BREAKING: Sutherland Shire Wins ‘God’s Country’ Award for 40th Straight Year

Sandy Shores | Editor in Chief | Sutherland Shire Gazette

28 March 2025

In what has become a familiar annual triumph, the Sutherland Shire has once again claimed the prestigious God’s Country award for the 40th consecutive year, edging out fierce competition from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, which was disqualified after failing the crucial “Cost of Living Reality Check Index”.

The highly anticipated award ceremony, held at the prestigious Rydges Cronulla last night, saw local officials and proud residents gather to celebrate the Shire’s continued reign as Australia’s most blessed and borderline smug region. The Mayor proudly popped in from his honeymoon to accept the award while flanked by two surf lifesavers holding a commemorative esky filled with mid-strength beer.

"We’ve got it all: beaches, bushland, quality local breweries, the best coffee in the world, and parking that’s still free if you know where to look," Mayor Boyd declared. "We’re living the dream here – and reminding everyone of it on Instagram."

The Northern Beaches made a strong bid this year, boasting their coastal lifestyle and boutique gyms per capita. However, judges ruled that paying $18 for a smoothie in Avalon disqualified them on "economic sustainability grounds." "They’ve priced themselves out of paradise," noted head judge Bob Geraldson.

Residents of the Shire were unsurprised by the win. "We’ve been God’s Country since before Cronulla had Wi-Fi," said lifelong local Margaret Thorney, 67. "The Northern Beaches can keep their overpriced acai bowls – we’ve got the best sunrise views and a solid café-to-dog-per-capita ratio."

To mark the occasion, there are already plans to install new commemorative “Welcome to God’s Country” signs at all major entry points, complete with motion-activated speakers that play Horses by Daryl Braithwaite.

Locals are already petitioning to make the award a permanent title with one resident Robbie arguing “so we can stop pretending it’s ever a competition.”

God's Country Sutherland Shire