At home with performer Rachael Beck
This seasoned performer is bringing her best to Carols in the Domain, in a year when everyone needs it most.
If ever there was a year we needed some extra Christmas cheer, this is it. The Woolworths Carols in the Domain is going ahead, albeit a little differently. In keeping with restrictions, the event was prerecorded and will broadcast on Channel 7 on December 23 at 7.30pm. The event features some of Australia’s best talent, including Rachael Beck, Hugh Sheridan, Penny McNamee and Todd McKenney.
“I feel quite honoured to perform this year, especially because it’s been such a tough year for our industry,” says Rachael. “This is a celebration of life and a celebration of getting us through this year.
“We need some joy.”
While the live entertainment industry was lights out during COVID, Rachael used her time to strengthen the creative art departments in schools, and is even directing school musicals.
“I’ve put energy and time into educating the department on how critical it is to have strong creative arts in our schools,” she says. “Schools want strong maths and science marks, but the creative arts give you the human qualities of self-belief, self-expression and teamwork.
“It’s vital that these kids have that.”
More: Carols, Channel 7 on December 23 at 7.30pm; rachaelbeck.com.au
Who: Entertainer Rachael Beck
Where: Eastern suburbs apartment with daughters Tahlula, 13, and Roxie, 11
Favourite thing: My sister, Katherine Burgess, is an amazing psychologist, and she had booked to see the Dalai Lama, but she got really sick. When he came back to Australia three years later they contacted her and she spent 15 minutes with the Dalai Lama. She bought all these things for him to bless, including this scarf.
Inspiration: Beach chic
Home is: I have been a gypsy my whole life. Wherever I am, I make it home
Photo
It’s hard to get the kids off their phones, so we took some time out at the Blue Mountains. I put their phones in the glove box in the car and we walked and talked the whole time. We stopped at a beautiful spot, and this photo was taken with my phone.
Letters from my children
If I’m having a bad day, I go back and read these letters. They make me think, ‘It’s going to be OK’, I just have to roll with the punches.
Judy Prosser painting from Kunanurra
I have worked with Indigenous groups across Australia for the past four years, and when I saw this painting I thought it was amazing. I love the magic of the stars in the middle of the painting. I love the freedom it gives me when I look at it.
Piano
I haven’t had a piano in my house for five years, and it was like a person was missing. I’m so happy to have one now. When I’m sad, I play. When I’m happy, I play.
Tapestry
I love to travel to places where the culture is completely different from our own. This was hanging on an old wall in Istanbul and I had to carry it for the next three weeks through Israel, Palestine and Jordan.
Spiritual book and cards
I am big on learning about myself and the world. I like to keep myself in a high vibrational place — I know that our minds and the way we think is everything.
New York street sign
I was in New York about 20 years ago when they were changing all the street signs. There were only a couple left in the shop I was in, and a friend said, ‘Get this one, it’s my favourite street’. If only signs could talk.
Earrings
My dad lives in Ubud, and I have been travelling to Bali since I was 17. It’s such a peaceful and spiritually connected place if you know where to go, with lots of beautiful jewellers.
Ring
I got to a point where I had all these beautiful jewellery pieces from my past that I no longer wore. I took them to a jeweller and had this beautiful ring made.
Originally published as At home with performer Rachael Beck