By Tyler Wright
Tributes for beloved Australian icon Olivia Newton-John, whose death was announced on Monday 8 August, have been flowing in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges thanks to one particular venue.
A mural at the front of The Basin’s Acorn Bar & Restaurant reads ‘you’re the one that we love – Olivia Newton John – in our hearts forever;’ a symbol of appreciation for the actress, singer and activist who held a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide; but especially in her home city of Melbourne.
On Sunday 14 August, the Duncan and Austin, Wizards of Oz band performed song of Olivia’s greatest hits including ‘Summer Nights’ from the hit 1978 film Grease, alongside guest artists.
Tony Eastwood, owner of the Acorn Bar & Restaurant, said families and community members of all ages came together to celebrate Olivia’s life
“At the end of the day, the Acorn Bar & Restaurant is very committed to the local community, so I base the business around knowing that a lot of people [would look] to Olivia Newton-John as an absolute idol,” Mr Eastwood said.
“I knew it was very appropriate to put that up so then everyone knows we’re all feeling for Olivia and her family of course, but [also] to give back to the local community.
Just prior to that I’d done Dry July and made over $13,500 for cancer research, and that all ties up with Olivia Newton-John; there was so many people that actually supported the the drive that I was doing,” Tony said, referring to the artist’s work building the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute in Heidelberg and her three decade long battle with breast cancer.
“What she has given people in general; everyone would of course know the Grease movie, but just her music in general; It’s touched everyone. Absolutely everyone.”
The Acorn Bar & Restaurant is no stranger to helping its community grieve after significant events in Victoria’s history, having also paid tribute to the four police officers killed in the 2020 Eastern Freeway Crash through a mural.
“It brings people together and it brings about a conversation that we’re all there; once they come inside the door, they talk about whatever their situation might be,” Tony said.
“It just goes to show how close the community is…right through going around to Croydon…
Being a sponsor of over 13 clubs; sporting clubs; crucket clubs, football clubs and diability groups; that’s [who] The Acorn reaches out to,” he said.
Olivia Newton-John had over 25 ‘Top 40’ singles, more than half of which went to the ‘Top Ten’ on the US Billboard charts, including number one hits; “I Honestly Love You” (1974), “Have You Never Been Mellow” (1975), “You’re the One That I Want” (1978), “Magic” (1980) and “Physical” (1981).
The latter was a resounding success, remaining at number one of the charts for 10 weeks.
Olivia Newton-John’s husband John Easterling released a statement on Thursday 11 August, three days after her death, stating she was the “most courageous” woman he has ever known.
“[Olivia’s] bandwidth for genuinely caring for people, for nature and all creatures almost eclipses what is humanely possible,” he said.
“It is only the grace of God that has allowed me to share the depth and passion of her being for so long. In her most difficult times she always had the spirit, the humor, and the will power to move things into the light.”
Olivia Newton-John is survived by her husband John Easterling; daughter Chloe Lattanzi; sister Sarah Newton-John; brother Toby Newton-John; nieces and nephews Tottie, Fiona and Brett Goldsmith; Emerson, Charlie, Zac, Jeremy, Randall, and Pierz Newton-John; Jude Newton-Stock, Layla Lee; Kira and Tasha Edelstein; and Brin and Valerie Hall.
