2021 Recipient - Kuichiang Tut Kuiy (Kush)
As a passionate creative producer and a lead creative and coordinator of events, Kush works hard to build and empower her community. As she develops her career and grows her profile beyond the south-east, Kush has begun to open doors into the arts sector for other artists living in this region to follow in her footsteps.
As part of the Victorian Independent Producers Initiative (VIPI) program Kush has produced several multi-artwork events in the south-east including the Bunjil Place creative development project Bridging Differences and Blaxcellence which is a regular event that centres on Afro-Diaspora and First Nation's creative practice, creating a cultural exchange between these communities.
Kush and Nostalgic Events also hold the annual Rise of South Sudan (RoSS) concert at Bunjil Place and she is a founding member of the Way Over There Collective, a group of artists, producers and programmers in Melbourne’s south-east.
Congratulations to Nia McMartin, Sohail Yamin, Christine Trimnell and Viviana Silva who were also nominated for their significant contribution to the arts in Casey.
2019 Recipient - Maurie Richardson
Maurie has been teaching music and performing arts to local residents for over 40 years both in his time as a teacher at Clyde Primary School, as a long-standing member of the Cranbourne Chorale and as the leader of a local U3A guitar group. He served as president of Cranbourne Chorale from 2003 – 2007, as Vice President from 2007 – 2018 and is the current sitting president. His contributions have meant that many local residents of Casey, particularly boys, have engaged with and forged hobbies and careers in music and performing arts.
2018 – Chantelle Riordan
Chantelle has received little formal recognition for her voluntary efforts in the past, it's perhaps a testament to her 'quiet achiever' personality and selfless attitude to simply help where she can without seeking reward. The Casey Community has benefitted greatly from Chantelle's membership and/or involvement in many local arts organisations including the Cranbourne Lions Concert Band, the Casey Camera Club and BATS Theatre Company, as well as being a volunteer Ukulele Tutor at the Balla Balla Centre, the president of the Cranbourne Lions Concert Band and as a sitting member of Casey's Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee.
Previous winners
- 2018 Chantelle Riordan
- 2017 – Dena Aljamal
- 2016 – Sharon Start
- 2015 – Revati Ilanko and Gregory Marks (joint winners)
- 2014 – Di Lockwood
- 2013 – Jenny and Neil Toyne, and Jennifer Koch
- 2012 – Anne Aitkin and Jean Heriot
- 2011 – Donna Dowler and Janet Matthews
- 2010 – Jenny Black and John Miller
- 2009 – Anthony Purcell and Max Hunter
- 2008 – Frederick Eliot and Ed Price
- 2007 – Susan Bergman and George Stevens
Prior to 2014, the award was given in 2 streams: performing arts and visual arts.