Music In The House was created in 2006 as an opportunity for Support Act to recognise someone in Australian music for their musicianship and, as importantly, their broader contribution to the community. It’s now our longest-running fundraising event.
Over the past 20 years we’ve celebrated many wonderful Australian artists, listened to some killer acoustic performances of their music by artists they admire, and heard heartfelt and moving testimony from their peers regarding their influence and impact on our lives.
In doing so, we have been joined by the who’s who of the Australian music and entertainment industry, and have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for our programs which help musicians, managers, crew and music workers who are doing it tough.
In 2026, Darren Hayes was honoured with the Support Act’s Excellence in the Community Award. Hosted by Osher Günsberg, the night featured acoustic performances of some of Darren’s and Savage Garden’s most popular songs by Tania Doko, Meg Mac, Michael Paynter, Sister2Sister and Electric Fields.
Darren Hayes said:
“I’m deeply honoured to be recognised by Support Act for my achievements beyond commercial success and chart statistics in the Australian music industry.
From the moment I chose to wear a t-shirt of the Australian Aboriginal Flag at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, I was aware of the privilege that comes with a performing career in the public eye. I have always wanted to use that privilege and platform to speak to issues bigger than me. As a result, I’ve spent almost three decades using my music and my public profile to address inequality.
I’m grateful to have been a voice advocating for an end to violence against women, homophobia, and racism, and I’m a passionate advocate for removing the stigma associated with mental health. Through music and lyrics, I’ve discussed these sensitive issues and found support from generations of people who turn to music in times of duress.
I believe Support Act is this safety net for working musicians, taking care and protecting them regardless of chart success or public personas. It recognises unsung artists who dedicate their lives to change the world through music and is there for them when times get tough.
Receiving any recognition from Support Act is an extreme honour. I hope that by highlighting my career, we can shine some of that spotlight on the much-needed funding crucial to the survival of this essential organisation.”
The night was a huge success, with ticket sales, auction and raffle proceeds raising over $150,000, which will go towards helping music workers in need of crisis relief and psychological support, and counselling through Support Act Wellbeing Helpline.
Music in the House Hall of Fame
Our honour roll of recipients is as follows:
2026 – Darren Hayes
Host: Osher Günsberg.
Award Presenter: Claire Marshall.
Artists: Tania Doko, Meg Mac, Michael Paynter, Sister2Sister and Electric Fields.
2025 – Troy Cassar-Daley
Host: David Campbell.
Award Presenter: Anne Kirkpatrick.
Artists: Shane Howard, Jem Cassar-Daley, Jimmy and Mahalia Barnes, and Busby Marou.
Additional Awards: presented posthumously to Dominic “Mick” Mazzone OAM, and John Bromell.
2024 – Powderfinger
Host: Jane Gazzo. Award Presenter: Tim Prescott.
Artists: Paul Dempsey, Sarah Blasko, Davey Lane and Troy and Jem Cassar-Daley
2023 – Marcia Hines AM
Host: Courtney Act. Award Presenter: John Waters.
Artists: Tania Doko with Janine Maunder, Damien Leith, Brendan Maclean with Oliver Cameron, and Natalie Gauci.
2022 – Midnight Oil
Host: Zan Rowe.
Artists: Dave Faulkner, All Our Exes Live In Texas, Olympia, William Barton and Veronique Serret
Additional Award: presented to Sally Howland, Support Act Director from 1998-2022, and Chair of Support Act from 2013-2022.
2019 – Tina Arena
Speaker: John Watson.
Artists: Kate Miller Heidke, Electric Fields, Ainslie Wills, Gary Pinto
2018 – Archie Roach
Speaker: Rhoda Roberts.
Artists: Paul Kelly with Vika & Linda Bull, Emma Donovan, Tiddas, David Leha, Archie Roach & Craig Pilkington
2017 – Jenny Morris OAM
Speaker: Rachel Ward.
Artists: Jimmy Barnes, Diesel, Neil Finn, Montagne, Shanley Del
2016 – Paul Kelly
Speaker: Andrew Denton.
Artists: Julia Stone, Thelma Plum, Urthboy and Paul Kelly
2013 – The Original Sapphires
Speaker: George Negus.
Artist: Jess Mauboy
2012 – John Butler
Speaker: Colin Hay.
Artists: John Butler, Danielle Caruana
2011 – Russell Morris
Artists: Russell Morris, Brian Cadd
2010 – John Paul Young
Host: Virginia Judge MP.
Artists: John Paul Young and Warren Morgan
2009 – Richard Clapton
Speaker: Ed St John.
Artists: Richard Clapton & Dave Leslie
2008 – Don Spencer
Speaker: Helen Reddy and Adam Spencer.
Artists: Rai Thistlethwayte (Thirsty Merc)
2007 – Glenn Shorrock
Speaker: Frank Ifield.
Artists: Glenn Shorrock
2006 – Jimmy Barnes
Speaker: Michael Gudinski AM.
Artists: Jimmy Barnes
