Issue 126 of COAST Community News by Central Coast Newspapers

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February 11, 2016

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Issue 126

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Commission of Inquiry called for before Coast water supply is irreparably damaged he Mountain D i s t r i c t s Association has called on NSW premier, Mr Mike Baird to hold a Commission of Inquiry into the Mangrove Mountain Golf Course Remodelling and Landfill Project.

Ms Claire Podlich, president of Mountain Districts Association, wrote to Mr Baird on January 29 to formally request the Commission of Inquiry. The Association’s request for a Commission of Inquiry documents, in great detail, the history of the Mangrove Mountain landfill since it was first approved in the 1990s through to the current suspension of the operator’s licence. The EPA is currently working its way through the process of setting new licensing conditions that will allow the operator to resume dumping waste at the landfill. “We are concerned that both Gosford Council and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) have failed to exercise their respective statutory responsibilities regarding the Mangrove Mountain Memorial Golf Course Remodelling and Landfill Project,” Ms Podlich said. The letter to Mr Baird cited “27 unanswered questions relating to EPA licensing breaches and 12 issues of concern with Gosford Council actions resulting in a tangled and complex web of mismanagement and deliberate avoidance of legal responsibility. “The failure of both the EPA and Gosford Council has put the Central Coast water supply at great risk of serious contamination that could threaten the health of the Central Coast population,” Ms Podlich said in her letter to the premier. The letter to Mr Baird alleged that there had been: “Unlawful excavation into the sandstone groundwater aquifers

Mountain Districts Association has questioned the management of leachate ponds including those in the photo and run off

resulting in interference with groundwater flow and the high risk of contamination of ground water with potential contaminants such as arsenic and hexavalent chromium presenting a high future risk to the regional population.” It argued that another reason a Commission of Inquiry was needed was that: “Despite community concerns and despite concerns of officers of Gosford Council over time, the complicit involvement of Gosford Council with the landfill operator in a mutual agreement to add a further 1.317 million cubic metres of waste to the site in 2014 and of Gosford Council with the EPA in negotiating the terms of a revised licence 11395 with the operator to regulate this waste volume. “This will result in a total volume of waste 25 times the original approved volume.

“This waste will require the installation of a six million litre capacity leachate holding pond,” the letter contends. Ms Podlich’s letter was also critical of the agreement to approve the establishment of a new excavation pit for Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM) up to 955,448 cubic metres as part of the 2014 Land and Environment Court deal. “The excavated VENM will expand…will then occupy a volume of 1.137 million cubic metres outside of the regulated area and an undisclosed volume within the regulated area,” the letter said. “The landfill project is situated on top of a watercourse that is in the catchment of the Ourimbah Creek system. “This system is a major source of fresh water for the Central Coast.”

Ms Podlich’s letter and extensive supporting documents from the Mountain Districts Association contend that surface run off from the landfill runs into the creek system in two directions, via Hallards Creek and via Stringy Bark Creek. Wyong Council directly pumps out of Ourimbah Creek into Mardi Dam that supplies Wyong residents with potable water. Gosford Council pumps from Mardi Dam into Mangrove Creek Dam that supplies Gosford residents with potable water. The Mountain Districts Association has documented what it considers to be “unacceptable outcomes” that have occurred at the landfill site between 1998 and 2016. For instance, its submission states that 10 times the volume of waste

permitted under the original Gosford Council development consent (DA 23042/1998) was allowed to be deposited in the landfill licensed area under Environment Protection Licence 11395 between 1998 and 2012. The association’s call for a Commission of Inquiry is also based on what it considers to be a “lack of confirmed evidence that the original licensed landfill site was lined with an impervious membrane to prevent “leachate” (liquid leaking from the waste held within the landfill) from reaching groundwater aquifers. It also contends that an original pond used to capture leachate was actually buried (submerged) under the licensed landfill mass. Systems to manage leachate and storm water runoff that were designed for the original approved volume

of waste are “manifestly incapable of dealing with present amounts of waste, particularly during periods of high rainfall,” the submission said. The 13-page letter from Ms Podlich to the NSW premier was supported by two extensive appendices. The first was a 54-page photographic dossier of water and leachate management issues at the Mangrove Mountain landfill following a major rain event in January 2016. The second appendix provided Mr Baird with 96 pages of information in support of the association’s call for a commission of inquiry. The Mangrove Districts Association has also sent the premier draft terms of reference for the Commission of Inquiry. It has also called for interim measures to be put in place while the veracity of its claims is assessed and responded to. “We request that no further action be undertaken or approval given with regard to Environment Protection License 11395 by officers of the EPA,” it said. In support of its requests, the Mountain Districts Association has written a summary of the actions of the EPA in relation to its administration of the licence issued to Verde Terra Pty Ltd that it argued would justify the extension of the current suspension of the company’s licence to dump at the Mangrove Mountain landfill. It has also written an extensive list of what it alleges are failures by Gosford Council reaching back to the original development application received in 1998 and working through to the Land and Environment Court orders and settlement offer negotiated in 2014. Letter and supporting documents, Jan 29, 2016 Claire Podlich, Mountain Districts Association Jackie Pearson, journalist

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EPA accused of failure to regulate landﬁll run-off

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Public transport costs could rise by almost half 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 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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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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Mr Noble said he expected the parties to exchange contracts for the sale of the land within the next two or three weeks. Mr Noble said the contract is currently under construction. Mr Noble said he understood a Heads of Agreement to be an agreement to enter into a contract. “It sets out the key principles and terms around which the contract is likely to be based. “It is like a guiding document and expression of intent.” In this instance, Mr Noble said he could conﬁrm that the Heads of Agreement was a written document signed by both Wyong Council and the Australia China Theme Park Pty Ltd. “Based on the discussions we have had with the company and the fact they have been prepared to sign a heads of

An artists impression

agreement as a precursor, I have no reason to believe they will not go ahead and sign a contract with us despite the delays that have occurred in the past,” Mr Noble said. “One of the aims that council had when it considered the letter received from the company early last November was to work with the company towards the possible creation of a new contract with new terms and conditions that would be more favourable and less risky and more on commercial terms than what had been the case previously,” Mr Noble said. “I can’t tell you about terms or money just yet, that will come out in due

course, but I can say that the proposed terms will be on a proper commercial basis and will be more favourable to council and the community and so in that way they will meet the requirements of the council when they looked at it in November,” he said. When asked if he, therefore, considered the previous contract to be deﬁcient or less favourable to council and the community, Mr Noble said: “I would never say that. “I am not going to say anything about what may or may not have been wrong with the previous contract but I can say the new heads of agreement will result in a better

outcome, should it all proceed.” Mr Noble said he could not commit to a date for settlement of the transaction because those details were “all commercial in conﬁdence at the moment but the proposed terms set out in the heads of agreement will be on normal commercial arrangements.’ In the event that ACTP Pty Ltd signs the contract and pays Wyong Council $10 million plus GST for the Warnervale land, Mr Noble said there were other steps the developer would have to go through before the Chinese theme park could be built. “There is a gateway approval by Department

of Planning that addresses rezoning matters so there is an in principle approval for matters to deal with rezoning subject to conditions. “Specifically the Department of Planning identified that there actually wasn’t a need to change the zoning itself but, subject to the company doing certain things and proposing those to the council, then there is a way suggested by the Department of Planning to allow what the company is wanting by making changes to the schedules in the Wyong LEP for that particular land.” The DA has already been received by Wyong Council for the first stage

of the development. “The proposed temple and ancillary buildings are covered in the initial DA and so yes there will be staging involved,” he said. According to Mr Noble, once stage one made its way through council processes, it would still need approval from the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) because of the amounts of money involved (more than $20 million). “It will absolutely require JRPP approval; it is a very big development.” ACTP have re-engaged its key consultants, Cardno, who have been instructed to move forward as quickly as possible with the rezoning of the Chinese Theme Park land. ACTP has paid Wyong Council $100,000 out of the $10 million plus GST it owes to secure ownership of the land at Warnervale slated for the development of its $500 million Chinese theme park. A Wyong Council media release followed two recent articles in the Fairfax and Murdoch press pointing out “nonpayment and delays” had plagued the proposed development.

January 28, 2016

Media release, Jan 15, 2016 Wyong Council media Emails, Jan 18, 2016 Interview, Jan 18, 2016 Rob Noble, Wyong Council Jackie Pearson, journalist

Gosford Council may be in breach of the Local Government Act and State planning policy in its management and proposed sale of council-owned land on the Peninsula, according to an East Gosford environmental consultant.

more significant.” Mr Conacher said the parcels of community land on the Peninsula that have been earmarked for reclassification and sale by Gosford Council should have management plans in accordance with the Local Government Act. Under the Act, all land owned by a local council that is classified as community land must have a management plan prepared for it. Mr Conacher said: “There was a plan of management for community land, natural areas and bushland prepared by council in 2002. “Under the Local Government Act, council can prepare a generic plan of management but must identify what land is included in it,” he said. According to Mr Conacher, the Gosford Council document has a schedule attached which lists which parcels of land were included. “None of the Peninsula lots appears to be on the schedule,” he said. All councils in NSW had to classify all their land holdings when the Act came into law in 1993. “All land had to be identified, even if it was a 1920 subdivision or a person may have gifted land and expect council to look after it as a reserve for the sake of that family, a management plan had to be put

in place,” he said. According to the Local Government Act, land owned by a council must be classiﬁed as either operational or community, Mr Conacher said. Operational land included any land used for the general operations of council and includes depots, roads, and other infrastructure. Community land was deﬁned as land that was not operational and was generally public open spaces such as parks, reserves and conservation areas. Community land could come into council ownership in a variety of ways: Crown land transferred to council by the State government; land set aside for community use as part of a development approval; or bequeathed to council from families, individuals or community organisations. According to Mr Conacher, if Gosford Council failed to develop management plans for the Peninsula’s reserves, it could be in breach of the Local Government Act. Mr Conacher said that in reclassifying reserves the council had to pay regard to State Environmental Planning Policy 19 (SEPP 19), which covered the management of bushland in urban areas.

He said SEPP19 spelt out what Gosford Council must do if it intended to reclassify community bushland with characteristics of remnant vegetation. According to Mr Conacher, SEPP19 stated that councils should give priority to retaining bushland unless it can prove a significant social, economic or environmental benefit for reclassifying it. Its over-arching objective is to “protect and preserve bushland within urban areas… to protect remnants of plant communities which were once characteristic of land; to retain bushland in parcels of a size and configuration which will enable the existing plants and animal communities to survive in the long term”, he said. He said Gosford Council may also be exposing itself to compensation claims if it had acquired land at a price based on its unimproved value and then by rezoning, perhaps for residential development, its value per hectare is increased. He said the original vendor may have a case for being compensated for that valuation difference. Mr Conacher also questioned why Gosford Council has launched its land sale strategy now and not undertaken a review of its land holdings when the Local Environment Plan was drafted in

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2013. “The Gosford LEP was a 15year process. They had four or five goes at it so surely reviewing community holdings would have been part of that process,” he said. SEPP 19 instructs councils that, when drafting an LEP, council should have regard to the priority of retaining bushland, he said. “Why wasn’t it identified that they needed for residential purposes?” He also questioned whether the resale of the reserves currently listed would be viable. “If you were a private developer wanting to develop those lands for residential development, you’d first have to apply for rezoning and you would have to find biodiversity offsets. “You would have to find land of a similar nature and similar locality at a ratio of 10 to one. “It is usually the person applying for the rezoning that has to find those offsets and that is why if Gosford Council goes ahead to sell those reserves the person buying the land could do their due diligence and may find requirements of the Local Government Act haven’t been met.” Interview, 20 Jan 2016 Phil Conacher, Conacher Consulting

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Surf live savers and ambulance ofﬁcers set up a triage in the car park at Avoca Beach to treat casualties on Australia Day

t least 20 people were knocked off their feet and smashed against rocks near the cliffs at the southern end of Avoca Beach at lunch time on Australia Day.

Two people with critical injuries needed to be transported to hospital and another ﬁve, also with critical injuries required ambulance attention. Director of life saving for Surf Life Saving Central Coast, Mr Brett Beswick, who was ﬁrst on the scene at Avoca, described the incident as “carnage”. Mr Beswick said the incident occurred about 100 metres around the corner from the southern end of Avoca Beach on the ocean side near the spot known locally as the “mermaid pools.” “Three families had come up from Sydney for the day, they were picnicking near the pine trees near the car park at the southern end of Avoca Beach but they decided to go for a walk to give their kids a play in the mermaid pools,” Mr Beswick said. According to Mr Beswick, Central Coast

beaches are currently experiencing what he described as a “long interval swell” due to the prevailing cyclonic conditions off the Queensland coast. This means the lull between sets of waves can be very long and conditions may look ﬂat for 15 minutes or more at a time. “When the wave does hit, it can be unusually powerful because it has such a long time for the energy and power to build up,” Mr Beswick said. The wave that struck at Avoca on Australia Day was strong enough to knock at least 20 people off their feet and towards the cliffs. Fortunately, none were pulled back into the sea, although rescue craft were launched from the beach and several surf life savers reached the area on their rescue boards. Mr Beswick said it was fortunate that the incident coincided with a life-saver

shift change, which meant there were more life savers on hand than at other times. “Five people needed to be carried out on stretchers,” he said. The person with the most critical injuries suffered a broken leg and arm, another had a broken ankle and a dislocated elbow and a third had a dislocated shoulder. Others were treated for serious cuts with one man requiring 30 stitches to his leg and a 10-year-old boy was treated for concussion. Mr Beswick said those who sustained the most serious injuries were aged from 30 to in their 60s. “The junior life savers who were just out of nippers and doing their ﬁrst season of patrols did an amazing job of caring for and bandaging those with minor injuries and just comforting the people who were in pain,” he said. “Other families having picnics at the beach gave

up their chairs and towels and helped to comfort people with injuries.” Ambulance crews came from Terrigal, Bateau Bay and Point Clare to assist. “We were just thankful everyone got to go home,” Mr Beswick said. “It could have been a lot worse, we were lucky none of the children was seriously injured and there were no spinal injuries,” he said. Mr Beswick said the lesson to the taken from the freak accident at Avoca was to “always respect the ocean and never turn your back on it. “Stand and watch for 15 to 20 minutes so you can assess conditions properly, it all comes down to respect,” he said. Mr Beswick said Australia Day is always one of the busiest days of the year on Central Coast beaches and patrols will continue until the ANZAC Day long weekend in April. Interview, Jan 27, 2016 Brett Beswick, Surf Life Saving Central Coast Jackie Pearson, journalist

The Roving Rubies at their recent bikini pool party to celebrate Edna Fowler’s 92nd birthday

Edna celebrates 92nd birthday Cr Lloyd Taylor with residents who dug the channel on Australia Day

Media Release, Jan 25, 2016 Gosford City Council media

Cr Lloyd Taylor and residents with shovels in hand

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oung and old turned out on Australia Day at The Entrance to dig a channel at least one-metre wide from the ocean to the lake.

Wyong councillor Lloyd Taylor said: “It demonstrates the level of community commitment to get the channel opened and a break-wall built. “We have all had enough of talk; now we want action,” Cr Taylor said. “Before the last election, we had support from the local member, Mr Chris Spence and the Liberal Party, but that all seems to have faded,” he said.

“All too often we have ﬂooding around the lake edge and opening the mouth of the channel will reduce the likelihood of the ﬂooding we saw as recently as January of this year. “The community know what they want and we, as their representatives, need to support them in this. “Our lifestyle revolves around the lakes, foreshore and waterways, so it is only logical that

the better the health of the lakes, the better our lifestyle. “What we saw on Australia Day was the silent majority coming out in force for a solution to save Tuggerah lakes. “I call on the rest of the community to stand up and support this community initiative,” he said. Media release, Jan 27, 2016 Lloyd Taylor, Save Tuggerah Lakes Party

A local group of the Red Hat Society has celebrated the 92nd birthday of one of its members. The Roving Rubies celebrated the birthday of Ms Edna Fowler from Woy Woy on January 26. Edna has been a member of the Roving Rubies for the past seven years and ofﬁcially turned 92 on January 31, although the Roving Rubies celebrated a few days earlier with a bikini pool party. She was recognised in the group as a talented cake decorator and for dress making, including hand smocking, and special dresses for deceased babies. More than 40 Roving Rubies attended the pool party at a member’s home for Edna’s

birthday. The founder of the group, Ms Marlene Klintworth, also known as Queen Lilimarlene, said she formed the group when she first moved to the Central Coast as a way of meeting people. There were now 130 Roving Rubies, women between the ages of 45 and 92 who wanted to “learn how to grow old disgracefully”. Edna is an excellent example of the benefits of being a Roving Ruby, said Ms Klintworth. She still lives in her own home and is fiercely independent. She walks without a stick, still has excellent hearing, plays lawn bowls and has a golf handicap of 22. Her three tips for longevity are healthy living, happy hour and

good friends. A little sip of brandy to ward off infection or a case of the nerves is a good practice, according to Edna. The Roving Rubies have so far knitted 267 rugs to foster children on the Central Coast. “Through Wesley Mission we have just about given every foster child on the Central Coast a rug,” Ms Klintworth said. The Roving Rubies have regular mufti Mondays for knitting and talking and also have lunch meetings. Ms Klintworth said new members were welcome. For more information email rovingrubies@optusnet.com.au Interview, 28 Jan 2016 Marlene Klintworth, Roving Rubies

See inside for full GosBlues Festival programme

Issue 126

Ph: 4325 7369

Ms Claire Podlich, president of Mountain Districts Association, wrote to Mr Baird on January 29 to formally request the Commission of Inquiry. The Association’s request for a Commission of Inquiry documents, in great detail, the history of the Mangrove Mountain landfill since it was first approved in the 1990s through to the current suspension of the operator’s licence. The EPA is currently working its way through the process of setting new licensing conditions that will allow the operator to resume dumping waste at the landfill. “We are concerned that both Gosford Council and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) have failed to exercise their respective statutory responsibilities regarding the Mangrove Mountain Memorial Golf Course Remodelling and Landfill Project,” Ms Podlich said. The letter to Mr Baird cited “27 unanswered questions relating to EPA licensing breaches and 12 issues of concern with Gosford Council actions resulting in a tangled and complex web of mismanagement and deliberate avoidance of legal responsibility. “The failure of both the EPA and Gosford Council has put the Central Coast water supply at great risk of serious contamination that could threaten the health of the Central Coast population,” Ms Podlich said in her letter to the premier. The letter to Mr Baird alleged that there had been: “Unlawful excavation into the sandstone groundwater aquifers

Mountain Districts Association has questioned the management of leachate ponds including those in the photo and run off

resulting in interference with groundwater flow and the high risk of contamination of ground water with potential contaminants such as arsenic and hexavalent chromium presenting a high future risk to the regional population.” It argued that another reason a Commission of Inquiry was needed was that: “Despite community concerns and despite concerns of officers of Gosford Council over time, the complicit involvement of Gosford Council with the landfill operator in a mutual agreement to add a further 1.317 million cubic metres of waste to the site in 2014 and of Gosford Council with the EPA in negotiating the terms of a revised licence 11395 with the operator to regulate this waste volume. “This will result in a total volume of waste 25 times the original approved volume.

“This waste will require the installation of a six million litre capacity leachate holding pond,” the letter contends. Ms Podlich’s letter was also critical of the agreement to approve the establishment of a new excavation pit for Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM) up to 955,448 cubic metres as part of the 2014 Land and Environment Court deal. “The excavated VENM will expand…will then occupy a volume of 1.137 million cubic metres outside of the regulated area and an undisclosed volume within the regulated area,” the letter said. “The landﬁll project is situated on top of a watercourse that is in the catchment of the Ourimbah Creek system. “This system is a major source of fresh water for the Central Coast.”

Ms Podlich’s letter and extensive supporting documents from the Mountain Districts Association contend that surface run off from the landﬁll runs into the creek system in two directions, via Hallards Creek and via Stringy Bark Creek. Wyong Council directly pumps out of Ourimbah Creek into Mardi Dam that supplies Wyong residents with potable water. Gosford Council pumps from Mardi Dam into Mangrove Creek Dam that supplies Gosford residents with potable water. The Mountain Districts Association has documented what it considers to be “unacceptable outcomes” that have occurred at the landﬁll site between 1998 and 2016. For instance, its submission states that 10 times the volume of waste

permitted under the original Gosford Council development consent (DA 23042/1998) was allowed to be deposited in the landfill licensed area under Environment Protection Licence 11395 between 1998 and 2012. The association’s call for a Commission of Inquiry is also based on what it considers to be a “lack of confirmed evidence that the original licensed landfill site was lined with an impervious membrane to prevent “leachate” (liquid leaking from the waste held within the landfill) from reaching groundwater aquifers. It also contends that an original pond used to capture leachate was actually buried (submerged) under the licensed landfill mass. Systems to manage leachate and storm water runoff that were designed for the original approved volume

of waste are “manifestly incapable of dealing with present amounts of waste, particularly during periods of high rainfall,” the submission said. The 13-page letter from Ms Podlich to the NSW premier was supported by two extensive appendices. The first was a 54-page photographic dossier of water and leachate management issues at the Mangrove Mountain landfill following a major rain event in January 2016. The second appendix provided Mr Baird with 96 pages of information in support of the association’s call for a commission of inquiry. The Mangrove Districts Association has also sent the premier draft terms of reference for the Commission of Inquiry. It has also called for interim measures to be put in place while the veracity of its claims is assessed and responded to. “We request that no further action be undertaken or approval given with regard to Environment Protection License 11395 by officers of the EPA,” it said. In support of its requests, the Mountain Districts Association has written a summary of the actions of the EPA in relation to its administration of the licence issued to Verde Terra Pty Ltd that it argued would justify the extension of the current suspension of the company’s licence to dump at the Mangrove Mountain landfill. It has also written an extensive list of what it alleges are failures by Gosford Council reaching back to the original development application received in 1998 and working through to the Land and Environment Court orders and settlement offer negotiated in 2014. Letter and supporting documents, Jan 29, 2016 Claire Podlich, Mountain Districts Association Jackie Pearson, journalist

Ms Edna Fowler, 92, from Woy Woy

THIS ISSUE contains 55 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

ight of Gosford City’s ﬁnest citizens and community groups have been recognised at the annual Australia Day Community Awards on January 25, held for the ﬁrst time during special Australia Day eve celebrations in Gosford. community and nation, it’s also the perfect occasion to recognise these residents who are inspirational role models for the entire community,” he said. A Gosford City Australia Day Community Award is the highest civic award that a resident or community group can receive on a local level. Gosford City councillor, and chair of the Gosford City Australia Day Committee, Cr Jim Macfadyen said each of the awards recipients had tirelessly served the Gosford community. “Thanks to the efforts of these eight leading citizens and groups, our community is a more inclusive and better connected place for us all to live in,” Cr Macfadyen added. “Each award recipient prides themselves on getting involved in the community and they deserve to be publicly commended for their great work. “I would also like to once again thank our judging panel which is always faced with some very tough decisions,” he said.

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Local military historian Mr Andrew Church was named 2016 Citizen of the Year for his tireless work to create a unique cultural and historical landmark for the Gosford City community. Opened to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing in 2015, Mr Church’s Central Coast Interactive War Exhibit at Gosford is the only heritage venue of its kind on the Central Coast and the largest in New South Wales. An active member of many community groups, including the Gosford RSL Club, Gosford Chamber of Commerce and Gosford RSL Re-enactment Group, Andrew is committed to keeping the ANZAC spirit alive in our community. Gosford mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna said the awards would make sure Australia Day is extra special for Mr Church and the other award recipients. “I’m always impressed by the calibre of the Gosford City residents who receive our Australia Day Community Awards, and this year is no different,” Cr McKinna said. “Not only is this time of year a great chance for us to come together as a

February 11, 2016

Issue 85

Community members dig channel

Jumbuck Reserve in Jumbuck Close, Woy Woy

Gosford Council land sale may breach Act, says consultant

THIS ISSUE contains 53 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

Your independent local newspaper

Carnage at Avoca Beach

Mr Phil Conacher of Conacher Consulting said that it appeared that the council-owned blocks on the Peninsula were not covered by a management plan, despite the Local Government Act requiring such a plan. He said the council had also not followed the requirements of State Environmental Planning Policy 19 in its proposed sale of the land. Mr Conacher said Jumbuck Close reserve was a “classic example” of how, without a management plan in place or adherence to SEPP19, council could be damaging any endangered ecological species or remnant flora present on the site. “The appointment of councillors requires them to follow the rules and act just like we have to: follow traffic rules or get fined if we don’t,” he said. “They have possibly destroyed a lot of other vegetation on the Jumbuck Close site and others that could have made those sites

Peninsula

FREE E

FRE

25 January 2016

Issue 84

Chinese theme park Heads of Agreement signed y o n g C o u n c i l ’s acting CEO, Mr Rob Noble has conﬁrmed that a new Heads of Agreement has been signed between the council and the Australia China Theme Park (ACTP) Pty Ltd concerning the $10 million purchase of land at Warnervale for ACTP’s proposed Chinese theme park.

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

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.

Peninsula

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News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4321 0940

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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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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Merger procedure is democracy in reverse ight residents registered to speak at the public hearing into the proposal to merge Gosford Council with Wyong Council.

Only one public hearing was held in Gosford, on Wednesday, February 3. Another two hearings convened by the NSW Government-appointed delegate who will assess the merger proposal, Mr John Rayner, were held in Wyong. Around 70 residents attended the Gosford meeting and there were mixed views about the proportion of speakers in favour of the merger versus those opposed to it. Local business owner and one of the registered speakers, Mr David Abrahams said he counted three speakers in favour of the motion and five against. “Of those three for amalgamation, it was qualified on a more open and honest process,” Mr Abrahams said. Other speakers included Cr Vicki Scott, Cr Hillary Morris (both of whom spoke as residents and not in their roles as Gosford councillors), Mr Jeff Sundstrom -- all

Mr Paul Anderson addressed the hearing for Gosford Council and Vicki Scott spoke as a resident.

argued against the proposal to amalgamate the two councils, “and bemoaning a flawed process,” according to Mr Abrahams. “Sadly none of the Liberal or independent councilors or the mayor spoke,” Mr Abrahams observed. Gosford Council’s chief executive officer did speak, outlining the progress of the merger. “He did of course simply want more money for the merger process, estimating it would cost at least $40 million-plus, not $10 million, to merge.” Mr Abrahams noted in his own presentation that

he had been a long-term advocate of Gosford and Wyong Councils merging, both as a past chair of Regional Development Australia Central Coast and as a resident. However, he said he was “dismayed at the way this amalgamation process is being held. “Instead of an informed community debate, we have a decision made on high and then people are asked to comment on it,” Mr Abrahams said. “It is simply ludicrous, it is a ‘democracy in reverse’,” he said. “Such a process will

Mr John Rayner is the delegate assessing the Gosford and Wyong Council merger

not build legitimacy in a new organisation, it will instead sow the seeds of decent and of ongoing ‘deamalgamation’ campaigns as indicated here today by some of the speakers. “I believe the NSW government is wrong to cite economics as the reason for the merger. “A merger will be a zero sum game for capital and operational expenditure. “Indeed experience from Queensland shows in the first five years, it will be a financial negative until systems and staff levels settle. “That’s the inconvenient

truth. “The State Government needs to at least recognise this and help communities with that financial burden. “The case for a merger should be more about building a strong local identity and creating a powerful, unified voice to fight for funds from state and federal government infrastructure and service funds. “My experience has shown me that the Central Coast does miss out because we are constantly seen to be fighting each other, as a house divided is a weak house.

“That is the real reason we have substandard roads, schools, telecommunications, healthcare and employment services. “I call on the government to stall the process and for the premier and his ministers to come up here and articulate their reasons for a merger. “There are good reasons for a merger, though I agree with the vast majority of people here today that the process is deeply flawed, unpopular and lacks legitimacy,” Mr Abrahams said. Coast Community News requested a copy of Mr Paul Anderson’s presentation to the public meeting but the council’s media unit declined to make it available until Gosford Council’s formal submission to Mr Rayner is publicly available. Mr Rayner’s office advised that they did not want to advertise the public hearings. Email, Feb 3, 2016 David Abrahams, Digital Research, Strategy, Policy and Investment Email, Feb 4, 2016 Gosford Council media

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Councillors gagged over merger proposals uidelines issued by the NSW Office of Local Government appear to gag Gosford councillors from speaking out against the proposed merger with Wyong.

Now that Gosford Council is officially in a Merger Proposal Period, its counclilors must comply with decision-making guidelines issued by the Office of Local Government. The guidelines were issued in December 2015 under Section 23A of the Local government Act so that all councils must consider them when exercising their functions. The guidelines state that councils, during a merger proposal period, need to continue to operate appropriately, effectively and efficiently to meet the needs of their communities. The main thrust of the guidelines is that Gosford Council should not make decisions that needlessly impose avoidable costs on the new merged council. In particular, according to the guidelines, councilors (or council staff) cannot

make decisions that would “prevent or disrupt the consideration of merger proposals by the chief executive of the Office of Local Government or his delegate, the Boundaries Commission or the Minister for Local Government, other than through the legitimate exercise of legal rights of review or appeal.” Councillors cannot “exercise their functions or use council resources to oppose or support a merger proposal for personal or political purposes”, the guidelines state. The guidelines also prevent councilors from seeking to “damage or impede the operational effectiveness of a new council including by (but not limited to): making significant and/or ongoing financial commitments that will be binding on a new council; making other

significant undertakings or commitments that will be binding on a new council; making decisions that are designed to limit the flexibility or discretion of a new council; deliberately and needlessly expending council resources to minimise the resources available to a new council on its commencement.” The guidelines state that the council should continue to implement and operate in accordance with their adopted strategic plan, delivery program, operational plan and resourcing strategy. Annual reporting requirements continue in accordance with the Act. “There should be clear and compelling grounds for any expenditure outside of a council’s adopted budget,” the guidelines go on to say. “Expenditure outside of the adopted budget should

be approved by the council at a meeting that is open to the public.” Expenditure greater than or equal to the larger of $250,000 or one per cent of council’s revenue from rates in the preceding year should be advertised and public comments invited. The guidelines also curb the council’s ability to enter a contract to either spend or earn more than the larger of $250,000 or one per cent of the previous year’s rate revenue unless the decision making process commenced prior to the proposal period or the contract is “reasonably necessary” for a number of different reasons. The appointment or reappointment of senior staff is ruled out by the guidelines other than temporary or acting appointments. “There is no restriction on councils’ ability to terminate the employment of general managers and other senior staff,” the document said. Restructures are not permitted; nor are forced

redundancies of non-senior staff. The minister of local government’s approval is needed for determinations of the terms and conditions of employees (including industrial agreements) if they are to be binding on the new council. The exception is determinations made by the Industrial Relations Commission or Fair Work Australia. Regulatory functions, including development applications or strategic land use planning can’t be exercised for the purposes of campaigning for or against the merger. Gosford Council is currently also prevented by the guidelines from making decisions that would not otherwise withstand legal challenge. Merger-related information campaigns are also restricted by the guidelines. “Merger related information campaigns should be approved by

councils at an open council meeting. “Councils should also publicly approve a budget for the campaign at an open council meeting before incurring any expenditure on the campaign.” According to the guidelines, the merger proposal period will stay in place until either: the day after the minister for local government, Mr Paul Toole decides to decline to recommend that the proposal is implemented; or the date specified in the proclamation implementing the proposal if the minister decides the merger should go ahead. The Office of Local Government will be monitoring compliance with the guidelines during the merger proposal period. Guidelines, Dec 2015 “Council decision making during merger proposal periods” NSW Office of Local Government

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Parliament hears about benefits of ATO building he House of Representatives has been given an update on the creation of jobs in Gosford by federal member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wick.

Ms Wicks told the chamber that “more jobs are starting to be created on the Central Coast as part of the Turnbull Government’s major commitment to deliver 600 new jobs into the Gosford CBD. “With a development application now lodged

by the successful tenderer selected by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to build this Centre of Excellence, the reinvigoration of Gosford is gathering momentum,” Ms Wicks said. “Local subcontractors and businesses are already engaged in the design

work,” she said. “More jobs are on their way as there’s set to be a peak workforce of more than 100 people working on site, as construction begins around the middle of this year, right up to completion by the end of next year – a great new building

which will be leased by the Government for 600 new federal jobs. “When this Centre of Excellence opens its doors, we’ll start to see the benefits of what I call ‘coffee shop economics’ flowing through, as 600 new employees walk up Mann St and support Gosford’s cafes, newsagents, and other small businesses on a regular basis. “But even as things

start to happen in Gosford, including the Turnbull Government’s $10 million investment into a Performing Arts Centre, it’s sad to see Labor’s misleading campaign continue. “Labor’s stunts have already shown it doesn’t understand how tender processes work, and now Labor representatives on the Central Coast are trying to create a smokescreen by claiming they want a

Performing Arts Centre on the old Gosford Public School site. “Yet, Labor only committed funding for this Centre at a different location when they were in Government, on Gosford City Park, now commonly known as Poppy Park,” she said. Media release, Feb 8, 2016 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks

Community Environment Network Our Volunteers help to make the Central Coast a better place. The Community Environment Network relies on volunteers to carry out the work that we do for our environment and communities on the Central Coast. Why not join us! It doesn’t matter what skills you have or how much time you can give - you can contribute in some way to improving your local area. Numerous studies show that volunteering is good for us too. It makes most of us healthier and happier. Volunteering offers many benefits, including opportunities to gain new skills and knowledge, enjoy a sense of achievement and fulfilment, enjoy better physical and mental health, connect to your community and meet new people and make new friends. Here are just some of the ways that you can volunteer for the environment: • What’s the water like in your local creek? - become a Waterwatch volunteer. We will train you to test the water. Our Waterwatch volunteers play an important role in monitoring water quality and have often identified problems that we work with local Councils to fix. • Want to get your hands dirty? - then help at the Wildplant Community Nursery. This is located at Wyong and grows local native plants. We need helpers for tasks like potting up plants, watering and propagating seed. • Interested in the marine environment? - then why not volunteer at the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre at Terrigal. Volunteers help to keep the centre open and play a role in showing visitors around our displays. A little knowledge about the marine environment is helpful but not essential. We will train you! • Join your nearest Bushcare or Landcare group - often these groups only meet a couple of hours each month but they do important work in removing weeds and improving habitat for our wildlife. • Passionate about an issue - such as Climate Change - then contact us to find out if there is a group working on this? • Want to contribute specialist skills or expertise? - we welcome your help! There is something for everyone - so please visit www.cen.org.au to download a Volunteer Expression of Interest form and send it to us. We will be having Volunteer Information Sessions and will let you know when the next one is scheduled.

Climate Change: Action beyond Paris Agreement It is now 25 years since the first global reports warned us that greenhouse gas emissions were a serious problem. This is not some minor issue that will be easy to overcome. It is a massive juggernaut that will career faster and faster, crashing through human society with drastic consequences. We have already committed our children to a degrading planet with compounding problems. If we don’t stop emitting greenhouse gases (particularly CO2) they or their children may not have a livable planet at all. The tragedy is that we can do something to stop it. It is very simple – we must give up fossil fuels. We know how to do this. Solar, wind and other renewable energy sources are feasible and not overly expensive. It is not too late. In fact there is a driving moral duty to reduce emissions (and thus the impacts) as quickly as possible. The longer we wait, the harder it will become; until it is no longer possible to

the world. We have wide expanses of open land where solar energy would be ideal and a massive market to our north who need energy. Unfortunately, the agreement in Paris is not binding and the voluntary commitments made by all nations are not enough. Our ambition for reducing emissions must be increased to avoid the worst that is to come. There is no future in those who continue to deny this crisis. We must have leaders who are willing to make the sacrifices needed to reduce emissions. No-one can expect us to stop emissions immediately, but it is economically possible to replace our electricity system with currently available renewable energy plants in 10 years. Replacement of petrol would likely take longer. With an election pending this year, we should be asking candidates of all colours how soon they plan to transition to a low carbon economy. Richard Weller, Convenor, CEN Climate Future Committee

SUPPORTING WILDLIFE THROUGH IMPROVING HABITAT

What are you waiting for?.... Come on and join the team! Jane Smith, CEO, Community Environment Network

recover the Earth to a condition we have enjoyed through 5000 years of settled civilization. Every additional tonne emitted today will drive further warming over this and later centuries. Besides what we can do individually to reduce our fossil fuel emissions, it falls on our governments to put in place plans to build new renewable energy plants so that we can close down fossil fuels. Because we have delayed for 25 years, there is now no other way to do this than actively closing down our fossil fuel plants. Our government must: • Declare a climate emergency. • Ban any new fossil fuel industry or infrastructure. • Ban any new coal mines. • Set in place a plan to build new renewable generation capacity sufficient to close down our coal plants. • Found and organize our future carbon free industries. Australia is in a unique position for renewable energy resources. Solar, wind and wave plants are already being constructed around

CEN LFW Officer with a landholder

The CEN offers two programs to help landholders (both rural and urban) to improve the environment for wildlife. Both programs are FREE to join. Our Land for Wildlife (LFW) program is for landholders that have a minimum of 1/2 hectare of bushland on their properties. This is a voluntary, non-binding program that assists landholders to include biodiversity values in managing their properties. Our LFW Officer will assess your property and provide a report to the landholder with recommendations on how to manage the area. If you then choose to join LFW we

provide a sign, information pack and invitations to regular workshops. When funding is available, we can also assist landholders with professional bush regeneration. If you don’t have bushland, but are still interested in improving your backyard to attract wildlife - then our Habitat for Wildlife program is available. We provide members with an information pack, 2 free plants from our nursery and a sign (at a cost of $10). There are also workshops and field days. If you would like to find out more information visit our website: www.cen.org. au or phone 4349 4756.

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

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

www.cen.org.au

Ph: 4349 4756

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Erina Motor Council merger savings will mainly Registry to be be from job cuts to council staff replaced by a Service NSW Centre

he NSW Greens have set up their own council amalgamations website in response to the NSW Government’s refusal to release key financial modelling.

The website includes an analysis of the proposed Gosford and Wyong Council amalgamation including financial, social and democratic impacts. The section of the website dedicated to the Gosford and Wyong merger, points out some “significant variations” between figures outlined in the NSW Government’s amalgamation proposal and the figures reported in each council’s audited financial statements. For Gosford Council, the NSW Government proposal appears to have inflated operating revenue and actual result figures and deflated the council’s asset base. “The proposal states that the infrastructure backlog was five per cent in 2013-14 whereas the council’s IPART submission disclosed nine

per cent projected to reduce to 4.1 per cent by 2016/17. According to the website, both councils were found to be financially strong and sustainable but failed the government’s “scale and capacity” test. According to the Greens’ website: “The government claims a forced amalgamation would see a total financial benefit of $135 million over a 20 year period. “This includes a $20 million grant from the NSW Government which artificially inflates the socalled benefit and is paid for by the taxpayer. “The saving component is $115 million and would mainly be achieved through job cuts to council staff,” the website said. The NSW Government has chosen to release only selected extracts and a

high-level summary from the KPMG study that supports the savings claims. “It is impossible for the community to make a full submission on the government’s financial case for amalgamation without having access to the complete study. “What is apparent from the public information about the KPMG study is that it inflates any potential savings from future contracting arrangements in amalgamated councils, assumes large staff losses in the merged councils that will inevitably impact on local services and the local economy, and, grossly underestimates the likely costs from renewing IT infrastructure following a merger.” The Greens also contended the savings projections failed to

consider the real costs the council and local community will incur with a less responsive and larger council that has less intimate knowledge of local needs and ignores the large loss of council staff time and resources in implementing an amalgamated council. The study also has no regard for informed academic opinions, according to the Greens website. Those academic opinions were “based on detailed empirical studies of past council mergers that proved forced amalgamations typically fail to generate financial sustainability for local councils. The website also provides information about how to make a submission on the proposed amalgamation including general points and statutory considerations. Website, Feb 1, 2016 David Shoebridge, NSW Greens

SW minister for finance, services and property, Mr Dominic Perrottet has announced a new Central Coast Service NSW Centre will open at Erina in the coming months.

“With our rollout of Service NSW onestop shops, the NSW Government is delivering more services to more people in more locations than ever before,” Mr Perrottet said. The new centre at Erina will provide access to more than 850 NSW Government services and transactions under the one roof, complementing the existing one-stop shop in Gosford and the mobile service operating in Woy Woy. The current motor registry at Erina will close as a result of the new Erina Service NSW Centre. According to Mr Perrottet, the new centre will offer extended trading hours and access to a range of other services not

previously available. “Motor registry staff will be provided with assistance in applying for positions in the Service NSW network and given priority over external applicants,” the minister said. Parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald welcomed the announcement. “The continued upgrade of the Service NSW network on the Central Coast is a win for locals. “With all NSW government business now able to be done in the one location, we are continuing to provide the best for our community,” he said. Media release, Feb 9, 2016 Timothy Cannon, office of Dominic Perrottet

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NEWS

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The people have spoken but they’re not sure anyone listened

osford councillors have voted against a motion that would have saved five parcels of community land from potential reclassification and sale.

The motion was moved by Cr Vicki Scott and seconded by Cr Hillary Morris at the Gosford Council meeting on Tuesday, February 9. The vote followed a demonstration outside council chambers which was attended by around 200 people. Demonstrators then filled the public seating

in the council chamber and those who could not fit assembled in a nearby room. Some pinned colour photos of their local reserve to their chests as they were not permitted to take signs into the meeting. Five members of the public were given special permission to speak and

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all spoke in favour of the motion. Cr Scott and Cr Morris also tabled petitions with 1,500 signatures calling for Gosford Council to reconsider its land sale strategy. In front of the packed public gallery and after an extensive debate, only three councillors (Scott, Morris and McFadyen) voted for the motion. Mr Phil Conacher, a third generation East Gosford local said: “Public reserves should be and must be retained in public ownership for public purposes; we should be outside enjoying them now, not inside fighting for them.” He identified a council sign at one reserve that said “Trees, the lungs of our community” and argued that the reserves listed for reclassification and sale were identified as important in the council’s own climate change policy. “Please leave the lungs of our community intact,” he said. Ms Heidi Cantor spoke in favour of the withdrawal of a reserve at 13 Winter Cl, Lisarow from the list, arguing it was provided to the community by a developer. “It is every day that we use our reserve, it is a meeting place for our family and neighbours,” she said, passing family photo albums to the councillors to show the extent to which her family and neighbours used the reserve. Mr Richard Wells spoke on behalf of the

Some of the protesters outside Gosford Council Chambers

Wamberal Action Group about the Benjamin Parker Reserve’s stunning views over Terrigal, its history dating back to the 1830s. He said such reserves “were not donated to be used as blank cheques” by council. Mr Bruce McAlpine described the reserve at 2 Eagle Cl, Lisarow as “home to 66 trees, magnificent in stature and age”. Ms Sue Chidgey, organiser of the Save Central Coast Reserves campaign, with a photo of East Gosford Reserve pinned to her chest, thanked Gosford mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna for allowing five speakers. “The sites are valued by the communities who live around them,” Ms Chidgey said. “The community should have been consulted first, not later on, in the process,” she said. “At no point has council formally advised us of how the lots were placed on the list [for reclassification and sale].” “These communities do not give their consent

to the sell off of their community land,” she concluded. During the debate, council’s director of community growth, Ms Judy Jaeger said there would be opportunities for community consultation. Ms Jaeger said she was “very keen on following an open process”. She said councillors had already resolved to consider 31 lots of community land for reclassification and sale and had since appointed a consultant to examine each lot and prepare a report that will form the basis of a public hearing. The community will be given 28 days’ notice of the hearing and will be able to register to speak or make written submissions. The consultant will then prepare a report which will be considered by a subsequent council meeting. If this council does reclassify any community land, it will then have to go through a development proposal gateway process, which will include another

opportunity for community consultation. Cr Scott said the community had already spoken and that a consultant was not needed to know that at least the five blocks her motion listed had significant value to the community. “Some Councillors and Council staff highlighted that the community would now have three opportunities to make submissions, however, this process shows contempt for the community’s input,” Ms Chidgey said following the meeting. “To now force residents to take time away from their families and jobs to go through a long, drawn out process shows a complete disregard for the community,”, said Jane Smith from CEN. Transcript, Feb 9, 2016 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Media release, Feb 10, 2016 Sue Chidgey, Save Central Coast Reserves Jackie Pearson, journalist

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NEWS

Councillors vote to support merger after heated debate iberal councillors and Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna have voted in favour of a last-minute motion to support the NSW minister for local government’s proposal for the merger of Gosford with Wyong Council.

The motion was voted on as an alternative to another that urged councillors to work together on a submission to ensure the structure of the new council was in the best interests of the community. Gosford and Wyong Councils are currently in a merger proposal period while a government-appointed delegate prepares a report on the merger. Prior to Christmas, both councils resolved that they were willing to merge, but the majority of Gosford councillors expressed their reservations about the process at the time. Labor councillors Vicki Scott and Jim Macfadyen and greens councillor Hillary Morris had earlier given notice of their intention to move for Gosford Council to conduct a fresh survey of the

(L to R) Cr Doyle and Cr Strickson

level of community support for amalgamation. The three councillors also gave notice of a motion calling for councillors to work together to prepare a submission for the delegate examining the merger. Support for the new community survey was not forthcoming at Gosford Council’s meeting on February 9 and the motion was defeated. Cr Gabbie Bowles was absent and the councillors who voted against the motion were Cls Strickson, Doyle, Bourke, Ward, Bocking and Gosford mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna.

Before the three councillors were able to move the second motion, Cr Jeff Strickson attempted to foreshadow his own motion as an alternative. Cr Strickson proposed the councillors move to support “the ministerial proposal as currently exhibited by the delegate of the CEO of the office of local government”. Deputy mayor, Cr Craig Doyle called for a ruling on whether Cr Strickson could, in fact, foreshadow a motion before the one on the agenda was even moved. Gosford Council CEO, Mr Paul Anderson said it could be done, although unusual,

but councillors resolved to debate the original motion first. Cr Scott moved for councillors to prepare a submission for the delegate and the Boundaries Commission that would include the formation of three wards within the merged council “to provide representation for the south, north and middle of the two local government areas”. The motion also asked the submission to state the number of councillors which would best provide equity in a three-ward system. “The involvement of all Gosford Council’s existing, democratically elected councilors in the process of amalgamation and the continuance of councillors roles until the next local government elections are declared,” was also called for. The motion called on Council to ask the delegate to consider: “A request for the review of Local Government legislation in relation to the creation of super councils and the impact of that on the community, such as the number of councillors allowable.” Cr Doyle said he wasn’t “particularly excited” about

the content of the motion. He argued that councillors needed to work through complex issues like wards and councillor numbers in a workshop that was already scheduled. He asked for the issue to be referred to the workshop “where we can work together to put a workshopped solution to the delegate. “We have one bite at this cherry and that is it,” he said. However, the motion was defeated by one vote and then Cr Strickson was able to put his as an alternative. Cr Chris Burke seconded the alternative motion to support the NSW local government minister’s proposal. He said Council staff were already preparing a submission. Cr Doyle spoke against the motion: “Just because the merger is a fait accompli, that doesn’t mean it is right”. He said the fact Gosford’s Liberal councillors were prepared to accept the state government’s proposal “speaks volumes for the railroading this government has done to councils around the state. “There seems to be no resolve from our Liberal party contingent about how we

best serve our community during the amalgamation process. “At the end of the day I am not going to sit back and accept a fait accompli. “You’ve probably got the numbers,” Cr Doyle said to Cr Strickson. “But I have got my five minutes to give you some. “What is wrong with talking about it, what is wrong with getting the best result, I want to do what is best and what is right. “There is nothing going to stop me sitting down and having a talk with those councillors willing to do so. “I plan to bring it to the workshop whether there is a motion or not”, Cr Doyle said. Cr Ward denied that the Liberal councillors had been instructed to follow a certain line. Cr Strickson’s motion was supported by Cr McKinna, Burke, Ward and Bocking, giving them a one-vote majority. Email, Feb 3, 2016 Hillary Morris, Gosford Council Transcript, Feb 9, 2016 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

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FORUM

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Flawed council merger process unnecessarily secretive

EPA has major conflict of interest over landfill

smell a rat, and I am not the only one that does.

n response to the media release from EPA’s, Mr Adam Gilligan, (CCN Jan 28), entitled ‘Katandra Poultry Farm fined $7,500 by EPA’, it is good to know the EPA is closely watching over the Community’s interest.

Regrettably, none of Mr Gilligan’s laudable sentiments appears to apply to the giant landfill site at Central Mangrove, about to get much bigger. Perhaps Mr Gilligan would like to take an interest in this operation also, or is it untouchable? “Good sediment and erosion controls in place”? No. There are an estimated 19 million litres of sedimentladen water sitting in just one excavated area, Cell W, which is supposed to be kept empty for receipt of a lining and yet more fill. “Sediment-laden waters leaving the site and entering watercourses?” Yes. Both Hallard’s Creek and Stringybark Creek have been the recipient of multiple sediment-laden run-off events and this water flows directly into the Central Coast’s drinking water supplies via Mardi Dam. “The EPA expects licensees to comply with

FORUM their licence at all times?” Unless you are big business, and then it will reissue multiple licences to suit the breaches, as with Environmental Protection License No. 11395 for Central Mangrove Waste Landfill. “Penalty notices are one of a number of tools the EPA can use to achieve environmental compliance, including formal warnings, licence conditions, notices and directions, mandatory audits, enforceable undertakings, legally binding pollution reduction programs and prosecutions.” So, since 1998, when the DA was approved, which tools has the EPA used to enforce compliance at the Landfill, now that the original approval for 80,000 m3 of fill to re-contour a golf course has blown out to 800,000 m3 ? Following a cosy deal

between The EPA, Gosford Council and the operator in 2014, it now has approval for an additional 1,317,503 m3 of fill to be placed in the original site. What exactly may we expect of a “proportionate regulatory response”? When the EPA, through waste levies, has made and will make millions of dollars from this landfill, it is valid to ask the question, ‘is there not a huge conflict of interest here’? Should the regulator also be the benefactor? Should the operator be permitted to do its own monitoring and reporting, as happens now? The Mountain Districts Association has recently presented a 163-page submission calling for a Commission of Enquiry into the Landfill to The Premier’s Office, Parliament House. Please support us in any way that you can. Email, Feb 5, 2016 Marilyn Steiner, Mountain Districts Association

Car parking about to be lost

refer to the article, ‘Kibbleplex sold but community not trusted with any details’ (CCN Jan 28).

Your continuing illuminating reporting of this imminent sale confirms council has absolutely no intention of consulting with the community regarding the proposed sale of this valuable asset currently providing 400 commuter car parks, with the possibility of extending up to 600. Interestingly, council endeavoured to convert

FORUM Kibble Park into a car park around 1970. Apparently the sale will yield no profit since acquisition five years ago, so why sell? Who will provide a replacement car park and amenity for the current 400 users and the future visitors

If you’re reading this, so could up to 30,000 other people

to the nearby approved five by 27 storey Mariners Plaza and Waterside commercial and residential developments and at what cost? Thank you Coast Community News for again shining a bright light on this apparently questionable transaction expected to settle on March 1, 2016. Bring on the forthcoming amalgamation of councils. Email, 2 Feb 2016 Peter Turnbull, Point Clare

It is becoming clearer. The process that the NSW State Government is undertaking regarding the “voluntary” amalgamation and forced amalgamations of councils is (if not criminal) certainly flawed. I ask the delegate Mr Rayner to use his capacity to order a public referendum on whether Gosford and Wyong should amalgamate. This amalgamation proposal for Gosford and Wyong is neither requested nor required. Amalgamation has been a topic of discussion within the Central Coast for decades and if it was the will of the people it would have happened by now. This proposal is flawed in many ways; the NSW state government have been elected on a promise of “no forced amalgamations” and yet here we stand today. The community consultation has already taken place (by Gosford City Council) and the firm message is no amalgamation shall proceed. This factor applies in many other locations. Kiama council found that 92% of folks reject amalgamation and yet they stand to be amalgamated with Shellharbour. I don’t often listen to Alan Jones, but recently I did listen. Mr Jones spoke with Professor Brian Dollery, possibly the most qualified authority in this country with respect to Local Government amalgamation, financial stability, structural reform and sharing of services, and he has advised and consulted for councils across all Australian states. You could say he knows a little about this topic! Professor Brian Dollery from the UNE Business School tells us that the methods, assumptions and data used in the KPMG report (upon

Imagine if it was a message about your business. What would it cost to get your message out to that many people using any other medium? Don’t be fooled by the hype, advertising in this newspaper is by far much better value for money than any other medium. Not only does it have the reach and readership within the area it covers, but readers can keep the advertisement and refer to it as often as they wish.

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FORUM which the State Government is acting) is awash with errors. He says that the awards used when calculating employee related costs were the wrong awards; the errors are too numerous to list here. We have a flawed process which is well underway and we have a community that is against amalgamation that is being ignored. The information given to the community is insufficient and the method of imparting the information is clumsy at best. We should have the opportunity to have a Q & A style forum so that questions that arise from reports and government statements could be publicly addressed. The KPMG report has become something akin to the Secret Volume of the Trade Union Royal Commission report. We are told that it is a very important document but we are only shown portions of it; how are we to make our submissions into this topic with less than the full information? The question must be asked, why is there secrecy around the report? Our council here in Gosford had voted unanimously to reject the prospect of amalgamation. What has happened since might best be described as coercion. At the most recent council meeting where the amalgamation proposal was addressed, some Councillors reversed their position, resulting in an acceptance of the State Government proposal. Councillors that changed

their vote regarding amalgamation have said that the reasons for changing are based on fear of threats made that would have the result of, one, removal of local councillors from the process of transition resulting in a loss of valuable local knowledge of our issues and history to the process, and two, removal of an offer of financial assistance with the very costly business of amalgamation. These people are our elected representatives; they should only be removed in circumstances where they are negligent in their duty or are found to be acting corruptly etc. Assistance with financial cost from a government directive to amalgamate should not be held over us as a bribe. These threats and this bribery constitute coercion in my opinion and this alone should be enough to halt the process. It is worth mentioning here that the motion that accepted the amalgamation had in the wording, “Council, based on its understanding that continuing as a stand-alone council is not acceptable to the NSW Government …..”. The fact is that other councils that were the subject of amalgamation proposals have been permitted to continue as a stand-alone entity. I call on the state government to halt this process and for an inquiry to be held into how the process could be botched so badly and I call for a bipartisan committee to be formed to reexamine the question of the structure and boundaries of local government in NSW. Letter, Feb 5, 2016 Jeff Sundstrom, Kincumber

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February 11, 2016 - Page 11

FORUM

Negotiations undertaken in secret create suspicion

he murky dealings over the Kibbleplex site in Gosford seem to be well matched by the equally obscure negotiations over the China Theme Park site in Warnervale.

In both cases, it sounds as though inept localgovernment servants are being well and truly outmaneuvered by shrewd property speculators, while the public (the owner of both sites) is being kept completely in the dark and spoon-fed only the least possible amount of information that both councils can get away with. Nobody in the community is being offered an opportunity to assess these negotiations, and we shall only find out anything when the deal is past any possibility of influencing the outcome.

FORUM Didn’t someone say that the essence of government is open agreements openly arrived at? The government is fond of telling us that, if we are doing nothing wrong, our actions should be open to scrutiny by any agency that wants to pry into our affairs. Doesn’t the same principle apply to government whose main purpose is to act in our interests, and doesn’t the passion for secrecy suggest that something is going on that will eventually be to our

detriment? Both of these projects will shortly come under the aegis of the new Central Coast municipality, at which point it is to be hoped that there will be a more responsive and responsible attitude to community rights. Perhaps, the property speculators are hoping to seal a binding agreement with the two existing councils before the sales come under the scrutiny of the new authority. Email, Jan 31, 2016 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

Remaining pine trees removed ebruary 2, marked the end of pine trees on the Pine Needles estate at Erina.

The remaining 12 or more trees were mechanically removed and cut up on this day. These trees, about 140 or so, on the eastern boundary of the development were designated as “retained and protected” on the landscape plan that Council approved in January, 2014. About 30 trees were removed under the controversial 10/50 bushfire legislation and the other, approximately 90 trees, were quietly removed in the intervening period. Needless to say, the same happened previously

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 with the removal of 130 good, mature pine trees on the western boundary of Pine Needles Rd with no notification to Gosford Council. Gosford Council closed

their eyes on the matter on the basis that new trees would be planted. No such arrangement has been made in relation to the eastern boundary. You have to question the integrity of Gosford Council in allowing a developer to snub their nose at the plans that they approved. Further, you have to question whether a certificate of compliance will be issued at the completion of the works and whether the Village should remain being called, Pine Needles. Email, Feb 2 2016 Rod Fountain, Erina

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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

February 2, 2016

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 85

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

Community members dig channel

Short Groyne solution for The Entrance is a waste of time – Bob Graham

Breakwall is a fake solution to a fake problem – Friends of Tuggerah Lakes

Young and old turned out on Australia Day at The Entrance to dig a channel at least onemetre wide from the ocean to the lake.

As the NSW Government prepares to commence work on its promised remediation of The Entrance Channel and Beach, community advocates are ...

According to Friends of Tuggerah Lakes, Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM is stuck up The Entrance Channel without a paddle when it comes to ...

Uniformity of policy relating to trees called for

Harris questions mayor’s impartiality

Power reconnection delays

Save Wyong Trees wrote to NSW planning minister, Mr Rob Stokes, the environment minister, Mr Mark Speakman and the Local Government Minister, Mr Paul Toole, urging them to act to ensure that Gosford ...

Wyong Council unanimously approved the development of a Woolworths supermarket adjacent to the Wadalba Village Centre at its December 9 meeting.

Central Coast residents were forced to wait days for power to be reconnected following recent storms because of massive staff cuts at electricity network operator Ausgrid, according to the Electrical Trades Union.

Contract let for three gross pollutant traps

Wyong CBD drainage network completed

Proposed East Toukley service station raises concerns

A local company has been chosen by Wyong Council to build three gross pollutant traps (GPTs) in the shire to enhance the amenity of the lakes.

The construction of a new drainage pit and pipes in Hely St, Wyong has been completed by council crews, closing the missing link of the drainage network ...

Member for Wyong Mr David Harris MP met with local business owners and residents who are concerned about a proposal to build a new service station in ...

blamed on staff cuts

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

Peninsula Community Access Edition 385

News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4321 0940

25 January 2016

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

Edna celebrates 92nd birthday

Smith seeks action on channel at Oyster Beach

A local group of the Red Hat Society has celebrated the 92nd birthday of one of its members.

Member for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith is seeking Ministerial action to dredge the channel off Oyster Beach.

The former chairman of the Ettalong Beach War Memorial Club, Mr Don Young of Woy Woy, has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his service to veterans ...

Council parking blitz C was ‘un-Australian’, says bowls club

Council appoints consultant for land sale review

CDOs cost council $38 million

A parking blitz in Woy Woy conducted by Gosford Council on Australia Day has been described as shameful and un-Australian by the Woy Woy Bowling Club and local residents.

Gosford Council has commissioned an external consultant “to consider all aspects relevant to each parcel” of community land that it proposes to sell on the Peninsula.

Gosford Council could be $38 million better off if it had not invested in speculative instruments like Collateralised Debt Obligations (CDOs) in the market boom prior to the global ﬁnancial crisis.

Rescue for sinking vessel

Management plan does not list all council land for sale

Community Environment Network has urged community members to take further steps to encourage Gosford Council to “cease the sale and reclassiﬁcation...

A management plan exists for 62 blocks of councilowned land on the Peninsula, according to Gosford Council chief Mr Paul Anderson

Don Young receives OAM

Plan still applies to community land after 20 years The Community Parks Plan of Management adopted by Gosford Council in 1996 still covers the management of community land, according to Gosford Council chief ...

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

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Fatality at Somersby Falls man has died after falling off a rock ledge at Somersby Falls, west of Gosford.

Around 4:45pm Sunday, February 7, emergency services were called to the Brisbane Water National Park following reports a 23-year-old man had fallen onto rocks from a height of approximately 10 metres. Witnesses to the accident reported that the young man was lying on his stomach to look over the falls. As he was turning to climb back to his feet he appears to have slipped and fallen to his death. The accident occurred in front of around 20 witnesses who were enjoying the falls on the warm Sunday afternoon. One witness, Ms Natalia Bellova, who was visiting from Sydney, wrote on social media that the young man’s distraught mother

Anyone with information about these incidents should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 was at the scene and was comforted by bystanders and other family members and friends. Ms Bellova praised the efforts of five other young men and boys who attempted to comfort the young man immediately after the accident and who assisted the emergency workers who were the first responders by “helping to

carry medical gear to the site”. She praised “the brave tattoed boy (real hero) and other three”, who were holding him after the fall until the emergency crew arrived (within 10 minutes). She said the “lady who called triple 0 and your husband are in my warmest thoughts.” Upon arriving at the scene, police and ambulance paramedics attended to the man, however he was pronounced dead at the scene. A report will now be prepared for the coroner, but police and paramedics said there were no suspicious circumstances.

olice have arrested a man following the theft of a number of segways from East Gosford.

investigation, a 21-yearold man was arrested at Gosford Police Station around 7:30pm Friday, February 5. A search warrant was subsequently executed at a home in Springfield where police seized four firearms

enry Kendall High School and Gosford Public School were evacuated after receiving a bomb threat on Wednesday, February 3 at 9:40am.

The administration office of Henry Kendall received what they believed to be a pre-recorded message indicating an explosive device was in the school. 800 high school students were evacuated from Henry Kendall, along with 500 primary school students from nearby Gosford Public School. A search was conducted by local police and teachers. The search failed to locate anything and the

and a small quantity of drugs. The man was charge with steal from motor vehicle and cultivate prohibited plant. He was refused bail. As yet, the stolen segways have not been recovered. Media Release, Feb 6, 2016 NSW Police media

school was deemed safe for students to return. The incident lasted two hours. Brisbane Water Local Area Command chief inspector Steve Kentwell said they were taking the offence very seriously, and were conducting an investigation to locate the source of the call and arrest the person responsible.

Students from both schools remained assembled for the two hours on the back ovals adjacent to Racecourse Rd. They were required to leave their bags in the classrooms and were not permitted to use electronic devices for the duration of the lock down. Interview, Feb 4, 2016 CI Steve Kentwell, Brisbane Water LAC Jasmine Gearie, journalist

Road fatality at Kincumber

Email, Feb 7, 2016 NSW Police media

Man arrested over segways theft During the early hours of Tuesday, January 26, eight segways with a combined value of $80,000 were stolen from a trailer in East Gosford. Police from the Brisbane Water Local Area Command were notified of the theft, and commenced inquiries into the matter. As a result of the police

Bomb threat disrupts schools

man has died at Kincumber after his vehicle crashed into a telegraph pole and rolled into a steel sign.

About 2:30am on Sunday February 7, the 76-year-old man was driving north on Empire Bay Rd, Kincumber when his vehicle left the road and crashed into a pole and a steel sign before coming to a stop. Police attended and attempted to revive the man before he was taken to Gosford Hospital where he died. Police will prepare a

report for the Coroner. Media release, Feb 9, 2016 NSW Police media

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HEALTH

Guide Dog puppy raisers wanted

Cutting-edge technology installed at new eye care practice entral Coast optometrist and advocate for preventative eye care, Dr Amanda Rungis, recently established a new practice, Sure Eye Care, at Riverside Park, West Gosford.

Dr Rungis ran a practice in Lisarow, Sure Optical, before considering a new location that was readily accessible to patients and close to allied health-care professionals who share the vision that prevention is the best medicine. The new practice includes custom-designed technology. Dr Rungis said: “From the day we opened our doors, patients have been commenting favourably on the CAPTIV8 screen and Rodenstock lens-hub. “They say they are learning things they never knew about their eyes. “These include the damaging long-term effects on our eyes, especially our kids’ eyes, of spending excessive time looking at a digital screen and how to minimise that risk using special lenses or lens coatings. “They’re even learning things like the difference between long- and shortsightedness. “It may sound obvious, but it’s amazing how many people today are prescribed glasses but have no idea why they need to wear them.”

The general manager of Rodenstock, Australia, Mr Tim McGann said: “Amanda has installed a full dispensing-experience for patients. “We have serviced many practices over the years and Amanda’s is at the cuttingedge of technology and service when it comes to eye-wear dispensing.” Dr Rungis said: “In 2004, almost 575,000 Australians over the age of 40 were blind or vision-impaired. “That figure is expected to double by 2020. “Most significantly, 75 per cent of blindness and vision impairment is preventable or treatable. “These statistics, together with my own personal experience, are the reasons why I am so passionate about prevention and early intervention. “Macular degeneration claimed my grandfather’s vision in early 2003. “At the time, I knew about the many, new exciting things that were emerging in the early detection of eye diseases that cause preventable blindness.” Dr Rungis was the first in Australia to invest in the MPOD; a machine that

Dr Sarah Tait with Dr Amanda Rungis

quickly and painlessly identifies those at greatest risk of macular degeneration. She is particularly interested in a non-surgical process that may stop, or at least slow down, the progression of myopia, or short-sightedness. The treatment, OrthoK, is a non-invasive alternative to laser eye-surgery. It eliminates the need to wear glasses during the day by wearing special contact lenses overnight. As a board member of the Orthokeratology Society of Oceania, and a lecturer in the field, Dr. Rungis is qualified and experienced to fit OrthoK for all ages. Dr Rungis said: “OrthoK is one of the most exciting developments in optometry in recent years. “Not only does it deliver crisp, clear vision all day without the need to wear glasses or contacts, recent studies have shown it may also stop or slow the progression of shortsightedness.” Media release, Feb 2 2016 Phaedra Pym, A Way With Words

uide Dogs NSW/ACT is urgently looking for volunteers living on the Central Coast to help raise Guide Dog puppies.

North Avoca’s Melissa Holmes has cared for seven puppies, training them to become Guide Dogs for the first 12 months of their journey. Ms Holmes is now encouraging fellow Central Coast residents to open their homes to the fantastic experience. “Raising puppies for Guide Dogs has been so rewarding,” Ms Holmes said. “I wanted to find a way to contribute to the community and knowing what I do will enhance the independence and mobility of a person who is blind or vision impaired is so wonderful,” Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is urgently seeking volunteers like Mrs Holmes from the Ourimbah, Terrigal, Avoca, Gosford, Erina, Woy Woy and Umina areas to look after Guide Dog puppies for 12 to 14 months. It takes almost two years and costs more than $35,000 to breed, raise and train a Guide Dog and Puppy Raisers play a critical part in developing a playful puppy into a responsible Guide Dog. “We are looking for people that are home most of the time and are interested in putting effort into training and socialising the dog,” Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Puppy Raising Manager, Karen Hayter said. That

Computer Guy

Guide Dogs provide food, veterinary care, flea and tick prevention and the team is on hand to answer any questions and provide guidance. The Puppy Raiser’s role involves toilet training, teaching basic obedience and social skills, daily walks on a lead and introducing the pup to the sights, sounds and smells it is likely to encounter as a working Guide Dog. “Puppy Raisers need to have a fully-fenced yard, be away from home no more than four hours at a time, have access to a car and attend training days once a month in the local area,” Ms Hayter said. The Puppy Raiser and their pup also regularly visit the Guide Dogs Centre at

Glossodia for vet checks and Puppy Pre-School. Mrs Holmes said she has loved watching her five children grow alongside each puppy. “Labradors have such a beautiful personality and are fantastic in a family environment,” she said. “My little guy simply loves playing with the puppies.” Every day in Australia, 28 people are diagnosed with vision loss that cannot be corrected, including nine who will become blind. These figures will rise by 20 per cent in the next four years, so there is a huge demand for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s free services. Media release, Jan 28, 2016 Nicole Bauche, Guide Dogs

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HEALTH

Page 14 - Coast Community News - February 11, 2016 6 Share

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Charity uses Valentine’s Day to help mend a broken heart hris and Amanda Harvey of Narara have had a very different reason for celebrating Valentine’s Day for the past six years.

Their daughter, Taylor, who will turn six in April and has just started kindergarten at Chertsey Public School, is a Heart Kid and proud of it. Taylor was born with a large hole in her heart and an incomplete Aorta. Within 36 hours of her birth, she had been transferred via ambulance from Gosford Private Hospital to the neonatal intensive care ward at Westmead Children’s Hospital and had her first open heart surgery. Taylor is also hearing impaired and was born with a cleft pallet, so her first 18 months were difficult, to say the least. Mr Harvey said he and wife Amanda did not know about Taylor’s heart in utero and the first few weeks of her life were “surreal”. The first sign that something was not right was a clicking noise in Taylor’s throat when Amanda tried to breast feed.

Chris Harvey, daughter Bodhi aged three, Heartkid Taylor aged five and Amanda

“The midwife said we need to check that and called the pediatrician who could not locate Taylor’s femoral pulse, alerting him to the need to transfer baby Taylor to the children’s hospital. Mr Harvey said Taylor’s first open heart surgery was to patch the large hole in her heart and insert a gauze sleeve to “complete” her aorta. “But complications from that surgery meant the nerve that helped the diaphragm

expand and deflate was paralysed,” Mr Harvey said. “Her left lung collapsed about six or seven times over the next few months,” he said. “Her heart was fixed at that stage. “Over the next six weeks, blood pressure wasn’t what they wanted and they needed to move the diaphragm out of the way because it was pushing on her left lung.” The second surgery was deemed essential even

though the doctors did not want to operate because of Taylor’s weight. “If they didn’t operate she may not have made it so they went ahead and stitched the diaphragm to her rib to move it out of the way of her lung and then did open heart surgery again to correct what wasn’t working from the first surgery. “That surgery took eight to nine hours and it was a complete success. “That is what basically got us out of there.”

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Taylor was 12 weeks old when she was allowed to go home from Westmead, but her cleft pallet was not corrected until she was 18 months old. She was tube fed until she was nine months old but feeding remained a struggle until corrective surgery. “Once we had the cleft pallet fixed, and she got through that as day surgery, she recovered very well and started feeding very normally.” Amanda and Chris didn’t know Taylor was hearing impaired until she was three – the condition was due to a series of severe ear infections she had as a baby. The good news is that Taylor is “thriving” now that she is in Kindergarten. Her younger sister Bodhi, aged three, is also hearing impaired but the condition was detected early and both girls are under the care of Hearing Australia. Taylor has to see the resident heart specialist at Westmead annually and will need further surgery to fix her Aorta as the current sleeve will not grow with her. Chris’ employer, Paul

Mitchell Hair Care, sponsors the NSW branch of Heart Kids, a charity that supports families who have children with Childhood Heart Disease (CHD). Mr Harvey was also a guest speaker at last year’s Tiny Tickers Ball in Sydney, which is HeartKids major annual fund raising event. HeartKids offers support to families like the Harveys, affected by Childhood Heart Disease (CHD). February is International Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Month, and February 14 is Sweetheart Day, the national awareness day for HeartKids, Mr Harvey said he doesn’t think many people are aware that CHD is Australia’s biggest killer of children under the age of one. Eight babies are born every day with heart disease, and each week, four will die. Fifty percent of babies diagnosed with CHD will undergo major heart surgery before their first birthday. Jayne Blake, HeartKids CEO, has announced the launch of a new CHD registry this month which will set a global benchmark for ongoing monitoring and treatment for those affected by CHD. “Sweetheart Day is an altruistic way to mark Valentine’s Day by helping to mend a broken heart.” The sweetheartday.org website has merchandise that can be purchased with proceeds going to HeartKids or the charity is encouraging those interested to host their own fundraising events and use social media to spread the word. Interview, Feb 9, 2016 Chris Harvey, Narara Media release, Feb 8, 2016 Kim Viney, Write Away Communications

Page 18 - Coast Community News - February 11, 2016

Coast Community News - February 11, 2016 - Page 15

Venues Hotel Gosford 179 Mann Street Gosford Cnr. Erina Street

Friday 19 6pm - 7pm: 7.15pm - 8.15pm: 8.30pm - 9.30pm: 9.45pm - 10.45pm: 11pm - midnight:

Dust Digger Blues Sue Robinson Greg Bowles BluesAngels Muma Jane Blues Band

2.30pm - 3.30pm: 3.45pm - 4.45pm: 5pm - 6pm: 6.15pm - 7.15pm:

2pm - 3pm: 3pm - 4pm: 4pm - 5pm:

Johnny Devilseed - Using a looper pedal Mimosa - Gypsy Jazz accompaniment Sue Robinson - Singing blues backing and harmonies Phil Hewitt - Blues harmonica

Saturday 20 6pm-7pm: 7.15pm - 8.15pm: 8.30pm - 9.30pm: 9.45pm - 10.45pm: 11pm - midnight:

Johnny Devilseed Greg Luland BluesAngels Phil and Trudy Edgeley Junkyard Cats

Hamish Baker Azadoota A Coupla Numbers Jessie Morris Band

Central Coast Leagues Club 1 Dane Drive, Gosford - Cnr Georgiana

Saturday 20 - Workshops upstairs 1pm - 2pm:

6.30pm - 7.30pm: 7.45pm - 8.45pm:

Sunday 21

West Gosford RSL 26 Central Coast Highway - Cnr: Yallambee Avenue Ph: 4323 8391

1pm - 2pm: 2.15pm - 3.15pm: 3.30pm - 4.30pm: 4.45pm - 5.45pm:

Friday 19 Nasty Cloud Delta Blues Jugalug String Band Mimosa Big Band Obsession

Jugalug String Band Mimosa Slightly Off

Racecourse Road, Gosford Ph: 4337 3300

Sunday 21

Sunday 21 12noon - 1pm: 1.15pm - 2.15pm: 2.30pm - 4.45pm: 5pm - 6pm:

2pm - 3pm: 3.15pm - 4.15pm: 4.30pm - 5.30pm:

Greg Bowles BluesAngels Harry Harman's Gentlemen of Jazz Mimosa

1pm - 2pm: 2pm - 3pm: 3pm - 4pm:

Azadoota Assyrian culture and folk dance Paul Baker - Banjo setup for jazz Greg Luland - Guitar finger picking Greg Bowles - Slide guitar

Mann St, Gozford Ph: 4325 3371

Central Coast Hotel 108 Mann Street Gosford Cnr Donnison Street

Doggn It Johnny Devilseed Sugarcane Collins

Reviver Bar

Sunday 21 - Workshops upstairs 12noon - 1 pm:

Phil and Trudy Edgeley Colleen Fricker Paul Baker Trio Slightly Off

Gosford Golf and Function Centre

Saturday 20 7.30pm - 9.45pm: 10pm - 11pm: 11.15pm - 12.15am:

Blues, Jazz, and Roots Festival

Sunday 21

Terrace Ph: 4325 9895 7.30pm - 8.30pm: 8.45pm - 9.45pm: 10pm - 11pm: 11.15pm - 12.15am:

GosBlues

Two Buck Blues Band Azadoota

Sunday 21 3.30pm - 5.30pm:

Ph: 4324 1267

Dorian Mode

Saturday 20 4pm - 5pm: 5.15pm - 6.15pm:

Paul Baker Trio Slightly Off

Workshops and

any of the performers at GosBlues 2016 are specialists in a specific area of music Mand some of them have agreed to freely pass on their knowledge at workshops Sunday 21 to which everyone is invited. All workshops will be held upstairs at Hotel Gosford away from any noise created on stage on the ground floor.

Saturday 20 1pm - Johnny Devilseed - Using a looper pedal Johnny Devilseed has been using a looper pedal almost since they came out. The pedal enables him to record bass and rhythm backing to play lead over creating a one man band. 2pm - Mimosa - Gypsy Jazz accompaniment Morgan Haselden is a classically trained and professionally qualified guitarist. He heard Gypsy Jazz and was hooked. Morgan dedicated himself to play music like Django Reinhardt and has developed that skill to a world standard. Learn basic Gypsy Jazz from a real expert 3pm - Sue Robinson - Harmony and backing singing in blues Sue’s varied musical career encompassed providing studio backing vocals, singing in the original cast of Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell, long-term residencies, huge concerts in front of thousands, and small folk clubs. Her workshop will cover the use of harmony in blues, when to join in, and how to use backing singing to make the band and the songs memorable. We will discuss how to use harmony to add ‘hooks’ and how to involve the audience. There will be lots of singing, so just bring your voices. 4pm - Phil Hewett - Blues harmonica Phil participated at the Hohner Harmonica Masters Workshops in Trossingen, Germany in 2007, 2010 and 2014, and for the past 5 years he has been a student of David Barrett of the School of The Blues. Phil is a competent player in traditional and post war Chicago style harmonica blues in first, second and third position diatonic harmonica, including advanced bending and over-bending and playing in minor and major. Bring an ‘A’ harmonica with if you can.

12noon - Azadoota - Assyrian culture and folk dance Robin Zirwanda is a native of Iraq and sings in his native Neo-Aramaic language. At his workshop Robin will talk about the disappearing Assyrian culture, their music and dance. It will include live music and demonstrations for people to join in. 1pm - Paul Baker - Banjo set-up for jazz

February 19-21

Paul has been playing banjo for 46 years and during that time has learnt a great deal about different ways to set up a banjo to give different tones as required for different music genres. Paul is keen to pass on his knowledge to anyone that is wanting to learn how to set up a banjo for different effects 2pm - Greg Luland - Blues fingerpicking guitar Greg plays blues the way the original masters played it and concentrates specifically on acoustic country blues styles of the 20s, 30s and 40s. He is keen to pass on some of what he has learned to anyone wishing to go down that same path 3pm - Greg Bowles - Slide guitar Greg is a multi-instrumentalist from Western Australia who specialises in 1920s and 1920s blues. His style punctuates his intuitive interpretations that show years of immersion in the blues and an infectious passion for the genre 5

www.gosblues.com 1

3 2 4

1 Hotel Gosford 2 Central Coast Leagues Club 3 Central Coast Hotel

6 4 West Gosford RSL 5 Gosford Golf and Function Centre 6 Reviver Bar

elcome to GosBlues 2016, free, three day event presenting quality Blues, Jazz and Roots music in multiple venues in the Gosford business district and surrounds.

GosBlues 2016 will be held over the weekend of February 19 to 21 in six venues, most of which are in walking distance from each other in the Gosford business district. Presented by Central Coast Newspapers and Trad&Now, GosBlues will start at 6pm on Friday, February 19 and will continue through to midnight. On Saturday, February 20, free concerts will commence from 4pm and continue through to midnight. Free entertainment on Sunday,

February 21 will commence at 1pm and continue until 7pm. Specially selected performers are coming to Gosford from many parts of Australia. Some of those with special expertise will also give free master classes and workshops in all aspects of blues, jazz and roots music, commencing at 12 noon on Saturday and again on Sunday. Entry to all venues will be free, but volunteer collectors will be seeking a gold coin donation for Coast Shelter at all venues. What could be more appropriate than Blues fans donating to Coast Shelter for the benefit of the many homeless people on the Coast? Blues helping people with the blues could very well become the event’s

motto. GosBlues 2016 is seeking to present a wide variety of Blues, Jazz and Roots music giving priority to the more unusual styles. Acts are being selected because they have something different to offer with many reproducing traditional forms of Blues and Jazz from the early nineteen hundreds while others will present music that has had a European influence on Jazz and Blues adding different rhythms. There will of course also be the more common blues bands for those that like it rocky and the Jazz component will include Gypsy Jazz, Trad Jazz, a Jug band and much more. See the following bios for a comprehensive list of the quality of artists

that have agreed to perform at the inaugural BosBlues festival. Each performer will have at least a one hour set to give fans the opportunity of seeing them at their best. All who are interested in music are encouraged to set this weekend aside as something special not to be missed. GosBlues is expecting to be an annual free event and to grow each year for as long as it is supported by large numbers of music fans and local businesses keen to see such an exciting event centred in the Gosford Central Business District, just one hour from major population areas in Sydney and Newcastle. Tell your friends and bring them along to this fantastic free event.

Free entry to all venues

Page 16 - Coast Community News - February 11, 2016

Coast Community News - February 11, 2016 - Page 17

GosBlues Blues, Jazz, and Roots Festival

Hamish Baker

The Jugalug String Band

Nasty Cloud Delta Blues

Sue Robinson

Hamish played harmonica under Jim Conway and acoustic and resonator guitar under John Morris from the Blues Preachers for the past 8 years. Hear Hamish sing and play Fred McDowell, Big Bill Broonzy, Keb Mo, Robert Johnson and John Hurt classics. y 21,, Hotel Gosford,, 2.30pm p Sunday

The Jugalug Stringband was formed in 2005. Since then, Jugalug has performed regularly for the Sydney Jazz Club and at several Jazz Festivals. They have released three successful albums, “Waltz Mysterioso”, “Six Pack” and “Wabash Blues”. The Jugalug Stringband plays a repertoire of pre western swing music based upon the styles of early string and jug bands of the 1920’s and 30’s. The band is entertaining, engaging and swings like crazy and the instruments, dating back to the early part of the twentieth century, include National guitars, uke and lap steel, banjo, strohviol, mandolin, washboard and double bass Friday 19, Central Coast leagues Club, 8.45pm, Saturday 20, Central Coast Leagues Club, p 7.30pm

N.C.D.B are Brett Nasty old dog and Shane White Cloud Clarke. Yes we are brothers. Brett plays Harmonica and deep vocals while Shane is a Steel finger picker on a Mini Maton guitar and parlour size Dobro guitar. “Many of our fans say we are a unique Blues Duo,” Brettt said. “Shane plays many early traditional blues songs that have no harmonica in them so this is a challenge for me that I enjoy to complement the tunes with my own harmonica solos. “This, we believe, sets us apart from many other guitar and harmonica duos,” he said. Friday y 19,, Central Coast Leagues g Club,, 7.30pm p

Sue Robinson started singing traditional gospel and graduated from there to blues, jazz, rock and acoustic. She never lost the love of harmony and her subsequent career encompassed providing studio backing vocals, singing in the original cast of Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell, long-term residencies, huge concerts in front of thousands, and small folk clubs. Sue has also arranged music for theatre. She has sung with numerous choirs and a-capella groups. Her workshop on Saturday will cover the use of harmony in blues, when to join in, and how to use backing singing to make the band and the songs memorable. We will discuss how to use harmony to add ‘hooks’ and how to involve the audience. There will be lots of singing, so just bring your voices Friday 19, Hotel Gosford, 7.15pm Saturday 20, Hotel Gosford, 3pm – Harmony g singing g g in blues workshop p and backing

www.gosblues.com Central Coast Newspapers and Trad&Now are to be commended for bringing such an event as GosBlues to the Central Coast. It is a welcome innovation that is bringing much needed entertainment into our community while raising funds for the ever worthwhile and valued Coast Shelter. I urge people to support this event and take the opportunity to become involved in the music and spirit of the weekend. Kathy Smith MP

Dorian has since recorded numerous jazz CDs with his last winning two ABC Music Awards for Best Jazz Composition and Best Instrumental. He also won Best Theatrical Score for music he composed for the Good German the following year. Sunday y 21,, Reviver Bar,, 3.30pm p

A Coupla Numbers

Big Band Obsession

Colleen Fricker

A Coupla Numbers are a “rockin’ blues band” playing in and around the Central Coast with influences from Bondi Cigars, Les Karski, Jimi Hendrix, Gary Moore, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Rolling Stones, Albert Collins and Charlie Musselwhite, all Aussie and American blues styles. Mark Bloor growls out the lead vocals and plays rhythm guitar. Dylan Bloor (son of) plays lead guitar with a style of his own and great blues /rock riffs. Mick Huxley is their energetic drummer/ vocals and a great part of the show. Wayne Lawler on Bass holds the rhythm section down with a great walking style blues feel. Phil Hewett on harmonica/vocals is being recognised as one of the top harp players on the Central Coast. Saturday 20, Hotel Gosford, 4pm - Blues harmonica workshop harmonica workshop Sunday21, y , Hotel Gosford,, 5pm p

Big Band Obsession, are a 17 piece band with a wide repertoire including Swing, Soul, Pop, Funk, Latin etc. The band was founded in 2013 by bandleader Peter Rohr. The band is based on the Central Coast and is made up of many professional musicians and music teachers. The line-up varies depending on availability. In a recent performance at Erina for example, they had 5 trumpets. Come prepared for a big sound. Friday 19, Central Coast Leagues Club, p 11.15pm

Colleen’s big, loud and emotionally raw vocals are reminiscent of Melissa Etheridge, Janis Joplin and Robert Plant. Couple that with addictive roots dance riffs under which runs a driving, foot stomping beat and you’ve got the prefect combination of blues and roots. With two albums under her belt and a slew of impressive support slots, Colleen is generating a big name for herself in the Sydney music scene. y 21,, West Gosford RSL,, 2.15pm p Sunday

Doggn It BluesAngels

Azadoota With the familiarity of pop-rock, the spicy heat of Latin rhythms and the mysterious sounds of an ancient language, Azadoota rouse unsuspecting pub-goers to their feet and onto dance-floors across the world. Pitching their music directly at a mainstream audience, Azadoota is one of Australia’s longest-established Worldbeat bands. Songwriter and front man Robin Zirwanda is a native of Iraq. He sings in his native Assyrian Neo-Aramaic language, now considered to be in danger of extinction. The band perform a repertoire of catchy originals, which extends from percussive dance tunes to sexy love songs, to solid funk, roots-rock and a touch of reggae always conveying an irrepressible sense of celebration. Saturday 20, Central Coast Hotel, 7.45pm Sunday 21, Hotel Gosford, 12noon, Assyrian Culture and Folk Dance Workshop Sunday 21, Hotel Gosford, 3.45pm

BluesAngels formed in 2008 to bring authentic and original acoustic blues to the NSW Central Coast and beyond. Exploring early New Orleans and Cajun blues, Appalachian through Mississippi delta, Piedmont, Texas, Memphis, Chicago, jump, British 60s, USA & Oz 70s, Newgrass, West Coast, and on into contemporary indie roots, beatnik jazz, backhills bluegrass and prog folk/ Americana-Australiana, BluesAngels are a total acoustic roots package top to toe, and then some. With multi vocals, guitars, banjo, harmonica, banjo mandolin, double bass, mandolin, saxophone, clarinet, tin whistle and percussion, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face and get your toes tapping. Friday 19, Hotel Gosford, 9.45pm Saturday 20, Hotel Gosford, 8.30pm Sunday 21, Central Coast Leagues Club, 1.15pm

Doggn It are a folk blues duo with players Graeme Druce on a variety of guitars and John Cupit on harp. They have played together since 1985 and won the Sydney Blues Challenge to represent NSW in Memphis in 2013. Competing with bands from 80 countries, they made it to the semi-finals with the top 28 bands in world blues. Doggn It sing and play their way through a commentary on Australian life. Sunday y 21,, Gosford Golf Club,, 2pm p

Dorian Mode is a multi award-winning jazz musician who is as well known for his funny novels as his cool music. After living in New York, he returned to Oz to sit for a degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. He continued his studies and has a Masters Degree (Hons) and in 2014 was awarded a Doctorate. He first hit the jazz scene with the mighty Hammond B3 Organ – one of the few exponents of this classic 60s jazz sound in Australia. It earned him a record contract with EMI Records – one of the few Australian jazz artists to be signed to a major.

The Gentlemen of Jazz are a six piece band of highly acclaimed musicians. Harry Harman founded the Sydney Jazz Club in 1953. Harry became the banjo player with the Graeme Bell All Stars in 1962 shortly after it was formed. Harry has performed in several bands and now fronts Harry Harman’s Gentlemen of Jazz and brings his wealth of jazz experiences to the Coast courtesy of the Central Coast Jazz League Sunday 21, Central Coast Leagues Club, 2.30pm p

Paul Baker Trio

Junkyard Cats A rollicking band covering blues from the 50s and 60s as well as acoustic blues from earlier times. Expect upbeat fingerpicking or slide National guitar mixed with banjo, bass, soaring harmonica and gravelly vocals. Saturday y 20,, Hotel Gosford,, 11pm p

Jesse Morris Band Dust Digger Blues Dust Digger Blues is a combination of Vanessa Adams and Michael Blue Dalton’s soulful vocals, harmonica, slide and resonator guitars. Vanessa has performed with a number of notable musicians including Mark Featherstone (Voodoo Chillies, slide guitarist), Keith Miles (Apparition, guitarist, jazz bass, songwriter), Pat Dow and Keith Hall. Blue contributed bluesy harmonica and slide guitar as a member of the Lighthouse Keepers, the Honeys, Blumenintahls as well as contributions to the Triffids, Killjoys and Eva Trout. Blue has now also returned to his first love of blues and blues inspired music playing harmonica and finger picking, bottleneck and lap steel resonator guitars. y 19,, Hotel Gosford,, 6pm p Friday

Greg Bowles

Dorian Mode

Harry Harman's Gentlemen of Jazz

Coming all the way from Western Australia, toe-tapping Australian singer and multiinstrumentalist Greg Bowles celebrates a spirited spectrum of authentic 1920s and ‘30s blues music with his rollicking renditions of tunes by his own personal Delta blues heroes such as Charley Patton, Robert Johnson and Mississippi Fred McDowell. Greg accompanies himself on guitar and slide guitar as well as banjo and mandolin in order to freshen up traditional blues melodies and rhythms and spellbind modern audiences through vibrant live performances and recordings. His emotionally-charged, authentic blues singing style punctuates his intuitive interpretations that show years of immersion in the blues and an infectious passion for the genre. Friday 19, Hotel Gosford, 8.30pm Sunday 20, Central Coast Leagues Club, 12 noon Sunday 21, Hotel Gosford, 3pm – Slide guitar workshop

Byron Bay based Jesse Morris Band are in Gosford travelling after doing shows in Coffs Harbour and Narooma on a very busy weekend. 2015 was a huge year for the Jesse Morris Band with over 140 shows across 6 states. 2016 will see a string of new releases including a new single in Feb, EP in April, and an album July as well as a tour of Germany, UK, NZ and Canada through July-August. The Jesse Morris Band present a positive, uplifting, energetic live show full of good vibrations and quality players. Jesse has also spent the last 12 months fundraising for an Island school off the coast of Cambodia, donating 50% of all CD sales and a portion of ticket sales towards the Island’s first school. See them while you can. Sunday y 21,, Hotel Gosford,, 6.15pm p

Johnny Devilseed Formed in late 2010 by guitarist Hayden Maskey and blues harpist Paul “Old Man Rubes” Rubie, this hard rocking duo have been doin’ the rounds about town, constantly blowin’ the doors off joints every time they perform. With a huge repertoire of songs from the old timey era, to the modern blues of today, their shows have been described by many as a, “ full on, hardcore, foot to the floor, theatrical blues extravaganza”. So come on down to a Johnny Devilseed show near you, and melt the soles off ya shoes with some good old fashioned rockin’ blues. Saturday 20, Hotel Gosford, 1pm – Loop pedal workshop Saturday 20, Hotel Gosford, 6pm Sunday 21, Gosford Golf Club, 3.15pm

Paul Baker is a soloist banjoist/vocalist specialising in old jazz tunes from the 20’s & 30’s---”the Great American Songbook”. He’s been doing this for 46 years, having toured China with Graeme Bell, played at jazz festivals in the US with Geoff. Power, and freelanced for almost 40 years. Paul has been a member of Paul Furniss’ San Francisco Jazz Band for 38 years and still plays with him in a trio every Sunday at the Gosford Markets. Paul will perform with Jim Elliott on bass sax as he has done for 26 years this way and will add a sax to the group for his performances at GosBlues 2016. Saturday 20, Central Coast Hotel, 4pm Sunday 21, Hotel Gosford, 1pm - Banjo set-up for jazz workshop Sunday y 21,, West Gosford RSL,, 3.30pm p

Mimosa Mimosa is a Sydney born and bred, guitar and violin duo that is of international standard. Its members, Phoebe O’Shea and Morgan Haselden, met whilst studying, with scholarships, at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Over time, Mimosa were not happy playing only classical music, and they now perform music from vastly different genres, most noticeably the gypsy jazz music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, which now has a permanent place in the Mimosa repertoire and deep within their swinging hearts. Mimosa have performed in the highly esteemed Sydney Opera House main stage and on cruise ships around the Mediterranean, Caribbean and the rivers of inland France. They have lived in Paris, where their music led them to meet some of the gypsy jazz greats and to play in venues where the great Django Reinhardt used to regularly perform. Friday 19, Central Coast Leagues Club, 10pm Saturday 20, Hotel Gosford, 2pm, Gypsy Jazz accompaniment workshop Saturday 20, Central Coast Leagues Club, 10pm y 21,, Central Coast Leagues g p Sunday Club,, 5pm

Phil and Trudy Edgeley Coming to Gosford from country Victoria, Phil’s music draws upon influences ranging from Delta Blues masters such as Robert Johnson, Fred McDowell and Skip James, to contemporary artists such as Chris Whitley, Jeff Lang and Chris Smither, and of course, from his English background taking in the styles of Richard Thompson, John Renbourn, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. Now add Trudy Edgeley, an Australian Singer Songwriter, hailing from a rich musical background founded in both her family’s strong Gospel lifestyle and her rich heritage, which is a melting pot of cultures. Saturday 20, Hotel Gosford, 9.45pm Sunday y 21,, West Gosford RSL,, 1pm p

Slightly Off

Muma Jane Blues Band Muma Jane Blues Band has been around since 2000. They cover a wide selection of rhythm and blues performing material from Chicago Blues to blues rock. They pump out a big sound and create a great groove for dancing. “After all, isn’t that what music was designed for, created in juke joints and road houses, and matured in the urban club land, for people to let their hair down after a hard day’s work”, said lead singer Jane StewartKemble.. Friday 19, Hotel Gosford, 11pm

A refreshingly different Central Coast musical act. Come spend some time in the slightly off world of Slightly Off, where you can hear great old tales about great old whales, tango ’til you’re sore to the haunting sigh of an amplified saw, dance along with magically animated gypsy bones and listen in on the conversations of dead lovers. Add to that a selection of highly entertaining songs from the 1920s as well as contemporary artists such as Tom Waits and you’ll be thoroughly entertained. Saturday 20, Union Hotel, 5.15pm Saturday 20, Central Coast Leagues Club, 11.15pm Sunday 21, West Gosford RSL, 4.45pm

Sugarcane Collins - 2014 Australian Blues Singer of the Year From the cane field pubs of Queensland to the honky tonks of New Orleans and juke joints of the Mississippi Delta, Sugarcane performs his potent no frills blues with an emotional intensity and raw abandon that only the very best bluesmen achieve. He is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most distinctive and original blues artists. Playing dynamic hard driving guitar, he moves fluidly through an array of blues styles from down home delta to ragtime to swing to Chicago shuffles, but it’s his big soulful voice that will knock you out. When Sugarcane sings the blues you’ll see the passion in his face, the fire in his eyes, the veins in his neck! But it is not just as a singer and guitar picker that Collins has made a name for himself. Few songwriters can match his vivid storytelling. Not for him the simple blues love songs so regularly employed by others. The former Queensland Songwriter of the Year has so much more to say. Sunday, y, Gosford Golf Club,, 4.30pm p

Two Buck Blues Band Formed from members of the Central Coast Blues Society, Two Buck Blues Band play country and jazz oriented blues. The line-up varies and usually includes guitars, harmonica, drum and bass with a percussionist and a violin often joining the group Saturday 20, Central Coast Hotel, 6.30pm

GosBlues

2016 6 Venues Free Entry 26 Acts - 80 Artists

Coast Community News - February 11, 2016 - Page 19 Co SShare

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EDUCATION

Free healthy lunch-box seminar

Pick up and drop off arrangements change at Narara arara Public School will follow a new car park procedure in 2016 as a result of community members risking their safety by ignoring previous procedures.

The front gate will be closed from 8:15am with parents encouraged to use the kiss and drop zone at the front of the school. Parents wishing to utilise car park facilities will be encouraged to arrive before 8:15am. Gates will be reopened at 2:15pm. No parents will be able to use the upper car park unless they have evidence of handicapped identification. Two parking spaces have been identified as being

handicapped within the school. A bollard with the notice Staff and Deliveries only, will remind parents not to go further. All parking spaces identified as Staff are to be used by staff only. Empty spaces can be used by the general public. Parents who apply for a parking permit will need to park in the lower car park only and arrange to meet their children near there. Parents will need to

reapply for a permit every five weeks and they are to be displayed on their dash board. Parents and early intervention students who arrive at school between the hours of 8:15am and 2:15pm will need to open the gates to drive through. All other traffic will need to open and close the gates as they come and go. An Eat it to Beat it healthy lunch Newsletter, Feb 1, 2016 David Stitt, Narara Public School

New buildings at Point Clare to be ready in November tudents at Point Clare Public School are expected to move into their learning spaces in the school’s new buildings in November.

Mr Scott Campbell, Point Clare Public School’s new principal, said the necessary electrical infrastructure for the new buildings was expected to be put in place by around Friday, February 12. As a result, security fencing around the perimeter of the school’s current construction zone will be moved back several metres. “This will give us all a little

more room to move,” Mr Campbell said. “Additionally we now have approval from asset management to move some much-needed bubblers,” he said. “This year, you will hear the teachers and I talk about milestones quite often. “Milestone number four on our building plans is the anticipated movement of students to their learning spaces in the new buildings

during mid-November. “I believe this is a very exciting time for the school and I absolutely cannot wait to see the final product.” Newsletter, Feb 9, 2016 Scott Campbell, Point Clare Public School

The Fletcher Gallery ART SALE

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ancer Council NSW’s nutrition program, Eat It to Beat It, will hold a free healthy lunch-box seminar at the Hive, Erina Fair on February 16.

Eat It to Beat It works with schools and parents to provide families with practical, budget-friendly ways to pack fun and fulfilling healthy lunchboxes. Cancer Council NSW’s communications coordinator, Hunter-Central Coast, Ms Jacqui Jones, said that the work of Eat It to Beat It on the Central Coast shows that parents are taking an increasing interest in the nutritional content of the food consumed in the playground. Ms Jones said: “However, many parents report that packing lunch boxes can

be a chore, especially when it comes to getting the kids enthusiastic about healthy options such as fruit and vegetables.” Ms Nayerra Hudson, Hunter-Central Coast nutrition project officer, Cancer Council NSW, said: “Packing a healthy lunch box that your child will want to eat can be much easier than you think. “With a little planning and a few ideas you can create appealing, nutritious lunches that are cheap to create and simple to make.” Ms Jones said: “Get organised and make sandwiches at the beginning

of the week and freeze, then add fresh salad on the day. “Cook extra at dinner and use leftovers for lunches; baked veg, stir fry, pasta and rice work well. “Let the kids help prepare and select; saving you time and getting them interested.” Ms Jones said: “Don’t forget a drink of water and a cooler-bag and ice-brick to keep lunch fresh and safe to eat.” Media release, Feb 4, 2016 Jacqui Jones, Cancer Council NSW

Storm damages school hertsey Public School suffered minor damage after two branches fell onto the school and another across Willow Rd during the school holidays.

This left the school without operating phone lines. School principal, Ms Toni Skinner said: “Telstra have

told us that they will have this corrected by the end of this week [Feb 5] and we have been able to have some calls diverted.”

Newsletter, Feb 2, 2016 Toni Skinner, Chertsey Public School

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

$7 per Night Come and join in n on the fun! No partner necessary No special clothes - just soft shoes Lively music New dancers welcome

Janice on 4388 2253 Sandra on 4392 8716 6

EDUCATION

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Students tasked to find palendromic flags unior School students at St Philips Christian College, Narara are set a challenge every Monday by the acting head of junior school, Mr Malcolm East.

“I like to set challenges that encourage children to think differently and solve problems,” Mr East said. “On Monday, I asked the students to think of a flag of a country that looked the same no matter if it was turned upside down or around the wrong way,” Mr East said. “I must admit that I underestimated the level of enthusiasm this would

generate from the students,” he said. “Congratulations to Lochlain Ellis who was the first to find me with a correct answer when he named Japan. “I also need to congratulate Levi Brudelin who presented me with a long list of flags, Charlotte Graf who had print outs of flags from Micronesia, Switzerland, Georgia and

Japan in addition to Grace and Charlotte Renowden who also had print outs that included Libya and the European Union. “There were many others who named the flags of England and Scotland,” he said. Newsletter, Feb 5, 2016 Malcolm East, St Philips Christian College

Parents invited to meet teachers arara Public School will hold two Meet the Teacher evenings for parents on Tuesday, February 16 and Wednesday, February 17.

Kindergarten to year two will be held on Tuesday, February 16. Years three through to six will be held on Wednesday,

February 17. School principal Mr David Stitt said: “It would be great to see many parents there to meet the teachers.”

Newsletter, Feb 1, 2016 David Stitt, Narara Public School

Staff changes at Narara arara Public School has had a number of staffing changes for 2016.

Ms Chantal Newman who taught for over 20 years at the school has retired. Mr Peter Day is currently on long service leave. School principal Mr David Stitt said: “If Mr Day decides to return, he will be taking on board the kindergarten role Mr Ramm is currently filling. “If not, Mr Ramm will

PEAT RIDGE

On Thursday, February 10, OLR held a school fun run cross country style, at a local oval. Students were encouraged to get sponsors to finish the course with all monies raised going into the building of a multi-purpose court. Newsletter, Feb 3, 2016 Frank Cohen, Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, Wyoming

A NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATION

and will be taking on board the senior dance group this year.” Ms Ellyse Coleman is another new staff member in 2016 previously from Brook Avenue Public School. Newsletter, Feb 1, 2016 David Stitt, Narara Public School

Staff changes at St Philips t Philips Christian College, Narara, has had a number of staff changes occur for 2016.

New staff member for 2016, Ms Maggie Janes, is one of the year seven pastoral care teachers and also teaches a range of subjects across years seven to 10.

Mrs Bronwyn Fahey and Mr Glen Carr are now the assistant heads of middle school. Their role is to support all of the accountabilities that relate to the proper running

and development of Middle School. Newsletter, Jan 29, 2016 Michelle Kelly, St Philips Christian College

Red Cross hold breakfast club at Chertsey

Fun run to raise funds for court atholic Schools Week kicks off from February 7 and Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, Wyoming (OLR) began activities with a special liturgy on Wednesday, February 9.

continue as normal.” Ms Rebecca Hills is currently on maternity leave and will resume her employment in term four. Ms Jody McKinnon has started teaching at Narara Public School from Budgewoi Public School. Mr Stitt said: “Mrs McKinnon brings a wealth of experience to our school

ed Cross volunteers have invited Chertsey Public School students to attend their breakfast club held daily at the school hall.

Students are offered cereals, toast, milk and water with special breakfasts on Mondays including eggs, pancakes, baked beans or porridge. Students will be assisted

to sign in, wash their hands, choose their breakfast, sit down at the table and interact with other peers. Self-help skills are encouraged along with good manners and a healthy

attitude towards foods. Newsletter, Feb 2, 2016 Toni Skinner, Chertsey Primary School

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

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

Coast Community News - February 11, 2016 - Page 21

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OUT&ABOUT

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$2,500 grant for Kincumber Men’s Shed

Persian film and food tasting night

ach month a different cultural group of the Central Coast hosts a free film screening, food tasting, with various entertainment, talks and insights into their culture.

Film Global, a partnership programme between Gosford Council and Northern Settlement Services, aims to embrace cultural diversity and the rich fabric that culture brings to the community. This month, in celebration of the Iranian/Persian Community, who celebrate Espandgan, Women’s Day in Ancient Persia on February 24, the Iranian/

Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks MP with members of the Kincumber Men's Shed

he Kincumber Men’s Shed will receive $2,500 from the Australian Government to continue to promote and support men’s health and well-being on the Central Coast.

Federal member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks MP said the grant is part of the Turnbull Government’s ongoing commitment to more than 100 Men’s Sheds across Australia. “Men’s Sheds provide a place on the Central Coast where men are able to work on meaningful projects at their own pace, in their own time and gather together in a safe, friendly and inclusive environment,” Ms Wicks said. “They are known to help reduce social isolation, strengthen local

communities and contribute to improvements in the health of individual men, particularly the mental health of retired and older men. “The Kincumber Men’s Shed is such a supportive community, and every time I’ve visited there, they have been welcoming to locals wanting to get involved. “This grant will assist by supplying essential raw materials such as timber and gas for their machinery,” Ms Wicks said. Kincumber Men’s Shed president, Mr Brian Jessop

said the funding was a real boost. “It’s such great news and much appreciated,” Mr Jessop said. “These grants enable our ongoing work and really support what we do,” he said. “This funding will assist with projects and resources including training, bandsaw and circular saw blades, and a spiral head cutter.” Media Release, Jan 29, 2016 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks

Scrumptious Meals Choose your favourite Affordable prices Free delivery Want to meet new friends and have some fun? We can Help! Join us for a delicious midday meal and transport can be supplied Need assistance with shopping, medical appointments or cooking classes? WE CAN HELP !! Just call 4357 8444

Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch and NSW minister for trade, tourism and major events, Mr Stuart Ayres were expected to announce that the funds would go towards the next phase of the Central Coast ‘Short Breaks’ campaign. The campaign will use various channels including social media, digital marketing, video and print advertising (outside the Central Coast). “The RVEF plays a major part in creating opportunities for tourism businesses in Regional NSW and I am delighted to announce that this funding boost will go towards increasing awareness of the Central Coast as a leisure, conference and events destination” Mr Ayres said. Media alert, Feb 8, 2016 Debra Wales, office of Adam Crouch

about events that followed the [2009] election.” In December 2010, Mr Panahi was sentenced to six years in prison and barred for the next 20 years from film making, political activity, travelling or giving interviews. The evening will be held at The Hub at Erina Fair. Email, Feb 8, 2016 Jennifer Dias, Gosford Council

Once in a generation coastal management reforms explained

he Community Environment Network (CEN) is giving residents the opportunity to have their say on NSW Coastal Management reforms.

CEN will host a free Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) NSW workshop in Terrigal to explain the new draft framework for coastal management in NSW and how the community can have their say and respond to the reforms. The workshop will address what the reforms mean for the coastal environment and how the community can get involved. “The NSW Government is proposing a new legal framework for the management of our coastline,” EDO outreach

More government funding for Central Coast Tourism entral Coast Tourism will benefit from $280,000 from the NSW Government’s Regional Visitor Economy Funds (RVEF), to help boost visitation to the region.

Persian community will host an evening of entertainment for the whole family. This month’s film was directed by Jafar Panahi who was the symbolic guest of honour of the Cannes Film Festival in 2010, being denied permission to leave Iran to participate in the World Cinema Fund Day due to his arrest earlier that year for “making a film against the regime… it was

director, Ms Emily Ryan said. “The aim of the workshop is to explain the proposed changes to the community and to help them have their say about how the Coast should be managed and protected in NSW. “These are once in a generation reforms and it’s important for the community to share their ideas, knowledge and expertise on how the coastline should be managed and protected at this vital stage of the reform process,” Ms Ryan continued. The workshop will be held

on Wednesday, February 17, from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club. EDO NSW is a community legal centre with over 30 years’ experience specialising in public interest environmental and planning law. All are welcome to attend the workshop however if you can’t make it the materials will be made available on the EDO’s website. Email, Feb 5, 2016 Emily Ryan, EDO NSW Website, Feb 8, 2016

Bush dance group set for another year

he Central Coast Bush Dance and Music Association (CCBDMA) expects to go from strength to strength during 2016.

More than enough nominations to furnish a full Committee at the AGM have been received. The CCBDMA is inviting residents to come along to their 18th Anniversary dance and to welcome and encourage the people

who are prepared to work to ensure the bush dance survives. The 18th birthday bash will be held on Saturday, February 13 at the East Gosford Progress Hall, with music from Snake Gully and Don Richmond.

Dances are held throughout the year, starting with the Birthday bash, with all dances being taught, walked through and called as they are danced. Email, Feb 6, 2016 Robyn Northwood, CCBDMA

OUT&ABOUT

Coast Community News - February 11, 2016 - Page 23 SShare

Terrigal outdoor indigenous art exhibition launched arkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) has announced the launch of the second and final stage of the outdoor artwork display which runs along the concrete hoardings at Terrigal.

The Painting of the Hoardings Project, which commenced in 2014, was the product of a partnership between Darkinjung LALC and Gosford Council. The project has seen the transformation of the concrete hoardings that line the footpath at Terrigal into a spectacular permanent outdoor Indigenous art exhibition that demonstrates the culturally diverse history of the Central Coast. The first stage of the project involved local primary school students working together with Indigenous artists to produce the artwork at Terrigal. Stage Two took a slightly different approach, with high school students from the Gosford Local Government Area (LGA) invited to submit their own original artwork to be included in the installation. The Stage Two artworks are now visible on the hoardings in front of Crowne

Plaza and run all the way into The Haven. Darkinjung chief executive officer, Mr Sean Gordon said: “It is very rewarding to see the last piece of this puzzle come to life and to see the final product of years of hard work. “When we commenced this project, we could never have imagined just how amazing the artwork would be, or how much positive feedback we would get from the local community,” Mr Gordon said. “It has been a pleasure working with all the schools involved and we thank them for their participation and talent,” he said. The talented students ranged from years seven to 12 from Terrigal High School, Erina High School, Gosford High School and Henry Kendall High School and were the artists behind the remarkable artworks that now complete the exhibition.

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Church offers sanctuary to refugees

Darkinjung chair, Ms Tina West said: “I had a chance to see the artworks before they were installed and I thought they were fantastic. “Now, seeing them down there at Terrigal, they look even better. “We are very proud to be able to bring this exhibition to the Central Coast community. “It is a great way to share the Indigenous history and culture of our region with the non-Indigenous community through this art and we hope it is something that many people can enjoy for years to come.” Stage Two of the Painting of the Hoardings Project has now been installed and officially launched, ready for members of the Central Coast community to visit, study and enjoy. Media release, Feb 9, 2016 Ashleigh Milne, Brilliant Logic Local residents taking a stand against returning children to offshore detention

entral Coast for Social Justice held a peaceful gathering on the Gosford waterfront calling on the Federal Government not to return children to Nauru.

C Popular touring duo to perform at Quattro

riginal roots songsters, Phil and Trudy Edgeley, will feature in a pre-GosBlues event at Quattro Country Blues, at the Quattro Restaurant and Bar at Erina on Thursday, February 18.

They will be supported by house regulars, BluesAngels and High Steppin’ Muskrats. Musician and principal event organiser of Quattro, Tom Flood, said: “The Edgeleys, former residents of Ettalong Beach, took to the highways in 2009; Phil performing his original blues, wowing listeners with his extraordinary slide guitar skills, and Trudy managing the tough life of the blues road. “They circumnavigated this country multiple times and toured the US and the UK to wide acclaim releasing Phil’s third soloalbum, ‘In the Blood’. “In 2012, Trudy returned to performing, backing Phil on Cajun percussion and adding her rich vocals and strong song-writing, steeped in her Islander, Jamaican and Irish heritage, to Phil’s British/Delta folk-

blues mix to forge a unique blues and roots sound. “Their live energy is caught remarkably on their album, ‘One Plus One Equals Three’. “With a new home-base in a tiny rural-village just outside of Bendigo, and a string of festivals in their wake, they are the most seasoned and celebrated performers to feature at Quattro Country Blues so far. “They performed at innumerable, regularly filled venues across Australia and the USA and regularly supported top Australian blues/roots artists, including Russell Morris, Ian Moss,

Tex Perkins, Jeff Lang, Ash Grunwald, Backsliders, Bondi Cigars, Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges, Andrew Winton, Glen Terry, and Stiff Gins. “The energy and soulful moodiness on stage is cut by a genuinely warm line of ironic and cheeky banter. “This is the Edgeley’s first show on the Central Coast amongst old friends and colleagues in many years and you never know what might happen. “But you’ll surely kick yourself ever after if you miss it,” he said. Media release, Feb 4, 2016 Tom Flood, Quattro Country Blues

The gathering was held at 6:00pm on Monday, February 8 and was attended by local men, women and children. Those attending the gathering wanted to register their opposition to the High Court finding that offshore detention was legal. They were also demonstrating against government plans to return children who were transferred from offshore detention centres to Australia to receive medical treatment. Days earlier, the Gosford Anglican Church in Mann St advertised that it would be willing to offer sanctuary to asylum seekers. “We join with many churches throughout Australia, and the Australian Refugees Task Force, in offering Gosford Anglican Church as a place of sanctuary for asylum seekers,” Father Rod Bower said. “The ancient principle of sanctuary goes back to the Old Testament and was enshrined in English Common Law,” he said. “Where a state is causing grievous harm, churches can provide sanctuary and immunity from arrest by authorities. “The legality of sanctuary has never been tested under Australian law, nevertheless we are determined to apply its moral precepts and protect the most vulnerable

from certain harm.” Email, Feb 8, 2016 Jo Merrick, Central Coast

for Social Justice Facebook, Feb 4, 2016 Fr Rod Bower, Christ Church Gosford

CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTRE INVITES YOU TO JOIN US AT

2016 International Women’s Day Ball CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF SERVICE TO AND ADVOCACY FOR THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN ON THE CENTRAL COAST 6.30PM – 11.30PM SATURDAY 19TH MARCH 2016 GRAND BALLROOM CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL, TERRIGAL DINNER, DRINKS AND ENTERTAINMENT $150 PER PERSON $130 MEMBERS AND PAST MEMBERS

Come along for a celebratory and fun evening; prizes and an auction and The F Awards: celebrating the fantastic female leaders on the Central Coast

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

Page 24 - Coast Community News - February 11,, 2016 Share

Point Clare Community Hall 2nd Thurs Bi Monthly. 0412 462 218

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

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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

Better Hearing Australia Central Coast Over Central Coast admin@gnnc.com.au 30s Social Group Inc Hearing loss management 4329 4477 We offer social contact, Support and educational group entertainment events & new 7 groups across the coast Green Point Community friendships for people in their Providing practical experience Centre 30’s, 40’s, 50’s & 60’s etc. and confidence Provides information and referral Our events range from; Learn the benefits to hearing services, a meeting place for Live Music, House Parties, aids - Better hearing community groups, OOSH Restaurant Nights, BBQ’s/ Australia Central Coast Picnics, Trips Away & lots more cave, exercize classes, school 4321 0275 holiday programs, playgroup, - For a FREE calendar call call www.centralcoast.betterhearingaustralia. arts & craft, room hire, and 0422 243 101 or org.au much more. cco30s@live.com.au 4367 7591 Central Coast Parkinson’s Central Coast Pension & Support Group Kariong Neighbourhood Welfare Officer Network We aim to help individuals and Centre This group of Volunteers, their families better manage ‘KNC provides the local trained by DVA, to look after living with Parkinson’s Disease community with a meeting servicemen & women, meets at Guest speakers are a regular place and hub for groups, Ourimbah RSL Club at 10:30am feature of our meetings. services and information. 2nd Fri - Feb to Nov 2nd Tue - 1.30pm Regular activities include Early 4322 1505 1800 644 189 childhood clinic, free family law advice, active playgroup, Central Coast 50+ Singles Central Coast Prostate computer classes, OOSH Social Group Cancer Support Group services, fitness classes, arts Invites Ladies & Gents for (Gosford) & crafts, over 50’s friendship dinner, dancing - BBQs & Meet last Friday Month group, youth group, social Socialising each w/e. Terrigal Uniting Church Our friendly group can be groups and many more contacted for our monthly 380 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal services. We also have an programme all areas of the 9.30am to 12 noon extensive resource and DVD coast 4367 9600 library for members to borrow. 4396 3640 www.pcfa.org.au KNC membership starts at only 0437 699 366 $5 per year. 50pssg@gmail.com Central Coast Prostate 4340 1724 Cancer Support Group wwww.knc.net.au Rotary Club of (Wyong) Gosford North Meet last Monday Month Kincumber A very active community Toukley RSL Club Neighbourhood Centre minded club with many projects • Exercise classes Homes Ave Toukley focussed on assisting youth. • Yoga for adults and children 10.00am to 12 noon If you are keen to support our • Community eco garden 4356 9300 great projects, www.pcfa.org.au • Room hire get involved with our fun club or • Health support groups discuss joining, please contact • Counselling Dying with Dignity NSW, Graham Black • After school activities Central Coast 0410 509 071, 4363 1044 Working to give those grahamblack@iprimus.com.au www.kincumber.nsw.au suffering unrelievedly from terminal or incurable illness Rotary Club of Mingaletta Aboriginal the legal right to request & Kariong/Somersby Torres Strait Islander receive medical help to die International service club Corporation Quarterly Meetings improves lives of communities The Mingaletta community 4369 8053 in Australia and overseas. centre provides its members Fun-filled activities, fellowship and other community groups a Gambling Solutions and friendship breakfasts. Phillip meeting place and referal hub Gambling help counsellors House, 21 Old Mount Penang for education, health, well-being provide free, confidential, Rd (opp Shell) - Fri 7:15am and cultural programs through professional service to 4340 4529 consultative services and gamblers, family and friends. kersuebay@philliphouse.com.au community programs. Available Woy Woy, Kincumber, Mon-Fri 9am 4pm Gosford, The Entrance. Seniors Computer 6 Sydney Ave Umina 4344 7992 Club Central Coast Inc. 4342 7515 Classes held Monday to Friday admin@mingaletta.com.au GROW - Grow Groups are for everyone over 50 small friendly groups formed to Basics: Mon , Tues and Thurs Terrigal Fifty Plus Leisure learn how to overcome anxiety, 10am to 12noon and Learning Centre depression, and loneliness Different programs every day, Regular events Fitness, Yoga, and improve mental health & 10am to 12noon or 1pm to 3pm Handicrafts, Mah jong, Bridge, well-being. Weekly meetings Apple-Mac: Mon, Tues, Wed Line dancing,Tai chi, Painting, at Bateau Bay, Woy Woy and All at our club rooms, Bush walking, Indoor bowls, a new group starting at Wyong Kincumber Neighbourhood Zumba, Computer and Ipad soon. Grow is anonymous, free Centre courses, Bingo, Concerts on 1st and open to all. Bring a support 02 4369 5692 and 3rd Thursday of month. person if you like. Details 1800 Duffy Road Terrigal 558 268 or U3A Central Coast Joan 4384 5152 www.grow.org.au Mature age people are invited terrigal50plus@outlook.com to participate in a wide range of Meals on Wheels courses to broaden the mind Volunteering Meals on Wheels and make new friends Central Coast Delicious meals delivered free 0408 704 701 Refer potential volunteers Join us for a midday meal www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au to community organisations Help with shopping and and provide support to cooking classes Koolewong, Point Clare volunteers and community 4363 7111 & Tascott Progress organisations. We also provide Association training to volunteers and Medusa Moves Aims to provide resources for managers of volunteers Is a gentle movement class communication. Special guests, Information Sessions “Bridge catering for people with community involvement, to Volunteering” Held regularly Parkinson’s Disease for heritage, diversity, education, across the Central Coast Parkinsons’s sufferers & over safety and small business 4329 7122 50s, stretching, guided dance opportunities. recruit@volcc.org.au

moves & cuppa all for a gold coin donation. 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the months at The Rhythm Hut Faunce St Gosford 0439 856 554 0417 223 543 ParaQuad Specialist healthcare products delivered to your door, for all your continence, wound care and respiratory and nutrition requirements Professional Clinic Support available 1300 886 601 www.brightsky.com.au

HISTORY GROUPS Brisbane Water Historical Society • Coach tours • School educational tours • Annual Street Stalls • Participation in History Heritage Week Celebration Margaret Pearce 4325 2270 Fellowship of First Fleeters Central Coast For anyone interested in early history or early family histories. Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. Wyong RSL Club 2nd Sat 10:30am 4323 1849

MUSIC Brisbane Water Brass Brass Band entertainment for the community playing all types of popular music Rehearsal every Tuesday 7.30pm-10pm 0419 274 012 JAZZLEAGUE Live Jazz Bands - Come to listen, Come to dance Free - Every Sun Central Coast Leagues Club Gosford 2-5pm www.jazzleague.net

Soundwaves Men’s acapella 4 part harmony chorus - all ages 7pm Mon Central Coast Leagues Club Kieran - 0407 267 675 khutton58@gmail.com jbthomson51@gmail.com

Sydney Welsh Choir Cultural not for profit organisation performing at concerts and various venues to promote the Welsh culture with our singing, also performing for charity fund raising. 4369 3378 Tempo Terrific Community Showband Active showband available to play at your community function. Wide ranging repertuore. Always seeking new members, come and join us and have fun with music. Follow us on Facebook Every Monday 5pm to 7pm Kincumber Uniting Church 4365 4414 www.tempoterrific.com tempoterrific@live.com

Tuggerah Lakes Showband An enthusiastic group of people who play brass instruments, meet every Tuesday and Thursday to rehearse their crowd-pleasing music and play at community events Park Rd Band Hall Tues 7.30pm Thur 6.30pm 0407 406 669

PLAYGROUP 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 An outreach program 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

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 lsroe@bigpond.com.au

Central Coast Handweavers, Spinners and Textile Arts Guild PROBUS CLUBS Spinning and weaving, patchwork and quilting, felting All Probus clubs have and other fibre and fabric crafts, interesting guest speakers, community quilting bees - Day friendly atmosphere, make new and Night Groups friends, fellowship, intellectual 4325 4743 stimulus, and social activities. www.cottagecrafts.net.au kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com

Probus Club of Avoca 10.15am 3rd Mon Avoca Beach Bowling Club

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

Central Coast Lapidary Club Minerals & Gems Learn silverwork, Cabochons, www.probussouthpacific.org/microsites/ Faceting, Enamelling, Stone avocabeach Field-trips & fossicking Inner Wheel Club 4382 3372 Weekly Workshops of Terrigal Tues and Thurs 830am-230pm Share friendship, social activities PUBLIC SPEAKING Thurs evening 6-10pm as well as fundraising for local, 10 Ourimbah Creek Rd national and international Develop confidence by Ourimbah projects. 3rd Mon, 12noon improving your speaking skills. 4362 2246 Terrigal 50+ leisure centre, Duffy Meetings are entertaining and Road Terrigal educational. CCLC Indoor Bowls 4369 0302 - 4384 1490 Ladies - Mon 10am terigalinnerwheel@gmail.com Brisbane Waters Breakfast Mixed Social - Mon & Wed 7pm Toastmasters Club 2nd & 4th Sundays 1.30pm Kincumber View Club 8:30am-10:30am 4363 2360 or 0403 994 313 For ladies looking for a place 2nd and Last Sat each month to make friends. Interesting - The Hive and Library Erina Central Coast speakers, lunch, bus trips, Shopping Centre Soaring Club Inc movie days and home 0459 240 183 Gliding Club, Learn to fly, functions. 4th Tues Davistown Instruction FREE to members RSL Club 11am Blue Gum Flat Come and have an Air 4390 2527 Toastmasters Experience Flight Mthly meetings 1st and 3rd All Welcome Central Coast Women’s Mon 7.15-9.30pm 14 and up for Training Health Centre Ourimbah RSL Flying at Bloodtree Road We offer counseling, 4362 7227 Mangrove Mountain Thur, Sat, therapeutic and social groups, workshops, domestic violence Sun ( weather permitting) SERVICE GROUPS and abuse issues. All services 0412 164 082 are provided by women for 0414 635 047 Lions Club of Woy Woy women www.ccsoaring.com.au 1st and 3rd Mon. Woy Woy 4324 2533 Leagues Club www.cccwhc.com.au Fellowship of 0478 959 895 Australian Writers Make new friends and have fun A friendly and supportive group Soroptimist International while serving your community. Brisbane Water for new and old writers. Gives Soroptimists speak for women encouragement and critique Northern Settlement and girls of all nations through of your work. Workshops and Services - Volunteers awareness advocacy and competitions Volunteers needed for friendly action by supporting national 10am 3rd Sun visits to the elderly in nursing Conference room Gosford Hotel and international programs homes. 2nd Thur 6:45pm - Breakers 4363 2627 People with a second language Country Club, Dover Rd centralcoastfaw@live.com encouraged to apply. Wamberal Training support provided 4367 6331 National Parks Association sibrisbanewater@siswp.org 4334 3877 Central Coast cvscc@nsservices.com.au Twice weekly bush walks on the WOWGIRLS Wave Central Coast and further afield, SPECIAL INTEREST of Wisdom Inc varying distances and grades of difficulty. Explore, enjoy scenery, WOWGIRLS Wave of Wisdom Brisbane Water connects women and local fauna, floral, history. Keep fit Caravan Club businesses around a common and make friends. located on the Central Coast theme of well-being. to share 4389 4423 or 4332 7378 and looking for new members wisdom and explore life’s www.bwcaravanclub.wix.com/bwcc potential. Spirituality in the Pub 4344 4363 Regular Powwows, WOW A forum with Q&A and two Wisdom gatherings, WOW speakers prompt conversations Biz Plus Networking days and WOW courses check within the community & to Association our website for activities. encourage dialogue about Attention business www.wowgirls.com.au spirituality. owners - are you keen info@wowgirls.com.au 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

WOMEN’S GROUPS

BPW Central Coast Empowering women of all ages in the areas of work, education, CCLC Bridge Club well-being and friendship. Duplicate Bridge-partner not All women welcome to attend required for most sessions. monthly dinner meetings. Central Coast Leagues Club 12.30pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri Sat Be enlightened. $40 covers two course meal and speaker. 1.30pm Wed 7.15pm Mon Community transport available 4325 9854 to and from centre www.cclcbridgeclub.asn.au network@bizplus.com.au

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 - February 11, 2016 - Page 25 SShare

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Giant Heart event on Valentine’s Day he Multi Arts Confederation c o n t i n u e s its campaign for Gosford’s cultural precinct to be located on the waterfront with a Giant Heart event on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

The event is part of the Multi Arts Confederation’s (MAC) pro-arts agenda for Gosford and the greater region. The first ‘heart’ rally was photographed from a helicopter, which attracted some great attention for the region, according to MAC vice president, Ms Victoria (Fi) Hopkins. “The plan is to keep growing the size of the heart with ongoing cultural events,” Ms Hopkins said. “The rally is linked to advocating for a significant

Yantra de Vilder will perform at the event

cultural precinct and performing arts centre on the Gosford Waterfront, something that has very broad support across all community groups and political parties,” she said. “Everyone is welcome, lovers, families and others

are encouraged to wear something red to enhance the photograph and bring your “love locks” to add to the fence surrounding the site to claim the space,” she said. Local Aboriginal elder, Mr Gavi Duncan will perform a

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

Friday, Feb 12 Australian Plant Society Central Coast Group meeting Phillip House, 21 Old Mount Penang Rd Kariong speaker Greg Bourke on carnivorous plants from 7:30pm Luna Grand, The Rhythm Hut, from 7:00pm

Saturday, Feb 13 Creative Craft Group sale day, Studio 2 and 3 Gosford Regional Gallery Green living courses in worm farming, composting and no-dig gardening, Kincumber neighbourhood Centre, bookings essential Central Coast Bush Dance and Music Association 18th birthday bash, East Gosford Progress Hall, feat. Snake Gully and Don Richmond, 7:30pm to 11:30pm

Sunday, Feb 14 Bob Hendos Decentralised Coasters, Central Coast Leagues Club, from 3:00pm Gosford is Where the Heart Is Rally, on Gosford Waterfront, 2:00PM, GOSFORD Leagues Club field, wear red Central Coast Mariners versus Adelaide United, Central coast Stadium, 3:00pm Dye Hard Fun Run for Charity at Mt Penang Gardens, 10:00am

Monday, Feb 15 Cancer Information Support Society, Arts and Craft Centre, Henry Kendall Gardens, Bellbird Dve Wyoming, 7:00pm

Tuesday, Feb 16 Central Coast Concert band resumed rehearsals on Tuesdays, upstairs at 28 William St Gosford, looking for a competent drummer who reads music, new members welcome

Gosford Art Party at the Rhythm Hut feat. Grizzlee Train

Sunday, Feb 21 GosBlues Blues, Jazz and Roots Festival, multiple venues throughout Gosford including Harry Harman’s Gentlemen of Jazz as part of GosBlues 2016 Blues Roots and Jazz, Central Coast Leagues Club from 3pm

Wednesday, Feb 24 Phil and Trudy Edgeley, BluesAngels, High Steppin Muskrats, Quattro Country Blues, Erina, 7:00pm

Film Global Erina presents a celebration of Iranian and Persian culture, The Hub Erina Fair, 6:30pm for film at 7:00pm

Friday, Feb 19

Thursday, Feb 25

GosBlues Blues, Jazz and Roots Festival, multiple venues throughout Gosford until Sunday Kate Miller Heidke at Laycock Community theatre, 8:00pm, bookings essential Chamber Philharmonia Cologne, St Patricks Church, bookings through Music Centre at West Gosford, from 8:00pm Brackets and Jam, Kincumba Mountain, from 7:00pm

Politics in the Pub, Grange Hotel Wyoming, from 6:00pm with speakers and discussion at 7:00pm

Thursday, Feb 18

Saturday, Feb 27 Narara Ecovillage Open Day, Modular Homes, the sustainable home of the future? from 1:30pm followed by community dinner from 6:00pm Monkey Business Book Launch, The Rhythm Hut from 10:00am

Sunday, Feb 28 Saturday, Feb 20 GosBlues Blues, Jazz and Roots Festival, multiple venues throughout

Avoca Beachside Market, Heazlett Park Foreshore, Avoca Beach, 9:00 am-2:00 pm

Welcome to Country and a Smoking Ceremony inside the heart shape. Award winning composer, Ms Yantra de Vilder will be heading the event with an ensemble of musicians. Ms de Vilder explores the intersection between classical and contemporary music, and inter-disciplinary and cross cultural arts practices. “For the Valentine’s Day rally, she has put together a special ensemble with some of her finest collaborators,” Ms Hopkins said. Other live performers will include Michaele L Archer, Jess Graham, Lisa Stanford and Nicky G. Mr Greg Van Borssum will be guest speaker at the event to be held from 2:00pm on Gosford Leagues Club field. An earlier pop up protest took place on Gosford waterfront on January 23 with a waterfront community concert showcasing a who’s who of Coast entertainers including Fletcher Pilon, jazz bands, choirs and Mirrabooka. “I am determined to preserve the beautiful waterfront precinct as a cultural and recreational space for the people of the Central Coast; not an ugly Government Tax Office Block.” Labor candidate for Robertson, Anne Charlton said. Music and entertainment filled the precinct, with over 200 signatures added to a community petition to preserve the waterfront. “The Central Coast community has made it clear it wants the Australian Tax Office building in the CBD where it will be of most benefit to local businesses and the people want the waterfront as a cultural, arts and recreational zone they can be proud of,” Ms Charlton said. “It is time the Liberal Party listened to constituents,” she said. “The message is clear, our community wants the jobs, but we want them on Mann St where that investment will be most beneficial to local businesses. “The waterfront zone must be left intact for an integrated iconic cultural hub for the people of the Central Coast,” said Ms Charlton. Media release, Feb 8, 2016 Victoria Hopkins, Multi Arts Confederation Media release, Jan 27, 2016 Anne Charlton, Labor candidate for Robertson

OUT&ABOUT

EAT&PLAY SCOTT COOK February 27 2016 7pm Contact Michael at 4342 6716 Tickets $10 - CWA Hall The Boulevarde Woy Woy

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. Term 1 begins Monday 15th February www.therhythmhut.com.au

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

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

ATTENTION all food outlets and music venues. Advertise in this directory, this size for only $60+GST in full colour!

Page 26 - Coast Community News - February 11,, 2016 w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

CENTRAL COAST EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER

The Troubadour Folk & Acoustic Music Club

corporate – website – events

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a one stop solution for all your photographic needs

27th FEB 7.00PM

Scott Cook

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

Tickets $10 CWA Hall The Boulevarde Woy Woy www.troubadour.org.au

4342 6716

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

ono

3250 0410 522 070 HANDYMAN

Central Coast Kit & Furniture Assembly 15yrs experience • Assembly of new items • Repairs & Maintenance • Office reconfiguration • Residential & Commercial For flat packed items: Quote $40/hour as per manufacturers’ time allowance

0410 365 333

Slightly Off

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

HOME HELP

Ned’s Domestic Bliss

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

0403 674 793

Pensioner Discount

KITCHENS

Quality Laminate Benchtops supplied and seconds for sale

R&J Benchtops Gosford

0456 884 545 PAINTER

CMK Painting and Decorating abn 2342 9360 036

Home Maintenance Maintenance Scheduling Colour Scheming 38yrs on the Coast

4382 2817 0419 202 609 Lic 27261c

VALSPIX

www.valspix.com

0418 600 436 PLUMBER

YOUR LOCAL PLUMBER Same day service Guaranteed Blocked drains, Leaking taps and toilets, Hot water and all aspects Of pluming drainage and gas fitting. Lic number 265652C

4346 4057 POSITIONS VACANT

Experiend Tilers wanted! Start Immediately 0439 589 426

PUBLIC NOTICE advertisement

MARRIAGE 1 MAN 1 WOMAN ROOFING

Metal roofing All aspects Gutters, Downpipes Skylights Custom flashings Growe Installations P/L

0431 136 092 0404 340 570 Lic 282094c

gosfordclassifieds.com.au and reach thousands of viewers for only $499 + GST for 12 months

Have a premium VIP online advertisement in

CLASSIFIEDS

Coast Community News - February 11, 2016 - Page 27 SShare

SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

*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

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

Shop Shop Sh p 1122 - Eb EEbbtide Ebbt bbtid btid bt ide de Mall Mallll Ma Mal 155 The Entrance Rd The Entrance

4333 8555

Subscribe now and don’t miss an edition Peninsula Community Access

collection of artworks valued at over $500,000 has been donated to Gosford Regional Gallery by Hornsby Arts Council, more than doubling the value of Gosford City’s art collection.

Mayor of Gosford, Cr Lawrie McKinna made the surprise announcement to guests at the exhibition opening of ‘The Gift’ at Gosford Regional Gallery on Friday, February 5. It was announced that all works will remain permanently in the Gosford Council Art Collection at the close of the exhibition on Sunday, April 3. ‘The Gift’ was presented to Cr McKinna by artist Ursula Laverty, who was the brainchild behind the original collection. Along with husband Peter Laverty, a former director of the Art Gallery of NSW, and artist Margaret Woodward, Ursula was responsible for securing many of the donations of behalf of

Cr Vicki Scott, artist Ms Ursula Laverty, Gosford mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna and Mr Michael Bell

Hornsby Arts Council. Cr McKinna said the entire Gosford community is set to benefit from this generous donation. “My fellow councillors and I are extremely grateful for this amazing act of generosity, what a fabulous gift for Gosford and our wider community,” Cr McKinna said. “I would like to thank and congratulate Hornsby Arts Council for their foresight and passion, which has

News

s Alanna Maycock, a local nurse

and member Central Coast Social Justice

of for will

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

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

www.duckscrossing.org/shop Name:

STOP

Ph: Email: Address:

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

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Credit Card Number:

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

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resulted in this magnificent investment in the arts. “We are thrilled that the collection has found its new home in Gosford,” Cr McKinna continued. “It is a significant cultural asset which will further enhance the strong reputation of our vibrant arts community.” A search for a new home for the Hornsby Bestowed Collection began two years ago when plans for a regional gallery at Hornsby

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

be guest speaker at the group’s next community dinner. Ms Maycock was deployed to Nauru with Prof David Isaac and, on their return, they reported on the shocking conditions they found. The dinner presents a great opportunity to invite people who are new in their journey of understanding of refugee issues, as Ms Maycock will provide a brief background on government policy and how we got to this point.

Email, Feb 8, 2016, Gosford Council media

Ph: 4325 7369 www.centralcoastnewspapers.com

The night also provides an opportunity for the community to support Alanna as her fight for the truth and advocacy of refugees, particularly children, has been challenging. Central Coast residents are invited to the community dinner on Saturday, February 27 at Gosford Anglican Church to hear Ms Maycock speak. Email, Jan 27, 2016 Jenny Lane, Central Coast for Social Justice

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

failed to materialise. Gosford was chosen as the ideal location, as many of the featured artists originate from the Central Coast or enjoy strong ties with the area. Collection artworks are displayed for public viewing on rotation in council buildings, including libraries, community centres and the main Council Administration building.

Social justice dinner to help understanding of refugees

1 Year (25 editions) to Peninsula News $75

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

OUT&ABOUT

Gosford receives collection of artworks

TILING

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

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

• 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

OUT&ABOUT

Page 28 - Coast Community News - February 11, 2016 Share

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World Wetlands Day celebrated at Davistown

Kincumber Men’s Shed celebrates nine years ocals from all walks of life came together to celebrate the Kincumber Men’s Shed’s ninth birthday recently.

The connecting thread through this group is the desire to do something meaningful and help the local community, all in a spirit of mateship. “I am delighted to be able to share this birthday celebration with president Peter Jessop and the members of the Kincumber Men’s Shed, and to congratulate them for the important work that they do,” said Ms Anne Charlton, the Labor candidate for Robertson. “The Kincumber Men’s Shed has been created by a very committed group of locals who add great value

Ms Nicole Heta of CEN conducting a water test

he Community Environment Network (CEN) hosted a Wetland Wonders breakfast at the Davistown foreshore on Sunday, February 7 to celebrate World Wetlands Day.

Participants heard talks about the local wetlands as well as the animals that abound within them and also took part in other activities, including dip-netting for water-bugs and a short tour of the local wetlands. World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2 each year and marks the anniversary of the signing of the convention on wetlands in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997. The international theme for World Wetlands Day 2016 is Wetlands for Our Future: Sustainable Livelihoods. Mr Alan Kwok of CEN said: “Wetlands are critical to the healthy functioning of ecosystems, and their proper management can

yield substantial ecological, financial and social benefits. “The Central Coast is fortunate to have a variety of wetland systems very close to urban areas. “These systems are regionally unique for a variety of reasons, and are home to a wide range of animals and plants, many of which are completely dependent upon wetland areas. “The health of these systems and the life within them can be affected by what we do around our homes, and so it is important to understand the impacts of our everyday practices on them.” Ms Samantha Willis of CEN and Ms Anna Deegan, Gosford Council bushcare officer, delivered talks

about the management and monitoring of local wetlands and waterways and Mr Kwok delivered a talk on the lesser known creatures that live in urban areas. The talks were followed by a demonstration by Ms Nicole Heta of CEN on how water monitoring can be conducted by the general public and an info-tour of the nearby wetlands by local ecologist, Mr Robert Payne. CEN ran the breakfast event in Davistown to help raise awareness of wetlands on the Central Coast and the animals that depend on them. Media releases, Feb 2 and 8, 2016 Community Environment Network

Every three minutes there are two reports of child abuse/neglect.* In 2008-2009, more than 930 new reports of child abuse per day. This means that there were two reports of abuse or neglect of a child for every three minutes of a day. Our kids need our protection now!

To reach out to a young person in need, please call our donation hotline on 1800 06 22 88 or donate online at www.youthoffthestreets.com.au. *AIHW, 2008-2009.

Youth Off The Streets is a registered charity helping the nation’s most disadvantaged youth to turn their lives around.

www.youthoffthestreets.com.au

to our community through their charitable donations of beautiful hand crafted toys and gifts for vulnerable families. “This all happens in a place where men can develop new skills, share ideas, make new friends, swap a story or two or just sit over a cuppa and have a chat about life.” The Men’s Shed movement has become one of the most powerful tools in addressing men’s health and wellbeing. Good health is based on many factors including feeling good about yourself, being productive,

contributing to your community, connecting with friends and maintaining an active body and mind. “As we get older, all of us are looking for ways to maintain a good quality of life. “The opportunities that places like the Kincumber Men’s Shed provide to encourage people to stay active and to maintain an interest in their health and well-being are really very important and long may they continue,” said Ms Charlton. Media release, Feb 9, 2016 Anne Charlton, Labor candidate for Robertson

Marine Watch donates to ship builder’s memorial risbane Water Marine Watch has donated $1,000 to Kimcumber Rotary to go towards the funding of the ship builder’s memorial on the foreshore at Kincumber.

Marine Watch treasurer, Mr John Burnet presented the $1,000 cheque to Mr Graeme Davies and Mr Eric Perrott, past Kincumber Rotary presidents. The contribution is for the Brisbane Water Boatbuilders Memorial which was recently opened on the Broadwater in Kincumber. Deputy president of Brisbane Water Marine

Watch, Mr Gus Plater said: “Marine watch… is a volunteer organisation with similar responsibilities to a neighbourhood watch which concentrates on waterborn activities, safety and security around Brisbane Water.”

Mr Plater said the organisation had some surplus funds and decided the ship builders’ memorial was a project worthy of donations. Email, Feb 3, 2016 Gus Plater, Brisbane Water Marine Watch

Coast Community News - February 11, 2016 - Page 29 SShare

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SPORT

Australia Day bowls a success

Erina has most improved personal trainers campus r Tim Gebethner, who runs the Erina Campus of the Australian Institute of Personal Trainers has been awarded Most Improved Campus at the Institute’s annual Campus Excellence Awards.

Tim, who also runs the institute’s Cessnock and Maitland campus, was also nominated for the award of Educator of the Year. The Australian Institute of Personal Trainers’ Campus Excellence Awards consist of five awards and is judged by the Institute’s senior management team. The publicity officer

for the Institute, Adele Feletto said: “Tim has been instrumental in growing the Australian Institute of Personal Trainers’ business in Erina. “The award also acknowledges Tim’s demonstrated improvement as a campus director in the areas of lead generation, enrolments and high-quality

in-course delivery.” Ms Feletto said: “Established in 1999, [the Institute] has expanded from a handful of campuses in Queensland to an Australiawide network of more than 100 campuses.” Media release, Dec 14 2015 Australian Institute of Personal Trainers

osford City Bowling Club held a mixed turn-around triples tournament on Australia Day.

G Book launch at The Rhythm Hut

A competitor on the day, Blanche Woodbury, said: “It was a successful day with both the men and the ladies playing each other in their respective teams. “Morning tea was

histories and perspectives together in the making of the fictional novel Monkey Business. The novel is based on the recent revelations of secret testing on animals at Sydney University by Fairfax Media and delves into the social injustices on animals

and the lack of transparency in the biomedical field. As well as at the opening, the novel is also available for purchase from Ducks Crossing Publications. Media Release, Feb 3, 2016 Flavia Ursino and Dr Kevin Coleman, Monkey Business

ATTENTION WINTER SPORTS ORGANISERS advertise you registration dates here

Call 4325 7369 now

Scaysbrook, and Blanche Woodbury.”

Letter, Jan 27, 2016 Blanche Woodbury, Gosford City Bowling Club

Chertsey to hold swimming carnival

ocal writers Flavia Ursino and Dr Kevin Coleman launch their new book Monkey Business at the Rhythm Hut in Gosford on February 27, giving attendees a chance to pick up a signed copy of the newly released novel. Both Central Coast residents, Miss Ursino comes from a long background as a physic and animal activist and Dr Coleman has a history in rural medicine in outback Australia as well as southern Africa. They merge their unique

followed by two morning games and a great, real Aussie lunch was put on by the men members. “President Rex Brown presented prizes to the winners: Helen Cruden, Ken

h e r t s e y Public School will hold its annual twilight swimming carnival on Wednesday, February 17 at Gosford Olympic swimming pool.

Successful students will go on to represent Chertsey at the Southern Central Coast PSSA District Carnival at the Peninsula Leisure Centre, Woy Woy on Tuesday, March 8. Only children eight years and over who can confidently swim at least 50 metres unaided and without stopping will be eligible to register for swimming carnival events. Newsletter, Feb 2, 2016 Toni Skinner, Chertsey Primary School

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SPORT

Page 30 - Coast Community News - February 11,, 2016 Share

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Calling all Bournemouth supporters

Business celebrates 85 years trading at the same location annings Sports has celebrated 85 years of continuous service to the Gosford community and is potentially the longestrunning retail business in Gosford.

Mr James Manning originally ran a successful business from 160 Mann St, Gosford, servicing the district as a ‘Ladies and Gents’ hairdresser and selling tobacco supplies. Disaster struck in December 1929 when fire destroyed the premises at 160 Mann St, and the building was repaired for about 2,000 pounds. On April 12, 1930, James and Alice Manning of Gosford purchased the hairdressing business from Ms M Good. James then moved his business and purchased the newly-built premises at 172 Mann St in the spring of 1931 from Mr Delany, and continued hairdressing and tobacco supplies. By 1954 the business had expanded to selling rifles, sporting goods and toys and was known as Mannings Sports Store. James was well liked in the town and known for his generosity and fairness. In the old days, all the merchandise arrived by

train to Gosford Station and would be picked up with a trolley and wheeled down the lane to the back of the shop. During the depression years, goods were hard to come by, especially tobacco. James’ son, Kevin Manning would make a weekly trip in an FJ Holden ute to Sydney and try to pick up merchandise wherever he could, to sell in the shop. He was able to put his goods in the back of the ute in the middle of Sydney and never had to worry about anybody stealing anything from the open back. In the old days, the barber’s towels were boiled in a copper over a fire out the back of the shop in Baker St. Local boys such as Jack Quigley would get paid pennies to do the job of washing the towels. Kevin Manning started full-time work in the business when he was 15 years old. He became an apprentice

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

11 THU

14 SUN

0443 0.32 1100 1.78 1720 0.24 2334 1.64

0127 1.60 0028 1.62 0749 0.51 0640 0.45 MON 1350 1.36 1246 1.50 1958 0.51 1900 0.42

0446 1.63 1134 0.48 1733 1.28 2315 0.55

0350 0.29 1011 1.88 1635 0.18 2245 1.63

12 FRI

0340 1.59 1025 0.53 WED 1625 1.25 THU 2212 0.57

20 SAT

23 TUE

0010 0.51 0637 1.72 1315 0.38 SUN 1915 1.39

TUE

FRI

0231 1.58 0907 0.54 1505 1.27 2103 0.56 0545 1.68 1230 0.42 1829 1.33

0141 0.45 0058 0.47 0802 1.74 0722 1.74 MON 1430 0.34 1355 0.35 2032 1.47 1955 1.43

0258 0.44 0220 0.43 0915 1.69 0839 1.73 1503 0.35 WED 1534 0.37 2141 1.50 2107 1.49

SAT

0539 0.38 1151 1.65 1808 0.33

25 THU

0335 0.46 0948 1.63 1604 0.40 2214 1.51

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

barber but decided it was not for him, and hence, the business branched out into sport and toy merchandise. Kevin worked in the family business for 57 years and retired at 72 years of age. He ran a very successful business over the decades and became well known in the area. He was honoured to be presented with an Australia Day award in 2000 for his contribution to the business community on the Central Coast. The business was an original member of the national Sportscene Franchise group for about 20 years before deciding to return to operating as an independent retailer. Now trading as Mannings Sports, the shop was known for some time as Mannings Sportscene. Suzanne Tyrrell, Kevin’s daughter, started working in the store at the very young age of 12. She worked on and off before starting full time with the business when she was 32 years old and took over management in 1997. Suzanne’s family has also worked in the business including Geoff, Ben and Evan Tyrrell. Rex Tracy, a well-known local, is Mannings’ firearms specialist, joining the business four years ago. Sarah Hole is a valuable team member and loves to talk NRL among other topics. Suzanne, Rex and Sarah are proud to be working and striving for excellence in serving the community. “We are always trying to improve and like to give informative personal service to our many loyal customers,” Ms Tyrrell said. “We are celebrating 85 years in business in Gosford in the same location at 172 Mann St,” she said. “Now Mannings Sports is a modern thriving business specialising in sporting guns, archery, camping, knives, football gear, lawn bowls, fishing, water sports, darts, fitness and much more,” she said. Email, Feb 1, 2016 Suzanne Tyrrell, Mannings Sports

AFC Bournemouth supporters are launching a new club

new club for Central Coast supporters of the Athletic Football Club (AFC) Bournemouth will be launched on the Central Coast on Saturday, February 13.

A seven-a-side match will take place at Future Football, Tumbi Umbi, a friendly match between AFC Bournemouth Supports and Mariners Supporters. The launch will continue at Sidelines Sports Grill, Erina, with celebrations to commence when the live game between AFC

Bournemouth and Stock City FC starts. AFC Supporters Club founder Mr Tim Watt said: “We are hoping to gather as many AFC Bournemouth, Central Coast Mariners and Premier League supporters as possible at both venues. “If you have yet to choose an EPL side and you

like an exciting attacking football, then you will be pleasantly surprised with AFC Bournemouth’s style of play”, Tim said. Media release, Feb 2, 2016 Tim Watt, AFC Bournemouth Supporters Club

Mannings Sports The coast’s premier sports store for over 85 years thank you to all the coast’s SPORTS PARTICIPANTS for your ongoing patronage

172 Mann Street, Gosford - 4325 1617 www.manningssports.com.au www manningssports com au

Coast Community News - February 11, 2016 - Page 31 SShare

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Professional World Surf League events at Avoca

Aerial action at Avoca on Tuesday, February 9

A senior competitor at Avoca on Tuesday, February 9

The conditions at Avoca for the opening day of the Central Coast Surf Pro were ideal for left and right-hand breaks

WAR MEMORABILIA WANTED

Photos courtesy: Surfing NSW

he Central Coast Pro Surf Series and Junior Pro events are the first professional World Surf League (WSL) sanctioned events at Avoca Beach in a decade.

The Central Coast Pro WSL event will run from February 9 to 12, while the Junior Series Pro will be held on February 13-14. Nearly 200 competitors will surf in the qualifying series event, with a further 88 competing in the Pro Junior. Surfing NSW CEO, Mr Mark Windon, said the NSW Pro Surf Series will give promising surfers the perfect platform to take their surfing to the next level once they finish their time on the Junior Qualifying Series (JQS). “We anticipate the NSW Pro Surf Series will become the ideal stepping stone for surfers who aspire to compete in higher ranked events but may not necessarily have a high enough seed to gain entry, as well as some of the world’s best who want to fine-tune their act, prior to the WSL Championship

Tour getting underway in March,” Mr Windon said. The NSW Pro Surf Series was announced in August 2015 at Avoca, by Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch MP alongside current WSL Championship Tour surfers. Mr Crouch said: “The NSW Pro Surf Series is a fantastic initiative, and I can’t wait to see some of the world’s top surfers come to Avoca Beach in 2016 to compete. “It will also provide a great boost to our local visitor economy, and show the world the beautiful beaches we have here on the Central Coast.” WSL Australasia Tour Manager, Mr Will HaydenSmith said: “NSW is home to some of the best surf and surfers in the world and we’re excited about the prospect of young aspiring professional surfers getting the chance to surf against Championship Tour surfers

and local legends in these events”. The NSW Pro Surf Series was developed for Australian and International surfers to gain ranking points and prize money on the WSL Qualifying Series. The Series also creates a NSW coastal road trip for all to explore the variety of waves, visit local communities and enjoy NSW surfing culture. Events begin at around 7am each day, and run through to at least 3.30pm. Media release, Aug 28, 2015 Debra Wales, Office of Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch Email, Feb 5, 2016 Surfing NSW, Surfing Australia Email, Feb 5, 2016 Will Hayden-Smith, WSL Australasia Tour Manager Media release, Feb 1, 2016 Gosford City Council Media Dilon Luke, Journalist

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