- Cook Labor Government supports the mental health of WA's music community
- Healthway continues as presenting partner of WAM's Song of the Year
- New category celebrates emotional expression through songwriting
The Cook Labor Government continues to champion the vital role music and creative expression play in supporting positive mental health, with Healthway returning as presenting partner of West Australia's Music's (WAM) flagship Song of the Year program.
The 2026 Song of the Year competition attracted more than 800 original song submissions from artists across Western Australia, highlighting the strength, diversity, and resilience of the State's music scene.
The competition features the new Feel It Write It category, which recognises songs that explore emotional wellbeing, connection, and shared human experiences.
The Song of the Year competition highlights emerging and established WA songwriters across a board range of genres, which was celebrated with an awards presentation held last night.
The Cook Labor Government has maintained a longstanding partnership with WAM, with funding via Healthway and the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (previously the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries) for more than 30 years.
In 2025, WAM received $323,935 in Healthway funding for its State-wide Music Program 2025-2027, which includes the Song of the Year program and awards. The program also delivers the New Noise in-school workshop program, bringing local artists into WA public schools to lead songwriting workshops that inspire creativity and support students' social and emotional wellbeing.
As stated by Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk:
"WAM's Song of the Year Awards continues to shine a spotlight on the incredible depth of talent in WA, with this year's finalists and winners reflecting the diversity and strength of our local music community.
"Through initiatives like Song of the Year, we're not only celebrating creative excellence, but also creating invaluable opportunities for artists to develop their skills, build networks, and grow sustainable careers.
"I extend my congratulations to all the winners and finalists in the prestigious Song of the Year Awards, particularly the grand prize winner Coco Elise with their song Colour The Stencil."
As stated by Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:
"Music has a powerful ability to bring people together and create a shared sense of connection and belonging.
"Through their music, artists can help open up conversations about mental health and give people a way to express what they are going through, which is why it's important we support their wellbeing.
"Congratulations to everyone involved in delivering another successful program, especially the nominees, award recipients and the Healthway Feel It Write It category winner Codee-Lee for her song Bird in a Cage."
