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Sydney vision opportunity: Australia's champion oyster shucker takes on Western Sydney amateurs

West HQ

Key Facts:

• Six amateur oyster shuckers will compete for the title of Western Sydney's Fastest Shucker at West HQ, Rooty Hill, at 1pm on Sunday, 16 August 2026.
• Competitors must shuck, flip, and slurp three oysters each, with the fastest time winning the title.
• Australian Oyster Shucking Champion Zoe will provide tips ahead of the competition, demonstrating the techniques that won her the 2026 national title.
• Celebrity chef Sean Connolly of West HQ's Steak and Oyster Co, who is behind the Western Sydney Oyster and Seafood Festival, will advise competitors on how to flip, present, and serve oysters.
• The event coincides with Zoe's preparations to represent Australia at the World Oyster Opening Championships in Galway, Ireland, the following month.

Six amateur oyster shuckers will put their speed, skill and stomachs to the test this Sunday as they battleit out top take the title of Western Sydney’s Fastest Shucker at the Western Sydney Oyster Festival.

In a fast-paced challenge built for the cameras, each competitor must shuck, flip and slurp three oysters each, with the amateur shucker that records the fastest time being crowned.er.

Before the competition, the six competitors will be given tips from Australian Oyster Shucking Champion Zoe who will demonstrate the techniques that secured her 2026 Australian title. They will also hear from celebrity chef Sean Connolly of West HQ’s Steak and Oyster Co and who is behind the Western Sydney Oyster and Seafood Festival, on how to flip and present and serve oysters.

The challenge comes as Zoe prepares to represent Australia at the World Oyster Opening Championships in Galway, Ireland, next month.

What:              Search for Western Sydney’s Fastest Oyster Shucker
When:              1pm, Sunday, 16 August 2026
Where:             Western Foyer, West HQ, 33 Railway Street, Rooty Hill

Media arrival: 12.45pm

Vision and interview opportunities:

• Six amateur competitors racing against Australia’s champion oyster shucker
• Close-up vision of competitors shucking, flipping and slurping oysters
• Zoe Jacobson demonstrating championship-level oyster shucking
• Interviews with Zoe ahead of the World Oyster Opening Championships
• Interview with Celebrity Chef Sean Connolly about the Western Sydney Oyster and Seafood Festival

 

About us:

West HQ, formerly known as the Rooty Hill RSL, is the leading landmark destination for entertainment, dining, leisure, lifestyle, and accommodation located in the heart of Greater Western Sydney. Spanning approximately nine hectares and serving a membership base of more than 60,000, West HQ is one of the largest and most diverse precincts in New South Wales. It is home to the Coliseum Theatre - a 2,000-seat multi-modal performance venue - alongside a suite of award-winning restaurants including CHU Restaurant by China Doll, Steak & Oyster Co. by Sean Connolly, Pizzaperta Manfredi, 33Grill Bar & Dining, New Town Thai, and Harriet’s Chicken. West HQ also houses the world-class Sydney Gymnastics and Aquatic Centre, one of the largest fitness centres in Western Sydney, One55 Health & Fitness, the 164-room Novotel Sydney West HQ, Timezone and Zone Bowling, plus a full conferencing and events precinct capable of hosting 8 to 900 delegates. Situated at the apex of the M4 and M7 motorways with complimentary parking and train access, West HQ is easily accessible from all parts of Greater Sydney and 45 minutes from the CBD. West HQ’s website can be found at westhq.com.au.

Contact details:

Jane Stagg | Lighthouse
+61 422 578 541
[email protected]