimental and Jazz/Improvised Music submissions*
    • Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (National organisation representing community broadcasters)
    • Country Music Association of Australia (National organisation representing the Australian country music industry) *Only assessing Country/Americana*
    • Home Grown (Not-for-profit Company dedicated to supporting, developing and promoting Australian musical theatre) *Only assessing Music Theatre submissions*
    • Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio (Non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the creation of electronic sound and music)
    • Melbourne Jazz Co-Operative (Non-profit organisation supporting live jazz in Melbourne) *Only assessing Jazz/Improvised Music submissions*
    • MusicACT (Peak body for contemporary music in the Australian Capital Territory)
    • MusicNT (Peak body for contemporary music in the Northern Territory)
    • MusicNSW (Peak body for contemporary music in New South Wales)
    • MusicSA (Peak body for contemporary music in South Australia)
    • Music Producer & Engineers Guild (National organisation representing the commercial interests and community development of music producers and sound engineers) *Only assessing Dance/Electronic submissions*
    • Music Tasmania (Peak body for contemporary music in Tasmania)
    • Music Victoria (Peak body for contemporary music in Victoria)
    • PBS FM (Melbourne based community radio station)
    • QMusic (Peak body for contemporary music in Queensland)
    • Regional Arts NSW (non-government, peak body organisation with the goal of creating a strong arts ecosystem across regional NSW)
    • RRR (Melbourne based community radio station)
    • RTR FM (Perth based community radio station)
    • Talent Development Project (TDP inspires, nurtures and expands the creative talent of select young musicians, singers and songwriters)
    • WAM (Peak body for contemporary music in Western Australia)
    • Women of Music Production Perth (female-run label, booking agency and Ableton user group community)
      Terms and Conditions Entries for the 2027 Professional Development Awards are now open!
    1. Terms and Conditions
    The following information forms part of the terms and conditions of entry to the 2027 Professional Development Awards (PDAs). By entering the Professional Development Awards, Entrants agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
    1. Organiser
    The organiser of the Professional Development Awards is Australasian Performing Right Association Ltd (ABN 42 000 016 099) of 16 Mountain Street, Ultimo NSW 2007, AUSTRALIA (Organiser).
    1. Professional Development Awards period
    Entries open at 9:00am Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on Wednesday 12 August 2026 and all entries must be received online no later than 5:00pm AEST on Wednesday 23 September 2026. Late entries will not be accepted.
    1. Eligibility
    Entry into the Professional Development Awards is limited to songwriters who:
    • are APRA members;
    • are an Australian citizen
      • or a New Zealand citizen who has been a legal Australian resident for a minimum of two consecutive years as of 1 January 2027;
    • have not previously won an APRA Professional Development Award or have not been shortlisted or won an APRA NZ Professional Development Award
    • comply with these terms and conditions of entry.
    Employees of the Organiser (and members of their immediate families) are ineligible to enter.
    1. Entry criteria and award categories
    Entries may only be lodged by individual songwriters (co-writers should nominate separately). Entrants must gain consent from any co-writer (and, if the work is the subject of a publishing agreement, the consent of the publisher) prior to entry. Entry is limited to once per APRA member. Entrants may enter the Professional Development Awards in any one of the following Award Categories:
    • Popular Contemporary (which includes Pop, Rock, Alternative, Blues, Roots, Folk, Metal, Christian, and Children’s) – two Awards are given in this category.
    • Country / Americana
    • Classical & Experimental
    • Dance / Electronic
    • Hip Hop / Rap
    • Jazz & Improvised Music
    • Music Theatre
    • R&B / Soul
    • Screen Composition
    • NATSIMO General
    • Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander PDA General – two Awards are given in this category
    • Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander PDA Senior (over 50 years of age)
    Eligible Entrants may only enter in one Award Category.
    1. Online Entry
    To enter, Eligible Entrants must visit the Professional Development Awards portal at pda.apra.com.au and follow the prompts to:
    • Properly complete and submit an online Entry Form, completing all required details, agreements and acknowledgements;
    • Upload three (3) recordings of original musical compositions written or co-written by the Entrant in mp3 format, or mp4 format for Screen Composition entries.
    1. Entry Materials
    It is the Entrant’s responsibility to ensure that the recording submitted in respect of each Submitted Recording is complete and playable. The Organiser is not responsible for incorrect, inaccurate, late, damaged or misappropriated entries. All Entry Materials submitted will not be returned to Entrants. Copies of Entry Materials may be retained and used by the Organiser strictly for promotional purposes in accordance with these terms and conditions. Any false information provided as part of an Entrant’s Entry Materials will result in automatic disqualification of that Entrant.
    1. Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) and best practice for working with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities
    Where working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and communities, and/or Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, preference will be given to applicants that can demonstrate compliance with best practice protocols. For more information on what Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property is and what best practice protocols are, please see the protocol guide published by the Australia Council for the Arts. Applications without adequate supporting documentation from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait partners or collaborators included in any way in the applicable will be ineligible. APRA AMCOS and our members are reviewing systems and structures with APRA AMCOS to address the specific needs to music creators who create elements of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property. Applicants can reach out to Alyelhentye Nawu directly to discuss your application at icip@apra.com.au
    1. Ownership
    All Entrants (or their publisher if applicable) will retain all copyrights and all other rights controlled by them in all songs entered in the APRA Professional Development Awards. For the avoidance of doubt, no copyrights in any song entered will be assigned to the Organiser by virtue of an Entrant entering the Professional Development Awards.
    1. Judging
    All judges are subject to APRA’s Conflict of Interest Policy which can be viewed online hereOpen this document with ReadSpeaker docReader . All entries will initially be judged by the Organiser in conjunction with its Partner Organisations. Entrants will choose a Partner Organisation at the time of entry. Entrants’ nominations of Partner Organisations may be changed at the Organiser’s discretion. At the end of the Awards Period, a shortlist of Eligible Entrants will be complied by the Organiser (Shortlisted Entrants). No final decisions as to Shortlisted Entrants or Winners will be made by the judges prior to the end of the Awards Period. Shortlisted Entrants for each Award Category will then be referred to separate judging panels for each Award Category, with each judging panel made up of composers, songwriters, publishers, broadcasters, producers and educators. Entries will be judged equally on melody, composition, originality and lyrics (when applicable). Production value and quality of performance will not be considered. The judging panels will not be in a position to provide Entrants with feedback or critique in relation to entered songs. Each judging panel’s decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into. This is a game of skill and chance plays no part in determining the winner. All valid entries received during the Awards Period will be judged by the Organiser on their merits in accordance with the Judging Criteria.
    1. Notification of Finalists and Winners
    The Organiser will notify all finalists by email in mid-January 2027 using the contact details provided on the online Entry Form. The Winner of each Award Category will be announced in mid-February 2027. The Organiser will not be held liable for any unforeseen delays in the judging process.
    1. Prizes
    Each winner will receive:
    • $10,000 cash courtesy of APRA AMCOS
    Total prize value $130,000.
    1. AcquittalRecipients of the Professional Development Award are required to complete a formal acquittal within 12 months of receiving their funding. The acquittal must include:
    • A summary of how the prize funds were used
    • Outcomes and learnings from the professional development activity
    • Any supporting documentation (e.g. receipts, certificates, reports)
    • Reflections on how the activity has contributed to their professional growth
    APRA will provide recipients with an acquittal form to complete. Failure to submit a satisfactory acquittal may result in ineligibility for future APRA prizes and/or a request for repayment of prize funds. 14. Prize Conditions Each Winner’s entitlement to all prizes described above is subject to the following:
    • Each prize (or any part thereof) is not redeemable for cash, transferrable or exchangeable. The Organiser is not liable in anyway if a Winner cannot receive, accept, or use any element of a prize for any reason. A prize (or any part thereof) may be cancelled in the Organiser’s discretion if a Winner attempts to transfer it.
    • The Organiser will not cover any associated costs in connection with each Winner’s enjoyment of a prize other than those expressly stipulated above or on the Professional Development Awards online Entry Form. Any taxes payable in relation to prizes are the sole responsibility of the Winner.
    • The Organiser reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, at any time during the Awards period, to vary, withdraw, postpone, or cancel the Professional Development Awards, including without limitation, in circumstances where it cannot conduct the Professional Development Awards or grant any part of an Award for any reason beyond its control.
    • In the event that The Organiser postpones or varies the Professional Development Awards or any part of an Award or associated prize, The Organiser (and any party associated with the Professional Development Awards) shall not be liable to any person for any loss or damage of any kind (including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss or loss or damage caused by The Organiser’s or other party’s negligence) arising out of, or in connection with, the postponement or variation of the Professional Development Awards (or part thereof). Nor will the Organiser or other party be liable for any loss, damage, payment or expense of any kind (including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss or loss or damage caused by the Organiser’s or other party’s negligence) or personal injury or other damage suffered or sustained as a result of the entering, judging, running, cancellation or acceptance, enjoyment or use of the Professional Development Awards or Award (or part thereof) except for any liability that cannot be excluded by law.
    • The Organiser has the right to refuse to allow a Winner to take part in all or part of a prize or Award, if the Organiser deems, at its discretion, that a Winner is not in an appropriate physical or mental condition to ensure the safety of the Winner or the other parties involved, or the Organiser otherwise deems that it is not appropriate for a Winner to take part in all or part of a prize for any reason.
    • The Organiser reserves the right to amend or substitute any of the prizes described above at its discretion without notice to Entrants.
    • All prizes must be claimed within one year of them being presented to the Winner. Unclaimed prizes after this period cannot be redeemed.
    • If a Winner is under the age of 18 years, the prizes will be awarded to the Winner’s parent or guardian on the Entrant’s behalf.
    • Winners are required to complete a formal acquittal within 18 months of receiving their prize funds, in the form advised by APRA. This will include providing evidence of the funded activities, an assessment of the project targets or objectives, the outcomes achieved, and financial information at agreed milestones.
    1. Warranties and Representations
    Entrants warrant and represent that:
    • Each of their Submitted Recordings comprises an original music work written (or co-written) by them, which does not infringe third party copyrights, or contravene any applicable statute, law, order, rule or regulation;
    • If any of their Submitted Recordings are co-written or co-created, they have the consent of their co-writers to submit the Submitted Recordings, grant the licenses and releases herein, and participate in the Professional Development Awards;
    • They own and control all copyrights and other rights in and to the Entry Materials they provide to Organiser hereunder in connection with the Professional Development Awards, or are otherwise legally able to grant the rights set forth herein;
    • If they are engaged under a publishing or recording agreement, they will obtain all necessary authorisations, consents and licences in order to participate in the Professional Development Awards and to allow the use of their Entry Materials by Organiser as set forth herein;
    • Their Submitted Recordings were recorded and otherwise prepared in all respects in accordance with the rules and regulations of all unions and similar associations having jurisdiction;
    • Any songwriter, publisher, artist and/or producer credits that they provide to Organiser will be accurate; and,
    • They have read these Terms and Conditions and that they meet all the eligibility requirements to participate.
    1. Privacy and Releases
    Entrants agree that, as a condition of their entry for a Professional Development Award, they:
    • Release the Organiser and its employees, directors, officers, subsidiaries, affiliates, promotional agents, and judging panellists from any and all liability, claims, or actions in connection with their participation in the Professional Development Awards;
    • Agree that their name, photos, or likeness, statements, Submitted Recordings may be publicised, published, communicated, or used at or in connection with the Professional Development Awards, without compensation, by the Organiser, in any Organiser or Organiser-partner media or publication, including internet sites, press releases, Organiser conferences or award shows, and for distribution by Organiser to media organisations or any third party requesting such materials in connection with Organiser or the Professional Development Awards; and
    • Grant a worldwide perpetual non-exclusive license to Organiser to reproduce, communicate to the public and publicly perform the songs and recordings submitted, in whole or in part, via all media, in any manner including digital streaming or download technology, for the Organiser’s promotional and archival purposes;
    • Acknowledge that their entries and details will be held in accordance with the APRA AMCOS Privacy Policy.
    1. No Sales or Extraordinary Payments
    The Organiser will not sell copies of any Submitted Recordings or otherwise distribute copies of Submitted Recordings other than for Organiser’s promotional purposes. Entrants acknowledge that they will receive no royalty payments or payments of any kind from the Organiser, including for the performance of their Submitted Recordings in connection with the Professional Development Awards, other than those that they may be eligible to receive through APRA’ s usual distribution system.
    1. Jurisdiction and Choice of Law
    The Professional Development Awards and these terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New South Wales and all Entrants irrevocably and unconditionally consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts of New South Wales. By entering the 2027 Professional Development Awards you agree to the terms and conditions as listed above.

    Applications closing: 23 September 2026

    Opportunity: APRA AMCOS

    • Albury City
    • Federation Shire
    • Greater Hume Shire
    • Indigo Shire
    • Towong Shire
    • Wodonga City

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