[1] The awards were announced by Bell and Victoria's Minister for the Arts, Mary Delahunty, on 5 June 2003 to recognise the talent and achievements of Australian jazz artists locally and internationally.
[3][4] On 10 August 2004 a new artistic director of the Melbourne International Jazz festival, Carlo Pagnotta, formerly director of Italy's Umbria Jazz Festival, announced the 27 nominees of the second Bell Awards, honouring artists in nine categories.
Dadon was chairman of the Australian Jazz Bell Awards, for their third ceremony honouring artists in nine categories.
On 15 April 2010 the seventh Australian Jazz Bell Awards were presented,[16] which honoured artists in seven categories.
On 30 April 2015 the 12th Australian Jazz Bell Awards were presented and hosted by Helen Kapalos at Melbourne's Regent Theatre.
On 20 June 2016 the 13th Australian Jazz Bell Awards were presented at Bird's Basement, Melbourne.
[32] The 16th Australian Jazz Bell Awards were presented on 24 September 2019,[33][34][35] which honoured artists in seven categories.