January 17 th, 2006
‘G’DAY LA and Olivia Newton-John’
Natalie attended the Penfold’s Icon Black Tie Gala this past weekend that commenced AUSTRALIA WEEK 2006 in Los Angeles at the historic Hollywood Palladium.

This black tie gala dinner honors three high profile individuals for significant contributions in their industries and for excellence in promoting Australia in the United States. An Australian style dinner is prepared by one of Australia's own celebrity chefs, Neil Perry. All of the food products and produce are flown in from Australia for this glamorous occasion.

Australian entertainment including the Qantas Choir is provided to complete a very special evening. Previous honourees have been : Cate Blanchett, Baz Luhrmann, Anthony LaPaglia, Mel Gibson, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban.

The 2006 dinner had a sold out crowd of 1400. This event draws enormous media coverage in both the United States and in Australia. Audience attendees included Studio executives, senior Australian officials, business executives, American film and television industry representatives, producers, directors, actors and many American-based Australian actors.

2006 Honorees this year were INXS who also performed ‘live’. Hugh Jackman received an award for excellence in entertainment presented by long time friend Eric Bana. Olivia Newton John received a lifetime achievement award presented by John Travolta.

Richard Wilkins was this year’s Guest Master of Ceremonies. Olivia Newton-John was accompanied by her daughter Chloe, sister Rona and longtime friends Pat and John Farrar Producer and Songwriter to many of Olivia’s greatest hit songs.

Chloe Lattanzi, Olivia Newton-John and Natalie Howard at the Penfolds Icon Black Tie Gala 2006.
Picture courtesy of OzStar Music.

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