Home » Shining night of song on the horizon

Shining night of song on the horizon

Daniel Bouwmeester    October 14, 2022    2 min read   

The Christmas season is fast approaching, and for Springfield residents it once again begins with the annual evening of carols at Robelle Domain in early December.

The “Night of Light” Carols, sponsored by Springfield City Group, will take place throughout the night of December 10, organised by a committee of church members and community representatives.

According to lead organiser John van Bennekom – pastor at the Springfield Christian Family church – the Robelle Domain Parklands provides the ideal “under the stars” venue.

“The stage and screen help make the program connect to the largest of crowds,” John said.

Performer and co-compere for the evening will be Tim McCallum, a former The Voice contestant who has had an inspirational operatic career in the face of quadriplegia.

And as with past events, the night will end with a magnificent fireworks display in the Springfield night sky.

In addition, on the morning of the Carols, a special preview event will take place at IGA Springfield Lakes, and is being co-organised by owner Terry Slaughter. River 94.9 FM radio personalities will be on site to interview guests, and even Santa Claus is planning to make an appearance.

Preparations for the 2021 event at the Robelle Domain stage. Image: Springfield Carols Incorporated.

The Springfield Carols organising committee largely consists of members of the Greater Springfield Combined Churches (GSCC).

“The Carols began more than 20 years ago on the back of a truck in the school grounds of Woodcrest College,” John said.

“Although it has grown and improved a great deal since those early years, it still has a great family friendly feel, uses local talent, stays faithful to the original Christmas story, and always delivers a fantastic fireworks finale.”

Years ago, while Springfield’s various church groups were still small, they united to form the GSCC.

Still in the planning stages, the organisers are encouraging additional support from community groups in terms of the provision and sale of food, glow products, first aid, and logistical support.

Plan ahead! The ‘Springfield City Group Night of Light Carols’ is on Saturday, December 10 at Robelle Domain. Pre-program: 5:30pm. Main program: 6:00pm. Fireworks: 8:30pm.

For more information, or to offer to contribute to the event, visit springfieldcarols.com.au or contact john@scfchurch.org.au.

Daniel Bouwmeester

Daniel was born in a mining town in New South Wales to Dutch and Welsh immigrants, before relocating to Logan City, where he attended Canterbury College for twelve years. He pursued his passion for music by completing a first-class honours degree at the University of Queensland (UQ), and later signed with a local record label. He has travelled the world from a young age, including a student exchange in rural France, a job working the ski lifts in Colorado, and visits to the islands of the South Pacific. After a six-year career in market research, Daniel returned to UQ to complete a Bachelor of Journalism and Arts dual degree, majoring in political science. His varied experiences at home and abroad have contributed to a passion for spreading good news while defending the truth buried inside complex societal paradigms.