The Northern Rivers Times Newspaper Edition 110

Olivia’s local legacy

Superstar loved being on the Northern Rivers

Livvy

‘lives on’ in the Northern

Rivers

MARGARET DEKKER

As the world mourns the death of superstar, wellness-advocate, environmentalist and mother, Olivia Newton- John, her legacy and ‘light’ will continue to shine in the Byron Bay hinterland in the ‘magical country’ around Gaia Retreat & Spa, which she started with friends in Brooklet in 2005. During its 16 years under Olivia’s special care, Gaia – relating to the spirit of Mother Earth - grew from the seventies-style ‘Bangalow Palms Health Farm’ to the internationally renowned and awarded Gaia Retreat & Spa. Olivia felt the property, behind Newrybar, held a magical quality and had even dreamt of the name, ‘Gaia Resort’, long before the healing and relaxation centre was created. She told Forbes magazine in 2018: “I have loved this area of Australia and Gaia has given me a place to restore my spirit and get back to normal.” Such was her connection to Gaia and

the spirit of Mother Earth, Olivia also released an album by the same name in July 1994. ‘Gaia’ was her first album written entirely by Olivia and was the first to follow her breast cancer diagnosis in 1992. “The diagnosis came the same weekend my father died of cancer, so you can imagine the shock. I learned very quickly how important it was for me to think positively,” Olivia wrote on The Olivia Newton- John Foundation home page. Gaia Retreat & Spa was built on and around such ‘positivity’. “Originally founded in 2005 by Gregg Cave, Ruth Kalnin, Olivia Newton-John, and Warwick Evans (affectionately known as G.R.O.W.) Gaia Retreat & Spa has become one of Australia’s most awarded and globally renowned wellness retreats. Serenely situated on 20 acres in the healing heartland of Australia,” Gaia writes on its website. Olivia Newton- John’s connection to the Northern Rivers region and the founding of Gaia goes deeper again, to Olivia’s own

Vale Olivia August 9, 2022

The Rainforest Information Centre expresses our deep condolences to the family and close friends of Olivia Newton-John. We remember her as a staunch warrior for the rights of nature. She believed passionately in wanting the destruction of our forests to stop. She loved and appreciated koalas, and was worried about their future. She supported civil disobedience to try and stop the destruction. In 2002, Olivia starred in a film by the Rainforest Information Centre: On The Brink. The film also featured Jack Thompson, and the three Davids – Attenborough, Suzuki and Bellamy. Four iconic animals On the Brink of Extinction decide to try and save their forests homes. Tiger Quoll, Masked Owl, Yellow-bellied Glider and Koala. Olivia was the Koala’s voice. Jack Thompson was Tiger Quoll. It is with deep gratitude for her generous life that we honour her by urging all her fans to find out about something she held dear.

‘inspirational’ mother, Irene Born Newton-John. Close friend Gregg Cave and Olivia accidentally discovered the property on which Gaia is built, while spreading mother Irene’s ashes in the area. New owners, Western

Australian-based Z1Z, posted a moving tribute to Olivia Newton-John shortly after news broke of her shock death on August 8, 2022. It said (in part:) “Olivia Newton-John touched the hearts of so many

around the world .. including each and every one of us in her beloved Gaia Family. “Olivia was an icon, she was a powerhouse, she was a star – but here in the Gaia Community, she will forever be

remembered for her dedication to wellness, natural healing, and her belief in the healing power of Mother Earth, which has so profoundly helped and will continue to help so many. “And to Olivia .. thank you for all that you were .. and all that you are .. may you rest in peace .. and surrender.” Olivia Newton-John remained positive to the end, writing on her Foundation’s website, “I also believe that when you go through something difficult, even something as dramatic as cancer, that something positive will come of it.”