THOUSANDS of oyster lovers descended on Dunwich on Sunday for the annual Straddie Oyster Fest in its first year at the Straddie Sharks Allsports Club.
The Bayside Bulletin Oyster Shucking Competition was fiercely fought, with Dunwich resident and oyster grower Narelle (Nicky) Borey retaining her title and snatching the win from president of the Oyster Growers Association, Greg Nankerris, who came a close second.
Nicky won the title last year and competed in the international oyster shucking competition in Ireland.
There were also novice rounds for first time shuckers.
More than 200 residents of Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra islands caught two chartered ferries up to Dunwich for the day, with special guest masters of ceremony TV personalities Bruce Paige and Spencer Jolly keeping events rolling and local musicians Shag Rock playing a mellow soundtrack for the seafood-fest.
Organisers from Straddie Allsports said they were “extremely happy” with the day, and looked forward to hosting it again next year.