Recipients of the Merimbula Jazz Festival Award have traditionally been musicians who were chosen for their significant contributions to the festival over a period of time. These musicians have shown dedication to the ongoing development and longevity of jazz music, in all its various forms, and the continuing patronage of jazz festivals.
The 2023 MJF Committee determined that a small number of volunteers, who had shown incredible dedication to the Festival, were equally deserving of recognition.
Given the passing of former MJF President and Secretary Kevin and Aileen Walsh in 2022 and work carried out by the remaining committee, four MJF Service Awards were presented at the Official Festival Opening in 2023. These awards recognised the volunteer work carried out by Kevin and Aileen Walsh, and also by Adrian Pitt and Paul Dion.
Without the following past winners, the Merimbula Jazz Festival would not be celebrated as Australia’s longest running jazz festival of its kind!
Past Winners
| Madam Pat Thompson |
| Keith Sadler |
| Roy Gillot |
| Ron Lucas |
| Jiri Kripac |
| Pierre Kammacher |
| John Ansell |
| Alex Hutchinson |
| Paul Ingle |
| Ian Williams |
| Kevin Partridge |
| Dave Drummond |
| Nyn Hamilton |
| John Judge |
| Maurie Fabrikant |
| Barry Hanley |
| Gordon Benjamin |
| Margie & Tony Fullerton |
| Des Camm |
| Saul Richardson |
| Russell Sheridan |
| Stan Delle Virgin |
| John Cursley |
| John Moffatt |
| Bill McLean |
| Rob Young |
| Ron Anderson |
| John Morrison |
| Alan Richards |
| Ione & Alan Harbourne |
| Tony Buckley |
| Roger Clark |
| Bob Porter |
| Barry & Nesta Whitlock |