National Living Treasures ... Clive Palmer, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Sir Jack Brabham and Olivia Newton-John / Pic: Cameron Richardson Source: News Limited
The Daily Telegraph reports
She has been one of Australia's entertainment darlings for decades and now Olivia Newton-John has proof she is treasured by Australia.
The singer and actress, who starred in Grease alongside John Travolta, has been honoured, along with pop princess Kylie Minogue, as one of Australia’s National Living Treasures.
Newton-John, who is also a campaigner for cancer research, said she was thrilled.
"It's a great honour and very touching that people voted for me," the 63-year-old said.
Conservationist Harry Butler, cervical cancer vaccine creator Ian Frazer, mining magnate Clive Palmer, scientist Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and world champion Formula One driver Sir Jack Brabham were also named.
Billionaire Mr Palmer brushed off criticisms of his nomination, asking people to respect the "will of all Australians" who voted for him. "What we need in this country is not harsh words but more love and more reconciliation and more forgiveness," he said.
The seven join the list of 100 Australians chosen as National Living Treasures since 1997.
Voted by more than 10,000 Australians, the new titles were prompted by the recent death of National Living Treasure artist Margaret Olley.
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