2005 TDP graduate, Katrina Burgoyne is the winner of the country music category of the 2009 APRA Professional Development Awards, announced in Sydney on 2 March.

Katrina is one of eight emerging Australian songwriters who are now on a career fast-track with a cash award of $12,000 to be used for study or travel, a Gibson guitar, studio time at Trackdown Recording Studio and access to an online course provided by the Berklee College of Music. In total, the prize package is valued at more than $16,000.

The 2009 awards attracted a record 700 entries. They are conducted every two years by APRA in conjunction with 27 partner organizations, of which TDP is one.

20-year-old Gunnedah girl Katrina is planning to go to Nashville in April where she hopes to further her understanding of the competitive world of songwriting. She has already had her song Too Late for Sorry recorded by Chasing Bailey on their EMI debut album. Her distinctive style and meaningful lyrics, combined with the opportunities presented by the prestigious APRA Award, will ensure this talented young songstress makes an indelible mark in the country music industry.