Looking perennially youthful eight days before her 71st birthday and in good spirits despite reportedly battling stage-four breast cancer, Australia's favourite girl-next-door, Olivia Newton-John, was in Canberra on Wednesday to meet with politicians about her cancer centre.
She was in the public gallery during question time with her husband John Easterling, who she credits for introducing her to the benefits of pain relief from medicinal cannabis.
Newton-John, who turns 71 on September 26, met with Health Minister Greg Hunt and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese.
Delighted to meet the new Leader of the Labor Party in Parliament House, @AlboMP , in Canberra, along with @thwaitesKate (the local member where the @ONJCancerCentre is based) and to meet my new 'twin' @petajan . pic.twitter.com/JqgNqefsB0
— Olivia Newton-John (@olivianj) September 18, 2019
Mr Hunt tweeted after meeting with Newton-John: "A productive discussion today with the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute & Minderoo, on the success of the rare cancer clinical trials being delivered at the ONJCRI. These clinical trials are protecting lives and saving lives".
Newton-John also tweeted about being "delighted" to meet Mr Albanese, Member for Jagajaga Kate Thwaites, whose electorate encompasses the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in Melbourne, and her "new twin", Member for Dunkley Peta Murphy.
The Grease star did stop in the Marble Foyer at Parliament House to speak to some UNICEF volunteers and pose for some photographs with them but her minders did not allow any questions, saying "No interviews". Newton-John did look very apologetic, however.
The Press Gallery Midwinter Ball is on Wednesday night but organisers say Newton-John is not slated to perform.
Spotted at Canberra restaurant Ottoman today at lunch: Barry Humphries. Is he planning on turning up to the Midwinter Ball (on this evening, in spring)?
— Kylar Loussikian (@kloussikian) September 18, 2019
Spring seems to have brought an influx of celebrities to Canberra.
Movie star Hugh Jackman was in Canberra last week to attend Government House where he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).
He also snuck in a sneaky dinner at Aubergine in Griffith.
Barry Humphries was spotted dining at Ottoman restaurant in Barton on Wednesday but, again, he was not expected to make an appearance at the ball, instead on stage at the Canberra Theatre as Dame Edna.
From Priscilla to Lord of the Rings, Hugo Weaving is one of the true talents of our age. Delightful to catch up today & discuss the importance of having more Australian stories told on our screens. #auspolpic.twitter.com/PaHDR4quTk
— Andrew Leigh (@ALeighMP) September 17, 2019
And actor Hugo Weaving was also at Parliament House this week. Member for Fenner Andrew Leigh tweeted that he was delighted to catch up with Weaving and discuss "the importance of having more Australian stories told on our screens".
