Monash Carols by Candlelight 2025

From 5.30pm grab something to eat and get involved in one of our free preshow activities:  

You won’t want to miss our gold sponsor OPTUS who will joining us once again to host a giant inflatable soccer dart board! Stop by their marquee for a festive DIY photo bauble activity and join in the fun.  

Thanks to carols sponsor Hologram Zoo Melbourne, create magical memories with a Santa photo – available between 5.30pm and 6pm. Then step into a world of technology and imaginative and experience the incredible holographic animals the whole family will love! A sneak peek at what’s to come at their new Ringwood venue! 

Check out the Monash Public Library Service reading corner and craft activities located next to the Information Tent.  Reading Nook will offer posters, flyers, bookmarks, and details about library programs. Kids can enjoy a festive colouring station, while little book lovers relax on a soft rug with picture books and a Christmas bear. 

Visit our sponsor Aunty Jenny who is hosting a yummy stall to sample bites made with signature spice blends— they’re farm-fresh, ethically sourced, and flavour packed. You can also take home spices and recreate the magic yourself. 

Learn about recycling and what a circular economy is from our sponsor Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme while testing your skills with the Super Sorter game – don't miss the chance to win prizes and discover how recycling your drink containers can make a big impact. 

Snap a picture at the free photobooth and take home a memory of the night! 

Thanks to the Monash Sustainability Team you can also visit our sustainable Christmas wrapping marquee between 5.30pm and 7pm to make your own gift wrapping.   

Look for Minky who will also be attending Carols for the first time. Ask Minky about our Learn to Swim programs and how to get involved. 

Enjoy the large range of food options sure to satisfy your tastebuds including: 

776 BC Loukoumades, Americone, Annie's Gifts by Sam / Numero Uno Pizza & Pasta, Bearded Brewmaster, Black Pearl Melbourne, Cypriot Street Grill, Fairy Floss Kingdom, Fat Chef De Wheels, Flamin Skewers, Greek Trojan Food Truck, IFE Delights by Naz, Little Spice, Melbourne Ice Cream Vans, Real OG Burgers, Rotary Club of Mount Waverley - BBQ, Salt and Pepa Food Truck, Slush n Go - Frozen Drinks, Somsom Candy, Spanish Gourmet Caterers, Sugar Crush, Sweet Stop, The Happy Kransky, The Hot Mexicans, The Yumpling Truck, Twista Bros and Woking Amazing.

Introducing the All Star Carols band, led by the renowned Musical Director John Turcio on piano.

This exceptional house band features Australia's most accomplished session musicians, who have collaborated with the most iconic touring and recording artists we all cherish.

The All Star Carols Band is proud to be performing at Carols this year and can’t wait to help bring in the Christmas cheer.  

The Monash Concert Band is a vibrant community ensemble that has entertained audiences in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs since 1985.

The band performs at Council events, festivals and services. In addition, Monash Concert Band perform their own showcase concerts featuring both popular and traditional repertoire, soloists and guest ensembles.

One of their favourite events is the Monash Carols by Candlelight, where they are proud to bring the Christmas spirit to their community!

Oakleigh Brass work (and play) together to create great music in and around Monash.

A versatile, busy group performing at 15 to 20 events per year, Oakleigh Brass entertains at indoor concerts and informal playouts in your local park, supports ANZAC commemorations, and every year enjoys playing at Monash Carols by Candlelight.

Their players range from beginners to highly experienced musicians, all united by their enjoyment in rehearsing and performing together.

Their goal at Oakleigh Brass is to welcome players of all abilities to promote and perform a variety of music in our community.

Lucy Durack is an acclaimed Australian actress, singer, and television personality known for her powerful performances on stage and screen.

A graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), she found fame as Glinda in the original Australian production of Wicked and won both the Helpmann and Sydney Theatre Awards for her portrayal of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde.

On television, she’s starred in acclaimed series like The Letdown, Sisters, and A Perfect Pairing, and has appeared as a judge on Australia’s Got Talent and a contestant on The Masked Singer.

Beyond performing, Lucy co-hosts the podcast I Love (With Lucy), co-founded the wellness app Hey Lemonade, and inspires young singers through her school-based glee club.

Mark Wilson is an Australian dancer, singer, teacher, and television personality best known as an original judge on Dancing with the Stars.

A 5-time Australian Dancesport Champion - winning 4 titles in New Vogue and 1 in Modern - he also represented Australia internationally, reaching the World Dancesport Finals in Blackpool and Tokyo.

Mark’s versatility extends beyond the ballroom - he has performed as a singer on stage and screen, combining his love of music with dance to create dynamic performances.

He won the professional series of ABC’s That’s Dancin’, has judged the Tattersalls Australian Dancesport Championship, and continues to mentor the next generation as a coach, adjudicator and entertainer. Returning to Dancing with the Stars in 2021, he remains one of Australia’s most recognisable and multifaceted performers.  

Richard Thomas has been entertaining Melbourne audiences for over 25 years and is a truly special talent.

As an avid musical theatre performer, his credits include Mame, Sweet Charity, Follies, The Secret Garden, Les Miserables, Chicago, Rebecca, The Producers, The Phantom of the Opera and Mary Poppins. He is a versatile entertainer who has hosted and performed for various corporates, councils and clubs and is ecstatic to be back at the Monash stage this year.

Matthew Little, originally from Hertfordshire, began his career as a chorister and trombonist before studying at Trinity College of Music, London.

He served for over 25 years with the Royal Air Force (RAF) Music Services, 15 of them as lead vocalist with the RAF Squadronaires, later becoming a director of music and leading RAF bands at major national and international events such as the Festival of Remembrance and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Beyond the RAF, he has enjoyed a wide-ranging career as a session singer, performing on the Royal Variety Performance, in West End shows including Cats and Grease, and with the John Wilson Orchestra at the BBC Proms. Since relocating to Australia in 2018, he continues to perform while directing music at Salesian College and mentoring the next generation of musicians.  

One of Australia’s finest voices, Amalia Foy shot to fame after making it to the grand final of The X Factor Australia in 2016.

Her incredible sensitivity and musicality stand out in all the music she performs.

Amalia has been singing from a young age and has since has recently been writing her own songs in the studio and preparing for upcoming new music releases.

Siena Fodera, 20, made waves after appearing on The Voice Australia with Adam Lambert as her coach.

Siena has spent the last few years refining her sound and growing as an artist, influenced by gospel greats like Donny Hathaway, her music blends soulful depth with a modern edge.

Now, as she works on original music and continues performing at events across the country, Siena is poised to leave a lasting mark on the music industry.

Taysha Farrugia is an emerging, multi-talented artist with burgeoning skills spanning acting, singing, piano, modeling and songwriting.

With her debut single Fearless, Taysha envisions herself captivating audiences through live performances that inspire and connect.

Taysha's artistic journey is a testament to her commitment to both her craft and her vision for a better world.  

Georgia Dabbous is a 25-year-old female vocalist from Monash who began singing at a very early age. She competed in many talent contests and made her first lead role in her Year 6 musical of Mulan.  

Shortly after, when she was 13, she performed at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl alongside Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

She is now studying music performance and is keen to be more educated and gain more experience in the industry.

Georgia’s dream is to be a successful performing and recording artist, performing at festivals and having her own sold-out concerts. 

Riley Chandra, a Monash local, was raised in a home filled with music.

From his dad always playing music in the car and at home, to his mum’s background in musical theatre, it was only natural that he found his way to singing and performing.

With a natural rasp and easygoing tone, Riley’s vocal style is steeped in jazz tradition - smooth, soulful, and timeless.

He draws inspiration from the golden era of jazz, with icons like Frank Sinatra, Buddy Greco and Michael Bublé among his favourites.

His sound evokes the charm of the 1930s to ‘60s while still feeling fresh and relevant.

Jocelyn Subramaniam is a 17-year-old singer and performer from Melbourne, known for her powerful voice and stage presence.

From a young age, Jocelyn has nurtured a deep passion for music and performance. Over the years, she has showcased her talent on various stages, including the Movie World Christmas Carols, eisteddfods, and numerous school events.

In 2025, she earned the lead role of The Lady of the Lake in her school’s production of Spamalot, where her performance was met with high praise.

In addition to her on-stage achievements, Jocelyn also took on a leadership role behind the scenes, serving as co-musical director for her school’s junior production of High School Musical Junior.  

Jordan Ravi is a 24-year-old Northern Territory-born singer-songwriter who has already taken his talent to international heights.

He made a global impression on America’s Got Talent (Season 14), where he wowed Simon Cowell and millions of viewers worldwide, and later competed in Eurovision: Australia Decides on the Gold Coast in 2020.

Jordan has opened for acclaimed artists including Tones and I and Amy Shark, earning praise for his dynamic live performances.

With a growing social media following and an engaged fan base, he continues to connect with audiences well beyond the stage.

His performances feature live looping with advanced multi-track guitar, percussion, and vocal layering, creating the energy and impact of a one-man band.

In 2025, Jordan is preparing to release new original music while performing at exclusive venues across Australia and internationally. 

John Yanko is a Monash local and is thrilled to be back on the Monash Carols stage for a second year.

John has been performing regularly for the past few years and loves performing live.

John’s soulful voice will bring a unique touch to the stage and is proud to represent the local community once again.