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 to become a very popular show in Australia , leading to an intended one-off participation in the 60th anniversary contest in 2015 , and their invitation to return to the 2016 contest . Ireland was not in the contest because RTÉ was in strike action at that time
2016 contest
Eurovision Song Contest 2016
Eurovision Song Contest 1983