MEDIA RELEASE

30th May 2023

Janice Valma Davey OAM Memorial Award Recognises Outstanding Contributions by Women to Australian Brass Bands

The Davey family is proud to announce the establishment of the Janice Valma Davey OAM Memorial Award, a prestigious accolade that celebrates women who have made exceptional contributions to the Australian brass band community. This award aims to recognise and honour the achievements of women who have played a pivotal role in supporting and advancing community bands and the brass band movement in Australia.

Janice Valma Davey OAM (Jan), the eponymous inspiration for this award, has been an exemplary figure in the realm of marching and music through brass bands. Her remarkable dedication and unwavering commitment to her craft has been recognised on many occasions. In recognition of her remarkable achievements, Jan was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her outstanding contribution to the brass band community.

As a trailblazer for women in what was historically a male-dominated movement, Janice Valma Davey OAM was inducted into the prestigious 'Victorian Honour Roll for Women.' Her pioneering spirit, talent, and determination has inspired and influenced countless individuals throughout her remarkable 50-year career.

Jan’s journey as a brass band Drum Major and Trainer, Drill Adjudicator, and Drill Advisory Board Member for the Victorian Bands’ League has been nothing short of extraordinary. She achieved multiple state championship titles in every state she competed in, and her accomplishments include two Australian Championships for Best Drum Major. In an historic milestone, in 1981 Janice became the first-ever female winner of the 'Australian Champion, Best Drum Major' aggregate title, over a field of 65 male competitors.

The Janice Valma Davey OAM Memorial Award aims to honour the legacy of Jan and recognise the exceptional women who continue to shape and elevate the Australian brass band community. The award will be presented annually to a nominated and deserving female who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and contribution to advancing the community and impact of brass bands in Australia.

Jan’s family stated that while Jan’s achievements have been recognised by the broader community on a State and National level, we felt it was appropriate she be recognised within the brass band movement itself.

Announcement of Inaugural Recipient:

It is with great pleasure that we announced Phillipa Edwards as the inaugural recipient of the Janice Valma Davey OAM Memorial Award. The announcement was made at a special presentation during the ‘Women in Brass: A Celebration of Women in Banding’ gala concert on Saturday night, 27th May 2023. This event was the perfect opportunity to recognise and celebrate the exceptional achievements of Jan and shine a spotlight on the incredible women who have made significant contributions to the Australian brass band movement.

We recognise and congratulate Phillipa on her outstanding contribution to Australian brass bands.

Further information about Janice Valma Davey OAM and the inaugural recipient, Phillipa Edwards, can be found on the respective pages of this website.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Karen Davey: 0490 378 076 | Karen@kdlcoaching.com.au

Alan Davey: 0407 109 631 | a.davey@vmia.vic.gov.au

Karen and Alan Davey are two of Jan’s children who have long been, and remain, active members of the Australian brass band movement.