- Published:
- Wednesday 1 February 2023
A State Memorial Service to honour internationally acclaimed singer, actor and philanthropist Dame Olivia Newton-John AC DBE will be held at 4pm Sunday 26 February at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne.
The free, ticketed service is being planned in close consultation with representatives of the Newton-John family with special tributes from family and friends, including a musical performance by Delta Goodrem.
After moving to Melbourne with her family at a young age, Dame Olivia Newton-John showed an early passion for performing and moved to London after winning a trip on the ‘60s TV show Sing, Sing, Sing.
Dame Olivia Newton-John went on to become a cultural icon and the soundtrack of a generation, with hits such as ‘I Honestly Love You’, ‘You’re the One That I Want’ and ‘Physical’. Grease earned Dame Olivia Newton-John a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Musical/Comedy).
Across a career spanning six decades, Dame Olivia Newton-John released 28 studio albums and six live albums, won four Grammy awards, reached number one on the charts numerous times, and sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
Dame Olivia Newton-John leaves an incredible legacy, not only through her work on the stage and screen, but also as a philanthropist and advocate.
Following her diagnosis of breast cancer in 1992, Dame Olivia Newton-John raised research funds and promoted cancer awareness, including the benefits of early detection and wellness.
In 2012, Dame Olivia Newton-John partnered with Austin Health in Melbourne, to establish the Olivia Newton-John Wellness and Research Centre (ONJWRC). The centre offers treatment, education, training and research, and features a dedicated wellness space for mind, body and spirit, helping thousands of people.
Dame Olivia Newton-John also founded National Tree Day in Australia and established the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, which sponsors global research into plant medicine to help find kinder treatments for cancer.
At the request of Dame Olivia Newton-John’s family, memorial tributes may be made in the form of contributions to the Wellness Programs at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre. To donate, visit onjcancercentre.org/donate.
The Service will be free but ticketed in line with the capacity of Hamer Hall. Members of the public must register to attend with ticket registrations opening at 12 pm on Friday 10 February 2023.
For the most up to date information, visit vic.gov.au/olivia-newton-john.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Dame Olivia Newton-John was an inspiration to many around the world – her work in cancer research and treatment saved lives and changed lives and her music was the soundtrack to a generation.”
"We know Victorians are eager to celebrate the life of a driving force in medical research and an icon of film and music, with a service befitting her international acclaim.”