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 |