Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 511 points. Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) has broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest since 1983, and the contest has gained a cult following over that time, primarily due the country's strong political and cultural ties with Europe. Paying tribute to this, the 2014 contest semi-finals included an interval act featuring Australian singer Jessica Mauboy. Australian singers have also participated at Eurovision as representatives of other countries, including Olivia Newton John (1974, ), two-time winner Johnny Logan (1980 and 1987, ), Gina G (1996, United Kingdom), and Jane Comerford as lead singer of Texas Lightning (2006, ). Tying in with the goal
Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 United Kingdom), two-time winner Johnny Logan (Ireland), Gina G (1996, United Kingdom), and Jane Comerford as lead singer of Texas Lightning (2006, Germany). Tying in with the goal of Eurovision—to showcase "the importance of bringing countries together to celebrate diversity, music and culture", the 2015 theme of "Building Bridges", and arguing that they could not hold "the world's biggest party" to celebrate the 60th edition of Eurovision without inviting Australia, the EBU announced on 10 February 2015 that the country would compete at that year's edition as a special guest participant. At a press conference held at the Sydney Opera