Local Resources
Caringbah Rotary Markets:
Held every 4th Sunday in the car park behind Coles, the markets are the largest in the Shire. There are an assortment of wares including second-hand clothing, toys, books, furniture and also original craft creations. All proceeds of the markets assist local charities, and since 1984, the markets have raised over $520 000.
Gymea TAFE:
Gymea TAFE is a part of Sutherland College, located in the Sutherland Shire, 30 kilometres south of central Sydney. The College has two campuses, one at Gymea and the other at Loftus, where there are a range of diplomas on offer.
Amy Taylor – Label:
Amy Taylor is a 24 year old fashion designer from Cronulla, with a store named after herself in the Cronulla arcade. Originating in 2003, the label has gained popularity and local fame in recent years. Taylor specialises in intricately designed evening and party dresses, with prices ranging from $80-$280.
Four Calling Birds Label:
Four Calling Birds was created by Christa Thorburn and Sarah Reilly in 2006. Both are currently enrolled in textiles at Ultimo TAFE Sydney, and have their garments sold at two stores in Sydney already – otheRside in Cronulla and Stonewash in Bondi. The pieces are inspired mostly by vintage clothing and eras. They mostly specialise in party dresses and miniskirts.
‘Fashion Forward’ Event:
Fashion Forward is an annual event held at Sydney Convention and Exhibitions Centre. It is aimed at showcasing the local talents in fashion design in one setting; to create an atmosphere of inspired fashion at the exhibition. The event is held every December, and has been a kickstart for many young Australians’ designing careers.
OtheRside Clothing Boutique:
OtheRside Clothing in Cronulla specialises in unique garments by local designers. The boutique is situated on the station end of Cronulla mall and has been operating for almost eight years. It is a well-respected shop within the community due to its support for local talent; and the quality of the pieces which are sold. Labels sold at OtheRside include Four Calling Birds, Erin Louise, and Flamingo Lady.
Photographs courtesy of Four Calling Birds website, Caringbah Rotary Club website, and Amy Taylor Fashion website.
A Brief History Of The Sutherland Shire
The Sutherland Shire has affiliations with the “birth of modern Australia” due to it’s inclusion of Kurnell, the first landing spot of the British. ‘The Shire’ is a well-known part of Sydney – and for that matter, Australia – located amongst Georges River and Botany Bay. it was originally inhabited solely by the Dharawa people, 7000 years before Lieutenant Cook’s arrival in 1770.
Initially, it was intended that Botany Bay would be the base of settlement for the British, but Sydney Harbour was eventually chosen due to its better-sheltered harbour for shipping. Captain James Birnie was the first settler to own land in the area, which only grew to 1,500 inhabitants a hundred years later. It was officially named the “Sutherland Shire” by Government Proclamation in 1906. Currently the Shire is home to 215 084 residents. The rapid growth is mostly due to the population boom of the 1950s with an increase in housing in the region.
The Sutherland Shire is host to a wide variety of significant landmarks and natural environments; from the second largest national parkin the world to one of Australia’s biggest oil refining companies – Caltext, located at Kurnell. It also boasts one of the biggest shopping complexes in Australia, Miranda Fair, and well-known strips of beach, Cronulla.
The Shire has long been well known for its community-minded spirit, beautiful coastal areas and scenic parks; however, conflict between the different races within region erupted into a day of shocking and unprecedented large-scale violence. Approximately 5000 angry, mostly white, people gathered at North Cronulla plaza and chased about 10 men of middle eastern appearance into a nearby hotel. Fuelled by alcohol, and years of much smaller-scale conflict between the two groups, December 11th, 2005, became a day of violent racial outbreak and of huge embarrassment for the Sutherland Shire residents. The news and disturbing images of the day travelled the world over, and the area is affiliated with the riot to this day.
This category of violence is largely diminished; however problems continue for the area in the of drunken disorderly behaviour as nightclubs Carmens and Northies have both been publicised as being on probation for their increasingly violence patrons and their failure to control it.
The Sutherland Shire can be seen as an example of the pitfalls of multiculturalism – a clash in strong opinions in a deeply intertwined community. This is not to say that this characterises the Shire – it is simply an issue which is being addressed currently.
Photograph courtesy of Sutherland Shire Council
