Central Coast Business Review December 2022

Hawkesbury

Central Coast Business Review

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AN EVENTFUL YEAR? Yes, well in many cases it really has been.

In April the Central Coast became part of a Six Cities Mega region, taking in all the three Sydney regions plus Wollongong and Newcastle. The idea being that such a mega region could look something like San Francisco’s Bay Area, the Netherlands’ Randstad, or the Pearl River Delta.

Announced by Premier Perrottet, the Idea is certainly visionary. However, one must ask, how will the Central Coast fare in this new world?

After all, for the past four years the NSW Government has literally been pouring bil lions into Western Sydney and snubbing the Central Coast.

Anyway, by September, the Greater Cities Commission (GCC), (formerly the Greater Sydney Commission) had appointed former NSW Environment Minister the Hon. Robyn Parker as Central Coast Commissioner. She joins two others from Newcastle and Wollongong.

At the same time the GCC released a ‘Discussion Paper’ to be a ‘blueprint to bet ter connect and create more liveable cit ies across NSW as well as providing more access to services and opening new doors for businesses to thrive’. It will be late 2024 before we know the results.

In May, having been dragged kicking and screaming the NSW Government finally announced that the University of Newcastle would be the preferred university to estab

lish a desperately needed Central Coast Campus in Gosford. It took until July to announce that it would contribute its share to make it happen.

The University is now preparing plans for the construction of the site that will com mence in 2023.

This Campus will complement the UON’s Central Coast Medical School and Research Institute opened in 2021 adjacent to Gosford Hospital.

If it was not for CCBR and the Gosford Erina Business Chamber one wonders if we would ever have got this Campus – prom ised by Premier Berejiklian four years ago!

In March the Government finally sacked all Central Coast Councillors - the mob (excluding a few) who sent the place broke.

Administrator Rik Hart, appointed a year earlier, had his position confirmed until the next council elections in September 2024.

The shamble that was the Central Coast Council can now look forward to a strong financial future under this Administrator and CEO David Farmer.

Having said that, there is no doubt that Council’s Director of Environment and Planning Dr Alice Howe, appointed earlier this year, has a big job on her hands.

In September CCBR reported on the enormous backlog of Development Applications with developers and build ers saying they must allow at least twelve months to get a complying DA approved.

On the positive side we now find

that Council does have an Economic Development Unit and they have been doing a lot of good work behind the scenes.

We do know that they are working very hard on a Master Plan for the future of Warnervale Airport.

This Unit has also been working on the redevelopment of the Gosford Waterfront and a few months ago released their Concept Plan for the future of the water front. A very forward-thinking approach.

Now the community is getting the opportunity to comment after which a business plan for the redevelopment will be finalised and a developer sought to make it happen.

Of course, this is all predicated on the basis that it will be set in concrete before September 2024! That is certainly Rik Hart’s plan.

In terms of some activity on the ground, 2022 has been a good year for Gosford.

During the year John Singleton complet ed a million-dollar refit of The Bon restau rant and turned it into the Railway Hotel Bar and Steakhouse. It is now a very popular venue bringing new life to Gosford.

This venue complements the $12 million redevelopment of the Gosford Hotel by the Harris Family in 2021.

These two venues plus Lyons Den Bar and the many eateries are transforming Gosford’s night life.

Hawkesbury Brewing opens Taphouse

SINCE SETTING UP their brewery and beverage manufacturing operation at Lisarow two years ago ABC Filling Co Pty Ltd has become the largest brewing company on the Central Coast with their flagship Hawkesbury brand now being marketed nationally through all the major liquor stores.

ABC Filling Co Pty Ltd is a contract manu facturer of beverages that includes beer, wine and spirits to cider and fruit drinks and other non-alcoholic drinks for the FastMoving Consumer Goods (FMCG) market.

Until locating on the Central Coast with the help of a $1.755 million grant from the NSW Government’s Regional Investment Activation Fund, ABC operated from several separate locations from Mount Ku-ring-gai to Queensland and Victoria, the move to Lisarow bringing all operations under the one roof.

The facility represents an investment of over $40 million in the most up to date and state-of-the-art brewing and packag ing equipment and research laboratory all located in a 10,000sqm factory that was once occupied by Albany International.

The company employs around 75 fulltime and up to another 40 casual workers.

The move also facilitated the growth of the Hawkesbury Brewing Co with a broad range of beers under the now popular Hawkesbury label.

The company’s plans always were to establish the brewery as a tourist destina tion with Taphouse, restaurant, and visits through the plant for groups.

This month will see the opening of “The Hawkesbury”, a 2000sqm space that will feature a full range of beers on tap along with wines and non-alcoholic drinks, restau

our teams include

Across business, property, criminal, family law and wills & estates law,

rant with seating for 300 in a family friendly environment and conference facilities and a 7 x 4 metre TV screen, the largest out side Sydney.

Hawkesbury Brewing Co’s brewery facility at Lisarow

Hawkesbury Brewing Co’s brewery and production plant

Coast manufacturers shine at Hunter Manufacturing Awards

THREE CENTRAL COAST

manufacturers have taken out awards at the Hunter Manufacturers Association’s 2022 awards for excellence in manufacturing compet ing against the best of the best across the Hunter, New England, and Central Coast regions.

Held at NEX in Newcastle on 28th October the 2022 awards were the 15th since their establishment in 2007.

The HMA Awards are among the most prestig ious across the manufactur ing sector nationally.

Significantly the Judging Panel is taken from some of the region’s leading experienced professionals all of whom are at arm’s length from the applicants. This year’s Panel comprised twelve judges all with extensive knowledge of all aspects of the manufactur ing process.

The Judging Panel is sep arate to the HMA Board.

The Judges’ comments in relation to the awards are:

Apprentice of the Year –Alex Nivison

The judges said, “Alex was employed as an Apprentice in Engineering Mechanical with the Chamberlain Group in West Gosford. A strong passion for Mathematics and

Engineering whilst at school led to him seeking employment in the engineer ing field. The apprenticeship with the Chamberlain Group soon proved a natural fit with Alex playing an integral part in a team that doubled the output of a robot assigned to a CNC machine. An outcome that won the “Kaizen individual Idea Award”.

Opportunities soon arose within the Chamberlain Group with Alex undertak ing a Team Leader Role on the afternoon shift. As a leading hand and team leader he was able to put into practice the skills learnt during his apprenticeship. Away from work Alex was also able to put into prac tice his communication and organising skills. In 2019 during the drought Alex helped organised a fund-raising appeal, raising $16,000 to assist families in rural NSW.

Manufacturing Leader Award

Bruce Hegan –4id Solutions

Founded by Bruce Hegan and based at Warnervale, 4id Solutions are leaders in asset tracking and tagging. The Judges said, “Bruce is relentless as he finds ways to improve products and processes and remain competitive with the goal of being ahead of the market and his com petitors as opposed to just following cur rent industry trends. During the challenges associated with COVID Bruce and his team pivoted their customer base into new sec tors such as healthcare, medical, warehous ing, and controlled substances and they were also able to secure a preferred sup plier arrangement with a major US-based customer.

Bruce has a strong focus on people and is now coaching and mentoring the next generation of manufacturing leaders.”

Excellence in Manufacturing Capability Award - Elecbrakes

In an Australian first, Lisarow based Elecbrakes was founded by Craig de Leon who invented an electronic brake control ler which eliminates the need for wires and allows users to control their brakes via Bluetooth and their smartphones.

The Judges commented, “Elecbrakes were forced by supplier unreliability to take matters into their own hands and set up for manufacturing of components they’d previously bought in. They set up their own manufacturing line to produce the needed circuit boards and surface mounted devices. Meanwhile almost doubling productivity.

Craig De Leon, Managing Director, Elecbrakes, Alex Nivison Chamberlain Group apprentice and Bruce Hegan CEO 4ID Solutions

Avoca Beach Theatre redevelopment on the cards to start early 2023

THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED REDEVELOP MENT of the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre is moving towards reality as revamped plans are expected to go before the Local Planning Panel before the end of the year or first thing in 2023.

Having engaged local architects, CKDS Architecture, to review earlier approved plans minor changes have been made that enhances the ambience of the building and surrounds.

Theatre owners Norman and Beth Hunter say the new plans will see the retention of the approved three cinema spaces but with reduced overall seating and revamped facades.

Mrs Hunter said the new revitalised theatre, resulting from a collaboration with Johnson Projects and CKDS were very dif ferent to past plans, with internal and exter nal changes to originally approved plans.

“We are delivering an exciting cultural hub continuing to serve our community for another 70 years.”

“Internally, the changes mean there will be a smaller number of people in the build ing as a whole; externally, we have focussed on mirroring the natural elements of Avoca Beach whilst giving a nod to a bygone era of cinema.

“The jewel in the crown of our environ mental package is geothermal heating and cooling which utilises the earth’s stored tem perature to heat and cool buildings, reduc ing energy usage by 70 per cent,” she said.

A curved interior staircase will be remi niscent of the golden age of cinema lead ing to an upstairs piano bar come cinema with seating for 100 patrons that can also be used for live music.

Downstairs on ground level, will feature a small café that with moveable walls can become a new 54-seat theatre restaurant as well as incorporating the existing 280-seat cinema and a third 32-seat cinema.

The overall development includes a resi dential component with five 2-bedroom apartments overlooking Avoca Beach.

Construction is expected to start in the first half of 2023.

The Avoca Beach Theatre was built by Norman Hunter’s father and uncle in 1948 and has become part of the fabric of Avoca Beach. They are passionate about continu ing the theatre’s legacy.

Architect’s rendering of the entrance to the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre

Architect’s rendering of the proposed redevelopment of the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre from the rear showing residential component.

Bouddi Arts Foundation’s support for local artists

THE 12TH ANNUAL Bouddi Arts Foundation Awards were held at the Wagstaffe Hall on Sunday 6th November with special guest, Marcia Hines AO who took time off from rehearsals for her role as lead in Velvet Rewired soon to be showing at the Sydney Opera House.

In opening the Class of 2022 Awards, that comprised 21emerging young Central Coast artists who received grants from $500.00 to $5,00.00 BFA Founder and Chair John Bell AO OBE, Artistic Director of Bell Shakespeare and one of Australia’s most acclaimed theatre personalities, said that since its inception the Foundation had made 165 individual grants worth a total of $317,050, including $57,600 for this year, “The Foundation is dedicated to support ing and encouraging young artists on the Central Coast,” he said.

“Every year, I am astonished at the depth of talent among young people from the Central Coast”, he said, “and 2022 is no exception. Indeed, the level of artistry displayed seems to be improving despite the debilitating effects of the pandemic on the arts and artists across Australia and the world.” He expressed thanks for the gen erosity of donors to the Foundation – “the lifeblood of our grants program.”

The Foundation relies entirely on private donors to support its work.

Donations can be made online by visiting www.bouddiarts.org.au/donate.

BFA Class of 2022 Awardees:

• Kasey Barnes from Springfield. Her grant will help her attend the International College of Musical Theatre in London,

• Jacinta-Rose Burley from Blue Haven. Her grant will help with voice lessons and production,

• Kelly Griffith from Terrigal. Her grant will help her build a catalogue of songs for touring Australia and overseas,

• Imogen Georgia Hall from Terrigal. Her grant will help her buy a wheel, clay, and ceramic supplies to create ceramics,

• Stella Hannagan from Avoca Beach. Her grant goes towards recording costs, studio hire and mixing and mastering her songs,

• Lilia Jackson from Point Frederick. A cura tor in her 2nd year Master of Research Art at the University of Arts London. Her grant is to assist her with further tuition,

• Zali Kassi from Phegans Bay in her 2nd year at NIDA in prop making and special

effects. Her grant funds secondment to a SFX company,

• Lily Kennedy-Head from Avoca Beach. Her grant goes towards her attending the Tring Park Summer School Performing Arts Summer Camp in London,

• Ryan Lee from Forresters Beach. A cin ematographer his grant is to assist with purchase and camera equipment to pro duce top tier level cinematic

Apology to David Harris

In our November issue we referred to Member for Wyong David Harris as being Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast.

This was incorrect, Mr Harris is Shadow Minister for the Central Coast.

In addition to this Mr Harris is Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, Shadow Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism,

John Bell and Marcia Hines with Bouddi Arts Foundation’s Class of 2022

John Bell AO OBE Founder and Chair Bouddi Arts Foundation with Marcia Hines AO following presentation of the grants

Industree Group secures naming rights for Stadium

BERKELEY VALE BASED personal protec tive equipment (PPE) manufacturing and distribution company Industree Group has secured official naming rights partner of Central Coast Stadium on the Gosford Waterfront.

Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart welcomed the support of the Industree Group as the new official nam ing rights sponsor for the Stadium.  “This commitment from a Central Coast business is wonderful to see and is a sign of confi dence in the Stadium’s ability to be able to host big events,” he said. “Council’s aim is to be able to deliver and support high quality events on the Coast, which will help boost business and visitation, as well as bring the community together.”

Commenting on the announcement Industree Group owners Jason, Melanie and Jon Stenning said, “To be able to contribute back into the local community where our head office is based and many of our staff and their families live, is a fantastic opportunity and one that we are very passionate about evolving for the benefit of the community.”

“As a proud NSW Central Coast-based company operating and distributing suc cessfully at a multi-national level, Industree Group celebrates their fifteenth year of operation this year.”

“Securing the naming rights of such an iconic local Central Coast asset now adds another really positive layer to our fifteen-year anniversary celebrations,” said Industree Group Co-Founder and Managing Director, Mr Jason Stenning.

Kath Casey said that she is delighted that a local Central Coast company with a multinational presence has invested significantly into the naming rights partnership.

“Industree Group Stadium is the people’s stadium on the Central Coast and this nam ing rights partnership is all about investing in the future and success of our region,” Ms Casey said.

“Industree Group is one of the great busi ness success stories here on the Central Coast and this partnership will enable us to deliver on our commitment to bring the

best events to our region, drive local tour ism and business, and deliver the best pos sible event experience for the fans at our beautiful Stadium.

As the Industree Group Stadium events calendar continues to grow, the Central Coast Mariners – the hugely popular A-Leagues football club – has recently locked in at least 12 games for the year ahead.

Industree Group Stadium is operated by leading event and venue management company VenuesLive on behalf of Central Coast Council.

Industree Group Stadium Venue Manager

Industree Group CEO, Jon Fleming, Stadium Venue Manager Kath Casey and Central Coast Council Unit Manager Economic Development and Property, Jamie Barclay Photo courtesy of Scott Gardiner Photography)

Loyal I.T Solutions – 20 years supporting local businesses

MICHAEL AND JULIE GOODWIN started Loyal I.T. Solutions in November 2002. A business providing professional I.T. services and helpdesk support for businesses across the Central Coast.

Founded on the 4 main principles of “The Fish Philosophy” – Choose Your Attitude, Be There, Make their Day and Play, Loyal I.T. Solutions is the leading I.T. service company on the Central Coast.

But it goes further. Loyal I.T. clients have come to know and understand their Code of Honour that is the foundation of the ser vice they receive:

• Loyalty,

• Team

• Customer Satisfaction

• Integrity

• Commitment

• Respect

• Communication

• Balance

Gratitude, and

• Community

The Fish Philosophy and Code of Honour have become part of their DNA. It’s what motivates Loyal I.T.’s ten staff, most of whom have been with the business for over ten years.

But it started much further back, Michael had completed a Telecommunications Trade Course and was working for the Overseas Telecommunications Commission (OTC) and in that job there was a crossover from satellite communications to informa tion technology.

It was this knowledge of IT that got him a job with Swiss Banking Corporation then Rothschild & Co Australia, a global banking corporation in their IT department.

At that time, he and Julie lived at Berowra but in 1994 they bought their home at Wyoming and after a short time commut ing got a job with a local IT solutions pro vider Absolute Business Systems, which a few years later was sold to a Sydney based company.

But it didn’t work. Michael’s values didn’t match his employer and so he and Julie made the decision to set up on their own. Enough clients followed and others would do so on the basis that they just wanted good service.

The first to come across were Robson Civil, Gosford Council, Fairhaven Services, and a few others. Robson Civil and Fairhaven have remained with Loyal ever since. These days they have over 400 active clients, most of whom are Central Coast based.

Michael Goodwin puts part of their suc cess down to the advice he and Julie got from local business coach Marcus Kroek. “Marcus really helped us,” he said.

“Our team are our business,” says Michael. “Therefore, we ensure that we only employ the best people, peo ple that share our customer service ethic, people with good communica tion skills, people who care about you and your busi ness.”

To back that pol icy up Goodwins hold an annual weekend confer ence with all staff involved and each Friday have a get together away from the office where everyone can relax and talk about the week that was.

Staff turnover at Loyal I.T. is very low. Two people, Technical Team Leader, Brendan Lewis and Business Development Manager Naomi McCahon, have been with the busi ness well over ten years.

Former General Manager Michael Trimblett moved on earlier this year after fifteen years. Having taken time off during the COVID pandemic to save the company money and at the same time study cyber security, he is now Senior Cyber Security Analyst with the NSW Police Force.

“We invest in our staff, we see the strength of our business as our staff,” he said.

Not long after the Goodwins founded Loyal I.T., having outgrown their home office they bought a unit in Dwyer Street, Gosford and in 2013 moved into their present premises in Mann Street.

Over the years their success has been recognised with them win ning major state awards with the NSW Business Chamber:

In 2014 and 2015 they were Winners in the Excellence in Business Ethics cat egory and in 2014 Michael Trimblett

was Winner in the Youth Business Leader category

In 2020 Loyal I.T. won a Federal Government grant, an initiative designed to bring cyber security best practice to small and medium businesses.

Loyal I.T. is very much part of the com munity. They are sponsors of the Gosford Erina Business Chamber and Executive Partners of the Central Coast Mariners.

Over the years the Goodwins have been strong supporters of Central Coast Shelter and they contribute to the Child Fund supporting kids overseas.

Michael and Julie Goodwin

Hotel Gosford made quite the impact at the prestigious Australian Hotel Association NSW (AHA NSW) Awards for Excellence in late October, taking home the Best Regional Redevelopment of the Year and being final ists in nine further categories, including:

Best Regional Local

Best Late-Night Venue

Best Sporting Entertainment Venue

Best Cocktail List

Best Regional Gaming Venue Best Traditional Pub Accommodation

Best Regional Casual Dining Regional Hotel of the Year Group Hotel Operator of the Year (Harris Narvo Hotels)

The heritage-listed pub and local institution

owned by the Harris family and part of the Harris Narvo Hotel Group, underwent an 18-month multimillion dollar refurbishment and reopened in November last year.

Jordan Harris, Hotel Gosford’s owner/ oper ator, says he’s honoured to be recognised for his venue’s outstanding achievements.

“I’m so proud of our team and last night’s recognition just proves how hard we’ve worked. It’s been our focus for almost a decade to transform our much-loved venue and create an incredible pub destination for the Central Coast”.

The AHA NSW Awards for Excellence are considered to be the most prestigious awards programme across the NSW hospi tality industry.

JLL, Managers of the Imperial Centre Gosford have appointed Sue Fowler as Centre Manager.

Ms Fowler has a long and successful career spanning 15 years managing shop ping centres.

Most recently she was Centre Manager at Lakeside Plaza The Entrance.

She was Centre Manager at Deepwater Plaza Woy Woy from 2007 until 2017 and subsequently worked for the GPT and Dexus Group and more recently CBRE managing multiple centres that included Lake Haven, Bankstown, and Prospect Homemakers centre.

The Imperial Centre was acquired by Melbourne private equity firm, IP Generation from the Lederer Group in June 2021. The property is managed by JLL Australia is a glob al commercial property services company.

Hotel Gosford named Best Regional Re-development

(l to r) Category Sponsor Pilcher Partners’ Jason Butler with Jane Harris, Jordan and Chloe Harris and Peter Harris

Sue Fowler appointed Centre Manager, Imperial Centre Gosford

Sue Fowler

Lakeside Resorts Pty Ltd, owners of the iconic The Clan motel at Wamberal have put the property on the market through agents Savills who are offering it for sale via Expressions of Interest closing Tuesday, 13th December.

Located at 1 Ocean View Drive with frontage directly onto Terrigal Lagoon the property comprises 32 motel units plus an adjacent self-contained 4-bedroom cottage with separate title.

Total site area is 3,389sqm zoned Low Density Residential R2 comprised over 5 lots.

The property was developed by Patrick and Lauren Noble who acquired the prop erty on arrival with his family in Australia in 1966 and built the motel which they oper ated for 20 years.

Prior to Lakeside buying the property it was owned by the Medlicott Family who sold it by auction to the present owner in 2004 for $5.4 million.

Marble Bar & Grill on Karalta Road opposite Fountain Plaza opened its doors in early November and owners Freddie Salomone and Daniel Stephenson say that they have received a good response.

Specialising in steaks from the fire that include Rump Riverina Angus and Cube Roll Wagyu Shiro to their 1Kg Florentina Jack’s Creek MB3+ for $149 Marble has added a new dimension to the food offer ing in Erina.

Mr Salomone comes from a long line of Italian restaurateurs where he learned his trade. Since arriving in Australia twelve years ago he has worked most recently at Coast Bar Gosford and ARC Terrigal.

Argyle Estates

Graham McMullen – Licensee F.A.I.B.B. 0419326555

While Mr Salomone will be Chef his business partner and brother-in-law Daniel Stephenson who comes with a food background in the UK will manage the front of house to ensure that patrons get the best service.

Marble Bar and Grill partners Daniel Stephenson and Freddie Salomone

The Clan hits the market

Clan Motel

Marble Bar & Grill opens in Erina

Council opens $9 million landfill cell at Buttonderry

CENTRAL COAST COUNCIL has com pleted one of its most significant projects recently undertaken – a new landfill cell at Buttonderry Waste Management Facility, costing $9 million.

With Council’s existing landfill cell, which was constructed in 2013, reaching its end of life, Council has designed and con structed a new modern engineered landfill cell - approximately five hectares, or seven football fields, in size.

Central Coast Council’s Director Infrastructure, Boris Bolgoff, said the new cell will meet the community’s waste disposal needs for approximately the next 4.5 years “Council’s team, together with our con tractors, faced many challenges during the project including Covid-19 impacts to contractor staff, higher than average wet weather and two significant natural disaster events, but have succeeded in delivering the project on time, on budget and meet ing expectations."

Mr Bolgoff said while the new Cell has enormous capacity and is needed as an important facility for the community, Council also wants the community to be aware of alternatives in reducing waste.   Council’s Waste and Resource Recovery Unit Manager, Andrew Pearce, said this pro ject was challenging on many levels, with the priority always to ensure the new Cell meets all environmental requirements and community expectations.

Carried out by local contractor Robson Civil, the works on the project included:

• The excavation and stockpiling of around 415,000 m3 of soil and rock

The installation of three engineered lea chate barrier liners totalling 153,000 m2 were designed to protect the environ

ment. These are a geosynthetic clay liner, high density polyethylene liner, and a cushion geotextile

• Placement of 20,000 tonnes of leachate gravel, 1.8km of leachate collection pipe lines, and a leachate pumping station Access roads, stormwater management infrastructure, electrical poles / lines, and “The cell has a total airspace of 820,000 m3 which is the equivalent to 430 Olympic sized swimming pools. However as already noted, the best outcome would be that this cell is never filled! Rather, we want to work with the community to reduce waste in landfills.   Central Coast Council CEO David Farmer said the construction and delivery of the

new Buttonderry Cell is important as it ticks off a major project by Council, as well as delivering an important essential service for the community.

“This facility has been fully funded by Council from revenue received in prior years from the operation of Councils waste management facilities.

“The community have made it very clear to Council that they want us to focus on managing waste in the environment, and we are listening and acting by introducing new recycling and waste management initi atives and processes using new technology and partnering with other stakeholders,” Mr Farmer said

Construction to commence to rebuild the Mangrove Creek Visitor Space

Tuggerah based builder, North Construction & Building has won the design and construct tender for the Mangrove Creek Visitor Space as well as an upgrade of the picnic area at Mangrove Dam.

North commenced work on the pro ject in mid-November.

This work follows the destruction of the amenities building in the 2019 Three Mile Fire. The upgraded Visitor Space will feature a new amenity building, an

improved picnic area and educational elements.

Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said the design of the new Visitor Space takes into consideration extensive community feedback on how this space can support locals and visitors alike.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said that Council is looking forward to pro viding the community with a new and modern interactive Visitor Centre and

picnic area for all to enjoy. “Mangrove Creek Dam is a highlight destination for the region, and we wanted to create a Visitor Space that encourages both locals and tourists to spend more time enjoy ing this beautiful area and support local businesses within the Coast’s Mountain and hinterland regions.

The new Mangrove Creek Dam Visitor Space will feature:

• new interactive visitor education cen tre,

New landfill cell at Buttonderry Waste Management Facility

Bruce Kerr – 1940 - 2022

residential sub-division at age 18.  By 21 he was a millionaire.

The early 1950s saw the birth of what would become one of Australia’s largest building and real estate companies, Lend Lease. Bruce met Lend Lease founder Dick Dusseldorp and quickly established a relationship that would see him sourc ing land and selling their subdivisions.

His career was only interrupted for a few years while he did his National Service training.

Through the years that followed the Peninsula and Central Coast grew rapidly and property investors as well as those seeking property found themselves well advised by Bruce Kerr.

Bruce Kerr was a person who sur rounded himself with sound advisers and valued their advice, although in the end he made up his own mind.

He was a man who read anything and researched everything – he knew how to think outside the square, as one friend said.

This thinking applied particularly to his property development activities.

Well known and highly respected real estate agent and property developer, Bruce Kerr died on 23 October 2022, age 82 years.

As owner of Bruce Kerr Real Estate on the corner of Railway Street and Blackwall Road, Woy Woy and at Ettalong, Bruce Kerr’s career in real estate started almost as a child growing up on the premises in his father, Bruce’s real estate business, which he founded in 1938.

Bruce joined the business on leaving school and subsequently inherited it on his father’s death.

A born entrepreneur, Bruce sold his first block of land at the age of 16 and his first

While real estate was his life Bruce knew how to relax and was an experi enced skier as well as a keen surfer.  He was also interested in parachuting and completed 55 jumps.

It was while on a skiing holiday that he met his wife to be, Janet. That was in the 80s – they became engaged in 1990 and were married in 2017, 26 years later.

Bruce was extraordinarily knowledge able about fine art and antiques. He and Janet have put together an amazing col lection and it was a lifetime’s passion for both.

Janet joined the business in 1992 and between them the business moved into property development with interests throughout NSW.

CENTRAL COAST COUNCIL NEWS (CONT)

Speaking at his memoriam, well known town planner Matthew Wales who got his first break when Bruce convinced him to work for him, said, “Bruce loved a challenge, and he loved crossing swords with the Council……any Council but particularly Gosford City Council. It was a thing of beauty. Unlike most developers, he didn’t simply accept that Council was always right.

He pushed the envelope. He chal lenged decisions. He sought the most efficient outcome he could get, and he wasn’t afraid to take Council on in the Land & Environment Court. And he won 9 times out 10.”

“Bruce had an extraordinary intellect and a prodigious memory when it came to matters such as property, antiques and his enduring interest in all matters mili tary,” he said.

Bruce died suddenly after a long illness.

Bruce Kerr is survived by his wife Janet, son Josh and grandchildren, Annabelle, and Marcus.

Gosford public wharf to undergo maintenance and safety improvement works

Central Coast Council has announced that essential maintenance works to Gosford public wharf will commence in early December.

Council issued eviction notices to the vessels who have been moored there for almost ten years without paying rent. This will ensure it remains fit for pur pose and safe for users who temporar

• new accessible family friendly ameni ties block,

• new children’s play space,

• new picnic table shelters, pergola shelters, bins, and bench seating,

• new soft native landscaping to picnic areas,

• wayfinding and interpretive signage,

ily moor their vessels at the wharf, and the public who enjoy visiting the wharf, Council says.

Commenting on the move Gosford Erina Business Chamber President Peter Lawley said, “We are pleased to hear action is now being taken on the long-term moorings at this public asset.

GEBC first raised this with Administrator

• improved pedestrian and vehicle access including new parallel bus parking, and

• integrated public art (facade of build ing, to be installed post construction)

Construction is expected to be com pleted in June 2023 (weather and other delays permitting).

Dick Person in early 2021 and since then has been liaising with Council, local busi ness, and Maritime on the state of disrepair of vessels around the Gosford Wharf.

Follow up earlier this year with CEO of council has now seen the GEBC focus of improving this significant part of Gosford being addressed and will be available to all community to access in the future.”

Central Coast Council received $2.567million from the Australian and NSW Governments’ Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLER) Fund to complete this important project and the design and construction contract has been awarded to North Construction & Building.

Demand for industrial units continues

Investor and owner occupier demand for warehouse / industrial units across the Central Coast has seen a 31 unit complex at Tuggerah Business Park sold out within a few months of completion in September.

The complex on a 6.5 Ha site at 4 Colony Close has seen 60% sold to owner occupiers and the remaining units to investors, all being sold off the plan.

Brett Dowling from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast, sales agents for the project, said that with sizes rang ing from around 75sqm to 220sqm

Sydney investor buys Gosford office suite

units have sold between $3,200 - $3,600 per sqm.

Property developer Plantino Properties Pty Ltd had originally planned a mixed-use development including residential which proved highly contro versial. It was on advice from LJ Hooker that the change was made and has proved to be successful.

Commenting on the sale of the project Mr Dowling said this is proof that there is a strong and continuing demand for this type of property across the Coast.

A local investor has paid $860,000 plus GST for Units 5 and 6, 1 Sailfind Place, Somersby both with vacant possession.

The units comprise air-conditioned office space with reception, open workspace area, individual offices, mezzanine boardroom plus meeting/training room, amenities and 4 car parking spaces.

Agent Karen Aubrey from LJ Hooker

Commercial Central Coast said that the property sold within a couple of days of going on the market.

Communications company buys Toukley shop unit

Commander Central Coast and Newcastle has purchased Unit 8, a 66sqm shopfront space in Toukley Plaza, 219 Main Road, Toukley.

The property comprises 3 office rooms with space for a meeting room and has recently undergone a refurbishment.

Price paid was $225,000

The sale was negotiated by Rio Williams from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast.

FOR LEASE PROFESSIONAL & SPECIALIST MEDICAL SUITES

A Sydney investor has paid $808,000 (GST not applicable) for Unit 3 of 324sqm at 54 William Street, Gosford.

The unit comprises 3 tenancies of which 2 are leased to medical specialists and returning $69,500 per annum net yielding 8.7%.

One suite of 220sqm is leased on a 3-year term while a 58sqm suite is on a 2 year lease

The unit is fitted out with common amenities and 8 dedicated parking spaces.

Nicole Barr from Commercialhq Erina negotiated the sale.

152-154 PACIFIC HIGHWAY TUGGERAH

Easy Parking, great exposure, well maintained & presented property with well known quality tenants including Trader Vics, BCF & Super Cheap Auto, PRP Radiology, Australian Clinical Labs Pathology, Fullerton Health Medical Centre, Geriatrician; Psychologists, Dentist, Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy, Chiropractor, Cafe & more.

Ideal for the Professional, Legal, Financial or Medical Specialist with sizes from 16m2 up to 95m2 suitable to Lease or Purchase.

Features include:

• Flexible lease terms • Competitive rentals • Excellent parking

• Air-conditioning, carpets, kitchenette

• Balcony access for East Wing suites

• Exposure of Complex to Tuggerah Straight

For further details contact Julie Davies on 0402 779 186

Local investor buys Somersby unit

myHomecare moving to Tuggerah

LEASINGS

Dentist leases at The Entrance Dental company, Teeth Whitening Australia, has leased a 93sqm retail shopfront at 187 The Entrance Road, The Entrance.

Terms of rent are 2 years with 2-year option at a rental of $24,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST.

Jaimy Vetger from DiJones Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

Online retailer leases extra space at West Gosford

myHomecare, one of Australia’s largest home care providers, will relocate their head office from the Platinum Building Erina to 2a Bounty Close, Tuggerah leas ing Unit 1.

Terms of lease for the 840sqm ground level space is 5 years with 5-year option at a rental of $210,000 per annum

including Outgoings plus GST.

Ben Purdue from LJ Hooker Commercial Terrigal negotiated the lease.

myHomecare acquired locally owned Sue Mann Nursing, a home care service provider established by Sue Mann over 35 years ago.

a view to adding additional units.

The sale was negotiated by Ben Purdue from LJ Hooker Commercial Terrigal.

Motorcycle business buys Warnervale unit

Online retailer, One World Collection which occupies a large warehouse area at Somersby has leased extra space at Unit 2, 14 Enterprise Drive, West Gosford.

Terms of lease for the 353sqm unit are 2 years with 2-year option at a rental of $77,000 per annum including Outgoings plus GST.

Karen Aubrey from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

Tobacconist leases Wyong retail

Tobacconist, King of the Pack has leased a 160sqm shop at 92-96 Pacific Highway, Wyong.

Terms of lease are 2 years with 5-year option at a rental of $55,800 per annum including Outgoings plus GST.

Ben Purdue from LJ Hooker Commercial Terrigal negotiated the lease.

King of the Pack is a retail franchise group with stores across Australia.

Dust control business leases at North Wyong

A Sydney investor has purchased the Mouse House innovative self-storage com plex at 19 Cary Street, Wyoming.

Developed by well known local business man Warren Hughes and named Mouse House, the property presently comprises 10 self-storage units, 30 containers and cottage occupied by a podiatrist on a 3,338sqm lot.

The buyer paid $3,580,000 (GST not appli cable) giving a current yield of 6.23% and will review the current Development Approval which has approval for another 26 units, with

A motorcycle suspension specialist has pur chased Unit 2, 1 Burnet Road, Warnervale paying $420,000 plus GST.

The 109sqm near new unit has been vacant since the complex was completed two years ago and is part of a 11-unit com plex in the Warnervale Business Park.

Ty Balance and Brett Dowling from LJ hooker Central Coast negotiated the sale.

A dust control management business has leased a 3,177sqm property with freestand ing 519sqm factory building thereon.

With full hardstand yard and air-condi tioned office building consisting of two private offices and reception area and open truck wash bay.

Terms of lease are 3 years with 3-year option at a rental of $84,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST

Ty Balance and Robert Bose from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negoti ated the lease.

Sydney investor buys Mouse House selfstorage complex on 6.23% yield

Non-Bank lenders rise as ‘Great Refinance’ looms

RISING PRIME MORTGAGE arrears are on the horizon in Australia as it enters “a cycle of steep monetary policy tightening”, a new report has warned.

Lenders are preparing for what ratings agency S&P Global is calling “The Great Refinance”—a surge in refinancing activity as fixed rates roll off and interest rates rise.

And according to its latest RMBS Performance Watch, the rise of non-bank lenders—now accounting for the lion’s share of residential mortgage-backed secu rities—is expected to continue.

“Rising mortgage costs and inflationary pressures will be a catalyst for many bor rowers to shop around for better deals on their mortgages,” the report said.

“We expect strong competition for prime-quality borrowers to drive up prime prepayment rates in the coming quarters.

“This will come as lenders prepare for a strong rise in refinancing activity with the upcoming expiration of many ultra-low fixed-rate home loans.”

The report said non-bank loan outstand ings now make up 50 per cent of prime loan outstandings.

“In this environment, we expect some non-banks to capitalise on lending oppor tunities resulting from the pullback of banks from certain lending segments, particularly higher DTI [debt-to-loan] lending,” it said.

Arrears hit a post-GFC crisis low of 0.64 per cent in the second quarter of 2022 but S&P Global says a rise is imminent.

“We expect arrears increases to surface in the third quarter of 2022 as buyers adjust to higher mortgage repayments. More advanced arrears pressure will not be evi dent until 2023,” the report said.

It said although borrowers should be well-placed to weather a moderate level of interest rate rises, “mortgage stress is inevi table for some borrowers in the current environment”.

“Borrowers with minimal repayment buff ers will need to grapple with multiple inter

est rate rises as the cost-of-living rises.

“The quick racheting up of interest rates is uncharted territory for some borrowers, particularly first homeowners with a limited repayment history.

“Rising wages will help to offset higher mortgage repayments but real incomes are being eroded by strong inflationary pres sure.”

The report said falling property prices— potentially by up to 18 per cent during the next 12 to 18 months—and a pullback in DTI lending by banks also could lead to refi nancing pressures for some investors add ing to debt serviceability pressures.

NAB’s latest Residential Property Survey has indicated housing market sentiment fell for the second consecutive quarter as the downturn in the market gathered speed and spread wider.

Overall, its residential property index fell to 9 points, drifting below the survey aver age of 17 points for the first time in two years—supported only by a strong home rental market.

Sentiment fell in all states—except Western Australia (58 points)—in the third quarter, dropping the most in the ACT (-75 points) and Tasmania (-25 points), and turn ing negative for the first time since the sec ond quarter of 2020 in NSW (-5 points) and Victoria (-2 points).

“Short-term confidence levels sagged fur ther in the third quarter, with the 12-month measure now at a two-year low,” the survey said.

“With supply chain issues, high raw mate rial prices and labour shortages persisting, construction costs are still seen as the main constraint on new housing development nationwide.

“Rising interest rates have also overtaken tight credit as the next biggest constraint. With the upswing in rates continuing, prop erty professionals again highlighted rising interest rates as the biggest (and a growing) constraint for buyers of existing property.”

Financial advisers a diminishing business

The number of financial advisers in Australia has dropped from 26,500 to 16,671 between 2019 and 2022, according to research from Rainmaker Information.

This begs the question; will this trajectory continue?

In the three years since the 2019 peak, the number of financial advisers registered to practices dropped by 4,200, 2,950 and 2,710, for an aggregate fall of 9,860, accord ing to Rainmaker Information’s Financial Adviser Report.

The number of advisers in Australia has dropped by 38% in the last three years.

Prior to the ASIC requirement that all advisers must be registered on the ASIC Financial Adviser Register (FAR) by 1 January 2019, the number of advisers exploded, increasing by 8,500 between 2015 and 2019.

“The number of registered financial advis ers is now back to where it was even before the adviser registration system was intro duced,” said Alex Dunn in, executive director of research at Rainmaker Information.

“All projections for adviser numbers point to no recovery without profound structural industry policy change.”

Prospectus promotes investment in Central Coast

CCBR has launched the 2022-23 edi tion of the Central Coast Investment Prospectus - A Better Business Environment.

Designed to provide investors and encourage busi ness relocations it contains all the information they need to decide in favour of the region.

An initiative of CCBR this prospectus is a highly effective marketing tool developed and published annually over 29 years by CCBR as a service to promote investment in the Central Coast.

Throughout the 29 years that it has been published more than 80% of the cost of pro duction has been paid for by local businesses.

Publisher, Edgar Adams said that while regional investment prospectuses have been introduced elsewhere over the years only based on government support, the Central Coast publication is testament to the local businesses who understand the importance of attracting investment and new businesses to the region.

He thanked all those businesses that have shown their support over the 29 years, in particular, Central Coast Grammar School, North Building & Construction, Steven Construction, Pluim Group, University of Newcastle and LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast who have been there for the whole life of the publication.

The Central Coast Investment Prospectus 2022-23 was supported by:

• Brand Group,

• Central Coast Council,

• Central Coast Grammar School,

• CKDS Architecture,

• DiJones Commercial Central Coast,

• Henry Kendall Group,

• LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast,

• North Building & Construction,

• Pluim Group,

• Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast,

• Star Scientific,

• Stevens Construction,

• University of Newcastle.

Since its inception Gosford and Wyong Councils supported it along with the NSW Department of Regional Development.

However, since the election of the pre sent Liberal Government that support has ceased.

The Central Coast Council initially sup ported the publication however for the past two years funding constraints caused it to cancel that support. Council has returned with the 2022-23 edition.

HeadBy Warwick Ryan, Partner, Hicksons Lawyers

FOR MOST SME EMPLOYERS, sexual harassment does not generally rate as a significant legal and financial risk. It is more often something to be addressed with a template policy and on an ad hoc basis when there is complaint. New laws from the Commonwealth

Government mean that this is about to change.

Workplace sexual harassment has been a growing problem across workplaces. In response, that Australian Government asked the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) to investigate sexual harassment in Australian workplaces. In March 2020, the AHRC released its report - the Respect@ Work: Sexual Harassment National Inquiry Report (the Report).

The Report made 55 recommenda tions for both the government and private sector (that is, our Australian businesses). The recommendations are mainly about Government policy and legal changes, designed to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace. The Government has committed to imple menting all 55 recommendations. To do

this, a new law - the Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Bill 2022 (the Bill) has been introduced into the Parliament.

What do the changes look like for employers?

The intention of the Bill in practice is to prevent sexual harassment and discrimina tion in the workplace before it occurs in the first instance. This is very different to current laws and approaches which gener ally designed to address and/or respond to discriminatory or harassing conduct after it has occurred.

Two important changes are:

1. The Bill prohibits behaviour which sub jects another person to a workplace environment that is hostile on the grounds of sex; and

2. The new Bill introduces requirement for employers (called a ‘positive duty’) to take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate unlawful sex discrimination (Including sexual harass ment) as far as possible.

This second point is perhaps the most important issue for employers - the need to be aware of the new, proactive positive duty to take action to eliminate unlawful sex discrimination.

What Does This Mean for Businesses?

The key change is that employers will have a ‘positive duty’ or obligation to put measures in place to prevent unlawful sexual harassment and/or discrimination from occurring in the workplace prior to it occurring.

This is different to the current situation where workers make complaints to their employer after being subjected to unlawful sex discrimination and /or sexual harass ment in the workplace, and employers then need to respond to a complaint of conduct that has already occurred.

The Bill outlines that employers must take ‘reasonable and proportionate’ meas ures is prevent workplace harassment., Understandably, these will vary consider ably depending on a range of different circumstances, specific to each employer, their industries, and the nature of the busi ness. The exploratory memorandum for the Bill suggests that this positive duty can be met by: (a) Implementing policies and procedures. (b) Collecting and monitoring data. (c) Providing appropriate support to work ers and employees; and (d) Delivering training and education on a regular basis.

This positive duty or obligation is intend ed to align and reflect the existing duties of employers as outlined within WHS laws. Those WHS duties require employers to provide a safe working environment for their workers - so far as reasonably practi cable.

The stakes have got higher in this area, and it is important for employers of all sizes to be proactive in their response to the proposed legislation. It will be timely in the New Year to review your current workplace policies and procedures to identify what measures can be implemented to prevent and address sexual harassment and dis crimination in the workplaces.

Meanwhile, two major residential developments are now underway and one soon to start will change Gosford forever.

In May the Alceon Group com menced construction of Rumbalara Luxury Residences on John Whiteway Drive on the highest point of Rumbalara Reserve overlooking all of Gosford. When completed in 2024 this devel opment will feature 188 luxury resi dences across two hectares with four buildings, pools, club amenities and the rest.

At the same time Sydney developer and construction company St Hilliers commenced construction of the first of a 28-level, 136-unit residential tower

on the old Gosford Primary School site overlooking Gosford Boat Harbour. To be known as The Waterfront it is planned for completion in 2024.

The most anticipated news of the year has been the acquisition of The Archibald site right in the centre of Gosford.

Sydney property developer and builder ALAND acquired the site in June and is proceeding with the project that will see two 28-level towers with 289 residential units and a 167 room 5-star hotel with conference facilities and will get underway early in 2023.

All three developments are reporting strong off-the-plan sales.

The bottom line is that 2023 and

2024 will be a very positive time for Gosford and the Central Coast after too many years of frustrating setbacks.

Finally, may we thank all our readers, subscribers, and advertisers for their support again this year.

As we move into our 34th year of publication we wish you a Very Merry Christmas and Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Adams Editor

Edgar

Have your say on review of NSW Retail Leases Act

The NSW Government has announced a review of the NSW Retail Leases Act 1994 (the Act), which impacts landlords, inves tors, and retail tenants.

Minister for Small Business Victor Dominello said it was timely to review the Act to consider the impact of any changes in the retail landscape and broader leasing practices and requirements.

“The review will consider whether the Act continues to meet its policy objectives and whether any amendments should be made to improve certainty and the regula tory environment for retail landlords and tenants,” Mr Dominello said.

“Cutting red tape, improving certainty and reducing administrative costs are pri mary objectives of the review.”

Mr Dominello said the effective operation of the Act was a key requirement for many businesses and investors and the review would help ensure the legislation remained effective and constructive.

“I look forward to the review identifying practical measures that will support busi ness and the broader retail property indus try,” Mr Dominello said.

An industry reference group will be established representing landlords, tenants, and other key stakeholders to support the review and provide industry expertise. An inclusive public consultation process will also ensure other stakeholders are afforded

MIND YOUR BUSINESS

By Troy Marchant, Director, Adviceco Chartered Accountants

eligible for superannuation if they work more than 30 hours each week.

Tax

and super rules for the festive season

SMALL BUSINESSES HIRING

Christmas and summer casuals for what (we hope) will be a prosperous peak period, or who wish to celebrate without restriction this festive season, must keep the new super and tax rules in mind.

Summer casuals - Employers are now required, as of 1 July 2022, to pay their workers a superannuation guarantee at a rate of 10.5%, even if for only a small number of hours. The $450 threshold for superannuation has been removed. Employees under 18 are only

the opportunity to have their say.  NSW Small Business Commissioner Chris Lamont, who will be conducting the review, said he expected it would provide a renewed focus on improving business relationships between retail leasing tenants and landlords.

“The Retail Leases Act should be clear, reflect industry expectations and promote

Christmas parties and entertainingIf you’re planning on gathering the team for the first restriction-free Christmas part in two years, you must keep Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) in mind. FBT relates to entertainment by way of food, drink or recreation and/or accommodation or travel in connection with such entertain ment. The amount you need to pay in FBT depends on the amount you spend on each employee, when and where your party is held, who attends and the value and type of gifts you provide. It is likely you’ll only be exempt from FBT if the Christmas party amount you spend is less than $300 per employee, and/or if a Christmas gift for an employee is less than $300.

It is best to seek the advice of your tax agent to ensure you’re compliant with your FBT obligations and that you’re free to enjoy a well-earned time of celebra tion and prosperity this peak season. Contact us on mail@adviceco.com.au

confidence across the business sector,” Mr Lamont said.

Stakeholders are encouraged to par ticipate in the review and can review the Discussion Paper, Terms of Reference and complete the online survey by visiting https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/retailleases. The review is expected to be com pleted within nine months.

WHEN JOE’S PRINTER type began to grow faint, he called a local repair shop where a friendly man informed him that the printer probably needed only to be cleaned. Because the store charged $50 for such cleanings, he told him he might be better off reading the printer’s manual and trying the job himself.

Pleasantly surprised by his candor, he asked, “Does your boss know that you dis courage business?” “Actually, it’s my boss’s idea,” the employee replied sheepishly.

“We usually make more money on repairs if we let people try to fix things them selves first.”

Fresh out of business school, the young man answered a want ad for an accountant.

Now he was being interviewed by a very nervous man who ran a small business that he had started himself.” I need someone with an accounting degree,” the man said. “But mainly, I’m looking for someone to do my worrying for me.”

“Excuse me?” the accountant said. “I worry about a lot of things,” the man said. “But I don’t want to have to worry about money. Your job will be to take all the money wor ries off my back.”

“I see,” the accountant said. “And how much does the job pay?” “I’ll start you at eighty thousand. ” Eighty thousand dollars!” the accountant exclaimed. “How can such a small business afford a sum like that? “That,” the owner said, “is your first worry.”

A man phones a lawyer and asks, “How much would you charge for just answering three simple questions?”.

The lawyer replies, “A thousand dollars”.

“A thousand dollars!” exclaims the man. “That’s very expensive, isn’t it?”

“It certainly is,” says the lawyer. “Now, what’s your third question?”

While prosecuting a robbery case, I conducted an interview with the arresting officer.

My first question: “Did you see the defendant at the scene?”

“Yes, from a block away,” the officer answered.

“Was the area well lit?”

“No. It was pretty dark.”

“Then how could you identify the defendant?” I asked, concerned.

Looking at me as if I were nuts, he answered, “I’d recognize my cousin any where.”

An accountant and a lawyer were laying on a beach in Hawaii sipping mai tai’s.

The lawyer started telling the accountant how he came to be there. “I had this down town property in Blacktown that caught fire and after the insurance paid off, I came here.”

The accountant said, “I had a downtown property, too, in Dubbo. It got flooded so here I am with the insurance proceeds.”

The lawyer took another sip of his mai tai, and then asked in a puzzled voice, “How do you start a flood?

A businessman was interviewing job applications for the position of manager of a large division. He quickly devised a test for choosing the most suitable candidate.

He simply asked each applicant this question, “What is two plus two?”

The first interviewee was a journalist. His answer was, “Twenty-two”. The second was a social worker. She said, “I don’t know the answer but I’m very glad that we had the opportunity to discuss it.”

The third applicant was an engineer. He pulled out a slide rule and came up with an answer “somewhere between 3.999 and 4.001.”

Next came an attorney. He stated that “in the case of Jenkins vs. the Department of the Treasury, two plus two was proven to be four.”

Finally, the businessman interviewed an accountant. When he asked him what two plus two was, the accountant got up from his chair, went over to the door, closed it, came back, and sat down. Leaning across the desk, he said in a low voice, “How much do you want it to be?” He got the job!

Amal and Juan are identical twins.

Their mum only carries one baby photo in her wallet.

Because, if you’ve seen Juan, you’ve seen Amal!

Contributed by Lottie Cheal

Quote of the month

“The secret of success is to do the common thing uncommonly well.”

John D. Rockefeller Jr.

14/1

8/257-259

Industrial

Rick O’Toole 0413 285 235

Jaimy Vegter 0421 323 102

4/190 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty (125m2 – For Lease)

Located on a popular main road in Long Jetty is this retail/office space.

Jaimy Vegter 0421 323 102

1/25- 27 Alison Rd, Wyong (630m2 – For Lease)

Open plan and spacious office in the heart of Wyong CBD.

Michael Flood 0499 293 909

Bounty Close, Tuggerah (342m2 – For Sale & Lease)

Office Space located in the heart of Tuggerah Business district.

The Entrance Rd, Erina (61m2 – For Sale & Lease)

High-end commercial office space within the prominent Highpoint building.

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