The Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool may mark Australia's final year in the competition.
Australia's early days were supported by the majority with a warm welcome, especially given their characteristic entries and Lee Lin Chin, the glossy presenter responsible for the allocation of Australia's points, who became somewhat of an audience favourite as the years went by.
Despite being thousands of miles away on the other side of the world, 10,600 miles from Liverpool to Canberra to be specific, they initially joined as a one-off. The theme for 2015 was "Building Bridges" with the European Broadcasting Union extending an invite to the nation to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
READ MORE: Full list of the nine Eurovision 2023 shows you can get tickets for in Liverpool
The special circumstances surrounding Australia's entry and "to not reduce the chances" of the semi-final participants led the organisers to allow Australia to compete directly in the final, without going through a semi-final.
Given its location, Australia agreed to co-host the following year's contest with another Europe-based country - Germany acting as the first choice and the United Kingdom as a backup.
Their inaugural performance was so well received by fans and the contest's organisers, they were invited back once again but under regular circumstances, meaning they would need to compete in the semi-finals. 2016 saw their second representative, Dami Im, stormed the competition and arguably, due to her success, become the reason Australia was allowed a longer stay in Eurovision.
Her track, Sound of Silence, came second to none other than that year's winner, Ukraine's Jamala. Though the outcome of that year's contest is plagued with debate and arguments over why Jamala was allowed to participate with a highly political entry, Dami's impact set Australia up for years to come.
Following their glowing results across the board, they were continuously invited back on a year-to-year basis before being offered a five-year contract in 2018.
Australian Head of Delegation Paul Clarke said: "This is a wonderful validation of what Australia has brought to Eurovision, and we say 'Thank You Europe!' for their decision. The Australian music artists and industry have completely risen to the exciting challenge.
"Australians have really fallen in love with the joy, and Eurovision has become part of the Australian entertainment calendar. Europe knows it can always expect great music and passion from Australia."
Eurovision in Liverpool marks a pivotal moment for Australia with the final days of their contract coming to an end. Their 2023 entry is still just around the corner but the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is still to make an announcement regarding the country's future in the contest.
Get all the latest Eurovision 2023 news straight to your inbox
The countdown has officially started. Join our Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool Facebook group
