The Alan Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2002 and honours the memory of our Inaugural President Alan Edwards AM MBE JP.

Today, the Alan Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to a performing arts professional who has contributed significantly to the industry, often above and beyond the call of duty.

The Tony Gould award is in memory of founding Queensland Performing Arts Centre Artistic Director and industry giant Tony Gould AM, and recognises his legacy of artistic excellence through his work nurturing and enabling Queensland arts companies.

The award was established in 2025 as part of ABF Qld’s collaboration with the highly regarded Matilda Awards. It recognises an independent company that has made an impact in the Queensland performing arts sector through its curation, programming or development.

The Carol Burns award is in memory of Carol Burns, a legendary Queensland artist known for her fierce artistic craft, coupled with an advocacy for artists at all stages of their career.

The award was established in 2025 as part of ABF Qld’s collaboration with the Matilda Awards. it recognises an already established Queensland performer whose career is elevating to the next level over a minimum 5 year period, and their current trajectory.