Issue 124 of COAST Community News by Central Coast Newspapers

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January 14, 2016

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Issue 124

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EPA accused of failure to regulate landfill run-off

Storm water run-off from Mangrove Mountain landfill site into Stringybark Creek catchment on Wednesday, January 6

he NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has continued to fail to meet community expectations over the environmental management of the waste landfill site at Mangrove Mountain golf course according to Mountain Districts Association spokesperson, Dr Stephen Goodwin.

“Following the widely reported ‘uncontrolled discharge’ alleged to have occurred from the landfill site in 2015 and that subsequently appeared in Ourimbah Creek some 12 km downstream, the EPA said that it was conducting a criminal investigation,” Dr Goodwin said. “This has still not been resolved,” he said. “As a result of the discharge and following repeated requests from members of the community, in late September, some two months after the event, the EPA had science staff from the Office of Environment and Heritage sample the water system in Ourimbah Creek and sources. “They also took foliage and sediment samples from

the area of the discharge. “A week later, the EPA waste environment officer for Gosford LGA sampled water and sediment from the various ponds and accumulated water within the landfill site.” Dr Goodwin said when he enquired about the results in January 2016, the environment officer told him the EPA was still trying to identify a correct method of analysis for the foliage. “As for the results from the water and sediment sampled from inside the landfill site, he couldn’t disclose these without seeking approval. “This is over three months after the samples were taken,” Dr Goodwin said. In late November 2016,

members of Mountain Districts Association met with Mr Scott MacDonald, parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast at the golf course. “During the conversation, a water cart appeared on the landfill site spraying discoloured water up into the air over the surface of the landfill,” according to Dr Goodwin. Dr Goodwin said periods of extreme rainfall, such as the 240 ml recorded by the official Bureau of Meteorology station on Bloodtree Oval at Mangrove over four days from January 4 to 7, resulted in significant run-off at the landfill. “When extreme rainfall events occur, such as recently occurred, any contaminants from such

Storm water run-off from Mangrove Mountain landfill from two directions meeting in gully leading into Stringybark Creek catchment on Wednesday, January 6

water will be washed off the surface and into watercourses and creek catchments,” he said. “Even EPA site inspections are worthless.” Following a recent community enquiry, Mr Rob Hogan, EPA director waste and resource recovery, reported that, following an EPA inspection of the Verde Terra facility (Mangrove Mountain landfill) on January 7, the EPA had found no storm water discharges at the time of the inspection. Dr Goodwin said “This is only part of the story. “The day before the EPA visit, storm water discharge was noted gushing down a gully from the landfill site through private property in the direction of Hallards Creek catchment. “It was also freely flowing under the boundary fence of the licensed area and downhill along a public fire trail towards the same catchment.

“There was also cloudy, foamy water gushing down another gully running alongside the boundary fence between the landfill site and national park. “When traced back, it was seen to be coming from within the landfill site. “This water met up with a separate flow of water running down from the landfill site from a different direction. “This joined up to rush down the gully running alongside the golf course fifth hole in the direction of the Stringybark Creek catchment. “Both Hallards and Stringybark Creeks flow into Ourimbah Creek, which feeds in to the Central Coast water supply. “Has the EPA sampled the run-off as it left the landfill site in the north east corner and if not, why not? “Clearly after such a major storm event, there is an expectation that there

may well be significant run-off that could be contaminated. “Central Coast residents should be concerned at the inability of the Mangrove Mountain golf course waste landfill to adequately contain storm water, and to isolate leachate from other water sources,” Dr Goodwin said. “Mountain Districts Association is aware of the expectation of an 18 hole golf course from this activity, but clearly the emphasis is now on receiving large quantities of waste from Sydney and less about a new golf course and the failure of the EPA to regulate this, with any vestige of environmental safety, is a major concern for us all.” Media release Jan 12, 2016 Stephen Goodwin, Mountain Districts Association Landfill Subcommittee

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oast Community News and Sid Harter Publishers would like to offer six readers the opportunity to win a copy of Australian author, Frank Spencer’s book A Secret Life.

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If you’ve still got time for some fun summer reading, A Secret Life may be just right for a couple of afternoons at the beach. Frank Spencer’s first novel is an espionage thriller described as “an engaging tale of one man using the culmination of his extraordinary life skills and the power of friendship and love to take on the biggest battles of all”. The novel’s hero, Richard Sinclair is a successful consultant and a recognized authority in his field and he is also trained in mixed martial arts and is deadly in his craft. Richard uncovers a will-hidden but extensive drug operation and ends up in a battle with a drug lord. To win one of the six copies of A Secret Life, write your name, postal address and a day time phone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to Coast Community News A Secret Life Competition, PO Box 1056 Gosford NSW 2250. Entries close on Monday, January 26 at 5:00pm. The winner of the Coast Community News Western Plains Zoo Competition is Elissa Jack from Wyong.

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Ph: 4325 7369 Email: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Next Edition: Coast Community News 125 Deadline: January 26 Publication date: January 28 2250 - Bucketty, Calga, Central Mangrove, East Gosford, Erina, Erina Fair, Glenworth Valley, Gosford, Greengrove, Holgate, Kariong, Kulnura, Lisarow, Lower Mangrove, Mangrove Creek, Mangrove Mountain, Matcham, Mooney Mooney Creek, Mount White, Narara, Niagara Park, North Gosford, Peats Ridge, Point Clare, Point Frederick, Somersby, Springfield, Tascott, Ten Mile Hollow, Upper Mangrove, Wendoree Park, West Gosford, Wyoming 2251 - Avoca Beach, Bensville, Bouddi, Copacabana, Davistown, Green Point, Kincumber, MacMasters Beach, Picketts Valley, Saratoga, Yattalunga 2260 - Foresters Beach, Nortfh Avoca, Terrigal, Wamberal

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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 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.

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 means that the community’s voice will not be lost, which is something the NSW Government couldn’t guarantee under a potential forced amalgamation. “We’ll also have access to $20 million in support from the NSW Government for the voluntary merger that will make sure funding from our recent operating surpluses is not diverted away from vital service, facility and infrastructure improvements.

“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.

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Email, Nov 16, 2015 Lloyd Taylor, Wyong councillor

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14 storey development approved for Mann St

Issue 82

$20 million government

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

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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Former Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal may be the only remaining Peninsula candidate for Labor pre-selection for the Federal seat of Robertson. The nominations of two of three local candidates, reported in the last edition of Peninsula News, have faced administrative obstacles. Killcare resident Mr David Abraham has withdrawn his nomination after being informed it was invalid due to what he described as “a small administrative anomaly”. “In the interests of unity and clarity, I will now withdraw from the Robertson pre-selection race rather than appeal this matter,” he said. Pearl Beach candidate Mr Van Davy has acknowledged he was unable to furnish the names of five supporting members required for nomination. He said he had requested access to a database of local ALP members so he could canvass them for support. He said that he would lodge an appeal if his nomination was not accepted. Describing herself as a community activist and former Gosford councillor, Ms Neal said she was the only Labor candidate ever to have successfully won the seat of Robertson from a sitting Liberal Member. “I have been a resident of the Central Coast and the Peninsula for 30 years and have raised my family here and run a business here. “I love this community and our environment, but we are not getting our fair share from either Federal or State government.” “I am very aware of both the benefits and challenges of calling the Central Coast and the Peninsula home, and I want to stand up and fight for our fair share of funding and resources.” Ms Neal said she believed most observers expected that

Ms Belinda Neal

an overwhelming majority of Peninsula Labor Party members would support her in the preselection. Ms Neal said she had always been a strong advocate for the local community. She claimed to have secured more Federal funding for the Peninsula and Robertson overall during her time as Federal Member than the Liberals had done in the previous 10 years. “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.” She said she had “obtained Federal funding for our 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”. She said she was “passionately committed to securing more training assistance and new Youth employment programs to give our young people better opportunities”. “Whatever your politics, you have to agree that what has happened to TAFE under successive NSW and Federal

governments is a disgrace,” she said “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, high-quality TAFE system and ended the farce of $100,000 uni degrees.” Nevertheless, Ms Neal said she was not resting only on her record: “Ï want to achieve new goals for the people of the Peninsula and obtain the best results for our community. “Working as an MP is all about achieving for the community,” Belinda said. “I have spoken with many Peninsula residents, about local issues, and I have gained new insights on how to further improve our health services, enhance education, secure better infrastructure and encourage local jobs.” Ms Neal said she had worked in close cooperation with many Peninsula and Gosford community partners over the years, including church-based charitable organisations, social welfare organisations, disability services, youth support groups, mental health support groups, women’s groups, parents and citizens organisations, unions and the union movement as a whole. She said she had “a great record in Council and as an MP of standing up for sustainability, meaningful action on climate change and conservation of our natural and built heritage”. She said she had the trust of the environmental movement on the Central Coast, including the Greens. “At the next election, Labor must attract Green preferences to have any chance of winning Robertson,” she said. Media release, 30 Nov 2015 Belinda Neal, Woy Woy Bay Email, 1 Dec 2015 Dave Abrahams, Killcare Interview, 1 Dec 2015 Van Davy, Pearl Beach

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Peninsula Community Access 21 December 2015

7 December 2015

Fire brigades to get station improvements

Belinda Neal may be only Peninsula candidate

Both Pearl Beach and the Bays Rural Fire Brigades have been permitted to submit development applications to undertake projects to improve their stations. Gosford Council has agreed to donate the services associated with the applications. The project to be undertaken to improve the Pearl Beach RFS facility will be the construction of an additional tanker bay with a new ofﬁce and new meeting room. The current station comprises of two bays. One houses a Category 1 heavy tanker and the other a Category 12 personnel carrier. The station does not have a meeting/training room and lacks appropriate storage space. If the brigade was to accommodate a second tanker it could not be stored in the current bay. The rear of the Bays RFS Station will be extended to house a meeting room, ofﬁce, kitchen, amenities, change and store room. The improvements will align the station to the RFS building standard. The kitchen and amenities at the station were in poor condition and below the required standard, according to a report from council staff. Detailed drawings for Pearl Beach and The Bays Stations were

not available but similar projects to be undertaken at Wamberal and Mangrove Mountain indicated that Council would donate around $5500 to $6000. It said the Gosford Rural Fire Service was responsible for all bush fires, structure fires, motor vehicle accidents and other fire related incidents. This also extended to bush fire mitigation, planning and public education. Gosford Council has had a long history of working in partnership with the Gosford Rural Fire Service, according to the report. Under the Act, Councils have the responsibility and funding obligations for the establishment of a Fire Control Centre, the establishment of Rural Fire Brigade Stations, the supply of ancillary vehicles, the maintenance and repair of the vehicles, the insurance of all vehicles, the maintenance and repair of all buildings dedicated to the RFS, the insurance of all buildings dedicated to the RFS; and the general costs associated with the running of the RFS. The report stated that the existing Rural Fire Brigade stations at Pearl Beach and The Bays were aged and had limitations that required upgrading to meet Rural Fire Service and local brigade needs for kitchen and amenities. Gosford Council agenda CON.40, 24 Nov 2015

Neal alleges defamation Labor preselection candidate for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal has alleged Peninsula News has defamed her in a front page article published last edition. Ms Neal claimed the article was inaccurate and untrue, defamatory and damaged her reputation. She said that whether or not Peninsula News had the intention or reason to damage her reputation that had been its effect. Peninsula News does not believe the article was defamatory, but apologises for any hurt or

embarrassment it may have caused her. As a gesture of goodwill, further distribution of Peninsula News was stopped when Ms Neal raised her complaint and material in the article was deleted from online editions. Apart from the media release used in the lead article on this page, and seeking an apology and retraction, Ms Neal has not submitted any corrections of fact for publication. Peninsula News, 4 Dec 2015 Mark Snell, editor

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

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December 16, 2015

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Wyong Council agreed at its December 9 meeting to make a submission to the JRPP endorsing the development. At this stage, the applicant is seeking ‘concept approval only’ for the works to take place in three operational stages, with subsequent detailed development applications being lodged for each future stage. The development would include demolition of existing buildings and construction of a shopping centre with a supermarket, shop top housing, hotel accommodation, restaurant, multi-purpose function space, and ancillary parking and other works. Moving a motion for Wyong Council to endorse the development and make a submission to the JRPP in support of the developer, Cr Lloyd Taylor said: “We need to support the applicant on this particular one because

A photomontage of the proposed development within its surrounding coastal context

it is a huge commitment, a commitment that very few developers can make. “This is a $300 million project that will kick start the Central Coast and The Entrance,” Cr Taylor said. “This will really kick start investment in this tourist Mecca. “It will be the highest building on the Central Coast but that is a good thing. “It will hopefully kick start other sites and other areas. “We want businesses to succeed and grow and employ more people and this development is going to deliver.”

Cr Adam Troy seconded the motion and said: “It is not every day you get a $300 million development in council chambers, it is a milestone on the Central Coast. “It is going to be one of those focal points, a pretty special place and I can’t wait to see it happen,” he said. The site covers 21,357 square metres and takes in the existing Lakeside Plaza Shopping Centre and surrounding sites. According to a report prepared by Wyong Council staff for the consideration of councillors at their

December 9 meeting, the project is expected to generate 660 full time jobs, post construction. The proposal includes a retail podium and two towers and seeks variation to a number of Wyong Council’s planning controls. The site is identified as a ‘key site’ under Wyong LEP 2013 which allows for a bonus building height of 113.8 metres. The bonus building height is provided in return for “significant public benefits to be provided to the community and to stimulate further development and

viability of town centres,” according to the report. The proposed shop top housing would include 478 dwellings. The development would also encompass a 108 room hotel and parking for 1,433 cars. The podium would make available 13,250 square metres of lettable retail space fronting Dening St, Taylor St and The Entrance Rd. There are two levels of retail ﬂoor space along The Entrance Rd frontage and ground ﬂoor retail space along the Taylor St frontage containing a supermarket and a major

retail tenancy. The proposal includes two levels of basement parking and rooftop parking (179 spaces) with shade sails above the podium. Above the retail space, facing The Entrance Rd, shop top housing is proposed, comprising 48 residential apartments over three storeys. Within the northern (Dening St) end of the building is a restaurant and function/convention space (at the hotel lobby level). The next level up would be a landscaped level (referred to as the oasis level) which is located directly below the tower buildings and would contain two pools, landscaping, day spa, decks and a bar. Above this level, the development proposes two towers with 250 residential apartments (27 storeys) within a residential tower located on the corner of The Entrance Rd and Dening St. One hundred hotel rooms (6 storeys) and 110 residential apartments (11 storeys) would be located within a second tower building located on the corner of Taylor St and Dening St.

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

lmost $700 million worth of development has now been approved in Gosford’s city centre after the Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel gave the green light for another landmark development. The Panel approved a $234 million mixed use development opposite the Gosford City Council Administration Building in Mann St. The Waterside development on the corner of Mann St, Georgiana Tce and Baker St includes three towers rising up to 33 storeys, an 80 room hotel, two cinemas and a tavern as well as 500 residential apartments, over 600 car parking spaces and other commercial and retail premises. Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna, said the JRPP decision would cement Gosford’s position as the regional capital of the Central Coast. “This is the second, vital game changer the panel has approved for Gosford this year,” Cr McKinna said. “For too long the site opposite Council’s administration building that used to house the Froggy’s skating rink has sat dormant. “But now it’s ﬁnally set to be reactivated and play a deﬁning role in the social and economic revitalisation of our city’s centre by delivering another much needed tourist facility and iconic structure only a stone’s throw away from Gosford’s waterfront,” he

said. Council’s chief executive ofﬁcer, Mr Paul Anderson, said the community’s dream of a vibrant and bustling city centre in Gosford was fast becoming a reality. “Gosford’s importance as a regional city has been recognised by the NSW Government and unlocking its potential means embracing new opportunities for stimulus and growth like the panel and Council has over the past year. “Along with the almost $460 million worth of development already approved for the city centre, today’s decision is set to ﬁll Gosford’s skyline with even more cranes to build a world-class city here on the Central Coast. “I would also like to once again thank the Council staff who have worked tirelessly to review this development and provide very comprehensive reports to the panel,” Mr Anderson said. Council had recommended that the Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel approve the development. Media release, Dec 4, 2015 Gosford Council media

4 5 8

1 9?

News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4321 0940

E FRE

January 14, 2016 11 January 20

10? Development Address Description 1. Waterside Cnr Mann St and Georgiana Tce Three towers, Commercial, residential, cinema, hotel, tavern 2. Mariners Plaza Cnr Mann St and Donnison St Two towers, 26 storeys and 28 storeys, retail, hotel, residential 3. Mixed use 27A to 37 Mann St & 125 Georgiana Tce 16 storeys, retail, commercial, restaurant and residential 4. Quantum Towers Henry Parry Drive Two towers residential 5. Retail and Shop Cnr Erina St and Henry Parry Dve 2 x residential towers, 15 storeys and 12 storeys Top Housing 6. Telstra-Transfield 12-23 Mann St 15 storeys, 140 residential flats 7. Commercial and 43-45 Beane St 20 storey shop top housing plus 4 storey residential flat building on Keevers residential Land 8. Mixed use Duttons Tavern Mann St 14 storeys, residential flats with ground floor tavern 9. ATO Cnr Mann St and Georgiana Tce Commercial building 10. Performing Arts Location to be confirmed 1,000 seat theatre with studio and other facilities Centre Source: Hunter and Central Coast JRPP website, development and planning register, Dec 15, 2015

$ Value $230 million $157 million $50 million $50 million $37 million $34 million $26 million $18 million $? $30 million

Continued P3

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Gosford and Wyong to merge The Peninsula is about to become part of a local government area double the size of the current Gosford City Council following an announcement by the NSW Government of its proposal to go ahead with the merger of councils throughout the state. NSW premier, Mr Mike Baird and minister for local government, Mr Paul Toole announced their proposal on Friday, December 18 to merge Gosford and Wyong Councils in order to create one of 15 new councils in the “Sydney region”. The announcement has been described as a “dark day for democracy” and one that will “set a number of communities on the warpath with the Baird Government,” by Local Government NSW president, Mr Keith Rhodes. “This bully-boy farce is about removing genuine local representation, and completely ignoring the expressed wishes of local communities,” Mr Rhodes said. “It’s a cruel joke, and unfortunately the joke is on the people of NSW, because they are the ones likely to lose any meaningful input on the issues that impact on their day-to-day lives.” Mr Baird and Mr Toole promised improved infrastructure and services and stabilised rates would make ratepayers the big winners under the proposal. They said the community would have the opportunity to have a say on the NSW Government’s vision for local government in NSW. The new, as yet unnamed, Gosford and Wyong council was included in ‘Greater Sydney’, where the government is proposing to create the 15 new councils “to help the city [Sydney] grow, which would bring the total number of metropolitan councils down from 43 to 25. “Fewer councils will mean a big reduction in red tape for the NSW community and the businesses that work with councils,” Mr Baird said. Mr Toole said under the proposal there will be no change to merged council’s existing rate paths for four years.

The NSW Government’s proposed Sydney region council mergers with Gosford and Wyong in blue

“This package provides ratepayers with certainty,” Mr Toole said. Mr Toole said each proposal was the result of careful consideration of all the evidence, including four years of consultation with every council in NSW, independent assessments, merger preferences submitted by councils, and feedback from communities and stakeholders. “There is no ‘one-size-ﬁts-all’ approach, and we have recognised that each community area in NSW is unique,” said Mr Toole. “Through the Stronger Communities Fund, every new council that is established will be provided with up to $15 million to invest in community infrastructure,” Mr Baird said. “Each new council will receive funding of up to $10 million to ensure ratepayers do not bear the upfront costs of merging.” New councils will decide how to spend their Stronger Communities Fund allocation, which could include projects such as pool refurbishments, new sporting facilities, street beautiﬁcation projects, car park expansions and library upgrades. Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie

McKinna said he and council staff learned of the proposal via a live webcast with the premier and local government minister at 9:30am on Friday, December 18. Cr McKinna said he was expecting the announcement to have “a bit more meat” but was waiting to receive a more detailed document from the government. He said the local councils who were part of the webcast had been informed that the next local government election would be put back from September 2016 to March 2017. “Now we have to use that extra time to make sure the outcome is good for the community,” Cr McKinna said. “The one good thing is that it conﬁrmed there will be a rate freeze for four years,” he said. However, Cr McKinna said he believed the process of combining the two Central Coast councils to form the new local government would be much more expensive than the $10 million provided by the state government to assist with costs. “I don’t know what the total amount is going to be but it is going to be far far more than that.” Cr McKinna said both councils

would have to draw on their surpluses and be “Scottish with their money” to cover the expense of amalgamation. However, he said he did not believe any associated cost cuts would have a negative impact on services. “We have been told that both council’s budgets and operational plans would run through until 2017, so it is business as usual. “Senior managers from both councils have been having regular meetings to sort out how it is going to happen and that will keep going now,” he said. Cr McKinna said he had heard rumours about NSW Government plans to sack councils or appoint panels to oversee mergers but was confident the two Coast councils would remain in place until the amalgamation was finalized and new council elections held. The NSW Government is using the existing process set out in the Local Government Act to consider council mergers. “Our process will provide an objective assessment of the merger benefits and impacts, and give the community a chance to have a say before a final decision is made,” Mr Toole said. Detailed merger proposals are now being finalised and will be referred to the Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government (OLG) for examination and report under the existing process set out in the Local Government Act. The Chief Executive will appoint qualified delegates, who will commence a public consultation process for all 35 proposals, including public hearings. Following this stage, final proposals will be referred to the Boundaries Commission for comment. Mr Toole commended councils for their leadership in submitting merger preferences to Government and for recognising the significant benefits mergers will bring to their communities. The public consultation process will commence in January, once detailed proposals are made available at www. councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov. au. A factsheet is also available to download. Both Gosford mayor, Cr

McKinna and shadow minister for the Central Coast, Mr David Harris said local residents should make submissions and let the state government know their views on amalgamation during the consultation process. Cr McKinna said he believed public consultations should have been held prior to the decision being made to go ahead with mergers but at least now those residents who were concerned about the lack of consultation could have their say. Mr Harris slammed Mr Baird and Mr Toole’s announcement as “undemocratic”. Mr. Harris said Mr Baird had disregarded community input and pushed forward with his Local Government reforms just before Christmas, trying to avoid serious scrutiny. “This decision will affect local residents, sporting and community organisations and above all hundreds of jobs without any real consultation,” Mr Harris said. “The government should be addressing the massive cost shifting from State and Federal Government to local ratepayers instead of its dubious policy of amalgamation,” he said. “Mike Baird has ignored the wishes of a majority of Central Coast residents and councillors. “The whole Fit for the Future process has been a multi-million dollar farce - it was a done deal from the start; “61 per cent of Central Coast residents with 59 per cent of small businesses strongly opposed amalgamations, yet this government claims to have a mandate. “Community voices were forced silent under Mike Baird and instead it was left to the politicians - there must be a Citizens Panel to ensure complete transparency and Community input into any new Council structure moving forward. “I strongly encourage people to write to the Boundary Commission delegate expressing their views about amalgamation. “They should indicate whether they support it or not.” Media releases, 18 Dec 2015 Mike Baird, NSW Premier Jake Allen, ofﬁce of David Harris Keith Rhodes, LG NSW Interview, 18 Dec 2015 Lawrie McKinna, Gosford Council Reporter: Jackie Pearson

Issue 124

Ph: 4325 7369

Most Peninsula commuters make 10 trips a week by train according to Ms Kathy Smith

Public transport costs could rise by almost half Weekly public transport osts for Peninsula residents ould rise substantially – in ome cases by almost 50 per ent - if IPART’s proposed eforms to Opal transport ares are adopted by the SW Government. The weekly fare from Woy Woy Central could rise by 25 per ent over two years from $60 to 75 a week, while the weekly fare om Woy Woy to Tuggerah will crease by 48 per cent to $57 with e changes to be implemented in uly. The current $60 per week cap ill go up to $65 per week in July, eaning the maximum increase r commuters who already reach e cap would be $5 or eight per ent, according to IPART chairman r Peter Boxall. IPART proposes increasing the eekly cap to $70 in 2017 and $75 2018 – 25 per cent higher than e current cap. The draft reforms would apply daily cap of $18 from July 2016, eaning that passengers taking a

one-off return journey from Woy Woy to the city who currently pay $15, would pay $3, which is a 20 per cent increase. A further increase of the daily cap is then planned, to $19 in 2017/18 and $20 in 2018/19. Central Coast Greens spokesperson, Ms Kate da Costa has described the IPART proposals as a mixed bag for the Peninsula’s commuters. “Moving to integrated multimode fares is long overdue but other recommendations might stop people using public transport which is the opposite to what government policy should be,” Ms da Costa said. “We have real concerns about increasing the prices for seniors and pensioners with fares rising from $2.50 to $3.60 and upwards,” she said. “Why is the State Government seeking to increase revenue from some of the most vulnerable public transport users? “We should be doing everything we can to get cars off the road

including on weekends which are increasingly congested. “Removing reduced price or free trips and introducing a complicated fare credit scheme will not promote public transport use. “Coast users will be slugged again with increased fares for longdistance commuters. “If speeds can’t be improved because of the Cowan Rise, we are calling for the introduction of continuously available wiﬁ and charging points in trains, so that commuters can negotiate with their employers to take work time on the train into account to shorten their day in the ofﬁce, and gain back some valuable family time.” NSW Shadow Minister for Transport and infrastructure said a commuter travelling between 25 and 35km to and from work would face a yearly increase of $959. Mr Park said a daily train journey from Woy Woy to Tuggerah would fall into that category. Member for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith has said IPART’s proposed reforms to Opal transport fares will

not be in the best interests of the Peninsula community. She said IPART assumed that only a minority of commuters make 10 public transport trips per week. “To assume public transport users don’t travel for 10 trips per week is naïve or misleading,” Ms Smith said. “The majority of users are commuting to work to ﬁve day a week jobs hence they complete a minimum of 10 trips per week,” she said. She said the reforms also appeared to give preferential treatment to commuters using more than one mode of public transport. According to Ms Smith this would also disadvantage commuters in the Gosford electorate, many of whom drive their own cars to Woy Woy (or Gosford train station) and then catch the train to and from work. “The majority of train travellers also only use one form of transport. “Of particular concern to me is the fact that the NSW Government

no longer tracks passeng journeys. “Instead a record is kept only where people start their journey. “How can this possible help w future planning? IPART is now seeki community feedback on its dr fare reform package before a fin report will be released next year Submissions will be accept until February 5, 2016. Any new fares would come in effect on 1 July 2016. The Draft Report is available IPART’s website. “We want to hear fro passengers and taxpayers abo what they want their fares to lo like and how they prioritise differe things where there are trade-offs be made,” Dr Boxall said. Media statement, 7 Jan 20 Jane Letteri, office of Kathy Sm Media releases, 21 and 22 Dec 20 Julie Sheather, Independe Pricing and Regulatory Tribun Media release, 21 Dec 20 Mehreen Faruqi, NSW Gree Media release, 21 Dec 20 Ryan Gibb, Office of Ryan Pa

THIS ISSUE contains 54 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info

THIS ISSUE contains 54 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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EPA accused of failure to regulate landﬁll runoff

Issue 123

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Gosford’s city centre development approvals approach $700 million

$300 million project recommended to Joint Regional Planning Panel he Joint Regional Planning Panel is expected to approve a $298 million staged mixed use development at 78 to 118 The Entrance Road when it meets at Wyong on Monday, December 14.

Your independent local newspaper

Issue 83

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

Storm water run off from Mangrove Mountain landﬁll site into Stringybark Creek catchment on Wednesday, January 6

he NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has continued to fail to meet community expectations over the environmental management of the waste landﬁll site at Mangrove Mountain golf course according to Mountain Districts Association spokesperson, Dr Stephen Goodwin.

“Following the widely reported ‘uncontrolled discharge’ alleged to have occurred from the landﬁll site in 2015 and that subsequently appeared in Ourimbah Creek some 12 km downstream, the EPA said that it was conducting a criminal investigation,” Dr Goodwin said. “This has still not been resolved,” he said. “As a result of the discharge and following repeated requests from members of the community, in late September, some two months after the event, the EPA had science staff from the Ofﬁce of Environment and Heritage sample the water system in Ourimbah Creek and sources. “They also took foliage and sediment samples from

the area of the discharge. “A week later, the EPA waste environment officer for Gosford LGA sampled water and sediment from the various ponds and accumulated water within the landfill site.” Dr Goodwin said when he enquired about the results in January 2016, the environment officer told him the EPA was still trying to identify a correct method of analysis for the foliage. “As for the results from the water and sediment sampled from inside the landfill site, he couldn’t disclose these without seeking approval. “This is over three months after the samples were taken,” Dr Goodwin said. In late November 2016,

members of Mountain Districts Association met with Mr Scott MacDonald, parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast at the golf course. “During the conversation, a water cart appeared on the landfill site spraying discoloured water up into the air over the surface of the landfill,” according to Dr Goodwin. Dr Goodwin said periods of extreme rainfall, such as the 240 ml recorded by the official Bureau of Meteorology station on Bloodtree Oval at Mangrove over four days from January 4 to 7, resulted in significant run off at the landfill. “When extreme rainfall events occur, such as recently occurred, any contaminants from such

Storm water runoff from Mangrove Mountain landﬁll from two directions meeting in gully leading into Stringbark Creek catchment on Wednesday, January 6

water will be washed off the surface and into watercourses and creek catchments,” he said. “Even EPA site inspections are worthless.” Following a recent community enquiry, Mr Rob Hogan, EPA director waste and resource recovery, reported that, following an EPA inspection of the Verde Terra facility (Mangrove Mountain landfill) on January 7, the EPA had found no storm water discharges at the time of the inspection. Dr Goodwin said “This is only part of the story. “The day before the EPA visit, storm water discharge was noted gushing down a gully from the landfill site through private property in the direction of Hallards Creek catchment. “It was also freely flowing under the boundary fence of the licensed area and downhill along a public fire trail towards the same catchment.

“There was also cloudy, foamy water gushing down another gully running alongside the boundary fence between the landfill site and national park. “When traced back, it was seen to be coming from within the landfill site. “This water met up with a separate flow of water running down from the landfill site from a different direction. “This joined up to rush down the gully running alongside the golf course fifth hole in the direction of the Stringybark Creek catchment. “Both Hallards and Stringybark Creeks flow into Ourimbah Creek, which feeds in to the Central Coast water supply. “Has the EPA sampled the run-off as it left the landfill site in the north east corner and if not, why not? “Clearly after such a major storm event, there is an expectation that there

may well be signiﬁcant run-off that could be contaminated. “Central Coast residents should be concerned at the inability of the Mangrove Mountain golf course waste landﬁll to adequately contain storm water, and to isolate leachate from other water sources,” Dr Goodwin said. “Mountain Districts Association is aware of the expectation of an 18 hole golf course from this activity, but clearly the emphasis is now on receiving large quantities of waste from Sydney and less about a new golf course and the failure of the EPA to regulate this, with any vestige of environmental safety, is a major concern for us all.” Media release, Jan 12, 2016 Stephen Goodwin, Mountain Districts Association Landfill Subcommittee

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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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Public meeting regarding council sell off public meeting will be held to bring together groups and residents who are opposed to the loss of local reserves, parks and greenspaces through Gosford Council’s “sell off of public land”.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 19 at the Anglican Church, 3 Mann St, Gosford. “On September 8 Gosford councillors voted to proceed with stage one of a public land sell- off, without any overarching strategy or public consultation,” said spokesperson for Save Central Coast Reserves and Save East Gosford Reserve, Ms Sue Chidgey. “On November 10, council voted to proceed with stage two. “Gosford Council has identified land from Forresters Beach to Umina, including an iconic lookout at Avoca Beach and playgrounds at Lisarow and Niagara Park in a list of sites that have been identified as having sale potential, with ‘no further use to Council and having little community benefit’,“ Ms Chidgey said.

Lots 35 and 51 DP26603, 37 and 39 Warren Ave, Avoca Beach

“Resident groups have sprung up in strong opposition to the proposal with public group Save East Gosford Reserve attracting over 420 members within a few weeks. “An umbrella Facebook page, Save Central Coast Reserves, has also been created to give residents across Gosford LGA access to information. “Already, a few more groups have formed to campaign for the protection of some of the reserves, however the community needs to check whether one of the listed reserves below is in their neighbourhood,” Ms Chidgey said.

“We are extremely concerned about the lack of transparency around this process,” said Ms Jane Smith, Community Environment Network CEO. “Council has not exhibited any strategy about their public land sell-off,” Ms Smith said. “They have refused to consult with local communities, neighbourhoods and stakeholders about how they value these lands,” she said. “The community expects transparency from council in their processes and that they value the community’s input in the first instance, not as an afterthought.

“Council has not notified local communities of their plans and residents have slowly found out through articles in the press, social media and by word of mouth. “To date, 31 lots of public land are under threat. “Many of these are valued by local communities for recreation, open space or environmental values. “The only public exhibition will be to reclassify community land to operational land so that it can be sold. “However, this process won’t notify that the land is earmarked for sale.” Residents are invited to attend the public meeting

to hear from representatives of groups who have already formed to campaign against the loss of their local reserves, parks and greenspaces. The meeting was organised by Save East Gosford Reserve, Save Central Coast Reserves, Friends of Winter Close, Save Jumbuck Crescent Reserve and the Community Environment Network. List of current lots already classified as Operational Land in the Gosford area that will go straight to sale with no further community consultation: lot A DP 162881, 139 Faunce St, Gosford; lot 11 DP 701553, 88a Empire Bay Dve, Bensville; lot E DP 39240, 9 Russell Drysdale St, East Gosford; and lot 29 DP 262094, 12 Gibbens Rd, West Gosford. Lots that are still classified as Community land, so would need to be reclassified to Operational before they could be sold, which means some community consultation is still required are located at: lot 46 DP 231546, 6 Isis St, Wyoming; Perratt Close Reserve R2217, 1B Perratt Clse, Lisarow; R2129 – lot 20 DP 258815, 13 Winter Clse, Lisarow; Eagle Close

Reserve R0012, 2 Eagle Clse, Lisarow; lot 1 DP 996535, 40a George St, East Gosford; reserve between Wells St and Lushington St, East Gosford; reserve at the corner Wells St and Coburg St, East Gosford; lot 25 DP 26468, Cnr Dover Rd and Lakeview Rd, Wamberal; a minimum six lots within the parcel known as Part R2202 Yarram Rd playground, Bensville; lot 318 DP 225178 and lot 319 DP 225178, Bluewave Cres, Forresters Beach; lot 32 DP 248806, 93a Riviera Ave, Terrigal; lot 402 DP 818160, 36 James Sea Dve, Green Point; lot 401 DP 818160, 38 James Sea Dve, Green Point; 1 Hely St, West Gosford; lot 8 DP 246234, 12 Jerribin St, Wyoming; lot 192, DP 237499, 2 Kateena Ave, Tascott; lot 22 DP 29443, 22A Delaware Rd, Niagara Park; lot 27 DP 778345, 71 Alan St, Niagara Park; lot 17 Sec 2, DP 12702, 83 Ilumba Ave, Davistown; lots 35 and 51 DP 26603, 37 and 39 Warren Ave, Avoca Beach; and lot 1 DP 707133, 182 Ocean View Dve, Wamberal. Media release, Jan 10, 2016 Sue Chidgey, Save Central Coast Reserves

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Securing construction certificates for he sight of cranes in the sky above Gosford CBD is still some months away but, according to Mr Bob Bourne, the race is on to secure construction certificates for the major developments that have been approved and then “get on the tools”.

According to Mr Bourne, the Joint Regional Planning Panel’s approval of several major projects for the Gosford CBD with podium parking has solved a major impasse that has kept the city’s main streets looking like a “black hole” for more than 12 years. A group of 10 Gosford property owners, colloquially known as Gospoo, have been working behind the scenes since around 2006 to overcome the barriers to redeveloping the CBD. “We all know it is susceptible to shallow water shells and the traditional local town planning theory of not allowing podium parking meant you had to dig down to create basement parking and if you were going to dig down you’d have to build an Olympic swimming pool which was ridiculous,” Mr Bourne

said. According to Mr Bourne, the work cover building on the corner of Pacific Hwy and Baker St is a poor example of podium parking “because it looks awful”. The attitude of former Gosford Councils not accepting podium parking has been the biggest problem for developers to overcome, but height issues and shadowing are also live issues that developers and councils still need to work on, he said. Mr Bourne said now a number of substantial development applications for the Gosford CBD have been approved, the next step is to apply for construction certificates. Mr Peter Zhu, chief executive officer of the Mariner Plaza development on the corner of Mann St and Donnison St (the Union/

Gosford Hotel site), said the preparation of a Construction Certificate application is a “very detailed and very long engineering job”. “We have chosen AECOM, one of the largest consulting engineering companies in the world, to prepare our construction certificate application,’ Mr Zhu said. “We have already spent time and money and using AECOM to do a detailed comparison between a steel and concrete frame for the development and we have chosen a concrete structure,” Mr Zhu said. However, Mr Zhu said the detail required to secure approval for a construction certificate on the $157 million, twotower development, meant it was likely to be four or five more months

11 13

DISCLAIMER: The location of development approvals and applications shown on this map are

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major developments is next hurdle

19 20 18

15 10

2 4

3 5

before their construction certificate application was lodged with Gosford Council. Mr Bourne said the triple-tower Waterside development on the corner of Mann St and Georgiana Tce may require a few amendments to its design before the process of putting together an application for a construction certificate could begin. “ I n d e p e n d e n t professionals will be providing the construction certificates for the approved developments in Erina St, for the Union Hotel site, Waterside and my redevelopment of Duttons on Mann St and then away we go, so when those certificates come up, it will be a big bang,” he said. Mr Bourne confirmed that the Chinese developers behind the Waterside and Mariner Plaza developments were

in close contact with other members of the Gosford Property Owners Organisation. He said he could confirm that those Chinese parties had no connections with Wyong Council or development concepts such as a Chappypie China Time theme park concept in Warnervale. “Duttons has already started the Construction Certificate process, so we might be first cab off the rank,’ Mr Bourne said. None of the major development applications for the Gosford CBD that have been approved by either council or the JRPP are currently listed on the Gosford Council website planning portal as “Applications pending – construction certificates”. According to Council’s media team, if an applicant has applied to Gosford Council for a construction certificate,

it will appeal on the council’s online planning portal as ‘pending’. These will be the easiest developments for the community to track. If the applicant uses a private certifier, which appears to be the case with most of the major developments approved so far, council will only be notified when the private certifier has issued the construction certificate and it will then appear on Gosford Council’s planning portal. Interviews, Jan 12, 2016 Bob Bourne, Gosford Property Owners Organisation Peter Zhu, Mariners Plaza development Website, Jan 12, 2016 Gosford.nsw.gov.au, applications pending – construction certificates Jackie Pearson, journalist Email, Jan 12, 2016 Gosford Council media

provided as an indicator only - full details are available at gosford.nsw.gov.au

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Gosford City Farmers’ Market will feature a wide range of fresh vegetables, fruits, primary produce including gourmet jams and preserves, olive oil products, pestos, macadamia nuts and fresh home made products. The market will include other food related items as well as high quality “foodto-eat” vendors. Flowers, plants and trees will also be available for sale. Additionally the market will also feature hand-made products other than food such as artists, designers and other quality artifacts.

The market will operate each Sunday from 8.00am till 1.00pm Rain, Hail or Shine.

Gosford City Farmers’ Market Gosford Racecourse, 4 Racecourse Rd, Gosford West

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Median value of residential land has increased by 17.5% he NSW Office of the Valuer General has announced that Notices of Valuation for July 1, 2015 land values will be issued to landholders in the Gosford local government area (LGA) in January.

According to the latest figures from the valuer general, the median value of residential land in the Gosford local government area has increased by 17.5% in the year from July 1 2014 to July 1, 2015. NSW valuer general Mr Simon Gilkes said the notices to be issued give landholders the opportunity to consider their land value before it is used by council for rating. Land value is the value of the land only and does not include the value of a home or other improvements on the land.

“Land values are one factor used by councils to calculate rates,” Mr Gilkes said. Any changes to council rates due to the new Notices of Valuation would come into effect from July 1, 2016. However, changes in land value don’t necessarily lead to similar changes in rates. “Each council develops a revenue policy to use in the calculation of rates and charges to fund services to the community.” According to the NSW minister for local government, Mr Paul Toole, the state

currently has a policy of freezing council’s current rate pathways for four years so the impact of the new Notices of Valuation remains to be seen. Mr Toole has also revealed that Gosford Council intends to apply for a Special Rate Variation in 2017. Mr Gilkes said when determining land values, property sales were the most important factor considered. The values reflect the property market at July 1, 2015. For the July 1, 2015 land values in the Gosford LGA,

valuers analysed 1,145 property sales. Landholders who disagree with the land value on their Notice of Valuation have a 60 day period to lodge an objection to have their land value reviewed. Although only about one third of NSW LGAs receive a Notice of Valuation each year, all land in NSW is valued on an annual basis. Residential land is subcategorised into general residential (R1) and lowdensity residential (R2). In the year to July 1, 2015, low-density residential properties increased in value by 17.8 per cent. Residential land values in Kariong, Springfield,

Davistown, Narara and Niagara Park showed a moderate-to-strong increase, according to the valuer general. Land values for higher valued beachfront properties at North Avoca, Avoca, Wamberal, MacMasters Beach and Forresters Beach remained steady or decreased slightly. According to the Gosford Council website, ordinary rates are calculated using the land value multiplied by the rate in the dollar. A minimum amount is applied where the land value calculation is less than the minimum amount. That minimum amount is determined by the

Independent Pricing and Regulatory Authority (IPART). IPART also caps the percentage by which local councils can increase their rates in any given year without applying for a special rate variation. Rates and charges have already been set for 2015-16 and the current residential ordinary rate is 0.00359671 cents per dollar with the minimum rate of $496. Media release, Jan 6, 2016 Kelly Burke NSW Department of Finance, Services and Innovation Website, Jan 7, 2016 NSW Globe Information Valuation Information

Community Environment Network Our Wish for 2016....

Join us to celebrate World Wetlands Day!

World Wetlands Day is Christmas is over, the New Year has been celebrated each year on 2 February. This day marks the date celebrated and it’s time to look ahead for 2016. Our wish for 2016 is that the network of individuals and groups that are engaged in caring for the environment and their local neighbourhood continues to expand. We encourage you to find a way to become part of the solution this year:volunteer with a local environment group, take action on climate change, send a letter to a politician about an issue you care about or make a donation to an organisation whose work you support....and then tell somebody else what you have done! Each small action can have a ripple effect! Here are some of the things that will be keeping us busy in 2016.... • Central Coast Regional Plan - This draft plan will shape the region for the next 20 years and is currently on exhibition. We need the plan to truly protect the environment in our region, create jobs and housing that provides for growth that does not require our natural areas to be degraded. It can be done - we just need decision makers to have a bigger vision for the environment! • Climate Change - The Paris Conference made important progress - however, we need to make sure that action follows. We can all make a difference - in our homes, in our communities and who we vote for. • Our local Councils - over recent years many have noticed the changes in our Councils. Both Gosford and Wyong Councils have adopted an extreme development agenda - walking over the top of the community, minimising consultation and selling off public land and reserves. Development should not be in conflict with communities or the environment. • Our Drinking Water supply is managed by the Councils. Residents are entitled to a Guarantee of Service for Customers if our drinking water is to be managed to the same standards as Sydney and Newcastle. • Review of Biodiversity Laws - The State government is currently reviewing biodiversity laws. Environmental laws exist to protect the air we breathe, water we drink and biodiversity that we rely on for survival. In 2016, help us ensure that biodiversity is protected in NSW. • Communities that care - help us strengthen the network of individuals and groups that care about the Central Coast’s environment and communities. Sign up to receive our newsletters - or find out more about how you can get involved!

of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. Wetlands for our Future: Sustainable Livelihoods is the theme for World Wetlands Day in 2016. Wetlands offer substantial economic, social and environmental values which, if managed sustainably, will provide benefits to future generations. More than a billion people make a living from wetlands. Livelihoods from fishing, rice farming, travel, tourism, and water provision all depend on wetlands - and they are vital to us in many other ways. Unfortunately, wetlands are often viewed as wasteland, and more than 64% of our wetlands globally have disappeared since 1900. The main threat to wetland areas is urban development which removes wetlands, leads to changed stormwater flows, increased

TWO EVENTS: Wyong LGA Breakfast with the Birds Photo: Ibis Credit: Alan Kwok

Saturday, 30 January, 2016 8am-11am Central Coast Wetlands, Pioneer Dairy (at Tuggerah) 8.00am - 11:00am. Cost: $10 per adult / $6 children (8-14 years) - includes breakfast, short talks, activities and site entry

stormwater pollution, tree death and weed invasion. They are also vulnerable to human induced climate change. If they are managed well, wetland ecosystems and their biodiversity have a role to play in the mitigation of climate change, specifically in terms Sunday, 7 February, 2016 of their role as water storage areas, 8:30am-11am as buffers against storms and as they Davistown foreshore can sequester carbon dioxide. They also provide services such as filtering Cost: $5 adults / $3 children (8-14 yrs) water, acting as nursery areas for includes breakfast, short talks & activities fish, helping to control floods and as Numbers limited - bookings are essential places for recreation. These services for both events - For more details and have been valued by economists in to book - visit www.cen.org.au the trillions of dollars.

Gosford LGA Wetland Wonders

PUBLIC MEETING - GOSFORD COUNCIL’S SELL OFF OF PUBLIC LAND Local communities are concerned about Gosford Council’s decision to start selling off our public land - without any community consultation or even a documented strategy! Come along to a public meeting to find out what’s going on - and how you can help stop this fire sale of our public land.

PUBLIC MEETING

This meeting is organised by: Save East Gosford Reserve, Friends of Winter Close, Save Central Coast Reserves, Save Jumbuck Crescent Reserve, Wamberal Action Group and the Community Environment Network

Tuesday, 19 January 7pm - 8:30pm Anglican Church, 3 Mann Street, Gosford Register 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

NEWS

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Review of Council’s refusal regarding Avoca Beach Picture Theatre sought he multi year struggle between Norman and Beth Hunter and Gosford Council has entered its fourth year with the couple deciding to request a review of council’s refusal in June 2015 of their development application to redevelop the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre.

Over 140 submissions had been logged on the Gosford Council website by January 12, 2016 in response to the Hunters’ application for the review. On November 30, 2015 Mr Norman and Ms Beth Hunter lodged an application to review Gosford Council’s determination under Section 82A of the Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The application was lodged with an accompanying town planning report prepared by Doug Sneddon Planning Pty Ltd. The town planning report summarised the reasons for Gosford Council’s refusal of DA 42661/2012, which included flooding, car parking, bulk height and scale, overdevelopment of the site, character, public interest and view loss. The council’s reasons for refusal were all pursuant to Section 79C of the Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979. In addition, council referred

to the placement of an interim heritage order over the land by the NSW environment minister and stated that “insufficient information regarding heritage impact has been received to enable assessment of the impact of the proposed development on the heritage significance of the existing building/s”. According to the town planning report submitted by Mr and Ms Hunter, their last development application sought approval for the demolition of an existing cottage and ancillary buildings, the retention of the existing cinema and the erection of a mixed use building of three to four levels comprising basement car parking (14 spaces), four new cinemas of varying seating capacity, gallery café, amenities and five residential units. The town planning report argued that Gosford Council demonstrated a “lack of procedural fairness” in dealing with the DA for the theatre. “Up to and including

August 2014, the draft reports prepared for the Council indicated that an approval for DA42661/2012 was imminent,” the report said. “However, in December 2014, the council prepared a report recommending refusal…in response to which the applicants and their consultants pointed out to council in writing that there were a number of factual and other errors in this report.” According to the report, council deferred the matter to enable discussions to continue between Mr and Ms Hunter and senior council officers. A series of meetings were held between December 2014 and early 2015 and amended plans were lodged to amend the point of entry to an underground car park to avoid local flooding issues, the town planning report said. The interim heritage order applying to the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre came into effect on March 5, 2015. In late April council wrote to the Hunters setting out

three options and then the Hunters’ consultants wrote to Gosford Council (May and June 2015) requesting additional time for the owners to consider their position and make representations to the NSW heritage minister. This resulted in amended development plans lodged with council on June 2, 2015 and, soon after, a report recommending the refusal of the application was included in the Gosford Council business papers for its June 9 meeting. According to the Hunters’ town planning report, Gosford Council also received a preliminary independent assessment of the amended plans. “Further requests were made to the council by and on behalf of the cinema owners …for this matter to be deferred…but without success,” the Doug Sneddon report said. The report also argued that the report considered by Gosford Council at its meeting on June 9 contained errors of fact and analysis, didn’t transparently consider the amended plans or the preliminary independent assessment report.

“In the interest of fairness and reasonableness” the Hunters’ latest application for a review of Gosford Council’s refusal argued, the matter should have been deferred and a further report brought back to Council “to provide a comprehensive assessment of the amended plans… and to enable the applicant to provide a response to the analysis and findings of the Council’s preliminary independent assessment”, the town planning report said. The report submitted with the application for a review of Council’s decision also addressed each of the grounds for refusal. It argued that amended architectural plans have resolved flooding issues, a claim supported in writing by a civil engineer. Car spaces made available have been increased from 12 to 14 and a traffic consultant’s analysis included in the latest review application also noted that the owners had volunteered $500,000 for the embellishment of Hunter Park and construction, enhancement of parking in South End Park and dedication of land along the Vine St frontage.

Both the residential and cinema component of the development still exceed 10 metres in height by 1.9 per cent (south elevation) to 8.16 per cent (north), but the report describes this exceedance as “minor”. A “minor” exceedance in floor space ratio (6 per cent) was also cited in the submission for a review of council’s decision as evidence that the scale of the proposed development was not excessive and “clearly within the range of variations commonly approved by council throughout the city”. The Hunters also argued in their application for review that the development generally complies with provisions of LEP 456 and DCP159 and is “generally consistent with the development concept supported by…council and the then minister for planning”. The application for review also stated that the director general of Planning NSW considered all relevant matters “including heritage impact and granted concurrence to the proposed development”. Website, Jan 12, 2016 Gosford Council building and development search portal, DA42661.2012

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NEWS

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Heritage consultants recommend listing cinema as a heritage item voca Theatre Preservation Society Inc has “put its running shoes on” in response to the lodgement of an application by Mr Norman and Ms Beth Hunter for a review of Gosford Council’s refusal of their development application to transform the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre.

Mr Michael Rubbo from the preservation society, said the latest reworking of design plans for the theatre “reduced capacity by about 35 seats but they now also cut across the precious lawn with vehicle access to their units at the back.” Mr Rubbo said the society had requested an expert opinion from renowned heritage consultants, Clive Luca Stapleton and Partners, who subsequently wrote, on behalf of the preservation society, to Gosford Council on December 17, 2015 in relation to the interim heritage order (IHO 127) currently covering the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre. “In our view the Avoca Beach Cinema warrants listing as a Local Heritage Item under the Gosford City Council Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2014,” the consultant’s letter to Gosford Council said. The letter said the recommendation for local heritage listing of the theatre was based on its historical significance “as an integral part of the development of Avoca Beach as a family holiday seaside destination dating from the early 1900s to present day”. The letter said the cinema was one of a small group of facilities whose establishment was driven by

Mike Rubbo from the Avoca Theatre Preservation Society wearing a sandwich board to raise public awareness of the latest proposal to redevelop the theatre

the local community in the mid-20th century to support the growing population of Avoca Beach. “The place is also rare as a surviving, simply detailed, vernacular cinema building with a single screen theatre built by members of the local community for the enjoyment of the local community,” the heritage consultant’s letter to Gosford Council said. “The place is potentially the only surviving beachfront cinema in NSW and appears to be the last remaining single screen theatre still operating on the Central Coast (originally one of 10 purpose-built cinemas).” According to the letter the cinema has historical associations with Norman and Mervyn Hunter, prominent members of the Avoca community from the 1940s through to the 70s. The Hunter brothers developed the cinema from their initial successful outdoor theatre, the Avoca Beach Garden Pictures, in the front garden of Norman Hunter’s home in Cliff Ave, Avoca Beach. Norman also constructed the local petrol station, bakery and shopping centre and Mervyn was the local

real estate agent. The letter to council also described the theatre’s historical associations with architect TA Mayo, its strong social significance as a community facility and its technical significance as “the location for the first public demonstration of the cinema surround sound system known as Surround EX format in 1995.” Mr Rubbo said the application, under Section 82A of the Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979, by Mr and Ms Hunter for a review of Gosford Council’s refusal of their development application was a step towards the matter ending up in the NSW Land and Environment Court. “In my case, it was time to dust off the sandwich board which I created in 2003 in happier days, fit it up and walk the beaches again with the sad news that the Hunter proposal was just getting worse,” Mr Rubbo said. “The rig is heavy but it is encouraging to find that 90 per cent of people I talk to on the beach love the historic intimacy and charm of the cinema as it now is and don’t like at all

the proposed changes,” he said. “We point out that we offer a compromise even though we think the cinema is doing fine, but if change must come, one more screen and everything just two storeys high is an option. “The back of the sandwich board shows, on top, what the Hunters propose and, down below, our compromise. “On the front I flash to open up and show the alfresco cinema it used to be. “People are eager to take the flyer we hand out and, it seems, ready to write to Gosford Council telling them to stick to their guns, that they made the right decision mid 2015, and not be bullied by threats to take the matter to the Land and Environment Court. “When we discovered that the heritage committee of council was considering local listing, prompted by the interim heritage order, we decided to have the heritage status reviewed by the top firm in NSW. “This is Clive Lucas and Stapleton, who restored the Mint, Hyde Park Barracks, Kirribilli House and so on.

“We approached the firm explaining we didn’t have much money and they decided to do the review virtually pro bono. “We had no idea, of course, what they would decide but they judged the theatre to be an important historic building that richly deserves local heritage status. “We hope this has some impact on council’s decision,” Mr Rubbo said. Mr Steven Fortey, head of the Avoca Theatre Preservation Society said: “The amended plans make few changes that will not please locals who have been strongly opposing this DA all along. “It is still too big, there is still absolutely no parking provided for the new patrons it intends to attract and it is still way out of character for a low key beachside area,” Mr Fortey said. “It is disappointing that Council’s very sensible decision to refuse this DA has not been accepted by the applicants,” Mr Fortey said in a submission to Gosford Council. “Norman and Beth Hunter had almost three years of back and forth to Council and still they did not understand that their DA was simply way too big, out of character with the area and a long way short on parking requirements,” his submission said. “Although slightly amended plans have been submitted, this is still an over development that will ruin the character of our beautiful beachfront,” he said. “A large scale commercial development just 100 metres from the beach with no parking is ludicrous. “A recent Council run public meeting informed us of the Foreshore Master Plan for Avoca, which involves

providing new green spaces on the beachfront. “Although a great idea, it will result in the removal of 35 to 40 frontline car spaces. “In view of this any, development in the area should provide all parking on site. “It’s hard to believe the applicants are serious in proposing four extra theatres, a cafe and a gallery/shop/function area without providing any extra parking. “The new access across the lawn is both ugly and unsafe. “Three storey units set a dangerous precedent. “The current two storey zoning limit has seen many units built into the hillsides give the appearance of much larger developments. “An extra storey on top of beach front dwellings would create huge shadowing problems on the beach. “The success of this beautiful little theatre is based on its unique historic appeal. “Sensitive development of this site within guidelines and one extra screen is possible without ruining the character of the area and creating huge collateral parking problems. “This is still a laid back, relaxed local beach which attracts thousands of tourists each year for its ambiance. “I understand progress and I understand business, but neither should be able to take away people’s lifestyles.” Emails, Jan 11 and 12, 2016 Mike Rubbo, Avoca Theatre Preservation Society Inc Draft submission, Jan 13, 2016 Steven Fortey, Avoca Theatre Preservation Society Inc

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Council merger referred to Office of Local Government osford Council welcomed the news that the community’s voice would be heard following an announcement by NSW premier Mr Mike Baird and minister for local government, Mr Paul Toole that the proposal for a merger of Gosford with Wyong Council would be referred to the Office of Local Government.

In the week before Christmas, on December 18, the NSW Government announced the Gosford and Wyong merger proposal was one of 35 that would be sent to the Boundaries Commission for their assessment and review, before a final determination is made. At that stage Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna said the announcement was unexpected but he was pleased that the perspectives of residents and ratepayers would be taken into account. However, on January 11, Gosford Council confirmed

that the merger proposal, a 20-page document prepared by the NSW Government, would be referred to the Office of Local Government The Central Coast community will still have an opportunity to have its say on the amalgamation of Gosford and Wyong councils now it has been confirmed that the official review of the proposed merger will be conducted by the NSW Office of Local Government (OLG). As part of this process, the OLG has appointed Mr John Rayner, formerly the general manager of the

Sutherland Shire Council, as its delegate to review the Gosford and Wyong merger. This means that both councils are now officially in what’s referred to as the merger proposal period. During the merger proposal period, the community will have the opportunity to comment on the potential merger. Mr Rayner will lead the community consultation, which includes public meetings and online submissions. Following the consultation period, a report will be prepared by the delegate and given to

the NSW Minister for Local Government and the Office of Local Government. The report will consider the factors set out in the NSW Local Government Act, including financial considerations, the attitudes of residents and ratepayers, and issues in relation to communities of interest, elected representation, staff employment, and service and facilities. The Minister for Local Government will then consider the delegate’s report before making recommendations to the NSW Governor. Media release, Dec 18, 2015 Gosford Council media Media release, Jan 11, 2016 Gosford Council media

Community consultation process being offered over merger is a farce - Greens entral Coast Greens have called the consultation process offered by the NSW Government to residents of Wyong and Gosford as part of a council ‘merger proposal period’ as “fake”.

“Central Coast Greens reject completely the fake community consultation process that is being offered to residents of Wyong and Gosford as part of …the process the State Government is ramming through Council amalgamations,” said Central Coast Greens spokesperson, Ms Kate da Costa. “Wyong only voted 5:4 along party lines to offer a voluntary amalgamation response, putting Gosford in a difficult position,” Ms da

Costa said. “Any resident attending the extraordinary council meeting in Gosford last year will know that the three independents held the balance of power on this issue, with Greens Councillor Hillary Morris joining ALP councillors to vote against voluntary amalgamation,” she said. “All the independents said they felt under pressure to fall into line with the Premier’s proposal. “This is neither true democracy, nor a genuine

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voluntary amalgamation. “No council which refused to make a voluntary amalgamation proposal has been named in the current merger proposal process which means that Gosford and Wyong, both found financially fit for the future, could have stood their ground and refused to merge. “As the premier and minister for local government have outlined their intention to announce new council boundaries in mid-2016, the current process of calling for community submissions is a farce. “The delegate chosen

to assess the proposal to merge Gosford with Wyong Council will report to the minister, who has no legal obligation to do anything other than consider the delegate’s report. “The minister would not be so confident of making this announcement if there was any chance that the commission would reject a proposal,” she said. Central Coast Greens will be holding a public meeting on February 5, at the CWA Hall Woy Woy, at 10:00am, to discuss the amalgamations issue. Media release, Jan 11, 2016 Kate da Costa, Central Coast Greens

$430,000 funding for RFS early half a million dollars will be delivered to the Central Coast as part of a multi- million dollar investment into bushfire protection for the local community.

“This local investment is part of a wider $314.6 million allocated to the Rural Firefighting Fund in the NSW Government’s 2015/16 budget,” member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch MP said. As part of the investment, the NSW Government is committing funding for three new fire trucks at: Copacabana rural fire station, Patonga fire station and Wendoree fire station. Mangrove Mountain will also receive funding for an extension to their fire station.

“This investment of $429,800 is critical to local RFS firefighters and will play a key role in keeping residents safe,” Mr Crouch said. “The new fire trucks and the new facility will allow our volunteers to continue to be supported with the latest technology and equipment whilst they assist their local community in times of need.” Media release, Dec 1, 2015 Debra Wales, office of Adam Crouch

East Gosford road work to continue

oads and Maritime Services have advised motorists that traffic changes remain in place at the intersection of the Central Coast Hwy and Frederick St, East Gosford.

The NSW Government allocated $6.5 million to improve safety and traffic flow for the 45,000 motorists using this section of the Central Coast Hwy at East Gosford daily. Work to install stormwater drains started early December, 2015 and is now complete. Work to widen and resurface the road and install new kerb and gutter is then scheduled to start from Tuesday, January 5 and continue until early February, weather permitting. Work will be carried out between 8pm and 5am from Sunday to Thursday each week. The pedestrian crossing at York St remains

temporarily unavailable. The project is expected to be completed early 2016, weather permitting. Media release, Jan 4, 2016 Roads and Maritime Services media

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NEWS

Garbage truck operators unable to meet mayor despite several requests arbage truck operators s e r v i c i n g the Gosford Local Government Area have written to Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna requesting a meeting to discuss wage rates, industrial conditions and waste tender renewals on Monday, January 18.

Mr Ian Hankinson, Transport Workers Union yard delegate representing the drivers based in Somersby said the council’s garbage truck operators were seeking job security in the lead up to the announcement of tenders for the delivery of waste services, expected to be advertised in March or April. Remondis (formerly Thiess Services) currently has the waste service contract for both Gosford and Wyong council. Roughly 76 full time employees are based at the Somersby yard including drivers along with a small team of mechanics and office staff, The Remondis contract is in place until February 1, 2018. “We are trying to get clauses placed into that tender on wages and conditions,” Mr Hankinson said. “We are prepared to negotiate on our hourly rate so we are not stuck in the mud with it and we are not asking for more money,” he

Garbage truck operators at the Somersby yard

said. “We would like a fair pay rate.” At the moment a new contract could result in the garbage truck operators losing around $10 per hour in basic wages. “It is a huge cut and this is what we are trying to get across,” he said. Mr Hankinson said the workers also want the local council to support their calls for job security and continuity between contractors. “At the moment, if a new contractor goes in, we will all have to re-apply for our jobs. “I have worked for 25 years and I have never been able to take my long service leave. “We would like the two councils to first of all protect our jobs, give us job security. “It is their tender, they could put anything in their tender. “The incoming contractor

for a start needs to offer us a job. “Our long service leave should be paid out from one company into the next company so we will have continuous service and our holiday leave should also roll over from one contractor to another so it is continuous service. “We are desperately trying to seek a sit down so we can go through and outline everything we are after and hopefully negotiate a fair deal that every contractor can tender at.” Mr Hankinson said competition between waste services contractors is cut throat. “It is a race to the bottom. “If a contractor is paying above the award, anyone can come in and tender at the award rate and obviously it is cheaper. “We believe Remondis has to tender at our current rate but they believe they

INSTEP FOOTWEAR

can tender at whatever rate they want. “The drivers are all local residents, all family men who have been there a long time. “We want to make the residents aware of what is going on. “It would help if the residents could call or email council to tell them it is not the right thing to do with the garbos,’ he said. The letter to Cr McKinna

Where? When?

said: “We are, of course, happy to meet jointly with the general manager, but because you are the mayor … our priority is to meet with you. “We would appreciate your decision not to refer this matter elsewhere, but to take management responsibility for negotiations, at least until agreement on processes has been reached. The letter suggested a meeting time on Monday,

January 18. “This has been an unnecessarily drawn out source of friction,” the letter said. “I have attempted to arrange discussions with you several times but to no avail. “The friction is now taking on the characteristics of a dispute, something we had wished to avoid. “The anxiety caused by the dissipation of our negotiating time while you refuse to talk, is now generating real stresses among the drivers and distress to their families. “The drivers feel that, despite many years of loyal, safe and competent service to the Central Coast community, their livelihood is now threatened by decreases in hourly pay rates and the replacement of permanent and full-time jobs with casual and parttime jobs.” Email, Jan 7, 2016 Ian Hankinson. Transport Workers Union.

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w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/forum m

Not happy with Council n response to council amalgamation.

Will the State Government print in our local papers the legislation that states the State Government has the power to force councils to amalgamate? Gosford Council should stay as Gosford Council. The problem with Gosford Council is its CEO, that mayor and the councillors. They should be dismissed by the minister for local government. The minister should appoint a business manager, who has the qualification to administer the Gosford Council and also appoint an actuary who will control the financial business of the Gosford Council. What qualifications do the mayor and his councillors have? It is the ratepayers’ right to know. A paper on the Central Coast stated that one councillor is called the Road Warrior. The local roads are full of

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

10,000 potholes. Thank God we have a road warrior on council. Just imagine what the roads would be like without him and the cost to Central Coast cars with frontend suspension problems caused by the potholes. The Gosford Council should be awarded the dirty city award. Everywhere you drive there is rubbish lying around. Drains full of rubbish, which is a reflection of council management. No wonder people continue to drive past

Gosford and go to the Wyong Shire. That shire spent $60 million on their roads; Gosford Council spent $6 million on their roads. When the councillors last voted for the Gosford mayor, what did they do? Voted the same person in but not one lady councillor was voted as deputy mayor. It should be noted that the council have sold the Gosford Town Centre but have not disclosed who made the purchase. This is ratepayers’ money. The Local Government minister should force, by legislation, council to declare the owner of the Gosford City Centre and the sale price. Did the council make a profit or a loss? Amalgamation on the Central Coast will cost ratepayers $500 million over the next five years. Letter, Dec 10, 2015 Vic Wulf, Gosford

Future republic questioned he Pro Republicans I have spoken to do not know which Republican style we should follow.

The American, French or some other style.

FORUM Over 100 of our laws will have to change. What will replace them? What will be the ripple effect on our laws and lifestyle?

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How long will it take to implement? How will we learn these new laws? Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

Union members need protection

he Trade Union Royal Commission has now handed down its findings and notable are the comments by the commissioner on what has been unearthed.

Justice Dyson Heydon stated, “there is widespread and deep corruption by louts, thugs, bullies, thieves, perjures and those who threaten violence, errant fiduciaries and organisers of boycotts in the unions. Dwell on the word ‘widespread’ and bear in mind this is the result of interviewing 500 witnesses

FORUM and over two years of solid investigation. Would any decent hardworking, honest person want to join or be associated with such organisations? Union members’ contributions are being

spent in supporting corrupt and criminal activities and this has to stop. This is not a political witch hunt but politicians have to introduce legislation to wipe out these unlawful activities and provide protection to the public and the workers. Email, Dec 31, 2015 Rod Fountain, Erina

ATO in Gosford is a positive move u s p e n d judgement on the process that landed the ATO in Gosford, and think of the possibilities.

Think of the multiplier effect. Suddenly a major accounting firm having an office in Gosford makes

FORUM sense. Large law firms may decide to locate their accounts department in Gosford to take advantage of a cost effective location. Having access to a great pool of potential employees

Jumping to conclusions iven the number of articles starring the hopefully soon-to-be former Member for Robertson (viz: Ms Lucy Wicks), may I assume that an early election is in the offing?

is the cream on top. Most people who battle through Sydney peak hour, want out. Gosford is in a position to be a real alternative for technology based firms. Let’s get positive. Email, Jan 12, 2016 Warren Cross, Wagstaffe Point

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Letter, Jan 2, 2016 Ray Madden, East Gosford

Email, Dec 16, 2015 Dave Horsfall, North Gosford

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January 14, 2016 - Page 13

FORUM

Australia Post CEO overpaid

ust what is going on in relation to the price increase to one dollar for a postage stamp?

On the ABC 7:30 Report, when Malcolm Turnbull was explaining why an increase to $1 for a postage stamp was necessary, he never mentioned anything about this eye opener. Recently Australia Post which is totally government owned and has been for 200 years, announced the loss of 900 jobs, being part of a cut back program. This is due to the decline in letters beings sent and that’s true as email has further reduced letter writing and in many ways understandably. The CEO of Australia Post has salary package estimated to be worth $4.8 million last year. Of this he donated about $2 million to the Islamic Museum of Australia located in Melbourne. I have a big problem with this fellow’s salary package and so let’s get some perspective here. The top 10 executives in Australia Post combined earn around $20 million each year. That’s simply immoral and clearly the CEO can afford to give away nearly half his takings to an Islamic Museum as he doesn’t need

FORUM it, and surprise, surprise, its tax deductible. How can the CEO of Australia Post earn so much, especially when the postal service is bleeding money from letter delivery? No employee is worth $5 million a year and especially not from a government owned business. The top Federal public servants in Australia have salaries of between $665,600 and $844,800, so how does the bloke in charge of the Post Office receive $4.8 million? The Prime Minister of Australia earns a modest $507,000 considering the real burdens of office, while the CEO of the Gold Coast Council is earning slightly less and that’s patently out of kilter with the PM’s package. The head of the US Postal Service with 19 times more staff and 11 times more revenue than Australia Post receives $550,000. In France the head of their post office was paid $1.1 million with a staff complement of 268,000

employees. What a country full of mugs are we to sit by and let all this happen? I would have run the big game of Post Office for a lot less and still done a reasonable job and in fact, if the best of we seniors applied ourselves we could run the damn Post Office better and accept a normal salary and a free lunch now and again. You had better believe it too. There is an unpleasant and some would say ‘sinister’ unbalanced agenda in Australia, which in the end preys on the average citizen, we the people. We are no longer the lucky country and we are no longer wealthy and this particular game of Post Office reveals major fractures and faults on a number fronts in our society and culture. Who is running the Country, who is pulling the levers and who is going to win? We the Mugs need to know. Email, Dec 19, 2015 Robert Findley, Point Clare

Anti republic sentiments amuse couldn’t help laughing when I read Raymond Madden’s letter, ‘scouts becoming too politically correct’ (Coast Community News, Dec 16).

It sounded so much like the rant of a pompous retired British colonel in a Monty Python Sketch. “Republicans are trying to destroy our constitutional monarchy,” Mr Madden said. Yes, that’s the whole point. “Will they try to change

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

December 11, 2015

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 83

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

$300 million project recommended to Joint Regional Planning Panel

Councillors from both councils meet and form a joint transition team

Citizens’ panel recommended to determine new Council structure

The Joint Regional Planning Panel is expected to approve a $298 million staged mixed use development at 78 to 118 The Entrance Road when it meets at Wyong on Monday

Wyong and Gosford councillors held their first meeting on December 2 following the historic decision to voluntarily merge the t two Central

Member for Wyong, Mr David Harris MP has said if the State Government moves forward with its undemocratic plans to merge Wyong and Gosford Councils without... C

Joint submission to minister a matter of expediency

Councillors and community groups object to high handed actions taken

Councillors, executives and staff await their fate

A letter and submission sent to the NSW minister for local government, Mr Paul Toole MP, was intended to encourage him to consider issues of importance to the Gosford and Wyong councillors and their...

Councillors and community groups have opposed the fi rst actions taken by a project control group (PCG) put in place to start work on the potential amalgamation of Wyong and Gosford Councils.

The councillors, executives and staff of Wyong Council are currently waiting for the NSW minister for local government, Mr Paul Toole MP, to announce their fate.

New Chinese Theme Park agreement needed due to government delays

Council receives report on breaches of confidentiality and related matters

Private Members Bill introduced to stop Wallarah 2

Following a confidential meeting of Wyong Council, its acting CEO Mr Rob Noble was authorised to attempt to negotiate a new contract for the sale of the land on ...

Issues relating to breaches of confidentiality and the use of “closed” council meetings were again discussed at Wyong Council on November 25

Member for Wyong, Mr David Harris MP, has introduced a Private Members Bill called the “Wyong Special Area (Protection) Bill 2015” which actively seeks to block..

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

Peninsula Community Access Edition 384

News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4321 0940

11 January 2016

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

FORUM the next flag?” He asked. You bet, it’s got another country’s flag in the corner. Can there really be Australians who think that it is okay that no Australian can be our head of state or that monarchy is still

relevant in the 21st century? Apparently even the royal family had a good laugh at us for voting against becoming a republic. By the way, I’m English and look forward to England becoming a republic too one day. Email, Dec 31, 2015 Barry Riley, Woy Woy

Public transport costs could rise by almost half

Residents oppose sale of remnant wetland vegetation

Group forms for ‘fair fuel prices’

Weekly public transport costs for Peninsula residents could rise substantially – in some cases by almost 50 per cent - if IPART’s proposed reforms p transport... p to Opal

Residents adjacent to a council reserve containing regionally-signifi cant vegetation in Jumbuck Cres, Woy Woy, have started a campaign ... p g against g

Reports that petrol prices on the Peninsula are as much as 20 per cent or more higher than in Sydney and Newcastle has led to the creation of a group g p ...

New year starts for Marine Rescue

Church holds Summerfest

Holidays increase threat to water birds, says rescuer

The volunteers at Marine Rescue Central Coast were active on fi rst weekend of the New Year.

Peninsula EV Church held Summerfest in Woy Woy for the fi rst time from January 4 to 8.

The Peninsula’s water birds are under increased threat during the holidays, according to Ms Wendy Gillespie from Pelican Rescue and Research.

Court decision ‘could take months’

Chamber ‘disappointed’

Three in running for Woman of the Year

A decision about the proposed development of a boarding house at Ferry Rd, Ettalong, is still being considered by the Land and Environment Court.

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has expressed disappointment over the lack of any decision by the NSW Land and Environment Court about the Ettalong ...

Three Peninsula women are in the running to become the Business and Professional Women Central Coast Woman of the Year for their achievements...

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

ON THE BEAT

Page 14 - Coast Community News - January 14, 2016 6 Share

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/on-the-beat at

Road fatality at Erina

Home invasion in North Gosford

olice are investigating a fatal crash that occurred in Erina, just after 5:20am on Tuesday, January 12.

Emergency services were called to the Central Coast Highway between Bonnal and Karalta Roads, following reports of a collision. Initial inquiries have led police to believe two vehicles collided while travelling in the west-bound lanes. The two vehicles were a white Holden Rodeo and a white Nissan Pulsar. A male driver of one of the vehicles stopped and exited the car, when a third vehicle, believed to be a white Ford

Fiesta, approached the scene and hit the man. Ambulance paramedics were called and attempted to assist the injured man; however he died at the scene. No one else was injured during the incident. Officers attached to Brisbane Water Local Area Command and the metropolitan crash investigation unit were

called and established a crime scene, which was to be forensically examined. The road was closed for the morning following the crash. Police have appealed for witnesses to the fatal collision or events leading up to the crash, who they have not yet spoken to, to contact Gosford Police. A report will be prepared for the Coroner. Media releases, Jan 12 and 13, 2016 NSW Police media

Man murdered in Terrigal man faced court on Thursday, December 17 charged with murder after the body of another man was found in a home in Terrigal.

About 10:30am on Wednesday, December 16, 2015, police attended a residence on Willoughby Rd, Terrigal, after a 65-year-old man was found deceased. Police from Brisbane Water Local Area Command and the State Crime Command Homicide Squad attended and commenced an investigation.

A crime scene was established, and specialist police examined the location. About 8:00pm, investigators attended Ocean View Dve, Wamberal, and arrested a 33-year-old

man. He was taken to Gosford Police Station and charged with murder and two counts of aggravated break enter. The man was refused bail to appear at Gosford Local Court. Media release, Dec 17, 2015 NSW police media

olice appealed for witnesses following a home invasion in North Gosford about 11:10pm on Monday, January 11.

A teenage boy aged 14, and a man were at a home on Dunbar Way, when two men forced entry to the house. The men threatened the two occupants with a golf club and demanded cash. The boy was hit with the club. The man handed over his wallet and the men ran from the location. Police were called and officers from Brisbane Water Local Area Command attended and commenced an investigation.

assaulted the 30-year-old, and caused a cut to his hand. The armed man left the scene and the injured man was treated by ambulance paramedics and taken to Gosford Hospital. The 47-year-old man attended Gosford Police

Station a short time later where he was arrested and charged with reckless wounding. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Gosford Local Court on Tuesday, January 19. Media release, Dec 15, 2015 NSW Police media

Media release, Jan 12, 2016 NSW Police media

olice are investigating after licensed premises in West Gosford were robbed by men armed with an axe and a sword on Sunday, January 10.

About 9:40pm, staff members were preparing to close a pub on Hely Street when two men who had their faces concealed ran into the building. Police have been told one of the men was armed with an axe, and the other had a sword. It’s alleged the men threatened staff and demanded cash from the till. The staff members complied and the armed

men left the scene in a white Holden station wagon. Approximately five patrons were in the premises at the time, however no one was injured. Officers from Brisbane Water Local Area Command were called and established a crime scene that was examined by specialist forensic officers.

Investigators would like to speak with two men; the first described as being about 175cm tall, with a thin build, wearing a dark hooded jumper, grey tracksuit pants and joggers. The second man is described as being taller than the first man, with a thin build. Media release, Jan 11, 2016 NSW Police media

Far more motorists affected by drugs than alcohol

man will appear in court this month following an alleged altercation and wounding of a man at a caravan park in Wyoming.

At around 11:30am on Monday, December 14, a 30-year-old man visited a relative at a caravan park on the Pacific Highway in Wyoming. It will be alleged an altercation ensued between the man and a 47-year-old man who resides at the park. It is alleged the older man was holding a knife,

The boy was taken to Gosford Hospital for treatment of head injuries; he was in a stable condition. A crime scene was

West Gosford tavern robbed

Man charged with reckless wounding

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

established and will be examined by specialist forensic officers. Investigators would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist with their inquiries to contact Crime Stoppers. The men were only described as wearing black tracksuit pants, dark hoodies and they had their faces covered.

even motorists returned positive drug tests on the Central Coast on Saturday, January 2.

Police from the Brisbane Water Local Area Command conducted 200 roadside drug tests (RDTs) and 1,390 random breath tests (RBTs) during a road safety operation in Gosford and surrounds. Of the 200 tested for drugs, seven returned positive with one of the 1,390 tested for alcohol returned positive with a lowrange result. Those who returned positive drug tests were issued with 24 hour driving prohibition notices.

Further action will be undertaken against these drivers if additional test results also show positive traces of illicit substances. Brisbane Water Local Area Commander, Superintendent Daniel Sullivan said drug driving is not only illegal but incredibly dangerous. “Taking control of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs is mind-

bogglingly stupid and irresponsible,” he said. “You not only put your own life in very real danger, you risk killing other road users. “Motorists on the Central Coast can expect to see more and more roadside drug tests conducted in the coming weeks. “If you are reckless enough to drug-drive, you can expect to be caught,” he said. Media release, Jan 2, 2016 NSW Police media

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Coast Community News - January 14, 2016 - Page 15 C SShare

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ON THE BEAT

Garage fire in West Gosford Several charged with shoplifting and related offences olice have charged eight people and issued further infringement notices relating to retail theft on the Central Coast on Tuesday, December 22.

Operation Trader was conducted between 8:00am and 8:00pm at a shopping centre on Terrigal Dr, Erina, in an effort to target shoplifting offenders. A 32 year old man was charged after allegedly replacing the barcodes of items in a supermarket. After a short foot pursuit he was arrested, charged with 18 counts of obtain benefit by deception. He has been granted bail and will appear at Gosford Local Court on Tuesday, February 2. A 25 year old man and a 34 year old man will also appear at Gosford Local Court on February 2 for alleged shoplifting incidents with a 63 year old woman also facing court with the same charge on Tuesday, February 23. A 25 year old woman will attend Gosford Local Court on Tuesday, February 23 for two counts of goods in custody after police allegedly located a number of items believed to have been stolen on her while she was attending the shopping

centre. A 17 year old male was stopped and spoken to by police after exiting a retail store. It’s alleged he assaulted two male police officers, kicking them while they tried to arrest him. The Constable and Senior Constable did not sustain any serious injury. The 17 year old was arrested and charged with his three outstanding revocation of parole warrants, 2 counts of assault police, one count resist arrest and one count aggravated break and enter. He was allegedly involved in a break and enter at Springfield on Thursday, December 17. He was refused bail and appeared at Children’s Court on Wednesday, December 23. A 21 year old man will also attended Gosford Local Court on Tuesday, February 2 for driving whilst suspended, driving an

unregistered and uninsured vehicle after he was stopped by police after dropping off the 17 year old boy and 25 year old woman mentioned above. A 52 year old man, an 18 year old man and a 46 year old woman were also issued with criminal infringement notices for shoplifting. A 17 year old boy and a 15 year old girl were also cautioned for shoplifting offences. Detective inspector Glenn Trayhurn said: “Thieves may have a false sense of security given the increase in traffic through stores during the busy Christmas period but an increase in security and improved surveillance technology is proving that offenders are easily caught. “To those thinking about committing unpaid or fraudulent shopping offences, I would suggest thinking again, as you will be caught.” Media release, Dec 23, 2015 NSW Police media

Busy Boxing Day olunteers at Marine Rescue Central Coast received three calls on Saturday, December 26 and one on Sunday, December 27.

The first for the Saturday, received around midday, was about a four metre runabout containing two passengers. The outboard had failed and Central Coast 21 towed the vessel from Hardy’s Bay to Pretty Beach ramp. At about 1:00pm, Mr Bob Knowles and Mr Robert Smith were radioed at Point Clare base about a missing diver. Four people had made a dive on the Birkenhead wreck of Bilgola. Police were notified and the boat was requested to verify its exact location. Central Coast 21 headed full speed under

the command of Skipper Ted Leeson, assisted by Mr Phil Page and Mr Peter Ashworth. Police arranged helicopter assistance and a rubber duck was deployed from the local surf club. Once the rescue vessel arrived, they were informed that the diver had been recovered safely. Further into the afternoon, Central Coast 21 was sent to Pretty Beach to investigate a report of a yacht aground. Crew found a 13.5m ketch with three passengers on a failing tide. Marine rescue crew dropped the yacht’s anchor

in deep water in the channel to enable those on board to kedge them off on the high tide. The call received on Sunday, December 27 was around 7:00am about a nine metre yacht aground in Caroline Bay. Central Coast 22 found the yacht with a broken mooring stranded on the mud. The yacht was taken in tow and placed on an emergency mooring at Point Clare. Media release, Dec 27, 2015 Ron Cole, Marine Rescue NSW Central Coast

A house on Brisbane Water Drive West Gosford sustained fire damage via an electrical fault.

ariong Fire and Rescue attended a house fire in West Gosford on Wednesday, December 30.

Two people were at home at the time of the fire that took place in the garage. Four crews attended the fire with a total of 16 crew members. The fire was put out in approximately 10 minutes with no reported injuries.

Station officer Mr Craig Warren said: “There was fire, heat and smoke damage to the garage with heat and smoke damage to the ceiling of the whole house. “We had a good response time of two minutes as we were in the area at that

time.” Mr Warren said that while they can’t be certain, the believed cause of the fire was an electrical fault. Interview, Jan 6, 2016 Craig Warren, Kariong Fire and Rescue Victoria Power, journalist

Police raise over $21,000 for Coast Shelter oast Shelter has received a donation of $21,250 from Brisbane Water Local Command.

Executive officer of Coast Shelter, Mr Laurie Maher said the Brisbane Water Local Command raised the funds with a white ribbon lunch. They also sold raffle tickets for a month before the Christmas period. “The command all joined in, the police were very excited about the amount they were able to raise,” he said. Mr Maher said the fundraising raised awareness of domestic violence on the Central Coast and was wonderful for the community. “It’s wonderful for the patrol to try to assist the homeless, especially those with the messy violent environment.” With the funds raised, Mr Maher stated that all resources will be put under the same umbrella of The Marie Lowndes Charitable Foundation.

“There’s been a terrible surge of domestic violence,” he said. Resources that will benefit from the funds raised include an educational program for high school students about domestic violence, the three women’s and children’s shelter and the young women’s refuge currently run by Coast Shelter. “We are in the process of establishing temporary accommodation, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to support victims of domestic violence who have escaped but can’t stay at a refuge. “They’re always full these days,” he said. “We’re working with the police to assist women and children in their situation,” Mr Maher said. “It’s a very good move,” he said, “one that aims at both ends. “One being the educational program,

the other end is for when women, statistically with three children, have escaped their situation, we can do something practical.” Mr Maher described children involved as hidden victims. Central Coast police informed Mr Maher that they served 26 AVOs over the Christmas period, “to women and men, mainly women, to give them some protection and this doesn’t count breaches that occurred during that period,” Mr Maher explained. Mr Maher hopes that the fundraiser becomes an annual event and believes that the Brisbane Water Local Command would like to “do it bigger and better,” next year. Interview, Jan 6, 2016 Laurie Maher, Coast Shelter Victoria Power, Journalist

HEALTH

Page 16 - Coast Community News - January 14, 2016 6 Share

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/health

Woman of the Year finalists announced

hree women from the Gosford area are in the running to become Business and Professional Women Central Coast’s (BPW) Woman of the Year.

Ms Yvonne Lamont, Sgt Jess Bradbury and Ms Wendy Malonyay are up against six other competitors from the Woy Woy Pensinula and Wyong. BPW’s Woman of the Year will be announced at its Woman of the Year dinner on February 27. BPW president, Ms Chris Levis said the nine finalists were: “Fabulous, talented, tireless and successful women all working or volunteering and living on the Central Coast”. One finalist is Ms Yvonne Lamont, director and founder of WOW Girls, who has received an empowerment award from BPW. WOW Girls was established in February 2008 and has provided a diversity of opportunities for women of all ages and beliefs. Ms Lamont arranges activities and events for women including water sports, fitness, public speaking, breakfasts and camps. According to BPW’s reasons for her nomination: “Yvonne has empowered women on the Central Coast to undertake activities and keep physically and mentally fit. “Her networking group brings women of all ages together to cross-market activities that will benefit a wide cross section of women”. In terms of her contribution to women, “Yvonne has given generously of her time to establish the Waves of Wisdom (WOW), to organise events and activities, educate and improve the awareness of social and humanitarian issues and to inspire women to do more with their lives”. Sgt Jess Bradbury from Brisbane Water Local Area Command Domestic Violence Unit is another

Woman of the Year finalist who has received an empowerment award for championing the cause of domestic violence in her role as a police officer. The domestic violence unit is dedicated to the reduction of domestic and family violence through victim and offender focused strategies and community education. Sgt Bradbury is the domestic violence leader for the seventh largest police local area command within NSW. She leads her team as they review and ensure appropriate responses to every report of domestic and family violence. She prepares and supports victims when attending court, educates the community, targets offenders and ensures offender compliance. Sgt Bradbury received the BPW empowerment award because she requested a transfer into her role. “Sgt Bradbury is leading a change management process that she has designed to both improve the command’s response to reports of domestic violence and increase community awareness of the issues. As the leader of the team, she has increased the arrest rate of domestic violence offenders, increased the awareness of all Brisbane Water police officers of the challenges in supporting victims and increased community interaction with the NSW Police Force. Ms Wendy Malonyay from Avoca Beach is another Empowerment Award recipient in the running for BPW Woman of the Year. Ms Malonyay is a member of the Homicide Victims Support Group, an organisation established 30 years ago by the family of Anita Cobby who was raped and murdered by five men.

The organisation provides counselling and ongoing support for families of homicide victims. Ms Malonyay is now supporting women in domestic violence situations following the murder of her daughter, Ms Kate Malonyay by her former partner two years ago. According to information from BPW Central Coast, Wendy is raising funds for a home to be funded to support families in crisis and has already personally, with the help of her family, raised $60,000 for the project. She is a member of the Domestic Violence White Ribbon Committee on the Central Coast and speaks about her daughter with a view to highlight domestic violence issues. She is involved with the local police as a volunteer to assist women in domestic violence situations. She also attends the Goulburn Police Academy to provide an insight to domestic violence training for police. She was nominated for the empowerment award by a member of Zonta Central Coast where Wendy was a guest speaker last year. “This was the first time Wendy had spoken publicly about Kate and the effect that domestic violence had had on her own life,” the BPW nomination notes said. “We were moved to tears by Wendy and her gracious presentation, which was about recognising and supporting women in violent situations. “Wendy is living and reliving her own nightmare so that other mothers and families can begin to recognise the effects domestic violence has on all of us as a community.”

Sgt Jess Bradbury has received a BPW Empowerment Award and is in the running for Woman of the Year

Photo: Val Bridge

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Coast Community News - January 14, 2016 - Page 17 Co SShare

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Hospital emergency waiting times over four hours for 39% of patients hirty nine per cent of patients who presented to Gosford Hospital’s emergency department waited more than four hours to be seen or attended to according to the latest figures from the Bureau of Health Information.

The bureau’s latest Activity and Performance in NSW Public Hospitals: July to September 2015 shows that Gosford hospital’s waiting times compared to 31 per cent of patients at Wyong Hospital’s emergency department waiting more than four hours to be seen or attended to. Nepean and Westmead, with the longest emergencydepartment waiting times,

both recorded 52 per cent. Goulburn and Ryde, with the shortest waiting times, both recorded 23 per cent. According to the office of the NSW shadow minister for health, Mr Walt Secord, 30 per cent of patients statewide waited longer than four hours in emergency departments. “Sadly these are not just numbers, they have a human face,’ Mr Secord

said. “They are thousands of mothers, fathers, children and grandparents who rely on the health and hospital system,” he said. “This is the human cost of the Baird Government’s $3 billion in health and hospital cuts.” Media release, Dec 1, 2015 Walt Secord, NSW shadow health minister

Free help for families connected to ice and addiction free Ice and addiction presentation will be held at Kariong Neighbourhood Centre on March 23.

The presentation is designed to provide information for families and friends of people who have addictions to ice and other drugs. The free presentation will run from 7:00pm to 9:00pm and Kariong Neighbourhood

Centre is located at 10 Langford Dve, Kariong, The Kariong Neighbourhood Centre will also host an Ice and Other Drugs Weekly Support Group. This will be a confidential group for parents and

friends of Ice and drug dependent people. The support group will commence on April 1 and run through to May 20. Media release, Jan 12, 2016 Fiona Simpson, Kariong Neighbourhood Centre

NEWS

Traineeship costs capped arliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald MLC, and member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch MP, welcomed Minister for Skills, Mr John Barilaro’s announcement that fees for the majority of government subsidised vocational education and training will remain stable in 2016, benefiting people looking to skills training to obtain a job.

“There are so many options for people on the Central Coast looking to get skills and a qualification for a rewarding job through Smart and Skilled,” Mr MacDonald said. “The NSW Government supports more than 750 qualifications in areas of demand, and the good news for prospective student is that in 2016, the majority of course fees will stay at 2015

levels. “Many people on the Central Coast will actually see vocational training become more affordable, as trainees will benefit from a $1,000 cap on the cost of traineeships,” Mr Crouch said. “Plus, there are a range of opportunities that Hunter locals can take advantage of to get the skills to kickstart a career including fee-

free scholarships, STEM scholarships and free pre-traineeship and preapprenticeship courses,” he said. From 2016, the NSW Government is investing in a range of initiatives to make it easier for young people to access high quality, affordable training. Media release, Nov 5, 2015 Mitchell Cutting, office of Adam Crouch MP

New principal at Point Clare eputy principal of Point Clare Public School, Ms Jane Young has thanked the school’s community for its support during her time as acting principal.

Ms Young was acting principal at Point Clare Public School for 11 months as a result of former principal, Mr David Harris successfully standing for the seat of Wyong in the 2015 NSW state election. “I welcome our new principal Mr Scott Campbell,

who will commence in 2016,” Ms Young said. Ms Young will return to her substantive position as deputy principal at Point

Clare. Newsletter, Dec 15, 2015 Jane Young, Point Clare Public School

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EDUCATION

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NAISDA delegates to showcase Research confirms ongoing effectiveness of Indigenous Contemporary Dance in the USA traditional advertising Based on their research and worldwide experience, international marketing company NRS Media has provided the following 10 compelling statistics to help convince small to medium enterprises (SMEs) of the effectiveness of advertising in traditional mediums. As small businesses have a limited budget, they’re often cautious about investing in marketing, so having some real facts and figures can help them justify their expenditure.

1. $1 spent on advertising benefits an SME 8x as much as a larger firm Small businesses are often wary about spending money on advertising, wrongly thinking it’s the sole realm of big companies. But even though they have less money to spend, they will see more impact when they do advertise. 2. An investment of $1 in newspaper advertising gives an average return of $11.89 in revenue According to research by the Direct Marketing Association, the return that small businesses can get when they invest in newspaper advertising is eleven times their expenditure. See the research by the DMA at http:// printinthemix.com/fastfacts/show/414. 3. Advertising is the second most effective marketing method, behind word of mouth Some people think advertising doesn’t work, or that they’d be better investing their time in social media. But only 35% of small businesses think social media is successful. Advertising and word of mouth are both more effective. 4. 64% of SMEs say their advertising has been a success Small businesses might think advertising only works if you’re a big corporate but that’s simply not true. Even more small businesses could experience success if they had the support of a media partner who could guide them to create the most effective campaign. 5. 61% of small businesses with high levels of growth advertise, consult marketing advisers, or have their own marketing experts. Only 43% of small businesses not experiencing growth do If you need to grow their business, advertising is important. It’s actually one of three elements that marks out high-growth businesses from other SMEs. 6. An estimated 46% of digital ad impressions aren’t actually seen by people This shocking figure is a surprise to many people. Why pay for adverts that can’t be viewed? 7. Clickthrough rates from online ads are falling, from 9% in 2000 to just 0.2% in 2012 As we face more and more digital noise, online ads are becoming less effective. Not only are they less likely to be seen, they’re also less likely to clicked. That makes it much harder to reach out to people. The figure is likely to be less again in 2015. Traditional advertising can help. 8. TV, newspaper and magazine advertising is more likely to be noticed than online ads As we face more and more digital noise, online ads are becoming less effective. 9. Traditional media is also more likely to be trusted Newspaper, magazines and TV ads all have the highest level of trust, at 63%, 62% and 61% respectively. Radio and billboards aren’t far behind and are trusted by 58% and 55% of consumers. However, online ads are less trusted, with search ads coming in at 44%. That drops to 33% for banner ads. It makes sense for small businesses to place their budget into areas where they can influence people and grow trust. These statistics show that that area is traditional advertising. 10. 88% of consumers still use print to get information Despite what some people say, print is far from dead. So if you are worried that people don’t use print anymore, this research can help. It showed that 63% of people like print ads, compared to just 25% for online adverts. This information has been supplied based on newspapers of all types and sizes around the world. The trust and effectiveness factor will be far higher for newspapers such as those published under the Central Coast newspapers banner, as they are highly regarded for their content and are read from cover to cover because of their relevance to their readership and longer shelf life.

elebrating 40 years of contemporary Indigenous arts, NAISDA Dance College will commence its biggest year to date with a USA tour, starting at the 28th Annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance.

As part of a Cultural Exchange and teaching arrangement, four delegates from NAISDA will be traveling to Denver and Castle Rock Colorado, the University of Virginia, UArts Philadelphia and New York, where they will showcase Australian Indigenous Contemporary Dance and culture. As part of the tour, NAISDA alumni Mr Thomas ES Kelly, Ms Taree Sansbury and Mr Hans Ahwang, as well as artistic director emeritus and founder of NAISDA, Ms Carole Y Johnson, will share the unique style of Australian Indigenous Contemporary Dance for which the college has become renowned. Based in Kariong, NAISDA Dance College is Australia’s premier Indigenous dance training college and has a proud reputation of producing

the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers and creators. Ms Johnson said that the tour is an opportunity to showcase NAISDA’s vast contributions to contemporary dance on an international stage. “Today NAISDA Dance boasts more than 100 independent professional dance artists creating, performing and touring dance throughout Australia and abroad,’ Ms Johnson said. “The College is also a catalyst and stimulus for the preservation of traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance,” she said. “We are honoured to represent NAISDA and the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance community as part of the Conference, which will host the broadest gathering of Black Dance professionals

in the US and Internationally, from January 20 to 24 this year. “This is a perfect opportunity to celebrate Australian Indigenous Contemporary Dance as NAISDA has spread this unique art form to performers, choreographers, artistic directors, teachers and many more members of the international dance community for 40 years,” added Ms Johnson. CEO of NAISDA, Ms Kim Walker commented that this wonderful start to the 40th anniversary celebrations could not have taken place without the creative insight of the Department of Foreign Affairs Canberra, Arts NSW and NAISDA. Media release, Dec 11, 2015 Alison Orren, Brilliant Logic

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Coast Community News - January 14, 2016 - Page 19 Co SShare

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EDUCATION

Bush to Beach student exchange undertaken n Aboriginal student exchange, Bush to Beach, was undertaken between Terrigal High School and Coonamble High School, located on the Central Western Plains of New South Wales, between November and December of last year.

HSC high achievers named ember for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch MP congratulated local students on the Central Coast for their HSC results.

“I would like to wish our local HSC students all the very best for their next step, whether it’s a gap year, employment, university or TAFE, it is one of the most important periods of their life,” Mr Crouch said. “A number of students in the seat of Terrigal are among the distinguished achievers in the 2015 HSC,” said Mr Crouch. “Almost 70,000 students sat at least one HSC subject this year, so to have received a mark this high is an incredible achievement that these students should be very proud of,” he said. “The HSC is a qualification that will be a pathway to further study for many students.” The following schools and students in the Terrigal electorate made the honour roll for the 2015 HSC. Central Coast Adventist School: Rachel Bell, Jeremy Brittan, Sophie

Lane, Benjamin Leadbetter, Shanae Masters, Kelsey Ann Nicholas, Jenna Rae Pearson, Colleen Sun, Tyler Van Der Veer, Olivia Rose Wijaya, Zachariah James, Max Woods. Central Coast Grammar School: Jannah Anderson, Hagan Ashley, Jessica Balthazaar, Kain Barnett, Liam Brewin Higgins, Paiden Bronfield, Evangeline Buckmaster, Lily Cameron, Sophie Cox, Jasmine Dick, Claudia Dobrohotoff, Alexander Ford, Madeleine Gahan, Jessica Handley, Elliott Holohan-Hill, Alanah Hook, Emma Hunter, Beycan Irmako, Alexa Khoury, Liam Loader, Annie McDoermott, Katie Norton, Caitlin Pettigrew, Brooke Piper, Mille Reed, Kittitat Rungrugeecharoen, Peter Schmidt, Samantha Schwarz, Nathalia Scott, Sophie Totonjian, Tony Zhang. Erina High School: Sheridan Annaleize Clark, Lauren Samatha Jones, Amelia Lynch. Green Point Christian School: Zoe Armstrong, Jaden Costa, Amelia Dani, Madison Daugaard, Ben Everingham, Max Farmer, Leon Frank-Rath, Lily Garde,

Emma Grillo, Melissa Hain, Christine Healy, Jessica Kemp, James Madden, Mia McCarthy, Brittany Morgan, Smantha Morris, Anne Spragg, Nathan White. Kincumer High School: Jessie Leah Andrew, Tayla Zoe Carpenter, Georgia Amy Cook, Jacob Cracknell, Kirra Dibb, Rebekah Farnon, Kye Felton, Abby Georgeson, Alyxanthe Hull, Elizabeth Annie Jones, Jasmine Victoria King, Lauren Amy Marshall, Tahlia Honey Methieson, Clara Eva Guohong Smith, Nutana Keilani Soper, Matthew Carl Temperley, Amy Jasmine Wright. Terrigal High School: Klementine Burrell-Sander, Bayley Doolan, Beth Favetta, Olivia Grace Fotheringham, Jake Hill, Charlotte KayNoble, Caitlin Kelly, Matthew Langhein, Madeline McCarthy, Callum McCoy, Tobias Mitchell, Miri Mocke, Tess Moran, Jess Menjamine Moy, Caitlin Amy Perz, Katherine Price, Luke Rogers, Georgia Slager, Sharvana Stevens-Hofer, Jade Hannah Wood, Sarah Louise Wood. Media release, Dec 17, 2015 Debra Wales, office of Adam Crouch

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The one high school has about 1,100 students and the other a little more than 280 students. The Rotary Clubs of Coonamble and Terrigal, the Coonamble High School, the Clontarf Foundation, the Girls Academy, and Terrigal High School collaborated to provide Aboriginal students with an opportunity to learn about each other and each other’s region - to experience the differences between coastal life and

country life. The exchange had two legs. Twelve students and four teachers from Terrigal High School visited Coonamble from November 19 for four days. And a Coonamble exchange group of 10 boys, 10 girls and four Coonamble High School leaders visited Terrigal and the Central Coast from November 30 for five days. The group arrived at

the Terrigal Surf Club on November 30 for a swim and a barbecue which was hosted by the Terrigal Surf Club and the Rotary Club of North Gosford. An exchange presentation was held on December 2 at the Breakers Country Club in Wamberal. Medial release, Nov 26, 2015 Rotary Club of Terrigal

Kincumber and Erina win Enviro School of the Year award

incumber Public School recently secured the 2015 Environmental School of the Year award in the large school category within Gosford City Council’s Greenhouse Program Awards.

Erina Heights Public School secured the same award in the medium-sized school category. Chertsey Public School, Copacabana Public School, Terrigal Public School and Niagara Park Public School secured Encouragement Awards. The awards acknowledged schools and students who introduced a range of waste reduction

and sustainability initiatives to boost environmental awareness at their schools. Gosford City Mayor, 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,” Mayor

McKinna said. The theme for the 2015 awards was Zero Waste = 7 Rs. The theme encouraged students and staff to introduce initiatives which explore ways to reduce, return, re-use, repair, re-fill, rot or refuse waste. Website, Nov 25, 2015 Gosford Council media

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OUT&ABOUT

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Cultural Heart Community Centre markets to gathering on the waterfront fund centre’s programme gathering to be called ‘This Land is Our Land’ has been created to enable people to come together to form a Cultural Heart for Gosford through the simple act of holding hands.

The Narara Community Centre will be holding mid-week hand-made markets

he Narara Community Centre will hold its first mid-week handmade markets on Tuesday, January 20.

This will be the first in a series of markets to be held as a community fund-raising event. Parents and guardians are encouraged to bring their children as the markets will provide craft activities and face-painting. The funds will be used to support the development and delivery of a new program designed to provide seniors with a multifaceted activity program.

The program will be developed and delivered in partnership with Narara Valley High School as well as nursing homes and residents in the GosfordNarara area. The centre manager, Ms Vivian Muraahi said: “After an unsuccessful attempt at government funding, we are so passionate about this program to connect the young with the old in what will benefit them both while

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Event organiser and Multi Arts Confederation (MAC) committee member, Ms Victoria ‘Fi’ Hopkins said: “We encouraqe the community to wear red, as an aerial shot will be taken by photographer Andrew Cooney flying high in his helicopter. “The event will take place on Gosford Leagues Club Field on January 24 and will start promptly at 3:00pm. “The event will send a clear message to government to retain the old Gosford Public School site and the waterfront Crown Land for public recreation and for cultural and community purposes,’ Ms Hopkins said. “This land is community space and it should be retained as community space,” she said. Ms Hopkins said the Central Coast Regional Development Corporation needed to get to know its people and its area. “They are faceless and we need to have people we can talk to and let us know what is happening because

this has been hidden behind closed doors. “This area belongs to the people and the people should have a vision and be consulted on what is going here,” added MAC founder, Ms Margaret Hardy. Local historian, Ms Kay Williams added: “The Government must learn to govern for the community not rule for vested interest. “In any given time or place, arts is the barometer of society – it tells our story, teaches our past, and touches our future in ways that reach everyone,” Ms Hopkins said. “In support of our efforts, Central Coast historian, Mr Peter Rea has reworked the classic Woody Guthrie/Pete Seeger song, ‘This Land is Your Land’. “To be led by the Ecopella Choir, we encourage you to raise your voices as one coherent collective community, through cooperation as united we stand,” she said. Mr Rea’s lyrics are: This land is your land,

this land is my land From the Upper Hawkesbury to the Lion Island, From Patonga beaches to the northern reaches, This land belongs to you and me. This land is your land, this land is my land, From Avoca to Yattalunga, This land belongs to you and me. This land is your land, this land is my land, Waterfronts and school sites let them be, All the bush lands, the public spaces. This land belongs to you and me. This land is your land, this land is my land, It’s not the government’s or any thieves’. It’s not developers or selected residents, This land belongs to you and me. Email, Jan 12, 2016 Victoria Fi Hopkins, Multi Arts Confederation

Coast Community News - January 14, 2016 - Page 21

Shen Yun Heralds the Beginning of a New Era EPOCH TIMES

AN JOSE, Calif.—Few experiences in life can claim to touch the very core of one’s being. For sisters Lynn Pentz and Rene Besold, Shen Yun did just that. “It speaks to the highest in us. Here is the heart and the soul being uplifted in the art. It’s exquisite. Just a magnificent piece of art,” said Ms. Pentz, wearing a regal black coat ornately detailed with a golden Chinese dragon. Ms. Pentz, who called the performance “deeply inspiring,” finally secured the ticket as a Christmas gift from her sister Rene, after wanting to see Shen Yun for years. “Shen Yun is a beautiful transformational experience,” she said. “It’s a cross-cultural journey into not only Chinese history and spiritual tradition,

but it’s also an opportunity to just take a deep breath and have your soul fed by the highest form of art … also just the uplifting of the music and the beauty of the dance and the costumes, and the moving imagery in the background.” This is no small praise from an event producer who was behind such globally recognized events as Hands Across America and Live Aid. Rene Besold, Ms. Pentz’s equally vibrant sister and a former director of human resources and training, echoed the sentiment. “With the sights and the sounds, and the texture and the color, that incredible orchestra, and the movement, the flow of the dancing, and the precision of everything—you did not see that

From left: Rene Besold, Lynn Pentz

on a flat screen, u felt it,” Ms. you sold said. Besold “It went into ur heart, into your your ul.” soul. “It was deep and pround. It is really a remarkable found. perience. It’s an experience, it’s experience. nott a show. I have to say, that’s obably the finest overall perprobably mance in its totality that I’ve formance er seen, bar none”, she said. ever

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These dimensions dimens re rea al. are real. -Lynn L Pentz

To Lynn Pentz, the divine worlds depicted in Shen Yun are not just the stuff of imagination. “For me it’s real,” she said. “It’s a fascinating thing, and quite honestly, I think that the grace of the divine can take whatever form you recognize.” As a person with a keen sense of spirituality, and blessed with experiences beyond the norm, Ms. Pentz’s take on the heavenly realms depicted on stage may be different from some of her fellow theatergoers. “For those whose third eye

“So inspiring. I think “S Im may have found some ideas ide for the next Avatar movie.” mo — Robert R Stromberg, Academy Aw Award–winning production des designer

is open,” she said, “these dimensions are real, depicted in actual physical reality. This is not just some myth. This is not some theatrical experience.” Many cultures believe in the ability to see beyond the physical world. “It gives people an opportunity to see the dimensions of heaven, not just as a symbolic representation, which most people would think, but it’s literally what people experience with an open third eye and an open heart and a connection with the soul,” Ms. Pentz said. “This is a real representation of what real power is … as you develop your life force, you purify and you embody virtues, and real power comes to you. Both in terms of consciousness and in terms of grace, and in terms of your ability to impact the physical world. Hopefully, to uplift it,” she said.

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OUT&ABOUT

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Vale Bob Rider ong term member of the Brisbane Water Historical Society and the Gosford Bush Poets, Mr Bob Rider, passed away on Boxing Day 2015.

A member of the Brisbane Water Historical Society for 14 years, Mr Rider was a committee member and also served as secretary. Although he wasn’t well for the past two years, he continued to record the mail and look after group visit bookings as well as have a good rapport with regular visitors. For a number of years, Mr Rider was also involved in organising the maintenance of the Cottage and Museum. Brisbane Water Historical Society president Ms Edith Campbell said: “Those who worked with him will also remember his sense of fun, his jokes and his interest in bush poetry, of which he wrote quite a bit and which we occasionally enjoyed as a contribution to our newsletter.” Mr Rider was also an active member of the Gosford Bush Poets (GBP). “Bob and his wife Shirley have been staunch supporters and regular presenters at the Gosford Bush Poets over many years and Bob’s passing will, I know, be felt by the many friends he made at the Gosford Bush Poets,” said GBP organiser, Mr Vic Jeffries. “In his 84th year, born 1932, Bob lived up here for about 16 years, but we used to come up for holidays for quite some time”, Shirley Rider said. “My family had a weekender up here. “When Bob and I got engaged and married we

Mr Bob Rider, a well-loved member of Gosford Bush Poets and Brisbane Water Historical Society

always came up here for our holidays.” Bob and Shirley made their home in Point Clare in 1998 but had always spent regular holidays on the Central Coast. After retiring, Bob worked with ArtXpress, the travelling exhibition that showcases the outstanding works of NSW HSC students. “He started writing poetry, just funny little poems and he got more involved as the years went on,” said wife Shirley. “His poems were funny bush poems and after a while he would see a joke and turn that joke into a poem,” she said. “We both got involved with the bush poets and I used to read them out and

he really enjoyed doing that.” Bob and Shirley have one daughter who lives in Canada, two sons and three grandchildren. Mr Rider’s son, Grant, described his father as: “A very sociable character who enjoyed a good laugh and everyone knew him as a very friendly person who always made time for people”. His funeral was held at the Greenway Chapel, Green Point on Wednesday, January 6. Newsletter, Jan 6, 2016 Edith Campbell, Brisbane Water Historical Society Newsletter, Dec 27, 2015 Vic Jeffries, Gosford Bush Poets Interview, Jan 12, 2016 Shirley and Grant Rider

Free Cinema Under the Stars at the stadium

he seventh Newcastle Permanents Cinema Under the Stars will be held on Saturday, January 16 at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford.

The free event will feature the family film Minions, rated PG, and musical acts from 19-Twenty and Fanny Lumsden. Newcastle Permanent CEO, Mr Terry Millett said: “For more than eight years Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema Under the Stars has been helping to bring families and communities together by providing free outdoor events across

regional NSW. “Our seventh event on the Central Coast is expected to attract 3,500 people.” “Each year, Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema Under the Stars events delight thousands of people with a unique opportunity to enjoy a night of free, familyfriendly entertainment in some of the most beautiful venues the Central Coast

has to offer,” he said. No chairs, alcohol or glassware are permitted in the Central Coast Stadium. Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase. Entertainment will commence at 5:30pm with the film screening at sunset. Media release, Dec 17, 2015 Ashleigh Killingly, Newcastle Permanent

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December 11, 2015

Council resolves to acquire part of Wyong Grove 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

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he Joint R e g i o n a l P l a n n i n g Panel is expected to approve a $298 million staged mixed use development at 78 to 118 The Entrance Issue Road when it meets at Wyong on Monday, December 14.

November 27, 2015

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

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Historic forced voluntary merger agreed to

following a government for public director with the purposes, is acquired discussion of Wyong by negotiation and purchaser agreement between Grove. “They are in discussion the landholder and the with another buyer for the acquiring authority. The process is expected purchase of a small part osford and is similar of the site that to take several months. y o we n are g looking to what “Obviously the hall W at,” Mr Noble is not included on the Councils havesaid. level of pricing basis that the arthouse agreed to “The an historic, looking at is is developed and voluntary it has they are merger alarming a studio of the size of rather as part of the NSW to me and keep that in the hall and isGovernment’s more we need Fitto for adaptable,” Cr Eaton mind,” he said. the Future reform The motion to said at the November package. 11 general meeting of move forward with the Both Councils submittedacquisition compulsory Wyong Council. their merger preference Cr Eaton said he of a portion of the site the NSW wasGovernment carried unanimously. expected the fair to market value of the area before Wyong the November 18 likely minute 1.6, Council wishesdeadline to – with itMayoral that a Central Coast council Nov 11, 2015 purchase to be between Wyong Council could be proclaimed late $1 million and $1.5 Media release, Nov 11, 2015 December and come into million. Wyong Council media early next year. Acting CEO of effect Wyong Meeting transcript, Gosford mayor, Cr Nov 11, 2015 Council, Mr Rob Noble Lawriea McKinna said the ordinary Wyong Council “There’s no doubt said he had received meeting agreement was a defining that merging our two briefing from the relevant Pearson, journalist moment in Jackie the Central organisations will be Coast’s history. challenging, but my fellow “Although time was Gosford councillors and against us, I’m very I are looking forward to Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford pleased with how both working alongside our Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Councils have worked Wyong counterparts to Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 hard to protect the interests achieve the best outcome E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net of their communities and for the residents of the Website: www.centralcoastnews.net the Central Coast,” Cr Central Coast,” he said. McKinna said. Wyong’s deputy mayor, “I’m confident that this Cr Lynne Webster, said monumental decision to she was pleased Gosford voluntarily merge means Council was coming to the that the community’s voice party and agreed voluntary will not be lost, which amalgamation is the only is something the NSW way to go. Government couldn’t “The only way now is guarantee under a potential forward. forced amalgamation. “We have to work “We’ll also have access together to ensure a Central to $20 million in support Coast Council continues from the NSW Government to deliver the best possible for the voluntary merger services our community that will make sure funding need and want. from our recent operating “I believe we can do it surpluses is not diverted and this decision means away from vital service, we have secured a much facility and infrastructure needed $20 million improvements. injection of funding for our

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

$20 million government overnment Wyong Council agreed at its December 9 meeting to make a submission toof allthe support is a small portion JRPP endorsing the development. ion amalgamation At costs this stage, the applicant is seeking ‘concept approval only’

r Phil Walker, chair of Regional egional Development Australia atulated Central Coast, has congratulated for the Gosford works to and take Wyong Councils on their agreement toplace voluntarily merge as part of in three operational with subsequent turestages, reform process. the NSW Government’s Fit for the Future

development Central Coast’ss detailed board addressing the region’s A photomontage of the proposed development within its surrounding coastal context applications being lodged than average members look forward to higher orward Cr Adam Troy December 9 meeting, viability of town centres,” it is a huge commitment, for each future stage. working with all unemployment rate. ll sectors a commitment that very seconded the motion and the project is expected according to the report. The development to ensure that the best “We look forward to few developers can make. said: “It is not every day to generate 660 full time The proposed shop top would include demolition assisting all levels“This of is a $300 million you get a $300 million jobs, post construction. outcomes are achieved housing would include of existing buildings business for the entire Central government, The proposal includes 478 dwellings. that will kick start development in council and construction of project Coast,” he said. and the community to the Central Coast and The chambers, it is a milestone a retail podium and The development proactivelycentre work together “ R e g i o na a lshopping two towers and seeks would also encompass Entrance,” Cr Taylor said. on the Central Coast. with ato deliver supermarket, the vibrant“This and will really kick Development Australia “It is going to be one variation to a number a 108 room hotel and shop top housing, confident fident successful Central Coast is confi futurestartthat of Wyong Council’s parking for 1,433 cars. of those focal points, investment in this hotel accommodation, the decision to form the the Central Coast tourist rightlyMecca. a pretty special place planning controls. The podium would restaurant, multi-purpose tity will deserves,” Mr Walker one united entity The site is identified as make available 13,250 “It will be the highest and I can’t wait to see it function space, and ral ancillary allow the Central Coast said. a ‘key site’ under Wyong square metres of lettable parking and building on the Central happen,” he said. to proactively other brandworks. The site covers 21,357 LEP 2013 which allows retail Coast but that is a good space fronting Media release, Nov 18, 2015 square metres and takes for a bonus building Dening St, Taylor St and thing. elf asMoving and market itself a a motion Elizabeth Westrup, Regional “It will hopefully kick in the existing Lakeside height of 113.8 metres. The Entrance Rd. desirable region tofor visit, Development Wyong Council to Australia The bonus building start other sites and other Plaza Shopping Centre There are two levels live and invest, which in the development Central Coast endorse height is provided in return of retail floor space along and surrounding sites. time will greatly assist and in make a submission areas. According to a for “significant public The Entrance Rd frontage “We want businesses to the JRPP in support of prepared by benefits to be provided and ground floor retail the developer, Cr Lloyd to succeed and grow and report Taylor said: “We need to employ more people and Wyong Council staff to the community and space along the Taylor stimulate further St frontage containing a support the applicant on this development is going for the consideration to development and of councillors at their to deliver.” supermarket and a major this particular one because

Splitting Wyong ng Council elusional in two is delusional

ne of Wyong’s Save Tuggerah Lakes akes Party councillors, Cr Lloyd uarie City Council of wanting to Taylor, has accused Lake Macquarie 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 Wyong in two,” Cr Taylor said. “Neither Lake Macquarie Council nor Gosford Council have any idea how the community thinks and I

am sure our community mmunity would not agree with the d retreat” idea of a “forced ront,” Cr from the waterfront,” Taylor said. arie City “Lake Macquarie nning for Council is ‘planning ing and increased ﬂooding changes to the foreshore ccur as a lines that may occur el rise’,” result of sea level 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

Issue 83

$300 million project recommended to Joint Regional Planning Panel

concerned if we were amalgamated with Lake Macquarie that many waterfront properties would have restrictions imposed on them which would affect their 149 ficates. certifi “I am against and idea that either Lake Macquarie or Gosford lay finger afi nger 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

Email, Nov 16, 2015 Lloyd Taylor, Wyong councillor

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

www.centralcoastnewspapers.com A free newspaper with in-depth Wyong Local Government Area news!

Alexander Yule of Niagara Park and Callan Paiva were married on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Shelly Beach Golf Club.

Coast Community News - January 14, 2016 - Page 23 SShare

Gallery to receive $44,000 from development program

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OUT&ABOUT

Brackets at Kincumba returns for 2016

unding of $44,000 has been announced for Gosford Regional Gallery and Arts Centre for 2016.

This funding has been provided by the NSW Arts and Cultural Development Program (ACDP). Member for Gosford, Ms Kathy Smith MP, welcomed the funding, acknowledging that it is a very competitive program. “I am glad to see the Gallery will be using these

funds to continue art classes for young people and to conduct school holiday activities. “I also understand this funding contributes to the continuation of arts and cultural events undertaken by the Gallery such as touring exhibitions and the annual Gosford Art Prize,”

Ms Smith said. Arts NSW administers the ACDP funding which supports the delivery of quality cultural and arts activities throughout the state. Media release, Dec 4, 2015 Kathy Smith, member for Gosford

Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation launched

wo years after the death of her four year old son at Macmasters Beach, Ms Michelle McLaughlin and her family have set up the Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation.

The McLaughlin family was on holidays at Macmasters when her son, Tom, stepped behind a parked car. “At 5:58pm on January 6, 2014, we were a happy family on our Christmas vacation, but just one minute later we were a family torn apart,” Ms McLaughlin said. The foundation’s mission is to improve child pedestrian safety around holiday destinations where infrastructure caters for residential populations, rather than seasonal spikes. “Sixty five children under the age of 16 were killed on Australian roads last year and the overwhelming majority were boys,” said Ms McLaughlin. “School zones protect children during the school term but there’s nothing to protect them during school holidays, which occupy more than three months of

the year.” “Tom was in full view of his father, sister and grandparents when he stepped out so we though he was safe,” Ms McLaughlin explained. “We never thought this could happen.” Research by Slater and Gordon Lawyers has revealed that one in eight Australians had never really thought about the impact of a motor vehicle accident on their family. Slater and Gordon Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Ms Eleni Sarian also urges drivers and pedestrians to take extra caution around children. “Young children especially have limited judgement, making it hard for them to gauge the speed of oncoming traffic or know when it’s safe to cross the road. Ms McLaughlin said that

greater education is the first step towards correcting this trend, while more infrastructure and resources are also desperately needed in holiday areas. “Prominent signage reminding drivers of increased holiday activity can make a massive difference, while emergency service resources also need to be in line with the increased population spikes.” “Every opportunity you get, remind the young people in your life to ‘Hold my Hand’ whenever they are near the road,” she said. “We carry the tragic loss of Tom in our hearts every day and all we hope is that this simple message gets through and stops another family being ripped apart.” Media release, Dec 24, 2015 Amelia Birnie, Slater Gordon Lawyers

Josh Watkins

rackets and Jam returns to Kincumba Mountain on Friday, January 22 after a two-month break.

The lineup includes Josh Watkins, Johnny Devilseed and Old Man Rubes, Duncan Woods and KingRhythm and more. Josh Watkins puts together earthy beats and rhythms accompanied by Didgeridoo drones. He said he mixes unique instruments and blends them together to produce a funky Groovy sound. “I have now had the privilege of playing many gigs including Wollombi Festival 2012, Nimbin Roots 2013, multiple fundraisers Including Rise up for the Homeless, Save the Kimberley, and, multiple markets around the Coast,” Mr Watkins said. “I have also supported Afro Moses and headlined Brackets and Jam at Kincumba Mountain.” “My instruments of choice that I bust out beats with include multiple Didgeridoos (Yirdaki), djembe, 12 string guitar, lap guitar, congas, drum equipment and percussion. “Music feels great to watch, but when you’re the one playing, it feels even better, especially when people watch your music and you see smiles on their faces and they begin some dancing,” he said. The duo of Johnny Devilseed and Old Man Rubes formed in late 2010 by guitarist Hayden Maskey and blues harpist Paul Rubie, With a huge repertoire of original songs ranging from the old timey era to the modern blues of today, their shows have been described as a “full on, hardcore, foot to the floor, theatrical blues

extravaganza.” In March 2014, the blues duo released their debut EP “John the Revelator” and have performed at festivals up and down the east coast of Australia. Having opened for local and international acts such as, Ash Grunwald, Claude Hay, The Dead Kennedy’s, the Johnny Devilseed Duo has carved a unique sound and reputation with their gravely voiced, harmonica driven, fast paced blues tunes. Duncan Woods, is a Zimbabwean born, Australian grown, travelling singer-songwriter. Since turning 18, Duncan set his sights on travelling the world, using music for financial and moral support, while figuring the rest out along the way. Over the past few years

Duncan’s interest in the big wide world around him and especially the people in it has allowed him to soak in so many sights, sounds, smells, perspectives and beliefs. “Throwing this all into the mix, gets you hearing feelgood vibes, and acoustic driven reggae/pop/rap sounds, that can get you dancing madly up front or have you nodding your head in the back row”, Duncan said. Rhythmic guitar work and quick sharp lyrics are Duncan’s bread and butter, blending rap and reggae with melodic singersongwriter styles, trying to bring a little of every and any flavour to the table. Media release, Jan 11, 2016 Noel Plummer, Brackets and Jam Kincumba Mountain

A NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATION

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 cco30s@live.com.au

Central Coast Pension & Welfare Officer Network This group of Volunteers, trained by DVA, to look after servicemen & women, meets at Ourimbah RSL Club at 10:30am 2nd Fri - Feb to Nov 4322 1505 Central Coast 50+ Singles Social Group Invites Ladies & Gents for dinner, dancing - BBQs & Socialising each w/e. Our friendly group can be contacted for our monthly programme all areas of the coast 4396 3640 0437 699 366 50pssg@gmail.com

Rotary Club of Gosford North A very active community minded club with many projects focussed on assisting youth. If you are keen to support our great projects, get involved with our fun club or discuss joining, please contact Graham Black 0410 509 071, grahamblack@iprimus.com.au

Rotary Club of Kariong/Somersby International service club improves lives of communities in Australia and overseas. Fun-filled activities, fellowship and friendship breakfasts. Phillip House, 21 Old Mount Penang Rd (opp Shell) - Fri 7:15am 4340 4529 kersuebay@philliphouse.com.au

Seniors Computer Club Central Coast Inc. Beginners Class PC or Mac, Mon or Tues. Other Classes Mon to Fri, 10am to 12 md or 1pm to 3pm. Mthly Meeting with Guest Speaker, 1st Monday of month. All at Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre. Information 02 4369 5692 U3A Central Coast Mature age people are invited to participate in a wide range of courses to broaden the mind and make new friends 0408 704 701 www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au

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 y Hall -

Page 24 - Coast Community News - January 14, 2016 Share

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

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

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 admin@gnnc.com.au Hearing loss management 4329 4477 Support and educational group 7 groups across the coast Green Point Community Providing practical experience Centre Fellowship of First and confidence Provides information and referral Fleeters Central Coast Learn the benefits to hearing services, a meeting place for For anyone interested in early aids - Better hearing community groups, OOSH history or early family histories. Australia Central Coast cave, exercize classes, school Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. 4321 0275 holiday programs, playgroup, Wyong RSL Club 2nd Sat www.centralcoast.betterhearingaustralia. arts & craft, room hire, and 10:30am org.au much more. 4323 1849 4367 7591 Central Coast Parkinson’s MUSIC Support Group Kariong Neighbourhood We aim to help individuals and Centre Brisbane Water Brass their families better manage ‘KNC provides the local Brass Band entertainment living with Parkinson’s Disease community with a meeting for the community playing Guest speakers are a regular place and hub for groups, all types of popular music feature of our meetings. services and information. Rehearsal every Tuesday 2nd Tue - 1.30pm Regular activities include Early 7.30pm-10pm 1800 644 189 childhood clinic, free family 0419 274 012 law advice, active playgroup, Central Coast Prostate computer classes, OOSH JAZZLEAGUE Cancer Support Group services, fitness classes, arts Live Jazz Bands - Come to (Gosford) & crafts, over 50’s friendship listen, Come to dance Meet last Friday Month group, youth group, social Free - Every Sun Terrigal Uniting Church groups and many more Central Coast Leagues Club 380 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal services. We also have an Gosford 2-5pm 9.30am to 12 noon extensive resource and DVD www.jazzleague.net 4367 9600 library for members to borrow. www.pcfa.org.au KNC membership starts at only Soundwaves $5 per year. Men’s acapella 4 part harmony Central Coast Prostate 4340 1724 chorus - all ages 7pm Mon Cancer Support Group wwww.knc.net.au Central Coast Leagues Club (Wyong) Kieran - 0407 267 675 Meet last Monday Month Kincumber khutton58@gmail.com Toukley RSL Club Neighbourhood Centre jbthomson51@gmail.com Homes Ave Toukley • Exercise classes 10.00am to 12 noon • Yoga for adults and children Sydney Welsh Choir 4356 9300 • Community eco garden Cultural not for profit www.pcfa.org.au • Room hire organisation performing at • Health support groups concerts and various venues to • Counselling Dying with Dignity NSW, promote the Welsh culture with • After school activities Central Coast our singing, also performing for 4363 1044 Working to give those charity fund raising. www.kincumber.nsw.au suffering unrelievedly from 4369 3378 terminal or incurable illness Mingaletta Aboriginal the legal right to request & Tempo Terrific Community Torres Strait Islander receive medical help to die Showband Corporation Quarterly Meetings Active showband available The Mingaletta community 4369 8053 to play at your community centre provides its members function. Wide ranging and other community groups a Gambling Solutions repertuore. Always seeking new meeting place and referal hub Gambling help counsellors members, come and join us for education, health, well-being provide free, confidential, and have fun with music. and cultural programs through professional service to Follow us on Facebook consultative services and gamblers, family and friends. Every Monday 5pm to 7pm community programs. Available Woy Woy, Kincumber, Kincumber Uniting Church Mon-Fri 9am 4pm Gosford, The Entrance. 4365 4414 6 Sydney Ave Umina 4344 7992 www.tempoterrific.com 4342 7515 admin@mingaletta.com.au

tempoterrific@live.com

GROW - Grow Groups are

small friendly groups formed to Tuggerah Lakes Showband Terrigal Fifty Plus Leisure learn how to overcome anxiety, An enthusiastic group of people and Learning Centre depression, and loneliness who play brass instruments, Regular events Fitness, Yoga, and improve mental health & meet every Tuesday and Handicrafts, Mah jong, Bridge, well-being. Weekly meetings Thursday to rehearse their Line dancing,Tai chi, Painting, at Bateau Bay, Woy Woy and crowd-pleasing music and play Bush walking, Indoor bowls, a new group starting at Wyong at community events Zumba, Computer and Ipad soon. Grow is anonymous, free Park Rd Band Hall courses, Bingo, Concerts on 1st and open to all. Bring a support Tues 7.30pm Thur 6.30pm and 3rd Thursday of month. person if you like. Details 1800 0407 406 669 Duffy Road Terrigal 558 268 or Joan 4384 5152 PLAYGROUP terrigal50plus@outlook.com

Volunteering Central Coast Refer potential volunteers to community organisations 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

www.grow.org.au

Meals on Wheels Meals on Wheels Delicious meals delivered free Join us for a midday meal 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.

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

12.30pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri Sat 1.30pm Wed 7.15pm Mon 4325 9854 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 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

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

lsroe@bigpond.com.au

Gosford RSL Ladies Central Coast Indoor Bowls Handweavers, Spinners Social indoor bowls Frid and Textile Arts Guild 9am - 12pm RSL Club PROBUS CLUBS Spinning and weaving, 4344 5812 or 0412 773 441 patchwork and quilting, felting All Probus clubs have and other fibre and fabric crafts, Gosford RSL interesting guest speakers, community quilting bees - Day Sub-branch friendly atmosphere, make new and Night Groups Women’s Auxiliary friends, fellowship, intellectual 4325 4743 Raise money for the welfare of stimulus, and social activities. www.cottagecrafts.net.au veterans and their families. RSL Club West Gosford 4th Mon Probus Club of Avoca Central Coast Lapidary 2pm 10.15am 3rd Mon Avoca Beach Club Minerals & Gems 4323 7336 Bowling Club Learn silverwork, Cabochons, www.probussouthpacific.org/microsites/ Faceting, Enamelling, Stone Inner Wheel Club avocabeach Field-trips & fossicking of Terrigal 4382 3372 Weekly Workshops Share friendship, social activities Tues and Thurs 830am-230pm as well as fundraising for local, PUBLIC SPEAKING Thurs evening 6-10pm national and international 10 Ourimbah Creek Rd projects. 3rd Mon, 12noon Develop confidence by Ourimbah Terrigal 50+ leisure centre, Duffy improving your speaking skills. 4362 2246 Road Terrigal Meetings are entertaining and 4369 0302 - 4384 1490 educational. CCLC Indoor Bowls terigalinnerwheel@gmail.com Ladies - Mon 10am Brisbane Waters Breakfast Mixed Social - Mon & Wed 7pm Kincumber View Club Toastmasters Club 2nd & 4th Sundays 1.30pm For ladies looking for a place 8:30am-10:30am 4363 2360 or 0403 994 313 to make friends. Interesting 2nd and Last Sat each month speakers, lunch, bus trips, - The Hive and Library Erina Central Coast movie days and home Shopping Centre Soaring Club Inc functions. 4th Tues Davistown 0459 240 183 Gliding Club, Learn to fly, RSL Club 11am Instruction FREE to members 4390 2527 Blue Gum Flat Come and have an Air Toastmasters Experience Flight Central Coast Women’s Mthly meetings 1st and 3rd All Welcome Health Centre Mon 7.15-9.30pm 14 and up for Training We offer counseling, Ourimbah RSL therapeutic and social groups, Flying at Bloodtree Road 4362 7227 Mangrove Mountain Thur, Sat, workshops, domestic violence and abuse issues. All services Sun ( weather permitting) SERVICE GROUPS are provided by women for 0412 164 082 women 0414 635 047 Lions Club of Woy Woy 4324 2533 www.ccsoaring.com.au www.cccwhc.com.au 1st and 3rd Mon. Woy Woy Leagues Club Fellowship of Soroptimist International 0478 959 895 Australian Writers Brisbane Water Make new friends and have fun A friendly and supportive group Soroptimists speak for women while serving your community. for new and old writers. Gives and girls of all nations through encouragement and critique awareness advocacy and Northern Settlement of your work. Workshops and action by supporting national Services - Volunteers competitions and international programs Volunteers needed for friendly 10am 3rd Sun visits to the elderly in nursing Conference room Gosford Hotel 2nd Thur 6:45pm - Breakers Country Club, Dover Rd homes. 4363 2627 Wamberal People with a second language centralcoastfaw@live.com 4367 6331 encouraged to apply. sibrisbanewater@siswp.org Training support provided National Parks Association 4334 3877 Central Coast WOWGIRLS Wave cvscc@nsservices.com.au Twice weekly bush walks on the of Wisdom Inc Central Coast and further afi eld, SPECIAL INTEREST varying distances and grades of WOWGIRLS Wave of Wisdom connects women and local difficulty. Explore, enjoy scenery, businesses around a common Brisbane Water fauna, floral, history. Keep fit theme of well-being. to share Caravan Club and make friends. wisdom and explore life’s located on the Central Coast 4389 4423 or 4332 7378 potential. and looking for new members Regular Powwows, WOW www.bwcaravanclub.wix.com/bwcc Spirituality in the Pub Wisdom gatherings, WOW 4344 4363 A forum with Q&A and two speakers prompt conversations days and WOW courses check Biz Plus Networking our website for activities. within the community & to Association www.wowgirls.com.au encourage dialogue about Attention business info@wowgirls.com.au spirituality. owners - are you keen 1st Tues March to October to grow your business 2nd Tues November and in the process build 7.30 to 9pm worthwhile relationships? Grange Hotel Wyoming Then why not attend a Biz 4328 2596 - 0498 588 261 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

WOMEN’S GROUPS BPW Central Coast 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 g

If you would like your Community Organisation listed here, see www.duckscrossing.org for the forms or contact COAST Community News on 4325 7369

Coast Community News - January 14, 2016 - Page 25 SShare

Summer art exhibition to be held

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/out-and-about

New youth arts projects he Youth Arts Warehouse will deliver a new program, the Beyond Walls Disability Arts Project in February, which will engage 12 young emerging artists with a disability (aged between 12 and 25 years) to collaborate on sitespecific creative developments.

OUT&ABOUT

EAT&PLAY

T Landscape with Newspaper by CCAS member Karen Williams

he Central Coast Art Society (CCAS) will hold its summer exhibition, including a people’s choice award, in the Community Gallery and Studio 2 at the Gosford Regional Art Gallery from January 21 to 27.

The exhibition will be showcasing members’ recent works. It will be a diverse exhibition travelling through different subjects in a variety of mediums.

Members’ pottery and jewellery will be included in the exhibition. The official opening of the exhibition will be held on January 23 by Gosford councilor Vicki Scott.

The exhibition will be open daily and the regional gallery is located at 36 Webb St, East Gosford. Media release, Jan 4, 2016 Coleen Martin, Central Coast Art Society

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

Thursday, Jan 14

Tuesday, Jan 19

Kids school holiday art classes, Gosford Regional Gallery until Jan 22, 10:00am to 3:30pm

Save Central Coast Reserves public meeting regarding Gosford Council proposal to reclassify and sell off public land, Anglican Church, 3 Mann St, Gosford from 7:00pm School Holiday Yoga for kids, Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre, for children aged five to 12 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Friday, Jan 15 School Holiday paper making Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre, for children five to 12 years old, 10:00am to 11:30am Five Lands in Plein Air, exhibition by members of the Art Hall Crew Gosford Regional Gallery, 10:00am to 4:00pm

Saturday, Jan 16 Cinema Under the Stars, Central Coast Stadium the Minions movie and live entertainment from 5:30pm Rewbies, Avoca Beach Hotel featuring Margaret Rew, from 8:30pm

Sunday, Jan 17 Avoca Market, Heazlett Park Avoca Beach, from 9:00 am

Monday, Jan 18 School Holidays Drama Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre for children aged seven to 12 years 10:00am to 12:00pm Fish Dissection demonstration and talk, Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre, Terrigal Dve, Terrigal, 1:30pm to 2:50pm and Jan 20

Wednesday, Jan 20 Home Made Markets, Narara Community Centre, 2 Pandala Rd, Narara, 10:00am to 2:00pm

Thursday, Jan 21 Quattro Country Blues Sessions featuring Nasty Cloud Delta Blues, BluesAngels, Mar’n’the Blues, High Steppin Muskrats, 4 Ilya Ave Erina from 7:00pm Central Coast Art Society Summer Exhibition, the community gallery and studio 2, Gosford Regional Gallery, East Gosford, 9:30am to 4:30pm until Jan 27

Motion, learn how to create stop motion movies at Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre, for children five to 12, 1:00pm to 3:30pm

Saturday, Jan 23 Great Australian Movie Muster, Kibble Park Gosford, from 5:00pm Central Coast Mariners versus Western Sydney Wanderers, Central Coast Stadium, Gosford, kick off 7:30pm

Sunday, Jan 24 Spencer Cup Riverside Markets, Spencer Public Wharf, 10:00am to 3:00pm Gosford Farmers Market, Entertainment Grounds Gosford Racecourse, 10:00am to 3:00pm This Land is Our Land event, public lands in public hands, Gosford leagues Club field, 3:00pm

Monday, Jan 25 Gosford Australia Day celebrations, Kibble Park from 5:00pm with fireworks at 9:00pm

The collaborations will explore the theme ‘home and connection to place’ through visual arts, photography and sculpture, and a series of workshops will result in installations that will activate a space in Gosford. The workshops will be held by the sculptors, Mandy Francis and Sile Molloy and the space or exhibition will invite the public to connect with and explore the art works at an event in Gosford. The program will be delivered on Wednesdays from February 24 to June 29 and will be free-of-charge for the 12 young artists selected. The Youth Arts Warehouse houses many arts facilities, including a theatre space, a band performance area, an art exhibition space, a music recording studio, and a multifaceted arts room for photography among other things. These services are accessible to young people on the Central Coast who are aged between 12 and 25 years. Since February of 2007, more than 10,000 young people have utilised the facility. Newsletter, Jan 6, 2016 The Youth Arts Warehouse

$10 Entry with Free CD included

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

Japanese taiko + African djembe drumming. 2016 enrolments now open. FREE open nights 2nd & 9th Feb, 6.30pm 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

LEGACY IS KEEPING THEIR PROMISE TO MY DAD 8=6GADII:

2/344 Mann St North Gosford

ATTENTION all food outlets and music

Friday, Jan 22 Brackets and Jam Kincumba Mountain, featuring Josh Watkins, Johnny Devilseed and Old Man Rubes, Duncan Woods and KingRhythm, from 7:00pm School Holiday Stop

Troubadour Tracks Concert and CD Launch February 6 2016 7pm Contact Michael at 4342 6716

Tuesday, Jan 26 Gosford Council Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, Laycock St Theatre from 9:30am

To DONATE, CALL 1800 534 229 OR VISIT LEGACY.COM.AU

venues. Advertise in this directory, this size for only $60+GST in full colour!

CLASSIFIEDS

Page 26 - Coast Community News - January 14, 2016 Share

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PRICES FOR CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS IN THESE PAGES COME IN THREE CATEGORIES

Not For Profit Organisations Not for profit organisations’ advertisements are subsidised.

events

A mono 5cm advertisement only costs $20 + GST. Each additional cm is only an additional $4 + GST, colour is $6 + GST and a photograph or logo is an additional $6 + GST.

Private advertisements Each additional cm costs $6.60 as does colour, and a photograph or a logo. Private advertisements need to be paid for at the time of booking.

Business rates A one off advertisement only costs $40 + GST in mono and an extra $8 + GST for colour, a logo or a photograph. Advertising on an ongoing basis attracts discounts if paid for in full in advance. 3 months $215 + GST, 6 months $385 + GST, 12 months $700 + GST – Approximately $14 per week. Having the same advertisement in one of the other Central Coast Newspapers as well attracts an additional 10% discount for those advertisements. If in the third paper as well, it will attract a 15% discount which drops to $11.50 + GST per week in that paper. Artwork is free and advertisers are encouraged to change their advertisements frequently.

Online classified advertising rates

Online only GosfordClassifieds.com.au is one of a network of 10 websites which form one of the largest independent online classifieds network in NSW with over 350,000 annual visitors, over 80,000 online advertisements and over 15,000 business advertisements. A premium VIP online business advertisement on GosfordClassifieds.com.au only costs $299 + GST for 3 months, $399 + GST for 6 months and, $499 + GST for 12 months. It costs a similar amount to go on any one of the other nine Sydney based websites as well, or only $1699 + GST for all sites for 12 months. The other sites cover Bondi, Manly, Newtown, Cronulla, South Sydney, St George, West Sydney, North Sydney, Wollongong and suburbs surrounding those areas. All that we require for you to have an online advertisement such as this is: 1) Heading for the advertisement; 2) Text for the body; and, 3) Up to 3 images if required i.e. logos etc.

Combined online and print advertising Having a Gosford classifieds premium on line advertisement plus a printed advertisement in one newspaper will only cost $495 + GST for 3 months, $695 + GST for 6 months and $999 + GST for 12 months. Having it in two newspapers as well as online costs $595 + GST for 3 months, $995 + GST for 6 months and $1499 + GST for 12 months. To be in all three newspapers as well as online costs $795 + GST for 3 months, $1395 + GST for 6 months and $1899 + GST for 12 months.

GOSFORDCLASSIFIEDS.COM.AU FOR ONLINE CENTRAL COAST CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

156 Mann St Gosford

4324 5569 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

ENTERTAINMENT

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

February 13 Bush Dance with Snake Gully Admission $18 incl. supper Folk Fed Affiliates & Pensioners $15,

Students 13 to 18 $8 Enq: 4344 6484 ELECTRICIAN

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

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

4308 6771

FOR SALE

The Troubadour

PLUMBER Same day service Guaranteed

Music Club

SATURDAY 6th FEB 7.00PM

Troubadour Tracks Concert and CD Launch $10 Entry with Free CD included

CWA Hall The Boulevarde Woy Woy www.troubadour.org.au

4342 6716

Daihatsu Terios All Wheel Drive Goes Well Excellent Condition 225,000km 5 speed 10 months rego Manual, towbar, electric mirrors, sound system

3250 ono 0410 522 070 HOME HELP

Ned’s Domestic Bliss

For a range of services Cleaning - Shopping Cooking Call Nerida to chat about your needs Pensioner Discount

KITCHENS

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

BluesAngels Your total acoustic blues/roots package, top to toe, and then some. Minnie the Moocher to Eagle Rock and on into indie roots, beatnik jazz, backhills bluegrass and prog folk. Available as duo, trio or band negotiable for your party, event or venue.

tomflood@hotmail.com

4324 2801 FITNESS

Self Defence Real solu ons to real threats Krav Maga Proven to work www.closecombat.com.au

Blocked drains, Leaking taps and toilets, Hot water and all aspects Of pluming drainage and gas fitting. Lic number 265652C

4346 4057 POSITIONS VACANT

0403 674 793

Slightly Off

PLUMBER

YOUR LOCAL

Folk & Acoustic

Central Coast Bush Dance & Music Association

www.ccbdma.org for more information

Combined print and online packages have been created providing further discounts.

have

Love & Lust Adult Shop

ANTENNAS

Private advertisements only cost $33.

See page 2 for contact details. All newspaper advertisements minimum of two weeks’ shelf life.

ADULT SERVICES

Quality Laminate Benchtops supplied and seconds for sale

R&J Benchtops Gosford

Volunteers wanted to read Central Coast Newspapers for recording on websites for sight impaired readers

4325 7369 or email

manager@ centralcoastnews.net

Experiend Tilers wanted! Start Immediately 0439 589 426 PUBLIC NOTICE

0456 884 545 PAINTER

CMK Painting and Decorating abn 2342 9360 036

Home Maintenance Maintenance Scheduling Colour Scheming

MARRIAGE 1 MAN 1 WOMAN

38yrs on the Coast

4382 2817 0419 202 609

RENTALS

Lic 27261c

PHOTOGRAPHY

CENTRAL COAST EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER corporate – website – events

a one stop solution for all your photographic needs

VALSPIX

www.valspix.com

0418 600 436

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

Self Care Unit available $197.50/week Conditions Apply

Ph: 4324 2068 Business Hours

Coast Community News - January 14, 2016 - Page 27 SShare

SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

TILING

WARD SEPTICS SEPTIC TANK CLEANING SMALL PUMP OUT TRUCK GREAT PUMP OUT RATES

*AND EVEN CHEAPER RATES FOR YOU WITH A NEIGHBOUR

0438 315 514 www.septiccleaning.com.au 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

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/sport

Birds of Narara demonstration to be held

Community Access

Imperial Centre benches recycled

Tiling Wall & Floor Property Maintenance 0439 589 426 homes2nv@gmail.com WANTED Cash paid for good quality swords & knives. War & movie memorabilia also shop display units For large collections home visit available

The Imperial Centre donated the bench to Brisbane Water Legacy Village Richard Cassels will talk about Living Dinosaurs, the birds of Narara

ichard Cassels, bird enthusiast, archaeologist and Narara Ecovillage member, will be holding an illustrated demonstration about living dinosaurs, the birds of Narara on Sunday, January 31 at the Narara Ecovillage.

Shop Shop Sh op 1122 - Ebbt EEbbtide Eb bbtid btid bt ide de Mall Ma M allll al Mr Cassels has enjoyed 155 The Entrance Rd birds around the world, The Entrance excavated extinct ones

4333 8555

and has been recording the living birds of Narara on a weekly basis for the past two and a half years.

The talk will be followed (weather permitting) by a short walk to meet a few of the feathered residents. Newsletter, Jan 11, 2016 Narara Eco Living Network

Subscribe now and don’t miss an edition Peninsula

OUT&ABOUT

News

1 Year (25 editions) to Peninsula News $75

risbane Water Legacy Village received a number of garden benches from Gosford Imperial Centre as a result of the recent redevelopment of the Gosford CBD retail centre.

The Imperial Centre commissioned Mr John Weeland of Gosford Men’s Shed to have the timber seat batons stripped and re-varnished in a marine varnish to stand up to external weather conditions. The men at the Men’s Shed worked on the benches and embedded the legacy torch into the armrests of the benches. Brisbane Water Legacy CEO, Mr Peter Lawley said: “The residents are thrilled to have the garden benches and more options available for outdoor seating. “One of the first residents to try out the new benches, Ms Barbara Doig, our most senior resident here at the

village, said that she has given them a thumbs up,” he said. Gosford Imperial Centre also donated benches to Wyoming Community Centre, Regional Youth Support Services, Gosford Men’s Shed, Liberty Family Church and East Gosford Public School. East Gosford Public school has proposed to nominate their bench as a ‘buddy seat’ with plans by the parent body to decorate the bench in bright colours and locate it amongst the school’s garden. Media release, Dec 22, 2015 Deborah Warwick, Gosford Imperial Centre

1 Year (25 editions) to Coast Community News $75

1 Year (25 editions) to Wyong Regional Chronicle $75

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

STOP

www.duckscrossing.org/shop Name: Ph: Email:

Before you book your next display advertisement in the local telephone directory look at this for BETTER VALUE

Address:

Credit Card Number: ___________________/___________________/ ______________________________________/

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

Central Coast Newspapers, PO Box 1056, Gosford NSW 2250

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

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

We will give you a display advertisement that’s 50% larger for the same price in EVERY EDITION of Coast Community News (not just once) for a Whole Year! Why be with all your competitors on the Coast when you can stand out in your local area and be seen week in and week out for twelve months?

That’s right, 50% larger and in EVERY EDITION for a year at the same price What’s more, you can change your advertisement as often as you like. CALL NOW and start receiving the benefits immediately. No Upfront Payments - Pay as you go

• 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 Park Plaza Gosford Computers formerly of Gosford

Ph: 4325 7369 www.centralcoastnewspapers.com

Sport

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International Football School student signs with the Mariners

Cincinnati swim team hosted by Kincumber

he Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy High School swim team will spend 10 days on the Central Coast as guests of the Kincumber Pacific Dolphins Swim Club.

The Cincinnati swim team is led by former Central Coast Swim Coaches Gary and Suzy Toner. Varsity Head Coach, Gary Toner began his coaching career in Australia. Mr Toner was a member of the Australian Swim team as an assistant coach in the 1992 World Cup, 1994 World Cup and World Championships, 1996 World Championships and Pan Pacific Games, and 1998 World Championships and Pan Pacific Games. Each swimmer is being hosted by a local family and will be immersed in the Australian cultural and family lifestyle. Their visit will include events such as a visit to

Trent Buhagiar from Umina Eagles under-5s to Central Coast Mariners attacker

he International Football School at Kariong secured its first professional playing contract for a student with the signing of Trent Buhagiar on a Hyundai A-League contract with the Central Coast Mariners.

The contract will last until at least the end of the 2015/16 season. Mr Buhagiar was presented his CCMFC jersey by inaugural Mariners’ signing, Mr Damien Brown. He first came to the Mariners’ attention last season as an injury replacement in the club’s youth team. “For my whole life, I’ve been playing on the Coast. “It started at under 5s with Umina Eagles through to the 13s where I played with Southern Ettalong, then onto the Mariners Academy,” Trent said. “I was watching a movie and Tony Walmsley called me up and said that there was an opportunity for me to get a contract and start training with the first team full time. “I told mum and dad

straight away who were stoked with it as well. “It’s going to be hard training full time, the International Football School has been great and given me the opportunity to kick a football every day,” Mr Buhagiar said. “From what I’ve been told so far, I will be on the wing or anywhere up front, attacking football is what we play here,” he said. Central Coast Mariners’ coach, Mr Tony Walmsley said: “Trent Buhagiar fits a number of profiles, we’re a community based club, we look for outstanding attributes and we give youth a chance. “Trent’s got incredible pace, he’s done very well in his two seasons with the NYL and he’s a lifelong Coastie, he’s never played football anywhere else.”

Central Coast Mariners CEO Mr Shaun Mielekamp said: “This is one of the proudest signings that we have made since my time at the Club and we wish Trent all the best in the next stage of his playing career. “This is a testament to the International Football School who played a crucial role in Trent’s rapid development towards the Hyundai A-League” Mr Mielekamp said. “Trent’s appointment is also recognition that the Central Coast Mariners remain dedicated to local talent and it is exciting to have Trent don the Yellow and Navy jersey with such pride.” Media release, Jan 5, 2016 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners FC

Gary Toner,

Glenworth Valley, Tree Tops, Reptile Park and a Paul Lemmon surf school. Kincumber Dolphins will be hosting a barbeque for the team and friends at Copacabana Beach. The team will swim each morning at the swim school locations of Kincumber,

Erina and Wyoming to stay in shape as they will be competing in their conference championships when they return to Cincinnati. Email, Dec 19, 2015 Gary Toner, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy High School

Coast Community News - January 14, 2016 - Page 29 SShare

The festival will take place on February 6 and 7 at Avoca Beach and there are two new sports added to the program. Beach soccer and kayaking will feature alongside surfing and bodyboard competitions, an ocean swim and a beach run. The beach soccer tournament will be a fivea-side round robin format catering for teams in under12s through to under-18s and open divisions. There are separate divisions for male and female teams. The surfing and

bodyboard divisions are primary school, then years seven to 11 and 12, open men’s, over-28s, over-40s and women’s. School divisions are based on the 2016 school year. The ocean swim is held over both 500m and 2km distances with the beach run held over 2km. On Avoca Lake there will be kayak races held over varying distances with sprint races and longer distances races planned. Email, Dec 13, 2015 Sheldon Kidd, central Coast Beach Fest

Mariners attend school sports presentation St Philip’s Christian College in Gosford were joined by two Central Coast Mariners as the school held a presentation to acknowledge student achievements in swimming, cross country, athletics and sportsman like conduct when competing. The school also celebrated student achievements across the broader range of the school with students being

acknowledged for their positive efforts within the classroom. St Philip’s Christian College also hosted their annual carols school service that was well attended and provided the school’s community an opportunity to come together and celebrate the birth of Jesus. Email, Nov 13, 2015 Samuel Meredith, St Philips Christian College

aralympian, Taylor Corry has been chosen as Gosford Council’s Australia Day Ambassador.

Ms Corry will be one of 140 ambassadors chosen from NSW’s most prominent sporting personalities, cultural leaders, medical pioneers and everyday heroes. The Ambassador program has grown from just nine representatives in 1990 into an opportunity to showcase some of Australia’s inspirational and influential individuals. Ms Corry will spend Australia day visiting the Gosford LGA to participate in Australia Day celebrations including BBQs and concerts. Taylor Corry, who has an intellectual disability, made her debut as a swimmer for Australia at the Global Games in Italy in 2011, where she was one of the stars of the meet, winning eight Gold and one Silver medal. Her career highlights include winning two silver medals at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, the 100m Backstroke and 200m Freestyle. Taylor initially made waves at the 2009 National Underage Championships, winning three Gold and two Silver medals to underline her enormous potential. Still only a teenager who

World archery event held world archery event was hosted by Coast Archers at Erina on Sunday, December 20.

Results were: FITA 90/1440 Men Compound, S Buscombe 1355 and A Stanley 1303; FITA 70/1440 Woman Compound, S Jordan 1241and K Vaughan 1111; Female 20 and under M Boyle 1272; Men Master

Compound T Boyle 1333, G Carter 1177; FITA 60/1440 Cadet Compound Female A Carter 1239; Intermediate Girl Compound A Buscombe 1246; Boy: Compound I Gunnee 1290; Boy Recurve A Duck 1035;

SPORT

Paralympian is Gosford’s Australia Day Ambassador

Beach Fest 2016 officially launched entral Coast Beach Fest 2016 is a unique multi-sport event that is growing in size and stature.

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/sport

Cub boy H Crampton 1386, N Shean 1272; and Cub girl C Crampton 1184. Email, Dec 20, 2015 Sarah Jordan, Archery NSW

ATTENTION WINTER SPORTS ORGANISERS advertise you registration dates here

Call 4325 7369 now

Taylor Corry has been chosen as Australia Day Ambassador for the Gosford local government area

is yet to finish school, Taylor has continued to dominate all junior events that she has competed in and romped home with seven Gold medals from as many events at the 2011 Underage National Championships. While she is extremely driven in her quest for success in the pool, Taylor enjoys her time hanging out with friends and tries to encourage them in their own pursuits.

Having grown up in Anna Bay, on the NSW Coast and as a water person, it is not surprising that she also loves to go to the beach. Coach Tom Davis has been a long time mentor and influential figure throughout Taylor’s quickly escalating career. She uses Tom’s guidance and the achievements of contemporary Australian Swimmers Ian Thorpe, Geoff Huegill and Libby Trickett as

motivation and inspiration. Taylor’s simple goal for the future is to be the best she can be. She believes this attitude can carry her towards more personal best times and hopefully better her London performance in the Olympics in Rio 2016. Media release, Dec 17, 2015 Eleanor Garth, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet

SPORT

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Jayden is Under 18’s O’Donovan receives an Coast Bowler of the Year eight-match ban

ayden Moody of Terrigal Bowling Club was awarded Under 18s Central Coast Bowler of the Year for 2015.

Moments after the head but incident that has resulted in Mariner's attacker Roy O'Donovan being banned for eight games

Roy O'Donovan has received an eight-match ban after pleading guilty to the offence of Assault on a Player at the FFA disciplinary hearing

oy O’Donovan of the Central Coast Mariners received an eightmatch ban after pleading guilty to the offence of Assault on a Player.

T ide Char T FORT DENISON

LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000 Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

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

14 THU

17 SUN

0452 0.43 1113 1.79 1745 0.26 2358 1.50

0548 0.47 1203 1.68 1834 0.32

0152 1.52 0255 1.56 0758 0.56 0915 0.56 1402 1.44 MON 1515 1.35 2024 0.43 2125 0.47

15 FRI

0501 1.68 1143 0.45 WED 1737 1.32 2325 0.47

0108 0.43 0738 1.84 1416 0.28 2014 1.41

20 23 SAT

26 TUE

THU

SUN

0558 1.75 1242 0.38 1836 1.35

TUE

22 FRI

0400 1.61 1032 0.52 1630 1.31 2226 0.48 0018 0.45 0650 1.81 1332 0.32 1928 1.38

0154 0.42 0237 0.43 0822 1.84 0902 1.82 1457 0.28 MON 1534 0.29 2056 1.42 2135 1.42

0317 0.45 0358 0.49 0940 1.77 1016 1.70 1609 0.33 WED 1643 0.38 2214 1.42 2250 1.41

SAT

0052 1.51 0649 0.52 1300 1.56 1927 0.38

25 28 THU

0437 0.53 1052 1.61 1715 0.42 2329 1.40

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

The Football Federation Australia (FFA) Disciplinary Committee convened to consider an incident referred to it, which arose in or around the 58th minute of the Central Coast Mariners’ Round 13 Hyundai A-League match against the Wellington Phoenix played at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford on Thursday, December 31. The incident involved Roy O’Donovan of the Central Coast Mariners. The player was cited by the FFA for the incident under clause 9.40 of the Hyundai A-League Disciplinary Regulations. The Disciplinary Committee determined that the player, Roy O’Donovan, must serve a suspension of eight matches. The player has the right to appeal the determination of the Disciplinary Committee. Media release, Jan 6, 2016 Football Federation Australia

Mr Moody received his award at the Central Coast Bowls presentation dinner held at Ettalong Bowling Club on January 9. Bowls Central Coast publicity officer, Mr Kevin Dring said: “The inaugural presentation dinner was an outstanding success. “Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Wayne Turley attended as a special guest and popular entertainer, Shane Edwards brought the audience to their feet.” Ettalong’s Aron Sherriff and Lee Trethowan were named joint-winners of the Central Coast Bowler of the Year award for 2015. Aron and Lee won all zone team events in 2015. Club of the Year was secured by Gwandalan BC while Davistown RSL BC and Ettalong Memorial BC were highly commended. Lindsay Willding of

Halekulani BC and John Roberts of Ettalong BC were named joint-winners of the Senior Bowler of the Year award. Steve Cutler of the

Entrance BC secured the Rookie of the Year award. Media release, Jan 10, 2016 Kevin Dring, Bowls Central Coast

Gosford Race Club has new CEO

ollowing the announcement that current Gosford Race Club chief executive officer (CEO), Mr James Heddo will be leaving to take up a senior role with the Australian Turf Club, the board of the Gosford Race Club has appointed current chief operating officer, Mr Daniel Lacey as CEO.

The appointment was immediate and Mr Lacey will take over as CEO of Gosford Race Club from Thursday, February 18, 2016 following Mr Heddo’s departure. Mr Lacey has been employed at the Gosford Race Club since April 2014, following a successful six year tenure at the Australian Turf Club, where he specialised in business development and project management. He has experience in

media, entertainment, property development and hospitality and is a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. “We decided some two years ago that it was important to initiate a clear succession plan for the CEO role and we are pleased to have secured Daniel Lacey who has been an integral part of our facilities’ upgrade and strategic focus for the last eighteen months,”

stated board chairman, Mr Michael Cusick. “Daniel is an outstanding young man who has impressed us all since joining the Gosford Race Club. “We look forward to continuing success with Daniel at the helm.” Media release, Jan 12, 2016 Michael Cusick, Gosford Race Club

Mannings Sports SALE SALE SALE

20% OFF Gun Bags and Gun Cleaning Gear 20% OFF Lawn Bowls Clothing 20% OFF Football Boots (Nike & Lotto) AND MUCH MORE REDUCED SALE ENDS 23/1/16 172 Mann Street, Gosford - 4325 1617 www manningssports com au www.manningssports.com.au

Coast Community News - January 14, 2016 - Page 31 SShare

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SPORT

2015 ends with a win for the Mariners T he Central Coast Mariners recorded a convincing victory over Wellington Phoenix on the last day of 2015 courtesy of goals to Fabio Ferreira, Mitch Austin and Mickey Neill.

Two goals in the space of four minutes to Ferreira and Austin plus a maiden Hyundai A-League goal in the second half to Neill were enough to seal three points at Central Coast Stadium on New Years Eve before a crowd of over 10,000. It was an attacking and entertaining affair on Gosford’s waterfront presented by a rebuilt side of youngsters with Caceres, Fitzgerald, Sim and Fitzgerald not even making it to the substitute’s bench let alone the starting 11. Special mention goes to the Hyundai A-League debutante, 18-year-old Tom Heward Belle who put in a solid goal keeping performance that included a double save in the second half to keep his side in front. It was a celebratory return for the powerful Mariners’ wingers who started in the same side for the first time since round five of the 201516 Hyundai A-League. The Mariners decided to fight from the opening minute when a corner taken by Mitch Austin had to be deflected by Phoenix goalkeeper Moss. Five minutes into the first half and Wellington looked like they’d had too much fun on their Budgewoi break and hadn’t warmed up or expected an easier time given the Mariners’ recent form. The visitors’ first real period of attack came at minute six but was stamped out effectively by the Mariners, although it did result in a yellow card for McGing. Wellington took the free kick on the half-way line and a subsequent long shot on goal gave young Heward Belle an opportunity to

Jubilation after scoring on New Years Eve

make a save that appeared to calm his first appearance nerves. Another free kick to Wellington Phoenix at the 11th minute appeared to show some attacking momentum on their behalf. A Micky Neill foul at the 13th minute resulted in another Wellington free kick taken short and leading to another period of attack from the visitors. Both sides had their chances and there were glimpses of defence disorganisation creeping back in to the Mariners’ formation, but they held their opponents at bay. Rodriquez had a chance to score for Phoenix at minute 18 but overshot, returning possession to the home side. Wellington was forced to make an early change at the 23rd minute when Krishna was replaced by Powell after complaining of a broken finger. Austin had an excellent scoring opportunity for the Mariners at the 25th minute that he could not finish. The referee’s decision to award a penalty to the Central Coast Mariners at

minute 27 was deemed controversial. The replay indicated Muscat won the ball fairly but, together, the home team and their supporters relished the opportunity to have a crack at scoring. Ferreira succeeded in opened the scoring with a penalty in the 27th minute that was driven home ‘La Flecha’ style, a great start considering he had been out with injury since November. An accurate cross from Roy O’Donovan in the 31st minute gave Austin an open net to send the Mariner’s second goal home just four minutes later. Shortly after O’Donovan’s excellent work, he received a warning from the referee for a tackle on Muscat that was a glimpse of things to come in the battle between the two players. The Mariners went to the half-time whistle with a 2 to 0 score line. Wellington Phoenix started the second half strongly but Central Coast Mariners looked determined to keep them at bay and an early shot was stopped by Heward Belle to give the opposition that message.

Another Roy O’Donovan foul gave Wellington a free kick just minutes into the second half but Mitch Austin made a one-man counter attack and, perhaps, would have been better passed to Ferreira. Micky Neill had a great shot at minute 49 that resulted in Moss making his best save of the match for the Phoenix. Another entertaining Central Coast Mariners’ counter-attack took place at minute 54 with the ball taken up the right hand side line by Ferreira and crossed to Austin who was unable to finish. An off-the-ball altercation between O’Donovan and Muscat resulted in both players receiving yellow cards. There was very little doubt from commentators and the home crowd that O’Donovan’s overt headbutt on Muscat should have resulted in a red card but the referee’s decision was, of course, final and the Mariners managed to keep all 11 players on the park. Shortly after the unsavoury incident, Ferreira missed a good chance with

a header. With 25 minutes to go, Heward Belle found himself under pressure, but rose to the occasion with multiple saves in a matter of minutes. After some pressure from Wellington Phoenix, Blake Powell found himself on the end of a low and hard cross and was able to score for the visiting side from close range at the 67th minute. The Mariners replaced Ferreira with Bingham at the 68th minute, with Bingham’s first look at the ball resulting in a yellow card Mickey Neill has experienced a career hampered by injury and deserved his maiden Hyundai A-League goal which came in the 71st minute. Neill cut inside Andrew Durante and finished with style into the bottom corner that sealed all three points for the Yellow and Navy. New Zealand international Storm Roux deserved credit for his unfailing defensive work in the last quarter as Wellington kept building their attack from their back line. Austin made his last big run before being replaced

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by Liam Rose at minute 77. A Powell foul in the dying minutes gave the home crowd the chance to draw breath as the score board seemed too good to be true after so many recent defeats – four minutes extra time seemed like a life sentence but the home side made it to full time to enjoy three points for the first time since round one. “It feels good, it feels like I need to dig into my memory to remember last time,” said coach Tony Walmsley when asked how it felt to finally gain three points in front of a large and overjoyed home crowd. “They’ve worked really hard, at the end of the day, the players went out and did an incredible amount of work and got their reward,” Mr Walmsley said. “There’s been six games this season where we’ve either lost by one or drew, so the margins are pretty fine,” he said. “If there’s a goal difference here and there, we’re not sitting bottom, we’re sitting mid table pushing for finals. “It was very resourceful, it was very courageous and they played for the badge on the front of their shirt, not the name on their back,” he said of the win. “The three men in midfield have got the best engines in the whole Club, we know they can go all day and we needed that, we’ve lost midfield too many times this season. “Tom Heward-Belle was fantastic. “Composure, maturity, for an 18-year-old it was brilliant, did what we know he can.” Mr Wlmsley said he had not seem either the replay of the first half penalty or the Roy O’Donovan incident and refused to comment on either in the post-match media conference. Media release, Dec 31, 2015 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners Jackie Pearson, journalist

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