Ron Foale Musician’s Award

Recipients of the Ron Foale Musician’s Award have always been 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.

Several years ago the name of this award was changed to the MJF Award. Award recipients began to include volunteers who had shown incredible dedication to the Festival.

The 2023 MJF Committee determined that both groups of recipients are equally deserving. Accordingly, they have reinstated the Ron Foale Musicians Award and changed the name of the MJF Award to the MJF Service Award.

Given the passing of former MJF President and Secretary Kevin and Aileen Walsh last year and the retirement of most of the previous committee, four MJF Service Awards will be award at the Official Festival Opening on Saturday morning at 10am in Spencer Park.  

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