A horse, a couple of donkeys and some lambs will form the main entertainment for the night, a musical nativity performance. 

Local community members have been called on to play the parts of the characters and have been rehearsing frantically. 

Carols in the Bush event organiser Vanessa Hawkins said the carols provided the perfect opportunity for the community to get together. 

“Carols in the Bush is about people coming together and creating community spirit whilst thinking of others,” Ms Hawkins said.

“The carols give people the chance to learn about the Christmas story. We do not want to preach religion, but it is interesting to see how Christmas began.” 

Other entertainment will include a performance from the Rochester CWA choir as well as two soloists, Edward Nicholas and Glenys Clay. 

Councillor James Williams will open the event and children can expect a visit from the man in red. 

The event, only in its second year, was organised as a response to financial difficulties faced by the Goornong Guide newspaper last year. 

The paper, in conjunction with the Axedale Antics, launched the event as part of a fund-raising effort.

Ms Hawkins said the event received positive feedback and both the Goornong and Axedale communities were excited to be holding it for a second year. 

“It is about connecting two communities, Goornong and Axedale, and encouraging a strong relationship to foster between them,” Ms Hawkins said. 

A raffle will be held during the event, with local businesses donating the prizes. 

Cold drinks and barbecued food will also be for sale. 

The entertainment kicks off at 6.30pm in the Goornong township and Ms Hawkins urged people to get involved.

“We are expecting around double of what we got last year, so we should get around 200 people,” Ms Hawkins said.

A second showing of the event will be held in Axedale on Wednesday night, starting at 6.30pm. ?