An Australian legend took a little piece of the Southern Highlands home after a visit to the region. He now wants to give back to the community.
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John Williamson planted Southern Highlands tulips in his Queensland backyard.
The singer-songwriter is this year's ambassador for Tulip Time, which is now in its 59th year.
Mr Williamson said the flowers flourished in the warm weather.
"I love tulips," he said.
And clearly when he loves something it has a tendency to thrive.
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Mr Williamson has a music career spanning almost 50 years. He has received multiple awards and sold more than four million albums in Australia.
Aussie anthems such as True Blue and Old Man Emu have cemented the singer's status as a national treasure.
The country boy said the underlying inspiration throughout his career had been his love of Australia.
"Our greatest heritage is nature," he said.
Mr Williamson said open space was in the hearts of all Australians. He said after travelling around our sunburnt country he found that "different areas create different characters".
"I feel Australia is freer," he said.
"You can drive for days without crossing boarders.
"We are fair dinkum people."
The appeal of Bowral has not been lost on the entertainer.
Mr Williamson dedicated a song to the Boy from Bowral called Sir Don, where he refers to Sir Donald Bradman as the "wizard of the willow".
A signed copy of the lyrics were donated to the Don Bradman Museum in Bowral.
Mr Williamson is now set to host an intimate interview and performance at the Bradman Museum on September 27.
A Night with John Williamson will raise money for Variety - the Children's Charity which is this year's official Tulip Time charity.
Variety will raise much needed funds to support kids who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs.
Guests will gain insight into the life and music of an Aussie legend who also has an affinity with this year's chosen charity. Mr Williamson met his wife, Meg, at the 1998 Variety bash concert.
Meanwhile, his upcoming Bowral concert is set give the audience a greater insight into his life, his music and his experiences.
One of his friends will be interviewing Mr Williamson throughout the evening, and there will be a Q and A period open to the audience.
Some musical entertainment is sure to top off a great night.
"I'll just sit there with a guitar," Mr Williamson said.
"I guarantee everyone will have a good time.
"I'll have to do True Blue."
Head of regional development at Variety Jason Bourke said he looked forward to a fantastic night with John Williamson.
"He is one of Australia's all-time legends and his music is part of the fabric of modern Australian culture. We are delighted he has donated his time to give the audience a chance to find out about his life off stage, and on," Mr Bourke said.
"All funds raised on the night will go towards programs and resources to help local kids get a fair go. This might be a wheelchair for a kid living with a disability, a scholarship to help a talented sports player take part in an interstate competition or school supplies for a family doing it tough."
The night will commence at 6:30pm. Tickets cost $200 for an individual or $1900 for a table of ten. Tickets include a three course meal, premium beverages including beer, wine and cider as well as a Q and A with John and an acoustic performance.
Book your tickets now at www.variety.org.au/nsw/event/john-williamson.
