Phyllis Doyle Award

1. Purpose

The Phyllis Doyle Award recognises a member of Blue Mountains Musical Society (BMMS) who exemplifies outstanding commitment, service and dedication to the Society and its community.

The award is named in honour of Phyllis Doyle, a long-standing member of BMMS who consistently demonstrated exceptional generosity, enthusiasm and commitment. Phyllis contributed across many areas of the Society, including costuming, backstage, performing, front of house, community events and countless other activities. She carried out these contributions without seeking recognition or praise, instead giving her time and energy for the benefit of the Society and its members.

The award seeks to recognise members who embody this same spirit of service, community involvement and commitment.

2. Eligibility

Any current member of BMMS who has been involved with, or contributed to a BMMS production in the relevant year.

Contributions may include, but are not limited to:

  • Performing.
  • Production or backstage work.
  • Costume, set, props or technical support.
  • Marketing.
  • Any other contribution that supports the work and community of BMMS.

3. Nominations

3.1 Production Team Nominations

Following the completion of each BMMS production, the Production Team may nominate up to one (1) member of that production for the Phyllis Doyle Award.

Production Teams may also choose not to submit a nomination where they do not believe a suitable candidate exists.

Eligible productions include:

  • Mainstage productions.
  • Youth productions.
  • Charity concerts.
  • Any other production officially presented by BMMS.

3.2 Nomination Criteria

Production Teams should consider members who have demonstrated qualities consistent with the purpose of the award, including:

  • Outstanding commitment.
  • Willingness to assist wherever needed.
  • Positive attitude.
  • Reliability and dedication.
  • Contribution to the wider BMMS community.
  • Humility and generosity of spirit.

Nominations should recognise members who have gone above and beyond the normal expectations of their role.

4. Selection Process

All nominations shall be submitted to the BMMS Committee.

Prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM), the Committee will review all nominees and determine the recipient of the award.

In selecting the recipient, the Committee will consider not only the nominee’s contribution to an individual production but also their overall conduct, attitude and commitment throughout the year, including contributions across multiple productions, events and other Society activities.

The recipient shall be determined by a majority vote of the Committee.

The Committee’s decision is final.

5. Presentation of the Award

The Phyllis Doyle Award shall be presented annually at the BMMS Annual General Meeting.

As part of the presentation:

  1. All nominees shall be publicly acknowledged as examples of the dedication, commitment and community spirit that BMMS seeks to encourage.
  2. Each nominee shall receive a token of recognition acknowledging their nomination.
  3. The recipient of the Phyllis Doyle Award shall then be announced and presented with the annual award.

6. Guiding Principles

The Phyllis Doyle Award is intended to celebrate the values that have long defined Blue Mountains Musical Society.

The award recognises members whose actions consistently demonstrate:

  • Commitment above personal recognition.
  • A willingness to support others.
  • Service to the Society across multiple areas.
  • A positive and inclusive attitude.
  • Dedication to strengthening the BMMS community.

The award is intended to recognise sustained contribution and embodiment of the Society’s values, rather than achievement within a single production alone.