Breakfast By the Lake has become an annual tradition for Shellharbour on Australia Day. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
The Illawarra will mark this year’s Australia Day from country to coast, as the three councils host family-friendly events on 26 January that take advantage of the region’s beauty.
Shellharbour City Council will continue with tradition, as it once again hosts its Australia Day Breakfast by the Lake at Reddall Reserve.
Council’s acting mayor Cr Kellie Marsh said the event was a cherished tradition, bringing together Shellharbour locals and visitors for a day of community spirit and reflection.
“It’s an event the community looks forward to and asks for every year,” Cr Marsh said.
“We’re excited to see the community come together and get involved in this iconic event once again.”
From 8 am, attendees can enjoy a breakfast with classic favourites like bacon and eggs at affordable prices.
Cooking will be undertaken by a host of community groups, including Jamberoo Junior Rugby League Football Club, Central Oak Flats Scout Group, Albion Park Show Society, Warilla Lake South Minor Rugby League Football Club Inc, Legacy Allstars, Albion Park Evening Branch CWA, Shellharbour Community Lions Club INC, and Five Islands Outrigger Canoe Club.
Proceeds from the sale of items will then support each of the groups.
The Dwarte Family McDonald’s Restaurants will also provide juice for a $1 gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to Ronald McDonald Family Room in Wollongong Hospital.
Food stalls will be available until noon, while free family entertainment will include pop-up circus performances and workshops, slip ‘n’ slides and water play, jumping castles, a gaming truck, face painting, a musical playground and more.
Ample street parking is available along the foreshore and in nearby streets, with a reminder to respect residents in the area.
However, attendees should note the NSW Country Life Saving Championships will be taking place at Warilla Beach, and to allow ample time to find a parking spot and arrive at the event zone.
A drop-off zone and limited accessible parking bays will also be available.
Kiama Council is this year heading to Jamberoo to celebrate the national day.
It will hold its formal Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony at Jamberoo Youth Hall at 10 am, followed by a community barbecue and picnic next door at Reid Park, from 11:30 am until 2:30 pm.
Supporting Jamberoo Red Cross and Jamberoo Rural Fire Service, the event will include Illawarra musicians, as well as cultural performances.
A variety of games and activities will be on offer, including circus play, large yard games, face painting, and the Jamberoo Rural Fire Service truck.
Jamberoo Red Cross will provide the barbecue and Jamberoo Gelato Bar will be on hand for those with a sweet tooth, with attendees encouraged to bring a camp chair, picnic blanket or rug.
Those unable to make it to Jamberoo can instead head to Australia Day barbecues at Jones Beach at the Kiama Downs Surf Club from 7 am until noon, or Werri Beach at the Gerringong Surf Club from 7 to 11 am.
In Wollongong, the harbour, Osborne Park and Belmore Basin will be the focal points for activities from 5 to 8:45 pm, with roving entertainers, street performers, musicians, and kids’ activities.
Osborne Park will feature Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation hosting lantern making and decorating with Aboriginal artists, before they feature in a lantern parade.
Roaming around will be Junkyard Beats playing instruments made from junk, plus unicycle ballet, while on the Little Big Stage will be Char Char Del Mar and international circus, music and physical theatre performer Corey Pickett.
A variety of food will also be on offer at Osborne Park.
The night will finish with fireworks at the Wollongong Harbour at 9 pm.
A reserved accessible viewing area for people with disabilities and access requirements will be available through registration.
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