Published on Thursday, 29 January 2026 at 11:20:12 AM
Nannup’s Australia Day celebrations were made even more special this year by a remarkable local young person who truly embodies creativity, courage and community spirit.
Eleven-year-old Olive O'Callaghan, a proud Nannupian, showed extraordinary confidence and initiative when she approached the Shire to ask if she could be part of the Australia Day celebrations. Having only been playing the guitar for eight months, Olive’s musical journey began after being inspired by her hero Taylor Swift, sparking a dream to write, sing and perform her own music.
In a short time, Olive has grown into a passionate young songwriter, performing locally with confidence and personality well beyond her years. Her Australia Day performance captured the hearts of the crowd—even as rain fell—with the community cheering her on in true Nannup style.
Reflecting on the experience, Olive shared:
“Playing at Australia Day was amazing with everyone’s support, even with the rain. It was a privilege to sing and perform for everyone.”
What makes Olive’s story even more special is how it connects to Nannup’s broader musical heritage. In Kim Heitman’s podcast, listeners can hear the fascinating local story of how Taylor Swift once played at the Hotel Nannup—a reminder that big dreams often begin in small, supportive communities. We encourage everyone to listen to Kim Heitman’s podcast to explore this story and other moments from Nannup’s rich cultural past. Kim Heitman's Podcast
Olive’s journey is a powerful example of how Nannup continues to introduce, encourage and celebrate young emerging artists, creating spaces where local talent can step forward, be heard, and grow. From historical stages to modern community events, Nannup remains a place where creativity is nurtured and the next generation of performers is encouraged to shine.
We look forward to watching Olive’s musical journey continue—this is clearly just the beginning.
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