The set that year was a quite small, arc-shaped stage surrounding the orchestra section, and a large background resembling giant electric heaters, which lit up in different sequences and combinations depending on the nature and rhythm of the songs. The 1983 contest was the first to be televised in Australia, via Channel 0/28 (now SBS Television) in Sydney and Melbourne. The contest went on to become a very popular show in Australia, leading to the country's debut at the 60th anniversary contest in 2015. Ireland was not in the contest because RTÉ was in strike action at that time.