Thursday 2 March 2023

Nearly a year after Dame Olivia Newton-John, AC DBE sadly passed away, her daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, along with Olivia’s husband, John Easterling are continuing the dream, inviting us to join them, this October, as they honour Olivia’s incredible legacy and raise much needed funds for the ONJ Cancer and Wellness Centre at Olivia Newton John’s annual ‘Walk for Wellness’.

This year's event will take place on 8 October at Alexandra Gardens where family, friends, fans and supporters will once again have an opportunity to ‘Walk for Olivia’ to raise funds for evidence-based wellness programs, including massage, acupuncture, music/art therapy, and more.

These wellness programs are purely funded by donations, bringing light and love to people with cancer, or as Olivia put it, “help people with cancer to thrive.”

Chloe Lattanzi says, "it’s been such an emotional week and I know my mamma would be so proud. I want to rally everyone together, the way my mum did and encourage you all to walk either on 8 October in Melbourne with me or virtually so we can continue to honour my mamma’s work. My mum loved this walk, she looked forward to it every year and I am now going to carry the torch and keep my mama’s dream alive. I am so proud of the work she's done. Please sign up and walk with us… walk with my mamma - I know she is with us in spirit.”

The walk will be held at one of Olivia's favourite locations in Melbourne. Tickets are limited, however supporters are encouraged to walk virtually to show their support.

The ‘Walk For Wellness’ will see participants walk approximately 5 km around Melbourne’s iconic ‘Tan’ track with their family and friends to support people with cancer. Both participants at Alexandra Gardens and virtual walkers will receive a medal as a small thank you for their participation.

John Easterling, husband of Olivia Newton-John, states, “The support we have felt here in Australia has been overwhelming. The Wellness programs at the ONJ Centre was a dream realised for Olivia. Let’s keep her dream thriving, providing quality of life and healing for anyone with cancer. The love continues as we launch Olivia’s Walk for Wellness in October. Please join us to help people on their personal cancer journeys.”

Debbie Shiell, Director of Austin Health Foundation says it is an honour to continue Olivia’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and positivity.

“The walk raises funds needed to provide the wellness programs she wanted to people with cancer to have access to because she knew they would help. Olivia recognised cancer is more than just a physical journey, that to truly win over cancer you need to support the mind and the spirit.”

Sponsorships and donations from this year’s event will fund evidence-based wellness therapies that support people with cancer emotionally, spiritually and physically. Wellness therapies have been proven to help reduce the side effects of cancer treatment and help people cope better during their cancer journey - to help them thrive.

People can secure an opening week ticket deal from March 1 to March 8, with prices starting at $48 per adult, $42 senior/concession, $20 per child (aged 4 - 17), $100 for a family (2 adults and 2 kids), free for children under 3, and a special $20 ‘puppy ticket’ will be available for furry family members, which will come with a complimentary ‘Olivia’s Walk for Wellness’ dog bandana.

For more information and to register go to walkforwellness.com.au