Lake Times. News. Young Australian sisters Emily Elmer, 5, and Sienna Owers, 2, by the lake at Reddall Reserve in preperation for the Australia day celebrations. 17/01/2013 Photo Dylan Robinson/DCZ
SHELLHARBOUR City will celebrate Australia Day in typically colourful style at its annual Breakfast by the Lake this Saturday.
The event is happening at Reddall Reserve, Lake Illawarra from 7am-11am.
It will include an address from St George Illawarra Dragons captain and NSW and Australian rugby league star Ben Creagh, who is the 2013 Shellharbour City Australia Day Ambassador.
The University of Wollongong junior is a 10-season veteran of the club.
The second-rower was named the Dragons' Player of the Year in 2007, 2009 and 2010.
This will be Creagh's first time as an Australia Day ambassador and he said he was looking forward to it.
"I pretty much jumped at the opportunity; it's something I may never get to do again and is a great opportunity," the 27-year-old said.
"As a young guy playing football, your whole life revolves around footy and that's what you focus on.
"As you get older, you realise there's a lot of things you can do to give back to those who have helped you get to where you are.
"I really do get enjoyment out of it and I'm very honoured and excited."
Creagh was also pleased that he could undertake the role close to where he grew up.
He said the day for him was typically based around family and friends; going to the beach, parks or reserves, having barbecues and attending local Australia Day events.
"I'm going to talk about what Australia Day means to me and what's so special about it," he said.
"Everyone coming together and celebrating what's great about Australia Day and being Australian.
"The unselfishness and giving attitude of Australians is a special quality we have."
Breakfast by the Lake will be provided from 7am-10am at a cost of $4 each, which will be donated to local charities.
The schedule for the morning is as follows:
- Australia Day Ambassador address and Citizen of the Year Awards - 7.30am.
- Citizenship Ceremony - 8am.
- Sand modelling competition with $1000 prize money - (registrations from 8.30am).
- Live music from 7am.
- Free children's activities - including Matilda's Farmyard Nursery, pony rides, jumping castles, inflatable rides and face-painting.