📰 Local News

Kids Leading With Kindness

Sutherland Public’s student leaders took charge this term with a food drive for local Kirrawee-based charity Hopefield. With shelves running low, the timing was perfect. Families pitched in with pasta, canned goods and cleaning supplies, helping to restock essentials.

All student-led, the project showed how even small hands can make a big difference in the community.

Shire’s Sharky Spring

A 2.7-metre Tiger Shark was tagged and released off Shark Island this week, adding to a run of sightings around Cronulla. The spike in shark activity is likely thanks to a decomposing whale off Jibbon Head, drawing the big predators closer to shore.

In the past fortnight, three sharks, including two Great Whites, have been tagged on SMART drumlines between Oak Park and Boat Harbour. These devices let authorities safely tag and track sharks in real time.

With spring here, shark nets are being put back in place across all Sydney beaches.

🔦 Suburb Spotlight: Kirrawee

From Brick Pit to South Village

Long before South Village, Kirrawee was built on clay—literally. From 1912, the suburb’s rich clay and shale fueled brickworks that supplied Sydney’s postwar boom, shaping the local economy and giving generations of residents their first jobs. The brick pit, once the heart of industry, dominated the landscape for decades.

Fun Fact: The brickworks operated for nearly 50 years, producing bricks that built homes across Sydney.

When brickmaking ended in the 1960s, the site fell silent. Buildings were demolished, the pit filled with water, and Kirrawee became a quiet, low-density suburb with modest shops, homes, and a slow pace of life. For years, locals debated what should come next.

Fun Fact: The former brick pit became a lagoon and wildlife habitat, home to birds and Grey-headed Flying Foxes, before redevelopment.

That next chapter arrived with South Village. Starting in 2012, the former pit was transformed into a vibrant urban precinct—over 750 modern apartments, a bustling retail hub, and a 9,000 sqm public park now breathe life into the area. Heritage remnants, like kiln bases and brick chimneys, are thoughtfully preserved, connecting residents to Kirrawee’s industrious past.

Fun Fact: The brick kilns preserved in South Village are bee-hive shaped, a distinctive design from early 20th-century industry.

Today, Kirrawee thrives as a lively, well-serviced community where history meets modern living. From clay and bricks to cafés and parks, the suburb’s journey celebrates its heritage while embracing a bright, urban future.

☕️ Café Corner

Brick Pit Espresso

A Local Favourite with a Nod to History

Tucked away in Kirrawee, Brick Pit Espresso is more than just a café—it’s a tribute to the suburb’s industrial roots. Its name recalls the old brickworks that once defined the area, while its focus is firmly on modern flavours and community spirit.

The café doubles as a roastery, serving freshly roasted White Horse Coffee alongside a menu of hearty breakfasts and wholesome lunches. Whether it’s smashed avo on sourdough, a classic bacon and egg roll, or something a little more adventurous, the food is fresh, generous, and made with care.

What sets Brick Pit Espresso apart is its sense of place. By blending quality coffee with a nod to Kirrawee’s brickmaking history, it has become a true community hub.

Pan and Stone

Brunch, Blooms & Father’s Day Feasts

If you love your brunch served with a touch of greenery, The Pan & Stone in Kirrawee is a must-visit. This café-plant shop hybrid combines great food with lush surroundings—think your morning coffee surrounded by leafy indoor plants (many of which you can take home).

With Father’s Day just around the corner, The Pan & Stone is going the extra mile. They’ve put together a special Father’s Day menu designed to treat Dad with hearty dishes and all the trimmings. From Eggs BeneDAD to Best Dad in the Shroom, the menu promises a mix of comfort and indulgence.

It’s the perfect excuse to gather the family, spoil Dad, and enjoy the warm, garden-inspired vibe this local favourite is known for. Tables are sure to fill quickly, so if you’re planning a Father’s Day outing, best to book ahead.

Got a favourite café in the Shire you’d like to promote? Reply to this email and tell us all about it.

🏢 Business Brief

Baked Patisserie

A Sweet Spot in Kirrawee

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Baked Patisserie in Kirrawee is your go-to destination. This boutique bakery has built a reputation for creating artisanal pastries, custom cakes, and delicate desserts that look as good as they taste.

From buttery croissants and flaky danishes to picture-perfect tarts and celebration cakes, everything at Baked Patisserie is crafted with care and a flair for detail.

Their ever-changing cabinet of treats means there’s always something new to try—whether you’re after a quick coffee and pastry on the go or a show-stopping cake for a special occasion.

For Kirrawee locals, Baked Patisserie is proof that life’s little indulgences are best enjoyed fresh, flaky, and made with love.

Sunday Road Brewing

Craft Beer, Local Spirit

For a taste of the Shire in a glass, head to Sunday Road Brewing in Kirrawee. This independent brewery has made a name for itself with small-batch, flavour-packed beers that capture the laid-back coastal lifestyle we all love.

From crisp lagers to bold IPAs, there’s something on tap for every beer lover—and the tasting room is the perfect spot to enjoy a paddle, catch up with mates, or unwind over the weekend. With food trucks and live music often in the mix, it’s as much about the atmosphere as the beer.

And with Father’s Day just around the corner, Sunday Road is the ultimate way to spoil Dad—whether that’s a tasting session, a six-pack of his favourites, or an afternoon at the brewery itself. Cheers to that. 🍻

Got a favourite business in the Shire you’d like to promote? Reply to this email and tell us all about it.

🏡 Property Peek

This week’s luxe property is in Kirrawee.

House of the Week: A double-brick showpiece in the Shire, with a heated pool, sandstone waterfall, and wraparound alfresco deck that’s pure resort mode. Inside, it’s all about marble, oak, and custom joinery, plus a staircase that deserves its own Instagram account. With four oversized bedrooms, two living areas, and skyline views from the top floor, this one’s built to impress. If you invite me over, I’ll bring the playlist and park myself by the pool lights until they cycle through every colour.

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