SET among the quiet and calm of Moorelands Bush Nursery, the inaugural Eskies and Opera was an event not to be missed.

Organised by talented local songstress Helen Allen, the event was an opportunity to showcase not only opera, but also musical theatre and contemporary ballads.

The event included a picnic luncheon and guests were welcome to bring along eskies. Live music from Louise Dorsman, Susan Ellis and Glenn Lorimer was accompanied by Kylie Los.

Stirring renditions of Nessun Dorma, I Dreamed a Dream and highlights from the Sound of Music prompted standing ovations.

The afternoon concluded with Iain Jackson accompanying Ms Allen on a number of contemporary songs from artists such as James Blunt, First Aid Kit and Florence + The Machine, which had guests singing and swaying along in the cool afternoon sun.

Ms Allen has been taking singing lessons for three years via Skype from Ms Ellis, who is a classically trained opera singer.

"Susan has seen what has started as a distraction from raising small children on a property grow into something bigger despite my initial objections to singing in public,” Ms Allen said.

"Susan has graciously and very generously been offering to come out with her lovely friends to do a gig to support me and hence the launch of Eskies and Opera.”

All proceeds from the day were donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Check out our gallery of the event below.