Mr Bishop - best known for roles in Home and Away and Body of Proof - addressed the thousands of locals and visitors enjoying the Breakfast by the Lake event at Lake Illawarra.

‘‘For me Australia Day is a day to stand up and be proud of who we are and what we have,’’ he told the crowd.

‘‘...We are blessed with some of the most beautiful countryside in the world - and that has been captured in the spirit of the people.’’

Mr Bishop said Australians had always been wonderful storytellers - both in front of and behind the camera - and he was proud as an actor to be able to bring stories and characters to life.

‘‘The life of an actor can be artistically thrilling but filled with inconsistency,’’ he said, ‘‘however Australia’s acting heritage is one of great consistency.

‘‘There’s a long line of Australian actors who enjoy national and international acclaim. Their appeal is one of openness, honesty, charm and dedication to hard work - and those attributes lie at the heart of all Australians.’’

More than 10,000 people were expected to join the crowd at Reddall Reserve for a full day of entertainment and activities.

Around 10,000 sausages, 5000 eggs, 2500 teabags and nearly a tonne of fruit were ordered for the annual breakfast - with early risers able to grab a full cook-up for $4.

Formal addresses by Mr Bishop, Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba, Throsby MP Stephen Jones and Shellharbour MP Anna Watson were followed by the Citizen of the Year awards and citizenship ceremony.

A sand modelling competition, face painting and pony rides kept the little kids entertained while the third annual Amp It Up youth concert was held from midday to 2pm.

Councillor Saliba said the city’s Australia Day event had been connecting, and entertaining, residents for more than 20 years.

‘‘Today we celebrate what it means to be Australian,’’ she said.

‘‘Here in Shellharbour the community is as diverse as the area in which we live.

‘‘We are a community of all ages, cultural and social backgrounds, and what makes us different is what binds us together.

‘‘It’s fitting that we have an actor as our ambassador today as individuality, diversity and self expression are the key attributes that make our country such a rich and diverse place to live.’’

Ms Saliba officiated at the citizenship ceremony, warmly welcoming 14 new Australian citizens.

One of those, Tantine Kinoro, said attaining Australian citizenship was a great honour.

‘‘I came here four years ago as a refugee from the Congo,’’ she said.

‘‘Having come from a country where people are fighting and dying, to such a peaceful country is a great privilege for me.’’

Meanwhile young and old joined in the festivities which were not dampened by the cool change.

‘‘I’ve been coming here every year since it started - it’s a family tradition,’’ Jennifer Moore of Unanderra said. 

Chad Haynes, of Mt Warrigal, added: ‘‘we never miss a year - there’s a great atmosphere, the people are friendly and it’s a great opportunity to spend time with family.’’