Community
8 May, 2026
Residents share in birthday surprise
CAMPERDOWN residents enjoyed a party at Benallack’s Sports to mark a milestone birthday for proprietor Andrew ‘Naz’ Benallack.
Mr Benallack was surprised last Friday to find the Camperdown Lions Club out the front of the store cooking a sausage sizzle as well as cupcakes being handed out to customers and passers-by to mark his 60th birthday.
The day was organised by Michelle Elijah, who worked hard to ensure the celebration was a surprise for her partner.
“The shop was 60 two years ago and now Andrew’s turned 60, so I thought we could have a similar celebration,” she said.
“He’s been in business a long time.
“Thank you to everyone who came down to get a sausage or a cupcake and wished Andrew a happy birthday.
“It was a really nice time.”
Mr Benallack said he was shocked, excited and humbled by the birthday surprise, with many residents dropping by to wish him a happy birthday.
This included his mother Gwen Benallack who visited the store for the celebration.
“Michelle disguised all the events for today very well,” Mr Benallack said.
“I had no idea – normally, I can smell a rat from a mile away, but not this time.
“Camperdown’s a good spot.
“I’m more than happy to shout everyone a sausage on my birthday.
“I’m only going to turn 60 once.”
Mr Benallack thanked everyone who wished him a happy birthday, as well as those who worked on the special celebration day.
“Sausage sizzles and Michelle and Bailey making cakes since the wee hours this morning – I think it was excellent,” he said.
“The volunteer work the Lions club does is very important to maintain, and it’s very kind that they did a sausage sizzle for me.”
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