King Island Town Hall honoured with APRA Award

While King Island is globally renowned for its rugged coastlines and premium produce, the community has now officially claimed a prestigious title in the history of Australian music. At the star-studded 2026 APRA Music Awards in Sydney this week, the island was recognised with a special recognition award, confirming the King Island Town Hall as the site of the first-ever public performance license issued in Australia.

The historic milestone dates to New Year’s Eve, 1926, when the newly formed Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) granted its very first license. While many might assume a mainland capital would hold that honour, the inaugural "Number 1" license belonged to the little island in Bass Strait. A century later, the Currie Town Hall remains a functional landmark and a testament to the island's long-standing status as an exceptional music citizen.

King Island Council Mayor Marcus Blackie attended the centenary gala in the Hordon Pavillion in Sydney to accept the honorary award on behalf of the community. Representing the island at an event funded by the Australian Music Industry, the Mayor noted the significance of celebrating a century of national songwriting alongside industry legends.

 “It was indeed a great honour to represent King Island at the star-studded 2026 APRA Music Awards in Sydney this week,” Mayor Blackie said. “We also came away award winners with a special recognition award for being the oldest music licence holder for public use, since 1926! As it was the centenary awards, I was a guest of the Australian Music Industry. I met many of my own rock heroes from the 80s and 90s, as well as the current crop of Australian and NZ music stars. I did my best to promote King Island and the Festival of King Island - FOKI in many fleeting conversations.”

The award serves as a bridge between the island's historical roots and its vibrant modern music scene. Building on this national recognition, FOKI organisers have already confirmed that the Festival of King Island will return on February 12 and 13, 2027.  This upcoming celebration will continue the island's 100-year legacy of investing in and celebrating Australian music.

The physical award is expected to be part of the local landscape shortly. Mayor Blackie suggested that the "very cool award" should go on display initially in the Hub, then eventually move to the museum to fully tell the story of the island's century-long association with the nation’s music industry.