In 1979 the concept of the Brolga Award was conceived by Life Member of the AustralianDancing Society, Jack McPherson.

The Brolga is the native Australian dancingbird which relates to Aboriginal legend.Hence the decision to call this Award the Brolga.

The first Brolga Ball was held at the New Palais St. Kilda in 1980 to recognise services in 5 categories.

In 1980 a Gold Brolga was added. Further awards for Coach of the Year were expanded to include coaching in all styles.

Then in 1982 the Brolga Hall of Fame was included. Kevin Gibson and Shirley Saunderson, were inducted for their outstanding record in Australian Professional titles.

In 1983 the awards were held outside the State of Victoria for the first time. Sydney was the host city in a move intended to confirm the Brolga as a national award.

Alf Davies and Julie Reaby were inducted and they received a tumultuous reception.

From 1984 the conduct of the Awards was handed to the ADB by the ADS. The ADB conducted the awards up until 1998. The number of awards was expanded significantly.

In 1986 the Gold Brolga was presented to Margaret Lonsdale for obtaining Government recognition of dancesport.

In 2002, as part of the 60th Anniversary celebration of the Australian Dancing Society, the Brolga Awards were reintroduced. The award recognises those who have worked so hard to encourage and develop the sport of dance.

On the recommendation of a committee, commissioned by the Board of Director’s to evaluate the method of continuing the Award, it was resolved that one person from each State would be nominated for their contribution to the development of the sport in that State. From that pool the recipient of the Gold Brolga would be announced.

Since 2004 it was decided to present the Golden Brolga at the charity dinner to aid the Alfred Hospital. This dinner is now known as “A Night to Remember” and is run in conjunction with the Australian DanceSport Championship.”

The Gold Brolga recipients since the award was reintroduced are:

2003 – Jack McPherson
A well deserved recognition for a “quite achiever”. Jack has played a vital role in the national development of the
Australian Dancing Society.The establishment of the Board of Examiners and the national accreditation system are amongst his credits.

2004 – Tony Charlton AO
In recognition of his significantcontribution to the development of the Australian DanceSport Championship and the securing of the World Ten Dance Championship

2005 - Margaret Lonsdale
Acknowledging her work with the development of dancesport and the Australian Dancesport Championship and the highly acclaimed World Ten Dance Championship.

2006 - Dallas Simmons
Acknowledged for her long and outstanding contribution to thedevelopment of the sport, in particular WA. Dallas has held all state positions and is a former President of the Australian Dancing Society.