The true Australian spirit was out in full force on the water front at Hawks Nest where the Hawks Nest Lioness Club again organised a breakfast and a variety of outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Picnic blankets covered the grass and people lined up for a typical Australian breakfast of sausage and onion rolls, dampers and lamingtons.

The lioness club, with support of the Hawks Nest Lions Club members, hold the barbecue on Moira Pde each year.

“It has become something that people look forward to and travel from out of the area to come attend,” lioness president Lyn Humphries said.

The Australian flag was raised by life member of the surf lifesaving club and local resident Rex Sargeant during the singing of Advance Australia Fair.

This is the second year the flag has been raised on the flag pole that was erected by Great Lakes Council on the waterfront.

“I like to participate each year by raising the flag when the anthem is played,” Mr Sargeant said.

The Lioness Young Citizen of the Year award was reinstated this year and awarded to local youth Mitchell Markham who also celebrated his 14th birthday on Australia Day.

Mitchell received the award for his contribution in leadership and sporting ability within Tea Gardens Hawks Nest.

The Lioness Citizen of the Year was awarded to John Wark who has contributed to the community in many ways through representation on various committees.

Mr Wark has also been involved in the writing of several books about the area.

“I am deeply honoured to receive such an award and would like to pay tribute to the lioness club who put on a great show each year,” Mr Wark said.

The awards were presented to Mr Wark and Mr Markham by lioness president Lyn Humphries and Cr Carol McCaskie.

“This is a fabulous occasion that gets bigger and better each year,” Cr McCaskie said.