When it comes to Christmas Carols, Rhonda Burchmore has done it all, entertaining generations along the way - and her next stop is Craigieburn's Anzac Park for Hume Carols by Candlelight on Saturday 6 December.
"Christmas is my most favourite time of the year," Burchmore says. "To be out there in Hume, I'm really thrilled and honoured to be invited to be the MC and to sing for the people who come along."
Having performed in countless theatre productions in Australia as well as performing on the UK's West End, Australia's most famous singing and dancing red head has happily been a centrepiece of nationally televised Carols events for decades.
"I've adored Carols since I was a little girl, since I grew up going to my own carols in Sydney as an audience member, and then performing them on TV.
"For me, it's bringing all the family together with the kids...there is a lot we've lost these days. It's one of the rare times of the year that family and friends can gather as one and have a really lovely family night out."
As one of our country's most experienced stage acts, Burchmore takes pleasure in being able to pass her wisdom on to the people she shares the stage with, and she is looking forward to being amongst the local talent in Hume.
"I think it's so important for someone in my position to help mentor, whether it be nerves, how to talk to the audience. The artists that will be there are already incredible to be asked to perform, but when they have to be live in front of thousands of people it's a different thing.
"I'm always there to help or be there for a chat...and those that listen and respect their audience will have an audience at their future shows."
Hume Carols by Candlelight is one of the most loved events throughout the year as it presents an opportunity for anyone to connect at a free community event in the spirit of togetherness and end of year celebration, which Rhonda says is unique and part of why she loves performing at Christmas.
"It's these songs that as an artist, there's only a small window of time you sing them every year, and the key for me being MC of this event is to pick well known songs that the audience can participate in.
"In terms of selling the song, when you sing from the heart the audience catches on and they take that home with them, instead of paying a fortune for a concert they can have that entertainment for free. And most importantly, they're going to get Santa," she says.
When it comes to the songs she'll be choosing, the audience can expect a showcase of the talent that's made Burchmore a household name, backed expertly by Garth Ploog and his House Band.
"I've heard that it's a cracker band that you've got there," she says. "One of my favourite songs from my childhood is 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' so I'm certainly going to do that.
"I'm thinking of doing 'The Man with the Bag' - it's a real swinger and the kids love it -, 'Sleighride' is another one, and probably a traditional Silent Night, or Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire."
And while the carols might be the main event, audiences are reminded that there's something for everyone at Anzac Park on 6 December.
"It's accessible, it's a perfect excuse to get together with family and friends, it's a free event with stalls and things to do, you can't go past Santa, and Hume do it really beautifully," Burchmore says.
"Bringing people together is my main thing, everyone can get there and have a great time and a beautiful night out."
