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Hi there, Shire Insiders!

Event-wise it’s a quiet week, but there are still exciting things happening!

Whether you are a lover or hater of cooler weather, embrace the last of it while it’s here.

In today’s edition:

• 🍝 Masterchef in the Shire

• 🥙 New restaurant alert

• ☕️ $3 coffee (?!?)

• 🛍️ Spring and summer market calendar

• 📆 6 fun events happening this week

Let’s get to it.

— Janelle Bradley

📰 Local News

Masterchef Hits the Shire - Are You In?

Home cooks, pasta lovers, and secret kitchen superstars — this is your moment to shine.

Joe Natale from the Natale Group has launched a brand-new cooking comp The Shire’s Next Master Chef and he’s bringing MasterChef’s Aldo Ortado along to judge.

Local food lovers are invited to enter their signature dish, the one that wins hearts at every family dinner, for a chance to cook it live at Giro and impress the judges.

The winner will score a $1,000 Natale Group voucher and have their dish featured on Giro’s December menu. Bragging rights? Guaranteed.

“You can make anything,” says Joe. “Entrée, pasta, dessert, as long as it nods to our Italian roots.”

Here’s how to enter:

1. Sign up online.

2. Upload a photo and description of your dish.

3. Joe selects six finalists.

4. Finalists cook live at Giro on Thursday nights.

5. Joe and Aldo crown the winner after six weeks.

You’ve got 14 days to enter, so fire up the stove, snap that photo, and show the Shire what you’ve got!

🥙 Restaurant Radar

Homer Rogue: Cronulla’s Bold New Taverna with Athenian Flavour

From the team behind Ham comes a fresh take on Greek dining.

The crew behind Cronulla favourite Ham have opened the doors to their newest venture Homer Rogue Taverna and it’s serving up bold Athenian energy with a modern Aussie twist.

Expect a menu of charcoal-roasted souvla, family recipes, and punchy Greek flavours, all designed to be shared as they’re ready. Highlights include spanakopita, handmade flatbreads, octopus souvlaki, and their mum’s legendary moussaka - all with a “Rogue” spin.

Co-owners Harry and Mario Kapoulas have created a space that feels lived-in yet fresh, with terrazzo floors, graffiti, exposed brick, and an open kitchen where you can sit at the bench and watch the chefs in action.

“It’s casual, it’s communal, and it’s all about good food, good drinks, and a good time,” says Harry.

Drinks-wise, grab a bottle straight from the three-metre walk-up wine fridge, or try Homer’s Epic Lager - a house brew brewed with Young Henrys.

Open Tuesday to Thursday from 5pm, and Friday to Sunday from 11:30am till late. Bookings recommended, walk-ins welcome.

☕️ Café Corner

We’ve mentioned Noah’s café a couple of times (here and here) when they have opened new locations this year: Kirrawee in January and Cronulla in June.

As a thank you for your support, come grab a $3 coffee this Friday, from 8am - 10am. (Seriously, I haven’t seen that price on coffee in a few years……)

Come get an amazing coffee from an amazing team and support local!

📆 Exciting Events On Our Radar

Mark your calendar, go have fun!

Want to plan out your month in August? Be sure to check out the full August monthly listing of events here.

While there are still a few more weeks of winter, spring is just around the corner and that brings more markets and fairs.

Mark your calendars for this season’s festivals and markets dates:

• Cronulla Winter Markets | 16 - 17 Aug | Don Lucas Reserve | More

• Cronulla Spring Festival | 6 - 7 Sep | Cronulla Park | More

• Menai Foodies Market | 12 Sep | Park Menai | More

• Gymea Village Festival | 26 Oct | Gymea | More

• Jannali Moonrise Festival | 01 Nov | Box Road Jannali | More

• Menai Foodies Market | 14 Nov | Park Menai | More

• Cronulla Christmas Markets | 29 - 30 Nov | Don Lucas Reserve | More

🗓️ This week in the Shire

🛍️ Local Pop-Up Markets | Kareela Village | 09 Aug | More
Immerse yourself in a world of creativity, featuring an eclectic mix of local vendors

🧱 Engadine Brick Fair | St John Bosco Catholic Primary School | 10 Aug
An annual Lego fan event hosted by 3rd Engadine Scout Group showcasing amazing Lego builds! 9am - 4pm

🦸 Spiderman and Wonderwoman | Taren Point Hotel | 10 Aug
Bring the kids for face painting from 12-2 and meet Spiderman and Wonder Woman from 1-3.

🎪 Thanksgiving and Family Fun Day | St Andrew’s Church, Cronulla | 10 Aug | More
Come celebrate the 90 year milestone of St Andrew’s Cronulla church building with a thanksgiving service and family fun day, including kids activities and jumping castle and morning tea with barista coffee.

🐨 Koala Preservation | Kirrawee Library+ | 13 Aug | More
Help save an icon! Learn more about koala preservation at this presentation by the Sydney Basin Koala Network.

🤣 Luke McGregor | The Pavilion, Sutherland | 09 Aug | More
He’s back with a brand-new show and doing what he does best….being awkward live on stage.

😆 Meme Street

Thanks for reading the Shire Insider! Hope you have a great weekend! Please share this edition with your best friend!