Novocastrian playwright and performer, Cassie Hamilton has emerged as one of the winners at the 2025 APRA Professional Development Awards, taking home a $10,000 prize to further her career in music theatre.
Recognised for her work, A Transgender Woman on the Internet, Crying, Cassie has joined an impressive cohort of songwriters and composers whose talent and dedication have earned them a share of the $130,000 prize pool.
The prestigious awards, presented by APRA AMCOS, celebrate the next generation of Australian music creators across a range of genres, from hip-hop and country to classical and electronic.
This year’s judging panel featured respected journalists, presenters, artists, and producers, including Dave Ruby Howe, Brooke McClymont, and Julian Hamilton.
With the $10,000 prize, Cassie will have the opportunity to invest in professional development through workshops, co-writing sessions, and composer seminars. This boost comes at a crucial time, allowing her to build on her artistic vision and further solidify her place in Australia’s vibrant music theatre scene.
The APRA Professional Development Awards have a strong track record of identifying and supporting groundbreaking talent, with past winners including Angie McMahon, Gotye, and Baker Boy. For the full list of winners, head to apraamcos.com.au/professionaldevelopmentawards.
