Explosive Nights: Mystery Fireworks Light Up Oyster Bay, Como, and Jannali

11 January 2025

Cove Smithson | Summer Intern Reporter | Sutherland Shire Gazette

Since New Year’s Eve, residents of Oyster Bay, Como, and Jannali have been treated—or subjected, depending on their opinion—to nightly fireworks displays. 

“It’s like living in a war zone, but with more sparkles,” grumbled local resident Pam Crinkle, who claims the displays have sent her dachshund, Snickers, into a state of perpetual panic. “Every night at 9 p.m., it’s BOOM! My living room is now a bunker.”

While the culprits remain unidentified, theories abound. Some locals believe it’s a coordinated effort by disgruntled dads, fueled by leftover sparklers and a deep-seated desire to one-up the Council. “You can’t tell a Shire dad he can’t have fireworks,” said Matt Bingley, BBQ enthusiast and self-proclaimed fireworks aficionado. “We’re practically born with Roman candles in our hands.”

Others suggest a more covert operation: a secret society of rogue pyrotechnicians, dubbed “The Firework Front,” seeking to “liberate” the Shire from Council’s festive restrictions. “They’re like vigilantes,” said an anonymous source. “Lighting up the sky for the people, one illegal rocket at a time.”

Meanwhile, local Facebook groups like Oyster Bay 2225 and Sutherland Shire Doggos have become hotbeds of speculation. Posts are flooded with theories ranging from secret government experiments to alien celebrations. “I’m just saying, I saw a UFO once, and now this,” wrote one Doggos member, while another added, “If my cavoodle has to endure this, we deserve answers.”

Council members have remained tight-lipped, but an insider hinted that officials are “monitoring the situation” and may introduce a mandatory bedtime for all residents, effective at sunset. “We thought if everyone’s asleep, the fireworks might stop,” the insider speculated.

Despite the noise complaints and startled wildlife, some locals have embraced the nightly spectacle. “It’s like our own little Sydney Harbour,” said Tim Flare, who’s taken to setting up a lawn chair and watching the show. “Why should the city have all the fun?”

As the mystery continues, one thing is certain: the Shire’s skyline is anything but quiet. Whether the displays are an act of defiance or a misdirected passion for pyrotechnics, the nightly explosions have made one thing clear—when it comes to fireworks, the Shire never fizzles out.