Sutherland Shire Declares Independence - Now a Sovereign Nation.

Sandy Shores | Editor in Chief | Sutherland Shire Gazette

1 April 2025

After securing its 40th consecutive “God’s Country” award, the Sutherland Shire has taken the logical next step - declaring independence from New South Wales.

In an emergency session, officials unanimously voted to secede, citing “chronic underappreciation” from greater Sydney and an “unwavering belief in our own superiority.” Effective immediately, the region will be known as The People’s Republic of The Shire, with Mayor Boyd now holding the title of High Custodian of Paradise.

Border control measures will be introduced at all major entry points, with toll booths set for Tom Ugly’s Bridge, Captain Cook Bridge, Alford’s Point Bridge and the Bundeena ferry ramp. Non-Shire residents must either pay an entry fee or correctly pronounce "Woolooware" and “Engadine” on the first attempt.

Meanwhile, The Shire’s First Referendum is set to determine the region’s official National Beer. Local breweries Sunday Road, Hairyman, and Shark Island Brewery are locked in fierce competition for the honour, while Social Brewers of Mortdale were swiftly ruled out for being “geographically and spiritually unaligned with the cause.”

“We’ve been God’s Country since 1906. It’s time to make it official,” declared High Custodian Boyd. “We have beaches, the best coffee, and we’re the last coastal Council with free parking”

Dr. Gavin Ledgerwood, Senior Fellow at the Sutherland Institute for Economic Excellence, praised the move: “The Shire has a strong local economy, passionate residents, and all the key ingredients for self-sufficiency. This is an exciting new chapter.”

Meanwhile, talks continue for an independent military force, with the Cronulla Sharks’ reserve squad tipped to double as border security.

More to come