Livvy and Kylie lead charge of the songbirds
Olivia Newton-John and Kylie Minogue have received accolades for their enduring work as part of the Australia Day Honours.
Two of the nation’s most admired pop stars, Olivia Newton-John and Kylie Minogue, have received accolades for their enduring work as part of the Australia Day Honours.
Newton-John was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for her eminent service to community health, particularly for people living with cancer, through her support for medical research.
“I am delighted and honoured to receive this very distinguished and special award,” she said. “To be presented with this esteemed recognition by the Governor-General fills me with gratitude and pride to be Australian.”
After being diagnosed with breast cancer in July 1992, the British-born artist and actress — best known for her starring role in the 1978 musical film Grease, alongside John Travolta — became one of the nation’s most visible survivors of the disease.
Her willingness to speak about breast cancer spurred many Australian women to schedule regular health checks of their own.
In 2012, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre was opened at Melbourne’s Austin hospital.
Minogue is made an Officer of the Order of Australia for her distinguished service to the performing arts as a national and international recording artist and entertainer.
“I am delighted to have received the news that I have been made an Officer of the Order of Australia,” she said. “I am humbled and proud.”
Her debut album, Kylie, was released in 1988 and her career has included five No 1 albums in Australia and Britain, as well as 16 ARIA awards and induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame.
In other recognition for musicians, the four members of vocal group Human Nature were awarded with Medals of the Order of Australia.
Classical music composer Elena Kats-Chernin was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia, while singer, songwriter and theatre director Lou Bennett, who performs with the folk trio Tiddas, was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.
More Coverage
Women egged in anti-Semitic attack at Bondi Beach
Three men allegedly set upon a number of women on Saturday night in Sydney's east, throwing eggs at them, with police believing they were targeted because of the clothes they were wearing.
Nation ‘must not go down road’ of faith-based parties: PM
Parties founded on religion would undermine social cohesion, according to Anthony Albanese, as he reminded rogue senator Fatima Payman that she owed her election to Labor pre-selection.