Sydney painter and philanthropist, Margaret Olley, will be given a state memorial service at the New South Wales Art Gallery next month. The 88-year-old died yesterday in her Sydney home. New South Wales Premier, Barry O'Farrell, says her family accepted the offer for the state memorial. The Lismore-born artist was an icon in the Australian Arts community. Mr O'Farrell says Margaret Olley was a unique artist and a unique woman whose death is a great loss. 

 

Australian music legend, Jimmy Barnes, has been forced to cancel upcoming solo shows after a health scare. The 55-year-old became ill on Tuesday and doctors now want him to rest for at least a month. Barnes was expected to perform at the Darwin Cup Ball this weekend, but his son David Campbell will take to the stage instead. He is expected to make a full recovery in time to begin rehearsals with Cold Chisel for their October reunion tour.