FLAGSHIP INITIATIVE
The Songwriting Prize
Australia’s only music competition focused purely on mental health. We invite songwriters nationwide to submit original songs inspired by an annual mental health theme—using music as a powerful lens to explore lived experiences, foster positive mental health, and break down stigma.
Submissions Open
(March-May)
Submit an original song written and recorded specifically for the theme, or a track released within the past 12 months. We accept raw demos, fully produced unreleased tracks, or officially released songs.
Preliminary Judging
(June)
Our panel of industry professionals and mental health advocates reviews all entries, selecting the top songwriters to advance to the live Regional Finals.
Regional Final Finals
(July–September)
Selected finalists perform live on stage across 10 Regional Finals nationwide, sharing their music and personal stories with supportive audiences.
$65k+ Prize Pool
Each of the 10 Regional Finals awards 1 Winner and 1 Runner-Up. All 20 artists share in a combined prize pool valued at over $65,000 in experiences, gear, industry tools, and resources tailored to support their creative careers and mental health journeys.
This Year’s Theme & Season Timeline
Each year, songwriters are invited to submit original works reflecting a central theme designed to inspire honest expression and positive mental health conversations.
Current Theme: “The Next Chapter”
Whether reflecting on personal growth, moving past adversity, or embracing fresh beginnings, songwriters are invited to interpret "The Next Chapter" through their own lived experiences.
Submissions Window: March - May (Entries open to demos, released, or unreleased tracks)
Preliminary Judging: June (Industry panel selects Regional Finalists)
Regional Finals: July - September (10 live events across Adelaide, Bendigo, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Hobart, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, and Sydney.
Bringing the Spotlight Directly to Communities
To make the competition more accessible and sustainable for every artist, the national Grand Final has been retired. The pinnacle of The Songwriting Prize is now our 10 Regional Finals—bringing the industry panel, the main spotlight, and the prize pool directly to local communities across Australia.
10 Live Events: Held in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Hobart.
10 Winners & 10 Runners-Up: Selected live on the night by our expert industry judging panel.
Safe & Supportive Performing Space: Known across the industry for being a non-competitive, highly supportive, and community-focused environment.
Over $65,000 in Artist Support
At each event, the winning artist and runner-up go home with a share of our $65k+ prize pool, designed to equip independent artists with practical tools, gear, and experiences to propel their music and mental health journeys.
National Sponsors
Audio gear, equipment, software, and tools provided by brand partners including JBL, Roland, Arturia, Voltage Cable Co., Vampr, DJ Warehouse, and Heaps Normal.
Regional Studio Packages
Professional studio recording, mixing, and production packages at top regional partner studios across the country.
Mentorship & Development
One-on-one industry coaching, artist development sessions, and mental health tools built for long-term career sustainability.
Attend a Regional Final Near You
Come support local emerging artists performing their original works at their most vulnerable. Experience an unforgettable evening of live music, community building, and storytelling.
Perth Final – 24/07
Clancy’s Fish Pub, Fremantle
Autumn Sage, Bailey Perrie,
Brandon Poletti, Carl Zoller,
Dwayne De Mello, Damien Binder,
Danella, Darren Gillis,
Don’t Tell Daisy, Georgina Dacheff,
Sally Jane.
Winner: Dwayne De Mello
Runner Up: Brandon Poletti
Gold Coast Final – 27/08
Den Devine, Broadbeach
Alexis Lee, Arianna, Bridgette Louise,
Chloe Flanagan, Frank Swaby,
The Goldhearts, Nine Year Sister,
Taylah Little, TRILLA,
Tyler Lock, Zayden Kennedy.
Newcastle Final – 07/08
The Stag & Hunter Hotel, Mayfield
Brian Daly, Cameron Marshall,
Cassie Corder, Cat Mead,
Clover Lane, Deih Hudson,
North and Elsewhere, The Quokkas.
Bendigo Final – 04/09
Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo
Dan Duggan, The Darlings Family Trust,
Isaac Staines, Jeremy Beggs,
Kimberly Jane, Natasha Mills,
Sasha Bronshtein, Soulty, Steffii.
Adelaide Final – 19/09
Rhino Room, Adelaide
Alison Newman, Benjamin Roberts, Charmaine Jones, EMERAULD, Jen Lush, Jo Page, Rob Edwards,
and Zara Chantelle.
Hobart Final – 12/08
Altar Bar, Hobart
Katy Hanson, Mia Barron,
Mia Fairlie, Sam McMeekin,
Samuel Marshall.
Melbourne Final – 05/09
Wesley Anne, Northcote
Ally Row, Elizabeth Riordan, Emma Yue,
Lily Jones, Maeve Grieve, Mareya,
No Promises, Paige Barnard,
Ryan Oliver, Tartie, Tom Diva.
Sydney Final – 26/09
Blackwattle Bar + Brewery, Alexandria
ALIBII, GENEVIEVE, Giselle Kwong,
The Great Emu War Casualties, Louella, Lucienne, NEIIA, Nikkita, Ruby Archer, and Vanessa Jade.
Brisbane Final – 26/08
The Junk Bar, New Farm
Bianca Mantarro, charles, Elke Louie,
Evie Williams, Georgia Scarlett,
Jess Irvine, Li Laurent, Liam Higgins,
Ruby Flowers, Sam Shepherd,
SAMARA, Sonic Keys.
Canberra Final – 16/09
Gang Gang Cafe, Downer
Candid Remark, Eden Plenty,
Jack Biilmann, Jaida Champney,
LIV LI, Leila, Ruby Holden,
Tilda Irene.