Mo Awards


The Australian Entertainment Mo Awards were an annual Australian entertainment industry award, established in 1975, to recognise achievements in live entertainment in Australia. They were last awarded in 2021.
Lucky Grills, actor and comedian came up with the idea to create an awards show to celebrate Australian Variety, during a meeting in 1975.
The Mo Awards, initially the Star Awards, were a state honour in New South Wales only, established by local entertainers to promote the live entertainment industry.
Johnny O'Keefe became chairman in 1976, and decided the awards should become an Australia-wide national awards program. Entertainer Don Lane then proposed the awards be renamed the Mo Awards in honour of Australian comedian and vaudevillian Roy Rene, who was famous for the character "Mo McCackie."

Categories

The award categories were reviewed annually and adapted to new trends in the Australian entertainment sector; categories included awards in: musical theatre, opera, classical music, dance, comedy, rock music, jazz, country music, plays and variety shows.

Award winners

The Award winners are listed below.

1975: NSW Star Awards

The NSW Star Awards took place on 10 November 1975 at South Sydney Seniors Leagues Club – Redfern. It was compered by Frank Newall.
  • AGENT OF THE YEAR: Brian Fogarty
  • BEST BALLET: Marrickville RSL
  • RESIDENT BAND UP TO 4 MEMBERS: Bob Taylor
  • RESIDENT BAND 5 OR MORE: Billy Burton
  • CLUB OF THE YEAR: Central Coast Leagues Club
  • MOST IMPROVED ACT: Llynda Nairn
  • ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD: Llynda Nairn
  • VOCAL DUO: Bill and Boyd
  • VOCAL GROUP: The Four Kinsmen
  • INSTRUMENTAL ACT: Mal Cunningham
  • SPECIALTY ACT: The Allisons
  • VERSATILE VARIETY ACT: Erris and Kevin
  • COMEDY ACT: Johnny Pace and Harriet
  • COMEDIAN: Slim De Grey
  • MALE VOCAL: Tony Pantano
  • FEMALE VOCAL: Jenifer Green
  • SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION AWARD: John Campbell
  • ACT OF THE YEAR: Don Lane and The Four Kinsmen

    1976: 1st Mo Awards

The first MO Awards took place on 13 October 1976 at Revesby, New South Wales Revesby Workers Club. It was compered by Don Lane. This year the ceremony was telecast by the Nine Network.
  • BEST RESIDENT BAND: Billy Burton Orchestra
  • BEST BALLET: Joanne Ansell Dancers
  • BEST CLUB: Central Coast Leagues Club
  • MOST IMPROVED ACT: Mario D'Andrea
  • BEST VOCAL DUO: Bill and Boyd
  • BEST VOCAL GROUP: The Four Kinsmen
  • BEST SIGHT ACT: Ken Littlewood & Toshi
  • BEST INSTRUMENTALIST: The Toppanos
  • MOST VERSATILE ACT: Frankie Davidson
  • BEST COMEDY ACT: Johnny Pace and Harriet
  • COMEDIAN/COMEDIENNE: Slim De Grey
  • BEST MALE VOCAL: Barry Crocker
  • BEST FEMALE VOCAL: Julie Anthony
  • SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION AWARD: Johnny O'Keefe
  • ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Barry Crocker

    1977: 2nd Mo Awards

The second MO Awards took place on 16 November 1977 at Revesby, New South Wales Revesby Workers Club.
  • BEST RESIDENT BAND : Bob Taylor Quartet
  • BEST RESIDENT BAND : Billy Burton Orchestra
  • BEST RESIDENT or CASUAL BALLET: Joanne Ansell Dancers
  • CLUB PROVIDING BEST FACILITIES FOR PRESENTATION OF ENTERTAINMENT: Central Coast Leagues Club
  • MOST IMPROVED OR NEW ACT OF THE YEAR: Nairn Goby Duo
  • VARIETY PRODUCTION SHOW: Simone and Monique's Playgirls Revue
  • VOCAL DUO: Bill and Boyd
  • VOCAL GROUP : The Four Kinsmen
  • BEST SIGHT or SPECIALITY ACT: Ken Littlewood and Toshi & Barry Krause
  • BEST INSTRUMENTAL ACT: The Toppanos
  • MOST VERSATILE ACT: Ross and Robyn
  • COMEDY ACT : The Rhythmaires
  • COMEDIAN/COMEDIENNE: Jan Adele
  • MALE VOCAL: Barry Crocker
  • FEMALE VOCAL: Julie Anthony
  • MO FELLOWSHIP AWARD: Bobby Le Brun
  • ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Julie Anthony

    1978: 3rd Mo Awards

The third MO Awards took place on 14 February 1979 at Revesby, New South Wales Revesby Workers Club. It was compered by Jimmy Hannan.
  • BEST RESIDENT BAND : Bob Taylor Quartet
  • BEST RESIDENT BAND : Billy Burton Orchestra
  • RESIDENT or CASUAL BALLET: Diane Heaton Dancers
  • CLUB PROVIDING BEST FACILITIES & SUPPORTING LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT: Epping RSL Club
  • VARIETY PRODUCTION SHOW: Simone and Monique's Playgirls Revue
  • INSTRUMENTAL/VOCAL SHOWGROUP: The Fugitives
  • VOCAL GROUP : The Four Kinsmen
  • INSTRUMENTALIST: Mal Cunningham
  • SPECIALITY ACT: Steve Bor
  • VERSATILE VARIETY ACT: Ross and Robyn
  • COMEDY ACT : The Rhythmaires
  • COMEDIAN/COMEDIENNE: Slim De Grey
  • MALE VOCAL: Johnny Farnham
  • FEMALE VOCAL: Julie Anthony
  • JOHNNY O'KEEFE ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD: Keith Scott
  • ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Julie Anthony

    1979: 4th Mo Awards

The fourth MO Awards took place on 13 February 1980 at Revesby Workers Club. It was compered by Barry Crocker.
  • ACCOMPANYING BAND : Bob Taylor Quintet & Jack Thorpe's Showband
  • ACCOMPANYING BAND : Sounds United
  • RESIDENT or CASUAL BALLET: Diane Heaton Dancers
  • CLUB PROVIDING BEST FACILITIES & SUPPORTING LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT: Epping RSL Club
  • COUNTRY SHOWGROUP: Men of Country
  • COUNTRY MALE ENTERTAINER: Johnny Ashcroft
  • COUNTRY FEMALE ENTERTAINER: Allison Durbin
  • VARIETY PRODUCTION SHOW: Simone and Monique's Playgirls Revue
  • VOCAL GROUP: The Flanagans
  • INSTRUMENTAL/VOCAL SHOWGROUP: The Fugitives
  • INSTRUMENTALIST: Mal Cunningham
  • SPECIALITY ACT: Steve Bor
  • VERSATILE VARIETY ACT: Carter Edwards
  • COMEDY ACT : The Rhythmaires
  • COMEDIAN/COMEDIENNE: Brian Doyle
  • MALE VOCAL: John Farnham
  • FEMALE VOCAL: Kirri Adams
  • JOHN CAMPBELL FELLOWSHIP AWARD: Jack Griffiths
  • DAILY TELEGRAPH READERS AWARD: Don Lane
  • JOHNNY O'KEEFE ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD: Family Affair
  • ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Ricky May

    5th Mo Awards

Technically, there was no 5th awards. Following the 1979 awards in 1980, the organisation updated the numbering to reflect the 1975 Star Awards were the 1st, thus renumbering following ceremonies.

1980: 6th Mo Awards

The sixth MO Awards took place on 23 February 1981 at Regent Theatre. It was compered by Barry Crocker.
  • ACCOMPANYING BAND : Bob Taylor Quintet
  • ACCOMPANYING BAND : Sound Unlimited
  • RESIDENT or CASUAL BALLET: Diane Heaton Dancers
  • RESIDENT COMPERE: Jeff Parker
  • CLUB OF THE YEAR: Rooty Hill RSL Club
  • COUNTRY GROUP: Roadapple
  • COUNTRY MALE: Greg Anderson
  • COUNTRY FEMALE: Allison Durbin
  • VARIETY PRODUCTION SHOW: Toppano Family Show
  • SHOWGROUP: The Fugitives
  • VOCAL GROUP: Family Affair
  • VOCAL DUO: Bill and Boyd
  • INSTRUMENTALIST : Mal Cunningham
  • VOCAL/INSTRUMENTAL : Greg Bonham
  • SPECIALTY ACT: Steve Bor
  • VERSATILE VARIETY ACT: Ross and Robyn
  • COMEDY ACT : The Rhythmaires
  • COMEDIAN/COMEDIENNE: Brian Doyle
  • MALE VOCAL: John Farnham
  • FEMALE VOCAL: Julie Anthony
  • JOHN CAMPBELL FELLOWSHIP AWARD: Col Joye
  • DAILY TELEGRAPH READERS AWARD: Don Lane
  • JOHNNY O'KEEFE ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD: Simon Gallaher
  • ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: John Farnham

    1981: 7th Mo Awards

The seventh MO Awards took place on 17 March 1982 at Bankstown Town Hall. It was compered by Toni Stevens & Steve Raymond
  • ACCOMPANYING BAND : Dave Bridge Band
  • ACCOMPANYING BAND : Norm Faber Orchestra
  • RESIDENT or CASUAL BALLET: Diane Heaton Dancers
  • RESIDENT COMPERE: Rickie Hilder
  • CLUB OF THE YEAR: Rooty Hill RSL Club
  • COUNTRY GROUP: Men Of Country
  • COUNTRY MALE: Greg Anderson
  • COUNTRY FEMALE: Judy Stone
  • VARIETY PRODUCTION SHOW: Simone and Monique's Playgirls Revue
  • VOCAL GROUP: The Four Kinsmen
  • VOCAL DUO: Bill and Boyd
  • INSTRUMENTAL/VOCAL SHOWGROUP: Daly Wilson Big Band
  • INSTRUMENTALIST : Peta Lowe
  • VOCAL/INSTRUMENTAL : Simon Gallaher
  • SPECIALITY ACT: Steve Bor
  • VERSATILE VARIETY: Carter Edwards
  • COMEDY ACT : The Rhythmaires
  • COMEDIAN/COMEDIENNE: Johnny Garfield
  • MALE VOCAL: John Farnham
  • FEMALE VOCAL: Lynn Rogers
  • JOHN CAMPBELL FELLOWSHIP AWARD: Jenny Howard
  • DAILY TELEGRAPH READERS AWARD: Don Lane
  • JOHNNY O'KEEFE ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD: Jackie Love
  • ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Barry Crocker

    1982: 8th Mo Awards

The eighth MO Awards took place on 16 March 1983 at Regent Theatre. It was compered by Barry Crocker
  • ACCOMPANYING BAND : Dave Bridge Band
  • ACCOMPANYING BAND : Impax
  • RESIDENT or CASUAL BALLET: Diane Heaton Dancers
  • RESIDENT COMPERE: Jeff Parker
  • VENUE OF THE YEAR: Bankstown Sports Club
  • COUNTRY SHOWGROUP: Buckskin
  • COUNTRY MALE: Digby Richards
  • COUNTRY FEMALE: Judy Stone
  • VARIETY PRODUCTION SHOW: Jan Adele and Lucky Grills – Fun Follies
  • SHOWGROUP: Daly Wilson Big Band
  • VOCAL GROUP: The Delltones
  • VOCAL DUO: Bill and Boyd
  • INSTRUMENTALIST : Peta Lowe
  • VOCAL/INSTRUMENTAL ACT: Simon Gallaher
  • SPECIALITY ACT: Steve Bor
  • VERSATILE VARIETY ACT: Marty Morton
  • COMEDY ACT : The Rhythmaires
  • COMEDIAN/COMEDIENNE: Paul Martell
  • MALE VOCAL: John Farnham
  • FEMALE VOCAL: Julie Anthony
  • JOHN CAMPBELL FELLOWSHIP AWARD: Dorothy Barry
  • DAILY TELEGRAPH READERS AWARD: Kamahl
  • JOHNNY O'KEEFE ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD: Karen Beckett
  • ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Julie Anthony

    1983: 9th Mo Awards

The ninth MO Awards took place on 21 March 1984 at Sydney Town Hall.
  • ACCOMPANYING BAND : Bob Taylor Quintet
  • ACCOMPANYING BAND : Impax
  • RESIDENT or CASUAL BALLET: Diane Heaton Dancers
  • RESIDENT COMPERE: Rickie Hilder
  • VENUE OF THE YEAR: Rooty Hill RSL Club
  • COUNTRY SHOWGROUP: The Bushwackers
  • COUNTRY MALE: Greg Anderson
  • COUNTRY FEMALE: Judy Stone
  • PRODUCTION SHOW: Eddie Youngblood's "Golden Years of Elvis"
  • VOCAL GROUP: The Delltones
  • VOCAL DUO: Bill and Boyd
  • INSTRUMENTAL/VOCAL SHOWGROUP: Wickety Wak Showband
  • INSTRUMENTALIST : Peta Lowe
  • SPECIALITY ACT: Ken Littlewood and Toshi
  • VOCAL/INSTRUMENTAL ACT: Mary Schneider
  • VERSATILE VARIETY: Marty Morton
  • COMEDY ACT : Thomas and Moore
  • COMEDIAN/COMEDIENNE: Paul Martell
  • MALE VOCAL: Tony Pantano
  • FEMALE VOCAL: Jackie Love
  • INTERNATIONAL ACT OF THE YEAR: Peter Allen
  • JOHN CAMPBELL FELLOWSHIP AWARD: Buster Noble
  • DAILY TELEGRAPH READERS AWARD: Kamahl
  • JOHNNY O'KEEFE ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD: Jenny Andrews & Tina Cross
  • ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Jon English