Arts Honour Roll

Recognised in 2024

Tamara has been making people laugh for over 21 years in over 4,200 performances on 780 stages in 450 cities across 27 countries; she has entertained people in six different languages and has spent more than 2100 hours on the stage.  Tamara has been a driving force behind the KISS Arts Festival, an annual event that showcases a diverse range of artistic performances and workshops. Her involvement has significantly enriched the cultural landscape of Kiama, providing both residents and visitors with unique artistic experiences.  Tamara's role as director underscores her commitment to fostering the local arts community.

Recognised in 2018.

Bert Flugelman (1932–2013) was an acclaimed Australian sculptor renowned for his large-scale public artworks, which often explored themes of form, light, and movement. He is best known for his iconic stainless steel sculptures, such as Spheres (Rundle Mall Adelaide), which have been exhibited internationally. Flugelman had a significant connection to Kiama where he created several prominent works, including Making Waves, a notable sculpture at Kiama's Storm Bay. Throughout his career, Flugelman was celebrated for his contribution to Australian art and his role in advancing the field of modern sculpture.

Recognised in 2016.

Eleanor Weston (1880–1958) a distinguished performer and concert director was born in Kiama.  Eleanor was renowned for her roles as a pianist, singer, actress, and concert director. She was instrumental in fostering the careers of local talents, most notably mentoring renowned costume designer Orry Kelly, who later achieved fame in Hollywood. In addition to her performances, Weston was celebrated for her community involvement and was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Kiama sub-branch of the Returned Soldiers' League for her contributions during and after World War I.

Recognised in 2016.

Charmain Clift (1923–1969) was an Australian writer and essayist known for her vivid prose and explorations of identity and place. Born in Kiama, she spent her early life here, which later influenced her writing. Clift achieved literary success after moving to Europe, where she lived on the Greek islands of Kalymnos and Hydra with her husband, writer George Johnston. Charmain's work often reflects the influence of her upbringing in Kiama, drawing on memories and exploring themes of belonging, identity and small-town life.

Recognised in 2015.

John Downton OAM was born in Sydney in 1939.  John is a celebrated Australian artist renowned for his landscape and marine paintings, particularly those depicting the natural beauty of the Kiama and Gerringong regions.  John began his professional life as a watchmaker, however his passion for the arts led to formal training at the Royal Art Society of NSW.  In 2017, John was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in recognition of his significant contributions to the visual arts and his impact on the cultural fabric of his community.  John's legacy is deeply tied to the Kiama region, where he inspires both locals and visitors through his art, which immortalises the area's stunning natural landscapes.

Recognised 2015.

Dennis Koks, founded the Kiama Jazz Club in 1974, bringing live jazz performances to the community.  Under his leadership, the club's inaugural concert featured the internationally renowned Don Burrows Quartet, marking the beginning of a vibrant jazz scene in Kiama. In 1988, Dennis launched the first official Kiama Jazz Festival, which has since evolved into the annual Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival, celebrating over 36 years of musical heritage.

Beyond organizing events, Dennis hosted the "Jazz Alive" program on VOX FM for 27 years, earning two national broadcasting awards for his contributions to jazz appreciation.

Recognised 2015.

Orry-Kelly (1897–1964) was an Australian-born costume designer celebrated for his remarkable contributions to Hollywood's Golden Age. Born in Kiama he moved to the United States in the 1920s and became one of the most prolific costume designers in film history, working on classics such as Some Like It Hot and Casablanca. Orry-Kelly won three Academy Awards for Best Costume Design, a testament to his talent and innovation in the field. Despite his international success, he maintained ties to his hometown, and Kiama honors his legacy with commemorative events and our Orry Kelly stage in Hindmarsh Park.

Recognised in 2013.

Lloyd Rees (1895–1988) was a prominent Australian landscape painter known for his evocative depictions of light and nature. Throughout his career, Rees frequently visited the South Coast of New South Wales, finding inspiration in its rolling hills, winding roads, and coastal vistas. His work, The Road to Berry (1947), reflects his deep connection to the region, portraying the serene beauty of the countryside.

Our Arts Honour Roll nomination provides a process for honouring the outstanding achievements of a local and individual artist, of and genre. The Arts Honour Roll will be presented to an individual artist who has played an important role in cultural arts within the Kiama local government area.

Eligible areas of the arts include but are not limited to:

• Public art - efforts in the development of public art that contributes to the quality of life and economic development of the Kiama Municipality
• Leadership in the arts - an individual who has had significant impact on the Kiama Municipal cultural landscape
• Arts collaboration - between arts and non-arts organisations or individuals that benefits the arts in the Kiama Municipality
• Outstanding arts - (includes crafts such as painting, theatre, woodwork, ceramics, storytelling, performing) has demonstrated 
• Volunteering in the arts - outstanding contributions made by an active individual
• Excellence in arts education - has worked to implement excellence in arts education
• Youth arts - someone under 25 years of age who has achieved a consistent level of excellence in their art form
• Cultural arts - excellence in undertaking and/or promoting arts from Indigenous and culturally diverse groups (including disability).

The nomination includes requests for:

• Your contact information
• Name and contact information of the nominee
• A supporting statement that outlines the reason for your nomination
• The opportunity to add any supporting documents such as examples of their work, website or artist social media links (preferrable).