First awarded in 1975 to the Kalamunda Dramatic Society for their production of Barefoot In The Park, this award can be made annually to what is judged to have been the best amateur play produced during the year.

In 1986 Hetty Finley founded a trust to create annual amateur theatre awards, as well as donating the Robert Finley Perpetual Amateur Theatre Award Silver Trophy, with the aim to promote interest in theatre.

First awarded in 1987 to Stirling Players for their production of Applause, this award can be made annually to what is judged to have been the best Amateur Musical produced during the year.

It should be noted that musical productions had actually won The Robert Finley Award For Best Play in previous years (1980, 1983, 1984, 1985 & 1986), but after a 4 year streak of wins it was decided that another category was required for the award.