Issue 005 of COAST Community News by Central Coast Newspapers

Gosford Central Community News

March 14, 2011

Your independent local newspaper

New depot to help deliver building program

Issue 005

Holstein cleared of allegations iberal candidate for Gosford Cr Chris Holstein has welcomed a Council report clearing him of allegations raised by Labor candidate Ms Katie Smith that he was using Council facilities to conduct his campaign for the state seat of Gosford.

usgrid (formerly Energy Australia) has relocated its logistical headquarters to Somersby to help deliver one of Australia’s largest infrastructure programs.

The new 22,000m2 warehouse and distribution centre will become the centre of the electrical supplier’s $8 billion network upgrade, including the holding station for major electrical equipment such as transformers and cables. Ausgrid’s managing director Mr George Maltabarow said the Central Coast was fast becoming an important cog in the company’s operations. “Our network administrative services

on the Central Coast are based at Tuggerah and we’re building a new superdepot at Ourimbah,” Mr Maltabarow said. “They are now joined by our central warehouse at Somersby that will become the key point to supply equipment needed for our $8 billion network upgrade.” Mr Maltabarow said Ausgrid already had 350 people stationed on the Central Coast helping to deliver $600 million of electrical upgrades and

70,000 maintenance tasks each year across the region. “We have now directly employed another 13 people from the Central Coast to help run this new warehouse,” he said. “It is a central point for our network operations, so its location, scale and technology will help drive even greater efficiency in delivering one of Australia’s largest infrastructure programs.” The site was previously used by Coles as a central

distribution facility, but has since undergone an $11 million fit out to allow the safe and efficient storage of electrical equipment. “It will accommodate an expected 64% increase in general materials and three times the number of cable deliveries required for our capital works program,” Mr Maltabarow said. “It will also mean a more secure, safer and better controlled facility.” Media Release, 3 Mar 2011 Allyn Hamonet, Ausgrid

Woy Woy Rd receives upgrade grant

he NSW Government has provided $128,000 for the upgrade of Woy Woy Rd, Kariong, with completion expected by mid-March.

“These upgrades will provide a safer, smoother route for motorists”, said Labor candidate for Gosford Ms Katie Smith. “I look forward to the upgrades completion in

mid-march and an improved journey on Woy Woy road”, said Ms Smith. “I’d ask everyone persevere. I have experienced the congestion that has built up this week

first hand. “But can assume you that there will be a greatly improved journey on Woy Woy road once the project is finished,” she said. Ms Smith said she is

aware that there are other road works underway and has asked everyone to take care. “This is a difficult time but the end result will be worth it,” she said. Media Release, 4 Mar 2011 Katie Smith, Labor

Ms Smith sent a letter to the Gosford Council general manager Mr Peter Wilson stating that it had been brought to her attention by several members of the public that Cr Holstein may be using Council facilities to benefit his campaign. “Matters reported included holding meetings with relevant persons in the Mann St building and use of Council staff for campaign matters,” said Ms Smith. “I am now aware that he is holding meetings with members of the public to discuss campaign matters in Council run buildings. “It is not case where he is meeting with community groups operating out of the building as an invited speaker but he is actually running his campaign on these occasions,” said Ms Smith. Cr Holstein said the unfounded allegations concerned the use of the Over 50s facilities and a recent meeting with the shadow minister for arts Mr Anthony Roberts. “This just goes to show that this is nothing more than dirty politics from a candidate who represents a party that has nothing to say and nothing constructive to offer the people of Gosford,” Mr Holstein said. “Both matters were referred to Gosford City Council for a thorough investigation and the general manager Mr Peter Wilson has confirmed that absolutely no evidence of any misuse of Council facilities or staff could be

found,” Mr Holstein said. In a letter from Mr Wilson to Cr Holstein it was confirmed that there was no evidence Cr Holstein had used the facilities inappropriately. “Investigations were also undertaken into the allegation of Council staff assisting you in your campaign,” said Mr Wilson. “A number of staff were interviewed and there is no evidence to support this allegation,” he said. Cr Holstein has announced that he is now calling on Ms Smith for an immediate apology for the unfounded allegations and an apology to Gosford Council for “wasting their resources and time in a needless investigation”. “As the Premier has said sorry for the appalling performance of her Labor government for the past 16 years, the Labor candidate must also issue an apology. “Let’s get real, while the Labor candidate is wasting time on looking for any grubby issue to build her profile, I am focusing on the people of this electorate. “I am fighting to ensure Gosford gets the investment in critical services and infrastructure denied by this do nothing, deliver nothing Labor Government,” Mr Holstein said. Media Release, 17 Feb 2011 Chris Holstein, Liberal Peninsula News, 21 Feb 2011

Directory

Page 2 - March 14, 2011 - Gosford Central Community News

Gosford Central directory of services, contacts and support groups

Chance to Win! n conjunction with the Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park, Gosford Central News is giving five readers the chance to win a family pass to the park, valued at $60 each.

Ambulance, Police, Fire 000 I Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Organisations Aboriginal Legal Service 8842 8000 Community Options 4351 3388 Bungree Aboriginal Association 4351 3388 Mingaletta 4342 7515 Aboriginal Home Care 4352 1153 Drug & Alcohol rehab 4388 6360 Respite Care Options 4351 3388 Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health 4351 1040 Darkinjung Local Land Council 4351 2930

Credit Helpline 1800 808 488 Child Support Agency 13 12 72 Australian Injury Helpline 1800 223 363 Veteran Affairs Network 1300 551 918 Mens Domestic Violence 1800 000 599 Sexual Assault Resource 1800 199 888 Gay and Lesbian Counselling 1800 184 527 Gay and Lesbian Support 1800 249 377 Youth Sexuality Network 4320 2856 Vietnam Veterans 1800 043 503 Victims Support Services 1800 633 063 Translation and Interpreting Service 13 14 50

Accommodation

Family and Relationships

Dept. of Housing Gosford 4323 5211 Cassie4Youth 4322 3197 Coast Shelter 4324 7239 Pacific Link Com Housing 4324 7617 Rumbalara Youth Refuge 4325 7555 Samaritans Youth Services 4351 1922 Youth Angle • Woy Woy 4341 8830 Youth Accom Hotline 1800 424 830 Temporary Accommodation 1800 152 152

Animal Rescue Wildlife Arc 4325 0666 Wires 8977 3333

Community Centres Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre 4363 1044 Narara Community Centre 4329 0912 Kariong Neighbourhood Centre 4340 1724 Wyoming Community Centre 4323 7483 Green Point Community Centre 4367 7591 Niagara Park Community Centre 4329 7144 Men’s Shed Cluster Inc 0413 244 484

Counselling Mensline - talk with a bloke 1300 789 978 Lifecare Family Services 1300 130 225 Centacare: 4324 6403 Relationship Australia: 1300 364 277 Interrelate: 1800 449 118

Emergancy Ambulance, Police, Fire 000 Police Assistance Line 131 444 Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 Woy Woy Police Station 4323 5599 Energy Australia 13 13 88 Gas Emergency 131 909 Gosford City Council 4325 8222 Marine Rescue - Central Coast 4325 7929 SES - Storm and Flood Emergency 132 500

Employment, Education & Training Centrelink Offices 13 2850 - appointments 13 1021 Central Coast Community College 4348 4300 Training and Further Education TAFE Gosford 4348 2222 Ourimbah 4348 4030 Basic & Pre-vocational Studies 4350 2209 Work Skills Program Special Need 4350 2245 University of the Third Age (U3A) 4332 4830

Crisis Services and Helplines Lifeline - 24 hr. 13 11 14 Suicide Helpline 1800 191 919 Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 Parents Helpline 13 20 55 Indigenous Call Centre 136 380

Crisis Services and Helplines Continued Family Relationship Advice Line 1800 050 321 Family Drug Support 1300 368 186 G-line - Gambling Helpline 1800 633 635

Parents Helpline 132 055 Centacare Gosford 4324 6403 Gosford Family Support Service 4340 1099 Horizons (For men with children) 4333 5111 Interrelate - Family Relationships 1300 736 966 Uniting Care Burnside Gosford 4352 3222

Health Gosford Hospital 4320 2111 Cancer Hotline 131 120 Mental Health info Service 1300 794 991 Sexual Health @ Gosford Hospital 4320 2114 Beyond Blue (Depression) 1300 22 4636

Legal & Financial Help Financial Counselling Service 4334 2304 Central Coast Legal Centre 4353 4988 Legal Aid Commission of NSW 1300 888 529 Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service 4353 5515 NSW Aboriginal Legal Service 8842 8000 Consumer Credit Legal Centre 1800 808 488 NSW Ombudsman 1800 451 524 Community Justice Centre 1800 990 777 Family Law Court 1300 352 000 Law Access NSW 1300 888 529

Libraries Gosford district: Erina 4365 6725 Gosford 4304 7500 Kariong 4340 1725 Kincumber 4304 7641 Niagara Park 4304 7335 Wyoming 4304 7525

Problems, Habits & Addiction G-Line Telephone Counsel 1800 633 635 Gamblers Anonymous 9564 1574 Alcoholics Anonymous 4323 3890 Narcotics Anonymous 4325 0524 Quitline 131 848

Volunteering Volunteering Central Coast 4329 7122 Volunteer Rescue Association 4329 7122 State Emergency Service 4365 4055 Rural Fire Service 4340 2911 Marine Rescue 4325 7929

Welfare Services Donnison St. Restaurant 4325 3540 Gosford Family Support 4340 1585 Horizons Family Services 4334 3377 Meals on Wheels Gosford 4367 4333 Department of Community Services Gosford - 4336 2400 The Salvation Army 4325 5733 Samaritans Emergency Relief 4393 2450 St Vincent De Paul Society HELPLINE 4323 6081

The pass is valid for two adults and two children up to the age of 15. At the Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park, you can visit the friendliest wild Aussie animals, with over 180 species roaming free and happy in the bush. The Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park has a number of animals on show including the endangered Tasmanian devil, baby crocodiles and Bilbies. To win one of these five family passes to the Australia Walkabout Wildlife park write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and send to Gosford News Walkabout Wildlife Park competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford, NSW 2250, by the close of business on Thursday, April 7. The winner of last month’s Bev Benson competition is Elaine Burrows from Gosford. Elaine has won a Bev Benson’s Fashion gift voucher valued at $100. Kaitlin Watts, 10 Mar 2011

Gosford Central Community News Your independent local newspaper, published monthly and focusing on issues specifically affecting post code areas 2250 - Bucketty, Calga, Central Mangrove, East Gosford, Erina, Erina Fair, Glenworth Valley, Gosford, Greengrove, Holgate, Kariong, Kulnura, Lisarow, Lower Mangrove, Mangrove Creek, Mangrove Mountain, Matcham, Mooney Mooney Creek, Mount White, Narara, Niagara Park, North Gosford, Peats Ridge, Point Clare, Point Frederick, Somersby, Springfield, Tascott, Ten Mile Hollow, Upper Mangrove, Wendoree Park, West Gosford, Wyoming and 2251 - Avoca Beach, Bensville, Bouddi, Copacabana, Davistown, Green Point, Kincumber, MacMasters Beach, Picketts Valley, Saratoga, Yattalunga

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Next Edition: Gosford News 006 Deadline: April 7 Publication date: April 11

Contributions welcomed Letters to the editor and other contributions are welcomed and should be addressed to: Gosford News PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250. Contributions should be in Word format sent via email to: mail@gosfordnews.org, on disks or by handwritten letter if these facilities are not available to you. Contributions must Include the date, your name, address and phone numbers. Name and Suburb will be published. Anonymous contributions will not be included. Submissions may be published in edited form.

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4339 2307 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: mail@gosfordnews.org Website: www.gosfordnews.org Website: www.duckscrossing.org Print Post Approved - PP255003/09959 Ducks Crossing Publications also publishes

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Gosford Central Community News - March 14, 2011 - Page 3

Freewater won’t back down

News

Agents lose licences

reens Councillor and Candidate for the seat of Gosford Dr Peter Freewater said he is not afraid of councillors after they threatened him over comments he made in regard to the proposed new Coastal Open Space System (COSS) zonings in the draft LEP.

In a confidential Council meeting with planning staff, Councillors gave their support to rezone COSS lands as recreational (RE1) rather than give them a conservation zoning (E2). “This decision was made despite thousands of comments from the community demanding that these lands be given an environmental zoning to protect them from development,” said Dr Freewater. “Not only does the RE1 zoning allow development to proceed but, because the LEP will be legislation, the prevention of development and the protection of these environmentally sensitive lands will become extremely difficult,” he said.

Cr Freewater went public with the story on ABC radio on Monday, February 14. Dr Freewater said the following day at another confidential Council meeting he was aggressively criticised and repeatedly insulted by fellow Councillors, especially by Cr Chris Holstein. Cr Freewater said he was also threatened with Code of Conduct charges and was asked if he could afford lawyers. “I was accused of political grandstanding because I was making a stand to protect environmentally sensitive land and the engendered species that inhabit our nature reserves,” he said. “The tirade of abuse

would have continued were it not for the Mayor, Laurie Maher, calling for order and more civilised discussion. “I am not afraid of Chris Holstein, or anyone else at Gosford Council and I will continue to support the wishes of the community I serve. “I did not become a politician to make new friends at Council. “I have sacrificed much to protect Gosford’s natural resources from Gosford’s own Council. “That was a big part of my election platform for Council and I stand by it,” Cr Freewater said. Media Release, 18 Feb 2011 Peter Freewater, Greens

wo real estate agents and a Gosford agency have had their licenses cancelled following involvement in unlawful practices that resulted in them gaining a $500,000 profit from a property sale in detriment to their client.

T Candidate misses forums abor candidate for The Entrance Mr David Mehan has questioned the absence of Liberal candidate Ms Chris Spence from three Meet the Candidates forums organised by the Gosford Uniting Church.

“This is the third public candidates forum that the Liberal candidate has been unable to attend’, said Mr Mehan. “Candidates have a duty to make themselves available to the public. “In this, the Liberal

candidate is a failure. “The Liberal candidate either feels he doesn’t have to work to get himself elected or he has something to hide. “I am available to attend and debate the Liberal candidate.

“He must make himself available or he doesn’t deserve to be elected to The Entrance state electorate,” said Mr Mehan. Media Release, 7 Mar 2011 David Mehan, ALP

Fair Trading Deputy Commissioner Mr Steve Griffin said Fair Trading had taken disciplinary action under the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act 2002 against Misteri Pty Ltd and its director Mr Kevin Barnes and employee Ms Nicole Mars, now known as Nicole Barnes. “The corporation, Misteri Pty Ltd, has also been permanently disqualified from being

involved in the direction, management or conduct of any business for which a licence under the Act is required,” said Mr Griffin. “Mr Barnes and Ms Mars have been disqualified for ten years and six years, respectively.” The action taken by Fair Trading took place following a complaint from Housing NSW concerning the sale of a property at 1-3 Walmsley Rd, Ourimbah. Consumers and traders

who were clients of Misteri Pty Ltd, trading as Raine and Horne Gosford, should contact Fair Trading if they have any outstanding concerns. The administrator for Misteri Pty Ltd has advised Fair Trading that the business has ceased trading and closed its doors. Media Release, 4 Mar 2011 Teresa Mullan, NSW Fair Trading

News

Page 4 - March 14, 2011 - Gosford Central Community News

Freewater attacks mining company

Town Centre car park reopened

r e e n s candidate for Gosford Dr Peter Freewater has released a scathing attack on the State Government and Rocla, the NZ based mining company that plans to expand its sand mining activities on our doorstep.

“It appears that Rocla have tried to hide the fact that the proposed mine operations will be in breach of the law, in particular the The Kulnura-Mangrove Mountain Water Sharing Plan,” said Dr Freewater. “This plan is State Government legislation and as such it is the law,” he said. According to Dr Freewater, the Water Sharing Plan prohibits any bore within 100 metres of “High priority Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems” (GDEs). “The proposed mine site is covered by GDEs, including the rare and rapidly diminishing Sandstone Hanging Swamp and Hawkesbury Banksia

Calga sandmine: Calga Peats Ridge Community Group

Scrub Woodland. “Indeed the excavation areas are dominated by these ecosystems and pose significant constraints on the Rocla Sandmine at Calga, or at least they should,” said Dr Freewater. “The Hanging Swamps are also habitat for several threatened species such as the Red Crowned Toadlet, the Giant Burrowing Frog, Darwinia glaucophylla and Tetratheca glandulosa. “Not only will sand mining affect these threatened ecosystems but

the draw-down of water will also impact on other threatened ecosystems both downstream and in adjacent areas including Popran National Park, where a 20 metre drawdown is predicted near the boundary of the park and the proposed mine. Dr Freewater said Rocla, in their environmental assessments, have dismissed draw-down impacts on GDEs and appear to have made false and misleading statements to disguise their protected status and evade compliance with the law.

See what’s happening

IN GOSFORD CITY Second Saturday

of every month The all NEW markets were launched on Saturday 12th March with a great variety of arts, craft, produce. What a great day! Special guests included Julie Goodwin and the Gina Jeffreys Talent school. Join us for the next markets, Saturday 9th April and pick up a bargain! Stall holders enquiries, phone GBID on 4322 7726.

GBID Happenings The Gosford City brochure is coming! Watch this space... We are also working on an exciting project to dress up the vacant shops in the city centre and a promotion at the Buy Local Festival and the Gosford Show.

According to Dr Freewater, Rocla officials claim that “There are no identified high priority GDEs within 100m of the proposed extraction areas”. “They also claim that drawdown impacts in surrounding areas were minimized, and a waterless 25 year recovery has optimistically been asserted, contrary to scientific data or logic. “However, The NSW Office of Water confirmed the total loss of ‘several’ high priority GDEs will be exacerbated by impacts on shallow ground water flow, ‘critical’ to adjacent and down gradient GDEs. “Australia has the highest record of species extinction in the world. “In just 200 years of occupation over 50 species have been driven to extinction. “This is a very sad indictment on our culture but it seems we have learned nothing. “No other politician has the guts to stand up to multimillion dollar organisations like Rocla, Energy Australia, the Gas mining giants, Gosford Council and the State Government,” said Dr Freewater.

he Gosford Town Centre was reopened on Monday, February 28, and now provides 600 car parking spaces for commuters and shoppers.

Since finalising the purchase of the Centre on January 31, Gosford Council has undertaken the required works to provide 400 car parking spaces for Gosford commuters, along with approximately 200 parking spaces for visitors to the City Centre. Council’s director City Services Mr Stephen Glen said Council has worked swiftly to undertake the required works to ensure the car park was safe and effective for public use. “Works have included line marking to maximise the number of available spaces, improvements to pedestrian and vehicular entry and exit points and improved signage to assist users of the facility. “Lifts to the parking levels will be installed on the Henry Parry Dr frontage to further improve entry and exit from the building, once designs for the lifts have been finalised and the necessary planning approvals have been

obtained,” said Mr Glen. Vehicular entry will be available from the rear of the building off Albany St North, with exit via William St. Pedestrian entry and exit will be via the existing ramp on the corner of William St and Henry Parry Dr, via a stairwell on Henry Parry Dr and at the corner of Henry Parry Dr and Donnison St, as well as a pedestrian walkway from Albany St North. The car park is complemented with a free shuttle bus to Gosford railway station, picking up commuters from the Town Centre car park Albany St exit. Council received $7 million in funding from the Federal Government to provide 400 additional car parking spaces for commuters in the Gosford City Centre. Media release, 25 Feb 2011 Gosford Council Media

Media Release, 16 Feb 2011 Peter Freewater, Greens

Clean up Australia Day

Sunday 6th March was a huge success! Volunteers cleaned up a much needed site in Mann Street by removing weeds, rubbish etc. Well done Clean up Team.

Get involved.....

If you are a local business operator in the Gosford CBD area and are passionate about improving Gosford, why not become a GBID member for as little as $10 per year? Find out more at www.gosfordcity.com.au

Supported by

On our side

My office can assist you with queries about the following Federal Government services:

• Anniversary messages • Centrelink • Family support payments • Veterans Affairs

• Medicare • Aged pension • Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme • Immigration

For help with these or any other Federal Government issue, please contact my Gosford Office on 4322 1922 or email me at Deborah.O’Neill.MP@aph.gov.au

Call in and see our new home at 200 Mann Street, Gosford

tel: 4322 7726 • fax: 4322 9787 • e: info@gosfordcity.com.au • www.gosfordcity.com.au

This material has been produced by Deborah O’Neill MP using her printing and communications entitlement.

Gosford Central Community News - March 14, 2011 - Page 5

News

Local company’s generous donation

Written response welcomed L

ocal group Climate Action Central Coast is awaiting with interest a written outline of climate change policies from the Labor candidate for Gosford Ms Katie Smith following her failure to attend a Climate Change Forum last month said Climate Action Central Coast facilitator Ms Mira Wroblewski.

“We sent each of the candidates a list of five questions of direct importance to residents of the Central Coast, said Ms Wroblewski. “We are now clear about the policies of the other candidates on these issues, but not about Ms Smith’s,” she said, Ms Smith was quoted in the February edition of Gosford News as saying that she is willing to provide the group with written responses to the questions. She said that this offer had been made before the Forum, but that the group had refused. “This is absolutely not true,” said Ms

Wroblewski. “Ms Smith’s assistant rang me to say that she wouldn’t be able to attend. “I asked her if she would like to send an alternate, and her assistant replied that it would be better for the candidate herself to speak. “She said that she would notify me on the night of the Forum to tell me whether Ms Smith would be able to make it towards the end of the event. “In fact, I received an sms twenty minutes before the end of the Forum to say that Ms Smith had been ‘held up at her previous engagement

and unfortunately (was) unable to make the forum on time,’” said Ms Wroblewski. “At no time was a written response discussed. “We would welcome a written response to these questions from Ms Smith. “In fact, a written response would be very valuable to us. “We can compare it with what the candidate and-or her party does if they are elected,” said Ms Wroblewski. Media release, 19 Feb 2011 Mira Wroblewski, Climate Action Central Coast

CEO of ACS Paul Collins and Marketing Executive Gordon Donald sending the goods on their way with the hope the gesture will bring some happiness to the flood victim families.

he owners of ACS, Warren and Donna Hughes, noticed a large quantity of new children’s clothing including dozens of brand new shoes which failed to attract the attention of the buyers at an auction at the recent closure of Gosford Town Centre.

After the auction, the Hughes family elected to negotiate the purchase of these goods for the sole purpose of sending

them to the Red Cross in Queensland to assist in the recovery efforts. Gosford Town Centre, over the years, had been very good to ACS, being

the provider of both security and cleaning services. IVal Bridge, 8 Mar 2011 Interviewees Gordon Donald of ACS

Shopping is even

easier at the Centre of the City

171 Mann Street, Gosford Ph 4324 4299 w w w. i m p e r i a l s h o p p i n g c e n t r e . c o m . a u

Election

Page 6 - March 14, 2011 - Gosford Central Community News

Gosford electorate Independent: Patrick Aiken

Over 30 years living with his family on the Central Coast, Bricklayer by trade and Licensed Builder, he is a Retired Program Manager after 21 years with TAFE and continues to work in vocational training and construction. Optimistic while believing changes are required to assure Gosfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future: Assist Gosford Council to improve its planning & management systems Enhance our built environment through sustainable development that is in harmony with our need to grow while preserving our unique environment

Improve planning for sea level rise forecasts affecting over 30,000 people in Gosford City Help Gosford Council to recover the $68 million of devalued and irrecoverable ratepayer funds End the collection of vacant and derelict buildings in Gosford CBD Address local environmental issues, protect the land at Bambara Rd, Kariong and protect the heritage of our indigenous people Strengthen and improve our vocational training and education system Secure Gosford Primary School, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let this school close and disappear completely Make our hospitals and mental health services more accessible by securing the future of Woy Woy Hospital Create more employment on the Central Coast, encourage more government centres for Woy Woy and Gosford Make Gosford a thriving and buoyant city.

Candidates for the seat of Gosford were asked to provide 200 words about what they have done and will do for Gosford. Some candidates did not respond.

The Gosford electorate runs along the Hawkesbury River and is based on the urban areas around Gosford and the western side of Brisbane Water. As well as central Gosford, the electorate includes the suburbs of Kariong, Woy Woy, Ettalong, Umina and Pearl Beach. Away from the densely

populated eastern end, the electorate extends west to include Somersby, Central Mangrove, Mooney Mooney and Spencer. The current member for Gosford is Laborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ms Marie Andrews, who is not contesting the coming election. Courtesy of ABC

Greens: Peter Freewater I live here with my wife and kids, all of whom are born and raised locals. My wife works at the Peninsula Village helping to care for the elderly because she loves doing it. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a local surf life saver, charity worker, environmental scientist, teacher and Councillor. I stand for empowering local communities and for fighting with them to regain control of what happens in their area. I believe that the job of politicians is to stand up and represent the people that elected them. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been fighting the mining industry, developers, State Government and Council. The rest of our politicians are gutless, they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand against party policy or the millions in corporate donations that corrupt them. No matter which party wins the election, if I win Gosford Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be in a

strong position to lever the government and get more money for health, education and public transport. With your support Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll bring back jobs and prosperity. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to protect our community and the environment in an uncertain future. Vote for me and it stays with me because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not giving preferences. I stand for the coast and the wishes of the community first, then the Greens.

!"#$% &#'#(%

Chris

Holstein G d: 50 additional beds and 25 more nurses for the Central Coast to help cut hospital waiting times.

6 extra peak express train services per day between the Central Coast and the City, so that you can spend less time getting to and from work.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll support our local police to increase street patrols to make our community safer.

On 26 M , V e 1 L Get in touch with Chris: Phone 0418 796 375 | Mail PO Box 249, Woy Woy NSW 2256 Email chris.holstein@nsw.liberal.org.au | Web www.chrisholstein.com.au Authorised by Mark Neeham, Level 9, 140 William Street, East Sydney NSW 2011.

Gosford Central Community News - March 14, 2011 - Page 7

Page 8 - March 14, 2011 - Gosford Central Community News

Election

Gosford electorate Liberal: Chris Holstein

I have lived on the Central Coast since I was eight. My family have small businesses in the area, and my wife and I have raised our five children here. I became involved in local politics after my family and friends were affected by flooding in the Narara Valley in 1989. We won that battle for better flood management and I have continued fighting for our community. I am patron of the Woy Woy Cricket Club, Central Coast Surf Life Saving,

and Central Coast Girl Guides and Scouts. As a Councillor and previous Mayor of Gosford City, I have worked hard to bring about a number of key projects including the Blue Tongue Stadium, the Surf Club Rebuilding programme, Peninsula Leisure Centre, and Caroline Bay Regional Art Gallery. I am committed to making sure the Central Coast gets its fair share of funding to build the critical infrastructure and services that have been denied by this Labor Government. We need real change for the Central Coast to deliver better health services, to fix our roads and improve our public transport. To get the change our community deserves, we need to change the Government and the only way to do that is to Vote 1 Liberal on March 26.

CDP:Ann-Marie Kitchener

My name is Ann-Marie Kitchener. I have three children, two are now at university and one is still at school, they all still live at home. I am a senior maths teacher and have taught on the Central Coast since 1999. I have been a Christian for 32 years and I am the Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group) candidate for Gosford. The CDP is the only Christian political party in Australia and has upheld the importance

of family and Christian values for nearly 30 years. I have a passion for our youth and been involved with helping the youth on the streets at Terrigal and Bateau Bay. I want our youth to develop right perspectives so that they have the foundations to develop good relationships and families, and therefore build strong communities. To this end I want to see increased policing to cut crime and binge drinking and I want to improve educational opportunities for our youth. Also I want to develop regional health services and work to reduce homelessness. I stand with Paul Green, the mayor of Shoalhaven, and CDP candidate for the NSW Upper House. Together we want to make a difference locally and in New South Wales.

Labor: Katie Smith

If elected I will be an effective and active representative. I will work with the area health board to ensure the radiotherapy unit secured in partnership with the Federal Government remains on target, and with the RTA to continue to improve our regional roads and to ensure that the construction of the Brisbane Water Drive intersection is on schedule. I will make certain that our teachers and schools continue to be properly resourced so as to provide

the best outcome for our kids and to ensure that education, vocational or higher is available to everyone. I will be applying my efforts to making sure that the Central Coast Regional Plan which is our blue print for the future is implemented thereby making sure that any future development is sustainable and fully supports our kid’s future and jobs. As the long term President of the Peninsula Community Centre and member of Regional Development Australia (Central Coast) I understand the area and am committed to maintaining and improving our Coast way of life. I have lived at Woy Woy since 1984 and raised my two kids here. I understand the pressure of running a small business. I won’t make promises I can’t keep.

THINK BEFORE YOU VOTE FOR COUNCILLOR CHRIS HOLSTEIN (FORMER MAYOR OF GOFORD) THE VOTERS OF GOSFORD STATE ELECTORATE SHOULD ASK THEMSELVES THE SIMPLE QUESTION? WHY SHOULD WE VOTE FOR YOU AFTER CONSIDERING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS? WHY DID YOU AS MAYOR SUPPORT THE UNDERHAND PURCHASE AND DESTRUCTION OF GOSFORD TOWN CENTRE, CLOSING DOWN VIABLE BUSINESSES WITH NO COMPENSATION AND MISUSING FEDERAL FUNDING OF $7M, TO PROVIDE COMMUTER CAR PARKING, REJECTED BY THE COMMUTERS AND THE COMMUNITY, AS NOT BEING SUITABLE? GOSFORD CBD HAS LOST IMPORTANT RETAILERS, COLES, MEDICARE, SAM’S WAREHOUSE, ASIAN SUPER MARKET AND MANY OTHERS, WHILE BASICALLY THE SAME NUMBER OF CAR SPACES HAVE BEEN REOPENED AFTER 2 MONTHS CLOSURE. BUT NOW OPERATING, COSTS ARE AT THE EXPENSE OF RATE PAYERS, INSTEAD OF A COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE. WHY DID YOU AS MAYOR ALLOW SENIOR STAFF TO COMMIT NOT ONLY THE FEDERAL $7M FUNDING, BUT ALSO A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF COUNCIL FUNDS ON CONSULTANTS, DUE DILIGENCE, ETC, APART FROM THE $4M SHORTFALL TO MEET THE OFFERED $11M, ALL WHEN THE COMMERCIAL VALUE WAS IN THE $6-8M RANGE? WHY DID YOU AS MAYOR PUBLICLY STATE THAT GOSFORD COUNCIL HAD “NOT LOST A CENT”, REGARDING COUNCIL’S INVESTMENTS IN THE AMERICAN MARKET, WHEN IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT MLLIONS HAD BEEN LOST? TO DATE IN THE VICINITY OF $9M HAVE BEEN LOST WITH $38M IN DOUBT. RATEPAYERS ARE INCENSED WITH THE WASTE OF PUBLIC FUNDS BY GOSFORD COUNCIL, BESIDES MANY OTHER EXAMPLES.

WHY DID YOU OPPOSE AND DESTROY THE SPURBEST PROJECT ($104M) WHICH WOULD HAVE TRANSFORMED THE WHOLE OF GOSFORD CBD? ESPECIALLY IF GOSFORD COUNCIL HAD DEVELOPED THE OLD BROADWATER HOTEL SITE (PLANS WERE PREPARED) AND LED THE WAY TO REVITALISE GOSFORD CBD, INSTEAD OF DOING NOTHING, BUT NOW HELPING TO DESTROY THE CBD WITH THE CLOSURE OF GOSFORD TOWN CENTRE. WHY DID YOU IGNORE THE OVERWHELMING OPPOSITION OF THE COMMUNITY TO THE CLOSURE OF ELIZA STREET AND SUPPORT A BLOWOUT OF SOME $1M IN THE COST OF STAGE 5 OF KIBBLE PARK? THIS IS BESIDES THE SHAMEFUL EVICTION OF THE ET AUSTRALIA YOUTH TRAINING RESTAURANT IN KIBBLE PARK, BY UNILATERALLY INCREASING THE RENT FROM $18,000 TO $40,000, WITH NO REDRESS OPEN AND COMPLETELY IGNORING THE HUGE COMMITMENT BY THE COMMUNITY IN CONTRIBUTING SOME $350,000, BOTH IN CASH AND IN KIND, TO UPGRADE THE RESTAURANT. WHY DID YOU ALLOW THE BLOWOUT OF THE COST OF THE WOY WOY LEISURE CENTRE FROM $25M TO OVER $30M, COUPLED WITH ANNUAL RUNNING COSTS IN EXCESS OF $1M? ALL VOTERS OF THE GOSFORD ELECTORATE ARE ENCOURAGED TO VOTE FOR THE MOST CAPABLE CANDIDATE TO REPRESENT GOSFORD IN THE NSW STATE PARLIAMENT.

IT IS VITAL THAT THE BEST CANDIDATE IS ELECTED ON POLLING DAY, 26 MARCH Authorised by G Brown, Glenn St Umina Beach

Gosford Central Community News - March 14, 2011 - Page 9

Labor Party members including the Labor Candidate Katie Smith (Gosford) and Premier Keneally (Heffron) have a damn hide to be asking for our voter support!

Over many years the Telegraph and the Express Advocate have mishandled the truth carelessly. On Thursday March 10, Nine’s “A Current Affair” ran their distortion picked up from Richard Noone spin on the 25 May 2009. http://tinyurl.com/telegraph2 There are no “736 letters” and the imputation that “I have cost council $100.000 dealing with trivial, nuisance and unreasonable complaints since 2001” in Nine’s “A Current Affair” on March 10, is from the mouth of an identified liar. Written information and many of my photos freely available to and ignored by all main stream media is available here. http://bit.ly/EJ_PNewsAds Years of published allegations are in the on line archives of these two newspapers, http://peninsulanews.asn.au/ and www.gosfordnews.org. I am not alone in standing up to the corrupt Labor government. There are many whose lives have been destroyed because we are not honestly represented. On Monday February 28, Nathan “scurried like a rat” Rees told me, in front of his Best Street, Seven Hills Electorate office that he has no memory of important issues relating to his Labor government’s accommodation of systemic abuse of due process by a consent authority, the already identified corrupt Gosford City Council. He said he can’t understand why I had come from the Coroner’s Court in Glebe to his office for a photo session. This from a former Premier, with selective memory, who told me at the Terrigal Community Cabinet meeting, a very public forum, that he knew all about my issues and my property in West Street, Umina. As I made clear to you Nathan on Monday, February 28, when I left several copies of Peninsula News and Gosford Central Community News to remind you, these are public reviews of you and Labor’s credibility and are part of our public political process! My ads are also intended to do what main stream media is unwilling to do, expose the shonky way successive Premiers Carr, Iemma, Rees and Keneally Ministers Woods, Refshaugie, Keneally, Sartor and Perry, among others, have brought the office of Premier and those of the Cabinet Ministers into disrepute. We all know you were the Chief of Staff for Milton “the horrible” Orkopoulos, identified by

Gillian Sneddon on TV as “he who scurried like a rat” back to Premier Iemma. The so called new blood Labor Party Members now on the husking, were for the most part, supportive of those politicians now jumping ship too fearful of facing the electorate. The Labor Party and its members have publicly accommodated the political sins against the people which I have exposed outside NSW parliament and in my ads for over 11 years here on the Central Coast. The Labor Party have turned their collective blind eye to much more than Gosford City Council misleading the State Coroner, when the council allowed the coroner to understand that council had no knowledge or experience in the use or application of concrete to protect the structural integrity of the corrugated steel culvert pipes in their care. Nathan, you and other senior politicians must have been living under a rock to have not seen my instructive photos in the hands of Minister for the Central Coast John Robertson and Attorney General John Hatzistergos. These politicians are acting dumb in the face of published allegations of a Labor party government cover up of systemic corrupt conduct. It is way past time for readers who are sick of the obvious misgovernance, those who want to bring about effective change, to start asking questions of their elected representatives and mainstream media.

Marie Andrews attended my father’s property with a Mr. Craig Munnings over ten years ago. These two party members looked at the DA 11923 /2001 which was “misleading in no small way” as it hid the existence of my father’s residential house from anyone perusing the misleading documents promoted by council. I have taken Craig Munnings’ and Marie Andrew’s lack of political will to have the Labor Party censure their party members, pursuant to Section 232 of the Local Government Act, for failing to ensure our public business was conducted within the law, a process I have identified as corrupt, all the way to the top in politics. I did it this way because I have watched what happens to anyone silly enough to take a political argument into a court of law. Labor has a history of abusing power and regulating the legistation to do what they want. Bob Carr is on record saying words to the effect “I don’t care what the court has ruled, we will just legislate to allow the development”. The Labor Government has done the same sort of thing again by exempting Barangaroo from laws which apply to other developments regarding contaminated sites.

This is an intentional attempt to combat the spin my taxes pay for each time a politician goes into print

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Advertisement Authorised by Edward James, P.B 3024 - Umina Beach NSW 2257 02 4341 9140

Election

Page 10 - March 14, 2011 - Gosford Central Community News

Terrigal electorate

Greens: Dougal Anderson

The NSW Greens have no preference deals with any other parties and the key areas Dougal plans to improve will lead to more employment through more business, transparency on government spending and improving public services through funding. Transport - the fast train link along the Eastern Seaboard is a key federal Greens policy and the Sydney - Newcastle link has been identified as a possible first stage. The Greens now have the key influence in federal legislation

Candidates for the seat of Terrigal were asked to provide 200 words about what they have done and will do for Gosford. Some candidates did not respond.

and now is the time for effective investment to state rail services. Current average train speed of 65 km/h is not acceptable no matter how many trains are running. Business – the success of the few IT based service companies on the Central Coast means that there is a blueprint to develop existing and encourage other companies in the area. Dougal has built service centres in Australia, developed business in regional areas and has already contributed in his professional capacity to the Central Coast NBN business case. Development – state government with Liberal support has changed legislation that allows preferred developers to proceed without local consultation and this must now be reversed. Development is needed but must be subject to the correct process.

CDP: Carmen Darley-Bentley

I am 28 years old, married and I have lived in this area for eight years. I am involved in programs that encourage the youth of the Central Coast and know

firsthand the importance of providing for their physical and emotional needs. I want to restore values and direction in their lives and give them a hope and a future by seeing an end to high youth unemployment, binge drinking, violence and suicide. I would establish a Youth Forum to hear their solutions to their boredom and loneliness and would push for the implementation of their fresh ideas. The Central Coast should be a place where all sorts of musical, artistic and sporting talent is developed and displayed.

I have been working as a registered nurse at Gosford hospital for the past three years. There are at least 700 nurses out there who are not working. I would work to bring them back by restoring conditions to where staff feel valued and supported and patients get adequate care. Our ethics are based on our Christian heritage, a heritage I value. Scripture classes have been taught for more than 100 years in NSW’s schools. I will not allow so-called ethic classes to be in direct competition with Scripture classes.

The electorate of Terrigal includes all the areas lying to the east of Brisbane Water. Its main centres are Killcare, Avoca, Kincumber, Terrigal, Erina and Wamberal. Terrigal was first contested at the 2007 election when it became the new name for the Liberal seat of Gosford. Liberal’s Chris Hartcher has been the member for Terrigal since 1988, though the seat was known as Gosford until being re-named Terrigal by a redistribution conducted before the 2007 election.

Labor: Trevor Drake

When elected to represent the people of the Terrigal electorate, my priorities will be the continuing improvement of the services and facilities of the Central Coast. To manage this challenge I will seek efficient and effective planning, funding and delivery of programs to make a real difference to all projects, both at a State and Local Government level. I have seen significant achievements and challenges over the past 16 years and I am proud of the contributions the NSW Labor Government has made to advance and improve the Central Coast lifestyle. I will focus on important issues that will sustain the Central Coasts’ unique lifestyle. I will pursue fairness for families, the creation and protection of Central Coast jobs, the continual improvement to public transport, continuing road improvements including the upgrade of Terrigal Dri, improved law enforcement

Independent: Michelle Mears

Courtesy of ABC

Look around the Central Coast right now, we have beautiful beaches and bushland. But these are under serious threat. We can’t afford to be

Vote 1

KATIE SMITH

Tru st n a u c o l Y a A Loc

Lives Locally I came to the Peninsula in 1984. I was then appointed to the Area Health Board. Later I directed my energies to the Peninsula Community Centre where I have been a director for more than 17 years, the last 10 as President. During my time it has grown from a small neighbourhood centre to a facility offering many services to the local citizens of all ages and employing almost 100 people. I was honoured to be awarded a life membership in 2006.

One of us As a volunteer at the Gosford Women’s Health Centre, as well as providing free legal advice I was part of the group

Authorised by H. Myers, 2/65 Flathead Rd Ettalong NSW 2257

outcomes, including the continuous manning of Terrigal Police station and the acquisition of funds for local Council to undertake footpaths and kerb and guttering upgrading and other important projects. I am looking forward to the opportunity to represent the people of Terrigal and the Central Coast. My commitment extends to providing real representation to the residents of the Terrigal electorate. I have been and will continue to be a tireless advocate for the Central Coast and the electorate of Terrigal.

which led to the Peninsula Centre opening. In 2007 I was appointed to what is now Regional Developement Australia Central Coast. In addition I was Secretary of the Umina Football Club for 7 years as well as becoming involved with other sporting groups on the Peninsula.

Will fight for us As a single parent, I am well aware of the pressures faced by all families, as a owner of a small business I well understand the issues involved. I believe in public transport, education, and in a quality health system. I am standing for the ALP as I support its core values of fairness, social equality and access to services for all.

You can contact me on 0405 984 004

NSW

Labor

complacent and expect Government to take proper action to protect these natural assets. We can’t trust them to do this, sadly. This is why I have been involved in the campaign to stop the scuttling of an exwarship off Avoca. As a mother I have watched with increasing concern the choices our State Government is making and I want to act to protect the future for our children. We must immediately move to 100 per cent renewable energy such as the Zero Carbon Stationery Energy Plan. Our youth unemployment rate is completely unacceptable. I will work for funding for alternative learning programs and youth mentoring. Central Coast women want access to better maternity services. Our services have outrageously high caesarean rates. North Gosford Private Hospital has a 50 per cent caesarean rate and Gosford Public Hospital has a 32 per cent caesarean rate. All women should have their own midwife and access to homebirth if they choose. If elected I will work with the Government to make the best decisions for the Central Coast both now and for the next generation.

Election

Gosford Central Community News - March 14, 2011 - Page 11

The Entrance electorate Greens: Deidrie Jinks

Deidrie Jinks is from Ourimbah, at the western edge of our forest-tothe-sea electorate of The Entrance. Deidrie is passionate about the environment and has long been active in local environmental projects and problems. She is really concerned about the implications of climate change and biodiversity loss. She believes that our communities need to become more robust, more sustainable and less reliant on fossil fuels for their basic needs. Trained in Science at ANU, Deidrie’s career has spanned periods of research and development in the public and private sectors, and more than a decade as a tenured lecturer at UTS. Nowadays, she teaches conservation and land management classes part-time at TAFE. Since the mid-1980s her family business has shipped (sold, planted, donated to community projects) over one million local native plants, propagated sustainably on-site, as a personal effort to reduce atmospheric carbon. Communities should be empowered to resist unsustainable development within their community. Part 3A of the planning laws should be repealed. No “fracking” for coal seam gas All logging and wood chipping activities in the forests of Gosford/Wyong town water catchment should stop now. We must protect out agricultural land, to assist our food security.

Candidates for the seat of The Entrance were asked to provide 200 words about what they have done and will do for Gosford. Some candidates did not respond. p

The Entrance is a Central Coast seat with two distinct ends, one in the northern suburbs of Gosford, and the other around The Entrance. At the Gosford end the seat includes Wyoming,

Narara, Niagara, Lisarow and Ourimbah. The current member for The Entrance Grant McBride will not be re-contesting the coming election. Courtesy of ABC

Labor: David Mehan Australian Labor Party candidate for the key marginal seat of The Entrance, David Mehan beat 2 other candidates for the pre-selection late last year to take over from retiring MP of 19 years, Mr Grant McBride. Father of 3, resident of Ourimbah, geologist by profession, member of the ALP since 1989 and Industry Super Fund manager, David is asking his electorate to “put aside the nonsense that has occurred in Macquarie Street because locally Labor has delivered for the Central Coast and this electorate (The

Entrance)”. David said that Labor has a plan for sensible growth on the Coast and that importantly the foundation for this growth is the fact that the State Labor Government legislated to recognise the Coast as a Region which, “put us on the map despite our relatively small size” for planning and funding purposes. David first raised the issue of defining the Coast as a Region in 2004 and he pursued it by gaining support from the local community which resulted in the

Geographic Names Board formally recognising the name and boundaries of the Coast in 2005. David’s big priority is local jobs. He says that Labor has a funded plan (the Regional Economic development and Employment Strategy) to create 2250 jobs per year on the Coast and he will see it delivered.

LABOR

More empty Cutting promises and public cutting public services services.

Break the cycle 1

Promises not Promises delivered and not sham public delivered consultation.

LIBERAL

Do you know what the parties really stand for?

The NSW Greens have no preference deals Vote 1 other Greens with any parties

GREENS

LIBERAL

LABOR

Reverse privatisation of NSW electricity generators and retailers

Increases nurses in public hospitals to an average of one nurse for each four patients

Regulate to move freight transport from road to rail and significantly invest in rail infrastructure

Provide basic dental care for all Australians

End forced state development without local consultation

End political parties receiving donations from corporations and other organizations

Prohibit junk food advertising targeted at children

No privatisation of water supplies

Phase out coal-fired power stations. Stop coal seam methane and gas mining that damages water supplies and farming land

Authorised by Terry Jones, 3 Baden St, KILLCARE

News

Page 12 - March 14, 2011 - Gosford Central Community News

Commitment for road upgrades comfirmed

5 Lands Walk community consultation continues

abor candidate for Gosford Ms Katie Smith has confirmed the NSW Government is committed to preparations for the upgrade of the Central Coast Highway at the intersection of Brisbane Water Dr and Manns Rd, West Gosford.

“I am very happy that the RTA has allocated $10 million this financial year for planning and pre-construction work for the upgrade of this intersection to a single four-way intersection,” Ms Smith said. “This upgrade will improve safety and reduce congestion on the road network. “The property acquisition has been undertaken and we are

ready for the next stage,” she said. In December last year, the RTA awarded a contract to Aurecon Pty Ltd to carry out the detailed design for the project which includes designs for road work, utilities, drainage, property adjustments and traffic management plans. “It is expected that the project designs will be completed in late 2011

and the RTA plans to call tenders for the major roadwork contract(s) in early 2012. “The Central Coast Highway provides the major road link between the F3 Freeway and Gosford, Erina and the coastal suburbs.” “Brisbane Water Drive and Manns Road provide vital access for residents of Gosford, Woy Woy and Narara to railway stations, local businesses

and retail centres as well as access to the Central Coast Highway and the F3 Freeway,” Ms Smith said, “We are confident the design is the right one and are anxious that it now proceed. “The project is just part of the Governments $300million dollar commitment to Central Coast roads.” Media Release, 17 Feb 2011 Katie Smith, ALP

osford Council is conducting the second round of community consultation for the 5 Lands Walk Masterplan.

Council has received $110,000 under the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Greenspace Program and is matching this funding dollar for dollar to establish the Walk as a permanent fixture in the local landscape. The Masterplan details infrastructure for a permanent track between the five lands of Macmasters Beach, Copacabana, Avoca Beach, North Avoca and Terrigal. Council’s Metropolitan Greenspace officer Mr Chris Lear said meetings will be conducted in each land and therefore the route proposals and associated infrastructure will be suburb specific. “Council has already undergone extensive community consultation in the development of a Masterplan to establish the 5 Lands Walk as a permanent part of our local landscape,” said Mr Lear. “This second round of consultation seeks to continue our engagement with the community

to ensure that any infrastructure along each part of the Walk reflects the views of the local residents. “Interested residents and in particular those residents who live adjacent to the identified route are encouraged to attend their local meeting. “Council is also encouraging anyone wishing to provide input into the art exhibition locations and associated infrastructure to attend this round of community meetings,” added Mr Lear. The second round of community meetings will be held from 7pm at North Avoca Surf Lifesaving Club on Monday, March 14, at Avoca Surf Lifesaving Club on Tuesday, March 15, at MacMasters Beach Surf lifesaving Club on Tuesday, March 22 and Copacabana Surf Lifesaving Club on Wednesday, March 23. Media Release, 9 Mar 2011 Gosford Council media

David Mehan For The Entrance

TRUE LABOR VALUES

Sorry I missed you. l If you have any local issues you would like to discuss, please give me a call. phone: 0419 973 858 email: davidmehan@alp.com.au web: www.davidmehan.com.au

David

Authorised by Vicki Scott, 5 Brancourt Cr, Narara. Printed by Gosford Printing, 365 Avoca Dr, Avoca Beach.

News

Gosford Central Community News - March 14, 2011 - Page 13

Call for State Foreshore master plans Government Protection to be viewed by public of the Historic Bambara Area abor candidate for Gosford Ms Katie Smith has joined local indigenous community leader Mr Jake Cassar in calling for the State Government to protect the Bambara area in Kariong from further destruction.

Mr Cassar leads a community group of 2400 members who want 79.5 hectares of land at Bambara rd, Kariong protected from development. The Bambara area contains 12 known endangered species of plants and an enormous amount of cultural heritage which Ms Smith will call on the State Government to protect. Recently, Mr Cassar reported that a number of trees marked as endangered have been cut down.

Fire pits and motorbikes have also damaged the site and Ms Smith said action needs to be taken before it is too late. Ms Cassar said the Council lead by former mayor Cr Chris Holstein spent $180,000 in court on defending an Empire Bay development which used to be a corridor for 20 endangered species, but will not commit to protecting the Bambara area. Mr Cassar has taken over 2000 people on tours of the area to “reconnect our young

locals to nature and bring that much needed respect back to our community”. Ms Smith said she agrees that the area is an important culture site. “Local indigenous and nonindigenous children can learn about endangered species, bush tucker and medicine,” said Ms Smith. Media Release, 1 Mar 2011 Katie Smith, ALP

Police call for information olice are appealing for public assistance after two report of child ren being approached between Tuesday, February 15 and Monday, February 21.

An 11-year-old girl was approached in Kariong on Tuesday, February 15, when she was walking home from school at about 3pm, along Conroy Ave, toward Mitchell Dr. As the girl entered Mitchell Dr, she noticed a woman leaning against a white van, the woman offered the schoolgirl a lift. The girl shook her head and continued walking. As she crossed Belsham St, the girl noticed the woman enter the van and drive toward her. The girl hid behind trees and noticed the woman looking left and right before spotting her. At this point, the girl ran home and informed her mother before police were notified. Police have patrolled the area and inquiries are continuing. The woman is described as Caucasian in appearance, about 3540 years of age, medium build, 170cm tall, with a

small squashed nose, a strong croaky voice and black, slightly wavy shoulder length hair. She was wearing a reddish maroon singlet top with adjustable straps, dark blue denim shorts, blowfly sunglasses and a silver bracelet on her right wrist. The vehicle is described as a new model white van with a flat front, no hubcaps, possibly a white number plate and no rear windows. A second child was approached on Monday, February 21, in Lisarow. Between 3:20pm and 3:30pm a seven-year-old girl was walking home from her school bus stop at the intersection of Railway Close and Dora St, Lisarow in a westerly direction. The girl informed police she noticed a black coloured sedan driven by a woman pull up next to her. She asked the girl to get into the car and when

the child refused the woman left the scene. The woman is described as being about 40 to 50 years old with red-orange-coloured frizzy hair with a tanned complexion. She has a flat nose, yellow teeth and was wearing drop ear-rings and a necklace. The car is described as being a black sedan bearing black and white registration plates possibly ending in ‘0’. The girl continued home and informed her parents and police were contacted. Police patrolled the area and inquiries are continuing. Officers would like to hear from anyone who has information about either of these events that could assist with their inquiries via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Media Release, 22 Feb 2011 NSW Police Media

osford Council has consented to place the Draft Avoca Beach Southern Foreshore Master Plan on public exhibition for 28 days following changes made to the plan from community feedback in a number of meetings held last year.

Council has resolved that if no submissions are received in a 42 day period from the date it is placed on exhibition then Council will adopt the tabled Master Plan. Should significant objections be received, a further report will be brought back to Council detailing submissions received. If implemented, the Master Plan will be used as a tool for the identification of future works and for applications for grant funding. The Master Plan is a result of a request from

the Avoca Community detailing a review of the southern end of Avoca Beach foreshore area and the park area around Avoca Surf Lifesaving Club. Two initial public meetings were held in May last year with 85 people in attendance and 44 feedback forms received by Council. Council reviewed and collated the information and identified a number of key points including retaining the village atmosphere and green space, upgrade of the South-end car park, public

toilet facilities and picnic shelter and increased opportunities to walk and cycle around Avoca, to take the pressure off parking. Council placed these considerations into the draft master plan which was taken to a third community meeting in September last year with 28 people in attendance. Minor changes were made based on the feedback forms received. Council Agenda SF.4, 1 Mar 2011

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Vision Forum

Page 14 - March 14, 2011 - Gosford Central Community News

Gosford can have its own Eiffel Tower in 21st Century vision

ocal design consultant Miles Buffalo has a vision for the Gosford CBD which he says will eliminate parking problems in Gosford, cut down traffic, and create a city centre with vista views around Gosford.

Miles’ plan aims to connect Gosford City to the waterfront by solving the issue of parking. Parking will be located in one central space in the city with approximately six levels of underground parking at the current eastern Gosford station parking area with a total of approximately 1700 parking spaces. The underground parking station would reduce traffic in the City by providing four entrances into the parking station reducing congestion around Gosford. “I think it benefits the city because you don’t have to keep driving around the city to find a parking spot,” said Miles. “Because you have combined and doubled the two parking areas from both sides, means you always know where to go to park, it keeps the parking off the waterfront. “It’s near the railway station which is what everybody wants. “It’s an all roads lead to Rome philosophy which centralizes the city and cuts back traffic,” he said. “It’s just simplicity, which will solve all Gosford’s problems.” This parking will be underneath Miles’ proposed new Gosford open area centre which will include a high rise tower housing the city’s big players including Gosford Council and Workcover. “The theory of the tower is that you can take away mobile transmitters from the top of mountains and put them on the tower because it’s so high,” said Miles. “The tower is meant to be the highest point of the city, it is meant to be a beacon or a sense of hierarchy to the town, in this regard it is a focal point to always know where you are. “You don’t want the whole city to be this high, it’s just this one building, it gives the city a focal point, like the Eiffel Tower in Paris.” “You can visually know where you are all the time. “It’s a mathematical formula to open the CBD to the waterfront and connect it,” said Miles. At the height of the 30 storey tower, Miles has proposed a hotel facing south with views to Lion Island. The hotel would include of

Gosford Vision Part II

Congratulations for ‘inspirational vision’ llow me to congratulate Miles Buffalo, on his inspirational vision for the re-development of Gosford CBD in the last edition of Gosford News.

His scheme leaves the waterfront predominantly for the benefit of the general public, rather than locking it out behind tall buildings, as is the case in Newcastle, or reserving it for an elitist marina. Our waterways are stunning and should be in view from the centre of town as much as possible, as well as being accessible. Botanical gardens around the waterfront would

Forum achieve both objectives. Imagine the Farm Cove shoreline in Sydney fringed by buildings of any sort, blocking the view across the world-renowned harbour beyond. Miles Buffalo’s concept utilises Gosford’s natural features, breathes life into the CBD, and provides

much parking. If realised, Gosford would truly be a centre, with a throbbing commercial and residential heart, a delightful place to live and a great tourist attraction. Gosford would be miles ahead. Email, 23 Feb 2011 Neil Murphy, East Gosford

Is anybody qualified?

t is evident in the drawings that the designer is working outside their expertise and is making unqualified statements.

It is also evident in the streets of Gosford and the Peninsula, that Gosford City council lacks the necessary qualifications to manage the planning and development of our built environment. Questions that you should be asking of persons of interest in Gosford: To the head of the GCC town planning department: ”excuse me madam do you have any qualifications in Town planning?” To the Lead consultant of the Gosford challenge: “Excuse me sir, do you have

a pool at mid level providing water views for guests. The top of the tower would also provide possible space for residential apartments. At the base of the tower, Miles has proposed an open plaza which would comprise two levels of underground and aboveground retail space and a waterfall running along the railway line to muffle train noise. The open voids under the tower would open up the city to allow for air flow and views directly from the railway station to the waterfront. “The voids allow vista views, east-west and northsouth,” said Miles. The voids under the tower would bring light and air into the darkest parts of Gosford and would create a new public open area. “You can stand at the road at Kibble Park and see right through to the Plaza and the mountain beyond. The above ground open space would be finished with a sandstone look in an attempt to reflect on Gosford’s history. “The retail sector is to be of a similar atmosphere to the Rocks in Sydney,” said Miles. The open plaza would essentially not add or

subtract any retail but would simply consolidate Gosford’s shopping into one area. This would provide a place for the lost retail tenants from Market Town. Miles’ vision is to create a focal point for Gosford, consolidating all parking, retail and office commercial space into one area with the needs of what we have today. His vision is not concrete and is open to the possibilities of the city, allowing the developer to get a right of return and at the same time opening up the city. “This one catalyst site would ignite the city into this century and at the same time be beneficial to the developers, retail and the public,” said Miles. Kaitlin Watts, 11 Mar 2011

In the previous edition of Gosford News, Miles Buffalo was inadvertently referred to as an architect. Mr Buffalo is in fact a design consultant, not an architect. Next month we’ll look at Miles’ vision for the waterfront as part of his overall vision. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts about such a vision for Gosford.

Forum any qualifications in Town Planning? “What qualifications do you hold? “Are you qualified to undertake a master planning project? “What qualifications do you think a master-planning and urban design consultant should have?” To Gosford City Councillors: “Excuse me, do any of you have a

qualification in anything at all?” After you’ve been through the council, then go out and find an architect (I can give you a few names) and ask them what should be done, or even better, run a design competition of your own, that would be unique and interesting for the Central Coast. At minimum you should write a retraction to stave off any further action from the Architects Review Board. Email, 23 Feb 2011 Rich Brew, Terrigal

Gosford development needs to be sustainable f Gosford is to have a large scale high rise development, it needs to be sustainable and lead the country in best practices from around the world.

There is now huge knowledge available to make high rise buildings self sufficient, as they already are in Scandinavia and some European counties, generating their own heating and cooling and reusing and recycling their own wastes. Good design can completely do away with air conditioning and much can be done to reduce energy use and avoidance of fossil fuels. Green roofs are also an innovation which absorb heat and Co2, insulate buildings, catch water and shelter plants and creatures can have recreational use. Chicago has one million acres of green roofs. Perhaps Council and developers have already discussed these and other issues of sustainability but this has not been shown to the public. The public need to know

whether the 32 storey building (and others) will be commercial or residential. If the former, what sort of commercial tenants are envisaged and how would they attract these to Gosford? If residential, how many units are to be built, what are the rental markets targets and where will the residents work? Are there any plans by the State Government to increase rail traffic to Sydney or Newcastle and how will the developments affect the already congested F3? High rises without any integrated plans would not necessarily revitalise Gosford. One of Gosford’s greatest assets is the beautiful waterfront. Up to now, some plans that have been put forward could be determined by isolating the waterfront

from the people by a barrier of high rise buildings. The proposed development could be a massive problem or a great opportunity so every resident in the City should be asking numerous questions. Letter, 7 Mar 2011 Ann Marshall, Holgate

Forum Letters to the editor should be sent to: Gosford News PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 or mail@gosfordnews.org See Page 2 for contribution conditions

Gosford Central Community News - March 14, 2011 - Page 15

Health

Page 16 - March 14, 2011 - Gosford Central Community News

Kincumber resident chosen for graduate program

Gosford seniors celebrate

osford Council is calling all Gosford City seniors to get active and involved by taking part in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seniors Week celebrations.

Seniors Week 2011 runs from March 20 to 27 and there is a range of social, cultural, physical, environmental and educational activities happening across Gosford City. 50+ Leisure and Learning Centres coordinator Ms Rhondda Gibson said there is something to suit everyone and every budget in Seniors Week 2011. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most of our Seniors Week activities are free of charge, with costs for some sessions being only $2.50 and the maximum cost for any activity being $43

for a bus trip to the Hunter Valley and Drovers Camp,â&#x20AC;? said Ms Gibson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The activities are simply a great opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and be a part of what our local community has to offer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We always have a great time at all of our Seniors Week activities and in many cases lasting friendships are formed. All you need to bring is a smile.â&#x20AC;? 2011 Seniors Week activities include barbecues, grandparentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Story time sessions, Learn to Surf classes,

bus trips to the Maritime Museum and Hunter Valley, canoe trips, computer clubs, concerts, cricket matches, cruises, bushwalks and bowls tournaments. A full list of activities are detailed in Seniors Week 2011 brochures available at Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Customer Service Centres and 50+ Leisure and Learning Centres at Gosford, Ettalong and Terrigal. Media Release, 10 Mar 2011 Gosford Council Media

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Gosford Central Community News - March 14, 2011 - Page 17

Health

Page 18 - March 14, 2011 - Gosford Central Community News

Union members campaign for rights

Labour to reduce cost of living with disability

t a morning tea at Gosford Hospital on Wednesday, March 9, nurses, paramedics, interns, allied health professionals, cleaners and catering staff signed a community petition calling on State Election candidates to fight for better services for the region.

The Better State 5 Point Plan is a community-driven campaign, demanding investment in services to increase in line with population growth and to protect workers’ rights. Five Central Coast candidates have committed to backing local workers and signing the Better State Declaration of Support, including Labor candidate for Gosford Ms Katie Smith, Green’s candidate for Gosford Dr Peter Freewater, Green’s candidate for Terrigal Mr Dougal Anderson, Green’s candidate for The

he announcement of $30 million to reduce the cost of living for people with disabilities will make a significant difference in the Gosford community the Labor candidate for Gosford Ms Katie Smith said.

T Leanne Burns, Katie Smith, Adam Kerslake

Entrance Ms Deidre Jinks and Labor candidate for the Entrance Mr David Mehan. Mr Adam Kerslake is leading a campaign for Unions NSW and has been travelling around the state assisting communities in getting their local candidates to sign the 5 Point Plan.

“Workers I’ve spoken to on the Central Coast want government to invest in more local jobs, vital services and to protect public assets. “That’s why voters have a right to know which candidates support the Better State Better State 5

Safety and Unity.

Point Plan and which ones don’t. “They can then make an informed decision when they go to vote on March 26,” said Mr Kerslake. Media Release, 9 Mar 2011 Alison Rahill, Unions NSW

Tuesday 22nd March at 1.30pm

Gosford Regional Gallery, 36 Webb St., East Gosford Sponsored by

hit by rising costs of living. “We need to reduce the pressure on those who feel it most,” said Ms Smith. This commitment is on top of the $2 billion announced last December as part of Stronger Together 2. Media Release, 17 Feb 2011 Katie Smith, ALP

Gosford City Neighbourhood Centres celebrate

The power of stillness for world The power of stillness for world peace Psalm 23 peace withwith Psalm 23 Discover practical, effective prayer that brings, safety, unity and healing through spiritual means International speaker, Marta Greenwood, is a practitioner and teacher of Christian Science healing and a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship.

Ms Smith said a vote for Labor will mean vital and specialized equipment will be more available and increased funding for the services that support our community. “Disability affects about one in five people and many of us will care for someone with a disability at some point in our lives,” she said. “Disabled persons and their carers are often the first

Neighbour Day

Sunday 27th March

Sunday 27th March 2011 is National Neighbour Day. Neighbourhood and community centres are being involved by offering neighbours the opportunity to get a FREE hamper to celebrate Neighbourhood Day on Sunday 27th March. All you have to do is have an activity with your neighbours eg morning tea, BBQ, cricket game, and invite a neighbour you don’t know. . Neighbour Day is about getting to know the neighbours around you who may be isolated, building better relationships with people who live around us and creating a safer and healthier place to live. Hampers may contain BBQ goodies, such as sausages, bread, sauce and desert and a few surprises or whatever is suitable for your activity. All you have to do is ﬁll out a form, answer some questions and a hamper could be yours. Number of hampers are limited to the amount of funds we have available, so get in early! Contact your nearest neighbourhood or community centre for more information. Gosford/Narara Community Centre 4329 4477 Green Point Community Centre 4367 7591 Kariong Neighbourhood Centre 4340 1724 Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre 4363 1044 Peninsula Community Centre 4341 9333 Wyoming community Centre 4323 7483 Supported by Gosford Council community grant and Gosford Central News

Gosford Central Community News - March 14, 2011 - Page 19

Bike ride teaches about sun safety

Freewater challenges decision

tudents at Chertsey Public School learnt about sun safety messages on Wednesday, March 2, when a charity bike ride from Queensland visited the school in a fundraising effort for melanoma research.

The ride was led by triathlon coach Mr Mark Smoothy who was a close friend of Mr Adam Smiddy who died of skin cancer in 2006.

The ride gained participants on its way and has raised more than $1.7 million. Students listened to a presentation given by the

Education

riders and were invited to make donations. Media Release, 1 Mar 2011 Sven Wright, DET

Push for Central Coast’s own education region ember for Robertson Ms Deborah O’Neill has spoken in Parliament about her determination to push for the Central Coast to have an education region of its own.

“As a teacher and lecturer of 25 years experience on the Central Coast, I would like to say emphatically that the time has come for us to have an education region of our own,” said Ms O’Neill in a Grievance debate in the Federal Parliament on Monday, February 21. “If our local team, the Central Coast Mariners, can stand on the national stage at a sporting level, we can and we should stand on our own two feet when it comes to education.

“Once it was a natural fit for us to look to Newcastle as an older more established region with a large population to offer some support to our fledgling community. “That is no longer the case,” said Ms O’Neill. Ms O’Neill went on to say that, following many discussions with educators and parents, she had “come to the opinion that it is not possible for a governance framework centred on greater Newcastle to

effectively represent our interests on the Central Coast”. The Member for Robertson said she would work with her Labor colleagues on the Central Coast to advance the proposal for a Central Coast education region. Media release, 22 Feb 2011 Matt Pulford, Office of Deborah O’Neill MP

School raises money arara Public School is holding a mufti and ice-cream day on Tuesday, March 15, for those affected by the earthquake in Christchurch.

The day is being organized by the school captains and prefects. Children are invited

to wear black and white clothing (NZ colours) on the day and contribute a gold coin to the Christchurch

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earthquake appeal. Newsletter, 7 Mar 2011 Greg Frolich, Narara Public School

reens Candidate for the seat of Gosford Dr Peter Freewater is challenging the decision to relocate Gosford Public School.

“The school community has been surveyed twice and on both occasions voted to remain on the current Mann St site,” he said. “The least preferred option was to relocate to Henry Kendall High School. “Many parents have expressed great concern over the school relocating next to a large electrical sub-station and the long term effects of Electromagnetic Radiation. “Some children may be exposed for up to 13 years in the new school precinct. “Then there is the impact of long term exposure for teachers. “Testing carried out by DET was for one hour only and outside of school hours which basically renders the test information useless. “Parents have also expressed concerns for the children who will have to walk to school from the CBD and up the steep climb of Faunce St West, as well as the proximity to the Methadone Clinic and the Mental Health unit.

“There is also a lack of footpaths and pedestrian crossings in the area of Henry Kendall High School. “The school community were promised a new school using $3.3 milion BER funding, $13 million Major Capital works funding, plus the funds raised from the sale of the Mann St site. “The school community now has concerns over the funds being raised from the sale of the Mann St site and where the money is going to. “Verity Firth recently announced that the new school would be built at a cost of $18 million. “The cost to remain on the current site and have a new school built is $16.8 million so this is a better financial option. “If the school was to remain on the site and be redeveloped, there is no reason why the school could not be used as a community facility outside of school hours. “It could be used for weekend food markets, it could have a regional library

built on the site as a shared resource. “Council has suggested that Gosford Public School would no longer have the use of Ray Maher Field once the Gosford Challenge plans went ahead. “Rumours now have the field remaining and being used by the Central Coast Bears. “ If this is the case, Gosford Public School does not have to relocate. “Over 1100 people from Gosford, including many from CBD businesses signed a petition supporting the school to remain on Mann St. “Gosford City Council has noted this petition but to my knowledge done nothing more about it. “Where are the elected politicians and why aren’t they supporting the communities they are supposed to represent?” said Dr Freewater. Media Release, 7 Mar 2011 Peter Freewater, Greens

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Out & About

Page 20 - March 14, 2011 - Gosford Central Community News

Watercolour paintings on exhibition

Hearing loss course to be held in Gosford hearing loss course will be run in East Gosford in April for four weeks to give strategies and information to those coping with daily hearing loss as well as their friends and family.

David Beschiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Snowfall at Lithgow

showcase exhibition of watercolour paintings will open at Gosford Regional Gallery on Saturday, April 23, and will remain open until Tuesday, April 26.

The show will be opened by member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews at 11am and

community members are invited to come along. Works will include

those from a number of artists including Central Coast watercolour society

member Mr David Beschi. Email, 10 Mar 2011 Pam Jullian, Gosford Regional Gallery

The course will be run by Central Coast Branch, Better Hearing Australia, on Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. It is suitable for the hearing impaired of all ages, particularly those newly deafened and those still in the workforce. During the course participants will gain an understanding of the workings of the ear and what causes hearing loss.

Among other topics the course will look at communication strategies, establishing a deaf friendly environment, assistive listening devices and other technology. With inquiries, contact Geraldine on 4325 3313. Media Release, 8 Mar 2011 Renata Milanovic, Better Hearing Australia

Gosford Central Community News - March 14, 2011 - Page 21

Battle of the Bands finalists reunite o kick off the 2011 Battle of the Bands, last year’s Grand Finalists performed for a special one night only Showcase at The Hub on Friday, March 4.

Grand Final winners Sons of Alamo, runners up Random Ryde and finalists Before the Lights, One Minute of Living and Sky Squadron said they were all excited to be back at The Hub for another big gig. For Sons of Alamo, winning the Battle was the best thing that has happened to the band said lead vocalist Jordan Fleming. They used their voucher winnings to purchase new music equipment from Macron Music, recorded three new singles for free at Caravan Records and are now preparing for a nerve wracking performance in front of industry professionals and record labels after winning passes to the Musicians Making A Difference (MMAD) Conference in Sydney. “Last year’s Battle was our first gig,” said Jordan. “We were a garage band

and we’re now starting to take ourselves more seriously. “Any band that wants a chance to be taken seriously and meet new friends and other bands should enter the competition,” he said. “If you are just finding your feet and sound, this is how you should do it. “The competition gives bands a chance to get your music and image out there. “Not to mention you make some great mates and industry contacts along the way.” Register your band now for this year’s Battle. The first heat of this year’s Competition is set for Friday, April 8, with over $15,000 in prizes up for grabs. Media Release, 2 Mar 2011 Gosford Council Media

Out & About

100 year anniversary celebrated with forum young women’s forum, Better F u t u r e . . . Inspiring Young women, was held in Gosford on Saturday, March 5, to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of International Women’s Day.

The forum was hosted by professional women’s organisation Soroptimist International Brisbane Water in partnership with Regional Youth Support Service. Local teacher and psychologist Dr Kylie McIntyre was MC at the forum, which aimed to encourage young women on the Central Coast to work towards their goals, even though difficulties and disappointments sometimes stand in their way. Two inspiring speakers also addressed the young girls. Ms Rowena Newton, a local woman, spoke of how at the age of 25, she changed from being a young, independent business woman to someone who was really unable to look after herself, due to two chronic life threatening diseases, and subsequent severe depression. She spoke of the struggles in trying to deal with these illnesses and how, now, at aged 42 and a mother of two young children, although her health problems are ongoing, she manages to contribute to the community and motivate

Rowena Khadija and Ashley

others by relating her story. She stated that helping others has made her feel better about herself. Keynote speaker, refugee from Sierra Leone Ms Khadija Gbla, spoke of her war-torn birth country, where her father was killed and how after spending three years in a refugee camp in Gambia, her family journeyed to South Australia in 2001. Her family was the first family from Sierra Leone sent to settle in South Australia. Khadija is now 23 years old and is studying Law and International Studies at Flinders University. She lives with post traumatic

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stress syndrome, chronic illness and pain. She said she refuses to allow herself to be a victim. The guests were also entertained by 16 year old Ashley Knight from Brisbane Water Secondary College Woy Woy campus, a singer who was first Overall Winner of the Battle of the Youngest Stars of 2011 at this year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival. Ashley sang two songs

specially chosen for International Women’s Day. Students from Central Coast Grammar School prepared, donated and served an afternoon tea as part of their school’s community service program. Media Release, 8 Mar 2011 Rhonda McCormack, Soroptimist International Brisbane Water Inc.

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Out & About

Page 22 - March 14, 2011 - Gosford Central Community News

Local Toastmaster advances

Multicultural program for people with disabilities pera, belly dancing and hip hop are just some of the offerings in a workshop program for young adults with disabilities that will run until Friday, March 18.

The project called The Discovery Series aims to link people with disabilities to multicultural performing arts experiences on the Coast. Funded by a community and cultural development grant from Gosford Council, the workshops

Mr Michael Cronshaw and Mr Arthur Major

risbane Waters Breakfast Toastmasters Club member Mr Michael Cronshaw has taken out the Speech Contest held at the Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s February meeting and will go on to compete in the Area 21 International Speech Contest on Sunday, April 3, at Erina Leagues Club.

Four members from the club took part in the contest including Mr Norman Hanscombe, Mr Arthur Major, Mr Scott Johnston, and Mr Cronshaw. Mr Arthur Major placed

second. The next Brisbane Waters Breakfast Toastmasters Club meeting will be held on Saturday, March 26, from 8:30am.

Email, 28 Feb 2011 Michael Cronshaw, BWBTC

The theme of the event is World Village and will involve a number of interactive activities including African bread making, Chinese dress ups, face painting,

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colouring competitions, Japanese Calligraphy and Origami. The event is free and will feature music, dance and food from around the world.

Media Release, 2 Mar 2011 Vasilia Barrett, Greek Community of the Central Coast

New business has much to offer

Flyer, 9 Mar 2011 Kevin Myers , Avoca Beach Public School

Media release, 28 Feb 2011 Michelle Cuneo, Artistic Director Options Theatre Company

Harmony Day celebration will take place in Kibble Park on Saturday, March 19, from 10am to 3pm.

voca Beach Primary School will hold its annual school fair on Sunday, March 27, from 11am to 4pm and is inviting community members to come along and participate. The Avoca Beach Primary School fair is the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major fundraiser for the year and is offering a $2500 cash raffle on the day.

disabled people to learn more about performance art while also learning about the cultural diversity of the local area.

Free event to celebrate multiculturalism

Community invited to annual school fair There will be a number of activities available including rides, the chocolate wheel, animal farm, face painting, raffles, a treasure trailer and side show alley.

are presented by Central Coast Post School Options, a local disability service organisation offering community participation and transition to work programs. With over ten specialised workshops, the program hopes to inspire young

new business has opened in East Gosford, and since February, has been delivering a holistic education and wellness service to the community.

Owners of Evolve, Life Education and Wellness Ms Tamika Dwight-Scott and Ms Melissa Crozier have worked in the community service industry collectively for 22 years. Their mainstream and holistic practices address the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual self. Their vision is to create a centre of excellence in the life education and wellness industry and to inspire and assist their clients towards healing.

Evolve, Life Education and Wellness believes balance, wholeness and wellness are achieved when all aspects of the mind, body and spirit is validated. Evolve offers various holistic services from the Centre, such as counselling, reiki, spiritual healing, metaphysics, astrology, massage, meditation as well as self empowerment courses and workshops, some of which will be facilitated by community organisations.

Evolve is also working in conjunction with Petra King and the Quest for Life Foundation to bring a weekend workshop to the Central Coast. The Heart of Healing weekend workshop will be offered at Evolve from April 8 to 10. Media release, 28 Feb 2011 Tamika Dwight-Scott, Evolve, Life Education and Wellness

Gosford Central Community News - March 14, 2011 - Page 23

Out & About

Strassman to play Gosford Public invited to forum I nternational comedy star David Strassman will perform his new show Chuck’s Revenge at Gosford’s Laycock St Theatre on Tuesday, May 24 and Wednesday, May 25, from 7pm.

ommunity members are being invited to attend a pre-election event which will see accepting Liberal, Labor and Green candidates from the seats of Terrigal and Gosford present their plans for business development and growth in the Erina, Terrigal and Gosford area.

The presentation will be held at the Woodport Inn on Wednesday, March 16, from 12:30pm. The event is being run by the Erina Chamber of Commerce in association

with Gosford and Terrigal Chambers of Commerce. Email, 16 Mar 2011 Gosford Chamber of Commerce

Strassman returns to Australia after a hit season at the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Working with leading theatre writer and director Steve Altman, he created the dark psychological comedy, Duality. Back in Australia, comedy returns to the forefront with Strassman’s brand new show, Chuck’s Revenge. Considered by many to be one of the best ventriloquists in the world,

his shows are hilariously funny and razor sharp, featuring full stage production complete with dazzling sets and state-ofthe-art theatrical effects. His shows involve multiple characters and high-tech puppetronics that bring his characters to life, even when he has left the stage. Flyer, 9 Mar 2011 Joselyn Brown, Mollison Communications

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For events in post code areas 2250 and 2251 Monday March 14

waterfront, 10am - 3pm

5 Lands community consultation, 7pm, North Avoca SLSC

Sunday March 20

Tuesday March 15

Seniors Week begins in Gosford City

Australian Associated Computer Club meeting, East Gosford Progress Hall, 12pm-3pm 5 Lands community consultation, 7pm, Avoca SLSC

Wednesday March 16 A Central Vision exhibition closes, Gosford Regional gallery, Foyer Gallery Dale Burridge: Class Act, Laycock St Theatre, 11am Election forum, Woodport inn, 12:30pm Guide Dog fundraising stall, Kincumber shopping centre, 9:30am3pm

Address:

Friday March 18

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Exp: ______/______ Please complete credit card details or send a cheque

Multicultural disabled performing arts program finishes

5 Lands community consultation, 7pm, MacMasters Beach SLSC

5 Lands community consultation, 7pm, Copacabana SLSC

Gosford City Markets, Kibble park

Thursday April 14 Guide Dog fundraising stall, Gosford Imperial Centre, 9:30am3pm

Saturday April 23 Saturday March 26 Election

Watercolour exhibition, Gosford Regional gallery, 11am

Sunday March 27

Saturday May 21

Sacred Rooms exhibition closes, Gosford Regional Gallery, Gallery 1 Kuru Alala: Eyes Open gallery closes, Gosford Regional Gallery, Gallery 1 and 2 Central Coast Concert Band, Laycock St Theatre, 2pm Neighbour day Avoca Beach Primary School fair, 11am-4pm

Exhibition and Sale of Members Work, the Central Coast Hand weavers, Spinners and Textile Arts Guild Inc., 9:30am-3pm, The lions Community Hall, East Gosford

Tuesday May 24 David Strassman show, Laycock St Theatre, 7pm

Saturday May 28

Saturday March 19 Save our City rally, Gosford waterfront, 12pm Harmony Day celebration, Gosford

Under 18s band night, Kincumber youth centre, 6:30pm-10pm

Saturday April 9 Tuesday March 22

Wednesday March 23

Thursday March 17

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Page 20 - March 14, 2011 - Gosford Central Community News

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Gosford Central Community News - March 14, 2011 - Page 25

Think before you vote

Destruction of trees cause for concern

aving read several of the advertisements by Mr Edward James, I believe he is missing one crucial insight into how our so-called democracy should work.

As a mature aged student, I studied the constitution in the 1980s and learned that it cannot be changed without a referendum of the Australian people. To my astonishment I found the constitution also states that the members of the upper house, both state and federal should be non-party political and vote according to the wishes of their electorate, as will members of local government. The upper house has one purpose, to protect the interests of the people and ensure the government carries out the wishes of the majority. Upper house members can belong to a political party, but in the house they must be non-party political, otherwise they are in contempt of the constitution. Therefore, if someone from the upper house is appointed to the ministry, they clearly have a conflict of interest. If a party leader requires upper house members to vote on party lines they are in contempt of the constitution. If they say they will give a conscience vote to the upper house, it is an admission that they usually act in contempt of the

Forum constitution, and therefore the Australian people. The same applies to local government representatives. Until we, the people, demand that our representatives show respect for the constitution or vote in independents, we will have a democracy in name only. Several years ago, I sat for a week in the land and environment court listening to a case that Gosford Council had assured they were supporting us in. Frankly, I felt embarrassed that the council solicitor and that of the opposition acted in court more like lovers than adversaries, touching knees and continually sharing jokes. After a week, the judge told us that before it ever went to court, Gosford Council had signed consent orders, thus, tying his hands. They had wasted a week of our time, spent thousands of dollars of rate payers’ money and thousands more of local farmers’ money, on something they had already predetermined. They, in effect, have nothing but contempt for the little man.

It would appear that they were giving the solicitor a big reward to betray the people. The fact that they put the blame on council managers does not gel. He is there as a public servant, council tells him what to do, if he acts contrary to their instructions he must go and with no big payout. I am told that if a major party has someone with the expertise they would want in government, but who has a personality that wouldn’t attract votes they are put at the top of the upper house list. This is because it is anticipated that the majority will be too lazy to vote below the line and will automatically vote for the major parties. I think we need a review of the upper house voting and need local candidates who will be answerable to their electorate and show respect to the constitution and the people, who can’t be bought or bullied. If the upper house were doing the job the constitution gives them, we would have good government for all. Next time you vote, think first.

hirty two countries have already put a price on carbon without adverse effects. Others are planning to do so.

One way or another, the big polluters must pay for their emissions, be it by some form of tax, carbon trading, mandatory energy efficiencies or other methods. If the fossil fuel sectors try to pass costs on, consumers will embrace energy efficiencies and capital will flow into renewable technologies creating more jobs. According to an industry group, the Energy Efficiency Council, businesses could save $700 million by cutting emissions. Rural investment moves to renewable energies, solar, wind, wave, not rock are all

Forum accessed in rural areas. Scare tactics, which predict rises in petrol prices because of a price on carbon, won’t work if we look at realities. Without any price on carbon petrol prices have risen by eight per cent in the past two months. It is likely they will continue to rise because of the Arab uprisings and because easily accessible oil will eventually dry up. At present $2.2 billion of taxpayer’s money goes to subsiding fossil fuel

am extremely distressed to learn that trees are being destroyed on a small parcel of recently purchased privately owned land within Brisbane Waters National Park.

Jake Cassar and others have set up a “tent

industries. Half of that was spent on fringe benefits tax for company cars. The biggest mistake Julia Gillard ever made was to make an election promise not to put a price on carbon. Fortunately, she has come to her senses and changed that policy. If the rural independents, who have served so well and so honestly, go along with a tax on carbon they will be protecting their own constituents. Letter, 7 mar 2011 Ann Marshall, Holgate

Forum

embassy” near Bambara Rd, Kariong, on Woy Woy Rd in an attempt to raise public awareness of this crisis. Could local council and NPA representatives please advise what they are doing

to save this precious parcel of land? This matter needs urgent attention by those who are responsible for the protection of our local environmentally sensitive land. Email, 24 Feb 2011 Wendy Thomas, Booker Bay

Citizen wants defence budget cut would like to see a substantial cut in our $27 billion a year defence spending.

Intelligence says that there is no likelihood of a threat to Australia until the year 2030. Defence spending is pure 19th century thinking. It’s now the 21st century. The nations are spending the people’s money at a

Letter, 27 Jan 2011 Claira Jones, Kulnura

Carbon tax to save money, create jobs

Forum

Forum rate of $1.8 trillion a year for defence against each other when none want to attack another. Our Foreign Minister

should be pointing out how ridiculous it is. Of course the Conservative Opposition loves it. Military spending creates danger and that’s all. Email, 10 Mar 2011 Jack Forward, Wamberal

Labor government not elected

ulia Gillard, to the best part of my memory, stated on air that Australian people had elected a Government.

This is untrue, as the electorate did not give an answer to the question and did not return either of the major political parties to power. There was a very unseemly task of gathering up Independents in the same manner of a chicken trying to get enough corn to get a decent feed.

People you would nod to in passing from your seats of power in the Government section of parliament were earnestly spoken to in an endeavour to get their votes. After this, was a method of getting enough Greens to achieve a balanced diet. This has resulted in a Government that has to

cater for the greater needs of the minority. I cannot find numbers of the Federal election votes counted, but I believe that the party with the majority of votes has again lost the election. Letter, 3 Mar 2011 Don Morris, Narara

Citizen commends newspaper would like to commend you on the production of the Gosford Central Community News.

It is great to have an independent, critical community newspaper. I have found the level of your coverage to be challenging and relevant to the issues that are facing

Forum residents in this community. I hope that your publication will lead to

increased awareness and involvement in these matters. Email, 18 Feb 2011 Sally Smith, Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park

Sport

Page 26 - March 14, 2011 - Gosford Central Community News

Mariners win secures spot in Asian Champions League he Central Coast Mariners travelled to Brisbane on Sunday, March 13, to battle the table topping Brisbane Roar in the Grand final, after securing a 1-nil victory over Gold Coast United in the preliminary final held on Saturday, March 5, at Bluetongue Stadium.

The Mariners’ win also secured them a place to compete in next year’s AFC Asian Champions League. Head coach Graham Arnold said he was thrilled with the win, but concedes his side could have played better, particularly in the first half. “I’m blown away,” said Arnold. “I have to say that over the ninety minutes we deserved to win tonight. “We were a bit sloppy at times, and tried to go through the middle too

much and we tried to correct that at halftime.” “Our senior players did a great job tonight, but we had two 18 year olds, and a 17 year old out on the pitch, and they stood up and did everything asked of them. Nothing fazes them. I’m very happy with the way

we played,” said Arnold. Captain Alex Wilkinson turned in another composed performance and said he was happy to reflect on the enormity of the achievement. “It was a great effort by the boys tonight. This is what we’ve been working towards for 10 months

Community supporting Communities - Raising money for the Queensland Premier’s Flood Appeal

0 11

Our iconic Forest of Tranquility is hosting

now. From the start of the season, the belief was always there that we had a good side. To qualify for the Grand Final and for Asia is absolutely massive for the club,” said Wilkinson. “It could’ve easily been one of those nights where it wasn’t going to drop in for us, but full credit to Kwas, it was a great finish. “Even though we were sloppy, and passes were going astray we still had the belief that we could win games, and that’s a credit to the spirit in the squad. With a spot in the Hyundai A-League Grand Final, and a place in the Asian Champions League at stake for the victor, both teams were understandably keen to stamp their authority on the match early.

turd ay Marc

6 2 h

Local Performers from all corners of the Coast from diverse musical genres are converging in the park’s flood zone - a natural ampitheatre - donating their talent to create a musical soundscape in the rainforest to raise funds for the flood and cyclone appeal. Other entertainment includes rainforest quizs, games and a three legged challenge. Bring your gold coins to enter the challenges.

Gates Open 11:30 am. Floodfest starts 12 noon with Paul Robert Burton’s Touring Act

Park entry/ competition entry proceeds donated. Performers include: Paul Robert Burton, Soundwaves - Central Coast Barbershop Chorus - 30 male voices in harmony, This n Thats That - That’s That songs for Mother Earth, Cheryl Lee Harvey, Amanda Broberg blues finger picking, Redford Caddy and von Finster - old time blues trio, Beeswing, Blues Angels, Nissa, Tea Ladies, Jake Cassar - our bush tucker man takes you on a rainforest walk, Daxton - award winning country artist, Rocwater - amazing local band with brillant songs, Earth Hour Singalong by candlelight and more!!!! There will be stalls, food, tea house and BBQ. $30 for the whole family or $15 adults and $6 children and $10 concession. Volunteers get free entry - so contact us if you want to help! See www. forestoftranquility.com or www.facebook.com/floodfest for details. In the event of wet weather the event will be rescheduled. So we will be asking the weather spirits for help that day!!!! Thanks to local sponsors/supporters - Forest of Tranquility, Suntonestudios@gmail, Rent A Fence Central Coast, Betterbydesign and Brackets and Jam. Forest of Tranquility - Australian Rainforest Sanctuary - 390 Ourimbah Creek Road Ourimbah.

Media Release, 5 Mar 2011 Liam Howitt, Central Coast Mariners

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Bears promised $3.5 million pposition leader Mr Barry O’Farrell has announced that a NSW Liberals and nationals Government would deliver $3.5 million toward a training and administrative headquarters to help the Central Coast Bears’ bid to join the NRL, if elected on March 26.

This announcement comes after Mr O’Farrell committed in January to help secure the Mount Penang site on the Central Coast for the establishment of a Central Coast Bears headquarters, by reserving the NSW Government owned site as a special sporting precinct. Mr O’Farrell met with Bears representatives, including CEO Mr Greg Florimo, head of Football Operations Mr David Fairleigh and director Mr Ken Sayer at the site along with Liberal candidate for Gosford Cr Chris Holstein, Liberal candidate for The Entrance Mr Chris Spence, Liberal Candidate for Wyong Mr Darren Webber and Liberal Member for Terrigal Mr Chris Hartcher. “The Central Coast loves its sport and the region deserves to have its own football team,” Mr O’Farrell said. “This funding will help deliver the training and administrative facilities the Central Coast Bears need, so they can present the NRL with a strategic plan in mid 2011. “The $3.5 million will be used to help deliver a sporting precinct, including state of- the-art training and recovery facilities, a 50 metre outdoor pool, indoor pool and basketball centre. “The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to working with the Central Coast community and the Bears proponents to push for a local NRL team.

“The Central Coast Liberal team have made it clear to me how important a rugby league team would be here and I’m prepared to do everything I can to back it in.” Said Mr o’Farrell. Mr Florimo welcomed the support of the NSW Liberals and Nationals. “This announcement from Barry O’Farrell and the NSW Liberals and Nationals is a massive boost for the club and our bid. “It is another step forward as we finalise our great package to present to the NRL,” Mr Florimo said. “We have a stadium, great financial backing and the overwhelming support of the community and now we are going to have somewhere we can base ourselves as well. “Today’s (28 February) announcement will also be a huge recruitment tool for us to be able to go out into the marketplace for players knowing we will have a world-class training facility to attract them. “Hundreds of thousands of spectators have visited Blue Tongue Stadium to attend Rugby League events during the past ten years and a local NRL team is expected to significantly increase the economic benefit brought to the Coast by major sporting events,” said Mr Florimo. Media Release, 28 Feb 2011 Jaymes Boland-Rudder, Office of Barry O’Farrell MP

Funding announcement causes outrage abor candidate for Gosford Ms Katie Smith said she is outraged at the Liberal candidate’s announcement of $3.5 million funding for the Central Coast Bears.

“This private company is not even in the NRL yet and he’s giving them $3.5million for training facilities which include a pool,” said Ms Smith. “At the same time he is telling our junior players on the Peninsula that there is no money to repair toilet facilities at Umina oval.

“This shows Chris Holstein is more interested in grandstanding than local issues,” said Ms Smith. Media Release, 4 Mar 2011 Katie Smith, Labor

Gosford Central Community News - March 14, 2011 - Page 27

Sport

Defender to switch leagues Netball celebrates T anniversary he Central Coast Mariners have confirmed that defender Chris Doig has left the club to join Indonesian Super League side Pelita Jaya with immediate effect.

osford Netball Association will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year at the 2011 Season Opening Day on Saturday, April 2, at Adcock Park courts.

The day will include a march by all current players and a fete and market day. In the evening, a dinner will be held at Gosford Race Club, including a parade of old uniforms and slideshow of old photographs. Gosford Netball

Association is looking for any past players, coaches and umpires who would like to attend the dinner or share their memorabilia. Newsletter, 28 Feb 2011 Matthew Sawyer, Central Coast Sport and Recreation

Doig’s playing time during the Hyundai A-League 2010-11 season has been limited following the arrival of Dutchman Patrick Zwaanswijk and leaves with the club’s best wishes as he moves on to the opportunity of regular game time in one of Asia’s biggest leagues. “I couldn’t have been more impressed with Doigy’s attitude this season, while not getting too much game time he has been a true professional around the boys and the way he has conducted himself has been a real credit,” said Mariners head coach Mr Graham Arnold. “It’s sad to see a guy like that move on, but we all understand the need for footballers to be playing

regularly, and we wish him all the best,” he said.

Doig played 26 games for the Mariners during his two seasons at Bluetongue Stadium, after arriving from English League One side Northampton Town prior to the 2009-10 season, however, injury frustratingly punctuated much of his time with the Yellow and Navy. he 30-year-old linked up with his new club in the beginning of March, and will therefore not play any further part in the Mariners Finals Series campaign. Media Release, 28 Feb 2011 Glen Lauder, Central Coast Mariners

Bears make final bid ith the announcement of two new licenses in the National Rugby League imminent, the Central Coast Bears are offering businesses and residents a final opportunity to be a part of their bid to join the national competition.

Almost 75 foundation sponsorships have been received by the Central Coast Bears since their inception in August 2009. With less than 30 places remaining, CEO Mr Greg Florimo has invited members of the Central Coast community to be part of the team in the lead up to the major announcement. “We have been overwhelmed by the support that the Central Coast Bears have received to date and simply could not have foreseen the team’s

huge public backing,” said Mr Florimo. “It is because of this strong community enthusiasm and passion, that we would like to offer residents and small businesses the opportunity to become foundation members of the team,” he added. By providing a $5000 sponsorship to the Central Coast Bears, foundation members will have the opportunity to become a part of the team as it endeavors to become

licensed in the National Rugby League. “The Central Coast lives and breathes rugby league and has produced a host of talented players from Graham Eadie and Matt Orford, to David Fairleigh and more recently, Tim Moltzen,” said Mr Florimo. “To become a part of a Central Coast team as it makes this historic bid will be an exciting and unique experience,” he added. Media release, 7 Mar 2011 Louise Duff, Brilliant Logic

At last, a Sports newspaper covering the entire Central Coast! Following on from the successes of publishing the ever popular Peninsula News since 1999, Bowls News Central Coast since 2005 and recently, Gosford Central News, Ducks Crossing Publications has extended that same style and formula to publish a monthly sport newspaper for the entire Central Coast. This new publication, Central Coast Grandstand, will only carry news relating to sport, at all levels, across the Central Coast and in this way, is able to provide a wealth of information for readers interested in sport. This includes federal, state and local government sport news, academy and association news, club news, events, registration days, scoreboard, tides, school sport, letters and anything relevant to sport on the Coast. It is a true newspaper and advertising content is restricted to a maximum of 40% of content. The first edition of Central Coast Grandstand will be published and distributed on February 24, 2011. It is published monthly and distributed to all clubs, taverns, shopping centres, libraries, service stations, sporting venues, newsagents, sport related retail outlets and anywhere else, from Morisset to Mooney Mooney, where large numbers of people are likely to be. 18,000 copies are printed and it is published and distributed on a Thursday. In this way it can carry the previous weekend’s sport news as well as news about the coming weekend’s activities. Central Coast Grandstand is also a public forum for sport on the Coast. All residents, participants, relevant community groups, government and non-government organisations, businesses, employees and visitors to the area are encouraged to send in contributions, letters, notices on forthcoming activities or anything else that they feel readers will want to know about. Central Coast Grandstand is of great benefit to all sport on the Coast as well as to the health and welfare of all involved residents on the Coast. Major and minor sports all have a voice and junior, school and senior sport also has an opportunity for exposure and promotion to like-minded people. Businesses and other organisation in the area can also be some of the greatest beneficiaries of Central Coast Grandstand because they are now able to promote their products and services directly to their target groups and to young audiences that do not normally read other more general publications. If you are involved in a sport, or a business or organisation that has an involvement with sport, feel free to send us news or contact us for more information.

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