Congratulates to the Award Secretary and co-founder, Judy Longley, who received the Senior Citizen of the Year for Shepparton for 2023.

Judy was nominated for her excellence in her field of music administration for both quality and longevity. She began as Secretary to the Shepparton Performing Arts from the 1970’s until it evolved into the Australian National Piano Award in 1992. Since then she has doubled as both Secretary to the Award Board and its Associates. This involves hours upon hours of skillful voluntary work.

Judy has been instrumental in organising the biennial Award, which attracts world-class Australian musicians aged 21 – 35 and puts Shepparton on the map of recognised music events. She also organises piano workshops for local talent (primary and secondary schools) with an artist-in-residence which progress into junior competitions.

Judy’s natural leadership inspires local people to become Award Associates and she encourages others to donate funds or their time and even offer their homes to host the finalists who are visit the Goulburn Valley.

On an academic level, Judy has encouraged plenty of young people to continue with their music careers.