As part of Australia Day celebrations, Shellharbour City Council will play host to Bishop who will launch the day's happenings along Lake Illawarra, Reddall Parade.

People might remember Bishop from television series including Fox Past Life, Hustle, McLeod's Daughters, Heartbreak High, Water Rats and All Saints.

He also starred in movies The Sugar Factory, Wildside, Occasional Coarse Language, My Mother Frank and The Land of the Astronauts.

Bishop will help to launch the day of activities beginning with the charity fund-raiser breakfast.

Mayor Marianne Saliba said having someone of Bishop's acclaim as Australia Day ambassador for Shellharbour was an honour.

"This is always a fantastic event that offers everyone a reason to come down to our beautiful foreshore and have some fun," Cr Saliba said.

This year entertainment includes motor sports, live music, theatre performances, creative artistic sessions, competitions and games.

Koonawarra Bay Sailing Club will run a display of its radio-controlled International One Metre and A-Class model yachts on the lake during the day.

OSET Bikes and Corser Concept Motorcycle School will provide trial rides and demonstrations.

Youth performing ensemble The Gullibles have added Australia Day to their Let's Pretend tour that places the 15-strong troupe in front of their community.

The performance about the wild imagination of a five-year-old girl looking for adventure involves pirates, vampires and a story about how to make friends, and is suitable for a young audience.

The breakfast runs from 7am to 10am at a cost of $4 each, which includes cereal, sausages and eggs and juice, coffee, tea. All money goes to charity.

Bishop will address the crowds at the main stage from 7.30am and the Citizen of the Year Awards and citizenship ceremony will be held.

Registration for the sand modelling competition will take place from 8am-8.30am, with $500 prize money.

There will also be free face-painting, animal farm, pony rides and library on the lawn.

This year the event will be extended into the afternoon to include youth concert Amp It Up and the fun activities will continue until 2pm.