The Australasian Performing Right Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (APRA AMCOS) and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office (NATSIMO) have announced the appointment of Connor McLeod and Nkechi Anele to the 2025 APRA Board Observership Program.

The 12-month program provides participants with practical experience in board governance and insight into the APRA Board's role in representing music creators and publishers.

It aims to build confidence and understanding of strategic decision-making in the music industry.

Gadigal man, Connor McLeod, a Sydney-based Aboriginal artist known as Hylander, creates Australian electronica.

He seeks to expand perceptions of Aboriginal artists beyond traditional conventions.

Nkechi Anele, a Nigerian Irish artist based in Melbourne, is recognised for her performances with Saskwatch.

She is also co-founder of The Pin, a platform exploring race, identity, and culture, and hosts Roots n All on triple j.

She is serving her second term on the board of Music Victoria.

Mr McLeod said he was honoured to be selected and saw the program as an opportunity to gain knowledge in music rights, publishing, and royalties.

"Over the next year, I want to build my understanding in these areas—not just for myself, but to share knowledge with other artists and advocate for ways to address common pain points and knowledge gaps," he said.

Ms Anele said she was excited to take part in the program.

"I've always admired APRA's commitment to sustainability and its strong support for Australian artists," she said.

"It's a privilege to observe and learn from the industry leaders who champion the rights of music writers and composers, ensuring they receive due credit and payment for their work."

Previous APRA Board observers include Deline Briscoe and Nathan May in 2024, and Catherine Satour and Fred Leone in the inaugural 2023 program.

This year's participants will be mentored by APRA Board Directors Burkhard Dallwitz, a screen composer, and Damian Trotter, Managing Director of Sony Music Publishing Australia, to gain practical boardroom experience.

APRA AMCOS Senior Manager of Community Engagement, Gill Dunn, said the program provides valuable learning opportunities and supports efforts to improve representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other underrepresented communities at executive levels in the music industry.

More information about the APRA Board is available on the APRA AMCOS website.