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June 16, 2016
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Issue 135
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Development approval of Australian Taxation Office building deferred
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he Joint R e g i o n a l Planning Panel (JRPP) deferred its decision on whether or not to approve the development of the Australian Taxation Office building on part of the former Gosford Public School site. The JRPP, including its two new delegates for the Central Coast Council, Mr Bob Ward and Mr Ken Greenwald, held its public meeting in the former Gosford Council’s chambers in Mann St Gosford on Thursday, June 9. Eleven people addressed the panel, most to express their opposition to the development. Mr David Abrahams, former chair of Regional Development Australia Central Coast, said: “The people in this room are Gosford’s champions, they are no rabble to be dismissed.” He said hundreds of residents had been involved in two processes to articulate a vision for the waterfront (Our City Our Future) “and I think we
The Doma design for the ATO building right of the historic Arts School building looking from the corner of Mann St and Georgiana Tce that the building was to be located at the “front door of Gosford and the Central Coast. “What is located on that site has clearly got to
“This is a loss of crown land by stealth to private ownership” nailed it”. According to Mr Abrahams, the Central Coast Regional Development Corporation then chose to set aside the documents that articulated that vision and focused on selling the land of the former Gosford Public School on behalf of the state government. He said Gosford Council’s executive had also set aside the documents that articulated the community’s shared vision for the waterfront. Mr Jack Lloyd of Umina said his concerns were
be a building that gives something to the character of the city and has to be incorporated into the planning of the city,” Mr Lloyd said. Mr Lloyd also questioned whether the allocated 106 car spaces were enough. “The 106 car spaces is nothing like the provision allowed in other cities for mixed developments, it is way short of the parking provision that is normally made. Ms Joy Cooper called the proposed development an “ugly box of building.
“This building will not link the CBD to the waterfront … it will create an area of isolated and lonely street frontage.” She said the building could be reduced in floor space to comply with parking requirements. Another speaker, Ms Power, said that as a resident of Gosford, she was interested in its future and had read as widely as she could. “All documents for the school removal clearly show the site as intended for a cultural and performing arts precinct,” she said. This is a loss of crown land by stealth to private ownership. “In reality this site is iconic and a local significant site at the very least,” she said. Mr Kevin Armstrong, representing Crown Land Our Land, Gosford, said an ATO building on any other
location in the Gosford CBD would have had the same impact on employment to the area. He called the proposed extension of Baker St: “Something that is not at all certain at this current time”. Mr Armstrong said ownership of the site remained “somewhat in doubt”.
spoke as a representative of the Gosford Waterfront Alliance Inc. As an architect, Ms Teraz outlined areas where the development application did not meet the requirements of the Development Control Plan and considerations of the risk ground water could pose to the building’s basement and structure.
“How did the site undergo the process of going from being a state significant site to having no master plan at all?” “The best information I can find is that it was dedicated and supposedly removed in the 1970s using the Just Terms in Compensation Act that didn’t come into place until 1990s,” he said. Ms Angelique Teraz
She questioned how the development’s disruption to ground water would be managed and its impact on surrounding properties. “How did the site undergo the process of going from being a state significant site to having no master plan at
all?” she asked. She said Gosford Waterfront Alliance Inc. called for “an entire analysis to retain delivery of an active mixed use precinct, to promote the waterfront and Gosford as a destination that would include a regional performing arts centre, regional park and public wharf facilities.” A barrister, Mr Matthew Fraser, who principally practiced in the NSW Land and Environment Court, spoke against the DA on the basis that it underdeveloped the site. “What struck me, when I read the assessment report, was that there was 24 metres of undeveloped air space,” Mr Fraser said. He said that air space could be used for additional development or to make up the car parking shortfall. According to Mr Fraser, one of the objectives of the current B4 mixed use zoning for the site was to enliven the Gosford waterfront. “I suggest to the panel that that objective is not met by this development, throwing away air space when this site has uninterrupted views of waterfront. “I suggest it would be of great difficulty for you to conclude this development was in line with the objectives of the zone.” Mr Fraser said extending Baker St for overflow parking was not in the public’s interest. “It does not behove a public department, in endorsing a proposal by a private developer, to endorse non-compliance, when you could have compliance so easily by better design of the development,” he said. Website, Jun 14, 2016 Joint Regional Planning Panel meetings Meeting notes, Jun 9, 2016 Joint Regional Planning Panel meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist
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Peninsula comes under Central Coast Council The Peninsula is now under the new Central Coast Council. Gosford Council no longer exists. The change took place on Thursday, May 12, with a proclaimation by NSW Governor General David Hurley. The new council will be run under administration by Mr Ian Reynolds. The interim general manager is Mr Rob Noble, acting CEO of Wyong Council. Gosford Council chief Mr Paul Anderson has been named his deputy. The Peninsula will become part of the Gosford West Ward which will remain unrepresented until elections in September next year. The Gosford West Ward covers the area from the northern side of the Hawkesbury River in the south to Buckety in the north-west. It includes communities as diverse as Mangrove Mountain, Gunderman, Peats Ridge and the Gosford CBD. The three councillors who will eventually represent the Gosford West Ward will be required to live in the Ward. Areas to the north of the Rip Bridge will be included in the Gosford East Ward as the southern shore of Brisbane Water is the boundary for Gosford West. The Gosford West Ward is, geographically, the largest of the five wards that will make up the new Central Coast Council. Under the Local Government (Council Amalgamations) Proclamation 2016, Gosford City Council ceased to exist and Gosford with Wyong Shire Council areas were amalgamated to form the Central Coast Council. Elected councillors reported different interpretations of whether they had been stood aside or sacked. Former Gosford deputy mayor, Mr Craig Doyle, said he believed all councillors, including the former Gosford mayor, Mr Lawrie McKinna, had been sacked. “I can’t even say I received a bluey in the mail,” Mr Doyle said. “The information we have received from the Minister and the
The Peninsula (dark purple) is now part of the Gosford West Ward of the new Central Coast Council. The Gosford West Ward boundaries are shown in purple, the Peninsula marked in dark purple
government has been scant,” he said. “I received an email from the mayor,” he said. The proclamation said that it didn’t apply to rates in the 201617 rating year but it did not specify a three-year rate freeze, as promised by the NSW Government prior to Gosford councillors making their decision about whether to vote in favour of, or against, amalgamation. Mr Doyle said he was part of a joint delegation that met with NSW Premier Mr Mike Baird and Local Government Minister Mr Paul Toole late last year. “It wasn’t until I eyeballed the Minister face-to-face and received a couple of assurances that I voted for amalgamation,” he said. “One of those assurances was a three-year rates freeze and when
I went to school 2017-18 wasn’t three years away from 2016,” he said. “Rate equalisation is going to be a very provocative thing when it happens,” he said. The proclamation said the rating structure is to be reviewed within the first term of the new council following the first election of the council. Mr Ian Reynolds has been appointed as the administrator of the newly-formed Central Coast Council. Mr Reynolds is a local government consultant based in Castle Hill. He established Ian Reynolds and Associates in 2012 after working in the government sector for 30 years. Since 1994 he has held a range of senior executive roles in
local and state government with responsibility for urban planning, public infrastructure and financing, public policy development, rezonings and land development processes. The new council will be run under administration until September 2017, when the first local government election for the new local government area will be held. The number of councillors to be elected at that time will be 15 and the first mayor will be elected by councillors. The code of meeting practice to be adopted by the new Central Coast Council is to be the Wyong Shire Council code “until it is amended or replaced in accordance with the Local Government Act”. The proclamation gives the NSW
Minister for Local Government discretion to determine “any matter or thing requiring determination” referred by the administrator. In turn, a wide range of matters can be referred to the NSW Office of Local Government for determination, according to the proclamation. After the initial period the new council will, in accordance with the Local Government Act, be able to make changes to matters such as how the new mayor is elected, changes to wards or changes to councillor numbers. Joint Regional Regional Planning Panel appointments have been scrapped. The proclamation gives the Local Government Minister power to hire and fire administrators up until the September 2017 election. In turn, it gives the administrator has the power to hire and fire the general manager and deputy general manager, should the need arise and within the terms of their employment contracts. Staff members transferred from Gosford Council to the Central Coast Council were transferred under the same employment contract of employment. There will be no onus on the first elected Central Coast Council to stick with the staff organisational structure set out in the proclamation. Anything commenced but not completed by Gosford Council may or may not be completed by the new council. The codes, plans, strategies and policies of the new council are to be, as far as practicable, a composite of the corresponding codes, plans, strategies and polices of each of the former councils. The code of conduct for a new council is to be the model code in the Act (within the meaning of section 440 of the Act) until a code of conduct is adopted by the council in accordance with the Act. Local Government (Council Amalgamations) Proclamation 2016, 12 May 2016 Interview, 12 May 2016 Craig Doyle, Gosford Council Reporter: Jackie Pearson
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May 19, 2016 16 May 2016
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Issue 133
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Councillors sacked, new council formed and administrator appointed
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osford City’s 10 elected local councillors were sacked on Thursday, May 12 when the council was dissolved and a new Central Coast Council proclaimed. Under the Local Government (Council Amalgamations) Proclamation 2016, Gosford Council ceased to exist and the amalgamation of Gosford with Wyong Council, to form the Central Coast Council, was made a reality after almost a year of speculation. Wyong councillors also lost their jobs. Mr Ian Reynolds was appointed as the administrator of the newly-formed Central Coast Council in place of the elected mayors and councillors. The new council will remain under administration until elections are held in September 2017, a full 12 months after the next local election was due. Former Gosford mayor, Mr Lawrie McKinna said he wished to thank the community for the privilege of being able to serve them. He was shocked by the timing of the announcement and unsure about whether he would have any formal or consultative role during the administration period. Mr McKinna had not had any contact with Mr Ian Reynolds before or after the proclamation on May 12. Former deputy mayor, Mr Craig Doyle said he was nonplussed by the fact he had not been personally or officially notified that he had lost his job. “I’m feeling, as the elected representative, that the mouthpiece of the community has been taken away and what have you replaced it with?” he said. “I’m feeling pretty disappointed,” said Cr Vicki Scott. “It is leaving a huge hole
The new Central Coast Council has been divided into five wards
in the community and it is a huge knock to democracy, there should be some form of representation,” she said. “We have been told we’ll get an email,” she said in relation to an earlier call from councillors to express interest in playing a role on the new council. “It has been a real privilege to carry out this role for the last 12 years …it has shown me how we can help each other and thrive by good communication and good consultation and the importance of having elected representation to determine the voices of the community, but I’m not going anywhere,” she said. Ms Scott said the next 16 months without elected representation marked a period when very large development applications would be coming through, a lot with large associated issues and problems. “Without councillors, how will that work?” she said. “I am pretty sure that the administrator will be listening to the people, but he is one person,” she said. Cr Bob Ward said he was not surprised by the proclamation as there had
been speculation that it would be announced soon. He said the formation of the Central Coast super council would give the region a strong and unified voice to fight for government funding. Ms Gabby Bowles said she knew the amalgamation was coming but was surprised to find herself “turfed out” as an elected representative “given that we were told we would have the opportunity to participate.” Mr Chris Burke said his status was not made clear when the proclamation was made on May 12 and that he still wanted to have a role with the new council. “There’s so much work unfinished by the Council that may never bear fruit now when the new administration takes effect,” he said. Mr Deanna Bocking said she had expressed interest in having a role in the Central Coast Council, “so hopefully I will be able to continue in some sort of advocacy role, but I am just not sure what that will be; the sense of uncertainty doesn’t mean the changes will be bad.
“We don’t know what roles will exist but if there’s absolutely no advocacy I wouldn’t be happy but we just don’t know, everything’s still speculative,” she said. The Central Coast Council’s administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds is a local government consultant based in Castle Hill. He established Ian Reynolds and Associates in 2012 after working in the government sector for 30 years. Since 1994 he has held a range of senior executive roles in local and state government with responsibility for urban planning, public infrastructure and financing and public policy development. According to a statement from the new Central Coast Council, Mr Reynolds will be paid out of the Council’s budget from funds formerlyt allocated to payment of the mayors and councillors. The interim general manager of the new Central Coast Council is Mr Rob Noble, who has been acting chief executive officer of Wyong Council since September 2015. Mr Paul Anderson, former
chief executive officer of Gosford Council, has been named as deputy general manager of the new council. Mr Anderson is currently on leave and unable to comment on whether he will be going forward in the role he was appointed. The number of councillors to be elected in September 2017 will be 15 and the first mayor will be elected by councillors. The code of meeting practice to be adopted by the new Central Coast Council is to be the Wyong Shire Council code “until it is amended or replaced in accordance with the Local Government Act”. The proclamation carves the new Central Coast local government area into five wards, each with three councillors. The wards are Gosford West, Gosford East, Wyong, The Entrance and Budgewoi. It is understood that the three councillors elected to represent each ward must be residents of the ward. The proclamation gives the NSW minister for local government, Mr Paul Toole, discretion to determine “any matter or thing requiring determination” referred by the administrator. In turn, a wide range of matters can be referred to the NSW Office of Local Government for determination, according to the proclamation. After the initial period, the new council will, in accordance with the Local Government Act, be able to make changes to matters such as how the mayor is elected, changes to wards or changes to councillor numbers. Joint Regional Planning Panel appointments have been scrapped. The proclamation gives the local government minister power to hire and fire administrators. It also gives the administrator power to hire and fire the general
manager and deputy general manager, should the need arise, and within the terms of their employment contracts. Staff members transferred from Gosford Council to the Central Coast Council were transferred under the same employment contracts. There will be no onus on the first elected Central Coast Council to stick with the staff organisational structure set out in the proclamation. Anything commenced but not completed by Gosford Council may or may not be completed by the new council. The codes, plans, strategies and policies of the new council are to be, as far as practicable, a composite of the corresponding codes, plans, strategies and polices of each of the former councils. The code of conduct for the new council is to be the model code in the Act (within the meaning of section 440 of the Act) until a code of conduct is adopted by the council in accordance with the Act. It is unclear, from the proclamation, how the ward boundaries for the new council were determined. The proclamation said that it didn’t apply to rates in the 2016-17 rating year, but it did not specify a three-year rate freeze, as promised by the NSW Government. Local Government (Council Amalgamations) Proclamation 2016, 12 May 2016 Interviews, 12 May 2016 Lawrie McKinna, Craig Doyle, Vicki Scott, Chris Burke, Bob Ward, Gabby Bowles, former Gosford councillors Jackie Pearson, Dilon Luke and Jasmine Gearie, journalists
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May 24, 2016
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Issue 92
Central Coast Council to hold its first public meeting he first meeting of the new Central Coast Council is to be an Extraordinary Meeting and it will be held at the Wyong Civic Centre on Wednesday, May 25 at 5:00pm.
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The Local Government (Council Amalgamations) Proclamation 2016 that dissolved Gosford and Wyong Councils and created the new Central Coast Council did not provide detail on how meetings would be conducted during the administration period. In announcing the first meeting, a media release from the Central Coast Council said: “Newly appointed administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, will preside over the first Central Coast Council meeting on Wednesday 25 May.” Mr Reynolds said he was pleased and privileged to take on the role of administrator of one of the largest councils in Australia. “We will be managing an annual budget of $800 million and over $8 billion in assets for over 331,000 residents, a huge challenge, but one that staff and myself are certainly up for. “It is an exciting time to be here, the Central Coast has now been established as a region in its own right and can only go from strength to
The former Wyong Council chamber will be the venue for the first meeting of the new Central Coast Council on May 25
strength. “Staff have been working hard on the transition to one council and residents should be assured that the services they expect from their local council will not only be continued but will be enhanced. “I look forward to getting out and about and learning as much about the area as I can as soon as possible,” he said. A statement from the Central Coast Council said the public could attend the meeting. Wyong Regional Chronicle asked the Central Coast Council to explain the format the meeting would take, given that the former mayors of Wyong and Gosford Council and all elected councillors
were dismissed on May 12 and replaced with an administrator. The new council’s communications team said the administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, would perform the role of mayor and councillors by considering reports from directors. The administrator may ask questions of the relevant director in relation to a report or recommendation. Members of the public can still apply to address the meeting about a particular item. At the end of the discussion of an agenda item, the administrator will make a decision as to whether to approve, amend, defer or refuse a report’s recommendation. A business paper for
the Extraordinary Council meeting is available on both the former Wyong Council and Gosford Council websites. Items to be discussed at the meeting include administrative and governance matters such as: a code of conduct and related matters; committees of the former Gosford and Wyong Councils; interim salary arrangement for council; code of meeting practice and location of council meetings; and, the interim organisational structure for the new council. According to the business paper, the meeting will also make determinations in relation to: a quarterly budget review for the former Gosford Council; determination of water,
sewerage and stormwater drainage fees and charges for 2016-17 in respect to the former Gosford Local Government Area; and the proposed transfer of land at Kangy Angy to Transport NSW. Meetings of the new Central Coast Council will be held on the second and fourth Wednesday of most months and will alternate between the chambers at Wyong and Gosford. The Wyong meeting will be held on the fourth Wednesday of each month and the meetings held on the second Wednesday of the month will be located in Gosford. The new council is also expected to agree that all future meetings will be audio recorded and, in the future, podcasting of meetings will also be considered. The former Wyong Council did record its meetings; Gosford Council did not. Under the Proclamation which dismissed the former councils and created the new Central Coast Council on May 12, clause eight stated that the code of meeting practice of the former Wyong Council was to be the new council’s code. However, the former Wyong code would have meant that all meetings of the new Central Coast Council would have been held in Wyong, hence amendments were
required. An amended code of meeting practice is also likely to go on public exhibition for 28 days and submissions can be made for at least 42 days from the date the draft code goes on exhibition. Alternating the meeting venue between Gosford and Wyong: “Will provide the public with more equitable access to and participation in council meetings,” a report from the interim general manager, Mr Rob Noble, to the May 25 meeting said. Other amendments to be made to the code of meeting practice were the inclusion of the definition of an administrator to clarify to the community and staff how the code applies to the administrator, and clarification of meeting venues to specify addresses. A further report will be provided to council on July 27 to allow the council to consider submissions and whether to adopt the amended code. Media release, May 17, 2016 Business paper, May 25, 2016 Extraordinary Council Meeting Agenda item 3.7, May 25, 2016 Central Coast Council extraordinary meeting Media statement, May 17, 2016 Central Coast Council media Jackie Pearson, journalist
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The Peninsula will have a voice on the Central Coast Council during the next 16 months through a committee structure, according to council administrator Mr Ian Reynolds.
From left: Central Coast Council administrator Mr Ian Reynolds and chief executive officer Mr Rob Noble discuss their plans for the new local government area with media
going to look like,” he said. Mr Noble’s recommendation to the first Central Coast Council’s meeting stated: “There is a need to urgently review those committees and other groups, and to identify opportunities for improved engagement with the community of the Central Coast. “That review must carefully consider the current legal status of those committees and bodies, the potential legal consequences of any alteration to the constitution or membership of those committees
and other bodies, and ensure that future committees of the Council are directed to addressing the needs of the whole community of the Central Coast.” “We are now the Central Coast, we are all part of a big new thing,” Mr Reynolds said. “Part of my role is to make sure the council reaches out to the whole Central Coast,” he said. In addition to getting committees up and running, Mr Reynolds said he had already changed the NSW Government’s decision to have all
Central Coast Council meetings held in the former Wyong Council chambers. “The government proclamation meant all meetings would be held in Wyong and I think that is inappropriate so I changed the rules so we can meet in Gosford and Wyong,” Mr Reynolds said. “I don’t expect people to come from Patonga to Wyong, for instance, unless they want to come to speak and I would encourage that,” he said. All Central Coast Council
meetings will be audio recorded and the public will be able to access those recordings using the Government Information Public Access Act (GIPA). Mr Reynolds is also moving ahead with the creation of a Local Representation Committee that will be made up of former councillors from Wyong and Gosford as another way of ensuring all communities within the new LGA have a voice. “I have already spoken with all the councillors bar one,” Mr Reynolds said. “The best way to keep them involved is to give them a seat at the table,” he said. Mr Noble said the NSW Government had provided the administrator with a template terms of reference for the establishment of the Local Representation Committee and that Mr Reynolds was expected to make a decision at the next council meeting about the terms for the committee. All former councillors have been given written notice that they will be invited to express interest in being part of the committee. However, Mr Reynolds would not comment on the number of positions available. “Yes, we are a new council, but there are issues north and south that have a history with them and the former councillors will still have their contacts within the community,” Mr Reynolds said. “The purpose of the committee is to get feedback,” he said. Interviews, 26 May 2016 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council Rob Noble, Central Coast Council Central Coast Council agenda item 3.5, 25 May 2016 Reporter: Jackie Pearson
Underpass open by September, says dept. The Woy Woy rail underpass will be open to traffic by the end of August, according to the latest update from Transport for NSW. Previously, it had stated the work could take up to six months
to complete. The department still has not confirmed the cost of the repairs to the underpass: “We will confirm the costs within the next few weeks, following further planning,” the department
said in a statement issued on May 13. “This cost will be for the new bridge protection, which will include clearance frames on both road approaches to the bridge, designed to act as early warnings
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Issue 134
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Edition 395
Public meeting called over Coast’s major environmental and public health issue
Committee structure to give community a voice Mr Reynolds said all the committees of the former Gosford Council no longer existed and he had asked for a report from CEO Mr Rob Noble by June 8 to determine what the new council’s committee structure will be. Wyong Council’s committees have also been dissolved, Mr Reynolds said. “There were stacks and stacks of committees across the north and the south of the new LGA,” Mr Reynolds said. According to a register of the committees of the former Gosford Council, the council had 29 committees. Wyong Council had a different structure with 12 committees, five groups, two working parties and 12 external bodies or groups. The register of Gosford Council committees lists the names of community representatives, who appear to have been included on the vast majority of the former council’s committee. The database of Wyong Council committees lists community representatives on only one committee, the Tuggerah Lakes estuary. It is uncertain which, if any, of the committees of the former Gosford Council will be kept. “We need data first,” Mr Noble said. “Ian will get the list of committees and review it with senior staff but right now we don’t know what it is
Peninsula
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June 2, 2016 30 May 2016
to high vehicles as well as crash beams on either side of the bridge, designed to protect the bridge from potential vehicle collision,” the statement said. “The underpass will be open to traffic by the end of August.
“The safety of our customers and people is our number one priority.” Media statement, 13 May 2016 Scott Gillespie, Transport for NSW
THIS ISSUE contains 54 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net
June 7, 2016
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he new Central Coast Council’s administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, has agreed, at the council’s first public meeting on May 25, to sell land in Orchard Rd, Kangy Angy to the NSW Government to build a multi-million dollar train maintenance facility.
Some of the exposed waste at the Mangrove Mountain landfill
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public meeting will be held at Gosford Leagues Club on June 16 to alert Gosford and Wyong residents to the risks associated with the Mangrove Mountain landfill.
The Mountain Districts Association community group has called the meeting as part of its campaign for a public inquiry into the operation and regulation of the “huge leaky waste dump that has the potential to poison the water supply to over 300,000 residents of the Central Coast.” The group’s primary aim is to see the dump closed and the site cleaned up, “rather than put the community at even greater risk by allowing substantially more waste to be dumped on the site over the next 10 years. “We have absolutely no confidence that EPA and Council oversight will be any better than it has been over the past 15 years,” said Mountain Districts Association spokesperson Dr Stephen Goodwin. “Successive dump operators ran amok and broke all the rules and guidelines without any substantial penalty,” Dr Goodwin said.
“This gross mismanagement continues to this day. “Everyone except the community up here has turned a blind eye,” he said. “It beggars belief that an environmentally unsafe waste landfill of this size could be permitted to continue operating,” Dr Goodwin said. “The EPA and the minister for the environment might like to say otherwise, but they have no data to back up their assertions of no harm. “Occasional selective water sampling is not proof of no impact. “Everyone knows leachate entering the drinking water is a health issue. “Would you knowingly drink the stuff?” he said. “Worse, despite being warned, the NSW premier, continues to ignore the call to shut it down, clean it up and repatriate the site, and hold a commission
of inquiry into what went wrong,” he said. The public meeting at the Central Coast Leagues Club on Thursday, June 16 from 7:00pm aims to alert Gosford and Wyong residents to the risks and what needs to be done about it, Dr Goodwin said. “The appointment of new Central Coast Council administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, gives the community an opportunity to provide a detailed briefing of the facts and to seek action and support for appropriate measures,” Dr Goodwin said. “Mountain Districts Association will be seeking a meeting with Mr Reynolds at the earliest opportunity. “He has also been invited to the public meeting. “This will give him a firsthand opportunity to hear the facts and the community’s opposition to the dump. “There needs to be a Commission of Inquiry into
Area excavated in 2012 destined to be lined and filled with more waste
the activities of Mangrove Mountain Landfill. “It is the only way all of the facts can come out into the open. “While we know a lot about what has gone on, we also know that there is a lot of other damning information not in the public domain for reasons of confidentiality, that needs to come out. “This must have an opportunity to be made public and a commission of inquiry is the only way this can happen. “The EPA and the former Gosford Council are both guilty of failing to meet their statutory obligations with regards to the Landfill. “They have sat and watched the pile of waste grow to mountainous proportions way beyond what council approved. “They have turned their backs while illegal waste was dumped there so that we now have a major environmental problem. “This is the Central Coast’s major environmental and public health issue,” he said.
According to Dr Goodwin, despite EPA initial assertions that it did, the mountain of waste does not have an impervious lining underneath it capable of capturing all of the toxic leachate flowing from it and diverting it into a holding pond for proper treatment and disposal. “Most of the leachate is going straight down into the groundwater aquifers and into the catchment for the Ourimbah Creek system that supplies drinking water to Central Coast residents. “On top of this, even if the waste mound was lined, the current leachate pond of 100,000 litres is only three per cent of the correct design capacity for a pile of waste this size. “And it will get far worse. “A six million litre leachate pond is planned to be sited on the golf course. “How will this huge volume of toxic liquid be continually accessed, emptied and treated?” Dr Goodwin said. Dr Goodwin said he believed the Mountain Districts Association had
uncovered legal grounds for a new DA process in its investigations. “The law is the law and this cannot be ignored,” Dr Goodwin said. The group also wants questions answered about whether former Gosford councillors were fully advised of critical information relating to the landfill. “As a result, councillors may not have been in a position to make a fully informed decision on how council might proceed in dealing with this matter during the period when council was in the Land and Environment Court with the Landfill Operators. “This would appear to contravene the former Gosford Council’s code of conduct and is a major public concern that demands investigation.” The community meeting will commence at 7:00pm. Media release, May 30, 2016 Stephen Goodwin, Mountain Districts Association
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Issue 93
Council’s first property decision angers residents
Kangy Angy residents have been fighting the land sale and the proposed development since they learned about it in September. Transport for NSW has also announced the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and concept plan for the facility will be on public exhibition from June 6 to July 4. Ms Michelle Nicholson from the Kangy Angy Residents Action Group said Transport for NSW representatives met with residents on Friday, May 27 “to fulfil their obligations to engage in community consultation. “When we raised our concerns about the flooding the project director said it was ‘their risk’. “We believe this is not their risk to take, as they are also risking our tax payer dollars, the endangered species, and worsening the flooding in our area,” Ms Nicholson said. The land was identified by the former Wyong Council as an alternative site to land at Warnervale for Transport for NSW to
Flooding of the Kangy Angy access road near the proposed train maintenance site on June 4 and 5
use as the maintenance and stabling facility for its new intercity fleet. Documents obtained under the Government Information Public Access (GIPA) Act indicate that Transport for NSW wanted their facility to be built on land at Warnervale but Wyong Council discouraged that location as it interfered with the former council’s plan to develop Wyong as a business and education precinct. In September, Transport for NSW named the flood-prone Kangy Angy land as the preferred location to establish the new Fleet Management Facility. In making his first planning decision in the position of administrator with the newly-formed Central Coast Council, Mr Ian Reynolds said:
“It is likely the State Government would have moved to compulsorily acquire this land if council had not agreed to sell it. “This decision guarantees the best outcome for council and residents.” Mr Reynolds said the new facility would have the potential to create hundreds of local construction jobs and ongoing employment. “The decision I had to make was about the land transfer,” Mr Reynolds said at a media conference after the meeting. “There is a separate question about whether the facility should be developed and that is part of a planning process,” he said. In responding to comments from residents that as an appointee of
the NSW Government, Mr Reynolds was simply doing its bidding, he said: “The decision was would I agree to sell the land. “I am independent of government influence, I am not here to do the government’s bidding, I am here to serve the council,” Mr Reynolds said. “Business goes on. “We have to deal with business as usual and the state government said if we don’t sell it, it will be compulsorily acquired,” he said. Central Coast Council CEO, Mr Rob Noble: “You could align the decision about the Kangy Angy land with the Sword of Damocles that came down with the immediate sacking of all councillors. “We have had a sword held over our heads,” Mr Noble said.
“Council has been forced into a situation of agreeing to sell or forced to accept terms that may not be beneficial to the community. “It is really sad when potential impacts arise on the people of that area,” he said. Mr Noble said he would defend the decision to keep the sale price of the land confidential until the deal was finalised. “The price will eventually become public but … commercial in confidence is a really important element of business deals when money is involved,” Mr Noble said. “We are shocked by the decision made by the administrator,” Kangy Angy Residents Action Group spokesperson, Ms Michelle Nicholson said following the council
meeting. “Resident, Mr Neil Bolte and Community Environment Network representative, Mr Mike Campbell, were both given reasonable time to voice the Kangy Angy residents’ concerns about the transfer of the land,” Ms Nicholson said. “Tonight’s decision by Central Coast Council’s new administrator to offload flood prone, environmentally sensitive land to Transport for NSW to build a $300 million train facility is irresponsible and is detrimental to the Kangy Angy and Ourimbah area. “Let’s hope the reckless decision tonight is not a sign of things to come from the new amalgamated council. “Residents will continue to fight the proposed development that is being built in a ridiculous location. “The facility would have no access in, would be built by filling in a wetland and wasting our tax payer dollars. “Transport’s consultants put forward eight preferred sites and Kangy Angy was not one of them. “Transport for NSW need to rethink their illconceived plan.”
Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net
Email, Jun 2, 2016 Michelle Nicholson, Kangy Angy Residents Action Group Agenda item 3.4, May 25, 2016 Meeting transcript, May 25, 2016 Central Coast Council extraordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist
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June 16, 2016
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Issue 135
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14 June 2016
Local fishing operators may close with law changes Peninsula residents wanting to buy local seafood from local retailers may soon not be able to do so, as changes to commercial fishing in NSW cut in, according to a Patonga fisherman from a family with more than 40 years in the industry. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, has said the changes would support local fishers and ensure the supply of locally caught, high quality seafood continued into the future. However, fisherman Mr Dane Van Der Neut said the opposite was true and he believed the changes could be the death knell for local operators. He said at least four of six operators in Patonga were under threat. Mr Van Der Neut said he had been fishing for a living for 10 years and his father had been working in the industry out of Patonga for over 40 years. “He spent the past three decades fighting for his job through consecutive governments,” he said. Mr Van Der Neut said the latest NSW Government reform package was about corporatising the industry and targeting export markets. Mr MacDonald said the key changes would see the NSW Government investing in fishing businesses and providing local fishers with the tools to better manage their business and ensure what is caught continues to be done so sustainably. “The changes will provide more certainty and support for fishers to invest in their businesses, and cement the future of the commercial fishing industry for years to come,” he said. Mr Van Der Neut, who fishes Hawkesbury River squid and Broken Bay school prawns, said estuary prawn trawl fishers have been given until July 2017 to raise their minimum shareholding to 200 or they will not be able to access their fisheries. “There is no guarantee that those shares will be available. “We have been given no guarantee of any access at all because, in 2019, a committee will
Patonga commercial fisherman Mr Dane Van Der Neut on Broken Bay
be established to determine how many boats should be left fishing,” he said. “There are different issues with different governments,” he said. “Labor Governments are predominantly green, whereas the Liberal and National Governments are more about corporatising, removing the smaller operators who support the local communities and turning them into larger businesses, moving them into larger ports and starting to work on export deals.” According to Mr Van Der Neut, the latest NSW Government reforms “were asked for by a minority group in the industry who wanted to link their shares to the amount they could catch. “Some of that minority group had good intentions, they wanted to buy more shares and run more traps or more nets. “Ultimately what happened is the process got hijacked by a smaller minority group who had been buying up shares for years.” He said the industry was now split between active fishers and “latent endorsements” who may hold a certain class of shares (such as for crab pots) but are not actively fishing. He said the NSW Government has used the catch history of active fishermen to come up with its caps on kilos allowed to be caught per
day. “Then they’ve redistributed the efforts of those active fishers in a Communist way over all the shares in a share class so now the active fisher’s shares have a lot less value,” he said. Mr Van Der Neut uses the example of a five-member family who operated as a combine. Their combined catch in the last year was 25 tonne of mud crabs. Under the new rules their quota has been capped at 1400kg per fisher or a combined quote of seven tonne which means their business is no longer sustainable. If that family is forced to sell its shares and exit the industry, there’s nothing stopping someone with a latent endorsement from buying up their shares and then profiting from the demise of the active fishers. “At this point of time, we import 87 per cent of the fish products we eat but I will be shocked if in 10 years’ time you will be able to purchase locally caught seafood. “This sort of reform has already happened in the lobster industry in NSW where you already have catch shares linked to a quota. “I have already read reports from places like Columbia and smaller fishers are forced out of the industry through increased prices and after that it gets consolidated. “When governments start to talk about sustainability we are talking
about the amount of fish we take out of the ocean. “That is the worst type of management we can do. “The public does not understand that every time you have a shower, wash up, wash clothes that have micro plastics in them, that all goes in the drain and into fish habitat so while we are restricting what we can take out of the water we are still impacting on fish productivity. “Commercial fishing is one of the only user groups of the marine environment that have a fishery management strategy underpinned by environmental impact studies. “We’ve got all that. “We also have the tick of sustainability. “The only thing we don’t have the tick for is export which is a good thing from my point of view because it keeps seafood in the local community.” According to Mr Van Der Neut around six commercial fishers are still operating out of Patonga and most are sole traders. “My dad got shares a long time ago because he was in business pre-dating any reform. “With most businesses you can make an educated gamble on the business, on what you are buying, there are no guarantees out of this. “It is just a gamble that we will be buying more or less guaranteed access until 2019 and in 2019
we may have to do it all over again and the difference will be the Government in 2019 won’t need new regulations to make the changes, they will already be in place.” “My belief is it is all about export and I feel what is happening is other countries overseas want our product to be on their tables and I don’t blame them because we have the best seafood. “But the consumer is going to lose if they don’t wake up and do something about it. “Commercial fishermen per electorate are in minute numbers so we don’t stand a chance politically so we need to tell the consumers to tell their MPs to look after our seafood. “In 2017 we won’t know how many commercial fishers will be endorsed because we don’t know how many shares are available. “There are only two fishers in Patonga as we speak with enough shares. “So if the shares are available we might see those existing fishers continue, that is of course if they can access the funds to buy those shares because what this will do is increase the share price beyond our range.” According to Mr MacDonald, the new program will give fishers the option to grow their business or choose to exit the industry “through a range of supportive measures including: low-rate loans; grants for retraining or for independent business advice; subsidies for buyers and sellers of shares; or fixed payments of $20,000 for fishing business buyouts.” The NSW Government has also extended its cap on management fees. Assistance is also available for fishing cooperatives. The NSW Government will also invest $400,000 as part of a campaign to promote NSW caught seafood as sustainable and fresh and work with industry to implement an origin- labelling scheme for cooked seafood across the state. Media release, 31 May 2016 Hannah Eves, office of Scot MacDonald Interview, 7 Jun 2016 Dane Van Der Neut, Woy Woy Reporter: Jackie Pearson
THIS ISSUE contains 59 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net
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he Joint R e g i o n a l Planning Panel (JRPP) deferred its decision on whether or not to approve the development of the Australian Taxation Office building on part of the former Gosford Public School site. The JRPP, including its two new delegates for the Central Coast Council, Mr Bob Ward and Mr Ken Greenwald, held its public meeting in the former Gosford Council’s chambers in Mann St Gosford on Thursday, June 9. Eleven people addressed the panel, most to express their opposition to the development. Mr David Abrahams, former chair of Regional Development Central Coast, said: “The people in this room are Gosford’s champions, they are no rabble to be dismissed.” He said hundreds of residents had been involved in two processes to articulate a vision for the waterfront (Our City Our Future) “and I think we nailed it”.
According to Mr Abrahams, the Central Coast Regional Development Corporation then chose to set aside the documents that articulated that vision and focused on selling the land of the former Gosford Public School on behalf of the state government. He said Gosford Council’s executive had also set aside the documents that articulated the community’s shared vision for the waterfront. Mr Jack Lloyd of Umina said his concerns were that the building was to be
located at the “front door of Gosford and the Central Coast”. “What is located on that site has clearly got to be a building that gives
something to the character of the city and has to be incorporated into the planning of the city,” Mr Lloyd said. Mr Lloyd also questioned whether the allocated 106 car spaces were enough. “The one hundred and six car spaces is nothing like the provision allowed in other cities for mixed developments, it is way short of the parking provision that is normally made. Ms Joy Cooper called the proposed development an “ugly box of building. “This building will not link
the CBD to the waterfront … it will create an area of isolated and lonely street frontage.” She said the building could be reduced in floor space to comply with parking requirements. Another speaker, Ms Power, said that as a resident of Gosford, she was interested in its future and had read as widely as she could. “All documents for the school removal clearly show the site as intended for a cultural and performing arts precinct,” she said. This is a loss of crown land by stealth to private ownership. “In reality this site is iconic and a local significant site at the very least,” she said. Mr Kevin Armstrong, representing Crown Land Our Land, Gosford, said an ATO building on any other location in the Gosford CBD
would have had the same impact on employment to the area. He called the proposed extension of Baker St: “Something that is not at all certain at this current time”. Mr Armstrong said ownership of the site remained “somewhat in doubt”. “The best information
of the Gosford Waterfront Alliance Inc. As an architect, Ms Teraz outlined areas where the development application did not meet the requirements of the Development Control Plan and considerations of the risk ground water could pose to the building’s basement and structure. She questioned how the
I can find is that it was dedicated and supposedly removed in the 1970s using the Just Terms in Compensation Act that didn’t come into place until 1990s,” he said. Ms Angelique Teraz spoke as a representatives
development’s disruption to ground water would be managed and its impact on surrounding properties. “How did the site undergo the process of going from being a state significant site to having no master plan at all?” she asked.
She said Gosford Waterfront Alliance Inc. called for “an entire analysis to retain delivery of an active mixed use precinct, to promote the waterfront and Gosford as a destination” that would include a regional performing arts centre, regional park and public wharf facilities.” A barrister, Mr Matthew Fraser, who principally practiced in the NSW Land and Environment Court, spoke against the DA on the basis that it underdeveloped the site. “What struck me, when I read the assessment report, was that there was 24 metres of undeveloped air space,” Mr Fraser said. He said that air space could be used for additional development or to make up the car parking shortfall. According to Mr Fraser, one of the objectives of the current B4 mixed use zoning for the site was to enliven the Gosford waterfront. “I suggest to the panel that that objective is not met by this development, throwing away air space when this site has uninterrupted views of waterfront. “I suggest it would be of great difficulty for you to conclude this development was in line with the objectives of the zone,” he said. Mr Fraser said extending Baker S
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Gosford Waterfront Alliance heartened by JRPP decision embers of the Gosford Waterfront Alliance were heartened by the Joint Regional Planning Panel’s decision to give consideration to legitimate concerns about the proposed Doma development of an ATO building on the former Gosford Public School Site.
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Gosford Waterfront Alliance president, Ms Marcelle Hoff, a veteran community campaigner, said members of the JRPP were clearly not convinced the DA was acceptable in its current form. “The JRPP deferred a decision on the ATO and requested a timeline and details of the history of the ‘Our City, Our Destiny Masterplan’, clear proof of ownership of the site and specific responses to issues raised by 10 community and local business members who spoke against the DA,� Ms Hoff said. “They are understood to be seeking a supplementary report from Central Coast Council before reconsidering the DA,� she said. “This represents a short
The latest version of the Doma Group's design for the ATO building looking (left) up Georgiana Terrace towards Mann St and (right) along the extended Baker St
breathing space for all of those who have battled long and hard for this beautiful waterfront precinct. “Our land must be used for community and recreational use, not sold off to developers who will make their money and leave us with no hub or heart for our city. “We have a once in a lifetime chance to get the planning right on what has been described as the jewel in the crown of Gosford. “This superb and highvisibility location deserves an iconic public building, not dreary nine-to-five office blocks. “These office blocks
belong in the Gosford CBD,� Ms Hoff said. “But we need to keep pressure on all levels of government. “It is up to us as members of the community to take a stand and insist the Gosford waterfront is used for the purpose we choose.� Ms Hoff said the key issues raised by community members in relation to the DA for the ATO included the absence of any reference to the ‘Our City, Our Destiny Masterplan’ that was developed by hundreds of community members and signed off by Gosford Council and the NSW Government in 2010 as a
blueprint for the city. Original tender documents for the sale of the site, and the Development Control Plan both noted the entire former school site as a single stage. “Therefore, we ask that
Gosford City Centre to the Brisbane Water foreshore; promote the waterfront and Gosford City Centre as a destination; and, incorporate community and social infrastructure, including a regional performing arts centre, regional park and public wharf facilities that take advantage of and activate the public realm and the Gosford foreshore. The DCP also aimed to promote a range of amenities and services that would attract people of all ages to visit, live and work in the waterfront and in Gosford city centre as well as to respect and celebrate the heritage values of the site. “Car-parking has not been achieved and the floor space of the School
“We have a once in a lifetime chance to get the planning right� there be a comprehensive analysis done on the site in order to protect and preserve the key aims identified as the Gosford Waterfront DCP 2014.� That DCP aimed to: deliver an active mixed use precinct that would connect
of Arts was not included in the calculation, therefore the deficit is worse than reported.� The former historic School of Arts building on the corner of Georgiana Tce and Mann St has not been assigned a usage, although
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there was mention of it being a CafĂŠ. Another heritage item on the site, the foundations of an original police building, are to be addressed in a yet to be finalised interpretive element of the design. The developer explained, at the JRPP meeting, his intention to uncover, photograph and rebury the foundations, then erect a sculpture or sign to commemorate their existence. The Gosford Waterfront Alliance has questioned whether the original dedication of the land as a school site had been legally removed. If the dedication was not removed legally, the sale of the site to Doma may be invalid. The alliance has also questioned the status of Baker St. “Can Baker St be reconstructed across what appears to be Crown Land? There is also significant concern about the inadequacy of parking provisions in this DA. Media release, Jun 15, 2016 Claire Braund, Gosford Waterfront Alliance
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Chamber supports ATO building on waterfront resident of the Gosford, Erina and Coastal Chamber of Commerce, Ms Alison Vidler, addressed the Joint Regional Planning Panel meeting in support of the Doma Group’s development of a mixed-use building to house the Australian Taxation Office on the Gosford waterfront.
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“One of our chamber’s aims is to assist and support the revitalisation of the Gosford CBD through whatever means necessary,” Ms Vidler said. Ms Vidler said the chamber had held meetings with Doma Group along with presenting information about the proposed development to its members. “The development is in line with the objectives of the 2014 LEP and revitalisation of the Gosford CBD,” she said, adding that, in her opinion, the development would not impact on view corridors or result in overshadow. Ms Vidler said issues around parking were always at the forefront in Gosford, but she believed the parking provisions in the
The site of the former Gosford Public School outlined in red with the Doma development coloured blue
development application were well founded and supported, subject to Baker St being extended. She argued that Gosford and the Central Coast were missing a key worker stage, with 25 to 34 year olds forced to leave the Coast for employment. The Doma development would create job opportunities for that particular demographic because of the ATO’s secured tenancy. “The ATO is looking to recruit the vast bulk of its employees from the local community,” she said. “Should we not back a
development that will foster employment and help the area for generations to come,” she asked. “This development is shovel ready. “For far too long, we have waited for development in our capital city, to see cranes in the skylines,” she said. On the day the ATO development was announced, Ms Vidler said she received 15 calls from investors and developers seeking information about opportunities in Gosford. Mr Gavin Edgar from Doma Group said the developer was “very sympathetic towards the
community’s desire for a performing arts centre. “We acknowledge and recognise there has been a particular piece of work and
He said they had expressed interest in the development as part of a competitive public process. “Everybody in the local community had the opportunity to purchase the site,” he said. Once Doma had been granted an option to purchase the land at an acceptable price, it was then able to respond to a call from the Australian Taxation Office to provide new office space in Gosford. Doma’s was one of 11 proposals considered by the ATO, and at least three involved the Georgiana Tce site that formed part of the former Gosford Public School’s land. Mr Edgar said the Doma Group had successfully
“For far too long, we have waited for development in our capital city, to see cranes in the skylines” a long history of what the site might be,” Mr Edgar said. He explained that Doma responded to an advertisement and that the school site had been offered as a whole site or a portion of the site.
delivered a significant number of pre-committed office buildings elsewhere, and was currently building the national archives preservation building. “I believe we have put forward a compliant
application and we are ready and prised to get started on this construction,” he said. Having heard from all 11 speakers present at the public meeting in Gosford, the members of the Joint Regional Planning Panel decided to defer their decision on whether or not to grant consent for the development of the ATO on the Gosford waterfront. Reasons given by the panel members for deferring their decision included: a desire to get more information about the ownership of the site; concerns around the adequacy of parking provided in the application; the strategic planning history of the site including addressing the intentions of the master plan; location of an electricity substation; groundwater; heritage concerns; and tree removal. The JRPP expected that their decision would be delayed by a matter of weeks while it gathered the additional information required to make a fully informed decision. Meeting notes, Jun 9, 2016 Joint Regional Planning Panel Jackie Pearson, journalist
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Beaches hit hard by East Coast low
Avoca Beach Surf Life Saving Club innundated by East Coast low pressure system June 4 and 5 Photos ABC Central Coast Marine Rescue at Terrigal sustained serious damage
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errigal, Wamberal and Avoca Beaches were among the local areas most affected by the East Coast low that hit on June 4 and 5.
The storm was described as the worst to hit those beachside suburbs since 1974. Over 200mm of rainfall in just over 24 hours resulted in road damage, substantial erosion and flooding. The damage bill at Marine Rescue, located at the Terrigal Haven, was expected to exceed $100,000. The Clan Lakeside Lodge at Terrigal sustained significant damage. Avoca Surf Life Saving Club narrowly escaped substantial flooding as local SES workers and
Terrigal Beach during the storms
other volunteers used sandbags broke new state government laws to protect the club from huge seas. Over 20,000 houses throughout the Coast lost power. Debris was strewn the length of Terrigal, Avoca and Wamberal beaches as the low pressure system combined with the highest tides of the year. Damaging winds from the North East averaged 60 to 65 kilometres per hour, with peak gusts of up to 90km her hour felt on some parts of the Central Coast. The region experienced
abnormally high tides and very heavy surf which resulted in dangerous surf conditions and caused significant damage to public and private property along the coastline. Dam levels were given a significant boost with almost five weeks supply of water captured for the region. Media release, Jun 6, 2016 Central Coast Council media Social media reports, Jun 4, 5, 6 Jackie Pearson, journalist
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The market will operate each Sunday from 8.00am till 1.00pm Rain, Hail or Shine.
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NEWS
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SES and volunteers not allowed to protect homes during a storm event a m b e r a l could be the next Collaroy if the NSW Government doesn’t take steps to build a revetment to protect private and public assets according to the NSW Coastal Alliance.
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Mr Pat Aiken, secretary of the NSW Coastal Alliance, Central Coast, said Mr Scot MacDonald had not responded positively to the suggestion a revetment was needed at Wamberal. “We now have a public beach that has significantly moved onto private land and that is now almost unuseable due to the range of debris now scattered along
Erosion damage at the southern end of Wamberal Beach
beneficiary residents to contribute to the cost. “Many of the Wamberal residents are expressing an opinion that they would contribute. “The significant contributions of these
“In 2006, council also acknowledged that the potential damage bill, if the revetment was not constructed, was $150 million. Today that cost would be closer to $400 to 500 million.” the beach and overhanging escarpment,” Mr Aiken said. “As early as 2006, Gosford Council identified that the revetment would protect 188 properties, an arterial road, plus sewer and water infrastructure utilised by tens of thousands of residents, yet the focus remains on the 65 beach front properties,” he said. “The council also acknowledged the willingness of those
property owners to federal, state and local taxes should also be protected, not overlooked. “In 2006, council also acknowledged that the potential damage bill, if the revetment was not constructed, was $150 million. “Today that cost would be closer $400 to 500 million. “The recent announcement by the
NSW Government of $83 million for coastal protection, coupled with available federal funds for regional communities and beneficiary contributions means the construction is unlikely to cost council much if anything. “But the project could be so much more than just a revetment. “The opportunity to include a beach front walking and bike path linking Terrigal to Wamberal should not be overlooked. “The state government owns five vacant beachfront blocks that could be leased on a commercial basis to facilitate the construction of another surf club, off street parking, cafes, covered picnic areas and public showers and toilets, together with income generating short term holiday rental accommodation,” Mr Aiken said. Immediately after the storms which hit Wamberal, Terrigal and Avoca on June 4 and 5, Mr Aiken said NSW
Closing Down After 22 years in Gosford the time has come for us to go. Bev Benson Fashions will close on 30th June 2016. Kerry, Kay, Judy & Val would like to say thank you to all our wonderful customers. We will miss you, but other adventures beckon.
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Another home now very close to the edge at Wamberal
Government legislation labelled as innovative and rushed through parliament by the Baird Government, was tested and has failed. “The new legislation as well as current legislation, forbids emergency protection work to be undertaken by SES workers and yet at Avoca Beach, local emergency services volunteers didn’t know this was the law as they helped other volunteers to construct sandbag protection for the Avoca Surf Club,” Mr Aiken said. It’s also illegal, according
also illegal because they were the wrong size. “The member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, praised the work of the volunteers in a post on Facebook, oblivious to the law as it stands and oblivious to the new Baird law that he strongly supported in parliament. “Would these volunteers have taken this risk knowing that current fines of up to $250 000 could be imposed? “When they are increased to $1million, would they take the risk again?
“Residents of coastal communities are tired of the failed consultation of the Baird Government” to the current legislation and the new legislation, to use sand from the beach to fill the sand bags,” he said. “And the sand bags were
“Residents of coastal communities are tired of the failed consultation of the Baird Government and its stupidity in not
properly addressing serious community issues. The state government’s new and innovative legislation is worse than we already have. “It is draconian in the extreme and offers no real protection or certainty for the future of NSW coastal communities. “That it is illegal to protect your home in an emergency situation and that State Emergency Services aren’t allowed to protect your home during a storm event is stupidity and an abrogation of responsibility by the state. “This nonsense is further compounded by a law that allows only a certain size sandbag to be used and that demands the sand used to fill them, cannot be taken from the beach. Media releases, Jun 6 and 9, 2016 Interview, Jun 14, 2016 Pat Aiken, NSW Coastal Alliance Central Coast Jackie Pearson, journalist
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Coast Community News - June 16, 2016 - Page 7
NEWS
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Order of Australia Medal for service to the international community errigal resident Mr Peter Pearce received a Queens Birthday Honour and Order of Australia Medal for service to the international community through h u m a n i t a r i a n programs.
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Mr Pearce has been involved with humanitarian programs for over 40 years, discovering his passion for helping others with APEX, and transitioning this passion into an extensive life-long career. Mr Pearce remained a member of APEX from 1980-1989, and became president and a life member of the organisation in 1989. Mr Pearce is also a keen Rotarian, having been a member of the Gosford North Rotary since 2005. Through his ties to Rotary Mr Pearce learned of a ShelterBox, a humanitarian organisation that aids communities devastated by natural disaster across the globe. ShelterBox provides a box laden with crucial supplies such as food, water, shelter and medical equipment. Mr Pearce worked as a volunteer response member since 2007, and has been deployed 29 times across the globe to deliver ShelterBoxes and assist in the rebuilding of damaged communities.
Waste levy fee waived for storm damaged property disposal ocal residents and businesses affected by the recent storm will be exempt from paying the NSW Government’s waste levy fee until June 30.
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The exemption has been applied to help with the clean-up, according to parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald. The waste levy waiver strictly applies to storm damaged goods and waste. “The NSW Government wants to alleviate the pressure on affected communities in the Central Coast cleaning up after the storm to help people get back into their homes quicker or get
their businesses up and running again sooner,” Mr MacDonald said. Waiving the government fee will help people dispose of water damaged bulk goods such as carpets and furniture, as well as other flood and storm generated waste, quickly and responsibly. “We hope this eases some of the pressure people are feeling after the storm to help them get back on their feet,” he said. Private operator and
council waste facility gate fees might still apply. People also need to check with council on their requirements to dispose of storm damaged waste. Waste facilities need to ensure the waste is storm generated before they can waive the government’s waste levy. Media release, Jun 14, 2016 Hannah Eves, office of Scot MacDonald
Natural disaster relief available Order of Australia Medal honouree Peter Pearce carrying a Shelterbox.
“I feel truly privileged by how much I’ve been given and experienced just by living in Australia,” Mr Pearce said. Mr Pearce said it was getting to connect with likeminded people through his work, and truly helping those who needed it, was what grew his passion. “I’ve been given a lot and I felt like I needed to give back,” Mr Pearce said.
If you’re reading this, so could up to 30,000 other people
Mr Pearce, now 68 years old, has lived in Terrigal for the past 12 years. Mr Pearce said it was gradually sinking in that he was a 2016 Order of Australia Honouree and that he was incredibly thankful and honoured. Email, May 31, 2016 Emelyn Pecar, Medals and Awards Officer Government House Interview, Jun 14, 2016 Peter Pearce OAM, Terrigal Dilon Luke, Journalist
SW Premier Mike Baird has announced the appointment of a State Recovery Coordinator to oversee the clean-up effort in communities affected by the storm that swept across the state at the beginning of June.
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He has also signed an order in force for one month to protect volunteers in the workforce to ensure they are not being victimised by their employers during this period, such as their employment being terminated or having their employment conditions altered for lending support to the community. Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch said: “Assistance is being provided through the jointlyfunded CommonwealthState Natural Disaster Relief
and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) and is designed to help ease the financial burden that communities bear as a result of natural disasters”. According to Mr Crouch, the assistance package will also ensure funding is available to help local councils clean up and restore damaged infrastructure so we can minimise disruption and recover as quickly as possible. Individuals who meet asset and income tests and have had their homes
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or belongings damaged by the storm are entitled to assistance. Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profit organisations are available as are freight subsidies for primary producers. Mr Crouch said of the assistance package: “This support will provide immediate assistance to communities in the hardest hit areas”. Mr Crouch acknowledged the “extraordinary level of hard work and dedication,” from emergency services and volunteers during the recovery, but has urged the community that that there is still more work to be done. “It’s important to remember that there are many ways to lend a hand during times like this, so I encourage the community to rally together to do what we can to help”. Media release, Jun 7, 2016 Debra Wales, office of Adam Crouch That
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NEWS
Work on Frederick St intersection completed
Number of homeless being turned away nearly doubles
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s winter approaches, Coast Shelter reports that the number of homeless men, women and children, and particularly, women and children escaping domestic violence on the Central Coast, continues to increase, far outstripping the amount of accommodation available. In the month of April, 343 homeless persons approached Coast Shelter for accommodation. Even though Coast Shelter provides more than three times the number of units of accommodation for which it is funded, it was only able to house one in nine of these desperate people. Although this was double the usual figure of 1 in 5, it is indicative of the growing numbers of homeless, in which victims of domestic and family violence is an increasing proportion. “Recent funding from the State Government has assisted, but there is still a long way to go to meet the needs of our community,” executive officer of Coast Shelter, Mr Laurie Maher said. It is estimated that 30,000 people remain homeless in NSW and the number of homeless people on the Central Coast is greater than the State average. In an attempt to stem the tide on the Central Coast, Coast Shelter maintains a
Community Centre, which is an innovative early intervention program, where families and individuals at risk of homelessness are assisted with food and other essentials. “Many families and individuals living in rental
situation. “We should realise that each of us is but one or two mistakes or some money misfortune away from the catastrophe of being homeless. In spite of the efforts of the State Government to
“We should realise that each of us is but one or two mistakes or some money misfortune away from the catastrophe of being homeless.” accommodation are faced with the daily choice of paying for the roof over their heads or paying for food and other essentials,” Mr Maher stated. “Unfortunately, the numbers of families and individuals facing homelessness continues to increase,” he added. As stated by Homelessness NSW: “There are more than 100,000 people sleeping rough. “As we walk past people who are evidently homeless, many of us wonder what has led them to being in this difficult and distressful
provide more housing to the homeless and those on low fixed incomes, it will be a long time before we even approach the solution to our homelessness problem. “If it wasn’t for the outstanding generosity of our local businesses, registered clubs, local and fellow residents on the Central Coast, we would be in dire circumstances,” Mr Maher concluded. Media release, May 30, 2016 Laurie Maher, Coast Shelter
NBN about to be switched on in Terrigal and Wyong ore than 10,500 premises in and around Terrigal, 6,400 premises in parts of Wyong will be among the first in their respective regions to have access to NBN’s fixed line service on June 10.
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Over the coming months, additional areas across Terrigal and Wyong will be switched on. All parts of Wyong are
forecasted to be connected to the NBN by the end of June, with Terrigal expected to be fully connect by the end of July.
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Mr Scot MacDonald with RMS representatives at East Gosford
otorists and pedestrians are now benefitting from a major upgrade of the Central Coast Highway and Frederick St intersection at East Gosford, according to parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald.
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Mr MacDonald said the NSW Government funded $6.5 million for a major intersection upgrade which involved providing a dedicated right turn lane into Frederick St from the Central Coast Highway eastbound. “The new dedicated right turn lane will improve safety for motorists by reducing the potential for rear-end crashes,” Mr MacDonald
said. “The upgrade also included changes to traffic light phasing which will reduce delays and queuing for the 50,000 motorists travelling along the highway through East Gosford each day. “The upgrade also included improvements to pedestrian facilities with the existing shared path extended on the southern
side of the intersection to Albany St.” Mr MacDonald said work started in November 2014 and was carried out by Gosford Council on behalf of Roads and Maritime Services. Media release, Jun 14, 2016 Hannah Eves, office of Scot MacDonald
Broken main restricts beaches’ water supply esidents in Avoca, Copacabana and MacMasters Beaches were urged to minimise their water use due to emergency works on the local drinking water supply network.
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Central Coast Council crews had to repair a large submerged water main that crosses Avoca Lake. The water main, which supplies drinking water to the Avoca, Copacabana
and MacMasters Beaches’ reservoirs, broke on June 8. Crews were on site for two days to fix the damaged main. Avoca Lake was opened to lower its water level so
the repair works could be undertaken. Media release, Jun 8, 2016 Central Coast Council Media
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NEWS
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Former councillors offered a chance to be involved
Auditors appointed for both former councils
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rice Waterhouse Coopers have been appointed to audit the accounts of the former Gosford Wyong Councils as part of the process of establishing the new Central Coast Council.
Mr Stephen Naven, former chief financial officer of Wyong Council, who was head of the transition team during the months prior to the amalgamation, said thus far, there had been no black holes or nasty surprises uncovered in the financials of the former Gosford or Wyong Councils. “That is our initial analysis,” Mr Naven said. “We are obviously having a good hard look, but at this stage, we are not aware of anything,” he said. Central Coast Council administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the appointment of an auditor was one of the legal requirements in the proclamation that created the Central Coast Council. Mr Navan said he expected the auditor to perform its field work during September and October. “We now have until December 31 to adopt
financial statements for what is effectively a 10-anda-half month period,” he said. “In the meantime, staff will do all the accounting work for the part-year end, including the consolidation of the books and necessary adjustments,” he said. “You’d be looking at a more positive result this year because there will only be 10 and a half months of expenses, so it might look optimistic, and then the following year, it might be a bit grim,” he said. Mr Naven also stipulated that rate payers in the former Gosford local government area should not be under the misconception that their rates won’t rise from July 1. “I think it is very important to ensure the residents understand this isn’t a rates freeze but a freeze in the way we charge rates,” he said. “We are looking at a
whole communications strategy around writing to individual residents who may be impacted by property revaluations completed by the NSW Valuer General earlier this year,” he said. “There will be shifts in the actual dollar amount of rates,” he said. The NSW Government had regularly used the term “rate freeze” prior to making its decision to merge Gosford and Wyong Councils. However, according to Mr Reynolds: “The state’s policy was that the councils’ four year trajectory would stay the same.” Media conference, Jun 8, 2016 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council Stephen Naven, Central Coast Council Jackie Pearson, journalist
embership of the Central Coast Council’s Local Representation Committee will be announced at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the council to be held in Wyong on June 29.
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This will be held one week after Councils ordinary meeting, also held at Wyong. Expressions of interest have been sought from former Gosford and Wyong councillors to become members of a Local Representation Committee. Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said he had not decided on how many members the committee would have, and that the size of the committee would be driven by the expressions of interest received. The Committee will not exercise any decision making function of the Central Coast Council nor will its recommendations
bind council. It will be there to provide important local advice only. The establishment of the committee has been strongly recommended by the NSW Government as a vehicle to provide advice to the administrator on local views and issues. The NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet has issued model terms of reference for the committee which provide that these committees should primarily be comprised of former councillors who have demonstrated a commitment to the success of the new amalgamated council. “Their vast knowledge
and understanding of the issues facing our community must not be lost and they do have an important role to play in ensuring this new Central Coast Council is a success,” Mr Reynolds said. “A number of former councillors have expressed a strong desire to be involved in council issues and this Committee is the avenue for them to do exactly that,” he said. Media release, Jun 8, 2016 Central Coast Council Media Interview, Jun 8, 2016 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council Jackie Pearson, journalist
Extraordinary meeting called to adopt Council’s $723 million Operational Plan
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n extraordinary meeting has been called to adopt Council’s Operational Plan for 2016-17, which sets out the actions and projects to be delivered to the community in the coming financial
year.
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The plan is currently out on public exhibition (but not advertised in this newspaper), and highlights a $540 million spend on essential services, and $183 million on infrastructure, including expenditure on roads, water and sewerage networks, the environment,
community facilities, and open space and recreation. The plan commits over $50 million to be spent on roads, but West Gosford is the only former Gosford Council suburb included in that expenditure. Over $24 million will also be spent on recreational
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facilities at Adcock Park, Central Coast Stadium and Gavenlock Oval. R e c r e a t i o n a l improvements in the Gosford area include work at the Terrigal Haven, Koolewong boat ramp and the replacement of a timber footbridge at Nijori Cl in Kincumber. Community input is being sought and will be considered for inclusion in the final plan to be put to Council on June 29. The plan will need to be adopted at the meeting so it can be rolled out in the new financial year, starting on July 1. The first operational plan is based primarily on the direction provided by the two former local councils. Actions, projects and plans may change over the next 12 months, as the plan is reviewed to bring it more into line with the new Central Coast Council. Media release, Jun 8, 2016 Central Coast Council Media Website, Jun 14, 2016 Central Coast Council Draft Operational Plan 201617
Coast Community News - June 16, 2016 - Page 11
ELECTION
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Both sides commit to funding performing arts centre but can’t agree on its location hadow minister for the arts, Mr Mark Dreyfus, and Labor candidate for Robertson, Ms Anne Charlton, announced that a Shorten Labor Government would build a regional performing arts centre on the former Gosford Public School site.
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The project would be delivered in partnership with the Central Coast Council and would require the dissolution of the Liberal decision to build an Australian Tax Office on the former Gosford Public School site. “The performing arts centre would provide jobs during the construction phase and while it operates,” Ms Charlton said. “Alongside the Central Coast Stadium, it will provide a drawcard for regional and interstate tourism and give our beautiful waterfront
Labor candidate for Robertson, Ms Anne Charlton with Mr Mark Dreyfus, Shadow minister for the arts at the Edogawa Gardens Photo Noel Fisher
the premier attraction it deserves.” Mr Dreyfus said $20 million would be committed to a regional performing arts centre by a Labor Government. Advertisement
He said the commitment would negate the NSW Government’s stipulation that an arts centre be built on the Poppy Park site. “Labor has already stated it will reassess the decision
HILLARY MORRIS FOR ROBERTSON
to put the ATO on the school site and move to have the office built in the CBD where it would be of most value,” Mr Dreyfus said. “I was very pleased to be able to announce this boost to the arts and the local economy that will come from this project.” Senator Deborah O’Neill said the announcement was a win for the Central Coast community on more than one level. “Not only will the Coast get a world-class arts complex to display our talent
on our beautiful waterfront, but also the community has been heard by Labor,” Sen O’Neill said. “The decision by the Liberals to put two government buildings on prime land overlooking Brisbane Water was without consultation and against the community’s vision for the site,” she said. Ms Anne Charlton said the announcement recognised the almost nine-month campaign by the people of the region to keep the waterfront as
FEDERAL ELECTION FORUM The Central Coast Branch of the Australian Conservation Foundation will be holding an election forum for the upcoming federal election on Monday, June 20, at 127 Donnison St, Gosford for Robertson Candidates. Can we count on our local candidates for the seat of Robertson to protect our local environment?
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valuable public space after the demolition. “It’s time to get this done.” Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, and the NSW Government, condemned Labor’s announcement on the regional performing arts centre for Gosford. “The Turnbull Liberal Team has a strong plan for more jobs on the Central Coast, including 600 new federal jobs, a new Central Coast medical school and a regional performing arts centre the community deserves,” Ms Wicks said. “Labor has put another $20 million on Bill Shorten’s ‘spend-o-metre’ and announced it would shift the proposed site of the Performing Arts Centre without any details like how it would actually buy the land. “It’s also clear that Labor has put no thought into how it will deliver on its flaky promise. “Labor claimed that it has always wanted the performing arts centre on the school site, yet on numerous occasions, Labor Senator Deborah O’Neill has stood on Gosford City Park to commit funds there. “After 50 years of debate, this is an insult to our community. NSW member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, said Labor’s plan was an “absolute joke. “The funding for our regional performing arts centre has already been delivered by all three levels of government,” Mr Crouch said. NSW parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, said the commitment by Labor was cynical. “It’s frankly an insult to the Central Coast,” Mr MacDonald said. “The reason for the delay in building a regional performing arts centre is Labor’s obstructionism and politicisation of the project. “The NSW Government and Lucy Wicks have committed the necessary funds to proceed. “We are now working with the new Central Coast Council to design, develop and build a world class cultural asset.” Media release, Jun 10, 2016 Scott Coomber, office of Deborah O’Neill Media release, Jun 13, 2016 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks
Coast Community News - June 16, 2016 - Page 13 ADVERTISEMENT
THIS IS HOW I, Van Davy [Indep] WILL VOTE:
INDEPENDENT 4
1 7 3 5 6
2
Laurie Higgins ......not known to me. ......because I am INDEPENDENT, and strongly against CORRUPTION, MEGA-RICH TAX EVASION and ANTI-PEOPLE BANKS ......because I am CLEAN of Party & factional bosses, companies, developers … I accept zero money from anyone. ......because I strongly support honest small businesses, pensioners, workers, youth, renewables, the Social Wage & Family Wage ......I am unbendable on matters such as GST, Penalty Rates, no nuclear, marriage equality, Medicare, pensions & make the mega-rich pay their taxes!!! ......because I strongly support Central Coast plans for: youth; homeless; ADF veterans; 10 year road plan; fast NBN jobs generation; community-wide plan for development of Gosford and the Centrak Coast
Van Davy [Independent]
......The Liberals have PROVED themselves to be serial liars so that we elect them … (i) Liberals support the Big End of Town tax cuts, tax havens, & tax dodges, all of them robberies against hospitals, schools, Medicare, pensions, etc (ii) Liberals support 15% GST, abolish penalty rates, cut schools & hospitals, cut Medicare, cut dental … cut everything ‘public’ (iii) Attack pensioners, workers, renewables jobs, fibre NBN and associated jobs (iv) Have provided NOTHING locally worthwhile … no new 10 year plan for Central Coast roads, no Youth Plan, no all-fibre NBN plan for jobs on the Central Coast. No attempt to unite the community in a community-generated plan for the development of the Central Coast.
Lucy Wicks
Hillary Morris ......a big disappointment with many good policies but opportunistic when they see advantage. Recently did deals with ed Liberals to strip 97,000 pensioners of their pensions and reduce pensions to another 200,000 pensioners; voted with Liberals to hide the tax affairs of companies $100-$200 million; too close to anti- pensioner Liberals.
Mathew Craig ......not known to me. Robert Stoddart ......one-issue Party. Against marriage equality. Cannot be supported. Anne Charlton ......Labor is 2nd best. Labor is NOT anti-pensioner, anti-worker, anti-renewables, anti-Social Wage. Labor defends pensioners, wages and Medicare. Labor’s economic record, especially in Global Financial Crisis has been excellent. However, Labor is sullied by its factional wrangles, its mixed messages on GST, nuclear, penalty rates and it refuses to support an Independent Commission Against Corruption and has a similarly soft approach to criminalising immoral ‘tax havens’ which are at the heart of our Budget deficit ‘black holes’.
THAT is the way I will vote. However, YOU need to make your decision. If you are normally a LIBERAL VOTER and you simply cannot “2” preference for Labor, but you REALLY, really want an INDEPENDENT … then please consider this: • I will work to expose corruption and mega-rich influence … INDEPENDENCE permits me to do this. • Pensions must be strong, the Family Wage must be strong • I will work to shame both Parties into supporting (i) a national ICAC (ii) Royal Commissions into Banks & Tax Evasion…INDEPENDENCE permits me to do this. • Both Liberal & Labor are against a National Independent Commission Against Corruption. Why do you think this is? Yes, me too. I believe they are corrupt. • Small business needs to support its natural allies, pensioners and workers, not corrupted and tax evading Big Corporations and multinational tax havens
IF YOU THINK, as I do, that these issues of CORRUPTION - GREEDY BANKS - MASSIVE TAX EVASION by the mega-rich … are distorting/mangling the governance of this country, but you simply cannot [2] for Labor, then the you could consider voting:
1. Van Davy [Independent] 2.
Lucy Wicks
3. etc But, please, before you put a “2” next to “Lucy Wicks” please remember that this is a DOUBLE Dissolution for a reason. The Liberals want BOTH Houses so they can do all the things they said they wanted to do. Remember what THEY said … not me, THEY said these things. Remember also, the lies … the many lies which resulted in 97,000 pensioners stripped, another 200,000 pensions reduced … and indexation threatened … the attempted $8 tax on Medicare … the $100,000 University degrees … cuts to ABC/SBS … cuts to schools & hospitals … the threat to penalty rates … the huge push for 15% GST … the huge $50 billion tax gift to Big End of Town …. And the continued robbery of hundreds of $ billions dollars as P M Turnbull encourages his Big End of Town to hide their money in Tax Escapes ‘havens’.
Vote 1 … Van Davy
INDEPENDENT Authorised by Dr Van Davy: INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE for ROBERTSON Mob: 0414 310 968 Email: van@vandavy.com
ELECTION
Page 14 - Coast Community News - June 16, 2016 Share
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Government pledges $2.2 million for environment in Robertson ccording to Environment Minister Mr Greg Hunt and Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks, a re-elected Turnbull Government will invest $2.2 million for a new Local Environment Plan in the Robertson electorate.
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The new plan includes: a $1.25 million investment to Central Coast Council towards the upgrade of the iconic Five Lands Walk track, and building the Willow Rd boardwalk in Springfield; Three new Green Army projects to perform environmental works; $250,000 to ensure Clean4Shore can continue cleaning our waterways for the next three years; and, as a boost to surf life saving clubs at Avoca Beach, Killcare, North Avoca, Macmasters Beach, Ocean Beach, Terrigal and Umina, a share of $100,000 in funding through the Solar Communities Programme. The Green Army investments are part of the Coalition’s policy to support local communities and environments by investing in the protection of threatened species, parks, nature reserves, coastal and river areas and supporting renewables. Ms Wicks said the
plan was one of the most comprehensive local environment strategies that had ever been proposed for the Central Coast, by investing in direct cleanup work, sustainable projects, jobs, tourism and infrastructure. “The Central Coast is one of the most beautiful places to live and work, but one of the biggest reasons why so many families love our region is its environment,” Ms Wicks said. “Projects like the Five Lands Walk have become major events in our calendar, by connecting people to people and people to place. “New funding will kick start Stage One of the Walk’s upgrade, including a landmark steel bridge and vital path improvements,” she continued. “Our funding for Clean4Shore will help Graham ‘Jono’ Johnston and his team continue their extraordinary work removing litter, often illegally
dumped, in our pristine foreshores, mangroves and estuaries. “Clean 4 Shore and the Green Army teams we’ve announced will also actively involve young people on the Central Coast, both with practical rubbish removal and teaching them about the importance of caring for our environment into the next generation.” “School students in Springfield will also benefit from a boardwalk being constructed between Willow Rd and Balfour Cl. “This project has been a dream of local residents groups for years, and working with the Central Coast Council, we will make this a reality,” Ms Wicks said. The Coalition also recognises the important role community and household solar plays in Australia’s transition to a low emissions economy with an increase in renewable energy.
Correction
According to Ms Wicks, under the solar communities programme, a re-elected Turnbull Coalition Government will provide $100,000 to MacMasters, Avoca, Kilcare, North Avoca, Ocean, Terrigal and Umina Beaches’ Surf Life Saving Clubs to help them reduce electricity bills and lower emissions. “The Coalition is committed to tackling climate change without hiking power bills for community groups, families and businesses and putting Australian jobs at risk,” Ms Wicks said. “The Coalition will also provide $1 million to support upgrades to outboard engines used by our surf lifesavers across Australia, to help them purchase cleaner engines and reduce their running costs through lower fuel use. “Grants will be up to $1,000 per outboard,” Ms Wicks concluded. Media release, Jun 9, 2016 Tim Sowden, Office of Lucy Wicks MP
n issue 134 of Coast Community News on page 16, we published the article “Arts party candidate forced to withdraw”.
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The article included the statement: “Arts Party Candidate, Ms Victoria ‘Fi’ Hopkins announced the withdrawal of her candidacy for the electorate of Robertson after discovering she violated a term of the Australian Constitution”. Ms Hopkins has clarified that she withdrew her candidacy for the Arts Party as soon as she realised dual citizenship precluded her from running and that was before she completed any necessary paperwork. As a result Ms Hopkins acted completely in good faith and in no way violated the constitution. Central Coast Newspapers apologises for this editorial error and for any embarrassment caused. Ms Hopkin’s submitted statement, in full, said: “It is with great regret that I must withdraw my Arts Party Candidacy for the electorate of Robertson as it has come to my attention that under Section 44 of the Australian Constitution, my holding dual nationality, renders me incapable of being chosen or of sitting as a senator or
a member of the House of Representatives. “While I am Australian by birth, in 2002, when Australian legislation changed to enable Australian citizens to acquire other citizenships without loss of their Australian citizenship, I took the opportunity to acquire Maltese citizenship. “I am entitled to Maltese citizenship, through my maternal ancestry. “My mother came to Australia in 1952 as a child from Malta with her family following World War II. “While the 2002 legislative changes to citizenship laws embrace the modern reality of Australia, the Constitution sadly does not. “I believe very strongly in supporting the arts on the NSW Central Coast and will continue to support both the new Arts Party candidate and the greater community to create a cultural space and voice for my local community.” Email, May 31, 2016 Fi Hopkins, Multi Arts Confederation Jackie Pearson, journalist
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ELECTION
Page 16 - Coast Community News - June 16, 2016 Share
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Abrahams calls for all parties to support NBN rollout audit
Central Coast Taskforce aims to be political parties’ conscience
egional businessman and past chair of the region’s Broadband Infrastructure Group, Mr David Abrahams, has called for a full audit of the NBN rollout on the Central Coast for the sake of the nation.
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Mr Abrahams said he called on all federal election candidates to support his call for an audit. He said all business and community groups should support the audit and share their experiences, good or bad. “Regional, rural and outer metropolitan areas are crying out for clear solutions, solutions based on engineering experience,” Mr Abrahams said. “Naturally, I welcome the recent announcements by the ALP to return to a fibre optic focus for the roll out,” he said. “However this can be best achieved if we learn from the situation today. “It is also massively important to learn from the experiences on the ground. “The Central Coast is, in effect, the internet laboratory of the nation. “It’s crucial that we learn and apply these lessons, successes and failures. “An audit of the rollout would bring clarity to the list of successes, failures, delays, confusion, downgrades and cost issues. “This will give us a clear path to a better internet for all. “Perhaps it would allow us all to unite around the NBN project and defuse the
Mr Holstein, described as a “heavy hitter”, has been given the job of “keeping the bastards honest.” “The Coast’s 300,000plus residents will have an informed and critical take on what the major parties are and are not promising to deliver for the region in the election,” Mr Singleton said. Mr Singleton said the Coast matters to him; as a local rate payer for over 50 years, he is passionate about the region and always has been,” Mr Singleton said. “Chris, as spokesman for the Taskforce, is the Central Coast’s voice.” Mr Holstein said he would focus on what commitments the two major parties make to the Central Coast in the lead up to the July 2 poll. “We have been treated like second class citizens, all we get is a lot of rhetoric, we get no substance and we are left hanging, while the likes of Townsville and Western Sydney have run their campaigns,” Mr Holstein said. “They get the limelight, the lion’s share of funding, and the Central Coast pales into insignificance,” he said. “What are they promising in tangible policy, what are they promising in infrastructure and what are the benefits for the Central Coast?” he said.
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battles.” Mr Abrahams, fresh from a private study tour of smart cities in northern Europe, has made the call for an audit in some desperation. “It is clearly apparent from around the world, that top notch telecommunication is vital to the prosperity of all regions,” he said. “As one of the chief organisers of the NBN investment in the Central Coast region, I feel a particular responsibility to maintain the goodwill of the project, now that it has become both a political football and an engineering nightmare. “The delays we are seeing seem to be directly related to the radical change of technologies that was undertaken halfway through the rollout on the Central Coast. “There also seems to be confusion between the NBN Co and the telecommunication providers as to who is responsible for what. “Complaints fill the airways and column inches of media outlets as well as the massive complaint lists on social media. “Something needs to be done to make an awful situation better. “I’ve become a lightning rod in my community
for issues and problems relating to the NBN rollout, due in part to my previous roles as chair of the region’s Broadband Infrastructure Group and Regional Development Australia. “I am still a great believer in the NBN project and I am also aware of great success stories, though the project is under a great deal of pressure to improve its performance. “An audit here on the Central Coast will provide great dividends for the whole country.” According to Mr Abrahams, the NBN is being rolled out in many areas but it has reportedly been canned in other areas on the Central Coast and around the nation. Several business parks have been knocked off the fibre rollout plans, Mr Abrahams said. “No clear answers can be given either on the type or timing of important rollout areas such as schools, clubs and business parks. “This is a major concern and ruins investor confidence. Media release, Jun 14, 2016 David Abrahams, Digital Research, Strategy, Policy and Investment
ormer Gosford mayor and NSW MP, Mr Chris Holstein, has been recruited by Mr John Singleton to head the Central Coast Taskforce in the lead up to the July 2 federal election. Mr Holstein has promoted and supported the Central Coast since his election to Gosford Council in 1991. Mr Holstein said he has no political affiliations and is back to where he began as an independent who brings with him considerable political experience and community engagement. On his resignation from the Liberal Party, Mr Holstein said: “I removed myself from that a while ago.” He said the Taskforce would be using “all aspects of the media” throughout the remainder of the campaign to take information from both the Labor and Liberal parties about what they are prepared to commit to the Central Coast. “We will campaign through various media outlets to let the people know what the promises are from both parties because they need to make an informed decision and we are going to help them,” he said. In true “Singo” parlance, Mr Holstein said his role would be to “cut through the bull sh__”. He said any candidate who did not know what the needs of the Central Coast were should not be in office. According to Mr Holstein, Central Coast voters were also tired of federal politicians saying they could not comment on NSW or local council issues. “Quite frankly the council and the state government are always going to be looking for federal government funding to deliver infrastructure and jobs, and both parties have dipped their fingers in that issue when it has suited them,” Mr Holstein said. He said the Central Coast Task Force, with John Singleton’s financial backing, had been “down the road” of running candidates in elections. “It is an expensive exercise and last time we got 20,000 votes and did have an impact on that
government, but as a group, we have decided we are going to be the conscience so there are no accusations of impartiality.” The taskforce has had conversations with both major parties at a higher level than the local candidates in order to get solid commitments if they win government. “That doesn’t mean we don’t talk to the candidates, but we are trying to find a commitment from the parties, and it has been a mixed bag so far, let me tell you,” he said. In terms of how a region of 300,000 could ever compete with Western Sydney’s one million voters, Mr Holstein said: “Give me a third of what they are giving them [Western Sydney] and I will be happy. “The Central Coast still includes key seats, but we are the worst at underestimating what we are worth,” he said. Mr Holstein said he would prefer not to see his role as taskforce chairman as that of an auctioneer, charged with getting ever-increasing spending promises from the major parties. “I don’t call it the auctioneer, I call it the conscience,” he said. “People will always have their opinions, but hopefully they will be informed opinions and at the end of the day we might have a government that has a representative here that so desperately needs to keep their seat because, guess what, they know the other party has made the same commitments to the Coast,” Mr Holstein said. “I’ve found an even bigger stick to hit the politicians with, his name is Chris Holstein,” said Mr Singleton. Media release, Jun 14, 2016 Interview, Jun 15, 2016 Chris Holstein, Central Coast Taskforce Jackie Pearson, journalist
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June 16, 2016 - Page 17 Share
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NEWS
Opposition leader visits the Robertson electorate ederal opposition leader Mr Bill Shorten held a town hall style public meeting at Everglades Country Club on Friday, May 20.
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“Together, we will make this country better,” Mr Shorten said to the 400 attending. Mr Shorten said that only Labor will “put people first and fix the issues most affecting people, both here on the Central Coast and right across Australia.” Introduced by Labor’s candidate for Robertson, Ms Anne Charlton, Mr Shorten answered questions and spoke of Labor’s plan to protect Medicare, restore fairness to the tax system, address housing affordability and reverse the Liberal’s funding cuts to hospitals and school. “It’s not class war to choose to fund our schools before giving a tax cut to billion dollar businesses,” Mr Shorten said.
Mr Shorten has promised a $1.1 million upgrade to the Langford Dr and Woy Woy Rd intersection at Kariong. Ms Charlton said: “It has been 1,000 days since Lucy Wicks and then Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced funding to fix Langford Dr, but the community hasn’t seen any action, and the accidents just keep happening. “Lucy Wicks has had three years to sort this mess out and is happy to keep talking about the funding, but locals in Kariong actually want the hazard fixed,” she said. “When she should have been getting on with the job, Lucy Wicks instead fought with Gosford Council, leaving the stream of accidents to continue at
this black spot. “Lucy Wicks wasted the last three years by getting into pointless arguments with Gosford Council,” she said. “Now the council has been sacked, so who know what is going to happen with that funding. “No matter what Lucy Wicks says about this project now, locals just can’t trust another Liberal promise to fix Langford Dr.” Mr Shorten said Labor’s team on the Coast is listening and urged voters to send Ms Charlton to Canberra “so we can make this happen.” Media releases, May 22, 2016 Anne Charlton, Labor candidate
Pre polling underway enator for NSW, Ms Deborah O’Neill said up to one third of voters on the Central Coast are expected to vote before the July 2 election as pre-polling began on June 14.
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At the 2013 election, 27 per cent of Australians voted before polling day and the Australian Electoral Commission expects the number to increase at this election. Sen O’Neill said the number of pre-poll votes cast on the Central Coast could be even higher than the average considering the regions’ high proportion of voters who are infirmed or have mobility problems. “There are five pre-
polling booths across the seats of Robertson and Dobell for those who meet the Australian Electoral Commission’s guidelines and are able to vote before July 2,” Sen O’Neill said. “It is worth reminding voters they face a stark choice if they are voting over the next three weeks. “Labor will make health the number one issue and protect Medicare, we’ll make multinationals pay their fair share of tax, stop
$100,000 university degrees and boost funding to every school students through Your Child, Our Future. Robertson pre-poll booths are available in the DonnMann Business Centre, Gosford, and the former RTA building in Woy Woy.
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 Central Coast Council, 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
June 7, 2016
Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369
Issue 93
Wyong Regional Chronicle focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262, & 2263.
Council’s first property decision angers residents
Residents’ group threatens legal action over land sale
Harris calls for a full EIS on Kangy Angy site
The new Central Coast Council’s administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, has agreed, at the council’s first public meeting on May 25, to sell land in Orchard Rd, Kangy
In his address to the Central Coast Council meeting on May 25, member of the Kangy Angy Residents’ Action Group, Mr Neil Bolte said the residents’ main objections
Shadow minister for the Central Coast, Mr David Harris, has called on the NSW Government to undertake a full Environmental Impact Study for their proposed
$60 million waterfront residential apartment and retail project in Toukley
Public meeting over major threat to Wyong region’s water supply
Garbage workers’ dispute reaches a stalemate
A development application was lodged for a $60 million waterfront residential apartment and retail project in Toukley.
Threats to the health and safety of the Wyong region’s water supply as a result of toxic chemicals escaping from a waste landfill at Mangrove Mountain will be the subject of a public
Transport Workers Union NSW acting secretary, Mr Richard Olsen, said industrial action by Central Coast waste workers was a last resort forced on them by the refusal of the new Central
Residents campaign to protect Glenning Valley bushland
Greens to target homelessness
New council senior structure has less executive positions
Candidates for group of residents Greens’ The interim executive A to protect Robertson and Dobell said structure adopted by the campaigning Central Coast Council at its Glenning Valley bushland crisis housing solutions, first public meeting on May from what they say is an long term funding and housing sustainability solutions for 25 did not include the interim unsustainable deputy general manager’s development, were meeting homelessness were at the role that was initially The full articles and more can be seen on our website www.CentralCoastNews.net
Peninsula Community Access Edition 395
News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4321 0940
14 June 2016
Peninsula News focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2256 & 2257.
Media release, Jun 15, 2016 Scott Coomber, Office of Deborah O’Neill NSW Senator
Local fishing operators may close with law changes
Hearing date given for sale of Brisbane Ave reserve
Charles Sproul turns 90
The Peninsula will have a voice on the Central Coast Council during the next 16 months through a committee structure, according to council administrator Mr Ian
The potential reclassification and sale of the public reserve on Brisbane Ave in Umina has been listed for public hearing on Wednesday, July 6.
Mr Charles Sproul BEM, one of Patonga’s oldest residents, celebrated his 90th birthday on May 22 at the Central Coast Leagues Club.
Strike delays rubbish collection
Flood group reports extensive flooding
Council promises action on flooding
A strike by waste operators employed by the Central Coast Council’s current waste services contractor, Remondis, has resulted in domestic bins going uncollected in some areas of the Peninsula since Friday,
The storms on June 4 and 5 brought wind, rain and extensive fl ooding to the Peninsula, according to Mr Tony Maddern, founder of the Peninsula Flood Group.
The Peninsula has a unique set of land constraints that exacerbate flash flooding, according to Central Coast Council’s manager of sustainable corporate and city planning, Mr Matthew Prendergast.
Council should act on flooding, says Chamber
C branch calls for flood ACF model for a changing climate
Ettalong and Patonga most affected
The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has called on the Central Coast Council to take immediate action to alleviate flooding across Peninsula streets following wild weather
Central Coast Council should reveal its flood modelling assumptions and discuss them with the public, following recent flooding on the Woy Woy Peninsula,
Ettalong and Patonga were among the areas most affected by the East Coast Low that hit on the weekend of June 4 and 5, according to Central Coast Council.
The full articles and more can be seen on line on our website www.CentralCoastNews.net They can also be seen on www.PeninsulaNews.info
FORUM
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Community let down by former leaders spoke at the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) hearing to determine a development application for the erection of an ATO building on part of the former Gosford Primary School site.
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I spoke strongly against the proposal because it’s not good for Gosford. What the hearing showed was the abysmal development outcome that may soon blight our waterfront. A prime 10 hectare iconic site suitable for integrated development has been fragmented and sold off by a cash-hungry NSW Government and the two adjoining developers who have lodged DAs can’t even co-operate to provide access from Gosford CBD to the waterfront or a shared driveway. Some 10 years ago, Gosford Waterfront Strategy 2007 stated: “the Gosford school site constitutes a prime opportunity to develop an arts and cultural precinct ... it has been assumed the sports field adjacent to the primary school is to be retained as ... event space and recreational asset.” So former Gosford councillors, what happened to your strategy since 2007?
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 In 2010, after extensive community consultation (for which Gosford Council won an award), council adopted a City MasterPlan, “Our City Our Destiny”, which again showed an arts and entertainment precinct on the former school site including a performing arts centre. That document was endorsed by 84 per cent of the community and Mr Tony Kelly, the then minister for planning. So, former councillors, what happened to your MasterPlan since 2010? Former councillors and former state member for
Gosford, why did Gosford Council enter into a back-room deal with the Central Coast Regional Development Corporation (CCRDC), supposedly a department within Planning NSW, but describing itself in its webpage as a real estate developer? Isn’t that a massive conflict of interest? Why did neither council nor the NSW Government progress the plans they had endorsed? How did the CCRDC get to sell off two of three blocks on the former school site? Will the proceeds be used in Gosford, or be siphoned off? It’s quite clear that the Gosford community has been massively let down by its former councillors and leadership team. Explanations are needed before any former Gosford councillor re-enters public office.
our very informative publication (CCM Issue 134) tells us that the former Gosford Council has a $20 million surplus.
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FORUM important projects and vital infrastructure for the benefit of ratepayers, residents and visitors. G o v e r n m e n t organisations only function effectively when the
et’s think big.
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To unleash the enormous economic potential of the Central Coast, we need a world class communications system, not a Turnbull Government half-baked NBN system. It is not good enough that every three years at election time we are promised a few road construction projects and the construction of a few new buildings. They only have short term and limited benefit to the Central Coast. These types of projects don’t change anything fundamentally. We are still left with record high unemployment, underemployment, less training of apprentices, tens of thousands commuting
spending, saving and investing are all balanced. In the same paper we see on page 11 that council has plans to raise a further $72 million. Quite incongruous. Email, Jun 7, 2016 Marcelle Hoff, Ettalong Beach
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
FORUM to Sydney every day, more vacant business premises, unaffordable housing, growing homelessness and other serious social problems. The cost of Labor’s NBN fibre to the premise will not be a burden to Australia’s economy, it will be a valuable national communication asset. It will be worth much more than the cost of its construction. When completed, it will make businesses more efficient, productive and competitive, create new jobs and secure existing
jobs, provide major improvements in the quality of health, education and other community services. It will reduce the gap between the quality of services provided in the city, as against people living in the country. According to SMH article 19/2/16 headed “Turnbull’s NBN Plan in Crisis”, it was two thirds behind schedule and its cost had risen from $29 billion to almost twice that amount. The economic truth is Australia can’t afford not to have Labor’s fibre to the premise NBN scheme. Email, Jun 9, 2016 Tom McDonald, East Gosford
Exclusion of independents is discriminatory
Email, Jun 10, 2016 Kevin Armstrong, West Gosford
Council surplus not desirable This is somewhat disconcerting. Council budgets do not work the same way as household budgets. Well managed councils have financial plans that include raising funds and spending funds. Ratepayers expect funds to be spent efficiently on
Australia can’t afford not to have Labor’s NBN scheme
just read in Wednesday’s (8/6/16) Express Advocate about the proposed forum with the candidates for the federal electorates of Dobell and Robertson to be held on Tuesday June 21, at Mingara Recreation Club.
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It is a joint venture between the Advocate and the radio station 104.5 FM, but only the candidates for Labor, Liberal and the Greens parties have been invited. Why was this invitation not extended to Independent candidates? When I rang 104.5 FM and spoke to the manager, Mr Paul Moltzen, that this was most discriminatory, his response was that there would be too many
FORUM candidates to speak on the night in the two hours scheduled for the forum. But he couldn’t tell me the total number of candidates for these two electorates. Today (10/6/16), is when the ballot papers for all electorates are finalised for both houses of parliament and as yet all candidates have not been announced. Mr Moltzen said that the
arrangement for the forum has been finalised and will not be changed. This is indeed a most discriminatory action and should be heartily condemned. Silly me, I thought that I lived in a democracy where everyone is treated fairly and freedom of speech is enshrined in our democracy. Letter, Jun 10, 2016 James McMillan, Wamberal
Coast Community News - June 16, 2016 - Page 19 C SShare
Wamberal builder convicted of fraud
Wamberal man has been convicted of fraud after falsifying a Home Building Compensation Fund certificate for residential building work valued at almost half a million dollars.
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The sole director of Wamberal Beach Constructions Pty Ltd, Mr Warren Beckhouse pleaded guilty in Parramatta Local Court on April 28, 2016 of offences under the Crimes Act. Mr Beckhouse was ordered to pay $4,085 in fines and costs and placed on a section 9 good behaviour bond for two years. Mr Beckhouse was contracted by a Winston Hills man to construct a four-bedroom residence for the sum of $480,500. Before home building work valued at more than $20,000 can commence in NSW, the builder must obtain a certificate of cover under the Home Building Compensation Fund. The court heard Mr Beckhouse falsified the certificate and forwarded it to the private building
certifier firm. The certifier subsequently issued a Complying Development Certificate, allowing construction to begin on the Winston Hills premises in August 2013. By early 2014 building had stalled at the Winston Hills site. On April 20, the owner discovered Wamberal Beach Constructions Pty Ltd had gone into liquidation. When he contacted the company, Mr Beckhouse assured the owner he would complete the construction of the residence as a sole trader, which would not affect the Home Building Compensation Fund cover. However, due to the numerous delays, the owner decided to change builders and it was then that he discovered that he had not received a copy of the Home Building Compensation Fund certificate.
Further enquiries confirmed the owner’s fears that Mr Beckhouse had used falsified documents that voided his compensation fund protection. The owner has since engaged other contractors to complete the residential building work at considerable added expense. NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, Mr Rod Stowe said the Home Building Compensation Fund scheme was designed to provide protection for the benefit of consumers. “For your own protection, always check that a valid insurance certificate has been obtained by your builder for the work you want done,” Mr Stowe said. Media release, May 6, 2016 NSW Fair Trading Media
Family towed to safety family of six, two adults and four children, were assisted by Central Coast Marine Rescue after their boat ran out of fuel late on the afternoon of Sunday, May 15.
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The volunteers on duty at Marine Rescue Central Coast received a call for help well after 4:30pm. The family was on board their five metre Bowrider runabout when they sought assistance, indicating they were in Lintern Channel, just north of Cockle Creek and
had run out of fuel. Darkness was beginning to set-in. The duty crew on rescue vessel Central Coast CC021, Anthony Porter, Ian Radford and Bob Sullivan, were tasked to assist. In the failing light, the Bowrider was located
and towed to the ramp at Koolewong. The rescue crew arrived back at base in darkness. Media release, May 16, 2016 Ron Cole, Marine Rescue Central Coast
w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au
Motorcycle and utility crash at Mooney Mooney
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olice are investigating the circumstances surrounding a crash on the Central Coast on Saturday, June 11.
Just after 10:30am, police and emergency services responded to reports of a crash between a motorcycle and a utility on the Old Pacific Highway, near Cowan Road at Mooney Mooney. A 54-year-old man riding the motorcycle was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for head injuries and was flown by Westpac Rescue
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The rolling road block, at the direction of a Court order, took place on the M1 Pacific Motorway between Mount White and Mooney Mooney from 11am to 11.30am. Motorists were advised
to avoid southbound travel on that stretch at that time. Traffic was held briefly before being escorted by police under a speed
restriction of 40km/h. All Northbound lanes remained open during operations Media release, May 6, 2016 NSW Police Media
Helicopter to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition. A female pillion rider was also treated at the scene for an injury to her wrist. She was taken by ambulance to Royal North Shore Hospital in a stable condition. The driver of the Holden
utility, a man in his mid-20s, was not injured. He was breath tested at the scene with a negative result. Officers from Brisbane Water Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Media release, Jun 11, 2016 NSW Police media
Wet man arrested man has been charged with property and maritime offences after he was found in the water at Point Frederick.
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Just before 11.30am, Monday, May 9, police from Brisbane Water Local Area Command responded to reports of a man in the water near Eulalia Ave. On arrival, police found a man on the beach in wet clothing attempting to push a kayak towards the water’s edge. The man allegedly told police he was trying to get back to a nearby boat using the kayak, which did not belong to him. Police searched the man and allegedly located a small quantity of methamphetamine (Ice) and drug paraphernalia in his possession. Water Police and Maritime Safety officers
Anyone with information about these incidents should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 were called to the scene and towed a nearby boat to shore. Further inquiries revealed the boat was never registered and was without mandatory safety equipment on-board. A search of the boat allegedly located
housebreaking implements and several brass items, believed to be marinerelated. A 27-year-old man was arrested and taken to Gosford Police Station where he was charged with several offences including: Possess housebreaking implements; Possess prohibited drug; Goods in custody; Operator not carry specified safety equipment; and Master operate unregistered vessel. He was granted conditional bail to appear before Gosford Local Court on Monday, June 27. Media release, May 10, 2016 NSW Police Media
Emergency beacon alert was a false alarm
Rolling road block causes extensive traffic delays raffic and Highway Patrol officers carried out a rolling road block on the M1 on Friday, May 6.
ON THE BEAT
Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked to do a search for an emergency beacon around Terrigal on Tuesday, May 3.
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After the beacon became activated around 5:30pm, the helicopter searched overhead for a period of time before landing at a football oval at Killarney Vale. The crew continued on foot through streets and
located an old emergency locater beacon (ELB) inside a kayak that had been activated from corrosion. Mr Barry Walton of Rescue Helicopter said: “It’s a reminder that if you have an ELB, ensure you
continue to monitor it due to aging or expiry date and if uncertain, contact your local marine dealer for advice.” Email, May 3, 2016 Barry Walton, Rescue Helicopter
HEALTH
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Another 150 new aged care places funded
Healthy eating is part of a food revolution tudents from Narara Public School will participate in Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Day on May 20, with special activities planned to get students excited about healthy eating.
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Food Revolution Day is a global day of action that celebrates good fresh food and aims to change the way children perceive food choices by teaching the benefits of cooking and eating fresh food. Students in Year 10 from Lisarow High School Food Technology will visit Narara Public School and work with
students from Years 1 and 2 to create Jamie Oliver’s DIY fruity cereal. The exercise focuses on teaching Year 1 and 2 students about the importance of breakfast and also teaches them about the amount of sugar that can be found in popular breakfast cereals. Students will get to make
their own breakfast cereal, flavoured with natural sugars from fruit. The following week Stages 2 and 3 will walk to Lisarow High School to partake in Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. Newsletter, May 16, 2016 Narara Public School
Fitness challenge raises funds for Children’s Medical Research Lucy Wicks was present at the turning of the first sod for the Arrum development
Federal Government funding boost will create 150 new aged care places on the Central Coast, according to member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks MP.
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The announcement was made ahead of the symbolic opening of Aurrum’s new Terrigal Dr aged care development at Erina on Friday, April 15. “There is a strong demand for aged care on the Central Coast and these additional places are essential in ensuring our elderly receive the quality care they deserve,” said Ms Wicks. “It will either help expand
existing services or create new places in priority areas of need, including at Aurrum, where the $18 million facility will deliver around 70 aged care beds,” she said. Other Central Coast aged care services to benefit include Bupa Care Services at Kincumber with more than 100 new residential care places. The boost is part of an Approvals Round from the federal Government.
It’s estimated that the value of one residential aged care place is worth $62,000. On the Central Coast, this will also benefit providers including Home Services Central Coast, based at Mt Penang Parklands in Kariong and Sue Mann’s Community Care in Erina. Media release, Apr 21, 2016 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks
EcoVillage to hear about global health
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he next Narara Eco Village open day, to be held on Saturday, June 25, will include a talk on Global Health and Local Ecovillage.
The monthly open day, including tours, tea and talk followed by the monthly network talk which will be given by Mr Dave Burrows. Mr Burrows has worked on HIV prevention and treatment among drug users for 30 years.
He has now joined the Narara Eco Village. His talk will explore what lessons can be drawn from a working life spent in public health, for the residents of an ecovillage on the NSW Central Coast. Dave is a director of
APM Global Health and has worked in more than 60 countries in Asia, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Latin America and Africa. Newsletter, May 25, 2016 Narara Eco Living Network
s for Kids, a fitness challenge that raises funds for the Children’s Medical Research Institute, is coming to the Mt Penang Gardens on June 26.
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The fitness challenge offers a 30, 15 or 6km run or walk around the gardens, Event Park and Parklands. The event is all ages and all fitness level friendly and aims to help the Research Institute advance the treatment of childhood
disease. Event registration open at 7:30am and the 30km challenge commences from 8am. 15km walk starts at 9am and the 6km family friendly option kicks off from 10:30am.
There will also be refreshments, entertainment and activities at the Discovery Hub from 11am. Email, Jun 14, 2016 Sue Chidgey, Children’s Medical Research Institute
Life Education NSW receives $8,500 for a wheelchair lift
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ederal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks has awarded funding to Life Education NSW under the Government’s Stronger Communities Programme.
The programme seeks to fund small projects that support local services and projects that will improve community participation and cohesion. Ms Wicks said that Life Education was the first organisation in the electorate to benefit from the programme. “I’m thrilled to be able to deliver this funding which will directly help families on the Central Coast who are using this fantastic educational resource. “It’s great to be with Healthy Harold and the team today at the Coast Christian School in Bensville. “This drug, alcohol and
healthy living message is also expected to be rolled out to over 12,000 children over 32 Central Coast schools every year,” Ms Wicks said. Life Education NSW has received over $8,500 for a wheelchair lift to be installed into Life Education’s Mobile Classroom. This learning centre travels to local schools with iconic mascot, Healthy Harold, teaching children about the importance of making positive life choices. Fundraising Manager, Ms Lillian Adnan said: “We are so thankful to Lucy for granting this funding to Life Education.
“A wheelchair lift on our Mobile Classroom means that children with disabilities now have improved access to the program in the Gosford Region. “We want to see every child on the Central Coast armed with the tools to make healthy choices in their lives,” she said. “Life Education NSW is a well-known and trusted not for profit organisation, delivering health and safety educational programs to Australian children for over 35 years,” Ms Adnan said. Media release, Apr 29, 2016 Tim Sowden, Office of Lucy Wicks MP
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$5,000 raised alekulani Bowlers have beaten their own fundraising record, raising $5,000 for The Ronald McDonald Family Room at Gosford Hospital.
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The Twilight Men’s Bowlers come together every Thursday night, from September to April, for a game of bowls to raise money for charity. Last year’s efforts raised $3,000 for the Family Room and this year’s effort smashed that figure. The Bowlers really stepped it up with the Tuesday Night Mixed Bowlers getting on board to help the Twilight Bowlers raise more money for the charity. Mr Terry Gibson, who has been organising the Twilight Bowlers each week, said the boys loved that they were helping sick kids on the Coast and their families. The Ronald McDonald Family Room at Gosford Hospital opened in 2013, and since then, there have been over 25,000 people walk through the big purple door in need of a break. The facility, for families of child patients, operates seven days a week, with help from 89 volunteers, and is often referred to as a ‘Home within the Hospital’. The Gosford Family Room provides families with an environment and facilities that help families to be better equipped for long stays in the hospital while ensuring that they can be close to their child at all times, as they don’t need
to leave the hospital to go home. Gosford Family Room Coordinator, Ms Kami Dibden said when you have a sick child in hospital, it is a stressful and worrisome time for parents and families. “While we can’t fix the problem, the Family Room can help to reduce the financial burden and stress of families who have a child in hospital. “This year, we have had over 4,000 people walk through our doors in need of a break and time away from the ward and we couldn’t be there to support our families if it wasn’t for the community supporting us,” Ms Dibden said. “We operate as our own charity in the local region meaning that the money raised here stays here. “We don’t receive Government funding, so when we say we can’t do it without the community, we mean it. “We rely on community donations and corporate sponsorships to enable us to support our families when they need it most,” Ms Dibden concluded. Email, May 3, 2016 Kami Dibden, Ronald McDonald Family Room, Gosford Hospital
The walk to beat childhood disease
ksforkidswalk.org.au | ksforkids@cmri.org.au
w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au
HEALTH
University welcomes state funding towards medical school he University of Newcastle (UON) has warmly welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement that it has earmarked $20 million for new health and medical education and research facilities at Gosford Hospital.
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With its partners, the Central Coast Local Health District and Gosford Council, the university will continue to work with the Commonwealth to secure the balance of the required investment. The funding required to establish the Central Coast Medical School and Research Institute would be $72.5 million capital plus another $12.5 million operation funding. In addition to the $20 million capital investment just earmarked by the NSW Government, the partners want the Federal Government to provide $32.5 million of the capital required with the other $20 million coming from UON. The $12.5 operating investment would be in the form of transitional funding over five years, also from the Federal Government. If funding was secured, the transformational project would create a new centre of excellence in Gosford that would be regionally focused, and globally engaged. The proposed new precinct would contain a Central Coast Medical School based on UON’s existing medical school and an affiliated Health and Medical Research Institute on the site of the redeveloped Gosford Hospital. The new facilities would deliver up to $72.5 million of capital investment to the Central Coast, and be a catalyst for enhanced integrated healthcare, research and innovation, and new opportunities for the whole region. The project’s benefits include: economic impact of $209 million for the regional economy over 10 years; 765 new jobs for the Central Coast; a brand new health and medical education and research precinct delivering new regionally trained doctors, nurses and allied health practitioners; and a major boost to the Coast’s knowledge economy, retaining and attracting investment and talent to the region. Reflecting on UON’s
commitment to allocate 30 of its existing medical places to the project, and to invest up to $20 million capital, UON vice-chancellor Professor Caroline McMillen said the project was a boost for the Coast. “This new proposal is distinctive because it can deliver outcomes and benefits quickly: no new medical places are required, and UON already delivers excellent medical, nursing and allied health programs and conducts worldclass research,” said Prof McMillen. UON is ranked the top eight universities in Australia for funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
UON’s medicine degree was ranked in the top 150 in the world and its nursing discipline was ranked in the top 100 by QS World University Subject Rankings 2016. “Cambridge, Harvard, Gosford: It’s not a witty T-Shirt idea, but a dream that’s taking hold across the Central Coast,” said Ms Wicks. “It’s a dream for a worldclass medical research institute and university presence in the heart of our city,” she said. “So why add a university into the mix? “It’s a dream being forged by the University of Newcastle, the NSW Government and Gosford Council.
“I’ve been working closely with these key stakeholders since becoming the member for Robertson. “Unlocked by our positive Growth Plan for the Central Coast, a major upgrade to Gosford Hospital and a University with a vision, the project could see game-breaking medical research taking place right here on the Coast, with links to world-class tertiary institutions overseas. “The project is ambitious, and more work needs to be done, but everything we’ve delivered and everything we’re fighting for is all part of a plan to make this region great again. Media release, Apr 29, 2016 UON Media Media release, Apr 29, 2016 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks
EDUCATION
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$12,800 grant to NAISDA for a dance performance
Stalls to raise funds for Ken’Ya Help Day tudents in Year 3 from St Philip’s Christian College will host the second Ken’Ya Help Day fundraiser on June 22.
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The event raises funds for the Mission in Action Orphanage in Nakuru, and the Stewards Light School in Kenya. As a part of the day, the entire school will be able to wear green, red and black for a gold coin donation,
and Year 3 will host various stalls, with goods and activities available. For offer from the stalls will be: a coloured hair spray stall; coffee and hot chocolates; sausage sizzle; mini movie marathon; a magic show; face painting;
pre-loved books and toys; gumboot throwing contest; guessing contests; showbags, and busking. Newsletter, May 30, 2016 Michelle Kelly, St Philip’s Christian College
New culture of thinking at Wyoming ur Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, Wyoming, is using a Harvard University thinking curriculum to prepare students for a vastly different workplace.
O NAISDA staff and dancers with Mr Scot MacDonald, NSW parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast
According to principal, Mr Frank Cohen, the rapid evolution of technology has altered the role and availability of traditional jobs. As such, the school has re-evaluated how it prepares students for a world that is unrecognisable
AISDA Dance College in Kariong has received $12,800 from the NSW Government to grow and promote Aboriginal art and culture.
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Parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald said: “It was wonderful to visit NAISDA College to meet the dancers and staff to confirm they had been successful in their grant application to present an indigenous cultural dance performance ‘Speaking Countries’ in Sydney. “The performances will showcase both emerging and established Aboriginal dance practitioners from across NSW,” Mr MacDonald said. “The NSW Government
acknowledges the important role art plays in Aboriginal culture and through the Aboriginal Regional Arts Fund, we want to create opportunities for Aboriginal artists, arts workers, communities and audiences,” he said. Deputy premier and minister for the arts, Mr Troy Grant, said the government was proud to invest in a vibrant and distinctive Aboriginal arts and cultural sector, supporting local artists in regional and remote NSW to tell the stories of their communities.
“Our State is fortunate to have a vast array of Aboriginal artistic talent across art forms including visual art, dance, theatre, literature and music,” Mr Grant said. “These new projects will help Aboriginal artists build on their abilities and talents, boost local economies and encourage a greater appreciation of Aboriginal culture in the broader community.” Media release, Jun 6, 2016 Hannah Eves, office of Scot MacDonald
The Fletcher Gallery ART CLASSES + WORKSHOPS AT SPRINGFIELD PRIVATE TUITION FOR DETAILS CONTACT ZOE FLETCHER www.zoefletcher.com 4324 2801 or 0497 766 522 zoefletcher_1@hotmail.com
from when current adults were in school. The Cultures of Thinking work from Harvard University has been utilised in the school to teach children how to arrange, synthesise and analyse information and teaches them new thinking routines
for problem solving. The school has also invested in the study of coding to ensure students are ready for a world of smart technology. Newsletter, Jun 1, 2016 Frank Cohen, principal Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School
Emma Birdsall visits college t Philip’s Christian College was visited by singer Emma Birdsall, her partner, and Port Stephen’s St Philip’s student, Dan May.
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Birdsall was a participant in the first season of ‘The Voice’ and has featured on Channel Nine’s drama ‘Love Child’. Birdsall shared with the group her experiences in
trying to make it in the music industry and discussed her struggles with chronic illness and an eating disorder, and how her journey drew her closer to God. The duo then performed
for the College, before Birdsall shared her own tips on wellness and inspiration. Newsletter, Jun 10, 2016 Michelle Kelly, principal St Philip’s Christian College Gosford
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 6 Sandra on 4392 8716
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Mock UN fosters goodwill
Three schools selected for Schools Spectacular alley View Public School at Wyoming, Narara Valley High School and Wamberal Public School have all been selected to take part in the 2016 Schools Spectacular.
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2016 marks the largest event in the 33-year history of this popular extravaganza, to be held on November 25 and 26 at Sydney Olympic Park. To mark the move to Western Sydney, this year’s Schools Spectacular will feature a 2,700-strong choir; 2,300 dancers; an 80-piece symphony orchestra; stage band; and a huge number of outstanding solo performers (known as Featured Artists).
Students from metropolitan, rural and remote regions of NSW, from varying ages, cultures, skills and socio-economic backgrounds will all be showcased. Sonja Sjolander, Schools Spectacular’s creative director, said the standard of this year’s auditions was outstanding. “I have never experienced anything like this year’s auditions,” Ms Sjolander
said. “I am totally in awe of the talent we have in NSW government schools.” The three Gosford area schools announced are among the 310 schools that have so far been chosen for the 2016 Schools Spectacular. Media release, Jun 14, 2016 Grant Hatch, Education NSW
Stage show teaches Australian history tage 3 students from St Philip’s Christian College viewed GOLD, an interactive stage show, as part of their unit on colonisation.
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GOLD presents historical information on the Australian gold rush in a comedic show. Through comedy, students learned about life on the goldfields, the Eureka
Stockade and about major gold finds. The school was also presented with an autographed copy of ‘Mountains’, by Wendy Blaxland, by actors from
GOLD, as a donation to the library. Newsletter, May 30, 2016 Michelle Kelly, principal St Philip’s Christian College
BYO Instrument Week a hit t Philip’s Christian College Gosford’s BYO Instrument to School Week initiative has proven so popular amongst the Junior School that the program was extended.
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The initial program was meant to run for one week, but the popularity of the music performances, and the variety of instruments and performances showcased the talent
amongst the Junior School. Students in Year 4 were particularly impressive, going the extra mile by forming a band and practiced together outside of school hours for their
performance in Instrument Week.
BYO
Newsletter, Jun 10, 2016 Rebecca Frost, Assistant Head of Junior School St Philip’s Christian College Gosford
False alarm has side benefit t Philips Christian College Gosford experienced an unexpected emergency on Tuesday, May 17.
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The school alarm was triggered, and whilst it was a false alarm, it was not a planned drill. School principal Ms Michelle Kelly said: “The positive that has come out of this situation is that
we were able to practice at a very vulnerable and complex time in the school day. “Within nine minutes, we had everyone from the school evacuated and safely on the oval and accounted
for. “And of course no one was hurt,” she said. Newsletter, 20 May 2016 Michelle Kelly, St Philips Christian College Gosford
EDUCATION
o s t e r i n g goodwill and developing an understanding of global issues in our youth were the aims of the Central Coast Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA), which was held at The Hive, Erina Fair, on May 19.
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Coordinated by the Rotary Clubs of the Central Coast, the MUNA encouraged global citizenship in high school students by asking them to debate issues discussed in the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. MUNA simulates the workings of the UN by having teams of students from Years 9 to 12 represent member countries of the UN and debate resolutions as a way to develop their research and communication skills, as well as gain a deeper understanding of important global issues. The students developed and debated resolutions from the political perspective and national sentiment on topical issues including climate change, free trade agreements, refugees and internally displaced people, and how each nation will respond to the threat of terrorism. Fourteen Central Coast public, catholic and independent high schools represented twenty three
Year 10 students, Grace Duffy, Lauren Hassall and Kate Witham, who represented the nation of Israel
countries and involved over seventy students. The Hive was a melting pot of cultures and colour as demonstrated by the students wearing the distinctive national costume of their chosen country in the debating topics of international relevance. The team from Kincumber High School representing Greece, won the popular vote for best costume. The Linda MacLean Memorial Peace trophy was awarded to the Erina High School representing India. A high commendation was awarded to the Central Coast Rudolph Steiner School, representing Canada, for their specific aid proposals for the Middle East crisis.
The team winner’s trophy was awarded to Ethiopia, represented by St Edward’s College, with India, represented by Erina High School, as runner-up, and Turkey, represented by Terrigal High School, as the third place getter. Students from St Philip’s Christian College placed fourth in the event. Year 10 students, Grace Duffy, Lauren Hassall and Kate Witham, who represented the nation of Israel, placed fourth and the school congratulated them on their success. Newsletter, May 30, 2016 Michelle Kelly, principal St Philip’s Christian College Media release, Jun 1, 2016 David Mylan, Rotary Terrigal
School leaders produce interim newsletter chool leaders at Kariong Public School now produce their own interim newsletter, which is uploaded to the school website.
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It is called KPS News, and it is a school leader initiative that allows the school’s leaders to present relevant items of news, relating to the school, in a digital video format.
Two representatives from Henry Kendall High School will visit Kariong Public School to see the school leaders in action with a view to introducing this initiative in the high school setting.
The school leaders are hoping to produce a weekly edition of KPS News for the remainder of 2016. Newsletter, May 13, 2016 Justin Abelle, Kariong Public School
OUT & ABOUT
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New Feathered Friends interactive bird show at Australian Reptile Park
Changed free car parking arrangements in Gosford ccording to the Central Coast Council, very low usage and the availability of other free parking in Gosford’s city centre will see the former Kibbleplex site’s commuter car park close on weekends.
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From June 11, the operating hours for the site’s 400 free commuter car parks will change to Monday to Friday, between 5.30am and 9pm each weekday. Central Coast Council’s Director of Community Growth, Ms Judy Jaeger, said that except for major city centre events, the commuter car park was virtually empty on weekends. “We also expect that closing the car park on
conic birds of prey, parrots and cockatoos will be demonstrating their aerial acrobatics in a new Feathered Friends interactive bird show at the Australian Reptile Park in July.
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is Giselle the Barn Owl, who has made appearances on primetime television shows for her beauty and skill. Giselle will demonstrate her natural ability to soar, swoop, dive and manoeuvre like an aerial acrobat, before returning to land on her handler’s glove. Feathered Friends is also an educational show, allowing guests to learn and understand the lifecycle
and habitat of the birds, who have all had different backgrounds in their raising, to form a natural bond with their handlers. Feathered Friends will take place daily during the July school holidays at the Australian Reptile Park. Media release, Jun 6, 2016 Lizzie Doyle, The Australian Reptile Park
“This strategy will look at a number of options including possible changes to Council’s current Baker St car park, potential sites for new car parks, as well as lobbying the NSW Government to provide more parking to support all its facilities and services in Gosford,” Ms Jaeger concluded. Media release, Jun 6, 2016 Central Coast Council Media
Work commenced on Cullens Rd Kincumber
Tawny frogmouth at the Australian Reptile Park
Taking place daily on the park grasslands, Feathered Friends will feature Barn Owls, Red Tailed Black Cockatoos, Masked Owls, Tawny Frogmouths, Boobook Owls, Long-billed Corellas and Australia’s largest bird of prey, the Wedge-tailed Eagle. Adding to the Aussie flock will be a Blue and Gold Macaw from South America. A real hero of the show
Saturdays and Sundays will reduce some of the security issues at the site,” Ms Jaeger said. Council will continue to liaise with the site’s new owner to have the car park opened at certain times on those weekends when a major event is being held. “I can also assure the community that we’re continuing to develop a long-term car parking strategy for Gosford’s CBD,” Ms Jaeger added.
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emporary traffic controls will be in place along part of Cullens Rd, Kincumber while Central Coast Council carries out works to replace the existing safety barrier.
Works commenced on June 15 and are expected to take approximately three weeks, with crews working Monday through to Saturday, weather dependent.
Traffic controllers will be on-site to manage two-way traffic in the area via StopSlow controls during this period in order to undertake the works safely. Local residents in the
vicinity of the works will still be able to access their properties. Media release, Jun 15, 2016 Central Coast Council media
Garry Purchase wins the Tony Donovan First Prize he 2016 Reconciliation Art Show is a free exhibition featured at the Gosford Regional Gallery until July 17, in conjunction with National Reconciliation week.
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The NSW Fair Trading commissioner, Mr Rod Stowe, said that the event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the broad history of Australia’s original custodians. Now into its 17th year, the event showcases a range of participants from primary school students to experienced artists
from Indigenous Australian culture. Mr Stowe said, “In 2000 Fair Trading set up the first art display to assist Indigenous artists in showcasing their talents, and it’s fantastic to see where the project has ended up today.” This year’s theme is ‘Our History, Our Story, Our Future’, which had
96 entries and 13 prizes awarded, valued at more than $7,500. The regional gallery’s team leader, Mr Tim Braham, congratulated those who participated and commended the quality of their entries. Among the prize winners, artist, Mr Garry Purchase, won the Tony Donovan First
Prize worth $3,500. The Tony Donovan Encouragement Award was established the year after Tony met an untimely death shortly after the exhibition, in recognition of his services to the arts on the Central Coast. Mr Stowe said of the event, “Paying tribute to Indigenous elders, such as Mr Donovan, through this gallery showing, is a great way to acknowledge the important themes of reconciliation, and reward local artists, both indigenous and non-indigenous, for their creative abilities.” Media release, Jun 7, 2016 Rod Stowe, NSW Fair Trading
OUT & ABOUT
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Art party at Rhythm Hut
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he Rhythm Hut Gosford will host Art Party, The Central Coast Gypsy Folk Edition, on June 18.
Art Party is a global and multidisciplinary platform for emerging artists. Founded in Sydney in 2012, Art Party began as a monthly event in Sydney, welcoming performances of musicians, poets, painters, magicians, comedians, fire spinners, clowns, rappers, burlesque dancers, VJs, DJs, sculptors, and dancers with a warm audience in artist-run spaces. Engaging local, emerging artists and professional artists from The Coast, Newcastle and nationally
known artists, Art Party not only showcases artists’ work, but also opens networking and collaboration opportunity for artists at different levels and of different disciplines. Feedback given to artists by the co-producers and fellow artists encourage engagement in a mentoring and development process, leading to higher level artists with valuable experience emerging on the Central Coast and preparing them to perform larger shows in the region, intercity and
nationally. The Gypsy Folk Edition will feature: singer songwriter Ren Stone, spoken word performances by Peter Roads and Jessie Ray, Burlesque by Percy Peacock, live painting with Jan Haniken, a fire performance by Rob Horner, electro music from Maitiri, music from band Bunya and a 7pm Yoga session. Media release, Jun 8, 2016 Lou Sawilejskij, The Rhythm Hut
Puppet Theatre to perform at Laycock Street
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pare Parts Puppet Theatre’s acclaimed production of The Little Prince, adapted by Mr Simon Clarke from the original story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, comes to Laycock Street Theatre on June 24. leaves his tiny home planet and journeys across the universe, discovering that adults have very strange ideas about the things that really matter. With its timeless message
ON ST T OO HE P
TH EX E FE PE 5 L AT RI AN UR EN DS IN CE G
One of the most widely read books in history, with140 million copies sold worldwide and printed in more than 250 languages, the tale tells the story of a curious prince who
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St Philip’s students perform at YIPA
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about the importance of friendship, The Little Prince is an adventure that celebrates the richness of human feeling and imagination. Council’s Manager of Culture, Mr Phil Cantillon said Spare Parts Puppet Theatre is Australia’s champion of puppetry and a leader in puppetry internationally. “This production is a beautifully vivid work which reminds us all of the magic of the imagination,” Mr Cantillon said. “It speaks strongly about what really matters in life; the people around us and the relationships we form. “Spare Parts Puppet Theatre is the leader in this creative arena and has skilfully adapted this heartwarming classic into a true masterpiece. “Laycock Street Theatre is delighted to host a production of this calibre and excited that we can share this enduring narrative with local audiences,” Mr. Cantillon continued. Hand carved puppets of the Fox, the Snake, the Rose and the Little Prince are all characters which are sure to live on in the audience’s imagination well beyond the final curtain call. Media release, Jun 10, 2016 Central Coast Council Media
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ight students represented St Philip’s Christian College, Gosford in the twenty-fifth annual Youth in Performing Arts event.
Billie Dobson (vocals) and Lara Conyers (dance) performed ‘Love Injected’. Siena Palmer (vocals), Thomas Amerogen (piano), Michael Hood (bass),
Edward Carrett (drums), Darcy Hill (lead guitar) and Jacob Loxley (rhythm guitar); performed ‘Valerie’ by Amy Winehouse and Siena and Tom performed
her HSC piece by Adele. Newsletter, Jun 6, 2016 Michelle Kelly, principal St Philip’s Christian College
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Hurry! Offers ends 2 July 2016, unless sold out prior. Availability is limited T: 4363 1699 E: mail@thetravellershut.com.au W: www.travellershut.com.au IMPORTANT INFORMATION: *Agents may charge service fees and/or fees for card payments which vary. If you book with Viva! Holidays, an additional 2% applies to credit card payments. *Agents may charge service fees and/or fees for card payments which vary. If you book with Viva! Holidays an additional 2% fee applies to credit card payments. Prices correct as at 19 May 2016 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Offers subject to availability. Amounts payable to third parties not included. Please check all prices, availability and other information with your travel consultant before booking. Bookings must be made direct with Viva! Holidays or a travel agent. Package cancellation fees apply. These property ratings are Viva! Holidays’ views, not official ratings. Other departure cities available on request. All savings and bonus nights (if applicable) are included in the advertised price. Offers may be withdrawn without notice and are not combinable with any other offers unless stated. ~ Availability is limited. Airfares are instant purchase and must be paid and ticketed at time of booking. +Kids stay free when sharing with a paying adult using existing bedding. Where applicable, kids eat free when dining from the kids menu with paying adults at selected restaurants.#Maximum one credit, per room, per stay. Credit may be limited to select hotel services and outlets. Credit is non-transferable, non-refundable and any unused credit cannot be redeemed for cash. The Viva! Holidays General Booking Conditions apply, available at www.qhv.com.au/terms-and-conditions. Other conditions apply - ask for details. Qantas Holidays Limited trading as Viva! Holidays ABN 24 003 836 459.
NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS DIRECTORY ARTS & CULTURE Art Studios Gallery & Cooperative Artworks by members and local artists through solo and group exhibitions and community events. Classes available. 4339 3349 www.artstudioscooperative.org
Page 26 - Coast Community News - June 16, 2016 Share
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4382 3372 Seniors Computer Club Central Coast Inc. Classes Mon to Fri for over 50 Basics: Mon , Tues and Thurs 10am to 12noon Different programs every day, 10am - 12noon or 1-3pm Apple-Mac: Mon, Tues, Wed All at Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre 02 4369 5692
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
U3A Central Coast Mature age people are invited to participate in a wide range of courses to broaden the mind and make new friends 0408 704 701
publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au
www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au
w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au
social groups and many more services. 4340 1724 wwww.knc.net.au
Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre • Exercise classes • Yoga for adults and children • Community eco garden • Room hire • Health support groups • Counselling • After school activities 4363 1044 www.kincumber.nsw.au
Gosford Gumnuts Central Coast Playgroup Handweavers, Spinners Parents and children meet and Textile Arts Guild socially. Make friends, learn Spinning and weaving, patchwork and quilting, felting more about parenting. 0 to 5 yrs Wed - Fri 10am-12noon and other fibre and fabric crafts, Gosford Uniting Church Hall community quilting bees - Day 129 Donnison St Gosford and Night Groups 4325 3695 4325 4743 www.cottagecrafts.net.au
gumnutsguc@gmail.com
Fellowship of Australian Writers A friendly and supportive group for new and old writers. Encouragement and critique of work. Workshops and competitions 10am 3rd Sun Conference rm. Gosford Hotel 4363 2627
Volunteering Central Coast Refer potential volunteers to community organisations. Provide support to volunteers and community organisations. Provide training to volunteers and managers of volunteers Information sessions “Bridge to Volunteering” held regularly. 4329 7122
Mingaletta Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Corporation A meeting place and referral hub for education, health, wellbeing and cultural programs through consultative services and community programs. Mon-Fri 9am-4pm 6 Sydney Ave Umina 4342 7515 admin@mingaletta.com.au
Terrigal Fifty Plus Leisure and Learning Centre Fitness, Yoga, Handicrafts, Mah jong, Bridge, Line dancing,Tai chi, Painting, Bush walking, Indoor bowls, Zumba, Computer and Ipad courses, Bingo, Concerts on 1st and 3rd Thurs. Duffy Rd Terrigal Joan 4384 5152 terrigal50plus@outlook.com
Dying with Dignity NSW, Central Coast Working to give those suffering unrelievedly from terminal or incurable illness the legal right to request & receive medical help to die Quarterly Meetings 4369 8053
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 organisation performing at various venues to promote Gambling Solutions the Welsh culture with singing, Counsellors provide free, Also performing for charity fund confidential, professional raising. service to gamblers, family and 4369 3378 friends. Woy Woy, Kincumber, Gosford, The Entrance. Tempo Terrific Community 4344 7992 Showband Active showband available GROW Support Groups to play at your community Small friendly groups formed to function. Wide ranging learn how to overcome anxiety, depression and loneliness and repertuore. Always seeking new members, come and have to improve mental health and fun with music. Follow us on well-being. Anonymous, free and open to all. Weekly at Woy Facebook - Every Mon 5 - 7pm Kincumber Uniting Church Woy, Bateau Bay and Wyong 4365 4414 1800 558 268 www.grow.org.au
Meals on Wheels Delicious meals delivered free Join us for a midday meal Help with shopping and cooking classes 4363 7111 Medusa Moves Is a gentle movement class catering for people with Parkinson’s Disease for Parkinsons’s sufferers & over 50s, stretching, guided dance moves 1st & 3rd Tues. The Rhythm Hut Faunce St Gosford 0439 856 554 0417 223 543
Inner Wheel Club Group of Volunteers, trained by of Terrigal DVA, to look after servicemen Share friendship, social activities & women. Ourimbah RSL Club as well as fundraising for local, 10:30am 2nd Fri - Feb to Nov national and international 4322 1505 projects. 3rd Mon, 12noon Terrigal 50+ leisure centre, National Parks Association Duffy Rd Terrigal Central Coast 4369 0302 - 4384 1490 Twice weekly bush walks, terigalinnerwheel@gmail.com varying distances and grades of difficulty. Explore, enjoy scenery, Lions Club of Woy Woy fauna, floral, history. Keep fit 1st and 3rd Mon. Woy Woy and make friends. Leagues Club 4389 4423 or 4332 7378 Make new friends and have fun while serving your community. Spirituality in the Pub 0478 959 895 A forum with Q&A and two speakers prompt conversations Rotary Club of within to encourage dialogue Gosford North about spirituality. Active community minded club. 1st Tues March to October Many projects focussed on 2nd Tues November assisting youth. Support our 7.30 to 9pm great projects, get involved with Grange Hotel Wyoming our fun club. Graham Black 4328 2596 - 0498 588 261 0410 509 071, grahamblack@iprimus.com.au
www.tempoterrific.com tempoterrific@live.com
Rotary Club of Kariong/Somersby International service club Tuggerah Lakes Showband improves lives of communities Play brass instruments, meet in Australia and overseas. Funevery Tues & Thurs to rehearse . filled activities, fellowship and crowd-pleasing music and play friendship breakfasts. Phillip at community events House, 21 Old Mount Penang Park Rd Band Hall Rd (opp Shell) - Fri 7:15am Tues 7.30pm Thur 6.30pm 4340 4529 0407 406 669 kersuebay@philliphouse.com.au
POLITICAL PARTY
SPECIAL INTEREST
WOMEN’S GROUPS
BPW Central Coast Empowering women of all ages in the areas of work, education, well-being and friendship. Monthly dinner meetings and speaker. Community transport available to and from centre Chris Levis 0438 989 199 bpwcentralcoast@hotmail.com www.bpw.com.au/central-coast
Brisbane Water Evening View Club Social activities, outings and functions monthly. Tours, Dinners, Lunches, Theatre/Cinema, fashion parades Dinner meeting with guest speaker 4th Tues 4325 1688 or 0466 513 600
Central Coast Greens Brisbane Water Branch of Greens NSW, Wyoming Caravan Club centralcoastfaw@live.com active regarding ecological Community Centre located on the Central Coast sustainability, social and Yoga & Zumba classes, Art and looking for new members COMMUNITY GROUPS recruit@volcc.org.au economic justice, peace and www.bwcaravanclub.wix.com/bwcc and Craft classes, Playgroup non-violence, grassroots 4344 4363 & Vacation Care, Support Koolewong, Point Clare ABC - “The Friends” democracy and getting groups, Book Club, Community & Tascott Progress Support group for Public elected 3rd Thur Biz Plus Networking Garden, Rooms for Hire, Work ParaQuad Association centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au Broadcaster. Association Development Orders, Centrelink Specialist healthcare products Provide resources for centralcoastgreens@gmail.com Aims. safeguard ABC’s Attention business owners - if Volunteer hours Country Women’s delivered to your door, for all communication. Special guests, independence, funding, & you keen to grow your business 4323 7483 Association (CWA) your continence, wound care community involvement, Australian Labor Party standards. Meetings through reception@wyomingcc.org.au and in the process build Quilting, patchwork, spinning, and respiratory and nutrition heritage, diversity, education, Ourimbah/ Narara Branch worthwhile relationships, attend the year + social afternoons knitting, crochet and more requirements HEALTH GROUPS safety and small business Discussion/action community Well-known guest speakers a Biz Networking breakfast. 9am-2pm Professional Support available opportunities. issues 3 levels of Government 4341 5170 Every Thur 7:15am - 9am Every Fri, Opposite 1300 886 601 www.fabcnsw.org.au Point Clare Community Hall Niagara Park Primary School Alcoholics Anonymous Erina Leagues Club Terrigal Bowling Club www.brightsky.com.au 2nd Thurs Bi Monthly. 7.30pm 1st Mon each month meet every Wed 12.30pm Geoff Neilson 4385 9503 or 4384 3696 Big Futures in school 0412 462 218 0410 309 494 HISTORY GROUPS network@bizplus.com.au Someone cares kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com mentor program Anglican Church Gosford RSL COMMUNITY CENTRES Become a volunteer mentor CCLC Bridge Club 3 Mann St Gosford Sub-branch Central Coast Family Politics in the Pub 2 hrs/ week, Free Training, No Duplicate Bridge-partner not 4323 3890 Women’s Auxiliary History Society Inc. Central Coast qualifications needed Coimmunity Centres required for most sessions. Raise money for the welfare of Resources, information & Discussion of important political, Be a young persons champion provide the local community Central Coast Leagues Club Better Hearing Australia veterans and their families. RSL advice to study your family’s social, economic, education, 0413 624 529 with a meeting place and 12.30pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri. Central Coast Club West Gosford history. 1st Sat 1pm Lions and philosophy issues in a non www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.au/ hub for groups, services and Sat 1.30pm Wed 7.15pm Mon Hearing loss management 4th Mon 2pm Community Hall, 8 Russell bigfutures partisan manner - The Grange information. 4325 9854 Support and educational group 4323 7336 Drysdale St, E. Gosford. Hotel 4th Thur besides Dec www.cclcbridgeclub.asn.au 7 groups across the coast www.centralcoastfhs.org.au Central Coast cclcbridgeclub@westnet.com.au Gosford 50+ Leisure and Providing practical experience PUBLIC SPEAKING 4324 5164 Central Coast Women’s Social Group Learning Centre and confidence Health Centre Central Coast Cake Social contact, Handicraft, Painting, Knitting, Learn the benefits to hearing Brisbane Water Counseling, therapeutic and Develop confi dence by Decorators Guild Tai Chi, Scrabble, Darts, entertainment events, new aids Historical Society social groups, workshops, improving your speaking skills. Sugarcraft demonstrations Table Tennis, Indoor Bowls, friendships, for 30’s-60’s 4321 0275 • Coach tours • School domestic violence and abuse Meetings are entertaining and conversation and lunch Patchwork, Yoga, Fitness, www.centralcoast. Live music, house parties, educational tours • Annual issues. All services provided by educational. Visitors welcome betterhearingaustralia.org.au Gentle Swimming, Line dinners, BBQs, picnics, Street Stalls • Participation women for women 4th Sat - 10am 50+ leisure and Dancing, Cards, Variety Social, in History Heritage Week trips away etc. 4324 2533 Brisbane Waters Breakfast Learning Centre Gosford Central Coast Parkinson’s Womens Group, Zumba, Celebration Margaret Pearce www.cccwhc.com.au Monthly Meet & Chat Toastmasters Club 4382 6236 Support Group Crochet, Computers 4325 2270 0422 243 101 lsroe@bigpond.com.au 8:30am-10:30am We aim to help individuals and 4304 7065 Soroptimist International email cco30s@live.com.au 2nd and Last Sat - The Hive their families better manage Fellowship of First Brisbane Water Central Coast Lapidary and Library, Erina Shopping living with Parkinson’s Disease Gosford-Narara Fleeters Central Coast Soroptimists speak for women Central Coast 50+ Singles Club Minerals & Gems Centre Guest speakers are a regular Neighbourhood Centre For anyone interested in early and girls of all nations through Social Group Learn silverwork, Cabochons, 0459 240 183 feature of our meetings. School Holiday activities, history or early family histories. awareness advocacy and Invites Ladies & Gents for Faceting, Enamelling, Stone 2nd Tue - 1.30pm playgroup, multicultural Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. action by supporting national dinner, dancing - BBQs & Field-trips & fossicking Blue Gum Flat 1800 644 189 programs, community activities Wyong RSL Club and international programs socialising each w/e. Weekly Workshops Toastmasters - Rooms for Hire 2nd Sat 10:30am 2nd Thur 6:45pm - Breakers Friendly group monthly Tues and Thurs 8.30am Mthly meetings 1st and 3rd admin@gnnc.com.au Central Coast Prostate 4311 6254 Country Club, Dover Rd programme all areas 2.30pm. Thurs 6-10pm Mon 7.15-9.30pm 4329 4477 Cancer Support Group Wamberal 4367 6331 4396 3640 10 Ourimbah Creek Rd Ourimbah RSL (Gosford) MUSIC sibrisbanewater@siswp.org 0437 699 366 Ourimbah 4362 7227 Green Point Community Meet last Friday Month 50pssg@gmail.com 4362 2246 Centre Terrigal Uniting Church WOWGIRLS Wave SERVICE GROUPS Brisbane Water Brass OOSH cave, exersize classes, 380 Terrigal Dre, Terrigal of Wisdom Inc Northern Settlement Brass Band entertainment Central Coast school holiday programs, 9.30am to 12 noon WOWGIRLS Wave of Wisdom Services - Volunteers for the community playing Soaring Club Inc Inner Wheel Club of playgroup, arts & craft, room 4367 9600 connects women and local Volunteers needed for friendly all types of popular music Gliding Club, Learn to fly, Gosford North Inc www.pcfa.org.au hire, and much more. businesses around a common visits to the elderly in nursing Rehearsal every Tues. Instruction FREE to members Community minded women 4367 7591 theme of well-being. to share homes. 7.30pm-10pm 14 and up for Training who enjoy fundraising for Central Coast Prostate wisdom and explore life’s People with a second language 0419 274 012 Flying at Bloodtree Rd local, national and international Cancer Support Group Kariong Neighbourhood potential. encouraged to apply. Mangrove Mountain Thur, Sat, projects (Wyong) Centre Regular Powwows, WOW Training support provided JAZZLEAGUE Sun ( weather permitting) Regular social outings. Meet last Monday Month Early childhood clinic, free Wisdom gatherings, WOW 4334 3877 Live Jazz Bands - Come to 0412 164 082 2nd Wed 7pm Toukley RSL Club family law advice, active cvscc@nsservices.com.au days and WOW courses check listen, Come to dance 0414 635 047 21 Old Penang Rd Kariong Homes Ave Toukley playgroup, computer classes, our website for activities. Free - Every Sun www.ccsoaring.com.au 4362 3139 10.00am to 12 noon OOSH services, fitness www.wowgirls.com.au Probus Club of Avoca Central Coast Leagues Club iiw.au.gosfordnorth@gmail.com 4356 9300 classes, arts & crafts, over 50’s info@wowgirls.com.au 10.15am 3rd Mon Gosford 2-5pm Central Coast Pension & www.pcfa.org.au friendship group, youth group, Avoca Beach Bowling Club www.jazzleague.net Welfare Officer Network
If you would like your Community Organisation listed here, call us on 4325 7369 or see www.centralcoastnewspapers.com Entries in the Not For Profit Community Organisations Directory are free. However, we require each organisation to subscribe to each newspaper to ensure that someone from that organisation keeps their entry up to date. Australia Post is about to increase their postage rates by over 42% and we can no longer continue to absorb these increases. Subscription rates have therefore needed to be increased from $50 to $75 for 25 editions.
Coast Community News - June 16, 2016 - Page 27 SShare
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OUT & ABOUT
‘Burnt Toast’ wins first prize
Fashion retailer to close after 22 years ev Benson Fashions, one of Gosford’s most longstanding retailers, will close its doors for the last time on June 30.
B
Retailer and former Gosford resident, Ms Bev Benson, moved to Gosford in the late 80s, leaving daughter, Ms Kerry Jackson, to manage her successful Eastwood store. Ms Benson opened stores in Toukley and West Gosford before deciding to open a store in Mann St, Gosford. The Mann St store, also entitled Bev Benson Fashions, offered high quality fashions to the mature woman and also held many fashion parades for local organisations. Sadly, Ms Benson lost her battle with breast cancer in 2011, and her daughter Kerry carried on her legacy by continuing to provide the women of Gosford with quality and classic fashions. However, the changing face of Gosford has prompted Ms Jackson to close down the iconic
retailer after 22 years of servicing Gosford. “The decision to close was not an easy one,” Ms Jackson said. “But the construction works planned around Gosford would not provide an ideal retail atmosphere and we have found clients are no longer willing to travel to Gosford,” she added. According to Ms Jackson, the high quality garments Bev Bensons was known for are also becoming increasingly harder to source, as Australian manufacturing is becoming scarce as mass production grips the fashion industry. When faced with the decision of moving the store from its Mann St space to a less developing area, Ms Jackson decided it was time to move on. “We would like to thank all our loyal customers,” Ms
Jackson said. “We’ve spent 22 years in Gosford, but the prospect of moving was just beyond us. “None of us here at Bensons are getting any younger and I fear the day of the independent fashion retailer is nearing its end. “We like to think Bensons provided good old fashioned customer service which is a dying commodity in retail and thank all our customers for their patronage,” Ms Jackson said. Ms Jackson said the team at Bensons were all moving onto new adventures and said she was looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren. Email, May 31, 2016 Kerry Jackson, Gosford Interview, Jun 1, 2016 Kerry Jackson, Gosford Dilon Luke, Journalist
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.
‘Burnt Toast’ by Ian English
r Ian English took out first place in the 2016 annual EXPOSURE competition for his unique photograph ‘Burnt toast’.
M
The image displays a thoughtful juxtaposition of calm and disarray, encapsulating his audience into a world of wonder. Council’s Grants and Events Coordinator, Ms Ashlee Abbott, said that with such a high calibre of entrants this year, the judges were set the almost impossible task of selecting a winner. “In our fourth year, we received over 400 entries from amateur and emerging photographers from all over Australia, as well as some international submissions,” Ms Abbott said. “The quality of images just keeps getting better, with more expressive, personal and imaginative photos received than ever before.
“We would like to congratulate all the winners and thank everyone who entered,” she continued. Prize winners in the 2016 EXPOSURE competition are: First Prize overall Mr Ian English for ‘Burnt Toast’. Second Prize overall, Ms Hayley Spindler for ‘Little Murri Warrior’ (Wyong Creek). Third Prize overall Ms Amie Lambert for ‘He fought’. Highly commended: Postcards of The Shire Mr John Chapman for ‘Aiming High’;Through the Generations Ms Sarah Harris for ‘A moment in time’; A Picture Tells 1000 Words Ms Kimberly Starr for ‘Soul Catcher’; and, The Natural World Ms Patricia Smith for ‘Silvereye on
Pods’. “Their images truly demonstrate the outstanding talent we have in our own backyard, capable of competing on an international stage,” Ms Abbott added. “I would encourage everyone to come along and view the 145 exceptional short listed entries now on exhibition at the Entrance Gallery. “There is such a diverse array of images on display, many of which reflect our beautiful Coast, you will be left talking about them for weeks,” Ms Abbott concluded. Media release, Jun 14, 2016 Central Coast Council Media
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, Jun 17 The Importance of Being Earnest at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre from 7:30pm and June 18 Educating Rita, Laycock Street Theatre, 8:00pm and Saturday 2:00pm and 8:00pm
Arts confederation, Gosford Waterfront
Friday, Jun 24 The Little Prince, Laycock Street Theatre, 10:00am and 12:00pm The Best of the Eagles at Laycock Street Theatre from 8:00pm
Saturday, Jun 18 Health Connection 2016 at Brentwood Village Kincumber from 10:00am to 2:00pm Kid Zr0 play live at The Youth Arts Warehouse at 6:00pm
Sunday, Jun 19 Ozz Jazz with Greg Englert, Central Coast Leagues Club, 2:00pm to 5:00pm The Roaring ‘20s and all that Jazz at Laycock Street Theatre from 2:00pm
Saturday, Jun 25 Narara Ecovillage, from 1:30pm
Saturday Jun 30 Kincumber High School P& C major fundraiser for 2016
Friday, Jul 1 Roar Under 18’s at The Youth Arts Warehouse
Saturday, Jul 2 BluesAngels are playing at Hotel Gosford from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Monday, Jul 4 Sunday, Jun 26 Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase at Laycock Street Theatre, 4:00pm and 7:00pm Ks for Kids fundraising walk to beat childhood disease at Mt Penang Gardens from 7:30am to 3:00pm Avoca Beachside Markets, Avoca Drive 9:00am to 2:00pm
Kid’s Storytelling & Creative Workshop Festival at The Rhythm Hut from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Tuesday, Jul 5 Spirituality in the Pub The Grange Hotel Function Room, 7:30pm to 9:00pm The Adventures of Tom Sawyer at Laycock Street Theatre, various times to Jul 9
Monday, Jun 20 Fitted for Work, Getting women back in the workforce, Gosford Golf Club from 7:00pm Mac Mondays, Multi
Wednesday, Jun 29
Wednesday, Jul 6
Gosford Bush Poets, Conference Room, Gosford Hotel, from 7:00pm
SMILES 2 day program for children 8-12 years East Gosford Scout Hall from 9:00am to 3:00pm
FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH
RESIDENT BAND
BLUESANGELS This month’s special This month’s special guest artist
CHRIS O The 2015 Sydney
The 2015 Sydney Blues Society Solo Performer Winner
July 2nd - 7pm till 11pm
CLASSIFIEDS
Page 28 - Coast Community News - June 16, 2016 Share
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 Combined print and online packages have been created providing further discounts. 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.
have
GOSFORDCLASSIFIEDS.COM.AU FOR ONLINE CENTRAL COAST CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
Love & Lust Adult Shop 156 Mann St Gosford
4324 5569 ANTENNAS
Private advertisements only cost $33.
See page 2 for contact details. All newspaper advertisements minimum of two weeks’ shelf life.
ADULT SERVICES
a
A Better Picture
Antenna & Digital Installations & Tuning New home specialist Credit cards OK HAYWARD VIDEO All areas
ENTERTAINMENT
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
Gosford 4323 6367 Woy Woy 4344 4414 Warnervale 1800 244 456 0412 685 555
4 Hours @ $220 Contact Joel The Entrance Business Centre
02 4333 5551 DANCE
Central Coast Bush Dance & Music Association Experience Folk Music at its best at East Gosford Progress Hall @ 7.30pm Henry Parry Drive
www.ccbdma.org for more information
Enq: 4344 6484 ELECTRICIAN
YOUR LOCAL
Stump grinding big & small
CENTRAL COAST EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER
Specialising in tight access Fully insured Free quotes Tree pruning Call Ross 0431 292 110
HOT WATER
All Hot-Water Repairs Service & Replacement
HOT-WATER MAINTENANCE 0468 889 870
KITCHENS
The Troubadour Folk and Acoustic Music Club
June 25 at 7pm
Margaret and Bob Fagan CWA Hall Woy Woy Tickets $7 www.troubadour.org.au
4342 6716
corporate – website – events
a one stop solution for all your photographic needs
VALSPIX
www.valspix.com
0418 600 436
www.1800HOTWTR.com.au
Quality Laminate Benchtops supplied and seconds for sale
R&J Benchtops Gosford
0456 884 545 PAINTER
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
Experienced
Tilers wanted! Start Immediately 0439 589 426
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
2nd Saturday Bush Dance Admission $15 incl. supper
PHOTOGRAPHY
see website for prices
BOOKKEEPING
BASIC TRAINING COURSE
GARDENING
BUCELLO’S Painting Services
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
• Residential and Commercial • Interior and Exterior • New Work and Repaints
Free Quotes All work guaranteed
Getting off drugs is torture. Three months in one of our beds gets kids clean. Please donate to support our live-in programs, giving addicted children their lives back. We’ll buy more beds in more residences to take in more kids. It’s as simple as that.
Call 1800 151 045 or visit www.noffs.org.au
0410 404 664
FITNESS
ELECTRICIAN Same day service Guaranteed Lighting, Power Points, Phone & Data, Fault Finding,
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Coast Community News - June 16, 2016 - Page 29 Coas SShare
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Multiple records broken at athletics carnival
Lachlan to compete in Judo nationals student from Kariong Public School will represent the state at the Judo Nationals in Geelong, Victoria.
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Lachlan G from Year 6 will be competing in the Senior Boys division against competitors in the 12-15
Newsletter, Jun 10, 2016 Justine Abell, deputy principal Kariong Public School
age range. The school wishes Lachlan the best of luck.
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The Shame File
Central Coast Newspapers has a very liberal credit policy for advertisers and realises that from time to time, people, businesses and organisations get into financial difficulty and may need assistance and time to get things back on track. However, some people, businesses and organisations take advantage of this generosity they use advertising but simply don’t pay their account after several months and need to be taken to court to do so. From time to time, as necessary, we will name these people, businesses or organisations as a warning to our readers so that they will be wary when dealing with them.
• Renotek, Tascott
• Jessica Davis - A1 Cleaning Services, • Michelle Umback - 2 Erina Funky, Terrigal • Tony Fitzpatrick • Shelley Walker trading as Futurtek Previously trading as Roofing Headmasters Hair Design, Park Plaza • Inspire P/L trading Gosford as CUP Computers formerly of Gosford
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Classified advertisements call 4325 7369
enry Kendall High School held its forty-sixth annual Athletics Carnival on May 20 at Mingara.
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The day had many close competitions both individually and between the four houses. Records seemed to be the theme for the day with multiple records broken by five different students. Both Tyler and Katie Gunn broke multiple records, Tyler in the 17 boys 400m (50.45 sec) and Long Jump (6.29m), and Katie in the 13 girls 100m (13.24 sec), 200m (28.02) and Triple Jump (10.12m). Other records on the day went to Georgia Davis 17 girls 200m (27.46 sec) and Sam Bennett in the 13 Boys Discus (24.11m). Finlay Flanagan-Flaherty also equalled the 13 girls High Jump at (1.49m). To break or equal a record is a major accomplishment, with some of our records going back to the 1970’s. So a special congratulations goes to these students whose records may still be there in another 30 years. The day went to Narara, from Araluen, with Corumben and Warrigal in
third and fourth place. Congratulations to all competitors for their sportsmanship and enthusiasm on the day. Those lucky, or rather talented enough, to finish an individual event in either
first or second place will be in the school team for zone on June 27 at Mingara. Newsletter, Jun 3, 2016 Rod Pratt, Sports Organiser, Henry Kendall High School
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Page 30 - Coast Community News - June 16, 2016 Share
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Larry Thomson receives Order of Australia resident of Central Coast Rugby Union and director of NSW Country Rugby Union, Mr Larry Thomson, has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal in honour of his service to Rugby Union and Education.
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Mr Thomson has been a Central Coast local since 1976, and modestly said it was a “massive shock” to receive the award. On receiving a letter from the governor general, he was sworn to secrecy until the announcement was revealed in the 2016 Queen’s Birthday Honours list. The honouree has played locally for both the Central Coast Rugby Union and Gosford Rugby Club during his Rugby career. Mr Thomson worked as a history teacher at Wyong High School and Umina High School, now known as the Brisbane Water Secondary College. It wasn’t long before Mr Thomson became involved in the school’s extra-curricular activities, taking time out of his busy working schedule to become involved as a sports organiser. His extra involvement in coaching Rugby made for
student from Henry Kendall High School has competed in the Australian Gymnastic Championships as part of the NSW Team.
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Charlotte Topp, in Year 8, competed at the event alongside sister, Miranda Topp, a student at Gosford Public School. Charlotte was awarded a bronze medal in the 2016 Under 15’s Double Mini on June 1. On the same day, she also placed fourth in Synchronised Trampolining. On June 2, Charlotte finished with a bronze medal in the Individual Trampoline. Mr Larry Thomson OAM
a better teacher-student rapport in the classroom, “it made teaching so easy,” Mr Thomson said, describing his teaching career as “very satisfying”. Mr Thompson admits that through high school, he was “more of a tennis player,” picking up the sport of Rugby Union when he attended The University of New England in 1970. He went on to play over 400 games during his Rugby career. He deemed the honour, “a family award,” considering his whole
ide Char T 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
0015 0.63 0600 1.37 1152 0.57 1827 1.67
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0139 0.50 0216 0.46 0726 1.39 0807 1.39 SUN 1308 0.55 MON 1345 0.54 1942 1.79 2018 1.83
21
0334 0.40 0415 0.39 0930 1.40 1015 1.40 WED 1506 0.55 THU 1550 0.56 2137 1.85 2218 1.83
24
0511 1.36 1111 0.59 THU 1747 1.61
16 19
22
25 SAT
28 TUE
17 FRI
20 23
SAT
TUE
FRI
0059 0.57 0644 1.38 1230 0.56 1905 1.74
Interview, Jun 14, 2016 Larry Thomson OAM, Tascott Email, May 31, 2016 Queen’s Birthday Honours list Danielle O’Brien, journalist
0459 0.39 1102 1.41 1638 0.59 2302 1.79
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0145 1.58 0251 1.51 0400 1.48 0819 0.44 0915 0.44 1012 0.43 WED THU 1444 1.53 1544 1.62 1643 1.72 2045 0.64 2200 0.59 2311 0.50
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family’s involvement in the sport, including his wife Pam. The apple didn’t fall too far from the tree, with his two daughters Kate and Jade also being involved in the sport. His youngest daughter Jade, now 35, went on to represent NSW and teach in New Zealand. His wife Pam currently assists him in co-managing the Women’s Rugby Team. Although now retired, Mr Thomson shows no sign of slowing down with his continued involvement in NSW Country Rugby Union and Central Coast Rugby Union. He is also a part of the NSW Women’s Rugby board, and has managed women’s representative teams since 2000.
0255 0.42 0848 1.40 1425 0.54 2057 1.85
0545 0.40 0633 0.41 0045 1.65 1152 1.41 1245 1.43 0725 0.43 1730 0.62 SUN 1827 0.64 MON 1343 1.47 2351 1.73 1932 0.66
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Topp sisters are top gymnasts
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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
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Newsletter, Jun 3, 2016 Rod Pratt, Sports Organiser Henry Kendall High School
Gymnast Charlotte Topp
Union reaches halfway point of the season
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he Central Coast Rugby Union competition has reached the halfway point of the season.
It is certainly developing into a very interesting second half with the struggle for semi-final spots now being hotly contested after Round 9 got washed out Gosford were toppled by Kariong going down 20 points to 33. Kariong dominated the first half, played out on their home ground, Kariong Oval. Their defence was the key to their victory, with Gosford unable to break out of their own territory. Kariong held a 13 to nil lead at the halftime break and then doubled that lead early in the second half. Gosford fought hard in the last quarter, crossing for four very good tries. It was however far too late to stage a comeback, and Kariong sealed their win with a late converted try. Kariong now sit second in the ladder. Best players for Kariong were Brent Bovis, who crossed for two tries, prop Jake Holwill, and back, Mitch Clay. Others to play well were No.8 Phil Brown, hooker Justin Walker, and flanker Josh Bottero. Several players from Gosford put in very good efforts. These included winger Chris Heap, who scored two tries, winger Adam Howe, and hooker Vince Stewart.
The win sees Kariong travelling along very well and will be most keen to maintain that form for the second half of the season. Gosford will need to record some big wins from now on if they are to make the Top Four. The win also sees Kariong hold on to the Challenge Shield. Terrigal and Avoca Beach also had some very comfortable victories in their matches, with Terrigal defeating Warnervale at the Haven Oval, 50 points to 7.
Hornsby fared no better against Avoca Beach at Heazlett Park, going down 5 points to 67. Best players for Terrigal were five eight Alec Herridge, hooker Ethan McInnes, and lock Phil Heard. Avoca Beach were best served by prop Luke Sheridan, fullback Nathan Brown and centre Matt Anderson. Sports report, Jun 11, 2016 Larry Thomson OAM, Central Coast Rugby Union
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Gosford Kariong juniors’ mid-season review
Gosford U10(2) prop Lorenzo Godoy looks to break free against Terrigal
Ethan Bradshaw Lee streaks away for the Gosford U15(2)s
Storm U16(2) forward Logan Campbell on the charge against the Roosters Photos: Andrew Stark
entral Coast junior rugby league headed into the June long weekend bye, having completed seven of this season’s fifteen round schedule.
C Three major sporting events at Niagara Park Stadium iagara Park Stadium is set to host several major sporting events in June.
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Kicking off the premier sporting schedule was the Football NSW Futsal Schools Championships which were held from June 7 to 10. The Championships is one of the largest schoolbased, single sporting events in Australia, attracting over 50 primary and secondary schools from across NSW and the ACT. In addition to showcasing their considerable skills, the event offered players, coaches and teachers an opportunity to network and share the latest in tactics and sporting techniques
across a broad audience. The Championships was also a chance for social interaction between students and gave participants a chance to meet and mingle with futsal players from other schools, and make new friends. Following on from the Futsal Championships, Niagara Park Stadium was selected as the host venue for the Basketball NSW 2016 Country Tournament, which commenced on Saturday, June 11. With more than 20 of the state’s top teams competing at the tournament, this event
saw over 2,000 people walk through the stadium doors throughout the three-day event. Rounding out the stadium’s topsporting-event trifecta is the Gymnastics NSW Trampolining Grand Prix Meet on Sunday, June 26. The Meet attracts the best gymnasts in the state and is part of a series of trampolining events held around NSW. Media release, Jun 7, 2016 Central Coast Council Media
Gosford Kariong teams are faring well in a number of the age divisions as genuinely wintry conditions beckon and the chaotic run home toward semi-final positions comes into view. The Storm’s most successful side to date has been the Rod Godoy coached U10(2)s who have worked their way up into third position on the competition ladder, following five victories from their seven games. A nail biting 24-18 loss to the undefeated leaders, Toukley, away from home during round seven, highlighted Gosford’s credentials in a competition that is shaping as a four way scrap between the Hawks, Woy Woy, Warnervale and the Storm. The Storm’s U16(2)s began the season dreadfully, incurring hefty losses in the opening two rounds before clicking into gear to record four wins from their past five games. The Gosford boys
followed a last gasp loss to competition leaders Wyong, with a 40-0 demolition of Warnervale in the rain at Narara. Mr Wayne Oatley’s U13(2) s have reacted well to their promotion to division two and sit just in behind leaders Ourimbah in the standings. With rep’ players Jake Martin and Nash DorrattMavin to the fore, Gosford produced a thrilling 34-24 come-from-behind win at Umina over the long weekend; a game which had seen the Storm staring at a seemingly hopeless 20-4 halftime deficit before running riot after the break. The club’s U15(2)s, U14(2) s, and the aforementioned U16(2)s, all sit just off the podium in fourth position on their respective competition tables and are all handily placed to feature in this season’s final series. Greg Eather’s U12(2)s are renowned for building momentum during midwinter, having stormed home late to reach the
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semi-finals in recent years, the team having finished agonizingly close to grand final appearances in both 2014 and 2015. This year, Gosford sit closer to the action in fifth spot at the midpoint of the season and once again, this talented squad shapes as the dark horse of their competition. Having missed last season’s top five by the barest of margins, the Storm’s sole division one side, the U11(1)s, are locked in a battle with both Erina and Northern Lakes for the last remaining semi-final berth. Premiers Terrigal, along with The Entrance, Wyong and Kincumber are threatening to clear away at the top of the standings, having all produced consistently impressive early season form. Sports report, Jun 12, 2016 Andrew Stark, Gosford Kariong Storm RLFC
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