Troy Cassar-Daley Takes Home Support Act's Excellence In Community Award At Music In The House 2025

Revered Aussie music veteran Troy Cassar-Daley has added to his already-packed trophy case once more, this time being named the recipient of the Excellence In Community Award at this Support Act’s Music In The House.

Established in 2006, Music In The House is an annual celebration run by Support Act to honour the local musicians who have made a lasting impact through both their artistry and their contributions to the community.

Previous recipients of the award have included the likes of Archie Roach, Midnight Oil, Powderfinger, Tina Arena, Marcia Hines AM, and more.

Now, at the 2025 Music In The House event held in Sydney on Tuesday, August 19th, Cassar-Daley has been named the latest recipient.

His recognition was not just for his impressive career (which includes six ARIA Awards, four CMAA Entertainer Of The Year titles, three APRA Song Of The Year Awards, nine Deadly Awards, two NIMAs, and 45 Golden Guitars), but also for his tireless approach to community work.

Cassar-Daley’s non-musical efforts extend to the likes of working in schools, speaking out in regard to men’s mental health, championing First Nations culture, and performing on country as well.

Presented the award by Anne Kirkpatrick, the event also featured performances of Cassar-Daley’s songs by the likes of his own daughter Jem Cassar-Daley, Jimmy and Mahalia Barnes, Busby Marou, and Goanna’s Shane Howard, who performed I Hear My River, which he originally co-wrote with Cassar-Daley.

“Troy is like a younger brother to me,” Howard explained. “Our friendship is long. He’s been a great champion of mine who's always made me feel like my songs matter. And I’m a champion of his. His voice is one of the greats, he’s an exceptionally talented and hard-working musician and his songs reveal his maturity through the years.

“He’s the custodian for a catalogue of classic songs,” Howard added. “We’ve written and recorded together and shared a lot of stages, from Tamworth to the Gulf of Carpentaria, to Sydney with Goanna to our local Tarerer Cultural Festival in South West Victoria and beyond.”

“I’ve been listening to Troy’s music for as long as I can remember,” added Jeremy Maoru. “He’s not only an incredible singer-songwriter, but also a strong Aboriginal man who has always acknowledged his heritage and culture with pride.

“By example, he has paved the way for many First Nations artists, myself included. These days, having the privilege to occasionally join him and sing alongside him is something I treasure and will always consider a true honour.”

“Brighter Day is a song I hold very close to me,” continued Jem Cassar-Daley. “Every time I hear the opening guitar riff I get goosebumps and I’m taken right back to being a kid again.

“Dad’s storytelling is real, raw and vivid. It’s moved and inspired me from a very young age, so performing my own version of this song means the absolute world to me.”

Accepting the award, Cassar-Daley reflected on the importance of those in attendance and the important work that Support Act does for the industry.

“I feel incredibly grateful. This room is full of faces and memories that have meant the world to me,” he explained. “We’ve travelled miles together and I’m just thankful that I still get to do what I love, and to be recognised by Support Act for that is really special.

“We’re a close industry. We do miles together. And when times get tough, Support Act just keeps going and going, and going all the while thinking of our artists and their teams really gone without.”