Alison Haigh received the Visual Arts Award, while Don Secomb and Tanya Brown were joint winners of the Performing Arts Award, and Tim Stack and Ashley Cleaver were joint winners of the Special Arts Award.

“The standard was so high,” said festival president Mave Richardson. “For some we made joint presentations as they were just too outstanding.”

A number of highly commendeds were also presented to nominees.

“We are absolutely delighted to recognise some of our beautifully talented people in Manning who represent the hundreds or thousands who are doing their own creative work.

“The task of judging was very difficult,” she said.

“We’re very proud of the people in the Manning. Some have been doing amazing things for a long, long time.”

Mave said the special arts award recipients do not necessarily have to be an artist but can also be presented people who have made a contribution to cultural development.

And the winners are:

Alison (known as Ali) has been actively involved in the local art sector for more than 20 years.

A teacher at TAFE, in the Vocational Education Training [VET] sector and in local schools, she has also been an active and valuable contributing volunteer member of the Friends of the Manning Regional Art Gallery Committee for more than 15 years, serving one term as president.

She has been a highly valued casual employee at the Manning Regional Art Gallery for the past 10 years.

In these roles, her contributions have been outstanding, many times going above and beyond her duties to ensure that visitors and exhibitors alike, have a positive cultural experience at the Gallery.

Her work in the wider community includes mentoring and developing programs for disability clients, Aged Care programs and other outreach programs for marginalised people, as well as working with local Aboriginal designers.

A respected practicing artist, Ali`s many contributions to the local art scene are testament to her talent, selfless dedication, and commitment to her community.

Musician and business woman, Tanya is a huge supporter of music education in schools and the link between music and statistical learning studies.

Along with Roger Griffiths, she established very successful concert bands in local primary schools.

Some years ago, she took on raising funds for the Australian Children`s Music Foundation (ACMF) as well as becoming the producer of the annual fundraiser concerts and cocktail parties.

ACMF provides music programs and instruments for disadvantaged children.

Tanya handles a multitude of tasks to successfully achieve this every year.

In recent years, she has been a vital part of the Taree and District Eisteddfod as a co-ordinator and a backstage manager.

She is a passionate supporter of individual performers, schools, and organisations which recognise the importance of music in our lives.

Whether it be promoting local bands in the media and social networks, or working countless hours on committees to provide new opportunities for aspiring young musicians, Tanya always brings enthusiasm, talent, dedication and forward thinking.

When he moved to Taree Don bought with him a wealth of diverse talent and experience.

Since the early 1990s, Don has been making his unique mark on the musical world of the Manning Valley.

He has been the volunteer musical director, and/or the accompanist or soloist, at countless local productions, fundraising events, competitions, student musical examinations, and individual performances.

Since 1995 his contributions to Taree Arts Council productions alone have been exceptional.

Currently he is musical director of the 2018 production of “Les Miserables.” Similar to many productions, this is a long and time consuming task which always requires meticulous attention.

He was a co-founder of Sinfonia, Community Orchestra of the Mid North Coast.

For the past 10 years Don has been the Taree and District Eisteddfod piano section co-ordinator, a vocal and instrumental sections accompanist and accompanist to performers in the grand concerts.

His unassuming manner, diverse talents, absolute willingness to support emerging talent, and consistent dedication, have not only earned him great respect, but have also been an inspiration to many.

A former teacher, turned businessman, Ashley has been photographing major local arts events since the early 1990s.  

A member of the Rotary Club of Taree for the past 26 years, his range gradually extended to include Rotary activities and a host of other creative events, all to promote the arts in the Manning.

In his unassuming way, Ashley has made consistently outstanding contributions to local cultural development for all of that time.

He sends his photos to the Manning River Times, ensuring ongoing publicity and promotion.

He also makes them available to all who seek prints and/or digital images.

Much of his work is very time consuming. A highly skilled photographer, Ashley takes care and time to create professional images.

Remarkably, he never seeks payment for his work. If payment is insisted, upon he donates it to Rotary worthy causes.

Ashley`s generosity, skills, patience, professionalism and reliability, are practically legendary in the local arts community.  

Tim moved to Taree in 1976. By 1977 he was president of the Taree and District Eisteddfod.

His passion for music and the performing arts has kept him in this role for the past 41 years.

Tim grew up in a musical family and went on to become a lawyer, a drummer and a Conservatorium trained singer.

His enthusiastic and diplomatic approach smoothed the way when eisteddfod challenges arose, particularly when there were competing sectors over the years.

With his leadership and guidance, visiting adjudicators refrained from negativity and consistently encouraged young performers.

About 10 years ago, Tim introduced the “Smile Scholarships” by obtaining “one off” donations of $250 from individuals, clubs and businesses for investment.

The interest on the amount raised annually provides 10 performers with $750 towards their musical advancement.

The success of the annual eisteddfod was a driving force behind the building of the Manning Entertainment Centre, opened in 1988.

With the support of a dedicated, hard-working and forward thinking management team, Tim has led the way for the Taree Eisteddfod to now be acknowledged as the largest Eisteddfod in rural/regional Australia.

Apart from individual personal and musical development, many performers have gone on to achieve great success in the performing arts.