50th Anniversary Award – Mushroom Group

The Client 

Mushroom Group is a cornerstone of Australia’s music and entertainment industry. Founded in 1972 by Michael Gudinski, the business has grown into a collective of over a dozen companies spanning record labels, touring, artist management, merchandise, marketing, and more. Now led by Matt Gudinski, Mushroom Group remains proudly family-run and fiercely artist-first in its thinking. 

With a legacy built over five decades, Mushroom Group has played a central role in shaping Australia’s cultural landscape, producing unforgettable events like the AFL Grand Final entertainment, major festivals, and the iconic Music From The Home Front concert during COVID-19. 

The Vision 

To mark its 50th anniversary, Mushroom Group staged a landmark celebration. In the spirit of recognition and gratitude, the team wanted to commemorate the contributions of artists, crew, staff, and collaborators involved in the event. But this wasn’t a moment for off-the-shelf solutions, the occasion demanded a custom award that reflected the company’s creative energy and distinctive identity. 

They came to us with a clear vision: an elegant, meaningful piece that would be proudly displayed on desks, bookshelves, and studio walls for years to come. 

Why They Chose Scotia Engraving 

Mushroom Group has been part of the Albert Park community since 1972 - just down the road from us. As neighbours and long-time collaborators, we've developed a relationship built on trust, responsiveness, and a shared commitment to quality. For a project of this magnitude, it made sense to keep it local and personal. 

Our previous work with Mushroom Group, including awards for Music From The Home Front, had already proven our ability to bring bold ideas to life. 

Our Engraving Solution 

Mushroom Group came to us with a bold, layered design that incorporated their custom 50th anniversary logo. It needed to be visually striking, structurally sound, and true to the brand. 

After exploring various materials, we recommended a shift from crystal to a more versatile acrylic format. The design included cut-outs, overlays, and a glued seam for balance and strength, requiring precision engineering and a careful balance of durability and aesthetics. 

We supplied a custom-cut acrylic top paired with a recessed base. Both components were printed in alignment with Mushroom Group’s specifications, using brand fonts and graphic elements. After multiple prototypes and refinements, the final design was approved and sent to production. 

How We Collaborated 

This was a true creative partnership. From the first sketch to the final delivery, we worked closely with Mushroom Group’s team to iterate and improve. 

Here’s how the process unfolded: 

1. We received the initial design concept and provided early input on feasibility and materials. 
2. A prototype was developed and delivered for hands-on feedback. 
3. Based on client suggestions, we made revisions to thickness, text layout, and engraving depth. 
4. A final sample was created, approved, and then full production began. 

Throughout the process, we supported Mushroom Group with clear communication, guidance on file formatting, and transparency on lead times, making the process as smooth as possible. 

Challenges and Outcomes 

Creating a one-of-a-kind award from scratch comes with its challenges, especially with complex shapes, custom sizing, and the need for structural integrity. The cut-outs in the thick acrylic proved technically demanding and required multiple rounds of testing and adjustment. Delays in stakeholder approvals and a brief period of machinery downtime added further complexity. 

Despite these hurdles, the final result was a run of 130 unique, beautifully finished awards. Each one was polished by hand, printed to spec, and assembled with care, ready to be gifted to the many individuals who made Mushroom’s 50th anniversary event a success. 

The Impact 

These awards weren’t just objects, they were symbols of appreciation, connection, and legacy. 

• Brand: The anniversary logo served as the centrepiece of each award, creating a strong emotional link between recipients and the Mushroom Group identity. Displayed proudly, they reinforce the brand across studios, offices, and homes. 
• Culture: By honouring not just headliners but also behind-the-scenes crew and staff, Mushroom Group sent a powerful message about the value of every contributor. 
• Reputation: The awards reinforced Mushroom Group’s longstanding ethos as a family-oriented organisation, one that treats its artists, partners, and staff with genuine care. 

Being trusted to deliver something this personal and significant is a privilege. We were proud to help Mushroom Group honour their people with a trophy that reflects who they are - visionary, heartfelt, and proudly Australian.