For many young Australians, music is the only language that truly fits. The ACMF National Songwriting Competition is designed to give young voices a stage. past winners Zella Benko and Lucy Beveridge explain, the impact of being heard goes far beyond a trophy. By revisiting their journeys, we see how this competition acts as a vital bridge between a “bedroom demo” and a professional future.
Zella Benko: The 12-Year-Old Prodigy
For Zella, winner of the 2025 Year 5 & 6 category, songwriting is a sanctuary. Our judging panel described her song “Dear August” as “hauntingly beautiful,.” For Zella, the process is deeply personal – a way to stay in touch with her true self.
“More than you could imagine,” Zella says of music’s power. “When I express my thoughts into music, I am no longer in this same universe. I am in a place that enables me to discover my true emotions. Personally, speaking my true thoughts has always seemed a little scary and uncomforting to me. But writing poetry, metaphors, and melodies is what makes up for that uncomforting feeling. That is how I say things; songs are my words.”
Zella admits she originally wrote only for herself, but the competition changed her perspective on the power of connection. She now understands that the assurance of being heard by a professional panel is a transformative experience for any young person who feels their voice isn’t taken seriously.
Zella’s Message to Australia. When asked what she would say to a student who is nervous about entering their first song, Zella shared this:
“Hi, I’m Zella. Like you, I’m a singer/songwriter. Before I entered this competition, most of my songs were for myself. When looking for places to expand my voice and knowledge, I felt so nervous. But now, a few months later, I wish to tell my younger self this and I hope for you to hear it: ‘This song that you may enter is not just a song. It is a piece of you… entering your first song won’t hurt you, but it will make you so much stronger!'”
Lucy Beveridge: The Rising Country Star (2024 APRA AMCOS Overall Winner)
As the 2024 APRA AMCOS Overall Winner, Lucy used the ACMF “stamp of approval” to propel herself into the national country music circuit. As a songwriter, Lucy is driven by “the truth” – whether it is her own or a relatable experience shared by others.
Her introspective track, “When Will I Be Enough,” explored themes of self-doubt and inner strength, earning her the competition’s highest honors. Since that 2024 victory, Lucy’s career has skyrocketed, including winning the Junior Talent Search at the Gympie Music Muster.
“My journey with the ACMF has been nothing but welcoming,” Lucy reflects. “It’s given me a great way to be able to share my music and given me the resources I need to keep expressing myself creatively.”
Lucy emphasizes that because the competition is free and accessible to every child regardless of their location, it provides a unique sense of validation and a “reason” to keep playing.
Explore Lucy’s Music: You can follow Lucy’s rising career and listen to her latest releases at lucybeveridge.com.au.
Watch: The Next Generation in Action
You can watch Zella and Lucy share their thoughts alongside Don Spencer, Justine Clarke and another of our former winners Bailey Pickles in our recent A Current Affair feature.
