Issue 122 of COAST Community News by Central Coast Newspapers

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December 2, 2015

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14 storey development approved for Mann St m a j o r development worth around $17.6 million in the heart of Gosford’s city centre has been approved by Council.

The 14 storey mixed use development comprising a ground floor tavern, 75 residential units and basement car parking level will be built on the current Duttons Tavern site in Mann St. This development will maintain and upgrade the tavern that currently serves the surrounding area, provide new residential opportunities that support Gosford’s development as a regional city and is located close to public transport. The maximum height of the development complies with the Gosford Local Environment Plan but a minor variation in the floor space ratio has been approved. Allowances have also been made for car parking. The existing tavern does have some ground level parking at the rear in Paul Lane and there will be one level of basement car parking. Earlier plans for the development included a level of parking above the ground floor but issues of overshadowing Kibble Park meant the plans had to be revised so the development will only provide 33 parking spaces. Two podium levels will include 15 residential units. Floors three through to 12 will house another 54 residential units and there will be two penthouse apartments on the top floor. The proposal includes 24 one bedroom units, 47 two bedroom units and four three bedroom units. The tavern will be a redevelopment of the existing Duttons tavern and the hours of operation will

be in accordance with the liquor licence for the existing tavern. The owner of the site, Mr Bob Bourne addressed the council meeting before the development was approved. Mr Bourne said the first development application he attempted to get approved through Gosford Council in the early 1970s took eight years to get accepted. Mr Bourne said, on this occasion, the professionalism of council staff had been “breathtaking”. Mr Bourne suggested that the nature of the new Mann St development went handin-hand with the rejuvenation of Gosford hospital and could provide future homes for hospital staff. The owner of the building that adjoins the development site spoke against the motion. He complained that a quantity surveyor’s report had not been released and questioned how he could make comment on the development without seeing its contents.

He was informed the report could not be made public because of copyright. He said he had owned the property adjoining the development since 1995. He said he had been contacted by a party representing Mr Bourne in 2013 to offer around $2 million to purchase his building and land. “I have had some discussions with Bob over the years and I told him some months before he lodged this development I was prepared to sign as consenting owner if he wanted to include my property, if he would pay costs of DA approval and it would be adjusted on sale to any purchaser. “He did not accept my letter and I can’t sell to someone who wants to buy my property for only a fraction of what it is worth.” A report to the council meeting referred to the potential of the neighbouring property, which is located between the Bourne development site and the Imperial Centre, to become “isolated”.

He complained that Gosford Council had not sent him information regarding the redevelopment prospects of his site. Deputy mayor, Cr Craig Doyle questioned whether or not council had addressed all concerns relating to the neighbouring property. Director for governance and planning, Ms Danielle Dixon said Council did have an obligation to look at the adjoining property and make sure this site has acceptable setback and that staff were comfortable the site could be developed and the setbacks were adequate. However, Ms Dixon said

it was unlikely the adjoining property would be developed to the same scale. “If you only have one site then you are constrained, which is why we gave preferences and additional incentives. “We think there is a possible development than can occur on that site but not to the same scale,’ Ms Dixon said. Most councillors who asked questions about the Bourne development were mainly concerned with the issue of available parking. Mr Bourne was allowed to substitute some parking spaces by undertaking to run a mini bus for the tavern. It was resolved that the proximity of the building to Gosford train station and bus routes meant that some units could be sold without an attached car space. Cr Gabby Bowles said parking was her main concern but concluded that she didn’t think it was a bad thing to have reduced parking spaces. “We should be pushing people to more sustainable and public transport,” Cr Bowles said. “I think this is a positive and unique opportunity because it is in the heart of our city and will accommodate people who don’t necessarily want their own car,” she said. “Tying parking spaces to properties in the strata plan

gives price points that we may not otherwise have in our city and it will improve the city,” she said. “We need people living in our city if we want it to thrive. “This is a really creative and positive outcome to encourage those who do not want to own a vehicle.” Cr Craig Doyle also spoke in support of the development’s approval. He said making single units available in the heart of Gosford would give young professionals a good entry point to the property market. “Wouldn’t it be great to have some young professionals in the centre of Gosford creating more demand,” he said. Mr Bourne told the meeting he was eager to progress the development to construction certificate stage as early as possible in 2016. Almost $460 million worth of development has now been approved for Gosford’s City Centre by Council and the Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel. Meeting transcript, Nov 24, 2015 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Agenda item gov.155, Nov 24, 2015 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

STOP PRESS s we were going to press, the Federal Senate had voted resoundingly in favour of a motion by Sen Deborah O’Neill

calling on the Federal Government to abandon the decision to build an Australian Tax Office on the Gosford waterfront.

was carried 37 to 28 and also called for consultation with the community for any future federal infrastructure investment for the Central Coast.

Senator O’Neill’s motion

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t’s difficult to believe but Australians have been driving Japanese motor vehicles for 50 long years and Jame Cockington has marked the anniversary by writing a book.

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were: First prize of a $50 voucher to spend at the Christmas Fair at Mt Penang Gardens was Christine Jack, South Tacoma; Christmas light family pass winners were: Pat Taylor from Woy Woy, Laraine Richardson from The Entrance, Scott Goodhew from North Gosford, Margaret Pratt from Wyoming, Patrick Norrish from Kariong.

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Airport to take off but not everyone is on board here have been calls for NSW Government scrutiny, and even council resignations, over Wyong Council’s approach to the development of a regional airport.

A decision by Wyong Council to discuss its Central Coast Regional Airport plans in a conﬁdential meeting has been criticised by NSW member for Wyong, Mr David Harris MP. Mr Harris said he had written to the premier, planning minister and the department of local government “seeking scrutiny of Wyong Council’s handling of their infamous, on again, off again, regional airport. “News that Wyong Council is about to commit ratepayers to a $60 million upgrade of Warnervale Airport, after spending approximately $20 million on their nowabandoned Kiar Ridge Airport, raises serious questions about secret decision making, lack of public consultation and frivolous use of ratepayers money,” he said. “It seems clear now that Council is in possession of studies and reports that cast serious doubt on the economic viability of a regional airport. “These reports have forced them to abandon their plans for Kiar Ridge, despite Blind Freddy being able to tell them that the whole proposal was a dud. “Now they want to

The amphibious aircraft potentially to be built at Warnervale Airport spend further ratepayer Wyong Council has create over 600 jobs. “These studies have money on a new confirmed a confidential on Central shown that growing the speculative upgrade of report the existing Warnervale Coast Regional Airport Warnervale Aerodrome airport, despite saying was circulated to all into a Regional Airport a few years ago that the councillors on Friday, makes more sense,” Cr current aerodrome should October 23 to be discussed Eaton said. “It will slash $217 close and the area be in a confidential session reverted to industrial use. on Wednesday, October million from the airport “These major plans and 28 and the resolution development bill...so now commitments are being reported to the full council we don’t need to negotiate with the State and Federal made in secret confidential meeting. In information released Governments, we can sessions, away from public scrutiny, and when to the media after the fund this airport ourselves. “It will deliver members of the public try meeting, it was announced Warnervale significant new jobs in our to find out information, that the council forces them to Aerodrome will become region...and those jobs are go to court, wasting more a regional airport, over already starting to flow in from general aviation.” time. ratepayers’ money. According to Wyong Wyong mayor, Cr “We have had two failed regional airport plans Doug Eaton OAM said Council, the Central Coast (Kiar Ridge and Bushells investigations have shown is the ninth largest region Ridge) and I believe that the cost of developing in Australia, yet the only ratepayers who were hit Warnervale Aerodrome as one without a regional with a special rate rise a regional airport would be airport. A confidential report $48 million and it would deserve better,” he said.

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outlined the results of population growth projections, passenger demand forecasts and economic impact studies. “These have clearly demonstrated that a regional airport is essential infrastructure in ensuring the Central Coast can service the needs of our growing population,” Cr Eaton said. “There is already signiﬁcant interest in Warnervale Airport and this Council decision will ensure it really takes off,” he said. Cr Eaton has publicly conﬁrmed that Council has entered into a heads of agreement with an American company to build amphibious aircraft at the Warnervale airport.

“Such an airport would be smaller than that originally proposed for the Kiar Ridge site, eventually allowing for 450,000 passenger movements each year. “This would be similar in size to the capacity at Ballina or Coffs Harbour Regional Airports. “The airport would be developed incrementally as demand increases. “Initially the airport will cater for general aviation aircraft before moving onto passenger carriage. “We have already commenced discussions with regional airlines to establish passenger services to Melbourne and Brisbane with 50 seat DASH 8 twin turbo prop type aircraft,” Cr Eaton added. “I hope services can start as early as next year.” “By establishing the regional airport on the existing Warnervale Airport site, Council now opens the way for the land purchased at Kiar Ridge, for $10 million, to be opened up for industrial and business park development. “Independent assessment indicates returns to Council are expected to be signiﬁcantly higher than the purchase price,” he said. Mr Laurie Eyes from the Central Coast Regional Airport Action Group said the switch back to Warnervale means: “We are right back to where we were 20 years ago.

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‘Gosford waterfront was always going to be a mixed use precinct’ Inchley

Funding for performing arts centre dependent on waterfront location

Issue 80

he chairperson of the Central Coast Regional Development Corporation (CCRDC), Mr Graeme Inchley has written and circulated an opinion article about the Gosford Waterfront.

Performing Arts Centre must be built at Poppy Park to keep $12 million NSW Government funding

SW member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch has re-conﬁrmed the NSW Government’s commitment to the regional performing arts centre and conservatorium at the Gosford waterfront.

“The NSW Government has confirmed that the financial commitment of $12 million dollars was made on the basis that the regional performing arts centre is to be constructed on the corner of Dane Dve and Vaughan Ave, Gosford as identified in the Our City, Our Destiny Masterplan,” Mr Crouch said. “The minister for planning, Mr Rob Stokes has confirmed to me that the $12 million dollar investment into Gosford city’s regional performance centre announced in March this year is based on the development at the identified site at Gosford Park,” he said. “It must be remembered that many years of hard work and public consultation

has gone into the planning of this project as part of the Gosford Waterfront Masterplan, including our local RSL clubs, and this was endorsed by Gosford City Council in August 2013. “We cannot afford to be known as a region that cannot be trusted to know what they are doing and not sticking to the plan. “The park, which has become affectionately known as ‘poppy park’ was always planned as a ‘moving memorial’ and I believe may be placed at the Terrigal Haven next year. “However, there is no reason why a wonderful tribute to our ANZACs cannot be planned as a permanent water feature in the foyer of the Performing Arts Centre.

“The Federal Government will be watching closely the decisions made by Gosford City Council before they commit public funds to this project,” he said. Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna said he questioned why the NSW Government would not honour its $12 million funding pledge “just because the performing arts centre moves a few metres down the road.” According to Cr McKinna, since the success of the centenary of ANZAC commemoration that saw Gosford Park turned into a poppy ﬁeld, that patch of land had become “sacred ground”. He said Council is now working with the Friends of the Performing Arts precinct to ﬁnd a suitable

alternative location for the conservatorium and regional performing arts centre. M e a n w h i l e , parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald MLC conﬁrmed that if Gosford Council is rethinking the location of the regional performing arts centre, the $12 million state funding “falls away”. “From a state government perspective that is black and white. “Our commitment is based on that site so if Council has a rethink it will have to go back to Cabinet and the funding will need to be rethought,” he said. Media release, Nov 2, 2015 Debra Wales, office of Adam Crouch Interview, Nov 3, 2015 Lawrie McKinna, Gosford Council Interview, Nov 3, 2015 Scot MacDonald, parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast

“As a long term resident of the Central Coast, I believe that the revitalisation of Gosford is a crucial component in the creation of a vibrant, economically robust and sustainable region,” Mr Inchley said. “For many years, Gosford was seen by many of its residents as failing to reach its huge potential. “However, right now, there is an opportunity to redress this situation and take a path towards real social and economic growth. “The identiﬁcation of this path began in 2008 with the development of the Gosford City Centre Masterplan “Our City, Our Destiny”. “This blueprint for transformation was funded and developed as a partnership between the NSW Government and Gosford City Council, with unprecedented community involvement. “Since then, further planning has been guided by this blueprint and has resulted in 10 hectares of the Gosford Waterfront being gazetted as a Site of State Signiﬁcance (SSS). “The SSS is unequivocal about its vision for the Waterfront: “’The Gosford Waterfront will be a vibrant and active mixed use precinct that

will connect the Gosford City Centre to the Brisbane Water foreshore. ‘New residential development will contribute to the State Government’s regional housing targets for the Central Coast, and will take advantage of Gosford’s unique water based setting. ‘The Gosford Waterfront will also be a vibrant centre for jobs, and offer regional ofﬁce opportunities for large businesses and corporations near a locally based skilled workforce.’ “As part of the SSS process, the former public school site was rezoned for mixed use development. “This provides for more ﬂexible use of the site and also facilitates private investor development funding. “To complement and further facilitate private investment, both the NSW and Federal Governments have announced programs which will greatly contribute to Gosford’s revitalization. “These are: The decision by Federal Government to create 600 new ATO jobs in Gosford, to be housed in a purpose built facility developed through private sector investment; A NSW Government pledge of $10 million towards a Continued Page 3

Continued page 3

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Scott calls for community action on merger Action by the community is the only thing that could save Gosford Council from being forced by the NSW Government into a merger with Wyong, according to Labor councillor Vicki Scott.

Jeff Sundstrom demonstrates at Gosford Council in support of Vicki Scott’s call for community action to stop forced amalgamation

Regional Planning Panel. “I think the community probably largely doesn’t know what is going on but really there is a great need for the community to be aware of what the effect of this is going to be,” Cr Scott said. According to Cr Scott, an amalgamation would result in lower levels of community representation and less contact between the community and council staff. Ms Scott said she believed the amalgamation could have a negative impact on community centres and all the other services

and facilities that Gosford Council has been known to deliver. “It will change the way we go about getting funding and will lead to even more detachment of communities at the edges of the region, including the Peninsula,” she said. “It is never too late; we have got until November 18 and the community can use its voice, that is why the rally was held.” Cr Scott said she did not think a bigger council would result in better infrastructure for the region. “What’s that saying about size?’

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Cr Scott said she would be addressing a community rally that was to be held on Saturday, November 7 on the forecourt of the Gosford Council building in Gosford. “Parts of the Coast, like the Peninsula, already feel like they are under-represented,” Cr Scott said. “Imagine dealing with a council for an area as big as Canberra with as many people as the Northern Territory and only 10 or a maximum of 15 councillors instead of 20,” Cr Scott said. “This is bigger than the tax office and Gosford waterfront. “This is huge. “It is about the absolute future of this region and it will affect us for generations,” she said. Following years of speculation and in spite of statements to the contrary, local councils across NSW have been given one month to show why the recommendations of IPART regarding their forced amalgamation should not be adopted. A group of concerned locals, calling themselves Our City, Our Council, Our Choice, organised Saturday’s peaceful rally to encourage and support Gosford Council in perusing its continuance as a standalone entity. In June, Gosford Council unanimously declared it believed it was fit for the future and its submission to IPART expressed its arguments for continuing as a stand-alone council. In October, IPART released its report card which declared Gosford “unfit” for the future and recommended it amalgamate with Wyong or form a joint organisation. Wyong Council was also declared unfit but has since declared, by one vote, a preference to amalgamate with Gosford to form a new Greater Central Coast Regional Council which would take in Wyee and abolish the Joint

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she said. “Blacktown Council is the biggest council in NSW and it is having ﬁnancial troubles,” she said. Wyong jumped too early to make its preferences known to the NSW Government, according to Cr Scott. “The big problem for this region now is ﬁve people in Wyong made a decision that will have a big impact on the community of Wyong and potentially on the people of Gosford, without delving in to the other side of the argument,” she

said. Gosford Council decided to continue to explore its options in the time available before declaring its intentions to the NSW Government on November 18. Gosford mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna said the examination of options included having an ongoing dialogue with Wyong Council and conducting due diligence into all available options. Cr Scott said “no one has told me how I should vote on the issue of amalgamation but the conservatives are being told, by someone outside their community, how to vote and I think that is a shame for the people they represent.” In terms of what a new amalgamated council would mean for issues such as the future of Gosford Council’s Coastal Open Spaces Scheme, Cr Scott said no one from the state government or at a local level seemed to know the answers to such questions. “Every four years, every time there is a change in local government, there is a very real chance that things like COSS could disappear so the chance is there in an amalgamation too,” she said. Cr Scott said she thinks there has to be “some greater reason” for the NSW Government’s amalgamation push. “It is horrendous when you think about the cost, it could be $100 million -- and that money, if we want infrastructure, give both councils $50 million each and we will get the infrastructure we need. “Or for the next 20 years we will be feeling our way around ﬁguring out which councillor belongs to which ward and it will cripple us for a long time. “That $100 million will be a line item on every budget. “A large council is a dispassionate council and the one thing that can stop it is the voice of the people,” she said. Media release, 4 Nov 2014 Jeff Sundstrom, Our City, Our Council, Our Choice Interview, 4 Nov 2015 Vicki Scott, Gosford Council READ MORE Pages 6 and 7

THIS ISSUE contains 56 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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Issue 81

Council resolves to acquire part of Wyong Grove T

he acting CEO of Wyong Council has been authorised to acquire approximately one quarter of the Wyong Grove school site and carriage way at a fair market value.

A mayoral minute presented to the November 11 ordinary meeting of Wyong Council resulted in the Council resolving to go ahead with an attempt to acquire those parts of the former public school considered essential for organisations such as the Wyong Drama Group. The plan is to acquire those land and buildings either by agreement or compulsory process. The council authorised the acting CEO to execute all necessary documentation relevant to the acquisition. The school site, when purchased, will be classiﬁed as operational land for the purposes of the Local Government Act 1993. If the site has to be obtained using a compulsory process, it will be done “pursuant to the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991,” according to the adopted mayoral minute. Council will make an application to the Minister for Finance to commence compulsory

Wyong Drama Group members protest the sale of the Grove

acquisition of part of the site. The entire school site was recently sold by the Department of Education, at auction, to a Sydney developer, for $4.45 million. If the Minister gives his consent, then Council can begin negotiations with the new owner to acquire the part of the site currently used as the Wyong Grove Cultural and Community Hub. Mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM, said Council was true to its word and would now pursue compulsory acquisition so this important site can continue as a community facility. “We went to the auction in good faith and were hopeful of securing the site ourselves due to its high importance to our

community,” Cr Eaton said. “I even told bidders at the auction we would seek to compulsorily acquire the site – so everyone knew what we wanted to do. “So now it is time to act. “We can’t afford the whole site, so we will now move to try to acquire the part of the site which will provides the best value for the community.” Council spent over $100,000 upgrading the former school buildings which are currently home to a number of local community and drama groups. It is these buildings Council will now seek to acquire under compulsory acquisition arrangements. If the owner wishes to develop the rest of the

site, it will be subject to the normal Council development application process. “This whole process has caused a great deal of stress in the local community which has been really unnecessary,” Cr Eaton said. “The State Government broke its promise to the community but Council will not, and will now step in and attempt to save this important community facility.” In NSW, all levels of government can acquire privately owned land for public purposes. They may acquire the whole property, part of a property or an interest in the property, including easements for power lines, sewer or water. Most privately owned land, required by

government for public purposes, is acquired by negotiation and agreement between the landholder and the acquiring authority. The process is expected to take several months. “Obviously the hall is not included on the basis that the arthouse is developed and it has a studio of the size of the hall and is more adaptable,” Cr Eaton said at the November 11 general meeting of Wyong Council. Cr Eaton said he expected the fair market value of the area Wyong Council wishes to purchase to be between $1 million and $1.5 million. Acting CEO of Wyong Council, Mr Rob Noble said he had received a brieﬁng from the relevant

director following a discussion with the purchaser of Wyong Grove. “They are in discussion with another buyer for the purchase of a small part of the site that is similar to what we are looking at,” Mr Noble said. “The level of pricing they are looking at is rather alarming to me and we need to keep that in mind,” he said. The motion to move forward with the compulsory acquisition of a portion of the site was carried unanimously.

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Mayoral minute 1.6, Nov 11, 2015 Wyong Council Media release, Nov 11, 2015 Wyong Council media Meeting transcript, Nov 11, 2015 Wyong Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

Councillors bullied into amalgamation vote even out of 10 Gosford councillors have voted to inform the NSW Government they are willing to amalgamate with Wyong Council.

The NSW Government has required all NSW councils deemed “unfit” to stand alone to make 50-word submissions by November 18 outlining their amalgamation preferences. Gosford’s deputy mayor, Cr Craig Doyle moved that “… based on its understanding that continuing as a stand-alone Council is not acceptable to the NSW Government… Council’s first preference is that Gosford City Council voluntarily merges with Wyong Shire Council.” Cr Doyle went on to give Gosford’s second preference, which was for Gosford City Council to merge with the southern part of Wyong Council up to Sparks Rd and for the remaining northern part of Wyong Shire Council to merge with Lake Macquarie City Council. “I find it hard to believe that we haven’t been provided a choice as councillors,” Cr Doyle said in opening discussion on the proposed motion. “As a working party, we took the opportunity to meet with the minister to express our fears, and I must say, they were met with respect and concern,” he said. Cr Doyle said a meeting with the local government minister, Mr Paul Toole did allay his fears about having no say in the process “a little”. “I say a little, because I

From left: Cr Jim McFadyen, Cr Gabby Bowles, deputy mayor Cr Craig Doyle and Cr Jeff Strickson debate the future of Gosford Council

still have some concerns that a voluntary forced amalgamation is our ﬁrst choice,” he said. He said Wyong’s early move, by a margin of one vote, in favour of the formation of a Greater Central Coast Regional Council through a merger with Gosford, stymied the debate about options available to Gosford. “I really think we have been bullied and coerced

into a corner from which there is no recovery,” he said. Cr Hillary Morris said she would not vote in favour of the amalgamation. “I ﬁnd it incomprehensible that we have been told to amalgamate or else,” Cr Morris said, citing the fact that IPART had found Gosford to be ﬁnancially sustainable. “What happens if we stand alone?” she asked.

“I don’t agree that we don’t have a choice; we are denying our residents the right to a voice.” Cr Morris outlined the legislative process that would need to be followed if Gosford did elect to defy the minister’s advice and state a preference to stand alone. She questioned whether the $10 million funding promised to councils who volunteered to amalgamate

plus $10 million for infrastructure would come near to covering the costs of amalgamation. “In our submission we talked about ﬁgures of $37 million and $31 million, that leaves a shortfall of $48 million. “Where will it come from, the sale of assets, the sale of public land, a special rate variation? “I will refuse to succumb to the bullying of the state government for

a paltry $20m,” she said. Cr Gabby Bowles added: “It really does feel like we have been backed into a corner on this one. “I would ordinarily be putting up one hell of a fight but the State Government has been very clever and would not be heading into this situation if they were not confident of the outcome,” Cr Bowles said. “While amalgamation would not be my preferred situation under ordinary circumstances, I believe what we are facing now are exceedingly extraordinary circumstances.” Cr Bowles said she would support the motion on the basis that it meant Gosford’s elected representatives would remain in their roles until the September 2016 election. “I believe it is imperative our community has a voice throughout the process... Gosford’s assets, infrastructure and staff, we can’t fight for them if we are not here,” she said. Cr Jeff Strickson said the benefits of amalgamation could be as much as $196 million over 20 years and that was “too much to gamble”. Who is going to pick up the shortfall if we don’t amalgamate?” Cr Strickson asked. “I believe it is for the best intentions of the rate payers for the two councils that we do amalgamate and carry on so we can represent the people of the new area,” he said. Cr Bob Ward said he would support the motion because a single voice for the Central Coast would give the region strength on planning issues. Continued P3

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December 2, 2015 23 November 2015

November 27, 2015

r Phil Walker, chair of Regional Development Australia Central Coast, has congratulated Gosford and Wyong Councils on their agreement to voluntarily merge as part of the NSW Government’s Fit for the Future reform process.

The seat of Robertson is currently held by Liberal MP Ms Lucy Wicks, who won it in 2013 from Labor’s Deborah O’Neill with a margin of three per cent. Former Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal lives in Woy Woy and has publicly announced she is running for pre-selection. Mr David Abrahams from Killcare has also announced his intention to stand for pre-selection. Pearl Beach resident Mr Van Davy has also announced he is running. Mr Davy said he did not belong to a local branch but was a member of the “central policy branch”. The non-Peninsula candidate is Ms Ann Charlton, who is a senior member of Senator Deborah O’Neill’s staff and lives in Wamberal. Mr Davy said he had been a member of the ALP for 50 years and wanted to represent the ALP because: “The ALP represents the best chance working Australians and their families have to achieve decent living standards and ‘people control’ over the shaping forces on society. “The Labor Party needs communicators who can engage with uncommitted voters, especially voters in Labor’s ‘lost’ heartland of centrist workers,” he said. “I do this well, as an educator who sketches the ‘big picture’ in ways that workers can understand,

Media statement, 17 Nov 2015 Van Davy, Pearl Beach Media statement, 20 Nov 2015 David Abrahams, Killcare Reporter: Jackie Pearson

“The decision to voluntarily merge will ensure that our community will now have an opportunity to have a say in how our new Central Coast Council will be formed and that the region will be able to access $20 million in support from the NSW Government, to assist offsetting a small portion of the total amalgamation costs that will occur,” Mr Walker said. “ R e g i o n a l Development Australia

osford and W y o n g Councils have agreed to an historic, voluntary merger as part of the NSW Government’s Fit for the Future reform package.

G Cr Vicky Scott spoke against merging with Wyong Council at Gosford Council's extraordinary general meeting

can relate to their lives, that cuts through the neo-con and Green propaganda that ‘there is no difference between the major parties’,” Mr Davy said. “I want to see more parliamentarians in Labor’s leadership structure who have less interest in career, factional power, number-crunching and branch-stacking and more interest in, and with more demonstrated skills in research; identiﬁcation of national concerns and national opportunities; genuine data-based collaboration with the membership and specialists; formulations of appropriate responses to national concerns; policy-development, political education of the Australian public; forward strategic thinking,” he said. He has urged branch members who consider voting for him to make Ms Charlton their second choice. Belinda Neal won the seat of Robertson in 2007 in a tight race but lost pre-selection to Deborah O’Neill in 2010. Mr Abrahams said he is running to offer members a communitybased candidate who wants to push for local policies, particularly around innovation and youth employment. As lead advocate for the early NBN rollout and as Chair of Regional Development Australia Central Coast I’ve assisted in attracting signiﬁcant investments to the region,” he said..

Gosford councillors vote for ‘voluntary forced’ merger Gosford councillors have voted in favour of “voluntarily” merging with Wyong Council, despite claiming they had been forced, bullied and coerced. Gosford’s deputy mayor Cr Craig Doyle said that his first preference was for a “voluntary” merger, but that “we haven’t been provided a choice”. “I still have some concerns that a voluntary forced amalgamation is our first choice,” he said. “I really think we have been bullied and coerced into a corner from which there is no recovery,” he said. Cr Hillary Morris said she would not vote in favour of the amalgamation. “I find it incomprehensible that we have been told to amalgamate or else,” Cr Morris said, citing the fact that IPART had found Gosford to be financially sustainable. Cr Gabby Bowles added: “It really does feel like we have been backed into a corner on this one.” But she said she would vote in favour of the merger. “I believe it is imperative our community has a voice throughout the process ... Gosford’s assets, infrastructure and staff, we can’t fight for them if we are not here,” she said. Cr Jeff Strickson said the

benefits of amalgamation could be as much as $196 million over 20 years and that was “too much to gamble”. Cr Bob Ward said he would support the motion because a single voice for the Central Coast would give the region strength on planning issues. Cr Deanna Bocking spoke briefly to thank the community for its support and passion along with the staff, CEO and fellow councillors. Cr Vicky Scott said: “I am not going to fall on my sword for peanuts”, comparing the $20 million funding on offer with the over $700 million turnover of the existing councils. Cr Jim McFadyen added: “I will not be supporting this motion or selling out the majority of the community or council staff.” Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna noted that during his three years on council its financial position had gone from an $8 million deficit to a $36 million surplus. “This council in my opinion is fit for the future, so I never thought we would have to worry about any amalgamation. “At the meeting last week, it was very clear they will force us which is wrong but looking at what is happening in Gosford, if

we do agree to amalgamation we can work with the Government to get the best outcome for the community.” The day after the Gosford Council vote, Dr Joseph Drew from the University of New England’s Centre for Local Government said NSW councils were being forced into amalgamations unlikely to benefit local communities on the basis of flawed methodology. Serious flaws in the methodology used by IPART to declare councils fit or unfit raised questions that were being ignored in the Government’s rush to amalgamations, Dr Drew said. “Why didn’t the Government or its independent experts at IPART see these obvious flaws which were pointed out on numerous occasions?” Dr Drew asked. “What will be the negative impacts on residents and ratepayers following decisions made on the basis of these flawed assumptions? Media release, 18 Nov 2015 Paul Anderson, Gosford and Wyong Councils Media release, Nov 17, 2015 Dr Joseph Drew: University of New England Gosford Council meeting 17 Nov 2015 Reporter: Jackie Pearson •More stories on Council merger page 8 and 9

THIS ISSUE contains 77 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

“There’s no doubt that merging our two organisations will be challenging, but my fellow Gosford councillors and I are looking forward to working alongside our Wyong counterparts to achieve the best outcome for the residents of the Central Coast,” he said. Wyong’s deputy mayor, Cr Lynne Webster, said she was pleased Gosford Council was coming to the party and agreed voluntary amalgamation is the only way to go. “The only way now is forward. “We have to work together to ensure a Central Coast Council continues to deliver the best possible services our community need and want. “I believe we can do it and this decision means we have secured a much needed $20 million injection of funding for our

region. “This decision will put the Central Coast on the map as a region in its own right and I believe will ensure we get a lot more funding and recognition in the future.” Gosford’s CEO, Mr Paul Anderson and Wyong’s acting CEO, Mr Rob Noble will now meet to create a staff transition team and start on plans to amalgamate the two Councils. An informal meeting of the two councils will be held at Wyong Council chambers on Wednesday, December 4, which will be the ﬁrst time the two councils have met since deciding on the merger.

Central Coast’s board members look forward to working with all sectors to ensure that the best outcomes are achieved for the entire Central Coast,” he said. “ R e g i o n a l Development Australia Central Coast is conﬁdent the decision to form the one united entity will allow the Central Coast to proactively brand and market itself as a desirable region to visit, live and invest, which in time will greatly assist in

addressing the region’s higher than average unemployment rate. “We look forward to assisting all levels of government, business and the community to proactively work together to deliver the vibrant and successful future that the Central Coast rightly deserves,” Mr Walker said. Media release, Nov 18, 2015 Elizabeth Westrup, Regional Development Australia Central Coast

Splitting Wyong Council in two is delusional ne of Wyong’s Save Tuggerah Lakes Party councillors, Cr Lloyd Taylor, has accused Lake Macquarie City Council of wanting to steel Wyong Council’s money.

He has been critical of moves by Lake Macquarie Council to see the Wyong Local Government Area cut in half at Sparks Rd and absorbed into Gosford to the South and Lake Macquarie to the north. “Lake Macquarie Council is trying to dispense with the Wyong Local Government Area by making a recommendation to the State Government to cut Media release, Nov 16, 2015 Wyong in two,” Cr Taylor Gosford and Wyong Council said. media “Neither Lake Meeting transcript, Nov 25, Macquarie Council 2015 Wyong Council general nor Gosford Council meeting have any idea how the Jackie Pearson, journalist community thinks and I

am sure our community would not agree with the idea of a “forced retreat” from the waterfront,” Cr Taylor said. “Lake Macquarie City Council is ‘planning for increased ﬂooding and changes to the foreshore lines that may occur as a result of sea level rise’,” he said. “They want to develop an adaptation plan which is double speak for no more development on land at Pelican or Blacksmiths. “If a ratepayer wants to build a new home, they won’t be permitted. “I had a phone call from a local in Wyong

concerned if we were amalgamated with Lake Macquarie that many waterfront properties would have restrictions imposed on them which would affect their 149 certificates. “I am against and idea that either Lake Macquarie or Gosford lay a finger on Wyong. “They only want Wyong because our finances are in order and want to steal money from our region,” he said.

Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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14 storey development approved for Mann St

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$20 million government

Historic forced support is a small portion of amalgamation costs voluntary merger M agreed to

Three Labor candidates are from the Peninsula Three out of the four Labor Party candidates running for pre-selection for the Federal seat of Robertson are Peninsula residents.

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m a j o r development worth around $17.6 million in the heart of Gosford’s city centre has been approved by Council.

The 14 storey mixed use development comprising a ground floor tavern, 75 residential units and basement car parking level will be built on the current Duttons Tavern site in Mann St. This development will maintain and upgrade the tavern that currently serves the surrounding area, provide new residential opportunities that support Gosford’s development as a regional city and is located close to public transport. The maximum height of the development complies with the Gosford Local Environment Plan but a minor variation in the floor space ratio has been approved. Allowances have also been made for car parking. The existing tavern does have some ground level parking at the rear in Paul Lane and there will be one level of basement car parking. Earlier plans for the development included a level of parking above the ground floor but issues of overshadowing Kibble Park meant the plans had to be revised so the development will only provide 33 parking spaces. Two podium levels will include 15 residential units. Floors three through to 12 will house another 54 residential units and there will be two penthouse apartments on the top floor. The proposal includes 24 one bedroom units, 47 two bedroom units and four three bedroom units. The tavern will be a redevelopment of the existing Duttons tavern and the hours of operation will

be in accordance with the liquor licence for the existing tavern. The owner of the site, Mr Bob Bourne addressed the council meeting before the development was approved. Mr Bourne said the ﬁrst development application he attempted to get approved through Gosford Council in the early 1970s took eight years to get accepted. Mr Bourne said, on this occasion, the professionalism of council staff had been “breathtaking”. Mr Bourne suggested that the nature of the new Mann St development went handin-hand with the rejuvenation of Gosford hospital and could provide future homes for hospital staff. The owner of the building that adjoins the development site spoke against the motion. He complained that a quantity surveyor’s report had not been released and questioned how he could make comment on the development without seeing its contents.

gives price points that we may not otherwise have in our city and it will improve the city,” she said. “We need people living in our city if we want it to thrive. “This is a really creative and positive outcome to encourage those who do not want to own a vehicle.” Cr Craig Doyle also spoke in support of the development’s approval. He said making single units available in the heart of Gosford would give young professionals a good entry point to the property market. “Wouldn’t it be great to have some young professionals in the centre of Gosford creating more demand,” he said. Mr Bourne told the meeting he was eager to progress the development to construction certiﬁcate stage as early as possible in 2016. Almost $460 million worth of development has now been approved for Gosford’s City Centre by Council and the Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel. Meeting transcript, Nov 24, 2015 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Agenda item gov.155, Nov 24, 2015 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

STOP PRESS s we were going to press, the Federal Senate had voted resoundingly in favour of a motion by Sen Deborah O’Neill

calling on the Federal Government to abandon the decision to build an Australian Tax Ofﬁce on the Gosford waterfront.

was carried 37 to 28 and also called for consultation with the community for any future federal infrastructure investment for the Central Coast.

Senator O’Neill’s motion

More page 5

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Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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West Gosford major intersection upgrade officially opened

arliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald MLC, and member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, officially opened the $170 million Central Coast Highway upgrade at West Gosford more than seven months earlier than expected, on November 20. The NSW Government funded the upgrade of the Central Coast Highway at Brisbane Water Dve and Manns Rd to improve traffic flow, travel times and safety for the more than 70,000 motorists who travel on the road each day. “The completion of this major intersection upgrade is great news for Central Coast communities,” Mr MacDonald said. “The upgrade involved widening and realigning Brisbane Water Dve and Manns Rd on the Central Coast Hwy to form a single intersection with traffic lights.” “The upgrade includes a

Scot MacDonald MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Anna Zycki, RMS Regional Manager for the Hunter and Adam Crouch MP, Member for Terrigal

new westbound exit ramp from the Central Coast Hwy onto the newly built Grieve Cl connection which has substantially improved access to local businesses in this area,” Mr MacDonald said. “Traffic lights were provided at the intersection

of Manns Rd and Grieve Cl to provide access to the Henry Kendall St and Jusfrute Dve industrial area. “A system of shared pedestrian and cycle paths which connect to existing pathways were also provided along the Central Coast Hwy, Manns Rd and Brisbane

Water Dve,” Mr Crouch said. The project has been designed to accommodate traffic growth for at least the next 20 years. “Work by Roads and Maritime Services on the upgrade started in October 2013 and included numerous traffic switches to allow the

project to progress,” Mr Crouch said. NRMA president, Mr Kyle Loades said the NRMA had been strongly supportive of the West Gosford Project for many years. “It has been the number one Central Coast road priority that we have been

calling for, and we are pleased to see that our efforts did not go unheard,” Mr Loades said. “The necessary upgrades of these roads mean people living on the Central Coast will not only have better access to railway stations and local businesses, but they can get home to their loved ones faster and more safely. “Our members on the Central Coast tell us year after year through our annual Seeing Red on Roads survey that these roads, including Brisbane Water Dve and Manns Rd have been constant sources of frustration for motorists. “Thankfully these chokepoints and bottlenecks will now be improved so the people of the Central Coast can have access to the roads infrastructure they deserve,” Mr Loades said. Media release, Nov 20, 2015 Mitchell Cutting, Office of Scot MacDonald MLC Media release, Nov 20, 2015 Rebecca Page, NRMA Media Advisor

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Senator forced to ‘correct the record’ regarding intragovernmental communication he Turnbull Government has admitted a paper trail exists between the federal and NSW governments over the decision to put the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) building on the old Gosford Public School after earlier denials.

According to NSW Senator, Ms Deborah O’Neill, the Government backed down on its declaration made to the Senate last week that there was no correspondence between the federal and state governments over the school site. Assistant cabinet secretary, senator Scott Ryan made a statement to the Senate on Tuesday, December 1 to “correct the record”. “I have subsequently been advised that there are in fact documents recording contacts between the Australian Government and the NSW Government concerning the old Gosford Public School site,” Sen Ryan said. According to Sen O’Neill, Sen Ryan’s correction came as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull again refused to meet with her over community concerns about the decision to build the ATO complex on the Gosford waterfront. A letter from Mr Turnbull’s office received on November

26 by the senator, advised her that assistant treasurer, Ms Kelly O’Dwyer’s chiefof-staff has “offered to meet with you to do discuss this matter but that offer has yet to be accepted”. “This decision affects the people of the Central Coast and it is not good enough for the Prime Minister to palm off the community to a ministerial staffer,” Sen O’Neill said. “It’s an insult to the people of the Coast to be treated this way. “This matter is worthy of the Prime Minister’s full attention. “There are a lot of people who feel their voice has been ignored. “The community is justly angered by the site chosen and the lack of consultation with residents.” Senator O’Neill said it was the third request she had made to meet the Prime Minister over the ATO project. A Notice of Motion calling for the Turnbull Government to halt the ATO process and consult with committee

was due to be debated in the Senate on Tuesday, December 1. Senator Ryan informed the Senate that Minister O’Dwyer will write to the President of the Senate regarding “the timing of the release of the documents”. “I am hopeful that these documents will shine some light on this very murky deal,” Sen O’Neill said. “The public wants and deserves a transparent process and an ATO office on a site in the streets of Gosford not on the old Gosford School site. “These papers must be able to set out how prime Crown Land – that’s to mean public land – can end up in the hands of the Federal Government, who selected a Canberra developer to build a tax office on the Gosford waterfront. “It is of real concern that the company, DOMA, get the land and will then receive $70 million in rent for 10 years. “Gosford deserves better. “That is why I need to

speak to Mr Turnbull to halt the process to build the ATO block and not a staffer, who has no power to fix it and fix it now.” The Australian Senate earlier agreed to Senator Deborah O’Neill’s motion requiring the Australian Government to provide all documents about the decision to locate the Australian Tax Office building on prime waterfront land at Gosford. “The iconic Gosford Public School site presents a wonderful opportunity to revitalise the city of Gosford and maximise the public space for the community,” said Sen O’Neill. “The Senate’s decision to require the government to provide its documents should allow the community to discover who wanted to lock up this land away from the Gosford community, and whether anyone made representations to change it. “Our community was promised a recreational and arts precinct that would serve the region, revitalise the city centre and create jobs. “Instead, the AbbottTurnbull government is going to waste the opportunity,

handing our waterfront to a select group of public servants in a secure building, open only to people with a swipe card,” she said. The motion by the Senate included an order for the production of documents relating to the tender process; all communications between the Federal Government and those involved in the tender process and all Ministerial correspondence with the NSW Government relating to the sale of the school site. The success of the motion leaves the way open for the Senate to vote to halt the process and for stakeholders to work towards finding the right site for the ATO building. “I wrote to Malcolm Turnbull asking him to listen to the community and locate the Tax Office building in a much more suitable location in the Gosford CBD, benefiting local retailers and the city centre. “The Prime Minister has shown absolutely no interest in meeting or discussing the concerns of the Central Coast community,” Ms O’Neill said. Speaking on behalf of the government in the Senate today, Assistant Cabinet

Secretary Senator Mr Scott Ryan, washed his hands of the entire issue by arguing that the construction of the ATO building was nothing to do with the government before claiming that “The Australian government has no documents concerning contacts with the NSW Government about the purchase or lease of the site.” “That is an extraordinary admission considering that Joe Hockey and Scott Morrison were only too happy to come to the Coast and take credit for announcing the location of the building,” Sen O’Neill said. “I shall continue to fight to have work halted and to demand answers from the government about how this dreadful decision was allowed to happen. “This building, and the jobs it brings, must be positioned in a location that benefits Gosford and doesn’t close off our waterfront options for future generations,” Sen O’Neill concluded. Media release, Nov 27, 2015 Anne Charlton, office of Senator Deborah O’Neill

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Labor sabotaging the delivery of 600 jobs for political gain - Wicks abor is continuing to mislead Central Coast residents and businesses as part of its anti-jobs, anti-infrastructure agenda, according to member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks.

“Former member for Robertson and now Senator for NSW, Deborah O’Neill, tabled two motions designed to sabotage the delivery of 600 jobs into the Gosford CBD,” Ms Wicks said. “Just days after the NSW Government revealed that population growth is outstripping previous predictions, we are seeing an extraordinary attempt to hold our region back for cheap political gain, at a time when we need more local jobs, sooner,” she said. “I’m determined to deliver a business, economic, infrastructure and cultural heart to Gosford, and deliver on what we committed to the people of the Central Coast. “I am fighting for my community to make this happen. “Labor on the other hand is determined to halt this progress and put at risk millions of dollars of future investment and hundreds of new jobs by peddling more

misinformation. “For example, Labor claims a Regional Performing Arts Centre was “earmarked” for the old Gosford Public School site. “This is false. “The location of the Performing Arts Centre was moved to the Gosford Memorial Park site. “Senator O’Neill knows this, because in 2013 she stood on this site to make an election commitment and said the Performing Arts Centre would be on that site. “Ultimately, the location of the Performing Arts Centre is to be decided by Gosford City Council, and the NSW Government owns the rest of the land where the old school stood. “I continue to fight for the $10 million in funding to make this important civic attraction a reality. “Labor also makes allegations about confidential Government processes and planning without checking the

publicly available facts. “A decision on the sale of the land of the old Gosford School site is a matter for the NSW Government. “The Federal Government is not purchasing this land. “The old school site is also zoned for mixed use development. “This combines residential, commercial and retail uses. “This was decided by the NSW Government body, the Central Coast Regional Development Corporation, and Gosford City Council. “This came after the former State Labor Government announced it would sell the school site in 2010. “Where was Senator O’Neill’s voice in opposition to the zoning of this land when she was the Member for Robertson,” Ms Wicks said. Media release, Nov 30, 2015 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks

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Senate votes to stop ATO on Gosford waterfront s we were going to press, the Federal Senate had voted resoundingly in favour of a motion by Sen Deborah O’Neill calling on the Federal Government to abandon the decision to build an Australian Tax Office on the Gosford waterfront.

Senator O’Neill’s motion was carried 37 to 28 and also called for consultation with the community for any future federal infrastructure investment for the Central Coast. “I demand the Prime Minister acknowledge the overwhelming decision of the Senate and meet with me to hear the people of the Central Coast’s concerns about building a tax office on prime waterfront promised to the community as public land,” Senator O’Neill said. “Mr Turnbull needs to fully understand that the 600 ATO jobs are vital to Gosford, but the jobs need to be in a building in the CBD where their spending power will most benefit local businesses.”

Senator O’Neill had formally requested a meeting with Malcolm Turnbull to pass on the sentiments of the people of the Coast, but had been fobbed off to a staffer of Assistant Treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer. Speaking to the motion in the Senate, Senator O’Neill labelled the ATO project a “dodgy deal done in darkness by this Government with the State Government”. “They’ve put in DOMA Group to do it – from Canberra not from the Central Coast – and they’re going to pay them $70 million over the next 10 years in rent,” she told Parliament. “This is a shameful use of

taxpayers’ dollars, against the will of the community and I call on the Government to halt this process and consult the community before they waste that money. “They need to put the ATO in the middle of Gosford not that [waterfront] site.” On Monday, November 30, the Turnbull Government had admitted a paper trail exists between the federal and NSW governments over the decision to put the ATO building on the old Gosford Public School after earlier denying correspondence between the two. Media release, Dec 1, 2015 Scott Coomber, office of Deborah O’Neill

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Culture Committee calls on moratorium on arts precinct osford’s International Culture Committee has called for a moratorium on the signing of contracts relating to the site for an arts precinct “so that a plan to bring an internationally significant cultural facility to Gosford can be pursued.

The State Government’s recently-released Draft Central Coast Regional Plan identified the old Gosford Public School site as the centre of an arts and entertainment precinct, according to Kate de Costa, International Culture Committee Gosford spokesperson. “However it also states that the Central Coast Regional Development Corporation is proceeding with the sale of part of the site for commercial development,” Ms de Costa said. “This contradiction reveals a major shortcoming with the draft plan,” she said. “It fails to take into account the region’s

deficit in major cultural infrastructure and the internationally recognised value of significant investment in the arts and the creative industries in driving economic growth and regional vitality. “The draft plan follows the conventional planning template of population growth, public infrastructure (roads etc.), small business support and corporate investment: thinking locally and acting locally. “What is missing is awareness that new technologies are making cultural participation a global practice. “We, at the International Culture Committee Gosford, endorse the arts precinct assessment, but insist that

it is imperative a moratorium be put on signing contracts for the site. “This is a once-in-alifetime opportunity to achieve an iconic venue of world standard, and establish a game-changing institution that would become a key driver in the future growth of our region. “The proposed venue would create the core critical mass around which would coalesce local innovation, themed festivals, and biennales. “The evidence from around the world in support of our strategy is overwhelming, and easily researched. “Public service office blocks and short-term political compromises will

always fall short of what we can achieve and deserve. “The Draft Central Coast Regional Plan must be revised to recognise the critical and essential role that is played in urban regional development by the arts and culture, as well as the Gosford community’s clearly expressed desire for a significant cultural facility on that site. “Gosford is perfectly located for an amazing cultural venue – all we need for that to be realised is for the state government to join the ICC Gosford Committee and the Gosford community to negotiate with international institutions, individuals, and potential consortium partners. Media release, Nov 30, 3015 Kate da Costa, ICC Gosford

Greens welcome Land and Environment Court decision

he Central Coast Greens have called for owners of the Rocla sand quarry at Calga to donate the site for conservation after rehabilitation.

The Central Coast Greens congratulated the community on their recent win in the NSW Land and Environment Court which will protect an environmentally and culturally sensitive area at Calga. An appeal launched by the owners of the Walkabout Park with the Darkinjung Land Council and upheld by the Land and Environment

Court, overrules a previous NSW Government Planning Assessment approval given for the expansion of the Rocla sand quarry site at Calga. “We are thrilled that the court has been able to stop this project from proceeding, especially due to the community’s concerns over groundwater, ecology and cultural heritage risks,”

Greens spokesperson, Ms Justine Suthers said. “Planning should be about balancing all interests of the community, with no one aspect outweighing the other. “This is why no amount of conditions imposed by the court would have mitigated the real and severe impacts of the project. “The court’s decision has

validated the community concerns over the last 10 years and given them certainly to get on with their lives,” Ms Suthers said. “Now the owners should do the right thing by the community and donate the site for conservation after rehabilitation,” she said. Media release, Nov 18, 2015 Justine Suthers, Central Coast Greens

Calga win is by far the biggest outcome and achievement - LALC arkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) has acknowledged its long standing objection to the extension of the Calga Sand Quarry has been put to rest with the Land and Environment Court refusing Rocla’s proposed sand mine expansion.

In early 2013, Darkinjung LALC formally lodged an objection to the proposed extension stating that the desired expansion area was rich in Aboriginal cultural significance and heritage. The ruling marks almost 10 years since the application to expand was first submitted and after being actively engaged with this process for many years, Darkinjung is thrilled with the outcome of the landmark Land and Environment Court hearing. Darkinjung chief executive officer, Mr Sean Gordon said, this has been a very long journey for the Land Council. “We have been involved in the proposed Development Application process for almost a decade now, and in that time, we have conducted numerous surveys of the site and night recordings. “Ultimately, we have been able to identify that this area is immensely important for Aboriginal people and also contains significant Aboriginal artefacts and objects,” Mr Gordon said. Darkinjung chairperson, Ms Tina West said, they are ecstatic with the outcome and are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of not only the Land Council, but also the local community over the years. “Decisions such as this highlight just how strong our voice is and how committed we are to protecting our land and the Aboriginal history of the Central Coast,” Ms West said. The decision comes as a major win for Darkinjung, the local community and for Aboriginal people across the country. The Court has accepted and understood that Aboriginal

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cultural heritage is not to be understood in isolation but is part of a cultural landscape. The Court noted that the “physical aspects of a site (in this case the engraved figures and stone arrangement) should not be considered in isolation, but in association with its surrounding spiritual, cultural and physical environment”. The Court also noted that “there is convincing evidence which indicates interrelatedness of the elements of the cultural landscape within and around Rocla land.” “Out of everything that Darkinjung has fought for over the years and in particular during my time with the Land Council, I believe this is by far the biggest outcome and achievement. “This decision has potentially set a new benchmark for how development applications are reviewed. To have the cultural landscape of an area taken into consideration rather than just having them assessed in isolation is a major feat for us,” Mr Gordon said. The basis of the refusal of the development application was primarily due to the inadequacies of the surveys that had been undertaken by Rocla. The known heritage in the area and the likelihood of other cultural heritage was seen as an unacceptable risk which led to the refusal of the proposal. “The Central Coast has a proud and extensive cultural fabric and we are elated to have won this case and to have fought to keep it this way,” Mr Gordon said. Media release, Nov 20, 2015 Ashleigh Milne, Brilliant Logic

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New Service NSW outlet for Erina

he Minister for Finance, Services and Property, Dominic Perrottet has announced that work will commence on a new Service NSW one stop shop in Erina.

“Service NSW continues to be a game changer for customer service and we are bringing the successful model to the Central Coast and beyond with a new service centre to be delivered in Erina,” said Mr Perrottet. Work is due to commence early in 2016 at 168-170 The Entrance Rd with the site due to open by May 2016. Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch welcomed the announcement of the new Erina service centre,

replacing the existing motor registry service. “A new service centre is great news for local residents and businesses, offering more than 900 government services and transactions under one roof,” Mr Crouch said. “I am pleased to be able to work in a positive way with the Minister to ensure that we are able to have another Service NSW centre to be located in Erina, “So very soon, if you are shopping in Erina Fair, the

service centre is in close proximity to the shopping complex with easy access and parking” said Mr Crouch. The latest addition to the Service NSW Central Coast network will complement the service centres in Toukley, Gosford and Warners Bay, with new one-stop shops soon to open at Wallsend on December 4, and Tuggerah in March next year. Media Release, Nov 30 Debra Wales, SEO for Adam Crouch MP

New Service NSW office in Erina a ‘slap in the face’ to the Peninsula new Service NSW office will be opened at Erina but member for Gosford, Ms Kathy Smith MP has argued that it should be in Umina.

“Following the community fight I have led protesting the closure of the Woy Woy Motor Registry and asking for another Service NSW office for the southern end of the Central Coast, we have managed to convince the NSW Baird government that an additional outlet is necessary,” Ms Smith said. “However, instead of announcing that this facility will be on the Peninsula, it is to be located in Erina, a safe Liberal seat with a Member of Parliament who lives on

the Woy Woy Peninsula but who wouldn’t help our fight for equal access to services,” Ms Smith said, referring to member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch. “Even though thousands of residents in his own electorate signed the petition in support of services in Woy Woy, the Terrigal Member did nothing to help them,” she said. “This Government helps its own but does little, if anything, to help those most in need.

“This move will cause much disappointment and I dare say bitterness for the 36,000 plus residents on the Woy Woy Peninsula as well as the many more thousands in surrounding suburbs and we won’t forget the disdainful way we have been treated when voting time comes around.” Media release, Dec 1, 2015 Kathy Smith, Member for Gosford

Community Environment Network 2015 BAT Awards

Lot’s happening at the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre these school holidays!

As 2015 draws to a close, we have been recognising the hard work of many groups and volunteers that have been working for the environment in our region.

Open most days in the School holidays (after Xmas) from 10am-4pm (last admission 3pm) Admission: Adults $6, Child / Conc $4, Family $16

Each year, CEN calls for nominations and gives out the BAT Awards - based around a cricket theme that reflects the need for us to “Be A Team”. Our Awards presentation was held on 26 November and the following worthy recipients were acknowledged:

• Displays • Aquaria • Wet Touch Table • Craft • Plasters • Rockpool walks • Junior Marine Scientist Quiz • Audio Visual Room • Whale bones, Shark jaws & more !!

• Rookie of the Year - Barbara Gorman, who has worked tirelessly to fight against Wyong Council’s retrograde tree policy - a battle still to be won! • Best 12th Man - John Wiggin, a stalwart of the local environment scene, who continues to support a range of organisations, often behind the scenes. • Most Outstanding Community Group - Lake Macquarie Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance. The Alliance was set up in 2011 to support over 15 individual Sustainable Neighbourhood groups established across Lake Macquarie. • Special Recognition: Outstanding Campaign - Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park and Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council - for their commitment over many years to a successful court challenge to the proposed expansion of a Rocla sand mine at Calga. The award was accepted by Tassin Barnard from Walkabout Park. • Special Recognition: Outstanding Campaign - Laurie & Jo Eyes - for their sustained effort to uncover the truth about the proposal for a Regional Airport in Wyong. • Overall BAT Award - Bernadine Mitchell - for her significant achievements over 27 years in leading and coordinating the Copacabana Dunecare Group. Bernadine has also been an active member of her community through the Surf Club, Copacabana Community Association and local school. We thank all our members, supporters and friends for their efforts throughout the year - they are truly making a difference in protecting our environment and keeping the Central Coast a special place to live. If you would like to join the CEN, volunteer or support the work we do - then visit our website for more information. We wish you all a happy, healthy and peaceful holiday season!

Our theme in January is FOSSILS & FISH! BAT Award: (l to r) John Asquith (CEN Chairman), Bernadine Mitchell, Tassin Barnard, John Wiggin, Laurie Eyes, Barbara Gorman

More info: www.ccmdc.org.au

8 out of 10 Gosford Councillors don’t want you to know that they are going to sell our public land Gosford Council has recently commenced selling off public land - without adequate community consultation. On 8 September, 2015 Gosford Councillors voted to begin Stage 1 of the Land Sale Strategy - however, there is no documented strategy. Council has a property portfolio of some 3200 parcels. Council’s property group has reviewed the portfolio to identify land with “sale potential”. Stage 1 involved 20 lots. 3 of the lots were classified as operational land so could go straight to the market place however 17 properties needed to be reclassified from community to operational before they could be sold. Some Councillors indicated that all the properties would go on exhibition - however, this was not true. At Council meeting on 10 Nov, 2015, Stage 2 of the land sales

came to council. It was explained to Councillors that the process of reclassifying land from community to operational would go on exhibition however would not inform people that the land was then going to be sold 8 out of 10 Councillors voted to go ahead with the process anyway. The Councillors that voted to proceed were Lawrie McKinna, Deanna Bocking, Bob Ward, Chris Burke, Jim MacFadyen, Gabby Bowles, Craig Doyle and Jeff Strickson. The 2 Councillors that

voted against were Hillary Morris and Vicki Scott. Some of the lots identified for sale have good quality bushland on them and quite a few are open space areas (often former playgrounds before Council removed play equipment) that are well utilised by local communities. CEN is calling on Gosford Council to develop a documented strategy that goes out on exhibition. We want Council to consult with local communities and stakeholders to assess the true value of the land in economic, social and environmental terms.

Support our call for a Land Sale Strategy to be developed and put on exhibition TAKE ACTION NOW! Land identified for sale at Coburg St, East Gosford

Visit our website at www.cen.org.au

Our Central Coast - Worth Protecting The Community Environment Network (CEN) is an alliance of individuals and groups that work for ecologically sustainable development.

Support CEN - Become a member - Volunteer - Make a donation

www.cen.org.au

Ph: 4349 4756

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Labor Party preselection under way ustralian Labor Party preselection is under way for the Federal seat of Robertson to choose the ALP candidate who will run against sitting Liberal MP, Ms Lucy Wicks.

Labor NSW has confirmed that two candidates are running for preselection. They are former member for Robertson, Ms Belinda Neal and Ms Anne Charlton, who currently works for NSW Senator Ms Deborah O’Neill. Mr David Abrahams had also intended to run and had drafted a policy on full employment for the Central Coast. However, Mr Abrahams, the immediate past chair of Regional Development Australia Central Coast and past chair of YouthConnections.com.au, said on Tuesday, December 1 that his nomination had been ruled invalid. “I have just been informed that my preselection nomination was ruled invalid due to a small administrative anomaly,” Mr Abrahams said. “In the interests of unity and clarity I will now withdraw from the Robertson preselection race rather than appeal this matter,” he said. “I sincerely apologise to my local supporters and family. “I hope that some of the policy discussions and debates that we’ve had contribute to good outcomes. “I sincerely wish the remaining candidates well and trust they go on to represent the hopes and aspirations of the residents on the Central Coast,” he said. Mr Van Davy from Pearl Beach has also nominated with Labor NSW to stand as a preselection candidate.

As of the afternoon of Tuesday, December 1, he had not received acknowledgement of his nomination from Labor NSW. Mr Davey said he would leave it a few more days before contacting Labor NSW to ask for acknowledgement that he is a preselection candidate. “I will appeal if I don’t get an answer and I will call for the ballot to be reopened,” he said. Ms Belinda Neal said she is a long-time resident of the Central Coast. Ms Neal said she was a community activist, former Gosford councillor and the only Labor candidate ever to have successfully won the seat of Robertson from a sitting Liberal member. Ms Neal said that she defeated popular Howard government minister Jim Lloyd in 2007 with little help from the Party’s Sussex St heavies. She feels that she won in 2007 through hard work and grass root campaigning and knowledge of local issues. “I have been a resident of the Central Coast and the Woy Woy Peninsula for 30 years and have raised my family here and run a business here. “I love this community and our environment, but we on the Central Coast are not getting a fair share from either Federal or State government,” Ms Neal said. Ms Neal said she has always been a strong advocate for the local

community. During her time as Federal Member, she claims that she secured more federal funding for the Peninsula and Robertson overall than the Liberals did in the previous 10 years. She listed her successes as including: obtaining federal funding for local schools and hospitals, commuter car parks and a new freight rail corridor to reduce delays and disruptions for commuters, obtained CCTV in the Woy Woy, Ettalong and Umina CBDs to counter antisocial behaviour and secured funding for massively improved water infrastructure for the Peninsula. Ms Neal said during her time as member for Robertson she was passionately committed to securing more training assistance and new youth employment programs to give young people better opportunities. “I will fight to make sure our young people have access to the skills and learning they need to succeed in the future; I will not rest until we have restored an affordable, highquality TAFE system and ended the farce of $100,000 university degrees,” she said. “As the MP for Robertson, I ran a successful campaign for a Regional Cancer Treatment Centre at Gosford Hospital with a Federal Government grant $28.5 million and negotiated the support of the NSW Government for ongoing operational costs.” Ms Anne Charlton has also confirmed she is running for ALP preselection in

Robertson. “I moved to Wamberal more than a decade ago with my husband Brett, a doctor who works in medical research. “I am a proud mum to three children and step-mum to another three wonderful children. “I have also had the privilege of opening my home to a number of young adults who have attended NAISDA Aboriginal Dance College at Mount Penang. “Living, working and raising teenage children on the Central Coast has given me a deep understanding of the challenges we face. “I spent eight years working with Central Coast Family Support at Kariong, managing their Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program. “This highlighted for me the lack of support in our area for grandparents and pensioners, especially the difficulty accessing quality health care and reliable public transport. “I was raised in a workingclass family in country NSW, mum and dad were often in and out of work. “I have been very open about my family history and my tough experience as a child. “I did well at school, but I left school and home at 15. “As a homeless teenager, I was introduced to heroin. “It’s not the standard story of most people who run for office. “I was lucky that the Children’s Court and the Magistrate’s Court offered me residential rehabilitation and treatment. “It turned my life around,

that was more than 30 years ago, and I have spent my life giving back to the community. “It’s why I’ve worked in health and in community services in government, nongovernment and the private sector. “I understand family dysfunction and I’m passionate about education and training so young people have a pathway to a job, and so older people enjoy a decent retirement. “Since telling my story so publicly, I have been amazed at the number of people who have approached me to share their family stories, and been so warm and encouraging. “It’s a lot more common than you think. “I am really keen to represent the region and to work collaboratively to improve services, and generate jobs and investment to protect the Central Coast lifestyle,” she said. Mr Van Davy, whose candidacy has not been confirmed by Labor NSW, said he has been a member of the ALP for 50 years and wants to represent the ALP because: “The ALP represents the best chance working Australians and their families have to achieve decent living standards and ‘people control’ over the shaping forces on society. “The Labor Party needs communicators who can engage with uncommitted voters, especially voters in Labor’s ‘lost’ heartland of centrist workers,” he said. “I do this well, as an educator who sketches the ‘big picture’ in ways that workers can understand, can relate to their lives, that cuts through the neo-con and

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Green propaganda that ‘there is no difference between the major parties’”, Mr Davy said. “I want to see more Parliamentarians in Labor’s leadership structure who have less interest in career, factional power, numbercrunching and branchstacking and more interest in, and with more demonstrated skills in: research; identification of national concerns and national opportunities; genuine data-based collaboration with the membership, and specialists; formulations of appropriate responses to national concerns; policydevelopment, political education of the Australian public; forward strategic thinking,” he said. Coast Community News has sent emails and called Labor NSW to seek confirmation of whether Mr Davy has been accepted as a candidate. We’ve also asked questions about how the preselection ballot will be held and when the Labor candidate for Robertson will be known. At the time of going to press our calls and emails had not been answered by Labor NSW. Media release, Dec 1, 2015 David Abrahams, former ALP preselection candidate Media release, Nov 30, 2015 Anne Charlton, ALP preselection candidate Media release, Nov 30, 2015 John Della Bosca, Discourse Consulting Media statement, Nov 17, 2015 Van Davy, ALP preselection candidate

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Protest over Tax Office site

Eco Village decides on its own higher building standards dedicated team of volunteers have spent the past 12 months developing building standards for the Narara Eco Village, which has always been intended to be a demonstration project.

Paint the Heart will be a protest against the building of the tax office on the Gosford waterfront

n event will be held at the Central Coast Leagues Club Oval on Saturday, December 5, in protest of the decision to build an Australian Tax Office on the old Gosford public school site adjacent to the Gosford Waterfront.

Local residents Ylenna Zajec and Anne Charlton will be spear-heading the Paint the Heart campaign to ‘wrap the site in love’ with a series of community pop up events. “This site was set aside as a community, cultural and recreational precinct,” Ms Zajec said. “The people of the Central Coast relinquished this iconic site with promise of a wonderful community

space, “Instead we have been told we are getting a tax office,” she said. Anne Charlton echoed these sentiments saying that they want to send a message to the local Member of Parliament. “We are joining with the community to send a strong message to our Federal Member of Parliament, Lucy Wicks, that the people of the Central Coast deserve a

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beautiful gateway to our city not an ugly brown box,” Ms Charlton said. The event will take place from 4pm with people being encouraged to bring a heart or make one on site and/or bring an instrument to wrap the site in song. Media Release, Nov 30, 2015 Anne Charlton, Labor pre-selection candidate for Robertson

A key element will be the 100 or so ‘eco-houses’ that will be built at the village. “With members’ ambitions ranging from ‘natural’ houses and hightech, low weight modular houses, to hand-built, 100 per cent recycled houses, and favoured materials ranging from rammed earth to hempcrete and phasechange materials, there will be lots of fascinating experiments to learn from,” said Mr Richard Cassels from the Narara Eco Living Network Inc. “However all buildings will have to meet Government requirements, as well as the ecovillage’s aspirations,” he said. As a result, the volunteers have developed the building standards that will be required of anyone building a home at the ecovillage. “All designs will have to be approved by a building review panel, or a Narara Eco Village registered assessor,

before being submitted to Gosford Council. The standards focus on meeting environmental criteria. “There are no aesthetic design guidelines. “They are aimed at encouraging innovation, as well as ensuring compliance with, and indeed exceeding, mandatory government requirements,” he said. In fact, the NEV Building Standards project has been sufficiently innovative for BASIX to create a new criterion specifically for the project that gives water credits that may alleviate the necessity to install water tanks. “The debate has been vigorous. “Questions and objections have been scrupulously documented and responded to. “From arguments that current regulations and assessment tools do not lead to sustainable

buildings, to small houses being disadvantaged, the group has fought its way to a workable conclusion after considering many Australian and overseas schemes. “The final result takes elements from the NSW compulsory system, BASIX, and the global best practice Greenstar Communities, with additional innovation points, as well as bonus points for growing food etc. There will be special sessions on the latest developments in sustainable home design and construction at the Narara Ecoburbia Festival on Saturday, April 16. Following the Ecoburbia festival, Narara Eco Living Network will also be organising regular talks in 2016, so that anyone interested can meet and hear experts on the subject. Newsletter, Nov 25, 2015 Richard Cassels, Narara Eco Living Network

$4.03 credit per rates assessment being processed osford Council has resolved to provide the city’s ratepayers with a credit for the carbon component of its domestic waste charge collected during 2014/2015.

In 2014/2015, almost $270,000 was collected via the domestic waste charge’s carbon component which, when apportioned across 66,900 properties, equates to a $4.03 credit per rates assessment.

Carbon tax funds collected as part of landfill gate fees between July 2012 and July 2014 will also be used to reduce Council’s carbon footprint through various projects and initiatives.

The carbon component of Council’s landfill gate fees was removed in July 2014. Media release, Nov 24, 2015 Gosford Council media

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Rural Fire Brigades receive consent to lodge DA

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Access to justice now faster and safer

osford Council has given Wamberal and Mangrove Mountain Rural Fire Brigades its consent to lodge development and construction certificate applications for station upgrades.

Proposed works include building extensions, installation of air conditioning and tanker bays as well as improved

storage, meeting and amenities facilities. As part of this, Council will also donate over $10,000 in services and

fees associated with the applications. Media release, Nov 24, 2015 Gosford Council media

CCRDC has interim CEO appointed n interim Chief Executive Officer has been appointed to the Central Coast Regional Development Corporation.

The decision to put an interim CEO in place follows a recommendation from CCRDC Chairman Graeme Inchley. Chief Financial and Operating Officer of the Department of Planning and Environment Simon Officer will act as Chief Executive from January 1, 2016. An advisory committee, chaired by former

Honeysuckle Development Corporation General Manager Angus Dawson, was formed last month to consider the operation of development corporations in NSW. The interim CEO will be in place until the advisory committee completes its work. The NSW Government has stated that they want

to make sure the best management model is in place to help drive new business and jobs on the Central Coast and that the decision will not impact the day to day operations of the corporation. Media Release, Nov 30, 2015 Andrew Priestley, NSW Government

Stormwater works planned for three areas ver $1.3 million in spending on stormwater works have been announced by Gosford Council at its ordinary meeting on Tuesday, November 24.

Council is investing over $400,000 to construct around 350 metres of stormwater drainage from Fiesta Cres to Del Rio Dve in Copacabana. The drainage works will capture stormwater runoff and alleviate the flooding of nearby properties and roads. A Central Coast organisation has been engaged to undertake the construction works, which are expected to start in February 2016 and take

around eight weeks to complete. Another $400,000 will be spent by Gosford Council to build over 500 metres of stormwater drainage in Ash St and Barrington Rd at Terrigal. A Central Coast organisation has been engaged to undertake these construction works as well, which are expected to start in February 2016 and take around 10 weeks to complete. Council also expects

to start construction of a $500,000 project to improve stormwater drainage at Somersby in December 2015. Over 500 metres of stormwater drainage will be built in Chivers Rd by a Central Coast organisation. The works are being partly funded by the Australian Government through the National Stronger Regions Funding Programme. Media release, Nov 24, 2015 Gosford Council media

Adam Crouch and Gabrielle Upton at Gosford Courthouse

he NSW Government has invested $500,000 in a technology upgrade at Gosford Courthouse to make access to justice faster, more accessible and less traumatic for victims of crime.

NSW Attorney General, Ms Gabrielle Upton MP and member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch MP, visited Gosford Courthouse on Tuesday, November, 24, where all four courtrooms now have a high definition Audio Visual Link (AVL). The new AVL enables testimony to be received from interstate and overseas witnesses and from custodial facilities. Mr Crouch said the court cases are proceeding more efficiently with fewer delays due to technological issues. “By harnessing better technology, we are making access to justice faster and easier in our courts. “This upgrade brings Gosford Courthouse into the 21st century, and gives the community the facilities they need and deserve,” he said. “The upgrade also includes improvements to a private room where vulnerable witnesses give evidence to the court via closed circuit cameras”, Ms Upton said.

“The technology reduces the need to transport prisoners on lengthy distances for short court appearances, saving taxpayers millions of dollars each year and creating a more secure justice system,” she said. Audio Visual Link has also been installed in an interview room so lawyers can seek instructions from

clients in custody before they go into court. Media release, Nov 24, 2015 Debra Wales, office of Adam Crouch

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Tenants believe Creighton’s Garage at risk of being sacrificed

Kathleen Morreau Rd bridge closed temporarily

he bridge on Kathleen Morreau Rd at Niagara Park will be closed for an estimated two weeks while upgrade works are completed, according to Gosford Council..

The bridge, which spans Narara Creek, will be closed to all traffic from Monday, November, 30 until Sunday, December, 13. The dates of the bridge’s closure is dependent on

The historic Creightons building in Mann St

mid the excitement and anticipation of new development and revitalisation in Gosford’s CBD, comes anger and dismay at the prospect of losing an important piece of the city’s cultural heritage.

One of just four historically significant heritage listed sites in Gosford, Creighton’s Garage (currently home to ReviveR classic cocktail bar), is at risk of being sacrificed to make way for a new high-rise mixed use complex on the site. Celebrating its fourth birthday in July, ReviveR was founded with the intent of providing Central Coast locals and visitors with a bar reminiscent of the local bars and speakeasys of America’s infamous prohibition era. Joint founders Mr Gordon Ryan and Ms Amanda Rungis found the perfect place to transform their vision into reality in the solid sandstone 1930’s former Creightons Funeral Service hearse garage. The pair painstakingly brought the building back to its former glory, taking great care to not only preserve but feature the original Gosford sandstone that makes up the building’s foundations and the full length of one side of the building as well as its hand carved structural beams. The Creighton family history in Gosford actually dates back much further than the 1930’s.

Robert Creighton established the firm, RH Creighton in the Brisbane Water District in 1844 before moving to the Mann St premises in 1935. The current Development Application calls for the protection of the building’s facade and the first 2 metres of the 10-metre wall only. However this is contradictory to Gosford City Council’s Heritage Inventory, which clearly states that the building in its entirety is heritage listed. The Heritage Inventory’s Statement of Significance highlights that The Creighton Funeral Parlour and its associated garage buildings are, “a fine and rare surviving example of the art deco style in the Gosford area with local significance and additional value for the contribution to the streetscape in the prominent corner location.” While Mr Ryan said he is not in any way opposed to development of the site, he strongly believes any development should be sympathetic to the original building by keeping it intact. “The only heritage listed buildings left in Gosford today are the Court House, the School of the Arts, St

Mary’s Church and the Creightons building,” said Mr Ryan. “We simply can’t afford to let development wipe away what little is left to tell the story of our past for the benefit of future generations.” Mr Ryan and Ms Rungis also made it a point to emphasise that their stance on protecting the building has little to do with the business they run, which they feel would be supported no matter where it is located. They said they are simply passionate advocates for finding the right balance between development and preserving our link to the past. The Development Application is currently on public display at Gosford City Council. The opportunity to lodge a submission to oppose the development as it currently stands ends on November 6. Email, Oct 29, 2015 Gordon Ryan, Reviver Bar Media release, Oct 28, 2015 Phaedra Pym, Awaywithwords

unforeseen delays such as wet weather. Residents will be able to access the Pacific Highway via a separate footbridge which will be installed prior to the work’s starting date.

Temporary parking and garbage collection arrangements will also be organised for local residents. Email, Nov 23, 2015 Gosford Council media

86 new car spaces are now available at Gosford ember for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, announced 86 new car spaces are now available for commuters using Gosford train station.

“This is a win for train customers, giving them more options to park and ride, especially in the morning, so they can get to work easier,” said Mr Crouch. “The 86 car spaces across two new car parks on Faunce St, near the station, are in addition to the 30 spaces that were converted from rail staff parking to be provided for commuters

earlier this year,” he said. Both car parks include new surfacing, line marking, lighting, CCTV cameras and fencing to enhance customer safety. “Over 110 additional commuter car spaces are now available to commuters at the station, a huge win for Gosford customers. “These projects are just another example of how we are constantly looking for

ways to make use of public transport easier for our customers,” he said. The car park has been delivered as part of the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program, an initiative to deliver accessible, modern, secure and integrated transport infrastructure. Media release, Oct 20, 2015 Adam Crouch MP

December 2, 2015 - Page 13 3

NEWS

Three rescue boats needed to recover jet ski and trailer

Other Regional News - In brief Coast Community News focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2250, 2251 & 2260. Given the advent of a Greater Central Coast Council in

the near future, following is a summary of news articles published in the most recent edition of each of our sister Central Coast publications. The full articles and more, as well as all previously published editions, can be seen on

line on our website www. CentralCoastNews.net Copies of these other publications may be obtained from our offices in Gosford, by subscription, or from a myriad of locations in the areas covered by each publication.

FREE

November 27, 2015

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 82

Wyong Regional Chronicle focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262, & 2263.

Historic forced voluntary merger agreed to Gosford and Wyong Councils have agreed to an historic, voluntary merger as part of the NSW Government’s Fit for the Future reform package.

Peter Alderton handling the towline for the jet ski refloated at St Huberts Island

arine Rescue Central Coast were called to assist a capsized jet ski on Sunday, November 1 at about 12 noon.

The local Roads and Maritime Boating Services officer contacted the radio room at Marine Rescue Central Coast with a report of the capsized jet ski with a person in the water near the western side of St Hubert’s Island bridge. The crew on Central Coast 21 were alerted and they immediately went to the area. They could not find the

jet ski but were signalled by people on a nearby wharf for help. Beside the wharf, the crew saw a jet ski and trailer on their sides in the mud. Additional assistance was called and soon both rescue boats, Central Coast 21 and 22 and the unit’s rescue watercraft, Central Coast 11 were at the site. The volunteers managed to get the trailer and jet ski

right side up and float the ski. Large fenders were attached to the trailer and it was able to be floated back to the launching ramp where it was re-united with the jet ski. An unusual but successful activity for all involved. Media release, Nov 1, 2015 Ron Cole, Marine Rescue NSW Central Coast

$20 million government support is a small portion of amalgamation costs

Splitting Wyong Council in two is delusional

Mr Phil Walker, chair of Regional Development Australia Central Coast, has congratulated Gosford and Wyong Councils on their agreement to voluntarily merge as part of the NSW Government’s Fit for the Future reform process. F

One of Wyong’s Save Tuggerah Lakes Party councillors, Cr Lloyd Taylor, has accused Lake Macquarie City Council of wanting to steel Wyong Council’s money.

Council merger is bad for Wyong businesses

Baird Government criticised for “blatant stand-over tactics”

L Large parcels l off land l d att Woongarrah, Jilliby and Tuggerah to be sold by Council

Shadow minister for small business and member for Wyong, Mr David Harris MP has expressed his concern for the future of Wyong businesses if the proposed Local Government amalgamation goes ahead.

The Coast’s Labor MPs have criticised the Baird Government for “blatant stand-over tactics” after Gosford Council voted 7 to 3 to merge with Wyong as part of the NSW Government’s “ﬂawed” ﬁt for the future package.

Parcels of land at Woongarrah and Jilliby will be sold by Wyong Council via competitive expressions of interest having been identiﬁed as surplus to Wyong Council’s needs.

Kiar Rid Ridge purchase and Ki h d sale transactions need investigation

Transport for NSW ignores specific questions and controversial site selection

The Community Environment Network (CEN) is opposing plans by Wyong Council to sell part of the land acquired for the Kiar Ridge Airport.

Transport for NSW has not answered speciﬁc questions about its reasons for choosing Kangy Angy as the location for its intercity ﬂeet maintenance facility instead of Darkinjung Local Area Land Council property at Bushells Ridge.

Tenders called for pathway missing link It’s been on the agenda for 20 years and now tenders have ﬁnally been called for construction of stage one of the Magenta Shared Pathway.

The full articles and more can be seen on our website www.CentralCoastNews.net

Peninsula Community Access Edition 381

News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4321 0940

23 November 2015

Peninsula News focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2256 & 2257.

Three Labor candidates are from the Peninsula

Gosford councillors vote for ‘voluntary forced’ merger

Take merger to Boundaries Commission, urges Morris

Three out of the four Labor Party candidates running for preselection for the Federal seat of Robertson are Peninsula residents.

Gosford councillors have voted in favour of “voluntarily” merging with Wyong Council, despite claiming they had been forced, bullied and coerced.

Cr Hillary Morris has urged Gosford Council to stand ﬁ rm against amalgamation and take its case to the NSW Boundaries Commission.

Amalgamation moves welcomed, but no decision yet

Woy Woy and Umina town centres may be given low priority, says Anderson

Member for Terrigal Mr Adam Crouch has welcomed moves by Gosford and Wyong Councils to amalgamate.

The plans for the development of Woy Woy and Umina will be put on hold and may well be given low priority by an amalgamated council, according to Gosford Council general manager Mr Paul Anderson.

Residential park residents at Ettalong and Empire Bay should not feel pressured into signing new site agreements because of the introduction of a new law in NSW, according to the Tenants’ Union of NSW.

Fire brigades updated on coming fire season

Major fundraising festival for Mary Macs

Rural Fire Service ﬁre behaviour analysts are in the process of updating Peninsula brigades about the coming bush ﬁre season.

Mary Macs is having a major fundraising festival on Saturday, December 5, and it needs support from the community.

Sewerage system responsible for beach quality - CEN The water quality at the Peninsula’s nine monitored swimming spot is dependent on the efﬁciency of Gosford Council’s sewerage system, according to the Community Environment Network.

No pressure in new parks law, says Tenants’ Union

The full articles and more can be seen on line on our website www.CentralCoastNews.net They can also be seen on www.PeninsulaNews.info

FORUM

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Confirmation of Performing Arts Centre location welcomed have not met member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, but I have enjoyed a long-time acquaintance with his predecessor, The Hon Chris Hartcher, stretching back to Apex days.

Mr Crouch’s announcement about the location of the Performing Arts Centre is indeed most welcome and ends many months of speculation: “The NSW Government has confirmed that the financial commitment of $12 million was made on the basis that the regional performing arts centre is to be constructed on the corner of Dane Dve and Vaughan Ave, as identified in Our City, Our Destiny Masterplan,” Terrigal state Liberal MP Adam Crouch said. I’m a little unsure about Poppy Park on the other side of Vaughan Dve, however in his announcement he referred specifically to the following pages in “Our City Our Destiny Masterplan”. Page 19 showing the Performing Arts Centre with an arrow to the school site as described above. Page 20 showing the five precincts identified. Page 23 defining the waterfront precinct that clearly does not include the school site, the Waterfront is

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

also defined on page 51 and does not include the school site. Page 28 defining ‘Precinct Two The Arts and Entertainment Precinct’, showing before and after pictures of Baker St and Leagues Club Park. Page 29 showing Gosford Performing Arts Centre on the school site adjacent to Vaughan Ave and ‘Arts and Entertainment’ as the middle of the three rectangular shaped sites further north on the school site. Could I be so bold as to suggest co-location of the two arts-related sites for better synergy?

It’s absolutely fantastic news that the commitment made to the community in ‘Our City Our Destiny’ Masterplan will finally be delivered as originally promised. I also note the comments on page 10 of the Masterplan ‘that the revitalisation and economic recovery of the City will not be led by height and building controls, but rather by public realm, infrastructure, economic resurgence and a strong implementation that feeds off these factors’; and, on page 11 ‘making it happen’ deals with how the public realm and infrastructure will be developed to act as a catalyst to encourage investment and development by local landowners, government and developers. Great to see the Baird government sharing its investment more widely than Sydney and its CBD too. Well done! Email, Nov 6, 2015 Kevin Armstrong, Gosford

Looking forward to new regime FORUM hy is it no s u r p r i s e that Gosford councillor, Vicki Scott organised a rally to try and block the amalgamation of Gosford Council with Wyong Council?

A Chain in the Backyard. Cats and dogs require a 10- to 20-year ﬁnancial and emotional commitment.

Please, don’t buy animals as presents.

Scott is one of several councillors who have presided over some of the biggest and costliest council disasters in living memory as well as the routine and neverending waste of ratepayer money. It appears that Scott and some of her colleagues are doing their best to cling on to power rather than confront the real issues. The real issue is that Gosford Council has failed the electorate for decades and needs to be replaced by an entity which understands that ratepayers are its employers - not milching cows to be treated like simpletons. Email, Nov 6, 2015 M Jakob, Copacabana

Performing Arts Centre is better placed in Wyong ow is the time for a strategic re-think of the Performing Arts Centre concept outside the petty bickering that has characterised expressions of view to date.

Let us hope that Gosford and Wyong municipalities will soon be amalgamated (better still to include Lake Macquarie as well, but we can’t have everything), to create a City of the Central Coast. When this happens, the natural focus of the new city will be Wyong, and this is the logical place for an arts centre to serve the region. In fact, this is the case whether amalgamation takes place or not, and only parochial advocates for a Gosford location refuse to admit it. Wyong already has the nucleus of an arts centre, and this core could easily be expanded to incorporate functions not yet provided for. Furthermore, it could be conveniently linked to the Ourimbah campus where we have the basis for a University of the Central Coast and, if there is ever a fast train on the East Coast, Wyong could be the station, instead of Ourimbah (as now proposed), a location that makes no sense from any viewpoint. Such a decision would avoid the new city’s being stuck with the 1960s design now proposed for the centre, because the process could be started all over

FORUM again, inviting proposals from notable architects who could suggest an imaginative 21st-century design suitable for a forward-looking region. Wyong has good access from the expressway, and this could easily be improved to tap a wide pool of potential audience members for an array of arts performances. Wyong also has substantial areas of land that can be opened up to accommodate the city’s population growth, thus moving the centre of population gravity towards Wyong and emphasising its strategic advantage over Gosford. One day, there could even be a regional airport in the Wyong area, although this is not likely to be a significant factor in deciding on the location of a cultural centre, unless we anticipate that national and international figures will be more easily able to make an appearance if an air service exists. On the other hand, the Gosford waterfront is not even the most convenient location for most of Gosford’s existing population, and any

development on sites proposed so far will be cut off from the waterfront by a busy road that provides the main access from the expressway to the whole area from the CBD to the Coast. Since traffic must become heavier in the future, this road will eventually have to be widened, and any idea of a connection to the waterfront will be a sick joke. By all means let Gosford have high-density residential development around the railway station, by all means let Gosford bask in the prestige of its (incredibly ugly) football stadium, by all means let Gosford keep its racecourse, but, if we are going to have an arts centre, let it be in a location with optimal accessibility for the population it is intended to serve. If the government subsidy can be moved from Poppy Park to another site in Gosford, it can be just as easily (actually more easily) moved to another location in the region. Roll on the City of the Central Coast and the opportunity to look forward instead of backward as a community. Letter, Nov 10, 2015 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

Tax office is not an iconic building

he article in the Coast Community News with Adam Crouch’s name attached is riddled with mistakes.

If he cared to look at the Our City, Our Destiny Masterplan (Charette Masterplan 2009), it shows the only indicator plotted to the old public school site is designated Performing Arts Centre. How many ‘Public Consultations’ does it take for people to understand that what we, the public want is an iconic building on that site

FORUM to attract more tourists to the area and provide a focus for a dynamic rejuvenation of our foreshore. How can he possibly imagine that a four storey tax office is going to enhance that precinct? It will certainly not

contribute to ‘a vibrant and active mixed use precinct’ along the foreshore since it will only be occupied from 9-5 on week days and not at all on weekends or public holidays. The politicians need to rethink their decision. Letter, Nov11, 2015 Pamela Da Costa, Wyoming

Demand for copies of Coast Community News has been extremely high lately. If you can’t wait to get your copy - read it online! If you lent yours to someone that won’t give it back - read it online! Missed an edi on or want to re-read something - read it online!

Simply go to www.centralcoastnews.net They’re all there and it’s FREE Want to share something you ﬁnd really interes ng, see www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Coast Community News - December 2, 2015 - Page 15 C SShare

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Ice arrest on XPT

Gosford arrest over murder inquiry

man has been charged with drug offences after allegedly being found in possession of ‘ice’ on an XPT on the Central Coast.

About 3:45pm on Saturday, November 21, officers attached to the Police Transport Command were patrolling an XPT travelling between Central and Gosford Railway Stations, when they spoke to a 21-year-old man. During a subsequent search of the man and his luggage, police located methyl-amphetamine (ice) and two glass ‘ice’ pipes. The man was arrested

and taken to Gosford Police Station, where he was charged with supply of a prohibited drug and possession of a prohibited drug. He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Gosford Local Court on Tuesday, December 15.

Anyone with information about these incidents should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

Media release, Nov 22, 2015 NSW Police media

Replica gun used to threaten drivers on M1

hree men have been charged, including one from Gosford, following investigations into the discovery of a man’s body in a unit block near Wollongong.

At about 11:50pm on Thursday, April 16 officers from Wollongong Local Area Command were called to a unit block on Crana Pl, Mangerton, where they located a body in the common laundry. A post mortem revealed the 56 year old man had died from injuries to his body. At about 9.30am on Monday, November 23, a 42 year old man was arrested on Donnison St, Gosford and was taken to Gosford

35-year-old man has allegedly threatened numerous drivers with a replica gun on the Mi motorway on November 19.

Around 1:00pm and 2:45pm on Thursday, November 19 a blue 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer was travelling on the M1 between Newcastle and Sydney when the passenger, a 35-year-old man, allegedly threatened numerous drivers with a replica firearm by leaning out the passenger window and pointing it at them. Three separate motorists called Triple Zero to report the incidents, and police from Kuring-Gai Local Area Command pulled the vehicle over on Pennant Hills Rd, Normanhurst. The 35-year-old male passenger as well as the 36-year-old female driver

Anyone with information about these incidents should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 were arrested and the vehicle was searched. During the search, police allegedly located a replica pistol. Both were taken to Hornsby Police Station. The man charged with four counts of intimidation

and one count of possession of a prohibited pistol. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Hornsby Local Court on January 6, 2016. The woman was released without charge. Meanwhile, investigators are appealing for any other motorists who experienced a similar incident to come forward and report it to police. Police suspect there may have been further incidents. Media release, Nov 20, 2015 NSW Police Media

ON THE BEAT

police station where he was charged with conspiracy to murder and accessory after the fact to murder. He has been refused bail and appeared at Gosford local court on Tuesday, November 24. A 43 year old man has also been arrested and taken to Newcastle police station, charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder and detain

for advantage. He was refused bail and appeared at Newcastle local court on Tuesday, November 24. A 48 year old man was also arrested and taken to Goulburn police station where he was charged with murder, refused bail and appeared at Goulburn local court on Tuesday, November 24. Media release, Nov 24, 2015 NSW Police media

Counterfeit money seized at Narara man has been charged after counterfeit currency was seized from a home at Narara on Thursday, October 29.

In October, police from Brisbane Water Local Area Command received information about the alleged manufacture of counterfeit currency in the area. Following inquiries, detectives executed a search warrant at a home on the Pacific Highway at Narara just after 9.30am on Thursday, October 29.

During the search police located and seized counterfeit currency, along with items believed to be used in its manufacture. Police also seized an amount of methylamphetamine ‘ICE’ and suspected stolen property. A 20-year-old man was arrested nearby and taken to Gosford Police Station

where he was charged with possessing counterfeit money; begin to make counterfeit money; and goods in custody (four counts). He was bail refused to appear in Gosford Local Court on Friday, October 30. Media release, Oct 30, 2015 NSW Police media

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HEALTH

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Lantern club wins The Lantern Christmas is not always good for everyone he Red Cross is reminding the community to spare a thought, and possibly a gift, to support the work of the Red Cross this Christmas.

T Members of Avoca Beach Lantern Club

embers of the Avoca Beach Lantern Club were awarded the Sheila Ames Commemorative Trophy (The Lantern) at the Combined Lantern Clubs Annual Luncheon meeting in September 2015.

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The trophy has been presented annually since 1978-79 to the Club which has gained the greatest increase in their fundraising for Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) in each financial year. In 2014-15, that was the Avoca Beach Lantern Club said club treasurer and life member, Mr William Robertson. Avoca Beach Lantern Club raised $5,089 in 201314 and $15,054 in 2014-15. Since its inauguration in 1972, the club has raised $466,516. “It is the first time that

Avoca Beach has been able to win this trophy, and that is largely due to the highly successful luncheon we organised in October 2014 with media personality Johanna Griggs as guest speaker,” Mr Robertson added. That function was Avoca’s contribution to the 50th anniversary of the history of the establishment by RIDBC of the first Lantern Clubs as voluntary community fundraisers.

“One more gift can be a daily phone call to check on the welfare of an older or isolated person living alone,” says actress and Red Cross Ambassador Kate Ritchie. “Christmas is not always a joyful occasion and many will be lonely or separated from their families over the festive season,

“One more gift to Red Cross can be a hot meal for a homeless teenager on Christmas Eve, clean drinking water for a young child in Myanmar or support for a community trying to rebuild after a fire or flood.” Media Release, Nov 30, 2015 Bruce Wardley, The Red Cross

Dr. Mythily Ramanathan (MBBS, Dip in GP, Dip in Child Health, FRNZCGP, FRACGP) Female Family Physician/General Practitioner Practising at shop 3/112 Wyong Rd, Killarney Vale, on

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Coast Community News - December 2, 2015 - Page 17 Coa SShare

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HEALTH

Preparation for hospital major construction underway

Parliament hears about White Ribbon activities ederal member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks, has risen in support of a motion on White Ribbon Day in Parliament, and urged Central Coast residents to join the campaign to end violence against women.

Ms Wicks said domestic violence is still one of the most common crimes on the Central Coast, and some of the key statistics are alarming. “One in three girls over the age of 16 will experience physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime,” Ms Wicks explained. “Seventy eight women this year alone have died as a result of domestic and family violence,” she said. “What was once a hidden scourge in our community is now being put up in lights, so to speak, exposed for all the world to see, and people on the Central Coast are able to speak out with one voice about the fact that domestic violence and violence against women is not acceptable.” Brisbane Water Police Superintendent Danny Sullivan is an ambassador for white ribbon. Mr Sullivan said that the Brisbane Water Police have a unique relationship with Central Coast Advice, a local organisation that works towards helping victims escape the cycle of violence by providing information,

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referrals, support and case management strategies for people on the Central Coast. Mr Sullivan said: “Due to our strong focus on domestic violence as a crime and our partnership with Central Coast Advice and other agencies, we have a proven record of helping victims to escape the cycle of violence. “In fact we have one of the lowest repeat victim rates in the region.” Lucy Wicks said: “Many other community groups recently also supported the men of the Central Coast in standing up against domestic violence and I acknowledge some of the many recent events that have been held, including Erina Rotary’s white ribbon comforting crisis dinner and the Gosford white ribbon lunch held on Saturday at the Central Coast Leagues Club. “Last weekend I joined hundreds of men, women and children walking along to the Skillion at Terrigal In a strong message of solidarity and support for the White Ribbon campaign.” Mrs. Wicks said. “This strong message is permeating right throughout our community today. “It is not just about changing the culture for women today, but also for a generation tomorrow,” she said. Media release, Nov 25, 2015 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks

Jillian Skinner, Adam Crouch and Scot MacDonald inspecting work at Gosford Hospital with Lend Lease representative

ealth minister, Ms Jillian Skinner, parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald and member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, inspected construction progress on the $368 million Gosford Hospital redevelopment on November 23.

Early work is continuing on-site in preparation for major construction to commence next year. The Health Services Building is currently being refurbished to allow for the relocation of pathology, physiotherapy and neuropsychology services. Ms Skinner said this year’s NSW budget included $30 million to continue works. “I am pleased to see everything is on track for the development, which will transform the facility and deliver vital services like a new cardiovascular service, more medical imaging services including nuclear medicine, and a rehabilitation unit for the Central Coast community,” Ms Skinner said. The redevelopment will provide a new and larger emergency department and intensive care unit. Maternity services will

SMILE AGAIN!

increase to include more beds, birthing rooms and special care nursery cots. The redesigned hospital will include a new main entrance off Showground Road instead of Holden Street which is very steep, as well as more open space, dedicated patient lifts and improved navigation around the hospital. It will also include a new multi-storey car park and a relocated helipad on top of

the main building. Mr MacDonald and Mr Crouch announced the project’s early contractor involvement tender to Lend Lease in October and were impressed with the progress made so far. Mr MacDonald said: “Lend Lease is working closely with Health Infrastructure and the Central Coast Local Health District to prepare the site for main works construction

and to finalise the design documentation.” Mr Crouch said: “The Gosford Hospital redevelopment is an important project for the Central Coast.” More than 300 staff have been relocated to other parts of the hospital campus or other Central Coast Local Health District facilities over the past six months to enable preparation for demolition of some existing buildings. Media release, Nov 23, 2015 Blake Hardy, Office of Jillian Skinner

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EDUCATION

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Year 10 students make a difference

Narara win school concert band Gold Award

St Phillips Year 10 students working at Coast Shelter

AD Week has been all-consuming for year 10 students at St Phillip’s Christian College recently.

During the course of Making A Difference Week, year 10 students have been exposed to a number of different activities including: working at Coast Shelter and serving the patrons lunch; playing games with the students from the nearby Glenvale School;

and visiting the elderly at the Orana aged care facility in Point Clare. They have also taken part in a Driver’s Education program. Year 10 boys have played sport against the detainees in the Baxter Juvenile Detention Centre and the

his year’s Central Coast Conservatorium Gold Award for School Concert Band went to the Narara Public School Band which is conducted by creative arts teacher Ms Julia Brennan.

The Conservatorium held its annual Band Festival at Gosford High School on Saturday, November 21. Bands from eight Central Coast schools performed, including Valley View Public School, Erina Heights Public School, Lisarow Public School, Narara Public School, St Philips Christian College, and Terrigal Public School. The Conservatorium runs an extensive band program in schools with experienced teachers from their teaching staff attending schools throughout the week for combined band practice as well as instrumental

tutorials. Mr Phillip Rutherford, who manages the Schools Program for the Conservatorium said: “The students really enjoy the day and look forward to a combined performance for their friends and family. “It can be quite competitive, but it’s all in good fun,” Mr Rutherford said. The results delivered by adjudicator, Mr John Kellaway, himself a musician who serves on the management board of the Conservatorium, reflected a year of hard work and dedication on the part of the

teachers and the students. Mr Kellaway has been a lecturer in music (specialising in trumpet) at the University of Newcastle for over 25 years, so is well qualified to adjudicate the band festival competition. The Silver Award for Concert Band went to St John the Baptist, with Bronze to St Philips Christian School. In the Training Band category, Gold went to Erina Heights Public School, Silver to St John the Baptist and Bronze to Valley View. Email, Nov 26, 2015 Lisa Kelly, Central Coast Conservatorium

girls had a guest speaker from Destiny Rescue. They have also learned more about the Refugee crisis throughout the world. Newsletter, Nov 27, 2015 Cameron Johnston, St Phillips College

John Kellaway presents the Gold Award to members of Narara Public School Concert Band Alison Littlejohn and Connor Gyorffy

Two high schools benefit from additional Gonski funding osford High School and Henry Kendall High School will receive $250,000 in additional funding in 2016, made possible by NSW being the first state to sign the Gonski agreement.

Parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald MLC and member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch MP announced the needsbased funding stating that Central Coast schools would receive $7.56 million in funds for 2016. “This substantial ongoing investment in public education is fantastic news for our schools, and will further boost their efforts to deliver improved student results,” Mr MacDonald said. Examples of local needs-

based funding allocations include Henry Kendall High School, which will receive $540,281, an increase of $129,495 on 2015; and Gosford High School, which will receive $341,756, an increase of $121,996 on 2015. “This needs-based funding can be used in a variety of ways, including employing speech pathologists or specialist teachers to target learning areas,” Mr MacDonald said. Through the NSW Government’s Local Schools, Local Decisions

reform, principals in all NSW public schools are making local decisions on how to use these funds to improve student outcomes. As a result of NSW signing up to the Gonski agreement, the NSW Government has also been able to deliver resources to improve the quality of teaching, provide more school counsellors and improve support for beginning teachers. Media release, Oct 21, 2015 Mitchell Cutting, Office of Scot MacDonald MLC

Coast Community News - December 2, 2015 - Page 19 Coa SShare

Emma is best Young Entrepreneur

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/education

EDUCATION

Free beach safety lessons for school students

s Emma Hassell of St Philips Christian College, Gosford, placed first in the 2015 Wild Fig Young Entrepreneur Support (YES) Awards on Tuesday, November 24.

Ms Hassell was awarded for her creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and passion with her creation of iParty. iParty is an innovative application that targets busy parents and provides a full service for parties and events, from suggesting themes and activities through to ordering food, selecting the venue, decorations and all other party essentials. Guest judge, Ms Kerry Ruffels said: “Emma’s business plan was well considered with good attention to the user experience of the app and a slightly better than normal

consideration for start-up cash and the needs of the target market.” As a result of Ms Hassell placing first, St Philips Christian College, Gosford, will receive $1,000 worth of Apple products, donated by Forsythes Recruitment, with her teacher receiving a complimentary dinner for two at L’Isle de France, Terrigal. Chairman of the YES Awards Committee Mr Bruce Cottrill said: “This awards program is not intended as an academic award. “It rewards creativity, communication and passion.

“Each year we have seen a steady improvement in both quality of communication and passion for the business solution that students are trying to sell.” Mr Cottrill said. Wild Fig Service Alliance is a not for profit organisation consisting of members representing a broad range of established businesses on the Central Coast who are collectively focused on improving service standards within their own businesses and the local community. Media release, Nov 24, 2015 Phaedra Pym, A Way with Words

Participants in free beach safety lessons at Terrigal with member for Terrigal Mr Adam Crouch and Minister for Emergency Services Mr David Elliot

Kincumber and Erina Heights win Environmental School of the Year award

osford Council’s Greenhouse Program Awards have once again unearthed the most environmentally sustainable primary schools in the region.

Now in its 27th year, the awards acknowledge schools and students who introduce a range of waste reduction and sustainability initiatives to boost environmental awareness. Kincumber, Erina Heights and Pretty Beach Public Schools took out the 2015 Environmental School of the Year award in the large, medium and small school categories consecutively, outperforming more than 22 schools from throughout the region.

Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna, said he was impressed by the wide range of initiatives introduced and run by students and staff. “Many have initiatives ranging from worm farming and composting, to recycling and the removal of packaging and unnecessary waste in canteens,” Mr McKinna said. “These schools are setting the standards for environmental innovation in the region. “Council’s continued

support of this program is part of our strategy for encouraging environmental excellence and long term sustainability in the region. The theme for the 2015 awards was ‘Zero Waste = 7 R’s’, which encourages students and staff to introduce initiatives which explores ways to reduce, return, reuse, repair, refill, rot or refuse waste,” Mr McKinna said. Media release, Nov 27, 2015 Gosford Council media

For FITNESS, FUN and FRIENDSHIP GOSFORD SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCERS holds a class every Wednesday from 7 to 10pm at the Church of Christ Hall, Henry Parry Drive, Wyoming

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entral Coast school students are receiving free beach safety lessons thanks to a $345,000 election commitment to Central Coast Surf Life Saving.

The NSW Government grant has been used to upgrade technology and facilitate education programs in schools and on the beach aimed at reducing drowning deaths. Minister for Emergency Services, Mr David Elliott, said it was of paramount importance that young Australians are educated in surf safety.

“Central Coast lifesavers do a fantastic job in helping keep swimmers safe and this grant has allowed them to provide a program tailored to school students on the Coast, free of charge,” Mr Elliott said. Rip awareness and summer surf programs are also planned. “The grant was also used to purchase essential

equipment such as digital radios and portable PAs to assist lifesavers with growing public demand at the Central Coast’s beautiful beaches,” said the Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch. Media release, Nov 9, 2015 Debra Wales, Office of Adam Crouch

OUT&ABOUT

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Scout group celebrates 60 years

Coast Shelter provided 49,000 overnight beds and 50,000 meals resident of Coast Shelter, Gavin Shepherd has thanked the staff and volunteers who have contributed to providing more than 50,000 meals and 49,000 overnight beds to 693 homeless men, woman and children, during the Annual Report to Coast Shelter’s AGM.

The First Avoca Scout Group turns 60

he 1st Avoca Beach Scout Group is proud to announce its upcoming 60th birthday celebrations at its Avoca Beach Hall, on December 13.

Scouts young and old will come from all over the region to celebrate their experiences with the event including: Joey, Cub, Scout, Venturer and Rover activities for families to enjoy.

There will be 60 years’ worth of scouting memorabilia on display in the hall, speeches from scouting representatives and local dignitaries, family entertainment, sausage

sizzle lunch and a birthday cake will be provided. 1st Avoca Beach Scout Group is inviting all past, present and future scouts or anyone else who has an interest in 1st Avoca to join

them in their celebrations on the day. “This is very much a local community event and everyone is welcome”, event organiser Cara Taylor said. Media release, Nov 20, 2015 Cara Taylor, 1st Avoca Beach Scouts

“Although at Coast Shelter we are not able to accommodate every homeless person who comes to us for assistance, we continually seek additional accommodation to help wherever we can,” Executive Officer of Coast Shelter Laurie Maher said. “The numbers of people needing our assistance continues to increase, and in an attempt to address the need, Coast Shelter has continued its advocacy for more affordable housing.” Mr Maher said. Maher reported that, now having the management of the three Women and Children’s Refuges on the Central Coast as well, the service had concentrated on providing support and assistance to women and children fleeing domestic violence. “It’s a horrendous situation, “The numbers of women

and children abused in domestic situations is mind boggling and strategies have to be focused on meeting the needs of victims,” he said. Coast Shelter has been able to increase to amount of crisis accommodation available to women and children and has now funded an educational program for local high schools and employed support staff to provide after-hours assistance to women and children who are not able to be accommodated in its refuges. “Domestic violence is a whole of community responsibility,” Mr Shepherd said “And Coast Shelter is proud to take a proactive approach to addressing this problem, here on the Central Coast.” Media Release, Nov 27, 2015 Laurie Maher, Coast Shelter

Two new exhibitions at Regional Gallery osford Council will open two new exhibitions at the Gosford Regional Gallery in December.

The Australian Watercolour Institute’s 92nd annual exhibition will run from Saturday, December 5 until Sunday, January 31, 2016. Regarded as Australia’s oldest and most prestigious watercolour society, this latest exhibition from the Institute features traditional and contemporary works

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by artists: Rick Amor, John Olsen, Tim Storrier, Wendy Sharpe, Suzanne Archer and Jocelyn Maughan. ‘Well Worn’ which celebrates the work of three Australian female artists: Leonie Andrews, Mandy Robinson and Eleanor Jane Robinson, will also be on display between Saturday December 5 and January

31, 2016. This exhibition explores the relationship between clothing, identity and memory, and showcases various techniques including stitching, assemblage, photography and printing. Media release, Nov 27, 2015 Gosford Council Media

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OUT&ABOUT

Comfort in Crisis panel held

Gumnuts mums becoming water babies osford Gumnuts Playgroup, an outreach program of Gosford Uniting Church, has started its first swimming program for mothers who are members of the group.

Eight mothers are participating in the nine week program at Gosford Olympic Pool with many of them never having experienced being in water higher than their knees, or even floating in water. Children are also

welcome in the grounds of the pool and are under the close supervision of Gumnut’s Playgroup coordinator and volunteers at all times. Gosford Uniting Church hopes to further expand the program in 2016 with a joint

partnership with Gosford Swimming Pool instructors. The swimming program takes place every Thursday after the morning playgroup session. Email, Nov 13, 2015 Robyn Tait, Gumnuts Playgroup

The Rotary Club of Erina Comfort in Crisis panel for White Ribbon Day

T Under 18s dance party in Gosford

he Youth Arts Warehouse in partnership with Gosford Police will host ROAR, an under 18s dance party, at the Youth Arts Warehouse, Gosford on December 4.

The goal of ROAR is to provide a fun and a regular night out for young people on the Coast in a safe setting. The first ROAR will

feature up and coming DJ Standing Ovation, will have a vertical bungee jump, prizes and giveaways and includes a free hotdog and slushy in entry price.

The event is also fully supervised by Gosford Police. Media release, Nov 17, 2015 Youth Arts Warehouse

he Rotary Club of Erina’s ‘Comfort in Crisis’ panel, held in conjunction with White Ribbon Day on November 17, successfully collected personal care items for victims of domestic violence.

The panel-style forum had representatives from the Salvation Army, Coast Shelter, Staying Home Leaving Violence and Brisbane Water Area Command. The panel was overseen by ABC Local Radio’s Mr Scott Levi and provided a platform for the community to learn from experts working in the field of domestic violence and their perspectives on issues facing the Central Coast.

Questions to the panel ranged from how victims of domestic violence can access a refuge, how the police are trained to respond to domestic violence, the need to educate men in the community that violence against women is not acceptable and the desperate shortage of affordable accommodation, both short and longer term, for victims. Many who attended brought along gifts of

personal items such as toothbrushes, deodorants, soaps and moisturisers for women who find themselves in a refuge with nothing of their own. Personal goods and raffle prizes were donated by East Gosford Pharmacy, Blooms Erina Fair and Priceline Woy Woy. Media release, Nov 20, 2015 Annona Pearse, Rotary Club of Erina

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Christmas Carols at Wyoming

arols by the Creek will be held on Thursday, December 10, at Wyoming Community Centre. The event will begin at 6pm with a visit from Santa

at 6:30pm and carols from 7pm. Carols performed on the night will be jazz band inspired. Food and drinks will be available. Entry is free and those

attending are reminded that the event is held at an alcohol and smoke free venue. Media release, 24 Nov 2015 Lyn Martin, Wyoming Community Centre

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OUT&ABOUT

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Street Piano Project commences in Mann St

Carols on Christmas Eve

Family Christmas Eve Carol Night will be held at Kibble Park, Gosford.

The event will commence at 6:30pm with children’s games. Traditional carols led by the Gosford City Brass

Band will run from 7pm to 9pm with Santa attending at the end of the event. Entry to the event is free with all families welcome.

Email, 25 Nov 2015 Greg Woolnough, Gosford Uniting Church

Little Free Libraries in Gosford City

Many locals enjoyed using the piano in Mann St

ann St, Gosford was the first site of Gosford Business Improvement District Inc’s (GBID) Street Piano Project on November 18.

The project was entirely community sourced and utilised from the donation of the piano to its customisation from the Musicians Making a Difference organisation. The trolley system used to move the piano from site to site was made by the members of the Gosford Mens’ Shed.

Project brainchild Ms Edwina Nikora said it was truly multi-generational collaboration that would give something unqiue back to Gosford. “So when you are walking around the Gosford CBD, keep a look out for our amazing piano. “And if you care to tickle

the ivories, feel free to jump on and play. “To find the piano, jump on the GBID Facebook page,” GBID’s Ms Kim Leecroft said. Media release, Nov 18, 2015 Kim Leecroft, GBID Development Officer

A little free library

elp yourself to a book from one of Gosford Library Service’s Little Free Libraries.

Little Free Libraries can be found around the world in parks, playgrounds, at bus stops, in suburban streets and now in Gosford City. Little Free Libraries are located in Gosford’s

Musicians of all ages enjoyed the Street Piano's first appearance on Mann St

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Kibble Park, the Gosford Smart Work Hub and also in the Gosford Hospital Emergency Department. Open the door to these tiny libraries and you will find a range of children’s picture books, novels and

magazines. Feel free to take one to read and enjoy, then return it when you are finished for others to enjoy. Media release, Nov 27, 2015 Gosford Council media

Coast Community News - December 2, 2015 - Page 23 SShare

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OUT&ABOUT

Elaskia win Battle of the Bands grand final

The Flaming Arrows

Winners are grinners at this year's Battle of the Bands

Stranger than Paradise

he Hub Erina presented the Battle of the Bands grand final on Friday, November, 20.

Young bands from the Central Coast and as far away as Newcastle competed in a series of heats to battle for a spot in the grand final on the Hub Erina Youth Entertainment Venue stage. The bumper lineup included youth bands Flaming Arrows, WSA, Slingshot, Loose Connections, Stranger Than Paradise and Elaskia; each band having played their three best songs. The first place prize went to Elaskia; a three piece band featuring Kelly Griffith on vocals and keys, Phillip Leason on percussion and keys, and Louis Mayhew on the electric guitar. Elaskia won $2,500 to spend at Macron Music, Erina. The runners up prize of $1,500 to spend at Macron Music was awarded to Toby Wells, Jake Bateman, Eli Gibbons and Tom Bastick of Stranger than Paradise.

Elaskia

Slingshot

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Elaskia received the Grove Studioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Harrison Studio single package, and includes one day of recording with a producer, mixing and mastering. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A huge thank you for the support of Macron Music and The Grove Studios in supporting the Hub Erinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Battle of the Bands and the development of the flourishing live music scene on the Central Coast,â&#x20AC;? youth development worker, Ms Jennifer Dias said.

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Slingshot finished in third place, with Dylan Butler, Nathan Murray and Troy Lowe winning $750 to also spend at Macron Music. The final prize from Macron Music was $250 awarded to The Flaming Arrows, who received an encouragement prize. The Grove Studios also awarded prizes which gave the recipients the opportunity of recording time in the studios. Stanger than Paradise received a two-day studio package with a producer, tracks mixed and mastered.

Houses, Karin Krebs, 2015. Photo: Chris Allen Gosford Regional Gallery is proudly owned and operated by Gosford City Council. Printed by Gosford City Council 49 Mann St Gosford, NSW 2250, November 2015

02 4304 5740 - 0431 112 426 1300 221 586 www.solaray.com.au

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS DIRECTORY COMMUNITY GROUPS ABC - “The Friends” Support group for Public Broadcaster. Aims. safeguard ABC’s independence, funding, & standards. Meetings through the year + social afternoons Well-known guest speakers 4341 5170 www.fabcnsw.org.au

Central Coast Family History Society Inc. Resources, information & advice to study your family’s history. 1st Sat 1pm Lions Community Hall, 8 Russell Drysdale St, E. Gosford. www.centralcoastfhs.org.au

4324 5164 Central Coast Over 30s Social Group Inc We offer social contact, entertainment events & new friendships for people in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s & 60’s etc. Our events range from; Live Music, House Parties, Restaurant Nights, BBQ’s/ Picnics, Trips Away & lots more - For a FREE calendar call call 0422 243 101 or

Page 24 - Coast Community News - December 2, 2015 Share

Koolewong, Point Clare & Tascott Progress Association Aims to provide resources for communication. Special guests, community involvement, heritage, diversity, education, safety and small business opportunities. Point Clare Community Hall 2nd Thurs Bi Monthly. 0412 462 218

COMMUNITY CENTRES Gosford 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre Handicraft, Painting, Knitting, Tai Chi, Scrabble, Darts, Table Tennis, Indoor Bowls, Patchwork, Yoga, Fitness, Gentle Swimming, Line Dancing, Cards, Variety Social, Womens Group, Zumba, Crochet, Computers 4304 7065 Gosford-Narara Neighbourhood Centre School Holiday activities, playgroup, multicultural programs, community activities - Rooms for Hire

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

and provide support to volunteers and community organisations. We also provide training to volunteers and managers of volunteers Information Sessions “Bridge to Volunteering” Held regularly across the Central Coast 4329 7122 recruit@volcc.org.au

Wyoming Community Centre Programs and activities incl. Yoga & Zumba classes, Art and Craft classes, Playgroup & Vacation Care, Support groups, Book Club, Community Garden, Rooms for Hire, Work Development Orders, Centrelink Volunteer hours 4323 7483 reception@wyomingcc.org.au

HEALTH GROUPS Alcoholics Anonymous meet every Wed 1230pm Someone cares Anglican Church 3 Mann St Gosford 4323 3890

Help with shopping and cooking classes 4363 7111 Medusa Moves Is a gentle movement class catering for people with Parkinson’s Disease for Parkinsons’s sufferers & over 50s, stretching, guided dance moves & cuppa all for a gold coin donation. 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the months at The Rhythm Hut Faunce St Gosford 0439 856 554 0417 223 543 ParaQuad Specialist healthcare products delivered to your door, for all your continence, wound care and respiratory and nutrition requirements Professional Clinic Support available 1300 886 601 www.brightsky.com.au

HISTORY GROUPS Brisbane Water Historical Society • Coach tours • School educational tours • Annual Street Stalls • Participation in History Heritage Week Celebration Margaret Pearce 4325 2270

Better Hearing Australia Central Coast Hearing loss management cco30s@live.com.au Support and educational group Green Point Community 7 groups across the coast Centre Central Coast Pension & Welfare Officer Network Provides information and referral Providing practical experience and confidence services, a meeting place for This group of Volunteers, Fellowship of First Learn the benefits to hearing community groups, OOSH trained by DVA, to look after Fleeters Central Coast aids Better hearing cave, exercize classes, school servicemen & women, meets at For anyone interested in early Australia Central Coast Ourimbah RSL Club at 10:30am holiday programs, playgroup, history or early family histories. 4321 0275 arts & craft, room hire, and 2nd Fri - Feb to Nov Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. www.centralcoast.betterhearingaustralia. much more. 4322 1505 Wyong RSL Club 2nd Sat org.au 4367 7591 10:30am Central Coast 50+ Singles 4323 1849 Central Coast Parkinson’s Kariong Neighbourhood Social Group Support Group Centre Invites Ladies & Gents for MUSIC We aim to help individuals and ‘KNC provides the local dinner, dancing - BBQs & their families better manage community with a meeting Socialising each w/e. Brisbane Water Brass living with Parkinson’s Disease Our friendly group can be place and hub for groups, Brass Band entertainment Guest speakers are a regular contacted for our monthly services and information. for the community playing programme all areas of the feature of our meetings. Regular activities include Early all types of popular music coast 2nd Tue - 1.30pm childhood clinic, free family Rehearsal every Tuesday 4396 3640 1800 644 189 law advice, active playgroup, 7.30pm-10pm 0437 699 366 computer classes, OOSH 0419 274 012 50pssg@gmail.com Central Coast Prostate services, fitness classes, arts Cancer Support Group & crafts, over 50’s friendship JAZZLEAGUE Gosford Politics (Gosford) group, youth group, social Live Jazz Bands - Come to in the Pub Meet last Friday Month groups and many more listen, Come to dance Come and solve the problems Terrigal Uniting Church services. We also have an Free - Every Sun of the world over a friendly 380 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal extensive resource and DVD Central Coast Leagues Club drink and a bite to eat. Guest 9.30am to 12 noon library for members to borrow. Gosford 2-5pm speakers. 4367 9600 KNC membership starts at only www.jazzleague.net First Thurs 6pm Dutton’s Tavern www.pcfa.org.au $5 per year. 161 Mann St, Gosford 4340 1724 Soundwaves 0438 363 108 Central Coast Prostate wwww.knc.net.au Men’s acapella 4 part harmony Cancer Support Group chorus - all ages 7pm Mon Rotary Club of (Wyong) Kincumber Central Coast Leagues Club Gosford North Meet last Monday Month Neighbourhood Centre Kieran - 0407 267 675 A very active community Toukley RSL Club • Exercise classes khutton58@gmail.com minded club with many projects • Yoga for adults and children Homes Ave Toukley jbthomson51@gmail.com focussed on assisting youth. • Community eco garden 10.00am to 12 noon If you are keen to support our • Room hire 4356 9300 Sydney Welsh Choir great projects, www.pcfa.org.au • Health support groups Cultural not for profit get involved with our fun club or • Counselling organisation performing at discuss joining, please contact • After school activities Dying with Dignity NSW, concerts and various venues to Graham Black 4363 1044 Central Coast promote the Welsh culture with 0410 509 071, www.kincumber.nsw.au Working to give those our singing, also performing for grahamblack@iprimus.com.au suffering unrelievedly from charity fund raising. Mingaletta Aboriginal terminal or incurable illness 4369 3378 Rotary Club of Torres Strait Islander the legal right to request & Kariong/Somersby Corporation receive medical help to die Tempo Terrific Community International service club The Mingaletta community Quarterly Meetings Showband improves lives of communities centre provides its members 4369 8053 Active showband available in Australia and overseas. and other community groups a to play at your community Fun-filled activities, fellowship meeting place and referal hub Gambling Solutions function. Wide ranging and friendship breakfasts. Phillip for education, health, well-being Gambling help counsellors repertuore. Always seeking new House, 21 Old Mount Penang and cultural programs through provide free, confidential, members, come and join us Rd (opp Shell) - Fri 7:15am consultative services and professional service to and have fun with music. 4340 4529 community programs. gamblers, family and friends. Follow us on Facebook kersuebay@philliphouse.com.au Mon-Fri 9am 4pm Available Woy Woy, Kincumber, Every Monday 5pm to 7pm 6 Sydney Ave Umina Gosford, The Entrance. Kincumber Uniting Church Seniors Computer 4342 7515 4344 7992 4365 4414 Club Central Coast Inc. admin@mingaletta.com.au www.tempoterrific.com Beginners Class PC or Mac, tempoterrific@live.com GROW - Grow Groups are Mon or Tues. Other Classes Terrigal Fifty Plus Leisure small friendly groups formed to Mon to Fri, 10am to 12 and Learning Centre learn how to overcome anxiety, Tuggerah Lakes Showband md or 1pm to 3pm. Mthly Regular events Fitness, Yoga, depression, and loneliness An enthusiastic group of people Meeting with Guest Speaker, Handicrafts, Mah jong, Bridge, and improve mental health & who play brass instruments, 1st Monday of month. All at Line dancing,Tai chi, Painting, well-being. Weekly meetings meet every Tuesday and Kincumber Neighbourhood Bush walking, Indoor bowls, at Bateau Bay, Woy Woy and Thursday to rehearse their Centre. Information Zumba, Computer and Ipad a new group starting at Wyong crowd-pleasing music and play 02 4369 5692 courses, Bingo, Concerts on 1st soon. Grow is anonymous, free at community events and 3rd Thursday of month. and open to all. Bring a support Park Rd Band Hall U3A Central Coast Duffy Road Terrigal person if you like. Details 1800 Tues 7.30pm Thur 6.30pm Mature age people are invited Joan 4384 5152 558 268 or 0407 406 669 to participate in a wide range of terrigal50plus@outlook.com www.grow.org.au courses to broaden the mind and make new friends Volunteering Meals on Wheels 0408 704 701 Central Coast Meals on Wheels www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au Refer potential volunteers PLAYGROUP Delicious meals delivered free to community organisations Join us for a midday meal admin@gnnc.com.au

4329 4477

Gosford Gumnuts Playgroup Parents and children meet socially for the parents to make friends and learn more about parenting and the children to have fun and play together. 0 to 5 yrs Wednesday 10am-12noon Thursday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-12noon and 1.30pm-3pm Gosford Uniting Church Hall 129 Donnison St Gosford 4325 3695 gumnutsguc@gmail.com

POLITICAL PARTY Central Coast Greens Branch of Greens NSW, active regarding ecological sustainability, social and economic justice, peace and non-violence, grassroots democracy and getting elected 3rd Thur centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au centralcoastgreens@gmail.com

Australian Labor Party Ourimbah/ Narara Branch Discussion/action community issues - 3 levels of Government Niagara Park Primary School 7.30pm 1st Mon each month 0410 309 494 kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com

Politics in the Pub Central Coast Discussion of important political, social, economic, education, land philosophy issues in a non partisan manner - 4th Thur every month besides Dec

Biz Plus Networking Association Attention business owners - are you keen to grow your business and in the process build worthwhile relationships? Then why not attend a Biz Networking breakfast? Every Thur 7:15am - 9am Erina Leagues Club Geoff Neilson network@bizplus.com.au

CCLC Bridge Club Duplicate Bridge-partner not required for most sessions. Central Coast Leagues Club 12.30pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri Sat 1.30pm Wed 7.15pm Mon 4323 3456 www.cclcbridgeclub.asn.au cclcbridgeclub@westnet.com.au

Central Coast Art Society Lectures, demonstrations and discussion. Weekly paintouts Tuesdays 4349 5860 for locations Workshops - 4363 1156 9.30am - 12.30pm 1st and 3rd Wed Social Meetings 1.30pm 4th Wed Gosford City Arts Centre. 4325 1420

Empowering women of all ages in the areas of work, education, well-being and friendship. All women welcome to attend monthly dinner meetings. Be enlightened. $40 covers two course meal and speaker. Community transport available to and from centre Chris Levis 0438 989 199 bpwcentralcoast@hotmail.com www.bpw.com.au/central-coast

Brisbane Water Evening View Club Social activities, outings and functions monthly - new members welcome Tours, Dinners, Lunches, Theatre/Cinema, fashion parades Dinner meeting with guest speaker 4th Tues each month 4325 1688 or 0466 513 600 Country Women’s Association (CWA) Quilting, patchwork, spinning, knitting, crochet and more 9-2pm Every Fri, Opposite Terrigal Bowling Club 4385 9503 or 4384 3696

publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au

Central Coast Cake Decorators Guild Sugarcraft demonstrations conversation and lunch Visitors welcome 4th Sat - 10am Walamba 50+ leisure and Learning Centre Gosford 4382 6236 lsroe@bigpond.com.au

Gosford RSL Ladies Indoor Bowls Social indoor bowls Frid 9am - 12pm RSL Club 4344 5812 or 0412 773 441 Gosford RSL Sub-branch Women’s Auxiliary Raise money for the welfare of veterans and their families. RSL Club West Gosford 4th Mon 2pm 4323 7336

Central Coast Handweavers, Spinners and Textile Arts Guild Inner Wheel Club Spinning and weaving, of Terrigal patchwork and quilting, felting All Probus clubs have and other fibre and fabric crafts, Share friendship, social activities interesting guest speakers, friendly atmosphere, make new community quilting bees - Day as well as fundraising for local, national and international and Night Groups friends, fellowship, intellectual projects. 3rd Mon, 12noon 4325 4743 stimulus, and social activities. www.cottagecrafts.net.au Terrigal 50+ leisure centre, Duffy Road Terrigal Probus Club of Avoca Central Coast Lapidary 4369 0302 - 4384 1490 10.15am 3rd Mon Avoca Beach terigalinnerwheel@gmail.com Club Minerals & Gems Bowling Club Learn silverwork, Cabochons, www.probussouthpacific.org/microsites/ Kincumber View Club Faceting, Enamelling, Stone avocabeach For ladies looking for a place Field-trips & fossicking 4382 3372 to make friends. Interesting Weekly Workshops PUBLIC SPEAKING speakers, lunch, bus trips, Tues and Thurs 830am-230pm movie days and home Thurs evening 6-10pm functions. 4th Tues Davistown 10 Ourimbah Creek Rd Develop confidence by RSL Club 11am Ourimbah improving your speaking skills. 4390 2527 4362 2246 Meetings are entertaining and educational. Central Coast Women’s CCLC Indoor Bowls Health Centre Ladies - Mon 10am Brisbane Waters Breakfast We offer counseling, Mixed Social - Mon & Wed 7pm Toastmasters Club therapeutic and social groups, 2nd & 4th Sundays 1.30pm 8:30am-10:30am workshops, domestic violence 4363 2360 or 0403 994 313 2nd and Last Sat each month and abuse issues. All services - The Hive and Library Erina are provided by women for Fellowship of Shopping Centre women Australian Writers 0459 240 183 4324 2533 A friendly and supportive group www.cccwhc.com.au for new and old writers. Gives Blue Gum Flat encouragement and critique Toastmasters Soroptimist International of your work. Workshops and Mthly meetings 1st and 3rd Brisbane Water competitions Mon 7.15-9.30pm Soroptimists speak for women 10am 3rd Sun Ourimbah RSL and girls of all nations through Conference room Gosford Hotel 4362 7227 awareness advocacy and 4363 2627 action by supporting national SERVICE GROUPS centralcoastfaw@live.com and international programs 2nd Thur 6:45pm - Breakers National Parks Association Lions Club of Woy Woy Country Club, Dover Rd Central Coast 1st and 3rd Mon. Woy Woy Wamberal Twice weekly bush walks on the Leagues Club 4367 6331 Central Coast and further afield, 0478 959 895 sibrisbanewater@siswp.org Make new friends and have fun varying distances and grades of while serving your community. difficulty. Explore, enjoy scenery, WOWGIRLS Wave fauna, floral, history. Keep fit of Wisdom Inc and make friends. Northern Settlement WOWGIRLS Wave of Wisdom 4389 4423 or 4332 7378 Services - Volunteers connects women and local Volunteers needed for friendly businesses around a common Spirituality in the Pub visits to the elderly in nursing theme of well-being. to share A forum with Q&A and two homes. wisdom and explore life’s People with a second language speakers prompt conversations potential. within the community & to encouraged to apply. Regular Powwows, WOW encourage dialogue about Training support provided Wisdom gatherings, WOW spirituality. 4334 3877 days and WOW courses check cvscc@nsservices.com.au 1st Tues March to October our website for activities. 2nd Tues November www.wowgirls.com.au SPECIAL INTEREST 7.30 to 9pm info@wowgirls.com.au Grange Hotel Wyoming Brisbane Water 4328 2596 - 0498 588 261 Caravan Club located on the Central Coast and looking for new members

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Veterans, poets, artists and photographers sought rt Studios Co-operative, based in Mann St Gosford, is currently seeking expressions of interest from poets and artists to participate in the 2016 Australian Spirit Project.

Australian Spirit is a commemorative community project honouring local returned service personnel through both written and visual arts. The Australian Spirit project does not glorify war but honours those who have served our country. Anzac Day 2015 was the launch of the 2015 project that involved artists, poets and photographers from the Central Coast teaming up with local veterans to tell their story in a profoundly moving project titled Australian Spirit. Twelve veterans volunteered to tell their stories which artists’ interpreted through portraitures, sculpture, poetry and photography, which were then displayed

at RSLs and public places prior to, and on, ANZAC Day 2015. A magazine (Australian Spirit) was published that captured these veterans’ stories as translated by these artists and poets. “Australian Spirit is a document that will become a timeless reference for generations to come,” Art Studio Co-operatives, Ms Leasha Craig said. “Veterans, artists and poets are needed for this valuable project over the next three years. “If you are an artist, poet or veteran that wants your story told, then please visit the Art Studios Cooperative website. “We want you to join in our success in commemorating our veterans on the Central

Coast. “If you are a poet or an artist in any medium, get in touch, as applications will be finalised soon. “We would also like to invite students in years 11 and 12 to apply to participate as poets, artists and photographers. “If you are a veteran and a member of the RSL please contact your sub-branch and express your interest or you can contact us directly by phone or email,” she said. The Australian Spirit project was made possible thanks to Gosford Council’s 2015 Community Funding Program. Media release, Oct 21, 2015 Leasha Craig, Art Studios Co-operative

The Gosford Diary For events in post code areas 2250, 2260 and 2251

If you’ve got something happening in Gosford LGA area over the next few weeks, let us know about it and we’ll list it here for you, for free. Contact details are on page 2.

See the Peninsula News for events in post code areas 2256 & 2257 and the Wyong Regional Chronicle for events in post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 & 2263

Wednesday, Dec 2 Jaggernaut, new work by Karen Bloomfield at the Art Studios Cooperative, Mann St North Gosford until Dec 6 Central Coast Potters Society Christmas Exhibition and Sale, community gallery, Gosford Regional Art Gallery daily from 9:30am to 4:00pm until Dec 9

Thursday, Dec 3 Central Coast Mariners versus Melbourne City, Central Coast Stadium, 8:00pm kick off Evening Christmas story time and Christmas carols, Erina Library, 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Mt Penang Gardens, with over 150 stalls, live entertainment, food and Christmas goodies, 9:00am to 2:00pm Gosford Farmers Market, The Entertainment Grounds, Gosford from 8:00am til 1:00pm

Disco Ability, for children aged 5 to 13, Kariong Neighbourhood Centre, 7:00pm to 9:00pm The Surfaced Sessions showcase of emerging Central Coast talent, The Rhythm Hut, Faunce St Gosford from 6:00pm

Tuesday, Dec 8

Saturday, Dec 12

Story time with Santa and Christmas songs, Erina library, 10:30am Final Gosford Council meeting for 2015, at Gosford Council chambers Mann St Gosford from 6:45pm

KaBoom Rhythm Hut drumming student class spectacular, Rhythm Hut, Faunce St Gosford from 4:00pm

Wednesday, Dec 9

Friday, Dec 4

Story time with Santa and Christmas songs, Kincumber library, 10:30am

Live From Five, Kibble Park Gosford, from 5:00pm

Thursday, Dec 10

Saturday, Dec 5 The Rhythm Hut Christmas Party 135 Faunce St Gosford, from 6:30pm Paint the Heart community protest, Central Coast Leagues Club Oval, 4:00pm to 6:00pm Carboot Sale, 2154 Wisemans Ferry Rd, Mangrove Mountain, 8:00am to 1:00pm

Sunday, Dec 6 The

Christmas

Fair,

Carols by the Creek, 147 maidens Brush Rd, Wyoming from 6:00pm Youth Arts Warehouse Playwrites program presents A Town of Sins, 123 Donnison St, 7:00pm

Sunday, Dec 13 An afternoon with Burnside, McGorry and Bower and the premier of Paeezah Zendegi, Gosford Anglican Church, 3:00pm to 5:00pm, bookings essential Christmas for the Children, 2154 Wisemans Ferry Rd, Mangrove Mountain, 9:30am

Monday, Dec 14 Story time with Santa and Christmas songs at Gosford library, 10:30am

Friday, Dec 11

Sunday,

Grand Final of Sea FM Discovered at The Hub Erina from 6:30pm Community Christmas Lunch, Kariong Neighbourhood Centre, 1o Langford Dve Kariong, 11:00am to 2:00pm Kariong Christmas

Organise Markets, Mangrove Mountain Hall

Dec

Tuesday, Dec 24 Family Christmas Eve carols night in Kibble Park, Gosford 6:30pm to 9:00pm

OUT&ABOUT

Highland Dance CD produced locally for world-wide use ouglas McFarland has announced the official commencement of his sophomore album ‘Rhythm of the Dancer’, a Highland Dance CD produced by Central Coast based entertainment company, JC Entertainment.

Mr McFarland released his debut album ‘Good Times with the Wilson’ in 2007. The recording was dedicated to the memory of Central Coast police officer, Gordy Wlson, who was killed while on duty. This new series of music from piper and highland dancer Douglas McFarland includes all the essentials plus some added inspiration for those wanting to perform Highland and Scottish National dancing to the best of their ability. Mr McFarland said he was thrilled to be back in the studio with his bagpipes recording music that will motivate and drive dancers of today. “Since releasing my first album in 2007, I have had many, many requests for an expanded version. “The Rhythm of the Dancer series will cover traditional Highland dances, traditional Scottish National Dances and a number of rarities for dancers and teachers to use as they wish” Mr McFarland said. It is an exciting new project for local musicians lead by James Callaghan from JC Entertainment. “I have been fortunate to perform with Dougie before in the Youth in Performing Arts Concert Series, but have never recorded bagpipes. “I have a great engineer, Mr Tim Turner who has spent the time to make sure we were able to capture the best sound possible,” said James. “It’s unique. “Being a drummer, I love drums, but there is something special about drums and bagpipes. “Dougie came to me with the idea of combining bagpipes with not only drums but contemporary instruments to create a Dance CD that is unique, engaging and exciting. “It’s exciting to think that this CD will inspire the next generation of Highland dancers,” he said. Douglas is happy to be working on his latest project with a local Central Coast company. “It was important that I work with a local production team. “I was educated in both Highland Dancing and Piping here on the Central Coast. “I am proud of this great place and so I needed to use local talent to create this musical journey which will travel around the world,” he said. “It was always going to happen, the inspiration

to get into the studio now was a combination of opportunity and desire. “It is the right time and I have the right people around me to make the album”, he said. “The Central Coast is such a small tight knit community. “We have some great local companies who have great products and services to offer. “It’s exciting when two

local companies can work together on a project that’s going to benefit the community,” said James Callaghan. The CD will be used on an international scale, it can be utilised for dance training purposes and for competition conveyors worldwide. Media release, Sep 29. 2015 Joshua Lucas, Dosh PR

EAT&PLAY SATURDAY 19 th Dec 7.00 pm Holiday Themed Christmas Concert Enquiries 4342 6716 CWA Hall Woy Woy 4342 6716

Pla num Building, Ilya Ave, Erina Café & Restaurant Breakfast, Lunch Monday-Friday Open 6:30am ll 4:30pm Every Thursday evening free live music Doors open at 6pm Dinner menu & fully license bar available We also specialise in Weddings, Corporate events, Training nights. hello@quattrocatering.com Full range of menus from Cocktail food to Ala-carte cuisine www.quattrocatering.com

4367 8000

THE RHYTHM HUT CHRISTMAS SALE

20% OFF HUT-WIDE! ALL DRUMMING CLASSES, DRUMS + DRUM ACCESSORIES. GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE 1st - 14th DECEMBER www.therhythmhut.com.au

Formerly known as North Gosford Café is now under new OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT Now known as Gotta Takeaway Open from 6am Mon - Sat and 8am Sun For all your coffee and brekkie needs

Ph. orders welcome 0411 561 571 2/344 Mann St North Gosford

CLASSIFIEDS

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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS cost only $30 plus GST for 5 cms, and will be working for you in your local community for TWO WEEKS

Phone: 4325 7369 - Fax: 4321 0940 E-mail: manager@centralcoastnews.net or download a form from

www.centralcoastnewspapers.com Ad a logo or photo only $6 +GST Ad full colour only $6 + GST

ADULT SERVICES

Love & Lust Adult Shop 156 Mann St Gosford

4324 5569 ANTENNAS A Better Picture

Antenna & Digital Installations & Tuning New home specialist Credit cards OK HAYWARD VIDEO All areas Gosford 4323 6367 Woy Woy 4344 4414 Warnervale 1800 244 456 0412 685 555

DANCE

Central Coast Bush Dance & Music Association

ENTERTAINMENT

The Troubadour Folk & Acoustic Music Club

Admission $18 incl. supper Folk Fed Affiliates & Pensioners $15,

Students 13 to 18 $8

SATURDAY 19th Dec 7.00PM

Holiday Themed Christmas Concert CWA Hall The Boulevarde Woy Woy www.troubadour.org.au

4342 6716

ELECTRICIAN

YOUR LOCAL ELECTRICIAN Same day service Guaranteed Lighting, Power Points, Phone & Data, Fault Finding,

No job too small. Seniors Discount. Lic number 265652C

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Astral Electronics is having a Closing Down Sale All stock must go - (Rear View monitors, cameras, security cameras for vehicles). All offers considered. There are also a variety of tables and storage racks. Come along on Saturday 5th Dec 2015 between 10 to 1pm to the Stack and Stow Units, 10A Apprentice Dr, Berkeley Vale.

Please ring 0409 871 536 for the security gate to be opened for your entry.

Quality Laminate Benchtops supplied and seconds for sale

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PHOTOGRAPHY

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Want to have a lot of fun, unique music at your next event? Call Leila at 0423 147 797 or find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ SlightlyOffMusic

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Experience Folk Music at its best at East Gosford Progress Hall @ 7.30pm Henry Parry Drive

December 12 Contra Dance with Pastrami on Ryebuck

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Experiend Tilers wanted! Start Immediately 0439 589 426 RENTALS

Pensioner Accommodation Aubrey Downer Memorial Orange Homes Point Clare Retirement Village Suit Single Pensioner over 55yrs old

Self Care Unit available $197.50/week

WANTED Cash paid for good quality swords & knives. War & movie memorabilia also shop display units For large collections home visit available

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The Shame File

Central Coast Newspapers has a very liberal credit policy for advertisers and realises that from time to time, people, businesses and organisations get into financial difficulty and may need assistance and time to get things back on track. However, some people, businesses and organisations take advantage of this generosity they use advertising but simply don’t pay their account after several months and need to be taken to court to do so. From time to time, as necessary, we will name these people, businesses or organisations as a warning to our readers so that they will be wary when dealing with them. • Renotek, Tascott

• Jessica Davis - A1 Cleaning Services, Erina

• Michelle Umback - 2 Funky, • Tony Fitzpatrick trading as Terrigal Futurtek Roofing • Shelley Walker - Previously trading as Headmasters Hair Design, • Inspire P/L trading as CUP Computers formerly of Gosford Park Plaza Gosford

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TUITION - DANCE

Gosford Scottish Country Dancers hold a intermediate class on Wednesdays from 7 to 10 pm at Wyoming - It’s an excellent form of exercise which brings men, women and young people together socially, learning new and old dances in a very friendly relaxed atmosphere No experience or partner necessary All ages welcome Cost $7.00 per week Contact Janice on

4388 2253

1 Year (25 editions) to Wyong Regional Chronicle $50

Phone: 4325 7369 - Fax: 4321 0940 120c Erina Street, Gosford To order online

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Exp: ______/______ Please complete credit card details or send a cheque or money order payable to

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Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Coast Community News - December 2, 2015 - Page 27 SShare

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CHRISTMAS PARADE

Christmas Parade well supported

round 50 entries marched or drove down Mann St during the Gosford City annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 29.

The parade enjoyed the cheers and happy clapping of thousands of excited families, with the highlight of the parade being the arrival of Santa. The entries in the parade came from many community groups and local businesses keen to get into the Christmas spirit. They were all vying for the prizes on offer to those judged to be the best. Taking out the major community prize, donated by ORS Group, was the precision marching group, the Celestial Band, who looked stunning in their blue and white uniforms. Second prize, donated

by the Biz Plus Networking group went to Central Coast Highland Dancing, and the second runner up was Our Lady of the Rosary school at Wyoming. The winner of the media package was Laycock Street Dance and their group of colourful dancers! After the parade, Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna presented Santa and his lovely wife with the keys to the city, then they headed into the Imperial Centre to pose for photographs with many lucky children. The crowds stayed on for the free rides and activities in Kibble Park, including the Snow Dome, the train ride

and the chair-o-plane. The park was a hive of activity, with people everywhere. Project manager of GBID, who was responsible for organising the parade and the event in Kibble Park remarked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The parade was one of our best! Everything went so smoothly, and the floats and marchers all looked amazing.â&#x20AC;? Media release, Dec 1, 2015 Kim Leecroft, Gosford Business Improvement District

Photos: www.valspix.com

OUT&ABOUT

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w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/out_and-about utt

Racing prize money to increase

Terrigal High School Rugby League Team is top team

osford Race Club will receive a boost in prize money as a result of the NSW Government’s legislation to match wagering tax rates with Victoria.

Minimum prize money offered per race will increase by $5,000 to $20,000 from July, 2016. Member for Terrigal Mr Adam Crouch said that this will mean more jobs, bigger crowds and help grow our local racing industry. “Racing is an important part of the Central Coast community,” he said. Deputy Premier and Minister for Racing Mr

errigal High School Rugby League Team was awarded Central Coast Team of the Year at the Central Coast Sports Federation Awards 2015.

The team won the NSW All Schools Country Cup, the NSW GIO Trophy Final and the NSW CHS University Shield. They have played and

won all 23 matches. The team was the first Central Coast team to win the University Shield since Gosford High School in 1974.

Media release, Nov 25, 2015 Kevin Dewar, Central Coast Sports Federation

Academy has new trophy sponsor

he Central Coast Academy of Sport (CCAS) has thanked Scribal International Group (SIG) for providing the awards for the annual CCAS Viatek awards night. work.” “With the support of Scribal we are able to give credit and recognise those athletes who have had great success over the past year and we highly appreciate their support going forward” he said. CCAS and SIG have penned a three year agreement naming Scribal as the exclusive award and corporate gift provider to the Academy’s annual awards evening and corporate golf event. National sales manager of SIG, Mr. Peter Preston, said “Scribal are very pleased to be a partner of CCAS and have the opportunity to support the talented young

“The trophies, gifts and corporate products set unmatched standards in our short history,” said the CCAS. SIG is a privately owned Australian company and has been supplying the Australian market with high quality products and services for over 50 years. CCAS managing director Mr. Ian Robilliard said “we are delighted by the standard and the quality of the award that Scribal provided for the CCAS Awards Night. “The number of positive comments and compliments about the standard of the trophies speaks volumes about the quality of their

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 80

Airport to take off but not everyone is on board T

here have been calls for NSW Government scrutiny, and even council resignations, over Wyong Council’s approach to the development of a regional airport.

Media release, 4 Nov 2015 Central Coast Academy of Sport

27, 2015 E ENovember REE FRRE

The games are held every four years with international competitors coming from China, New Zealand, Fiji, Hong Kong, Macau, India as well as from around Australia. Myles’ swimming program at the games has been extremely busy with nine events including five individual races and four relays. By November 27, Myles had competed in six events and had already won four medals – two silver, two bronze. Newsletter, Nov 27, 2015 Malcolm East, St Phillips College

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Issue 81

osford and W y o n g Councils have agreed to an historic, voluntary merger as part of the NSW Government’s Fit for the Future reform package.

Wyong Drama Group members protest the sale of the Grove

blic government for public ired purposes, is acquired and by negotiation een agreement between the landholder and the acquiring authority. cted The process is expected s. to take several months. “Obviously the hall is not included on the ouse basis that the arthouse is developed and it has a studio of the size of the hall and is more aton adaptable,” Cr Eaton mber said at the November 11 general meeting of Wyong Council. Cr Eaton said he rket expected the fair market ong value of the area Wyong to Council wishes een purchase to be between $1 million and $1.5 million. ong Acting CEO of Wyong oble Council, Mr Rob Noble said he had receivedd a brieﬁng from the relevant vant

Both Councils submitted their merger preference to the NSW Government before the November 18 deadline – with it likely that a Central Coast council could be proclaimed late December and come into effect early next year. Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna said the agreement was a deﬁning moment in the Central Coast’s history. “Although time was against us, I’m very pleased with how both Councils have worked hard to protect the interests of their communities and the Central Coast,” Cr McKinna said. “I’m conﬁdent that this monumental decision to voluntarily merge meansa director following that the community’s discussion with voice the will not be oflost, Wyong which purchaser isGrove. something the NSW Government couldn’t “They are in discussion guarantee under a potential with another buyer for the forced amalgamation. purchase of a small part access of“We’ll the sitealso thathave is similar to in looking support to $20 whatmillion we are from the NSW at,” Mr NobleGovernment said. for “The the voluntary merger level of pricing that sure funding theywillaremake looking at is from our recent operating rather alarming to me and surpluses not diverted we need is to keep that in away vital service, mind,”from he said. facility infrastructure The and motion to improvements. move forward with the compulsory acquisition of a portion of the site was carried unanimously.

Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford rd Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 0 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.nett Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Mayoral minute 1.6, Nov 11, 2015 Wyong Council Media release, Nov 11, 2015 Wyong Council media Meeting transcript, Nov 11, 2015 Wyong Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Issue 82

Historic forced support is a small portion of amalgamation costs voluntary merger M agreed to

Council resolves too G acquire part of Wyong Grove

Media release, 24 Nov 2015 Debra Wales, Office of Adam Crouch

yles Bailey from St P h i l l i p s Christian College has competed at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide.

$20 million government

“Such an 13,airport November 2015

would be smaller than that originally proposed for the Kiar Ridge site, eventually allowing for 450,000 passenger movements each year. “This would be similar in size to the capacity at Ballina or Coffs Harbour A decision by Wyong Regional Airports. Council to discuss its “The airport would be Central Coast Regional developed incrementally Airport plans in a as demand increases. confidential meeting has “Initially the airport been criticised by NSW will cater for general member for Wyong, Mr he acting aviation aircraft CEO before David Harris MP. Wyong movingof onto passenger Mr Harris said he had has carriage.Council written to the premier, “We have already been authorised planning minister and commenced discussions to acquire the department of local with regional airlines approximately one government “seeking to establish quarter of thepassenger Wyong scrutiny of Wyong servicesschool to Melbourne Grove site and Council’s handling of and Brisbane with 50 seat carriage way turbo at a fair their infamous, on again, DASH 8 twin prop market value. Cr Eaton off again, regional airport. type aircraft,” Photo ABC A mayoral minute “News that Wyong added. The amphibious aircraft potentially to be built at Warnervale Airport presented to the Council is about to “I hope services can Wyong Council has create over 600 jobs. outlined the results November 11 ordinary commit ratepayers to a spend further ratepayer start as early as next year.” “These studies have of population growth meeting $60 million upgrade of money on a new confirmed a confidential of Wyong “By establishing the on Central shown that growing the projections, passenger Council resulted in the Warnervale Airport, after speculative upgrade of report regional airport on the spending approximately the existing Warnervale Coast Regional Airport Warnervale Aerodrome demand forecasts and Council to go existing resolving Warnervale $20 million on their now- airport, despite saying was circulated to all into a Regional Airport economic impact studies. ahead an attempt Airportwith site, Council now “These have clearly to acquire those parts of abandoned Kiar Ridge a few years ago that the councillors on Friday, makes more sense,” Cr opens the way for the land demonstrated that the former public school Airport, raises serious current aerodrome should October 23 to be discussed Eaton said. purchased at Kiar Ridge, “It will slash $217 a regional airport is considered questions about secret close and the area be in a confidential session essentialto for for $10 million, be decision making, lack of reverted to industrial use. on Wednesday, October million from the airport essential infrastructure in organisations such as the opened up for industrial “These major plans and 28 and the resolution development bill...so now ensuring the Central Coast Wyong Drama Group. public consultation and and business park frivolous use of ratepayers commitments are being reported to the full council we don’t need to negotiate can service the needs of development. The plan is to acquire with the State and Federal our growing population,” made in secret confidential meeting. money,” he said. those land and buildings “ I n d e p e n d e nt In information released Governments, we can Cr Eaton said. “It seems clear now that sessions, away from either by agreement or assessment indicates “There is already compulsory process. Council is in possession public scrutiny, and when to the media after the fund this airport ourselves. to Council “It will deliver significant interest in returns of studies and reports that members of the public try meeting, it was announced The council authorised Warnervale significant new jobs in our Warnervale Airport and are expected to be cast serious doubt on the to find out information, that the CEO than to signifiacting cantly higher economic viability of a the council forces them to Aerodrome will become region...and those jobs are this Council decision will execute all price,” necessary he go to court, wasting more a regional airport, over already starting to flow in ensure it really takes off,” the purchase regional airport. documentation relevant said. from general aviation.” time. ratepayers’ money. he said. “These reports have Mracquisition. Laurie Eyes from to the According to Wyong Wyong mayor, Cr “We have had two failed Cr Eaton has publicly forced them to abandon theThe Centralschool Coast Regional site, their plans for Kiar Ridge, regional airport plans Doug Eaton OAM said Council, the Central Coast confirmed that Council when Airportpurchased, Action will Group be despite Blind Freddy (Kiar Ridge and Bushells investigations have shown is the ninth largest region has entered into a heads classifi said the back to ed switch as operational being able to tell them that Ridge) and I believe that the cost of developing in Australia, yet the only of agreement with an land Warnervale for the means: purposes“We of the whole proposal was a ratepayers who were hit Warnervale Aerodrome as one without a regional American company to the are right backGovernment to where we Local with a special rate rise a regional airport would be airport. build amphibious aircraft dud. were1993. 20 years ago. A confidential report at the Warnervale airport. Act $48 million and it would “Now they want to deserve better,” he said. If the Continued site haspageto3 be obtained using a compulsory process, it will be done “pursuant to Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 Act 1991,” according E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net to the adopted mayoral minute. Council will make an application to the Minister for Finance to commence compulsory

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in prize money,” he said. Legislation to match NSW wagering tax rates with Victoria passed NSW Parliament in November, delivering $235 million extra to the industry over five years and an extra $90 million for each year after that.

Myles is competing in Paciﬁc School Games

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athletes across the Central Coast region. “We acknowledge the important role that businesses play in further developing the Academy and its athletes. “We look forward to our ongoing partnership with the Central Coast Academy of Sport and with organisations who are potentially interested in our range of products and offerings.” SIG are interested in working with athletes, families, businesses and organisations that are involved with the CCAS.

Troy Grant said that the increased prize money at Gosford is part of a $21 million state-wide package to boost country provincial racing. “In addition to the increased prize money at regular TAB meetings, approximately 40 Country Showcase meetings will be held at regular intervals across regional NSW offering a minimum $30,000

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He has been critical of moves by Lake Macquarie Council to see the Wyong Local Government Area cut in half at Sparks Rd and absorbed into Gosford to the South and Lake Macquarie to the north. “Lake Macquarie Council is trying to dispense with the Wyong Local Government Area by making a recommendation to the State Government to cut Wyong in two,” Cr Taylor said. “Neither Lake Macquarie Council nor Gosford Council have any idea how the community thinks and I

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Email, Nov 16, 2015 Lloyd Taylor, Wyong councillor

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Worrying times for the Mariners he Central Coast Mariners were defeated two goals to nil in their home game against the Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday, November 28, 2015.

The first half at Central Coast stadium was largely an unremarkable display. The opposition may have been Wanderers by name but a couple of meanders out of the box by Paul Izzo in the first 10 minutes left home fans gasping. Fortunately Mariners defenders plugged any holes left by Izzo’s wandering ways to avoid any early concessions. The first half was really a mid-field battle with some attractive footwork and passing by the Wanderers. Izzo was able to redeem himself around the 14th minute by saving a shot from Romeo Castelen, who had an excellent game for the Wanderers from start to finish. The Mariners started to look impressive for a period from the 20th minute with a great pass from Caceres to Rose giving us our first strong scoring chance and a period of solid passing and possession. It was during this tract of play that captain Nick Montgomery slammed a shot towards goal from a corner that flew past the keeper but was off its mark. By the half-hour mark the Wanderers were looking too fast and too efficient for the home team, dominating possession and feeding their attackers both down the middle of the park and from the flanks. The last 15 minutes of the first half did display one of the best Central Coast Mariners’ defensive efforts this season. The crowd fell silent when a whole bay and a half of Western Sydney fans (around 750) walked out of Central Coast Stadium in protest against what they considered to be the FFA’s lack of care for its fan base by leaking documents to the media that resulted in

the identification of almost 200 “banned players” in the mainstream press. Central Coast fans expressed their solidarity by remaining silent well into the second half. “No fans = No Football” was the home-side’s hand painted message to the FFA. Around minute 36 Nikolai Topor Stanley made a whole-of-park, stylish run for the Wanderers, but couldn’t finish, with the ball bouncing off the left-hand post. Seven minutes before half time, Joshua Rose had a clear shot for the Mariners but it was successfully intercepted by former Mariner, goalkeeper Redmayne. The Mariners found some attacking momentum down their left-hand flank that built into an on-target shot from Caceres that was again fended off by Redmayne. A Mariners’ free kick taken by Caceres five minutes before half-time didn’t amount to anything and a foul on Castelen resulted in a yellow card and a free-kick to the Wanderers that didn’t amount to much either. The Wanderers raced to half-time with a flurry of attack and multiple chances that were successfully kept at bay by the Mariners. Castelen had the Wanderers’ best three chances of the first half and Caceres had the strongest

opportunity for the Mariners, but the half-time score was a promising 0 to 0. Second half goals to substitute Brendon Santalab and Mitch Nichols handed Western Sydney Wanderers their victory at Central Coast Stadium. Santalab struck eight minutes after entering the fray before Nichols sealed the result in stoppage time. The Wanderers have now moved equal with Melbourne Victory at the top of the Hyundai A-League, while the Mariners are bottom after seven games without a win. The win means the Wanderers are now on one their best winning streaks since they won 10 matches in a row in Season One. It’s the first time this season the Mariners have been held scoreless in a Hyundai A-League fixture, while they have yet to keep a clean sheet of their own. Mark Bridge was a late scratching on the day injuring himself in the warmup and replaced by Dario Vidosic. The Mariners defence kept a high line most of the 90 minutes and the Wanderers exploited the space in behind regularly. If not for an incredible late save by Andrew Redmayne, the Mariners could have snatched a point at the death. But it would have been more than their performance deserved, second-best for

much of the contest. There were some bright moments, but not enough consistency, the story of their season so far. The crowd was 10,519 with Wanderers travelling fans making up around 4,000 – let’s hope we get a good home crowd for the next game against Melbourne City. The Western Sydney Wanderer’s fans staged their peaceful walkout just before half time in their game against Central Coast on Sunday, November 28 but it was the home side

fans who expressed their disappointment at the second Wanderers’ goal just before full time by leaving the member’s stands early. The FFA may have ongoing issues with its fan base but Tony Walmsley will soon catch up with his own issues if the Mariner’s “attacking style” doesn’t soon result in points. The match stats from the Central Coast Mariners’ home game against the Western Sydney Wanderers said it all. The home team went down no goals to two and

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Match report, Nov 28 Central Coast Mariners v Western Sydney Wanderers Jackie Pearson, journalist Match report, Nov 28 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners

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took eight shots while the Wanderers had 21 attempts to score. The Wanderers retained ball possession for close on 60 per cent of the match; they won 64 per cent of the duels and took five corners to the Mariner’s two. The Mariners’ line up and formation looked strong but Matt Sim’s performance off the bench makes it difficult for fans to figure out why he is not in the starting 11. Young Matthew Sim’s dynamism off the ball, his speed and ability to find gaps in the Wanderers’ defense gave the Mariners’ some of their best chances in the match when he came off the bench during the second half. The Central Coast Mariners were outclassed and some also say that they were they out-coached. The coach aims to have a dominant, attacking style of football, but the match statistics don’t truly reflect that aim.

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Outstanding Service Award shared r Greg Mawson and Ms Margaret Beardslee were awarded with Outstanding Service to Central Coast Sport at the Central Coast Sports Federation Awards 2015.

Mr Mawson, junior rugby league, has been with Gosford Sports Council for 25 years. Ms Beardslee, athletics, has won two World Duathlon Championships. Ms Beardslee helped found the Mingara Athletics

Club and chaired the committee which developed the synthetic athletics track at Mingara. She has held a number of positions on the board of Mingara Athletics Club and has been the Central Coast delegate to Athletics

NSW for multiple years, also holding a number of positions. Media release, Nov 25, 2015 Kevin Dewar, Central Coast Sports Federation

It was a happy group of bowlers that took the green in the sectional finals of the Central Coast Aloha Barefoot Bowls Championship

Avoca Beach pair win Barefoot Bowls section final or Annette Thompson, the “Aloha Barefoot Bowls Championship” conducted by Bowls NSW has produced an amazing change of good fortune in her introduction to the sport of lawn bowls.

She participated in the 2014 event as a raw beginner to the game with her bowling partner Henry Dagasso, who at the time was a member of Davistown RSL BC. They reached a sectional final and missed winning a trip to Hawaii by the narrowest of margins, going down by just one shot (7 to 6), in a tense final. In recent months, Annette, who is also an accomplished golfer, joined the Avoca Beach WBC, so this year she backed up in the event as the registered bowler as skip with nonbowling friend Fernando Assiss.

They immediately clicked as a bowling pair and won their section at Davistown RSL to gain a place in the Central Coast sectional final at Woy Woy BC on November 29. Many of the players were dressed in Hawaiian shirts, befitting of the occasion, and some underlying nerves were evident as teams took to the green in search of a unique opportunity to play in the “Barefoot Bowls Championship” at the Honolulu BC in February next year. Annette and Fernado played outstanding bowls to win the semi-final against an accomplished pair to gain a

T ide Char T

finals berth against Wayne Jones and Steve Elliss from Davistown RSL BC. A three on the fourth end of the seven end cut throat final, gave Annette and Fernado a match winning mini-break of 5-2 and they held their nerve to go on and win 6 to 5. For Annette, justice was done. To lose the final by one shot one year and then win by a shot the next year, was a magical outcome. Media release, Nov 29, 2015 Kevin Dring, Bowls Central Coast

Paul Lemmon is best Master again

errigal lifesaver, Mr Paul Lemmon, was name Masters Sportsperson of the Year at the Central Coast Sports Federation Awards 2015.

Mr Lemmon has won the award for five of its six years. This year, Mr Lemmon placed first in the Australian Ironman, surf race, rescue tube board race and board rescue after having won

Mr Aitkin is president of the Terrigal Avoca Football Club. His philosophy is: “Let the coaches coach, let the

and

Time - Height(m) Add one hour to the times below when Daylight Saving is in force

0057 1.26 0631 0.69 WED 1246 1.50 THU 1934 0.50 0343 1.34 0944 0.73 SAT 1539 1.31 SUN 2202 0.54 0600 1.57 1230 0.53 TUE 1816 1.34 WED

0123 0.45 0754 1.76 FRI 1430 0.34 2022 1.38 0326 0.46 0955 1.82 MON 1633 0.28 2234 1.37

12 SAT

15 TUE

0248 1.29 0151 1.26 0835 0.75 0730 0.73 1339 1.41 FRI 1437 1.35 2114 0.55 2024 0.54 0519 1.49 0433 1.41 1142 0.60 1046 0.67 MON 1730 1.32 1637 1.31 2330 0.50 2247 0.52 0045 0.47 0008 0.48 0716 1.71 0640 1.64 1311 0.45 THU 1350 0.39 1941 1.37 1900 1.35 0242 0.45 0201 0.45 0913 1.83 0832 1.81 1509 0.30 SAT 1550 0.28 2148 1.38 2104 1.38 0503 0.52 0412 0.49 1127 1.73 1039 1.79 1719 0.30 WED 1809 0.32 2325 1.37

4 7

10 13

APPROX. TIME LAG AFTER FORT DENISON Ettalong 40 min, Rip Bridge 2hrs - Wisemans Ferry 2 hrs 30 min, Koolewong 2 hrs 10 min

In view of the variations caused by local conditions and meteorological effects, these times are approximate and must be considered as a guide only. They are not to be relied on for critical depth calculations for safe navigation. Actual times of High and Low Water may occur before or after the times indicated

Media release, Nov 25, 2015 Kevin Dewar, Central Coast Sports Federation

hris Aitkin of Terrigal Avoca AFL club received the Volunteer of the Year Award at the Central Coast Sports Federation Awards 2015.

Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

Ms Lemmon was also named Surf Lifesaving NSW Masters Sportsperson of the Year.

Chris Aitkin is Volunteer of the Year

FORT DENISON

LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000

those events earlier at NSW state level. His regional and local results include first place in 130 Years Ski relay, board relay, taplin relay, surf teams, open surf teams and ski race.

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players play and I will do the rest.” Mr Aitkin was also named AFL NSW/ACT Community Football Legend in May this

year. Media release, 25 Nov 2015 Kevin Dewar, Central Coast Sports Federation

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Jordan Kiss is best Official

World champion is Sports Star of the year iley Fitzsimmons of Avoca Beach has been named Central Coast Sport Star of the Year at the Central Coast Sports Federation Awards 2015.

Mr Fitzsimmon’s results in kayaking are: placed first in the K2 1,000 metre ICF under 23s World Championships; fourth in the K4 1,000 metre ICF under 23s World Championships; fourth in the K4 100 metre

World Championships; and, second in the K4 1,000 metre World Cup 3. He was awarded Most Inspirational Performer at the Surf Lifesaving Australian Championships and holds five medals, including three

gold medals in the Open Ski Relay, under 19s Ski and under 19 board relay. Media release, Nov 25, 2015 Kevin Dewar, Central Coast Sports Federation

s Jordan Kiss of Gosford Netball Association was recognised as Official of the Year at the 2015 Central Coast Sports Federation Awards.

Ms Kiss was selected to umpire at the Australian Men’s and Mixed National Championships and was selected to travel with the Australian Men’s 17s and 23s Netball teams on their New Zealand tour.

Despite being the youngest by eight years, Ms Kiss was asked to umpire one of the semi-finals of that tour. Ms Kiss was also recognised as Young Official of the Year at the 2015 Sport

NSW Community Volunteer Awards. Media release, Nov 25, 2015 Kevin Dewar, Central Coast Sports Federation

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