State Memorial Service for Dame Olivia Newton-John AC DBE

A State Memorial Service will be held to honor the extraordinary life of Dame Olivia Newton-John AC DBE at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, at 4:00pm on Sunday, February 26. 2023.

The Service will be an opportunity for Victorians to honor Dame Olivia’s memory and her achievements.

Dame Olivia passed away on August 8, 2022, following her own 30-year journey with breast cancer. She was 73.

Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria, said in a statement:

“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.”

With a career spanning 6 decades, Dame Olivia became 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.”

The blockbuster movie musical Grease earned Dame Olivia a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Musical/Comedy). Additionally, her films Xanadu and Sordid Lives have become cult favorites.

Among her numerous entertainment industry achievements are: 28 studio albums and 6 live albums, 4 Grammy awards, 10 American Music Awards, 9 Billboard Awards, a Daytime Emmy Award, Female Vocalist of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards, numerous #1 hits, and more than 100 million records sold worldwide.

Dame Olivia was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. She used her own cancer journey as a way to raise research funds and promote cancer awareness, including the benefits of early detection and wellness.

In 2012 Dame Olivia 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. The services have helped thousands of people and Dame Olivia’s own journey has served as an inspiration for many more.

In 2019, Dame Olivia was appointed as a Companion of the Order of Australia (General Division) (AC) for her eminent service to community health, particularly people living with cancer, through support for medical research, and for her work as a songwriter and performer. That same year, Her Majesty the Queen named Dame Olivia a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her services to music, cancer research and charity.

Dame Olivia leaves an incredible legacy, not only through her work on the stage and screen, but also as a philanthropist and advocate. In addition to ONJWRC, and among other passions, she 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.

Donations
In lieu of flowers and at the request of Dame Olivia’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.

Live stream
The State Service will be live streamed via this site. The link to view the live stream will be made available on the Premier’s official website closer to the event.

Date
Sunday, February 26, 2023

Time
The service will commence at 4:00pm. Doors will open at 3:00pm.

Location
Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne

100 St Kilda Road, Southbank