Shane Withington, who worked with her on A Country Practice, said on twitter "Vale Lorrae Desmond. Enormous heart, Enormous talent. We all loved her."

Desmond became the first woman to win a Gold Logie, for her variety show "The Lorrae Desmond Show", in 1962.

But she was best known for playing Shirley in the long-running A Country Practice, appearing in more than 800 episodes in the 1980s and early 90s.

Desmond was born in the New South Wales town of Mittagong and her writing and performing career spanned more than half a century.

She represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1957, before returning to Australia in the 1960s.

During the Vietnam conflict, she toured the country giving live performances for troops, for which she was awarded an MBE.

Performer Dinah Lee, who also performed on the tour, has told TV Tonight "My beautiful friend and a true Australian Legend passed away today. We toured Vietnam together in 1967 and remained friends to this day."

"My thoughts and love to your family, friends and your many fans. Rest In Peace Lorrae Desmond," she said.

Desmond also appeared in programs including Homicide, Number 96, and Arcade.

Australian Associated Press