Kingston’s Citizen of the Year 2023 – Peter Foley (Class of 1978)

Congratulations to Mentonian and Musical Director of the Mordialloc Jazz Orchestra (MoJO),  Peter Foley (Class of 1978) who has been awarded the prestigious title of Citizen of the Year for 2023 by the City of Kingston.

With over 30 years of experience leading MoJO, Peter has made a remarkable contribution to the cultural landscape of the city, allowing thousands of individuals of all ages to experience the joy of music through rehearsals and performances.

One remarkable aspect of Peter’s leadership is the way he has positively impacted children of all-abilities and diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. His tutelage has empowered and inspired multiple generations, with many progressing to become professional musicians and educators themselves. Furthermore, Peter’s work at MoJO has created significant social connections and a feeling of wellbeing for many aspiring musicians who flock to Mordialloc from all over Melbourne, eager to play with the band.

Peter’s tireless vision and work has also led to the success of notable events like Jazz-a-oke, Carols by Kingston, and the Big Band Sunsets concerts, featuring renowned personalities like James Morrison, Kate Ceberano, and Marina Prior. These achievements further confirm his capacity to create outstanding musical experiences for everyone, making him a deserving recipient of this esteemed award.