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Hi there, Shire Insiders!

No matter how busy your life is, I hope you have time to sit down with a good book this week.

Take advantage of the cooler nights and shorter days to get cozy, grab a cuppa, and relax.

In today’s edition:

• ❄️ The Winter Solstice

• 🐔 Chargrill Charlie’s in the Shire

• 📆 14 fun events happening this week

Let’s get to it.

— Janelle Bradley

❄️ The Winter Solstice

This Saturday June 21 marks the official Winter Solstice — the shortest day and longest night of the year.

The Southern Hemisphere is at its furthest tilt away from the sun, and signifies the official beginning of the winter season in Australia.

While it might sound gloomy, the solstice is actually a magical turning point. From here on, the days slowly start to stretch out again. It’s a quiet reminder that even in the depths of winter, brighter days are coming.

Unlike our friends in the Northern Hemisphere, who celebrate their solstice with sunshine and summer festivals, Aussies rug up and embrace the crisp air, cozy nights, and warm drinks.

So, how can you mark the occasion? Try a little solstice magic of your own:

• Host a backyard bonfire or firepit (with marshmallows, of course!)

• Make a winter feast with seasonal produce—think pumpkin soup, roasted veggies, and mulled wine.

• Take a night walk and admire the stars. The cooler air often makes for clearer skies.

• Create a solstice ritual: light a candle, write down what you’d like to let go of, and welcome in the return of the light.

• Visit a local event: Sydney Tramway Museum is running Trams After Dark, there is a Lantern Parade at Coogee Beach, or celebrate at Elizabeth Bay House, which was built in direct alignment with the sun’s rays on the winter solstice creating a spectacular sunrise.

The winter solstice is a perfect excuse to slow down, reflect, and get cozy.

Whether you celebrate with friends, family, or just a good book under a blanket, it’s a lovely way to honour the season. Here's to longer days ahead!

📰 Local News

🐔 Chargrill Charlie’s opens

Southgate Shopping Centre in Sylvania is the newest location for the beloved Chargrill Charlies.

Opening weekend saw the chain sold out before dinner!!!

If you’re looking to get your chicken and chip fix, make sure you go early!

📆 Exciting Events On Our Radar

Mark your calendar, go have fun!

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

🍷 Meet the Winemaker | Hazel, Gymea | 27 Jun | More
Hazel’s 3rd instalment of their Meet the Winemaker series, enjoy a 4-course dinner, paired with 9 wines from MADA Wines.

🎄 Holly Jolly Christmas in July | Front Row Theatre Company | 26 Jul | More
Get into the holiday spirit early with Holly Jolly Christmas in July, a festive concert blending your favourite winter Christmas carols with classic musical theatre songs!

👸 Once Upon a Time | The Pavilion, Sutherland | 30-31 Aug | More
An immersive showcase featuring your favourite timeless melodies from beloved Disney films. After the performance, meet iconic characters such as Moana, Snow White, and Elsa at our exclusive meet-and-greet session.

🗓️ This week in the Shire

🤣 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow 2025 | The Pavilion Sutherland | 20 June | More
Australia’s most iconic comedy tour is delivering top-tier humour straight to The Pavilion

🧘 Free Friday: Breathwork and Energy Healing | True Woo Cronulla | 20 June | More
Breathwork and energy healing, connecting with the heart and planting seeds of intention

🍝 Italian Date Night Cooking Class | Grams of Health | 20 June | More
Create unforgettable memories as you and your partner or bestie whip up a delicious three course meal together, paired perfectly with matching wines.

🌺 Winter 2025 Orchid Show | Woolooware Shores Retirement Village | 20-21 June
Orchid displays, raffle, growing advice and plants for sale

💐 Shire Farmers Market | Flora St Carpark, Sutherland | 21 June
Enjoy fresh, local grown produce, coffee, artisan products and gourmet treats

📚️ Grand Opening Kirrawee Library+ | Kirrawee Library+ | 21 June
Opening Kirrawee Library+ with local performers and fun activities

🚊 Trams After Dark | Sydney Tramway Museum | 21 June | More
Rug up and celebrate the winter solstice with fabulous photographic opportunities

🧘‍♀️ International Day of Yoga | Gymea Bay Community & Rec Centre | 21 June | More
Enjoy a gentle vinyasa yoga flow with a 45 minute sound bath. Finishing just in time for the sun to set on the solstice

🧘 Happy Hips Workshop | True Woo Cronulla | 22 June | More
A workshop exploring simple, effective movements to ease tightness in the hips and pelvis and build strength where it’s needed.

🤣 Engadine Comedy Gala | The Engadine Tavern | 22 June | More
3 of Sydney’s best comics take the stage for Engadine Comedy Gala

❓️ 80’s Music Trivia Night | Taren Point Hotel | 24 June | More
Dance along to your favourite 80’s tunes at Trivia night.

📖 In Conversation with Siobhan O’Brian | Harry Hartog, Miranda | 25 June | More
Siobhan O’Brien introducing her new book All The Golden Light

🤣 Comedy Night | Next Door, Cronulla | 26 June | More
The 3rd edition of our Comedy Night, venue and bar open at 5.30, show starts at 6.30. Includes 3 course dinner and comedy show.

🏃‍♂️ Mind Body Spirit Bookclub | True Woo Cronulla | 26 June | More
Special guest Darby Maguire will join the bookclub to talk about his recent experience running an ultramarathon a day, over 16 days from Coolangatta to Cronulla.

😆 Meme Street

Thanks for reading the Shire Insider! Hope you have a great weekend! Please share this edition with someone who loves mulled wine!