St. George Leagues Club brought together community partners, local leaders and special guests this morning for its second annual St. George’s Day Breakfast, cementing what is fast becoming one of the organisation’s premier community events on the St. George community calendar.
Held in The Grange, St. George Leagues Club, the breakfast welcomed Ms Ash Ambihaipahar MP, Federal Member for Barton, alongside a distinguished group of speakers and guests representing a diverse network of the club’s community partners across the St. George region.
The morning also served as the official launch of the St. George Venues community logo, a new symbol of the group’s collective commitment to the region across St. George Leagues Club, Maso’s Club and Scots Club. Across the last financial year, the three venues reinvested more than $1.7 million into the local community, supporting 40 organisations and funding 53 programs that touched the lives of thousands of local participants.
2026 St. Georges Day Breakfast held in The Grange, St. George Leagues Club.
St. George Leagues Club Chief Executive Officer Craig Epton said the second edition of the breakfast reflected the club’s strengthening relationships to the community it serves.
“When we held the first St. George’s Day Breakfast last year, we wanted to create a moment that genuinely celebrated this region and the people who make it special. To see it grow in its second year, with even greater representation from our community partners, is incredibly rewarding.”
“St. George’s Day is one of the most important dates on our calendar. It’s a chance to recognise the extraordinary organisations doing essential work across our region every single day, and to reaffirm our commitment to standing alongside them.”
A highlight of the morning was the announcement of the inaugural 2026 St. George Leagues Club Scholarship recipient. Elhannah Laird was honoured the 2026 St. George Leagues Club Scholarship in front of guests in attendance, awarded in partnership with the University of Wollongong. Elhannah will receive $5,000 per year for up to five years to support her undergraduate studies in the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health.
Epton was full of praise for Laird as he made the announcement for the scholarship during the breakfast.
“Elhannah is a deserving recipient and a shining example of the talent and ambition that exists right here in our community.”
“Through our partnership with the University of Wollongong, we’re proud to support her as she pursues her studies and works toward a career that will benefit us all.”
St. George Venues Chairman Ralph Piggott, St. George Leagues Club Scholarship Recipient Elhannah Laird and St. George Venues Chief Executive Officer Craig Epton.
Laird said the scholarship would allow her to make the most of every opportunity her degree has to offer.
“It’s amazing to be doing uni full time and this scholarship will help me completely focus on the opportunities that come up.”
“In my third year I get to do research subjects and any internships or summer research programs that come up. This scholarship will help me financially be able to use that time to improve my career and finish my degree.”
The University of Wollongong student spoke passionately about the role community plays in supporting young people to reach their potential.
“Seeing how many people are here doing amazing things, it’s really important that young people are supported and get to grow and get involved with opportunities like this. Eventually we become the leaders helping other young people. St. George Leagues Club is doing some amazing things.”
About 2026 St. George Leagues Club Scholarship
Established through the St. George Leagues Club, the scholarship is open to students from the St George and Illawarra regions commencing full-time undergraduate study in the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health at the University of Wollongong. Recipients receive $5,000 per year for up to five years, providing sustained financial support across their undergraduate journey.
