- The Crisafulli Government is delivering funding to four talented local musicians through a suite of fellowships.
- Each winner will receive $15,000 to grow their career pathways and audiences, while honouring the memory of Queensland music icons Billy Thorpe, Grant McLellan, Carol Lloyd and Dennis 'Mop' Conlan.
- The fellowships were presented at the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of the Music Industry event held at Parliament House.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future by supporting local artists and boosting the State's music scene after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Queensland musicians by awarding four fellowships to talented local artists, helping to grow their careers and honour the state's music icons.
The fellowships, named after Queensland music legends – Billy Thorpe, Grant McLennan, Carol Lloyd and Dennis 'Mop' Conlon – will provide each winner with $15,000 to support their professional development and further their career pathways.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future by supporting local artists and boosting the State's music scene after a decade of decline under Labor.
Sunshine Coast duo Frank & Louis – two brothers who graduated high school last year - were awarded the Billy Thorpe Scholarship, enabling them to record with an established producer and receive career advice from Chugg Music.
Brisbane musician Benjamin Forbes' project BANFF took home the Grant McLennan Fellowship and will travel internationally to grow as a songwriter.
Honouring the former lead singer of Railroad Gin, The Carol Lloyd Award was awarded to 21-year-old Brisbane-based singer, songwriter and producer Paulina, who will now record a complete album or tour an Extended Play (EP).
Townsville-based Indigenous hip hop artist and storyteller Dubbzone received the Dennis 'Mop' Conlon Scholarship and will put his prize money toward recording songs.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek presented the fellowships at the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of the Music Industry event.
"The Crisafulli Government is delivering these fellowships to champion our talented singers, songwriters and producers," Minister Langbroek said.
"This year's outstanding finalists and winners are each contributing to Queensland's music sector and growing our reputation as a significant music hub.
"We must sing the praises of our talented musicians to ensure we have a thriving music sector when Queensland is on the world-stage in 2032.
"A resilient live music scene is critical to our state's nightlife economy and it's a key focus of 'Queensland's Time to Shine:10-year strategy for arts and culture.
"These Queenslanders and ones to watch, and I look forward to seeing where their careers take them in the future.
"After a decade of decline under the former Labor Government, the Crisafulli Government is backing local musicians and creating a thriving music scene."
QMusic CEO Kris Stewart said the honours were an investment in the longevity and vibrancy of Queensland's music scene.
"Fostering the development of future music talent is integral to the long-term success and sustainability of our state's music industry, and tailored professional development opportunities like those afforded by this suite of fellowships can make a big difference to an artist's career," Mr Stewart said.
The Queensland Parliamentary Friends of the Music Industry event is a prelude to the annual Queensland Music Awards on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, being held for the first time at the Miami Marketta on the Gold Coast.
QMusic and the Grant McLennan Fellowship, the Billy Thorpe Scholarship, the Carol Lloyd Award and the Dennis 'Mop' Conlon Scholarship are funded by the Crisafulli Government through Arts Queensland.
