Western Australia is mourning the loss of an artistic and civic legend, with the passing of Max Kay overnight.
Mr Kay arrived in Perth from Scotland in 1967 and went on to open the Civic Theatre in Inglewood and later Highgate, where he wrote, produced and performed in his own shows.
The Civic Theatre was a successful Perth icon, for 25 years, playing to more than 1.5 million people, and employing up to 100 people during the busy seasons including stage performers, stage technicians, administration and sales staff and food and beverage staff.
His charity work and contribution to the City of Perth, where he served as a councillor from 2001-06 was tremendous.
In 2003 he earned his highest accolade when he received the Order of Australia for services to the entertainment industry and for charitable works.
Mr Kay was the President of the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Trust (WA) and board member of St Bartholomew’s Foundation for the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾less, the Swan Bells Foundation, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“Max Kay was a remarkable Western Australian who made a tremendous contribution to the State’s entertainment industry.
“Many, many generations of Western Australians will remember going to the Civic Theatre in Highgate and seeing Max and his troupe churning out show after show.
“He made a significant contribution to the City of Perth as a councillor and was recognised for his contribution to the arts and for his charitable work with an Order of Australia in 2003.
“He was a great comedian and great entertainer. Even last year he was still performing in Mandurah and Perth. We have some great memories of Max Kay.
“It is a very sad day and my thoughts go to his wife Norma and his family. A legend passes, but he has left us with some wonderful memories.”
