Skip to main content

Lindsay King arts awards

Established in 2007, this annual arts award was named in memory of Cranbourne resident Lindsay King, whose vigorous commitment to the arts and passion for local history, tourism and culture made a positive impact on the Casey community.

Each year nominations are requested for individuals and groups in Casey who consistently go above and beyond to make a significant contribution to the Art in Casey, embody community spirit and contribute to making our city a wonderful place to live.

On Wednesday 25 January all finalists were invited to attend the Casey Community Awards ceremony where the winner for 2023 was announced

2023 recipient Bandok Tati

Everything Bandok Tati learn is gleaned from elders and community members or self-taught, from creating new dances to managing bookings and working on creative projects. The group works collaboratively and encourage each other to step up and take the lead where their strengths lie whether it be on the didgeridoo, as lead song man or looking after the business side of things.

The boys meet regularly in their free time at the Aboriginal Gathering Place to practice and work towards common goals together, giving them purpose as well as successful employment opportunities which have derived from performances at events. Their dedication to Bandok Tati provides the boys with a sense of belonging, purpose and pride which builds their confidence and performance skills in a safe and empowering environment.

Bandok Tati are committed to sharing their culture with the broader community and have garnered such a strong reputation for their professionalism that they are now also delivering dance programs in schools.

The success of the dance group has impacted the whole community, providing elders with an incredible sense of pride as this is the first Aboriginal dance group formed in South East Melbourne for a long time. Bandok Tati has acted as a lifeline for some of the young people involved, supporting deeper cultural connections and connection to lore. It has also supported healing, dancing is a form of healing for the boys and so to for the community.

See Bandok Tati in action here.

Congratulations also to Laitini Matautia-Ulugia, BATS Theatre Company, Casey Philharmonic Orchestra and Kerrigan La-Brooy who were also nominated for their significant contribution to the Arts in Casey.

To learn more and to nominate an individual or group, please visit the Casey Community Awards.

Have you found the information you were looking for?