NONI TURNS 70

The veteran actor is celebrating the milestone with an extra spring in her step and a move to a tranquil paradise

For 50 years Noni Hazlehurst has graced our stages and screens, barely stopping and garnering every award imaginable in the process.

And now, as she looks forward to turning 70 this week, one thing she's not looking to do, is slow down.

"Retiring? That's irrelevant," she replies. "I just want to keep telling stories. I don't care if I'm behind the camera, in front of the camera, or on radio."

VETERAN OF THE ARTS

Born in Melbourne in 1953, Noni cut her teeth on acting while studying drama at Flinders University in South Australia before winning high praise in wide-ranging roles in huge shows such as The Box, City Homicide, The Sullivans, Waterfront, Nancy Wake and A Place To Call Home.

And unlike many stars, Noni has been able to successfully pivot from TV to film, winning over critics as Nora in Monkey Grip and stealing scenes from co-stars Cate Blanchett in Little Fish and Heath Ledger in Candy.