Issue 152 of COAST Community News by Central Coast Newspapers

FEBRUARY 23, 2017

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ISSUE 152

Billion Dollar Waterfront Proposal markets,” he said. “We have the DA process and the public involvement process ready to go. “We have brought in the best architects and engineers Australia has to offer and this is about infrastructure; it is not a land grab. “We have done the 20-year plan. “As an international investment banker, I knew I had to secure the funding first and that is what I have done. “We have asked Council to give us the green light to start working through all the issues with the community and the environment. “We will take the commercial

billion-dollar project that aims to transform Gosford into the infrastructure investment gateway to Asia is waiting for a stamp of support from the Central Coast Council and NSW Government.

Mr Steve Duncan, Chairman of the G5 Global Vision Foundation and Bensville resident, said the proposal had been presented to the NSW Premier and Cabinet and that he was hopeful of an opportunity to meet with NSW Government representatives within the next couple of weeks. The proposal, which includes plans to redevelop the Gosford waterfront, has been on the desks of senior executives at Gosford and then Central Coast Council for almost 12 months. Mr Duncan said the proposal involved waterfront retail and public space, hotel and conference facilities; mixed use residential, commercial and retail, a highspeed intercity ferry service and infrastructure; and much more. The Central Coast Council has asked the NSW Government to assist it to formulate a strategy and roadmap for the State Significant, world-class project. In briefing notes presented to NSW Government Ministers at a recent Community Cabinet meeting, the Central Coast Council asked for “an audience in confidence with the State Government to present this opportunity and formulate a strategy and roadmap for the realisation of the project with a view to it being a State Significant project. “Central Coast Council has been working commercial in confidence with a proponent on a proposal that has the potential

Gosford waterfront

to be a game changer for the Gosford Waterfront,” which the briefing notes described as the “gateway location to the Central Coast. “The proposed Gosford waterfront development will work within the framework and principles set out by the intended Gosford Masterplan undertaken by the former Gosford Council, the Gosford Challenge, and Our City, Our Destiny Gosford Masterplan,’ the briefing document said. “This State Significant project will require partnership with the NSW State Government across a number of portfolios including planning, lands and RMS. “It has the potential to change the face of the Central Coast region, bring significant employment and economic stimulus to the region and contribute to the social wellbeing of the community,” the Cabinet briefing said.

Mr Duncan, who has had a long career as a merchant banker, said the project had been years in the planning and also involved a much bigger picture for Gosford and the region. The G5 Global Vision Foundation owns a company called Cellate, which is an Australian building technology that dates back to 1964, and established landmark projects in Australia until it relocated to the United Arab Emirates in 1990. Mr Duncan said he had successfully convinced the company to relocate its headquarters to Gosford as a stepping stone to expanding into Asia, and that Cellate was also negotiating the acquisition of a number of sites to develop as housing on the Coast. “The Central Coast Council has been very meticulous in dealing with our proposal because they

want it to happen,” he said. “I would say they have been a lot more cautious than they have been in the past because they have been disappointed before. “We have got to get Australia back working again and the Central Coast has been neglected because the same people have been in the same positions for the past 20 years and nothing has happened,” he said. “Our group specialises in infrastructure capital raising and we have serious projects on the go in India, South Africa and Asia. “We have been in the Middle East and have done very well out of it, but we are pulling out because the current situation is too dangerous. “We believe the growth region in the future will be Asia, locations like the Philippines and Indonesia, and Gosford is perfectly positioned to be our gateway into those

risk; we just want to be able to lease the [waterfront] land on commercial terms.” Mr Duncan said he believed the proposal would create 3,000 long-term jobs in Gosford. “We are working with the University of Newcastle to bring a Centre of Engineering Excellence to Gosford. “The Australian Maritime College will have a presence on the Central Coast,” he said. The Gosford waterfront was described in the Council document as one of the most picturesque landscapes on the eastern shores of Australia. Continued P3

Member for Gosford, Kathy Smith, resigns from Parliament ember for the State Seat of Gosford, Ms Kathy Smith, has announced her resignation from NSW Parliament, due to her ongoing struggle with cancer.

Against all the odds, she won Gosford for Labor in 2015. Ms Smith was diagnosed with cancer in 2016, and doctors were confident at the time that she would win her second battle with the disease that first struck her in 1996.

Unfortunately, the cancer has now metastasized and requires further treatment. “There is no higher honour than to represent your community in Parliament, and that is why it is with great sadness that I announce my decision to resign as your Member for Gosford,” Ms Smith said. “When I was diagnosed with cancer last year, my doctors were positive that, with treatment, I would win my second battle with this disease,” she said. Continued P4

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FEBRUARY 23, 2017

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Issue 109 January 31, 2017

Edition 411

Rail crossing death

Edition 412

JANUARY 27, 2017

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oastal Residents Incorporated has called on the NSW Minister for Planning, Mr Rob Stokes, to delay the introduction of the new Coastal Zone Management Act and associated reforms until accurate mapping is made available to the public.

The ramp to the pedestrian underpass

Elderly man hit by train

Police said inquiries were continuing and a report was to be prepared for the Coroner. Sydney Trains reported at 11:17am that trains had been suspended between Hawkesbury River and Gosford stations due to the fatality. Police at the scene said the man went on to the crossing after the boom gates went down and the lights started ﬂashing. It was around 11am when he was hit by the northbound interurban passenger train.

Passengers, adults and children, had to be evacuated by emergency service personnel and passengers were transferred to buses. Police said the man somehow became stuck or found himself in the middle of the rail crossing as the train approached and sustained fatal injuries. Crime scene unit detectives and representatives from Sydney Trains were on the scene soon after the incident occurred and remained there for some time following the fatality. Forensic experts were on site investigating why the man was in the path of the train and had not used the nearby pedestrian underpass.

The pedestrian underpass had been opened to the public in 2015 as stage one of the Rawson Rd Level Crossing Replacement Project, a project of the former Gosford Council with funding from Transport NSW. The Public Transport Command of the NSW Police Service stated that due to formal identiﬁcation issues and issues around the circumstances of such a serious accident, the name of the victim could not be formally released. The Public Transport Command was in charge of the ongoing investigation into the incident. Interview, 17 Jan 2017 Duty ofﬁcer, NSW Police Media Interview, 19 Jan 2017 Bruce Coates, Brisbane Water LAC Reporter: Jackie Pearson

Accident highlights ‘unresolved issue’, says chamber Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has described the railway crossing accident as “a tragedy”, and the Government’s attitude as “an embarrassment” and “not good enough”. Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales said: “What it has done is serve to highlight the unresolved issue of what happens to the level crossing. “At the moment, the State Government has walked away from this location because in their view it is cost prohibitive,” Mr Wales said. “The chamber’s position is simply that this is not good enough,” he said. “We have to sit down with both the State Government and the Central Coast Council and ﬁnd the solution to the replacement of the level crossing especially after the fact that they have spent $6.2 million on the pedestrian underpass that hardly anybody uses because it is easier for them to walk straight across the level crossing at the existing pedestrian gates. “Until the level crossing is completely closed and the only access available is via the new

pedestrian underpass and an alternative vehicle underpass, there will always be a level of risk at that level crossing. “The safety risk is compounded by the intersection of Rawson Rd with Station St which is suffering from increased usage and creating its own safety issues. “Our position is that the Government has to come up with a solution and put aside its concerns over the previous costings and ﬁnd a way forward in consultation with the local community and the Council so that this gets resolved. “Whether you build an underpass at existing crossing or another one down at Bulls Hill, I don’t care. “They have to come up with a plan. “If it means the Government has to allocate funds over a period of time let’s do it, but putting it on the backburner is not going to solve the problem. “Once again, are we the last cab off the rank as we are so often? “It’s an embarrassment,” Mr Wales said. Interview, 18 Jan 2017 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Reporter: Jackie Pearson

Passengers had to be evacuated from the train following the fatality and moved onto buses

THIS ISSUE contains 51 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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ISSUE 150

Lack of accurate mapping has resulted in residents being misled C

An elderly man on a mobility scooter has died after being hit by a train at the Rawson Rd level crossing in Woy Woy.

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Issue 110 February 14, 2017

23 January 2017

Mr Pat Aiken, Secretary of Coastal Residents Inc, said the Act was passed by the NSW Parliament in June 2016 and was waiting to be proclaimed immediately after the close of consultation for the new Coastal Management State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) which ended on January 20. “The consultation period ended despite just one short information session and the lack of critical detail in the form of promised maps that would explain how many people would be affected if sea levels rise to the heights claimed by local government,” Mr Aiken said. “They don’t want people to know,” he said. “The vital Coastal Vulnerability maps promised in Parliament have not been made available. “Most people who would be affected do not understand the implications of this omission. “It means the owners and families of 14,000 properties on the Central Coast do not understand that the NSW Government is about to proclaim legislation that will allow councils to impose a range of development constraints.” Mr Aiken said those development constraints would include “planned retreat” in the form of timed development consents. If development consent was given for 40 years, for instance, the development would have to be removed from the land at the end of that period. “The use of timed consents would mean temporary buildings, temporary use of land and the use of ambulatory boundaries would override current Torrens Title

A beachfront property at Wamberal where residents are attempting to protect their properties from current coastal hazards

and allow submerged lands to automatically revert to the Crown with no compensation,” he said. “This directly affects more than 10 per cent of the Central Coast population. “In Sydney the Coastal Zone extends up to 200 metres from tidal waters but on the Central Coast it is 1,000 metres so the impact on Central Coast residents is far greater,” he said. On January 18, Mr Aiken wrote to Mr Stokes “to confirm certain critical errors in the consultation mapping documents for the Central Coast … has led to residents and property owners in large numbers … being misled as to whether the proposed reforms affect them.” Mr Aiken said maps used during the consultation period for the Draft SEPP misrepresented to

“tens of thousands of property owners” including those on the Central Coast, that their properties were not affected by the proposed reforms. “Residents have been misled and don’t understand they are affected by a draconian framework of legislation that enforces planned retreat and will result in the expropriation by government of land affected by current and future coastal hazards.” Mr Aiken said the risk of inundation and flooding in low lying suburbs had not been identified in the Draft SEPP mapping because that mapping did not show current hazard levels. “Of the 59,000 coastal properties affected by the Draft Coastal Management SEPP, it is estimated that at least 14,000

of those properties are on the Central Coast – they are affected by the current and future coastal hazards of tidal inundation and combined catchment and storm surge flooding. “It is a case of negligence or incompetence that the NSW Government has failed to include this readily-available information with the Draft SEPP mapping of coastal hazards,” Mr Aiken said. Mr Aiken said once the “flawed” SEPP is proclaimed, all other components of the new NSW Government Coastal Management legislative framework will come into play. “It does not go back to Parliament, but I hope it can be delayed so more debate can be allowed when Parliament resumes,” he said. He said the NSW Office of

Environment and Heritage (OEH) had been a key stakeholder in the development of local government Coastal Zone Management Plans and Floodplain Risk Management Plans. The office had representatives on the council committees that developed those plans and the comprehensive mapping of coastal hazards. The NSW OEH has been virtually the sole provider of the funding used to develop these coastal management plans, he said. “Without the substantial grants of funds for such projects, there would be no mapping and no plans,” he said. “It is either disingenuous or due to a lack of capability that the NSW State Government now suggests that the flawed content and omissions of the Local

Government Hazard Mapping is entirely the responsibility of local government. “Our association does not accept this repeated claim by the NSW Government. “The consultation process is flawed in material and misleading ways. “Residents have been misled,” he said. Mr Stokes and other state MPs had promised that the new Coastal Zones Management Act wouldn’t come into force until there had been full consultation and public participation with all the mapping available for all residents to view. “We are also very concerned that a large part of the exhibition period has occurred during a traditional period of holidays for most Australians,” he said. Mr Aiken called on Mr Stokes to delay implementation of the Coastal Management Act and associated reforms until all mapping associated with the Draft CM SEPP was completed to a standard acceptable for consultation and public participation. He asked that “accurate mapping for all coastal hazards be prepared and put on exhibition for comment and that all other mapping should be carefully checked with a particular emphasis on littoral forest and wetland mapping”. Mr Aiken said he believed demand by purchasers for properties affected by vulnerability mapping would decline as, once the new framework is implemented, notations will be included on S149(2) Planning Certificates explaining that a property is affected by current and future coastal hazards. Emails, Jan 23 and 24, 2017 Pat Aiken, Coastal Residents Inc Letter, Jan 18, 2017 Pat Aiken, Coastal Residents Inc Jackie Pearson, journalist More on pages 3 and 4

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

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The need for break-walls at The Entrance Channel highlighted R

esidents from across the Central Coast came together on Australia Day to stage the second annual The Entrance Channel dig out. The aim of the dig out is to draw attention to the myriad of issues facing the channel including flooding, water quality and water recreation. Mr Peter White, a representative from The Tuggerah Lakes Flood Mitigation Action Group, said the dig out was also staged to highlight the need for break-walls at The Entrance Channel. According to Mr White, the 2016 dig out attracted 120 volunteer “diggers” who were all behind the break-wall idea. Mr White also said that 2016’s dig out attracted attention from the former Wyong Council, members of the Save Tuggerah Lakes Party and Members of Parliament from across the Wyong Local Government Area. “The aim of our 2017 dig out was to escalate the event to a State Government level where the need for break-walls needs to be recognised and hopefully funded,” Mr White said. Mr White said the installation of break-walls along the channel would improve water flow in and out of the lake, improve the water quality and alleviate flooding from low lying areas around

the lake. Poor tidal and weather conditions did not deter the 40 strong group from the dig out, which commenced at 10am. Mr White offered his thanks to the group who braved the conditions, and the members of the public who turned out to see what was happening. “We had a few people just turn up to see what our group was doing, and

once we told them, they grabbed a shovel and got to digging,” Mr White said. According to Mr White, there is a large part of the community that wants to see break-walls included on Central Coast Council’s and the State Government’s radar. “Government focus has been on The Entrance Beach Groyne, which will ultimately have

no positive impact on the channel, which is frustrating, because there are so many positives for The Entrance and Tuggerah Lakes if a breakwall was to be built,” Mr White continued. Mr White said other than general water quality improvements, a break wall could revitalise The Entrance as a boating and ﬁshing hub, which would stimulate the tourist

economy of the region, by effectively making the channel a “boat haven” if water ﬂow was stabilised by break-walls. “The channel has the potential to attract larger pleasure and recreational boats and to be a boat shelter during storms and rough seas. “This could bring so much to The Entrance and attract much more boating and water

recreation to Tuggerah Lakes. Additionally, Mr White said more stable water ﬂow would see residents regularly effected by ﬂooding no longer suffering a poorer quality of life for their lake views.

Continued P3 Photo: Noel Fisher

Central Coast Council has renewed its commitment to work with Transport NSW and the Roads and Maritime Services to achieve a “positive outcome” with the Rawson Rd rail level crossing. The level crossing was the site of a fatality on January 17 which highlighted the decision made by both Central Coast Council and Transport for NSW to shelve plans to replace the level crossing. The Central Coast Council released a statement renewing its commitment to ﬁnding a solution for the community. “The State Government originally committed $52 million in funding for the removal of the rail level crossing at Rawson Rd and to provide a new road underpass at the base of Bulls Hill,” the statement said. The plan was to connect Woy Woy Rd to Nagari Rd. The trafﬁc underpass was proposed in addition to the construction of a pedestrian underpass from Railway St to Waterview Cres. “The original design for the underpass was rejected by Transport for NSW, due to the impact the works would have on the northern rail line,” the statement said. “Intermittent closures were required for critical construction works scheduled over several weekends,” the statement said. “The pedestrian underpass was completed by Council as part of this project in 2015 and taken over by the Transport NSW to be managed by the RMS. “An alternate design, for the underpass was developed by Transport NSW and costed $115 million.” The Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, said the recent fatality on the level crossing would not affect what, if any, next steps would be taken by the NSW Government or Central Coast Council. A major stumbling block continued to be that both Railway St and Rawson Rd were not state but local roads. “In terms of any State roads, I

FEBRUARY 9, 2017

am happy to put my hand on my heart and say we will have more state road funding go into this area,” Mr MacDonald said. “But that was a local government road and the Council came to us for help and the costing went up to $115 million and that wasn’t satisfactory from any point of view,” he said. Mr MacDonald said in order to argue for any sort of upgrade to the intersection or solution for the level crossing within the NSW Cabinet, he needed to see leadership from Central Coast Council. “For me, it is very much about I need a helping hand from Council to say this is what we want to do and this is the final contribution we need from State Government and not something that is going to blow out. “I have not got a confidence about that figure of $115 million. “I don’t know whether the scope of works was final and I don’t know whether RMS has got any confidence about that figure.” It is unlikely for local roads to be reclassified as State roads, he said. He said the best strategy available to the Central Coast Council would be to strike up a memorandum of understanding with the State Government for funding based on the road being a significant transport and rail corridor. Mr MacDonald said it was Council’s responsibility to ensure adequate infrastructure was in place as the Peninsula’s population grew through the redevelopment of areas from low- to medium-density residential. “I would hope Council would be very mindful that they have adequate road capacity or that they have spoken to the State Government for support. “If they are local government roads then they have to have the developer contributions to build up that infrastructure. “If they haven’t got those developer contributions, it is a failure of planning. Media statement, 24 Jan 2017 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council Interview, 2 Feb 2017 Scot MacDonald, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Reporter: Jackie Pearson

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ISSUE 151

A report on the future of the Regional Library to be presented to February Council meeting

Peninsula lawyers have written collectively and individually seeking the retention of the Woy Woy Local Court.

They wrote a joint submission to Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, following their meeting with him on January 19. Representatives from Coastlaw, David Kelly lawyers, Ryan and Seton, Tonkin Drysdale Partners and Central Coast Community Legal Centre, had earlier written individual letters in response to the proposal. Mr David Kelly from David Kelly Lawyers said: “The closure of Woy Woy Local Court will prejudice our clients who reside on the Peninsula. “The majority of our clients are based at the lower end of the socio economic spectrum. “The closing of Woy Woy Local Court will impact on their ability to access a proximate court and place further burdens upon them both ﬁnancially having to either travel to Gosford or Wyong Local Court. “The Woy Woy Local Court is a valuable and practical asset. “It should not be closed,” Mr Kelly said. Mr Michael Seton of Ryan and Seton Lawyers wrote to the Central Coast Law Society to state that his ﬁrm “wholly and unreservedly”

opposed the proposal. Mr Seton said he wished to clarify that his firm would financially benefit from the proposed changes but remained opposed to them. “The Peninsula community will lose its sole avenue for efficient, affordable and accessible justice,” Mr Seton said. “This will be the case for civil and criminal litigants, including victims, alike. “It is the vulnerable people in the community that will suffer first and suffer greatest with this proposal,” he said. Mr Paul Mereniuk from Peninsula Law wrote directly to the Chief Magistrate: “We would say that the proposal of cessation of the Adult List Day at Woy Woy Local Court will result in a 25 per cent increase in the work load at Gosford Local Court.” Mr Mereniuk said he disputed claims that the changes would result in 12 extra adult sitting days in Gosford, arguing instead that the total would be eight. “The Gosford Court House facility struggles to accommodate the stakeholders it currently services for both the District and Local Courts,” he said. “The proposed increase work load has not been met by any increase in rooms available for conferencing clients or for accommodating victims of domestic violence.

She said a development on the Broadwater site would be “in excess of what we’ve got funding for”. An alternative site is also under consideration for the library, according to Ms Vaughan. “This is part of consolidating a lot of the former projects,” she said. Ms Vaughan said a report would be presented to the February Council meeting, but that negotiations were still being finalised, and the high political interest in the project meant she needed to be cautious about what she could say publicly at this stage. “The $7 million Federal funding means the government requires us to deliver on this project, and there have been many promises for many years, but not much has been delivered.” Ms Vaughan said the $8.1 million raised via a rate payer levy was “still committed”. She said the draft designs put forward by Gosford Council were “pretty pictures, but not necessarily what was ever going to be an affordable design. “The report will identify the next steps, but we are still concurrently trying to keep the commitment of the Federal Government. “We don’t want to make any more broken promises and this review is part of the due diligence required,” she said.

Woy Woy Court House in Blackwall Rd

Lawyers write to keep local court

“This will also result in security issues and the need for conferencing of clients in public as opposed to private spaces. “This is totally inappropriate,” he said. The partners of Tonkin Drysdale also wrote to the Chief Magistrate and described his proposals as “unfathomable”, pointing to the Peninsula’s long history of a Local Court service to a growing population. “The cessation of the criminal, family and civil jurisdictions of the Local Court will be a great loss and shock to the community. “It will lead to signiﬁcant negative outcomes for the administration of, and access to, justice on the Peninsula. “The only argument that could realistically be claimed by our political masters to improve services to a community by actually taking away the service is a perception of cost-saving, perhaps more correctly described as cost-shifting. “It is a fallacy.” Letter, 13 Jan 2017 Darrell Pannowitz, Paul Tonkin, Paul Quinn, Lee Pawlak, Tonkin Drysdale Partners Letter, 13 Jan 2017 Paul Mereniuk, Peninsula Law Letter, 19 Jan 2017 Michael Seton, Ryan and Seton Lawyers Letter, 19 Jan 2017 David Kelly, David Kelly Lawyers

THIS ISSUE contains 46 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

Edition 413

6 February 2017

Council renews commitment to crossing outcome

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

he long-promised regional library for Gosford has been delayed again, putting at risk a $7 million Community Development Grant, and begging questions about the status of around $8.1 million raised over 15 years from a ratepayer levy. Prior to its dismissal by the NSW Government in May 2016, Gosford Council had resolved to build a regional library on the council owned Broadwater Hotel site, next door to Gosford Council Chambers on Mann St. Draft plans were drawn and a public tender was advertised (but not in this newspaper) for an architectural consultancy and detailed design services. In a confidential Central Coast Council meeting on January 24, Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, resolved to withdraw that public tender. The reasons for the withdrawal have remained confidential, but are understood to be “procedural”. “Council will now seek an extension for the $7 million grant under the Community Development Grants Program,” Central Coast Council confirmed in a written statement issued in response to questions from Coast Community News. “[This will] enable Council to settle on a suitable location for the Gosford Library site with a report to be brought back to Council on the matter,” the statement said. Gosford Councillors voted in 2015 to move ahead with plans to build a new library in Mann St after the State Library of NSW reviewed nine possible options. The draft design was described in February 2016 as a collaborative effort between Gosford Council and leading

The last concept plan for the regional library has been described as “pretty pictures” but not necessarily affordable

architects Clare Design and Hill Thalis, which Gosford’s former mayor, Mr Lawrie McKinna, said was a “concept plan that boasts something for everyone. “There are still plenty of details to work through, but this current concept truly captures our vision of having a state of the art community hub right in the heart of the Central Coast’s capital,” Mr

McKinna said at the time. The concept plan for the Broadwater site included a ground level café and children’s area, three levels dedicated to exhibitions, library collections and an auditorium, as well as four more levels devoted to a smart work hub, a seniors’ centre and a university presence.

It appears Council amalgamation also resulted in the development application to demolish the current Council-owned building on the site never being lodged. Council’s Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the purpose of the report that was considered by Mr Reynolds in January was to “tidy up the tender process” which,

she said “fell way outside local government requirements” in terms of timing. Ms Vaughan said the work done by the NSW State Library was still being considered but questions remained about the suitability of the Broadwater Hotel as the best site for the state-of-the-art library that the region required.

Media statement, Jan 30, 2017 Central Coast Council media Interview, Feb 8, 2017 Julie Vaughan, Central Coast Council Media Release, Feb 22, 2016 Gosford Council media Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Conﬁdential airport feasibility study Berejiklian refuses to recommended sale conﬁrm September council election of the land N

ew South Wales Premier, Ms Gladys Berejiklian, during her visit to the region for a Community Cabinet meeting, was not prepared to conﬁrm that the Central Coast would have a local election in September.

Mr Laurie Eyes attended the Wyong chamber to access the airport feasibility study

he former Wyong Council and the current Central Coast Council have continued to spend rate payer money on the expansion of the airport at Warnervale when a 2013 feasibility study recommended the sale of the land. The study, which has been kept conﬁdential by both Wyong and Central Coast Councils since 2013, concluded that the sale of the airport land at Warnervale could fetch around $7.7 million, depending on market conditions. It also argued that the sale could result in an

ongoing revenue stream back to Council through land rates. The 2013 feasibility study concluded that an upgrade of the Warnervale airport was not viable, as the costs were considered “prohibitive” and signiﬁcant effort would be required by Council to attract aviation-related businesses to the site. Since abandoning its plans to develop an airport at Kiar Ridge, the Wyong Council and the Central Coast Council, have pursued an expansion of the airport into a general aviation hub. Since 2013, the former and current Council have spent at least $7

million at Warnervale airport, including on a runway upgrade without Ministerial permission, as is required by specific legislation, and on land acquisitions. At the same time, it has kept confidential the feasibility study which clearly showed the best course of action available to the Council was to sell the airport land and turn it into rateable industrial lots. Those lots would also generate employment as per the intent of its classification as a State Significant Site and the objectives of creating the Wyong Employment Zone (WEZ). Continued P3

Wyong Regional Chronicle asked Ms Berejiklian to conﬁrm that the ﬁrst election for the Central Coast Council would occur in September. The Premier said: “We know, the feedback I have been getting is, that people are so happy with the current arrangements up here on the Coast. “The merger has gone extremely well, that is the feedback I have been getting, not just from the local members, but also from the community, and people want to ensure that continues,” she said. When asked if she would rule out an extension of the current Administration period for the Central Coast Council, Ms Berejiklian said: “No, I’m not ruling anything in or out. “All that I am saying is the feedback we

20 February 2017

Member for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith has announced her resignation from NSW Parliament, because of her ongoing fight with cancer. The resignation was confirmed in a media statement from the NSW Opposition Leader Mr Luke Foley. He said that, against the odds, she won Gosford for Labor in 2015. Ms Smith was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and doctors were confident at the time that she would overcome the disease that first struck her in 1996. Unfortunately the cancer had more recently metastasised and required further treatment. “There is no higher honour than to represent your community in Parliament and that is why it is with great sadness that I announce my decision to resign as your Member for Gosford,” Ms Smith said. “When I was diagnosed with cancer last year, my doctors were positive that with treatment I would win my second battle with this disease,” she said. “Unfortunately, the cancer has metastasised and will now require further treatment. “This was not the result any of us was hoping for. “It was my first battle with this disease that led me to become a cancer advocate, then Chair of Cancer Voices NSW and ultimately be given the privilege of representing my community in the NSW Parliament.

Ms Kathy Smith (front left) campaigning to keep the Woy Woy Motor Registry open in 2015

“I am proud of what we have achieved together on the Central Coast and I know that whoever comes next will continue the great work that I and the Foley Labor team have started. “I now look forward to spending more time with my family and continuing my treatment and recovery,” she said. Ms Smith thanked her staff, Ms Jane Letteri and Ms Amy Walsh, and her husband Peter whose dedication and support had made so much possible at this difﬁcult time. NSW Opposition leader Mr Luke Foley said: “I said when Kathy was diagnosed with cancer that she had all our heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery. “Now with her resignation, we

are losing a remarkable, resilient and admirable woman, mother and colleague. “Her spirit and outlook will be missed around Parliament and important though her work here was, she has a much bigger battle ahead. “She has our entire sincere good wishes for that struggle. “Please give her your best thoughts, and prayers. “She and her family will get strength from that.” Mr Foley said Ms Smith’s achievements during her time as Member for Gosford included her exposure of the dangerous condition of the Hawkesbury River Rail Bridge which led to an inquiry by the Ofﬁce of Transport Safety Investigations and forced the

Government to make repairs. She led the fight against the closure of the Roads and Maritime Services office in Woy Woy by collecting a petition with more than 15,000 signatures and forcing a debate in the NSW Parliament. Ms Smith was credited with stopping the proposed increase in train fares which would have almost doubled fares for seniors by 2018 and would have cost daily commuters from Woy Woy to Tuggerah an extra $386 per year. “She fought to keep our public hospitals in public hands because patients should always come before profit; campaigned to fix the $12 million maintenance backlog at Gosford schools; and championed Brisbane Water oyster growers in their continuing efforts to re-

establish a viable local industry.” NSW Labor Senator Ms Deborah O’Neill, former Federal Member for Robertson, released a statement following Ms Smith’s announcement. “I am very sad that my friend and colleague Kathy Smith has had to resign as the Member for Gosford,” she said. “Kathy has been a strong voice for our community for many years. “I first met Kathy when she was the chairperson of Cancer Voices NSW and she was fighting to secure funding to build the Regional Cancer Centre at Gosford Hospital. “Thanks to Kathy’s persistent and passionate advocacy on behalf of locals, the Cancer Centre was built by Labor and thousands of locals now receive their cancer treatment right here on the Central Coast. “Kathy has continued to be a strong champion for our community and has fought against the Liberal Government’s attack on our local services, while battling her own illness in the last 12 months. “My thoughts are with Kathy, Peter, her children, grandchildren and her close friends at this very difficult time.” Media statement, 14 Feb 2017 Maegen Sykes, Office of Luke Foley Media statement, 14 Feb 2017 Rhys Zorro, Office of Deborah O’Neill

Premier Gladys Berejiklian shakes hands with the Central Coast Photo: Noel Fisher

have had is that it is an extremely positive experience and we are seeing a difference on the ground. “We are seeing less time taken to approve developments. “You’ve got to remember this is about the local community, it is not about how governments work, and what I have seen is really positive.” Ms Berejiklian has been under pressure to reconsider the

Government’s position on Council mergers since taking over as NSW Premier from Mr Mike Baird. For example, the State Member for Wyong, Mr David Harris, who is also Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, has called for a plebiscite to give the Central Coast community the opportunity to decide whether or not it retains the two old councils or continues with a single Central Coast Council.

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

Continued P4

FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Kathy Smith resigns due to fight with cancer

BY-ELECTION NEWS - Pages 8 to 12

Council withdraws Bullion St carpark from sale Umina’s Bullion Street community car park has been withdrawn from sale by Central Coast Council. The Central Coast Council called for expressions of interest last September from parties wishing to acquire and develop the Bullion St land.

At the time, the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce argued that the sale and development of the car park would cause trafﬁc chaos and damage the thriving Umina town centre’s economy. The community backlash has resulted in Central Coast Council pulling its call for expressions of interest off the agenda.

The Chamber of Commerce reports that it has been assured the sale will not proceed and that there will be no future review of that decision without the participation of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. Interview, 15 Feb 2017 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

The Bullion Street carpark has been withdrawn from sale

THIS ISSUE contains 53 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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ISSUE 152

billion-dollar project that aims to transform Gosford into the infrastructure investment gateway to Asia is waiting for a stamp of support from the Central Coast Council and NSW Government.

Captions

to be a game changer for the Gosford Waterfront”, which the briefing notes described as the “gateway location to the Central Coast. “The proposed Gosford waterfront development will work within the framework and principles set out by the intended Gosford Masterplan undertaken by the former Gosford Council, the Gosford Challenge, and Our City, Our Destiny Gosford Masterplan,’ the briefing document said. “This State Significant project will require partnership with the NSW State Government across a number of portfolios including planning, lands and RMS. “It has the potential to change the face of the Central Coast region, bring significant employment and economic stimulus to the region and contribute to the social wellbeing of the community,” the Cabinet briefing said.

Mr Duncan, who has had a long career as a merchant banker, said the project had been years in the planning and also involved a much bigger picture for Gosford and the region. The G5 Global Vision Foundation owns a company called Cellate, which is an Australian building technology that dates back to 1964, and established landmark projects in Australia until it relocated to the United Arab Emirates in 1990. Mr Duncan said he had successfully convinced the company to relocate its headquarters to Gosford as a stepping stone to expanding into Asia, and that Cellate was also negotiating on the acquisition of a number of sites to develop as housing on the Coast. “The Central Coast Council has been very meticulous in dealing with our proposal because they

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NEWS PAGE 3

FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Billion Dollar Waterfront Proposal billion-dollar project that aims to transform Gosford into the infrastructure investment gateway to Asia is waiting for a stamp of support from the Central Coast Council and NSW Government.

From page 1 “Referred to as the ‘jewel in the Central Coast’s Crown’, the current narrow shoreline is cut off from Gosford CBD by the Central Coast Highway. “It is proposed to replace the highway with a world-class, high-quality, environmentallysustainable waterfront development that rivals all waterfront developments around the world. “The development will provide an attractive gateway to the City of Gosford and the Central Coast and will be the catalyst for the revival of Gosford CBD as a major regional hub for business, leisure and tourism. “The Gosford waterfront project will also serve as the regional transport hub for the proposed Gosford to Sydney Intercity High Speed Ferry Service that will carry commuters and tourists between Circular Quay Sydney and Gosford CBD. “The boats and all required operations and maintenance

facilities will bring significant employment and economic benefit to the region. “It will provide not only worldclass marine, retail, residential and tourist facilities, but also a major transport node that will link Gosford to Sydney via a new transport corridor over the water,” the Cabinet briefing notes said. According to the briefing notes, the development proposal would include: waterfront retail and

public space “including access for the public in and around the waterfront”. Australia’s first Opal Museum and trading exchange would also be part of the tabled State Significant development. Other components would be a four-to-five star hotel with ballroom, conference facilities, entertainment and restaurant facilities; mixed-use residential, commercial and retail; parking

facilities and a transport interchange to link to the local bus and taxi network. The high speed intercity ferry service wharf would include berths for approximately six boats and there would be marine and slipway facilities, including fuel storage and a refuelling station, new dry stack facilities, boat ramp, pier and parking for local residents. The proposal includes parking on Dane Dve and the return of space

back to waterfront parkland. The waterfront proposal includes plans for a purpose-built Central Coast Rowing Club, and relocation and construction of a new, stateof-the-art, Gosford Aquatic and Leisure Centre. Other elements of the proposal included marinas and marina facilities, landscaping, boardwalks, furniture and external treatments, renovation of existing waterfront parkland on eastern shores,

upgrade of walkway and children’s play area; and the “diversion of the existing storm water line under Dane Drive that flows into current cove where proposed development is situated.” Point Clare is part of the proposal, which would include “upgrade and widening of existing road access from Point Clare Railway Station to new boating district” and a “continuous walk and cycleway from Gosford CBD through to Point Clare”. Ettalong also gets a guernsey with the proposed construction of an Ettalong Wharf and Pier, including a transport interchange and parking facilities, as Ettalong would also have a direct ferry service to Circular Quay as part of the proposal. Other elements of the proposal include a privately-owned dredge to keep the Brisbane Water channel navigable at all times for the ferry fleet. The ferry service would include a fleet of vessels similar to those that currently run between Japan and South Korea. Briefing notes, Feb 9, 2017 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council Interviews, Feb 20 and 21 Steve Duncan, G5 Global Vision Foundation Jackie Pearson, journalist

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FEBRUARY 23, 2017

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Sportsbet see Liberals as 5 to 1 M outsiders to win back Gosford

Member for Gosford, Kathy Smith, resigns from Parliament

ember for the State Seat of Gosford, Ms Kathy Smith, has announced her resignation from NSW Parliament, due to her ongoing struggle with cancer. From P1

auline Hanson’s One Nation party, which has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity across the country, has not been registered as a political party in NSW and so will not be able to run candidates in the Gosford by election.

Ms Hanson has said that she intended to have the party registered to contend the NSW State election in 2019. However, One Nation supporters could run in the Gosford byelection as independent candidates. Shortly after the announcement of Ms Kathy Smith’s resignation as the State Member for Gosford, Sportsbet tipped Labor to win the by-election but also predicted that One Nation had a better chance of winning the seat than the Liberals. Mr Will Byrne from Sportsbet said: “The Liberals would usually be challenging for favouritism, but it’s One Nation who follow Labor ($1.60 to win) at odds of $4. “Further down the pecking order on $5 is the Liberal Party, with the Christian Democratic party (Fred Nile $51) and Greens ($101) large

outsiders. “The Liberal Party lost Gosford at the election by only a couple of hundred votes, but this time the odds are very much against them reducing that margin and it looks a safe Labor hold,” Mr Byrnes said. Independent candidates could spoil Sportsbet’s predictions. Former Liberal Member for Gosford, Mr Chris Holstein, who lost the seat at the last NSW state election to Ms Smith by 203 votes, has not ruled out having another tilt at the bear pit, this time as an independent. “I am going to weigh up who is there and whether they have the interests of the Central Coast at heart,” Mr Holstein said. Mr Holstein expressed his sympathies for Ms Smith and her family and said he would “pray Kathy Smith gets a positive outcome” from her next round of cancer treatment. “We will need to look very closely to see the quality of candidates from all parties,” he said. Mr Holstein is currently the Chairman of the Central Coast Taskforce, an advocacy group set up and backed by entrepreneur, Mr John Singleton. “The job of the Taskforce has

always been to point out to the government what it needs to do for the Central Coast community,” Mr Holstein said. Mr Singleton has property development interests which may mean he is a prohibited donor in NSW. The NSW Electoral Commission lists property developers as prohibited donors and defines them as: “a corporation engaged in a business that regularly involves the making of relevant planning applications by or on behalf of the corporation in connection with the residential or commercial development of land, with the ultimate purpose of the sale or lease of the land for profit”. The Commission also defines a “close associate” of a banned donor and gives provision for entities to “apply to be determined as not a prohibited donor”. Website, Feb 16, 2017 NSW Electoral Commission, State Register of Political Parties Media release, Feb 14, 2017 Will Byrnes, Sportsbet Interview, Feb 15, 2017 Chris Holstein, Central Coast Taskforce Reporter: Jackie Pearson

“Unfortunately the cancer has metastasized and will now require further treatment. “This was not the result any of us were hoping for. “It was my first battle with this disease that led me to become a cancer advocate, then Chair of Cancer Voices NSW, and ultimately be given the privilege of representing my community in the NSW Parliament. “I am proud of what we have achieved together on the Central Coast and I know that whoever comes next will continue the great work that I, and the Foley Labor team, have started. “I now look forward to spending more time with my family and continuing my treatment and recovery,” she said. Ms Smith thanked her staff, Ms Jane Letteri and Ms Amy Walsh, and her husband Peter, whose dedication and support has made so much possible at this difficult time. NSW Opposition leader, Mr Luke Foley, said: “I said when Kathy was diagnosed with cancer that she had all our heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery. “Now with her resignation, we are losing a remarkable, resilient and admirable woman, mother and colleague. “Her spirit and outlook will be missed around Parliament, and important though her work here was, she has a much bigger battle ahead.

“She has our entire sincere good wishes for that struggle. “Please give her your best thoughts and prayers. “She and her family will get strength from that.” Mr Foley said Ms Smith’s achievements during her time as Member for Gosford included her exposure of the dangerous condition of the Hawkesbury River Rail Bridge, which led to an inquiry by the Office of Transport Safety Investigations, and forced the Government to make repairs. She led the fight against the closure of the Roads and Maritime Services office in Woy Woy by collecting a petition with more than 15,000 signatures, and forcing a debate in the NSW Parliament. Ms Smith was credited with stopping the proposed increase in train fares which would have almost doubled fares for seniors by 2018, and would have cost daily commuters from Woy Woy to Tuggerah an extra $386 per year. “She fought to keep our public

hospitals in public hands, because patients should always come before profit; campaigned to fix the $12 million maintenance backlog at Gosford schools; and championed Brisbane Water oyster growers in their continuing efforts to re-establish a viable local industry.” Senator for NSW, Ms Deborah O’Neill, released a statement following Ms Smith’s announcement. “I am very sad that my friend and colleague Kathy Smith has had to resign as the Member for Gosford,” Sen O’Neill said. “Kathy has been a strong voice for our community for many years.. “I first met Kathy when she was the Chairperson of Cancer Voices NSW and she was fighting to secure funding to build the Regional Cancer Centre at Gosford Hospital. “Thanks to Kathy’s persistent and passionate advocacy on behalf of locals, the Cancer Centre was built by Labor and thousands of locals now receive their cancer treatment right here on the Central Coast. “Kathy has continued to be a strong champion for our community and has fought against the Liberal Government’s attack on our local services, while battling her own illness in the last 12 months. “My thoughts are with Kathy, Peter, her children, grandchildren and her close friends at this very difficult time.” Media statement, Feb 14, 2017 Maegen Sykes, office of Luke Foley MP Media statement, Feb 14, 2017 Rhys Zorro, office of Senator Deborah O’Neill

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FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Makeup of staff at ATO building still unclear he new Gosford building for the Australian Taxation Office is expected to open for business in December, but the makeup of its staff, including the final number of jobs that will go to Central Coast locals, is yet to be finalised.

Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, has argued since 2014 that the new ATO building would create 600 local jobs. Between 2013 and 14, Ms Wicks promised 250 to 300 jobs in a Commonwealth agency but this was doubled in the 2014 Federal Budget. The unanswered question is whether those 600 positions will be jobs for locals. A statement from the ATO said: “The ATO’s new Gosford office will offer a range of career opportunities for the local labour market and graduates of tertiary institutions in the Central Coast region, as well as providing a limited number of jobs for existing ATO employees. “The Gosford building will support a workforce of 600 employees which will include 420 ATO jobs. “External recruitment is expected to commence in the

Work in full swing on the building that will house the Australian Taxation Office and other Federal Government agencies

second half of 2017. “The exact numbers and roles to be recruited are still being assessed, however, it is anticipated that ATO will be seeking between 300 and 400 new staff.” Coast Community News has learned from several ATO sources that existing employees had already been asked to express interest in moving to the Gosford office. “An expression of interest (EOI) process was conducted in December/January to find a limited number of existing ATO

employees interested in being considered for at-level transfer to Gosford,” a media statement from the ATO said. “We received 129 applications, with the majority of applications received from staff currently located in the Parramatta, Newcastle and Sydney CBD sites. “We are encouraged by the number of staff that expressed an interest; however, the final number of staff to be placed will be determined by a review of the skills and capabilities of those who applied and roles we expect to fill.

“The EOI was run to ensure an appropriate number of experienced and trained staff are in the site to ensure a smooth transition to and establishment of the Gosford site. “The Gosford site also includes planning for 180 employees from other Commonwealth agencies and departments,” the statement said. Commissioner of Taxation, Mr Chris Jordan, told a Senate Estimates Hearing in 2016 that there would be no large relocation of public servants to the Gosford Tax Office.

“We will clearly need some existing people to run an office. “Some people who live in Gosford work in Newcastle. “It seems like a reasonable thing. “Some people who live in Gosford travel down to Penrith, Parramatta or the CBD in Sydney. “We are looking to recruit the vast bulk of the people from that local area,” Mr Jordan said. The Federal Labor Opposition has criticised Ms Wicks’ claims about the creation of 600 jobs, stating that they will not be for local people. Ms Wicks, who has championed the building’s development since its inception, accused Labor of reverting to form as job wreckers. “If Labor’s serious about backing Gosford’s future, it should stop the smokescreen of misinformation and start realising that this is the biggest jobs-generating initiative the Central Coast has seen in years.” Ms Wicks said. “The Turnbull Government will deliver 600 new jobs in Gosford with the new Australian Taxation Office site near completion, creating a positive impact in the local community. “The latest update from the ATO has once again shattered the myth that the jobs will be ‘transferred’ from elsewhere, with confirmation that locals from our

region will have an opportunity to work at the purpose-built building. “The vast majority of jobs will be recruited from the local region – just like we’ve always said. “Even more importantly, the 600 jobs will generate even more local employment as workers take the short stroll down Mann St, supporting local coffee shops, restaurants, newsagents and many other local businesses. “Cranes are already in the sky, with the building to be leased by the ATO expected to be ready by the end of the year, leading the way for the rejuvenation of Gosford City and our region. “Bill Shorten and the Labor Party have been constantly attacking this project as part of an anti-jobs agenda to try and hold Gosford back. “With these new jobs flowing into the city, this will be a gamechanger,” Ms Wicks said. Media release, Feb 15, 2017 Lucy Wicks, Federal Member for Robertson Senate Estimates Hearing, 2016 Chris Jordan, Australian Taxation Office Media statement, Feb 17, 2017 Australian Tax Office media Jarrod Melmeth, journalist

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FEBRUARY 23, 2017

NEWS

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Labor Party candidate Secret documents reveal serious failures by shark netting contractors selection process T still to be decided he community can be assured that the NSW Labor Party will run a strong candidate in the by-election for the State Seat of Gosford, according to a member of the party’s State Executive Committee.

Central Coast-based Senator Deborah O’Neill, who is Junior Vice President of the NSW Labor executive team, said she did not believe the community cared about the internal workings of the Labor Party. “What is going to matter is that we have a candidate ready to defend the Coast against the State Government,” Senator O’Neill said. In paying respects to the outgoing sitting Member for Gosford, Ms Kathy Smith, Senator

O’Neill said: “The Labor Party put up a great candidate who won the election and worked hard for the community.” The Senator said she acknowledged that “rank and file preselection means a lot to local members of the party”. The preselection of Ms Smith for the 2015 NSW election was broadly criticised by local ALP members as a process dictated by the party’s NSW head office and not determined by the rank and file. There are seven ALP branches in the Gosford electorate. Some members remain concerned that the NSW head office will still dictate who the party preselects as its candidate in the impending by-election. A rank-and-file preselection would involve candidates being nominated.

Liberals offer best wishes SW Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, wished Ms Kathy Smith the best as she prepared to undergo more medical treatment.

Ms Smith tendered her resignation letter to the Office of the Speaker of the NSW Parliament on Tuesday, February 14. Mr MacDonald acknowledged the work Ms Smith had done in representing the electorate of

Gosford in the NSW Parliament. “Public life can be very demanding,” Mr MacDonald said. “This is now a time for Kathy and her family to concentrate on her health and her future,” he said. The Liberal Party will be making an announcement about its intentions for the by-election in the near future, Mr MacDonald said.

Those candidates do not have to live in the Gosford electorate, but they need to be a financial and qualified party member. Only members within the electorate’s branches can vote; all members are entitled to a vote, and the candidate with the most votes is endorsed by the party. A compromise may be to give the party’s NSW electoral committee and the State Administrative Committee an equal say in the selection of the candidate. “This will take its course,” Senator O’Neill said. She said she believed the community was more concerned about voting for an MP who would deliver on their promises. “One thing is very clear, when the Liberals win government, the Central Coast loses, and when the sitting member is also Liberal, the Central Coast loses twice,” she said. She said the closure of Woy Woy RMS and the withdrawal of the NSW Government from the replacement of the Rawson Rd rail crossing were two recent examples of those “losses”. “The underpass was promised by a Liberal member and a Liberal Government abandoned it,” she said. “With Labor, the commitments we make, we deliver,” she said. Ms Anne Charlton, a Wamberal resident and former employee of Senator O’Neill, who also stood for Labor in the Seat of Robertson in the 2016 in the Federal election, has stated her interest in preselection.

Media release, 14 Feb 2017 Kit Hale, office of Scot MacDonald

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he NSW Opposition has called into question the current effectiveness and the future viability of the State Government’s current Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program.

Government-appointed contractors failed to install shark nets at busy beaches on time and lied about maintaining existing nets, according to documents obtained by NSW Labor under Government Information Public Access (GIPA) laws. The documents have uncovered years of “gaffes and stuff ups” under the Government’s shark meshing protection program, including contract breaches by Central Coast operators between 2014 and 2016. The documents revealed that in 2014 and 2015, a Government contractor had failed to install the nets on time. The documents also found that a Government-appointed contractor failed to maintain nets at Macmasters, Copacabana, North Avoca, and Terrigal beaches in 2014. “During the period September 15 to 23, 2014, a total of 18 haul and sets were not carried out on beaches” a letter from the Department of Primary Industries to one Central Coast shark net contractor said. “On September 15, 2014, fisheries officers found the nets at the following beaches all to be in unsatisfactory condition with large holes in them: Killcare, MacMasters, Copacabana, North Avoca, Terrigal, The Entrance and Soldiers Beach. “…Fisheries officers found the Avoca net not to be set. “However, a net which was heavily tangled and attached to a float that had heavy growth on it was found in the area…you were

seen to navigate through this area and not conduct a haul and set on any net at this location. “On September 15, 2014, fisheries officers found two tangled nets were located at Terrigal and Soldiers Beaches. “These appeared to be lost nets.” The contractor fudged the number of maintenance checks to the Department of Primary Industries, according to the documents. “Your monthly log states that you worked the Umina, Killcare, Macmasters and Copacabana nets on Thursday, September 18, 2014. “However, fisheries officers’ observations confirm that on this day, your vessel did not leave its mooring.” One letter said the contractor had been paid $200.19 per set, totalling a payment for work not completed of $3,616.38. The ongoing failures by the Government’s contractors have also included unethical and dangerous behaviour including fist fights between staff members whilst at sea and throwing rubbish into the ocean, according to Mr Mick Veitch, NSW Shadow Minister for Primary Industries. The correspondence from the Department to the contractors made it clear that these incidents involved contractors on the Central Coast, as recently as July 2016. “Contractors are hired by the Government to roll out its annual shark meshing program that aims to protect swimmers and surfers along busy stretches of the NSW coastline,” Mr Veitch said. The Department, according to the GIPA documents, expects the contractors to have their nets in place from the first day of the summer season to the final day. They are also required to inspect each net every 72 hours.

KE A M , D N E I R F A E B . E C N E R E A DIFF

According to the documents, contractors were failing to do so in 2015. NSW Labor is demanding the Berejiklian Government urgently review the performance of its shark meshing contractors. “These private contractors are hired by the Government to protect beachgoers, yet these secret documents show that there are inherent failures in the current system. “The Government has known that there were risks to public safety but they failed to notify the community about what was going on,’ Mr Veitch said. “Contractors failing to do their job is an unacceptable situation. “The Minister needs to step in and give the community assurances that this will never happen again.” Mr Veitch said the Shark Meshing Program was a public safety measure introduced in 1937 and that more money needs to be spent on better ways to protect beach users. “The technology has changed since 1937 and, although Labor supports the program today, there has to be a better way to protect the public,” he said. Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, Mr David Harris, said: “The Government has broken the public’s trust by failing to keep the beach loving Central Coast community safe in the water. “The Government should be managing its contractors and have the highest standards in place. “The fact that these kinds of stuff ups are even happening is astounding,” he said. Media release, Feb 5, 2017 Maegen Sykes, office of Mick Veitch GIPA documents, Feb 7, 2017 Stephen Fenn, office of Mick Veitch

When the Liberals win, you lose.

LIBERAL CUTS ARE HURTING OUR SCHOOLS $30 billion cut = Fewer teachers = Less 1-on-1 = Students left behind

Labor, caring for our future. Authorised by Senator Deborah Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill, 4 Ilya Avenue, Erina 2250

STEPPING UP FOR CHANGE:

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY EXPO

nternational W o m e n ' s Day (IWD), originally called International Working Women's Day, is celebrated on March 8 every year.

In different regions of the world the focus of the celebrations range from general celebration of respect, to appreciation and recognition of women’s economic, political and social achievements. Here on the Central Coast the achievements of local women and local women’s organisations will be highlighted and celebrated at the third Central Coast International Women’s Day Expo on Saturday 4th March. The Expo will be held at The Hive at Erina Fair from 10am to 3pm. For International Women's Day 2017, everyone is asked to #BeBoldForChange: communities and individuals are called on to help forge a better working world - a more inclusive, gender equal world. Last year, in 2016, organisations and individuals around the world supported the #PledgeForParity campaign and committed to help women and girls achieve their ambitions, challenge conscious and unconscious bias, call for gender- balanced leadership, value women and men's contributions equally and create inclusive flexible cultures. From awareness raising to concrete action, organisations on the Central Coast rallied to

help forge gender parity on International Women’s Day (IWD) and beyond. But the World Economic

Forum predicts the gender gap won't close entirely until 2186. This is too long to wait.

Around the world, IWD can be an important catalyst and vehicle for driving greater change for

#MakeItHappen

Central Coast International Women’s Day

EXPO Be Bold for Change SATURDAY 4 MARCH | 10AM – 3PM THE HIVE, ERINA FAIR Celebrating Women on the Coast Women, Men & Children Welcome Program 10.00am

Singing Hands Choir

10.30am

Welcome to Central Coast Sally Jope, Chair, CCIWD Organising Committee

10.40am

Be Bold for Change Panel Hosted by Caroline Perryman from ABC Central Coast

11.30am

Coastal a Capella

12.00pm

Wisdom Circle with Sarah Tolmie

12.30pm

Wisdom Circle with Jaqueline Pearson

1.00pm

Embrace Belly Dancing

1.15pm

Wisdom Circle with Yvonne Lamont

1.45pm

Wisdom Circle with Hale Adasal

2.15pm

Troubabours Folk & Acoustic Music with Sue Robinson

2.45pm

Troubadours Folk & Acoustic Music with Garland Fine

Our Supporters

women and moving closer to gender parity. What if everyone truly stepped up to take bold action? #BeBoldForChange on International Women's Day 2017 and beyond by taking action that truly drives the greatest change for women. Everyone - women, men and non-binary people - can be a leader within their spheres of influence by taking bold action to accelerate gender parity. Through purposeful collaboration, evryone can help women and girls advance and unleash the limitless potential offered to economies everywhere. There is urgent work to do. Be ready to #BeBoldForChange this IWD 2017 and beyond! Come to the IWD Expo and find out more. Now in its third year, the IWD Expo is organised by women and men being bold for change! They make up the Central Coast IWD Organising Committee with representatives from The Rotary Clubs of Central Coast, Soroptimists International Brisbane Water, Zonta Club of Central Coast, Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre, WOW Wave of Wisdom, Business and Professional Women Central Coast and the University of Newcastle (Ourimbah Campus). Major sponsors include Erina Fair & Lendlease; Hunter TAFE; Coast Community News; National Home Doctor Service; Central Coast Council; 2GO/SeaFM. Media contact: Sally Jope, Chair of CCIWD Organising Committee Mob 0423198567

Central Coast International Women’s Day Calendar 2017 March

February Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

29 05 12 19 26

30 06 13 20 27

31 07 14 21 28

01 08 15 22

02 09 16 23

03 10 17 24

04 11 18 25

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

05 12 19 26

06 13 20 27

07 14 21 28

01 08 15 22 29

02 09 16 23 30

03 10 17 24 31

04 11 18 25

Friday 24 February 2017 Celebrating Women of Achievement Dinner Zonta Club of Central Coast Breakers Country Club, Dover Road, Terrigal

6PM-10PM

Fully Booked

Saturday 25 February 2017 Women of the Year Awards Dinner Business Professional Women Central Coast Mingara Recreation Club, 12/14 Mingara Dr, Tumbi Umbi

6.30PM-11PM

https://www.bpw.com.au/event-2300775

Saturday 4 March 2017 2017 International Women’s Day Expo Central Coast International Women’s Day Committee The Hive, Erina Fair, Terrigal Drive, Erina

10am – 3pm

Contact jillgodwin16@gmail.com

Sunday 5 March 2017 All About Women Festival Sydney Opera House

10.30am – 8.30pm

http://aaw.sydneyoperahouse.com/line-up-2017/

Tuesday 7 March 2017 Be Bold for Change: Seminar Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre 37 Maidens Brush Road, Wyoming

10am – 12pm

(02) 4337 2203 admin@cccwhc.com.au Free RSVP

8am – 11am

www.shestory.com.au

10am – 12pm

Contact: (02) 4342 5905 Free RSVP

10am – 12pm

Contact: (02) 4351 1152 Free RSVP

Wednesday 8 March 2017 International Women’s Day Breakfast She Story Mingara Recreation Club, 12/14 Mingara Dr, Tumbi Umbi Be Bold for Change Morning Tea Peninsula Women’s Health Centre 20a McMasters Road, Woy Woy Thursday 9 March 2017 Be Bold for Change Morning Tea Northern Women’s Health Centre 7 Rose Street, Wyong Friday 10 March 2017 International Women’s Day – The Eagle Huntress Avoca Beach Picture Theatre 69 Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach

7pm

Contact: (02) 4382 1777 https://ticketing.oz.veezi.com/purchase/2482?site Token=r8mwhyjp18cvqve5jnf7456pcr

Saturday 11 March 2017 WOW Day Retreat & Creators of Peace "Rumbulara Retreat" Central Coast

10am – 2pm

Retreat value $85, WOW price $25 Contact: info@waveofwisdom.org

Sunday 12 March 2017 10th Annual International Women’s Day Breakfast Soroptimists International Brisbane Water Reef Restaurant, The Haven, Terrigal Kayaking for Women & Eco Tour WOW Aqua Fun, Avoca Lake, 15 Ficus Ave, Avoca Beach

7.45am

10.30am – 12pm

Fully Booked

Event value $35, WOW price $20 Contact: info@waveofwisdom.org

Monday 13 March International Candle Lighting Ceremony with guest speaker Jan Prior of Didi Foundation Business Professional Women Central Coast Gosford Golf & Function Centre, Racecourse Road, Gosford

7.30pm

$45 non-members Contact: 0438 989 199

PAGE 10 FEBRUARY 23, 2017

NEWS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Performing Arts Centre key stakeholders attend Council update

Fears grow that Performing Arts Centre could lose State Government funding

entral Coast Council held a meeting with key stakeholders to provide an update on the Regional Performing Arts and Conference Centre project.

The Central Coast Leagues Club field in Georgiana Tce is the latest location to be proposed by Central Coast Council for a performing arts centre

s the long awaited Performing Arts Centre for Gosford remains in limbo, fears of $12 million in State Government funding being pulled from the project, grow. It has been over a year since the Federal Government, under the National Stronger Regions fund in December 2015, pledged its funding, and Council still has not revealed details surrounding the project’s location, let alone anything else. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, said the State Government pulling the funding from the project was a very real prospect unless Council got its act together. “I reckon you have got a window

of about a year, and if it does not happen, I would say it will be off the table, and you would have to start from scratch again, which would be deeply disappointing for everyone, but we cannot force the council to do something they do not want to do,” Mr MacDonald said. “I think it is about finalising the location, whether it be Council land or something in tandem with developers, all we can say is there is the money, and we believed it was appropriate for the Performing Arts Centre to be located at Rotary Park. “My fear is, I have lost a couple of champions for the regional Performing Arts Centre from cabinet, including Mike Baird and Rob Stokes, except as a senior cabinet minister, Rob Stokes doesn’t have a role in it at the moment so, it is really that

the voices pushing for it aren’t there so much anymore,” Mr MacDonald said. The site for the Centre was originally earmarked for Gosford City Park, but strong opposition from the community has kept Council away from Poppy Park, due to its significance. Ms Margaret Hardy, of the Multi Arts Confederation, said there have been numerous surveys where Poppy Park was said to be the location for the Centre, but the community has said no, due to it being reclaimed and heritagelisted land. Ms Hardy said of the government funding potentially being pulled from the project that she “is disgusted that all parties involved are allowing this issue to continue lingering on.” “No one will listen.

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“We love our city and we want to improve the quality of life for our region and the many people who have to travel to Sydney or Newcastle to access what we should already have. “It’s like the government are blackmailing us, saying we will hold the money until the community comes to its senses. “A performing arts centre is such a benefit to the region, not a finance building. “It’s just crazy, there is no logic and no appreciation of the arts. “Everyone needs to just get their act together and consider the people of Gosford,” Ms Hardy said. The Multi Arts Confederation are prepared to keep fighting for the Regional Performing Arts Centre with plans to pursue the new NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, who, Ms Hardy hopes, “has more sense than the rest of them”. Negotiations between the Multi Arts Confederation, Gosford Waterfront Alliance, Friends of the Performing Arts Precinct, and Central Coast Council Administrator Mr Ian Reynolds continue, with hopes Council will buy and allocate the remaining parcel of land from the Gosford Public School site and allocate it for the Performing Arts Centre.

Council contacted key stakeholders via email to invite them to the meeting, held on February 9, in the Laycock St Community Theatre’s Don Craig Room. According to Council’s invitation, the meeting agenda included: An overview of the project; a project site investigation; clarity on the project’s next steps; and further input from stakeholders regarding the project. Key stakeholders identified by Council included: Regional Development Australia, Gosford Musical Society, Woy Woy Little Theatre, Friends of the Performing Arts Precinct, Conservatorium of Music, Youth in Performing Arts, Central Coast Dance Festival and NAISDA. Council’s Group Leader of Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the meeting was held as a courtesy to those stakeholders who had already been working with Council on the Regional Performing Arts Centre. “It was literally being held, just in good spirit, to test our thinking with those stakeholders,” Ms Vaughan said. She acknowledged that both the Federal and State Government funding for the project could be placed in jeopardy because “there

has not been a lot of delivery on promises”. Ms Vaughan said she had been involved in the development of The Art House theatre in Wyong, and expected the February 9 meeting to be one small step in many stages on community consultation. She said she hoped the community would understand that the scope of the Regional Performing Arts Centre project was at least double that of The Art House and that a great deal of work needed to be done to hit upon a project with the scope that would deliver both affordability and creativity for the community. “We know this has been going on for years, and during that time, multiple sites have been identified, none of which has met the needs of a regional Performing Arts Centre,” she said. “The message we want to get across about this project is that we want to start to rebuild the community’s confidence and the government’s confidence. “In every element of the Council’s executive team, our focus is to be open and transparent,” Ms Vaughan said. “This is good news; there is a long way to go, but we have clear ways forward with the RPAC,” she said. Email, Feb 7, 2017 Phil Cantillon, Central Coast Council Interview, Feb 8, 2017 Julie Vaughan, Central Coast Council

Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre Is celebrating International Women’s Day 2017

#BeBold ForChange We are celebrating with three events: IWD Forum 10am – 12pm Tues 7 March guest speakers on economic empowerment and gender equity, with morning tea, Wyoming centre

IWD High Tea, 10am – 12pm Wed 8 March guest speaker and morning tea, Woy Woy centre

Interview, Feb 2, 2017 Scot MacDonald, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Interview, Feb 7, 2017 Margaret Hardy, Multi Arts Confederation Central Coast Jarrod Melmeth, Journalist

IWD High Tea, 10am – 12pm Thurs 9 March guest speaker and morning tea, Wyong centre

All welcome to any of these three events. Also a member of the organising committee for the International Women’s Day Expo.

Please contact admin@cccwhc.com.au or 4337 2203 to RSVP or for further information

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

NEWS PAGE 11 FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Mountain Districts Assoc. excluded from crucial meeting on the future of landfill

he future of the Mangrove Mountain landfill will be discussed at a meeting between Central Coast Council, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the landfill operator and consultants on March 2. Dr Stephen Goodwin, a spokesperson for Mountain Districts Association (MDA), which has strongly opposed further development and wants the site closed down and remediated, said he had strong misgivings about the direction the discussions might take. Dr Goodwin said that a final report on the landfill by a private consultant commissioned under a joint agreement between MDA and EPA has not yet been finalised because of last minute interventions by the operator and associated parties, including Bingo Group, which previously had distanced itself from the landfill. MDA has been excluded from the upcoming meeting, which Dr Goodwin said was “disturbing”. Dr Goodwin said that because both the EPA and Gosford City Council (GCC) failed in their statutory responsibility to monitor and enforce the consent orders and licence conditions on the landfill, both organisations had an interest in avoiding future responsibility. “The present Council continued to ignore the threat to the Central Coast water supply caused by the decision of the former Gosford Council to allow a waste landfill in a water catchment area,” he said. “Despite MDA presenting irrefutable evidence challenging the legitimacy of 2014 Land and Environment Court orders, which would allow for an expansion of the landfill, the CEO of Central Coast Council, Rob Noble, has flatly refused to take any action. “Council’s current position is that it will not seek to reopen the LEC proceedings,” Mr Noble said in an email to MDA.

Some of the pile of general waste at Mangrove Mountain

Mr Noble’s email said: “If the Mountain Districts Association feels that further proceedings are warranted, then the Mountain Districts Association has the ability to commence its own proceedings.” “He can act, but to date he has chosen not to,” said Dr Goodwin. As background to the present impasse, the former Gosford Council took the landfill operator, Verde Terra Pty Ltd, and other parties to the Land and Environment Court (LEC) in 2012 for breaching the development consent. The shock outcome of the case was a set of Orders that, once new licence conditions were met, would see a significant expansion of the landfill, the opposite outcome to what was intended. “How did this happen?” Dr Goodwin asked. No new waste has been accepted at the site since the LEC decision as new licence conditions remain a work in progress between the NSW EPA and the landfill operator. MDA has been fighting for two years to have the landfill closed down and the site remediated. “It would seem that they would rather put the water supply at

Kariong Quality

risk,” he said. “There is a strong legal impediment to proceeding, which Council should invoke,” he said. “We have received reputable legal opinion the 2014 LEC orders cannot be implemented because the case was conducted on the basis that the site was environmentally safe. “At the time the court order was made, senior staff of the former Gosford Council had information that the site was not safe, but this information was not provided to the court,” Dr Goodwin said. “Not only did Council fail to monitor compliance, resulting in 10 times the approved volume of rubbish being deposited into the landfill, but they were the single biggest perpetrator of the explosion of rubbish on that site,” Dr Goodwin said. “Information MDA obtained through GIPA showed 121,000 tonnes of rubbish from Council’s Kincumber and Woy Woy waste facilities was transferred to Mangrove Mountain Landfill between 2005 and 2012, involving in excess of 6,000 trucks,” he

said. The maximum amount of waste permitted to be dumped at Mangrove Mountain Landfill was 80,000 cubic metres. “The alleged involvement of the former Gosford Council in both failing in their statutory duty under the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act to ensure compliance at the landfill site, while at the same time being the major contributor to this breach, you would think would be enough for the current Council to act when a legal course of action to redress this matter is presented to them. “The MDA had been told by Council’s Group Leader Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, that the landfill at Mangrove Mountain ‘was one of the two most significant issues Central Coast Council inherited’. “Is that a meaningless statement?” Dr Goodwin asked. “Or does it just mean it is a big headache for Council because Council is liable for the mess. Twelve months ago, EPA’s Executive Director of Waste and Resource Recovery, Mr Steve

Beaman, acknowledged on ABC Central Coast radio that the EPA had lost the Mountain community’s trust over the landfill. “Subsequent meetings between MDA and EPA have been productive, thanks to the hiring and input of an independent consultant to oversee past and future plans for the landfill. “The consultant continually maintains his independence; he is simply there to report the facts and make recommendations to the EPA.” Dr Goodwin said MDA was expecting the consultant’s final report would be placed in the public domain, but they also have concerns about the March 2 meeting. “Our concern is that the parties will use the occasion to arrive at an outcome that suites them to move forward with the court orders and reopen the landfill. “If the facts are treated on their merit, we have every confidence the landfill is on borrowed time. “Only then will the EPA have regained the trust of the community. “Mr Beaman has said the EPA would not approve any environmental measures at the Landfill that did not safeguard the Central Coast Water Supply. “They can convince us all they like about the new measures, but the existing 800,000 cubic metre waste pile sits there unprotected. “All they can do is put in some mitigating measures, which on past performance, will be watered down, but that will not prevent

that landfill continuing to be a threat to the water supply. “We want an end to it, we don’t want any new waste brought in. “Someone has to go back to the LEC and, with all the circumstances revealed to the court, come back with an arrangement about who pays to clean up the site.” Dr Goodwin said the research MDA had conducted over the past 12 months revealed the part of the landfill thought to be lined (cell 1B) was, in fact, open at each end. “So in fact 100 per cent of the existing waste mound is environmentally unsafe,” he said. “The EPA’s own Guidelines for Solid Waste Landfills state that ‘in or within 40 metres of a permanent or intermittent water body, or in an area overlying an aquifer, that contains drinking water quality groundwater that is vulnerable to pollution’ is an inappropriate site for a waste landfill. “This site ticks all the boxes and yet in 2017 we are still arguing with both the EPA and Council about getting some action. “We are very disappointed in the present administration.” Interview, Feb 20, 2017 Dr Stephen Goodwin and Marilyn Steiner, Mountain Districts Association Email, Feb 6, 2017 Rob Noble, Central Coast Council Jackie Pearson, journalist

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PAGE 12 FEBRUARY 23, 2017

NEWS

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Increased load and lack of facilities at Gosford Court House seen as totally inappropriate ocal Court sittings have been increased at Gosford Court House to allow for two magistrates to sit full time at this location, but the local legal community has expressed concerns about the venue’s capacity to cope.

Accurate finalisation of former Gosford Council accounts crucial arliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, has said he will take the accounts of the former Gosford Council to the Office of Local Government if he has any questions about their veracity.

In a written media statement, the NSW Chief Magistrate’s Office said: “After carefully reviewing feedback from local stakeholders, the Chief Magistrate will move Local Court sittings to Gosford, freeing up Woy Woy Court House to become a full time Children’s Court for the Central Coast. “Local Court sittings have also increased at Gosford to allow for two magistrates to sit full time at this location,” the statement said. The NSW Government has also recently closed its NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) purpose-built conferencing and hearing rooms in Gosford and moved some NCAT cases to Gosford Court House. Ms Rosemary Long, President of the Central Coast Law Society, wrote to the Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, to express her concerns about the changes, which are expected to take place from March. “The overcapacity already occurring at Gosford Court House…has been worsened by the closure of NCAT rooms in Gosford and the relocation to the Gosford Court House. “The Gosford branch of the NSW Trustee and Guardian also closed in November 2016 and I do not know what role Gosford Court House may have to play in terms of its existing local clients,” Ms Long said.

The accounts for the 2015 to 2016 financial year (up to May 12) are now expected to be presented to Mr Reynolds at Council’s March 22 meeting for referral to the auditor. The audit was due for completion before Christmas, but Mr Reynolds said Council had requested extra time due to the auditors not being familiar with Gosford’s systems. “From what I have been told from Central Coast Council, they have had a lot of difficulty proving their accounts,” said Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald. “The current Administrator and his Interim CEO have been saying there were question marks around the accounts,” Mr MacDonald said. “That begs the question, will we have the new Council, when it is elected, saying it is going to need another $5 million or $15 million?” he said. Mr MacDonald said due to his accountancy background, he understood how the way that assets were valued, for instance, could alter the outcome of a balance sheet. “An unexpected shortfall would result in less money for roads, kerb and guttering,” he said. Mr MacDonald said the

Mr Darrell Pannowitz, from Tonkin Drysdale Partners, also wrote to Mr MacDonald expressing concerns about the changes. Mr Pannowitz said the proposal to completely cut Local Court sittings at Woy Woy so that the Magistrate can be freed up to sit full-time at Gosford “necessarily means there are no facilities at the Gosford complex for NCAT. “This is just another example of bureaucrats within the same department not talking to each other and thinking things through,” Mr Pannowitz said. “The alternate view is that they have discussed the additional workload for the Court complex and determined that matters need to be transferred to Newcastle or elsewhere, which causes them no concern,” he said. “In a perfect world, there should be additional Court infrastructure at all of the Wyong, Woy Woy and Gosford Court complexes.

“This will become necessary at a future time,” he said. Mr Pannowitz suggested an alternate roster that may free up a court room at Gosford for NCAT one day per week, but it is understood that his suggestions were rejected by the Chief Magistrate. “Surely it is more efficient for the community, police, juvenile justice, other court resources and the overall administration of justice, for a Magistrate to travel between courts rather than have the whole community travel between courts?” he said. Mr Paul Mereniuk, Partner with Peninsula Law, said the cessation of a Local Court list day at Woy Woy Court House would result in a 25 per cent increase in the work load of the Gosford Local Court. He said the Chief Magistrate’s Office had argued that the changes would result in an extra 12 sitting days added to the Gosford Local Court monthly calendar.

“Unfortunately the statistic fails to take into consideration that the Gosford Local Court has the following sittings: Monday one sitting for Gosford Court matters only; Tuesday two sittings for Gosford Court matters only; Wednesday two sittings, one for Gosford matters and one for defended Woy Woy matters; Thursday two sittings for Gosford matters and Woy Woy matters; and Friday one sitting. “Accordingly, the only availability to increase Local Court sitting times occurs on Monday and Friday of each week in the month, therefore, instead of there being an increase of 12 local court sitting days as projected, in fact there can only be an increase of eight. “To add to this, the Gosford Court House facility struggles to accommodate the stakeholders it currently services for both the District and Local Courts. “This struggle will now be compounded by the addition of 25 per cent more cases which will necessitate a minimum of one support person for each defendant in Criminal matters, and one support person for each party in Civil or Family Law matters. “The proposed increase in workload has not been met by any increase in rooms available for conferencing clients or for accommodating victims of domestic violence. “This will also result in security issues and the need for conferencing of clients in public as opposed to private spaces. “This is totally inappropriate,” he said. Media statement, Feb 3, 2017 Georgie Louden, NSW Justice Letter, Jan 4, 2017 Darrell Pannowitz, Tonkin Drysdale Partners Letter, Jan 13, 2017 Paul Mereniuk, Peninsula Law Jackie Pearson, Journalist

finalisation of the Gosford accounts would be a “light bulb moment” for the new Council. “They can then say we are now happy with the books, have identified a backlog and then ask the State Government if it can help out.” Although Mr MacDonald reiterated that the newly-merged Central Coast Council cannot stray from its current rates path for three years, a rate increase may well be on the cards beyond that date. “The rate caps are very low at the moment, they are like inflation, around 1.82 per cent, so they will have to go to their community and ask for a Special Rate Variation and say they need an extra per cent for so many years to cover the backlog. “If I have any concerns about the accounts, I am going to be going to the Office of Local Government saying: “I want a truth test on this. “I want to be very confident of their accounts, their balance sheet position and their infrastructure backlog position, and if that means another auditor taking a look, so be it. “I will be expecting a very important, very thorough assessment of this. “Until you can measure it, you can’t manage it, and I think that is glaring. “I am looking for clarity and I am looking for them to be verified, so once the auditors sign off, then the Office of Local Government can be comfortable the auditors have done their job.” Interview, Feb 2, 2017 Scot MacDonald, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Jackie Pearson, Journalist

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NEWS

PAGE 13 FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Avoca Beach Picture Theatre Land and Environment Court hearing update

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.

Issue 109 January 31, 2017

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

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

Confidential airport feasibility study recommended sale of the land The former Wyong Council and the current Central Coast Council have continued to spend rate payer money on the expansion of the airport at Warnervale ...

The Avoca Beach Picture Theatre

entral Coast Council has argued that the Land and Environment Court should dismiss an appeal by Norman and Beth Hunter and uphold Council’s refusal of the application to redevelop the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre.

The Council confirmed its position in a written statement to Coast Community News on Monday, February 6. A Land and Environment Court hearing took place on site at the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre at 10:00am on February 21. Beth and Norman Hunter, the owners of the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, took their fight to redevelop the theatre to the Land and Environment Court following the former Gosford Council’s refusal of their development application in June 2015. The Hunters subsequently lodged an application to Council to review the DA in November, 2015, and shortly after, commenced action in the Land and Environment Court.

A Section 34 conference was held at the Avoca Beach Surf Club in June 2016 and amended plans were subsequently submitted to Council. Those plans were advertised by Central Coast Council in October, but not in this newspaper. The number of cinemas and the size of the residential units that were part of the Hunter’s $7.1 million redevelopment plans were reduced in the latest amendments. However, the Hunters and Council have not been able to reach an agreement, so the Land and Environment Court (LEC) hearing will determine the outcome of Mr and Ms Hunter’s 14-year battle to redevelop the theatre. Spokesperson for Avoca Theatre Preservation Inc, Mr Mike Rubbo, was first to speak at the LEC hearing on February 21. Prior to the hearing Mr Rubbo said he would be reinforcing the organisation’s views that the theatre did not need to be redeveloped to be a viable business and that the Hunter’s plans did not preserve the

heritage values of the theatre. “There is more to preserving the heritage value of the theatre than retaining an interior auditorium,” Mr Rubbo said. “To be serious about retaining the theatre’s heritage value, any redevelopment would need to preserve the lobby, the scale of the existing theatre, access to the lawn and all the things that make the theatre charming and historical,” he said. An email from Ms Elaine Odgers Norling, Coordinator of the Avoca Film Group said: “Without development, the Theatre cannot remain as a viable economic business given the strictures of the film industry.” A second day of the Land and Environment Court hearing took place in Sydney on February 22. Interview, Feb 7, 2017 Mike Rubbo, Avoca Theatre Preservation Inc Email, Feb 3, 2017 Elaine Odgers Norling, Avoca Film Group Jackie Pearson, journalist

NSW Premier and Cabinet presented with Council’s comprehensive wish list A comprehensive wish list has been delivered to the Premier and Cabinet of the NSW Government by the Central Coast Council at Mingara Recreation Club on Thursday, February 9.

Boarding House developer to take Council to court

Berejiklian refuses to confirm September council election New South Wales Premier, Ms Gladys Berejiklian, during her visit to the region for a Community Cabinet meeting, was not prepared to conﬁrm that the Central Coast ...

Council reiterates call for repeal of the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act 1996 The repeal of the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act 1996 has again been called for by the Central Coast Council, even though Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, has ...

State Government asked to bring forward the Pacific Highway upgrade through Wyong

Council calls on State Government to contribute $45 million to complete Link Road

Roads and Maritime Services NSW has been asked to bring forward the commencement of the Paciﬁc Highway upgrade through Wyong.

The NSW Government has been called upon to contribute $45 million to complete the Link Rd between Wyong and Warnervale and to assist Central Coast Council with the management of ...

Glenning Valley appeal listed for court

Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang member arrested

developer’s appeal A member of the Rebels The long-running battle The Central Coast Outlaw Motorcycle Gang between Ourimbah residents against and the developer of the Council’s deemed refusal of a (OMCG) has been charged replica ﬁrearms, proposed Glen Rd boarding major residential subdivision after house has entered a new at Glenning Valley has weapons and illicit drugs chapter, with the developer been listed for a Land and were seized during a search warrant ... Environment Court ... taking the Central Coast ... The full articles and more can be seen on our website www.CentralCoastNews.net

e Frkeeone! Ta

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

Kathy Smith resigns due to fight with cancer

Council withdraws Bullion St carpark from sale

Member for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith has announced her resignation from NSW Parliament, because of her ongoing ﬁ ght with cancer.

Umina’s Bullion Street community car park has been withdrawn from sale by Central Coast Council.

Chief magistrate pushes on with court changes

Fines issued over pelican attack

NSW Chief Magistrate Judge Graeme Henson will push ahead with plans to remove Local Court sittings from Woy Woy Court House and turn it into a full-time Children’s Court.

Fines have been issued following an attack on pelicans at Woy Woy on December 30.

Council presses Cabinet on channel dredging Central Coast Council has told the NSW Cabinet that dredging the Ettalong Channel is a key issue for the region.

Lawyer receives scathing letter from chief magistrate Mild-mannered local lawyer Mr Darrell Pannowitz has received a scathing letter from Chief Magistrate Judge Graeme Henson after asking him to reconsider plans to remove Local Court sittings from Woy Woy courthouse.

Labor branch condemns rail crossing decision

Government insists election will be held on September 9

Premier confirms timing

The Woy Woy Branch of the Australian Labor Party has condemned the NSW Government’s decision to scrap the Rawson Rd level crossing replacement project.

The NSW Government is now insisting a September 9 election will be held for Central Coast Council, after previously being noncommittal about whether the administration ...

NSW Premier Ms Gladys Berejiklian has conﬁrmed that the next election for merged local councils, including the Central Coast Council, will be held on September 9.

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

PAGE 14 FEBRUARY 23, 2017

FORUM

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

School funding cut claims denied t was obvious in the last Coast Community News that while much of the publication highlighted positive local news and achievements, Labor was too busy peddling its latest scare campaign.

Quite frankly, the Central Coast has had enough of Labor’s negativity. Labor Senator Deborah O’Neill was again the one caught out, this time over school funding claims. Contrary to the advertisement authorised by Senator O’Neill, the Turnbull Government’s Quality Schools, Quality Outcomes policy will deliver record funding to schools. There are no cuts. This record funding is needsbased and tied to evidence-based

FORUM initiatives that will lift outcomes for Australia’s children. Simply, schools funding under the Turnbull Government will grow from already-record levels. The investment in schools will grow from $16 billion in 2016 to $20.1 billion in 2020, on top of more than $14 billion the Coalition has been delivering for regional and remote schools since we came to office in 2013. That is funding above inflation and above enrolment growth projections. Our funding growth means there’s no reason schools won’t be able to continue to support teachers and new or existing initiatives, such as specialist teachers or targeted intervention programs.

While funding matters, what you do with it matters even more. The Turnbull Government will tie our future funding to more than a dozen evidence-based ‘back to basics’ reforms in schools proven to boost student outcomes, such as minimum literacy and numeracy standards, recognition for teachers based on competency and achievement, and early intervention for struggling students. As a former teacher and mother of two school-aged children, I know this means a lot to local families. If only Labor would learn its lesson and stop talking down our region with its desperate scare campaigns. Email, Jan 30, 2017 Lucy Wicks, Federal Member for Robertson

Regional Library has funding shortfall as the Gosford Regional Library ever been anything more than just another cynical thought bubble by a blundering Gosford Council?

Put aside for a moment the question of whether emerging technology has negated the requirement for this civic edifice which would likely be empty the majority of the time. Former Mayor, Mr Lawrie McKinna, backed the project, however failed to explain where the “missing” $35 million in funding is to come from, just like

FORUM the Kibbleplex. The community was sold a concept with lots of impressive drawings but no substance, our elected councillors went along for the ride. Did even one of them ever ask how the library was meant to be funded, given Gosford Council’s precarious financial position? The regional library proposal has been “on the cards” for over 20 years. Residents have been levied to fund the $8.1 million held by Council, (a Council which has

skimmed the interest from the levy to other areas so the principal amount has not increased with inflation) and with the Federal Government providing $7 million, a total of $15 million, so in their wisdom, Gosford Council announces a $50 million promise. I trust our amalgamated Council will act with more prudence than was displayed by the previous one. Residing in a community that lacks basic infrastructure like so many other local communities, I hope so. Email, Feb 18, 2017 Craig Hillman, Empire Bay

Irresponsible people not fined e want to see more articles on the Build The Wall at Wamberal.

Trump will do it. Also a story on irresponsible people letting their dogs have

FORUM a dump on our beaches and not picking it up causing a health hazard for children playing in the sand. It happens every day on Wamberal Beach despite a council

fine of $275.00. However, after talking to council, it appears that the rangers are too busy to follow this up… so the dumping just perpetuates. Email, Feb 16, 2017 Julius Huszarek, Wamberal

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Kathy Smith has left her mark attended a Cancer Council Consumer Advocacy Training Workshop at Erina in November 2006.

Among the participants was a lady named Kathy Smith, and during the workshop, Kathy spoke about advocacy. Kathy then started a petition about Gosford Hospital having no special cancer unit, and after 22,000 people signed the petition, it was handed to the government. The government spent the money and now Gosford Hospital has a cancer unit, thank you

FORUM Kathy. Kathy was then elected as the State Member for Gosford. I noted in the Express Advocate dated February 17, a statement made by Chris Holstein which said: “I am not wanting to be unsympathetic, but for over 12 months, there hasn’t been representation”. That statement was by a person who has no empathy towards Kathy Smith. Kathy has battled on by doing her duties as the State Member for Gosford during her ongoing

treatment. If the person who made that statement stands for the Seat of Gosford, I hope no women vote for him and that we show our support for Kathy Smith. As a matter of interest, what party does he belong to – once an independent, then a Liberal, and now, maybe, an independent again. I hope your future improves Kathy, but you left your mark on the Central Coast with the Cancer Unit at Gosford Hospital. Letter, Feb 17, 2017 Vic Wulf, Gosford

Vision for new Council unlikely to be met r David Abrahams’ letter on the u p c o m i n g Council election (“Future councillor’s role will be more demanding than ever”, Coast Community News, 27/1/17) is a vision of perfection that is likely to have little effect in the community at large.

“Encouraging quality local candidates” is easy to say, but how does he suggest that these candidates be found, funded and supported in their campaigns? Unless they are supported by established political parties (perhaps, the last thing we need), few candidates will have the resources to undertake the range of activities that he suggests should make up the campaign. One wonders, anyway, how many individuals have the ability to engage in “high quality discussions around transport, employment, education, development, investment and culture.” I have three degrees and 40 years of professional experience, but I would feel daunted to develop

FORUM Letters to the editor should be sent to:

COAST COMMUNITY

NEWS PO Box 1056 Gosford 2250 or editorial@centralcoastnews.net

See Page 2 for contribution conditions such an ambitious manifesto. It is near to a certainty that all the old councillors will stand again in the new election, and it would be no surprise to see all 15 seats going to these re-treads, given the general apathy towards local elections and the disadvantages that new candidates always have in challenging the status quo. This is apart from the fact that any highly qualified candidates might not have the capacity to devote the time required for the management of a new, enlarged Council, whereas it is clear that all the existing councillors do have this time on their hands. Since there appears to be no local Donald Trump on the horizon to galvanize the disaffected, I

expect a campaign of platitudes and self-aggrandisement, and a new council very much in the mould of the two Councils that most people were glad to see the last of. Incidentally, Mr Abrahams excuses the Administrator’s lacklustre performance over the past nine months on the grounds that he has been fully taken up with resetting the administrative structure to a higher-performance standard. If this is the case, the improvement is not evident to me, even though this was one of the high hopes that I had of the Administrator when he took office. Furthermore, even if such a task was a priority, it provides no excuse for the nine months of policy drift, when crucial decisions could have been made to set the new Council a reinvigorated agenda. Heaven help us, we might even see Mr Chris (never-lost-a-cent) Holstein back on the Council, bearing the tattered banner of the Central Coast Task Force. Email, Feb 14, 2017 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

Walk to the station is extremely difficult

fter the welcome showers, it is now extremely difficult to walk to the railway station between Matthew Pde and Collard Rd, on Brisbane Water Drive, Point Clare. As one side has grassy knolls and no path, you must walk on the

FORUM Matthew Pde side. This goat track is now a muddy track with weeds over one metre high. Not so nice for those of us who still work and pay taxes, dressed and wearing office shoes, not our

gumboots. It’s time for action by the authorities to address this unpleasant and unsafe issue faced daily by many pedestrians, in particular for the elderly or those with mobility issues. Email, Feb 20, 2017 Anne Mooney, Point Clare

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PAGE 17 FEBRUARY 23, 2017

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

ONTHEBEAT PAGE 19 FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Firebug arrested at Mangrove Creek

Fast food outlet robbery fails

man has been charged following a bushfire at Mangrove Creek.

Shortly after 12am on February 12, emergency services were called to a bushfire on Mangrove Creek Rd, Mangrove Creek, following reports of a fire. Officers from Brisbane Water Local Area Command and Rural Fire Service attended and commenced investigations.

The fire was observed in two locations. The fire was extinguished and no building structures were damaged, other than vegetation. No one was injured during the incident. A 40-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Gosford Police Station where he was charged with set fire to land of

other during total fire ban and intentionally cause fire and be reckless as to its spread. He was refused bail to appear at Wyong Bail Court on February 12. Police and emergency services continue to remind people to report any suspicious activity about people they believe may be involved in deliberately lighting bushfires. Media release, Feb 12, 2017 NSW Police Media

Avoca Beach man arrested olice have seized prohibited weapons and steroids during a search of an Avoca Beach home on February 15.

P Police images of the man believed to have information about the fast food robberies

olice appealed for information following robberies of two fast food outlets within the Brisbane Water Local Area Command.

About 10:00pm on Sunday, February 19, a 23-year-old employee was working in the kitchen of a fast food outlet on the Pacific Hwy, Lisarow, when he was approached by a man who handed him a note, demanding cash. The man fled the scene on foot empty-handed; he was last

Anyone with information about these incidents should call

Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: http://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/ Information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

seen walking along Parsons Rd, towards Newling St.

The second attempted robbery occurred in December at Umina. Police would like to speak to a man described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 178cm and 183cm tall, of medium build, with curly blond hair. He was last seen wearing a black long-sleeved hooded jacket, grey track-suit pants and black shoes. No one was injured during the incidents. Media release, Feb 20, 2017 NSW Police media

Have a coffee with a cop tate Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, has encouraged community members to attend the annual coffee with a cop event.

The event will take place at Jamaica Blue, Erina Fair, at 10:00am on Thursday, February 23. “Coffee with a cop provides an informal and neutral setting for

the community to come together and discuss issues that matter to them with our local police,” Mr Crouch said. “We hope to never find ourselves in a situation where we have to deal closely with our police, but it is vitally important that we understand the work they do to keep us safe,” he said. “Unfortunately the majority of contact we do have with our police is during times of emergency or distress, and this is not an optimal time to build relationships.

“As a Government, we want to make sure that every member of our community feels that they can approach our cops, and so I urge residents to drop by and have a chat with officers from the Brisbane Water Local Area Command.” Media release, Feb 20, 2017 Kerryanne Delaney, office of Adam Crouch

Police from Brisbane Water Local Area Command searched a home on Moores Rd, Avoca Beach, shortly after 11am.

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Obscene behaviour lands man in jail man appeared in Wyong Local Court on February 12 after allegedly exposing himself and committing an act of indecency on a train on February 11.

At about 8pm, a man was seen exposing himself and committing an act of indecency on a train near a 14-year-old girl travelling with her mother between Central and Gosford Railway Station. Staff from Sydney Trains were alerted. Officers from the Police Transport Command were notified and attended promptly. A 63-year-old man was arrested on the platform and was taken to Gosford Police Station. He was charged with wilful

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Police will allege they found a machete with a throwing knife attached, along with numerous illegal steroids. The 30-year-old male occupant, who was home during the search, was arrested.

He was taken to Gosford Police Station where he was issued a summons to appear in court for possess prohibited drugs and possess prohibited weapon. A court date is yet to be set.

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vehicle. The man was refused bail. and obscene exposure in/near public place/school, commit act of indecency with person under 16 years, and behave in offensive manner in public passenger

Media release, Feb 12, 2017 NSW Police Media

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HEALTH

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Freemasons make further donations

Federal Parliament hears of local initiatives to close the gap n the anniversary of the apology to the stolen generation, Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, has spoken of the significance of the ninth Closing the Gap report in Parliament.

O Cancer Council Erina’s Ms Sarah Ruffell accepting the donation by the Freemason's Mr Andrew Kfouy

reemasons from the Saratoga Lodge, Gosford Masonic Centre, presented a $2,000 donation to Central Coast Kids in Need Inc on Feb 8.

Central Coast Kids in Need is a volunteer organisation that provides financial assistance to families of seriously ill children, based on the Central Coast, who are forced to travel for treatment. The volunteer group assists

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with travel and accommodation expenses and through the purchasing of life saving equipment. The Freemasons also donated a further $2,000 to the Cancer Council, Erina office, to the benefit of Shirley Shuttles. Shirley Shuttles provides transport for cancer patients to attend their treatments. The money will go towards the maintenance of the vehicles and the training of volunteer drivers. In total, Lodge Saratoga has donated $8,000 which included a $4,000 donation to the Central Coast Riding for the Disabled Association. Email, Feb 9, 2017 Andrew Kfoury, Freemasons Saratoga Lodge

Ms Wicks’ speech highlighted local Central Coast initiatives she said she believed were “forging strong community networks, developing local Indigenous leadership and optimising investments in the Aboriginal community.” The Closing the Gap report aimed to address areas of inequality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in areas such as education and employment by providing a snapshot of areas of improvement and areas where improvement is needed. Ms Wicks spoke of the Central Coast Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council.

According to Ms Wicks, Darkinjung LALC CEO, Mr Sean Gordon, said he believed improvements had been made in some of the target areas, but there was still a lot more work that needed to be done, especially in the areas of early education and employment. “Darkinjung is reporting real success in addressing Indigenous disparity through a fantastic partnership with Barker College and the establishment of an alternative schooling model, as well as a partnership with Lendlease to deliver employment and procurement opportunities on the Central Coast,” Ms Wicks said. Local initiatives such as the Central Coast Local Health District’s Yerin Aboriginal Health Services and Central Coast Primary Care have formed a partnership to develop, promote and implement strategies aimed to improve access to education, employment and health services on the Central Coast. Also, the Barang Organisation

on the Central Coast included the NAISDA Dance College and the Bara Barang Corporation, which provided services such as support for young people, through community and arts programs. “This local response to a national issue is seen increasingly across the Central Coast. “The Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network is also working to develop a pilot project aimed at supporting Aboriginal health practitioners. “The project aims to not only increase the availability of primary healthcare services in Aboriginal communities, but support Aboriginal students through study into employment. “These are local projects that involve boosting health, employment and education outcomes for local Aboriginal people,” Ms Wicks said. Speech, Feb 15, 2017 Lucy Wicks, Federal Member for Robertson

Senate hears about the effects of GP rebate freeze enator Deborah O’Neill used her first Senator’s Statement of the year to mark Medicare’s 33rd birthday, and vowed Labor would protect it from attacks by the Coalition Government.

Senator O’Neill told the Senate the effects of the Liberal-National Government’s slow and steady campaign to dismantle Medicare, particularly through the GP rebate freeze, was now hurting doctors

and the community. “The Medicare Taskforce hearing in Wyong was told that the latest data from the local Primary Health Network revealed that 15,000 people from a population of 320,000 across the Central Coast indicated they’ve delayed seeing their GP due to the rising cost,” Senator O’Neill said. “To stay in practice and do the great work they do for the community, doctors across the country have, regrettably, had to change their billing practises and

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drop bulk billing, forced to pass on this shortfall to patients, many of whom are finding themselves out of pocket for a visit to the doctor. “Patients, in some circumstances, are paying $70 to $100 upfront to see their GP, and often these are people on pensions, who are on concession cards, having to make decisions about whether they can afford to see their GP. “The day before the election, Mr Turnbull pulled $1.75m out of his pocket to give to the Liberal Party. “On that same day, he said that Australians would not pay out of pocket to see the doctor.” The Health Department’s “Quarterly Medicare Statistics - September Quarter 1984 to September Quarter 2016” clearly show out-of-pocket costs for a doctor’s visit had risen 4.92 per cent in NSW in 2016-17, Sen O’Neill said. “Liberal MP Lucy Wicks can’t deny the evidence given to the Taskforce and, indeed, her Government’s own figures,” she said. “Those opposite can say all they like that bulk billing rates are up, but these figures prove the community is forking out more.” Media release, Feb 8, 2017 Rhys Zorro, office of Senator Deborah O’Neill

Dementia figures released here are an estimated 3,700 people living with dementia in the Gosford and Terrigal state electorates, according to a new report released by Alzheimer’s Australia on February 15.

The report, which detailed the economic cost of dementia in Australia, estimates there are 1,856 people living with dementia

in the Gosford electorate, ranking 11th out of the 93 state electoral districts. The Terrigal electorate did not fare much better with an estimated 1,819 people living with dementia, ranking 14th in the State. According to the report, the total number of people living with dementia in the Gosford and Terrigal state electorates is expected to increase to an

estimated 4,650 people by 2025 and 8,200 by 2056. Dementia is estimated to cost Australia $14.67 billion in 2017, with research predicting this figure to climb by another $4 billion in eight years as the number of people living with the condition continues to rise. Media release, Feb 15, 2017 Sam Watson, Alzheimer’s Australia

Captioned movie screening he Central Coast branch of Better Hearing Australia is organising a captioned screening of the classic 1956 musical comedy, High Society, for NSW Seniors’ Week.

The film will be shown at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre on March 6. A free movie ticket and a choctop ice cream will be provided to the first 100 moviegoers. By displaying a synchronised text version of the audio portion

of the film on screen, movie captioning allows the content of the film to be accessible to people who have hearing loss. Media release, Feb 16, 2017 Julie Asprey, Better Hearing Australia Central Coast

Free public forum ayAhead Mental Health Association is hosting a free public forum on Understanding Anxiety Disorders at the Central Coast Leagues Club on

March 17. Guest speaker Dr Rocco Crino, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at Charles Sturt University, will give an overview of anxiety disorders. He will be joined by Ms Julie

Leitch, who will speak about her experience living with and her treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Email, Feb 15, 2017 Nerida Watson, WayAhead Mental Health Association

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

HEALTH PAGE 21 FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Trekkers to raise funds Forresters Beach resident will trek 60 kilometres to help raise money to combat avoidable blindness.

Ms Tara Barnett is among 3,700 trekkers gearing up for the Wild Women on Top of Sydney Coastrek on March 17. The trek stretches from Manly to Bondi to Kirribilli and back to Bondi, and aims to raise more than $2 million for The Fred Hollows Foundation. Ms Barnett has been in training for the event with friends from Mingara One Gym, with the countdown to the event fast approaching. “I have close friends who are visually impaired and I find their motivation and passion for life to be an inspiration,” Ms Barnett said. “In addition to raising funds and awareness for The Fred Hollows Foundation, we are keen to push the boundaries on our regular group fitness regimes, both physically and mentally. “We have all become really close over the last six months so we are excited to motivate each other right to the end, as well as raise money and awareness for an important charity,” Ms Barnett added.

Coastrek began in Sydney in 2010 and nearly 19,000 trekkers have raised more than $14 million for The Fred Hollows Foundation since then. The funds have restored sight for hundreds of thousands of people and also helped prevent avoidable blindness by training local eye doctors and health workers to provide eye health awareness, screening and treatment. This year’s fundraising goal of $2.8 million could give the gift of sight to up to 112,000 people, as The Foundation can restore sight for as little as $25 in some countries. Founding Director of The Fred Hollows Foundation, Ms Gabi Hollows, said it was inspiring to see so many people join the fight to end avoidable blindness. “There are 32.4 million people in the world who are blind, and four out of five of them don’t need to be,” she said. “This year we mark the 25th anniversary of The Fred Hollows Foundation and I am incredibly moved and inspired to see people still going to such great lengths to help realise Fred’s vision of a world where no person is needlessly blind. “To everyone participating in this year’s Sydney Coastrek,

thank you for giving the gift of sight by taking on this challenge. “We are incredibly grateful for your support.” Founder and CEO of Wild Women on Top Coastrek, Ms Di Westaway, said Sydney Coastrek was a way for women to come together for their own health and wellbeing, while also changing the lives of others. “Coastrek helps women feel awesome about themselves and about helping others. “It supports them in regaining their confidence, often after health or personal challenges, and helps them to be active and healthy,” she said. “Coastrek has an even greater impact on the millions of women and girls who make up two-thirds of the world’s blind. “By taking part in Coastrek, women are restoring sight to other women, which helps them to return to work so they can provide for themselves and their families, and also helps girls to return to school and continue their education,” Ms Westaway said Media release, Feb 9, 2017 Megan Reynolds, The Fred Hollows Foundation

PAGE 22 FEBRUARY 23, 2017

EDUCATION

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Point Clare PS has several new facilities

Valuable job skills on offer

new library, 11 new classrooms and a covered outdoor learning area have now been completed as part of a $10 million upgrade at Point Clare Public School.

The new facilities have been delivered for Term 1 this year, and also include a new administration area and staff room. Refurbishment of an outdoor play area, an additional classroom and a special programs room for visual arts are anticipated to be completed as part of the upgrade in March. The works provide an extra 200 The Wyoming North Gosford Community Garden is one of the sites jobseekers can gain work experience

ith unemployment on the Central Coast sitting alarmingly above the state and national averages, Gosford Regional Community Services is helping jobseekers develop valuable job skills while caring for the local environment, thanks to its community greening projects.

With projects including the award-winning North Gosford Wyoming Community Garden, a new community garden at Point Clare Community Hall and a water watch program at Wingello Creek, community members can undertake volunteer work or fulfil Work for the Dole requirements while developing valuable employment skills.

“The scope of work available to participants’ ranges from building and maintaining community gardens, creek or bush regeneration and water watch activities to landscaping and basic building,” explained Ms Kathy Sokk, Executive Officer of Gosford Regional Community Services. “By engaging in these programs, our participants are gaining useful new skills and experience, priming themselves for the job market. “As a result, we’ve seen many of our participants go on to paid positions as a result of their volunteer work. “We’ve been able to provide participants with great references that attest to their reliability, their ability to work as part of a team and the new skills they have developed while working on our projects.

“We’ve seen a diverse range of people participate in our community work experience over the past years, both young and old, and with a variety of passions and interests. In addition to learning new skills and gaining valuable work experience, participants are also giving back to their community and helping care for our local ecosystem. “Whether you’re required to complete community work experience as part of the Work for the Dole program, you’re looking to learn new skills and meet new people or you simply want to give back to the local community, we encourage you to contact us to find out how you can get involved,” concluded Ms Sokk.

Fifty children took part in the 2016-17 vacation care program through the OSHC, with the group enjoying a variety of activities and excursions from Lego Day to a swim excursion at Peninsula Leisure Centre. Other highlights from the

with each other and the world around them.” Mr MacDonald welcomed the new upgrade. “This is an example of how the NSW Government is delivering for the Central Coast and I’m delighted to see that these facilities are now completed,” Mr MacDonald said. Parents of the school have complained that only two of the new rooms have been air conditioned as part of their construction Media release, Feb 9, 2017 Andrew Priestley, office of Rob Stokes

Full program of music education planned arara Public School has a full program of music education planned for students throughout 2017.

Ms Kerryn Cooper has joined the staff as a new music teacher and the school’s two bands were due to have their first full rehearsal in the week commencing Monday, February 27. Stage 2 and 3 students also have the opportunity to join a

recorder ensemble. Recorders are inexpensive, virtually indestructible and they are a wonderful stepping stone to other instruments. “If played properly, they sound lovely,” Ms Cooper said. The school also has a number of places at the Festival of Instrumental Music (Opera House recorder concert) during the year. “This incredible concert features hundreds of recorder players from schools around NSW,” she said.

‘It showcases some of the best school bands in the state, such as the State Wind Band, amazing jazz bands, and the Fort Street Percussion Ensemble. “It is a great chance for young musicians to see just what’s possible if they want to take their music further,” she said. Newsletter, Feb 21, 2017 Kerryn Cooper, Narara Public School

Media release, Feb 13, 2017 Alison Orren, Brilliant Logic

Successful summer of vacation care at Wyoming osford Regional Community Services have reflected on a successful summer of vacation care thanks to Wyoming Community OSHC.

permanent student places. Education Minister, Mr Rob Stokes, and Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, visited the school to inspect the new facilities on February 9 Mr Stokes said the works were an important addition to the school. “This upgrade will provide high-quality facilities for students to work and play in, and the resources staff needed to foster a love of learning,” Mr Stokes said. “It’s vital that schools are equipped to accommodate growing student numbers, and that students and teachers have the facilities they need to engage

program included the cinema experience at The Entrance Cinema, ice skating at Erina Ice Arena and the arts and crafts day. Newsletter, Feb 2, 2017 Gosford Regional Community Services

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

No partner necessary No special clothes - just soft shoes Lively music New dancers welcome

Janice on 4388 2253 Sandra on 4392 8716

$7 per Night Come and join in on the fun!

Valley View PS parents to take part in research alley View Public School has been selected to take part in research being carried out for the NSW Department of Education.

Parents of children in Years 4 and 5 have been invited to participate

in a focus group discussion that aims to understand what parents want from a local high school, what they currently know about local high schools and their opinions of various high schools in the area. The research will be used to improve communication from

high schools to primary school parents. The discussion will take place at Valley View Public School on March 1. Newsletter, Feb 15, 2017 Mary Hunt, Valley View Public School

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

Scholarship students, graduates and interns welcomed entral Coast Council welcomed its 2017 scholarship students and celebrated its graduating 2016 scholarship students and interns at a special event on February 19.

With the number of young Coast residents with university qualifications less than half the state average, these innovative programs aim to inspire locals to stay committed to their studies. Council’s Executive Manager of People and Culture, Ms Kellie Reeves, said the programs served the dual purpose of encouraging tertiary education while assisting students to get a head start in their chosen careers. “Although youth unemployment on the Coast has dropped 2.5 per cent, from 17 per cent in July 2016 to 14.5 per cent in November 2016, we are keen to see this figure drop even further, as we are still higher than the national average,” Ms Reeves said. “Our scholarship program looks to address the current disconnect in the transition from schooling to training or employment. “Open to local high school graduates and students who

have completed their first year of university, this program encourages students to continue their education and look towards their future,” she added. Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said council’s internship program was open to third or fourth year students. “Our internship program equips students with skills and hands-on experience needed to get their foot in the door of a very competitive workforce,” Mr Reynolds said. “Both programs provide financial support to pursue tertiary study which may otherwise be unattainable for individuals. “Job creation is one of Council’s top priorities and this is one way Council is working to help the community establish careers locally and keep our talent here on the Coast.” The four graduating interns for 2016 are: Ms Emily Rindfleish (Environmental Science and Management); Mr Jeremy Jones (Engineering/Engineering Practices); Mr Mitchell Knox (Civil Engineering), and, Mr James Wilkinson (Civil Engineering). 2016 students have been involved in a number of community projects and exposed to a wide range of skills and experiences within their allocated

Henry Kendall High School achieved its highest ever HSC results enry Kendall High School achieved its highest ever HSC results through the 2016 Year 12 cohort, according to Principal, Mr Andrew Backhouse.

The highest possible band, band 6, accounted for 8 per cent of the total results, the highest number ever achieved at Henry Kendall. This is also the third consecutive year that the school has bettered its previous best results. On top of this, 29 per cent of results were also in the top two bands (bands 6, 5), with 58

percent in the top 3 (bands 6, 5, 4). Mr Backhouse also said that nearly half the courses taught during 2016 had students attain results in the 90 percentile (band 6). The 2016 student bodies’ highest ATARs were achieved by Seo Kyoung Inn with a 96.8 ATAR, closely followed by Emilia Gibson with a 96.4. “Congratulations to the students of the 2016 Year 12 cohort, and to the fabulous teachers who have

taken them through. “In the past three years, we have consecutively attained the strongest HSC results in the school’s history, and have been placed as the top comprehensive school on the Central Coast in the HSC for the past three years, an achievement we are very proud of,” Mr Backhouse said.

EDUCATION PAGE 23 FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Coast schools stand to lose $79 million if Gonski funding not continued

areas within the business. They were mentored within Roads and Drainage, Waterways and Asset Management, Property Management and Community and Cultural Programs within Council. Graduating 2016 scholarship recipients are: Ms Aliesha Gates (Bachelor of Social Science); Mr Joseph Avia (Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering); Mr Zacheriah Simunovic (Bachelor of Civil/Environmental Engineering); and, Mr Ezekiel Woof (Bachelor of Civil Engineering). Students who won 2017 Scholarships after a highly competitive selection process are: Mr Mitchell Legge (studying Business Administration); Mr Aspen Eyers (studying Engineering, Mechatronics) and, Mr Zacheriah Simunovic (studying Civil/Environmental Engineering). The intern program offers 12 months of paid work experience, 21 hours a week, for eight university students in the final two years of their degree.\ Students are required to write a report on their experience within the ranks of Council upon completion of their program. Media release, Feb 2, 2017 Central Coast Council Media

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Senator Deborah O'Neill with Darcy Turl and Molly Kidd

enator Deborah O’Neill said Central Coast schools stood to lose $79 million, or around $1,000 per child, as the Liberal Government withdrew the Gonski funding that created a level playing field for all students.

“That funding, a model introduced by Labor and agreed to by the Coalition, was based on the needs of every student in Australia, whether their parents are rich or poor, or if they are struggling with English, has been ripped away from our kids,” Sen O’Neill said. “Australian school children have had four years of needs-based funding, that has produced some remarkable results, and now the Turnbull Government has walked

away from the final two years of the agreement for 2018 and 2019,” she said. “I stand by the analogy I used after the 2015 Budget when Tony Abbott announced the Gonski funding cut. “It is like giving a child a new bike, letting them enjoy the ride for a while, then letting the tyres down. “This is the critical year when the Liberals must be shown what the funding has done for students in NSW, and here on the Central Coast. “The difference in funding between what Labor’s Gonski backing would have provided in 2018 and 2019 and what will be missing under the Liberals is worth $44 million in the seat of Dobell and $35 million in Robertson. “That adds up to around $1,000

per student in lost resources,” Senator O’Neill said. “What the Liberals are doing is taking away our children’s future. “Their counterparts in NSW Government, under former Minister Adrian Piccoli, have been pleading with the Federal Government to continue the funding. “Just this month, the state member for Cootamundra, Katrina Hodgkinson, confronted the federal member for her electorate, Michael McCormack, demanding the Gonski model be continued. “Labor established the needsbased funding reforms with not only our children’s future in mind but also the future of our nation.” Media release, Feb 21, 2017 Scott Coomber, office of Senator Deborah O’Neill

Newsletter, Feb 10, Andrew Backhouse, Henry Kendall High School

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PAGE 24 FEBRUARY 23, 2017 OUT&ABOUT

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Seven new water refill stations installed

illing up your water bottle while you’re out and about on the Coast is about to get a whole lot easier, with the installation of seven new water refill stations. Central Coast Council is currently installing the water filter stations at high traffic areas including: Heazlett Park, Avoca; Hylton Moore Oval, East Gosford; Greenvale Playground, Green Point; Rumbalara Reserve, Springfield; MacKillop Oval, South Kincumber; The Skillion, Terrigal, and, Narara Valley Precinct Park. The project started in early November and is expected to be completed by the end of February. The new fixtures will complement stations already established throughout the region at Avoca Beach, Terrigal Beach, Kincumber, Copacabana and Gosford’s Kibble Park. Each unit has multiple taps for drinking out of, with refill dispensers on each side. The stations at Heazlett Park, Hylton Moore Oval, Greenvale Playground and The Skillion will also keep our canine companions hydrated with attached dog water bowls. Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the organisation was proud to provide a convenient resource to the community. “Council is ensuring visitors and residents have unlimited access to free filtered water when they visit popular areas around the Central Coast,” said Mr Reynolds. “I’m proud that we can offer this service to the community and expand on the existing water

Music and Record Fair at West Gosford he Central Coast Music and Record Fair will open its doors from 12pm on March 5th in the Gosford RSL Club auditorium. Event organiser and Devil’s Jukebox host, Lord Lucifer, said the Fair was not your run of the mill flea market bargain bin, but rather a rare opportunity for Central Coast residents. “The Central Coast is one of the country’s most densely populated regions and it is serviced by only two major music stores, one of which does not sell vinyl records. “We are genuinely trying to position this event as more than

just a record fair in the hope that it appeals to not only the more discerning record collector but the wider cross section of the music loving community,” Lord Lucifer said. The Fair will offer a range of products including: new and vintage vinyls; music and concert DVDs and CDs; merchandise and memorabilia; LPs and 45s; new and retro style turntables and stereos; music storage systems; stereo supplies and repairs; framed and unframed band posters; vinyl cleaning services; music and artist’s histories and autobiographies; and, other rarities and collectibles. There will also be live entertainment on hand with

local radio personalities and DJs spinning some vinyls throughout the day and live acoustic sets from a crop of local artists. Some of the artists lined up for the Fair include rockabilly trio The Hellcat III, local bluesmen Johnny Devilseed and Old Man Rubes, and popular blues band BluesAngels. Over 700 people attended the Melbourne Fair and Lord Lucifer said he was hoping to see a similar turnout in Gosford. “This Fair is akin to a mini-music festival with space still available for locals to sell their own music memorabilia,” he added. Media release, Feb 17, 2017 Lord Lucifer, Northside Radio

Hamish ‘Jellyroll’ Baker is guest artist for 1st Saturday blues event otel Gosford’s first Saturday Blues, Jazz and Roots will open up to out of towners from 7pm on March 4.

H stations that were installed in 2014. “Our water refill stations will continue to help residents and visitors avoid outlaying millions of dollars on purchasing bottled

water, they will also help reduce the amount of unnecessary landfill in our region.” Media release, Feb 16, 2017 Central Coast Council media

This blues extravaganza will return the musical stylings of Hamish ‘Jellyroll’ Baker, last heard on the Coast at Gosblues 2016, supporting resident band, BluesAngels. Baker plays delta and country blues, mixing traditional material from the likes of Fred McDowell,

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Institute, or at The 4 Pines Brewery. After a roll call of folk, jazz and country, it’s back into the blues for BluesAngels and first Saturdays. The heat is on with a fine night of acoustic blues, warm hearts, good food and cold beers in the cool oasis of Hotel Gosford Bistro. Media release, Feb 13, 2017 Tom Flood, BluesAngels

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 25

Inaugural Aboriginal Corroboree and Cultural Festival draws large crowds

undreds braved harsh weather conditions at the Walk About Wildlife Park, Calga, to participate in the inaugural Central Coast Aboriginal Corroboree and Cultural Festival on Saturday, February 18.

An hour before the festival started, Calga was hit with torrential rain and hail. This didn’t stop volunteer dancers from all over the State coming together to celebrate Aboriginal culture and brotherhood. As the dancers from Newcastle, Dubbo, Wollongong and locally gathered to start painting their bodies, the clouds cleared, and they were left with clear skies. The idea for the festival was born about 12 months ago, when local man, Tim Selwyn, heard that the park had saved an Indigenous women’s sacred site from destruction by the Rocla sand quarry. Mr Selwyn decided to introduce himself and thank Ms Tassin Barnard, the park’s owner, for all the work they had done.

is printed on 100% recycled paper products, even the ink is made from vegetable matter. So when you’re done reading this paper please recycle it or give it to someone else to read

“I wanted to meet these amazing people because they spent a lot of time and money to save this important site,” Mr Selwyn said. “We decided to work hand in hand to promote tourism and aboriginal culture in the area,” he said. Mr Selwyn said it would be impossible to hold an event of this quality in Gosford, but the Walk About Park was an ideal location. “Going through Council applying for DAs, we would have to have traffic controllers, police and it would cost too much in insurances,” he said.

“This event was all about sharing Aboriginal culture. “We don’t want to make it a commercial event, we don’t want to sell stuff, this is all about sharing our culture.” Organisers are planning to make this an annual event with all proceeds to be donated to local aboriginal charities. Interview, Feb 18, 2017 Tim Selwyn, Central Coast Aboriginal Corroboree and Cultural Festival Noel Fisher, Photo Journalist

FEBRUARY 23, 2017

PAGE 26 FEBRUARY 23, 2017

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS DIRECTORY

ARTS & CULTURE ART STUDIOS GALLERY & COOPERATIVE

CENTRAL COAST SUNDAY LUNCH BUNCH (Singles over 55) Luncheons 1st and 3rd Sundays monthly at various licensed venues 43321 695 (after 2pm)

with a meeting place and hub for groups, services and information.

GOSFORD 50+ LEISURE AND LEARNING CENTRE

7 groups across the coast Providing practical experience and confidence Learn the benefits to hearing aids 4321 0275

Rehearsal every Tues. 7.30pm-10pm 0419 274 012

POLITICAL PARTY

HISTORY GROUPS

PUBLIC SPEAKING

0422 243 101 cco30s@live.com.au

CENTRAL COAST 50+ SINGLES SOCIAL GROUP Invites Ladies & Gents for dinner, dancing - BBQs & socialising each w/e. Friendly group monthly programme all areas 0412 200 571 0437 699 366 50pssg@gmail.com

WILDLIFE ARC We rescue and care for injured and orphan native animals. 24hr/day, 7days/

week. Come join us. Gen Meeting 3rd Sun Wyoming Community Centre, Maidens Brush Rd Wyoming at 10am 4325 0666

COMMUNITY CENTRES COMMUNITY CENTRES provide the local community

reception@wyomingcc.org.au

HEALTH GROUPS

FELLOWSHIP OF FIRST FLEETERS CENTRAL COAST For anyone interested in early history or early family histories. Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. Point Clare Community Hall 2nd Sat 10:30am 4311 6254

21 Old Penang Rd Kariong 4362 3139 iiw.au.gosfordnorth@gmail.com

SOUNDWAVES

www.centralcoast. Men’s acapella 4 part harmony Handicraft, Painting, Knitting, Tai betterhearingaustralia.org.au chorus - all ages 7pm Mon Chi, Scrabble, Darts, Table Tennis, Central Coast Leagues Club Indoor Bowls, Patchwork, Yoga, Kieran - 0407 267 675 Fitness, Gentle Swimming, Line GOSFORD NORTH khutton58@gmail.com Dancing, Cards, Variety Social, PROBUS CLUB jbthomson51@gmail.com www.artstudioscooperative.org Meets 4th Tuesday at the Grange Womens Group, Zumba, Crochet, CENTRAL COAST PROSTATE Computers Hotel Monthy meeting 4th CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 4304 7065 CENTRAL COAST Tuesday Grange Hotel 10am (GOSFORD) SYDNEY WELSH CHOIR 43225560 ART SOCIETY Meet last Friday Month GOSFORD-NARARA Cultural organisation performing Lectures, demonstrations and Terrigal Uniting Church at various venues to promote NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE discussion. Weekly paint-outs NORTHERN SETTLEMENT 380 Terrigal Dre, Terrigal the Welsh culture with singing, School Holiday activities, Tuesdays 4349 5860 for locations SERVICES - VOLUNTEERS 9.30am to 12 noon Also performing for charity fund playgroup, multicultural Workshops - 4363 1156 4367 9600 Volunteers needed for friendly raising. programs, community activities 9.30am - 12.30pm 1st and 3rd www.pcfa.org.au visits to the elderly in nursing 4369 3378 Rooms for Hire Wed Social Meetings 1.30pm homes. People with a second 4329 4477 4th Wed CENTRAL COAST PROSTATE language encouraged to apply. admin@gnnc.com.au Gosford City Arts Centre. TEMPO TERRIFIC Training support provided CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 4325 1420 COMMUNITY SHOWBAND 4334 3877 (WYONG) publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au GREEN POINT COMMUNITY Active showband available to cvscc@nsservices.com.au Meet last Monday Month play at your community function. CENTRE Toukley RSL Club CENTRAL COAST Wide ranging repertuore. Always OOSH cave, exersize classes, PROBUS CLUB OF AVOCA Homes Ave Toukley seeking new members, come and school holiday programs, HANDWEAVERS, SPINNERS 10.15am 3rd Mon 10.00am to 12 noon have fun with music. Follow us on playgroup, arts & craft, room hire, Avoca Beach Bowling Club AND TEXTILE ARTS GUILD 4356 9300 Facebook - Every Mon 5 - 7pm and much more. 4382 3372 Spinning and weaving, patchwork www.pcfa.org.au Kincumber Uniting Church 4367 7591 www.probussouthpacific.org/ and quilting, felting and other 4365 4414 microsites/avocabeach fibre and fabric crafts, community DYING WITH DIGNITY NSW, www.tempoterrific.com KARIONG NEIGHBOURHOOD quilting bees - Day and Night CENTRAL COAST tempoterrific@live.com Groups SENIORS COMPUTER CENTRE Working to give those 4325 4743 CLUB CENTRAL COAST INC. Early childhood clinic, free family suffering unrelievedly from www.cottagecrafts.net.au law advice, active playgroup, Classes Mon to Fri for over 50 terminal or incurable illness computer classes, OOSH services, Basics: Mon , Tues and Thurs the legal right to request & CENTRAL COAST GREENS fitness classes, arts & crafts, FELLOWSHIP OF 10am to 12noon receive medical help to die The Central Coast Greens over 50’s friendship group, youth Different programs every day, AUSTRALIAN WRITERS Quarterly Meetings For a fairer, more transparent and group, social groups and many 10am - 12noon or 1-3pm A friendly and supportive 4369 8053 accountable government based more services. Apple-Mac: Mon, Tues, Wed group for new and old writers. on democratic principles 4340 1724 All at Kincumber Neighbourhood Encouragement and critique GAMBLING SOLUTIONS Local, state-wide, national wwww.knc.net.au Centre of work. Workshops and Counsellors provide free, and international issues and 02 4307 9421 competitions 10am 3rd Sun confidential, professional service campaigns - Council and KINCUMBER Conference rm. Gosford Hotel to gamblers, family and friends. parliamentary representation 4363 2627 TERRIGAL WAMBERAL NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE Woy Woy, Kincumber, Gosford, Developing a new economy centralcoastfaw@live.com • Exercise classes RSL SUB-BRANCH The Entrance. Protecting our environment • Yoga for adults and children Breakers Country Club pension 4344 7992 Peaceful conflict resolution COMMUNITY GROUPS Atand welfare officers available to • Community eco garden Community participation • Room hire assist with DVA compensation GROW Support Groups ABC - “The Friends” We meet monthly every 3rd • Health support groups claims and benefi ts Small friendly groups formed to Support group for Public Thu - Details and info: • Counselling Wed & Fri 10am – Midday learn how to overcome anxiety, Broadcaster. centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au • After school activities Meetings 2nd Sat 10am depression and loneliness and to Aims. safeguard ABC’s centralcoastgreens@gmail.com 4363 1044 43842661 improve mental health and wellindependence, funding, & www.kincumber.nsw.au rsl@breakerscc.com.au being. Anonymous, free and open standards. Meetings through the to all. Weekly at Woy Woy, Bateau AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY year + social afternoons OURIMBAH/ NARARA Bay and Wyong MINGALETTA ABORIGINAL U3A CENTRAL COAST Well-known guest speakers BRANCH 1800 558 268 Mature age people are invited TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER 4341 5170 Discussion/action community www.grow.org.au to participate in a wide range of www.fabcnsw.org.au CORPORATION issues - 3 levels of Government courses to broaden the mind and A meeting place and referral hub Niagara Park Primary School make new friends MEALS ON WHEELS for education, health, well-being BIG FUTURES IN SCHOOL 7.30pm 1st Mon each month 0408 704 701 Delicious meals delivered free and cultural programs through MENTOR PROGRAM 0410 309 494 www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au Join us for a midday meal consultative services and Become a volunteer mentor kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com Help with shopping and cooking community programs. 2 hrs/ week, Free Training, No classes GOSFORD GUMNUTS Mon-Fri 9am-4pm qualifications needed POLITICS IN THE PUB 4363 7111 6 Sydney Ave Umina PLAYGROUP Be a young persons champion CENTRAL COAST 4342 7515 Parents and children meet 0413 624 529 Discussion of important political, admin@mingaletta.com.au www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.au/ socially. Make friends, learn more social, economic, education, about parenting. 0 to 5 yrs bigfutures and philosophy issues in a non TERRIGAL FIFTY PLUS Wed - Fri 10am-12noon CENTRAL COAST FAMILY partisan manner - The Grange Gosford Uniting Church Hall LEISURE AND LEARNING HISTORY SOCIETY INC. CENTRAL COAST Hotel 4th Thur besides Dec 129 Donnison St Gosford Help and advice with your family CENTRE COMMUNITY 4325 3695 history research. Tue to Fri, Activities include fitness, yoga, LEGAL CENTRE gumnutsguc@gmail.com 930am to 2pm Lions Community bridge, mahjong, zumba gold, Not for profit org in Wyong Hall, 8 Russell Drysdale St, line dancing, tai chi, painting, Develop confidence by improving providing free legal advice. Intake VOLUNTEERING E. Gosford. craft and computer classes. your speaking skills. Meetings are times for legal advice Monday to 4324 5164 43845152 CENTRAL COAST entertaining and educational. Friday 9am-5pm www.centralcoastfhs.org.au Refer potential volunteers to 4353 4988 community organisations. WYOMING centralcoast@clc.net.au BRISBANE WATERS Provide support to volunteers BRISBANE WATER COMMUNITY CENTRE BREAKFAST and community organisations. HISTORICAL SOCIETY Yoga & Zumba classes, Art CENTRAL COAST TOASTMASTERS CLUB Provide training to volunteers • Coach tours • School and Craft classes, Playgroup SOCIAL GROUP 8:30am-10:30am and managers of volunteers educational tours • Annual Street & Vacation Care, Support Social contact, entertainment 2nd and Last Sat - The Hive and Information sessions “Bridge to Stalls • Participation in History groups, Book Club, Community events, new friendships, for Library, Erina Shopping Centre Volunteering” held regularly. Heritage Week Celebration Garden, Rooms for Hire, Work 30’s-60’s - Live music, house 0459 240 183 4329 7122 Margaret Pearce Development Orders, Centrelink parties, dinners, BBQs, picnics, recruit@volcc.org.au 4325 2270 Volunteer hours trips away etc. BLUE GUM FLAT 4323 7483 Monthly Meet & Chat

Artworks by members and local artists through solo and group exhibitions and community events. Classes available. 4339 3349

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

TOASTMASTERS

Mthly meetings 1st and 3rd Mon 7.15-9.30pm Ourimbah RSL 4362 7227

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF TERRIGAL

CENTRAL COAST PENSION & WELFARE OFFICER NETWORK Group of Volunteers, trained by DVA, to look after servicemen & women. Ourimbah RSL Club 10:30am 2nd Fri - Feb to Nov 4322 1505

Share friendship, social activities NATIONAL PARKS as well as fundraising for local, national and international ASSOCIATION projects. 3rd Mon, 12noon CENTRAL COAST Terrigal 50+ leisure centre, Twice weekly bush walks, varying Duffy Rd Terrigal distances and grades of difficulty. 4369 0302 - 4384 1490 Explore, enjoy scenery, fauna, terigalinnerwheel@gmail.com floral, history. Keep fit and make friends. LIONS CLUB OF WOY WOY 4389 4423 or 4332 7378 1st and 3rd Mon. Woy Woy Leagues Club ECUMENICAL & Make new friends and have fun INTERFAITH SPEAKERS while serving your community. FORUM & Q&A with focus 0478 959 895 on developing understanding and encouraging dialogue about Rotary Club of spirituality through people Gosford North sharing their life journeys. Active community minded club. 1st Tues March to October Many projects focussed on 2nd Tues November assisting youth. Support our great 7.30 to 9pm projects, get involved with our fun Grange Hotel Wyoming club. Graham Black 4328 2596 - 0498 588 261 0410 509 071 grahamblack@iprimus.com.au

ROTARY CLUB OF KARIONG/SOMERSBY International service club improves lives of communities in Australia and overseas. Funfilled activities, fellowship and friendship breakfasts. Phillip House, 21 Old Mount Penang Rd (opp Shell) - Fri 7:15am 4340 4529 kersuebay@philliphouse.com.au

SPECIAL INTEREST BIZ PLUS NETWORKING ASSOCIATION Attention business owners - if you keen to grow your business and in the process build worthwhile relationships, attend a Biz Networking breakfast. Every Thur 7:15am - 9am Erina Leagues Club Geoff Neilson network@bizplus.com.au

CCLC BRIDGE CLUB Duplicate Bridge-partner not required for most sessions. Central Coast Leagues Club 12.30pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri. Sat 1.30pm Wed 7.15pm Mon 4325 9854 www.cclcbridgeclub.asn.au cclcbridgeclub@westnet.com.au

CENTRAL COAST CAKE DECORATORS GUILD Sugarcraft demonstrations conversation and lunch Visitors welcome 4th Sat - 10am 50+ leisure and Learning Centre Gosford 4382 6236 lsroe@bigpond.com.au

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

COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION (CWA) Quilting, patchwork, spinning, knitting, crochet and more 9am-2pm Every Fri, Opposite Terrigal Bowling Club 4385 9503 or 4384 3696

GOSFORD RSL SUB-BRANCH WOMEN’S AUXILIARY Raise money for the welfare of veterans and their families. RSL Club West Gosford 4th Mon 2pm 4323 7336

CENTRAL COAST WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTRE Counseling, therapeutic and social groups, workshops, domestic violence and abuse issues. All services provided by women for women 4324 2533 www.cccwhc.com.au

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL BRISBANE WATER

Soroptimists speak for women and girls of all nations through CENTRAL COAST LAPIDARY awareness advocacy and action CLUB MINERALS & GEMS by supporting national and Learn silverwork, Cabochons, international programs Faceting, Enamelling, Stone 2nd Thur 6:45pm - Breakers Field-trips & fossicking Country Club, Dover Rd Wamberal Weekly Workshops 4367 6331 Tues and Thurs 8.30am sibrisbanewater@siswp.org 2.30pm. Thurs 6-10pm 10 Ourimbah Creek Rd Ourimbah WOWGIRLS WAVE 4362 2246

OF WISDOM INC

WOWGIRLS Wave of Wisdom connects women and local ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS businesses around a common meet every Wed 12.30pm Gliding Club, Learn to fly, theme of well-being. to share Someone cares - Anglican Church Instruction FREE to members wisdom and explore life’s 3 Mann St Gosford 14 and up for Training potential. INNER WHEEL CLUB OF 4323 3890 Flying at Bloodtree Rd Mangrove Regular Powwows, WOW Wisdom GOSFORD NORTH INC Mountain Thur, Sat, Sun ( weather gatherings, WOW days and WOW Community minded women BETTER HEARING permitting) courses check our website for who enjoy fundraising for local, 0412 164 082 BRISBANE WATER BRASS AUSTRALIA CENTRAL activities. national and international projects 0414 635 047 Brass Band entertainment for the www.wowgirls.com.au COAST Regular social outings. www.ccsoaring.com.au community playing all types of info@wowgirls.com.au Hearing loss management 2nd Wed 7pm popular music Support and educational group

SERVICE GROUPS

CENTRAL COAST SOARING CLUB INC

MUSIC

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.

The 5 Lands Experience is a monthly community event, at The Rhythm Hut in Gosford. Each month, the 5 Lands Experience begins with a free community drum circle at 5pm, all ages and levels welcome, drums and percussion provided. Having run for over nine years, the 5 Lands Band is a wellknown and popular Central Coast establishment. Named after originally forming to perform at the conclusion of the famous 5 Lands Walk in Terrigal, the ever changing line up of The 5 Lands Band, led by Rendra Freestone, brings together some of the top musicians from the Central Coast, Sydney and Newcastle.

The band doesn’t practice, nor write music together, but rather create improvised jams, based on funk, jazz, folk and groove. Well known for getting the dance floor pumping, the 5 Lands Band kick off music at 6.30pm. Also performing on the night will be, This way North. Hailing from Melbourne, guitar/ drums two-piece This Way North are Leisha Jungalwalla (Jungal) and Cat Leahy (Sal Kimber and the Rollin’ Wheel, Miss Quincy, Lisa Miller). Punchy and left of centre, but with a universally appealing groove and melody, This Way North’s live shows are powerful. Leahy brings solid groove based, dynamic power drumming, while Jungalwalla sways with swampy slide guitar, slimmed down soul vocals and compelling alt-pop melodies. Sometimes likened to The Black Keys, Tame Impala and the

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, their musical connection creates an explosive sound that’s rarely realised by just two artists on stage. Audiences are drawn in by the powerful performances of these two seasoned musicians. The duo’s ongoing love affair with Canada saw them flying to Toronto in July 2016 to record some tracks with producer, Mr Derek Downham (Broken Social Scene, Holy F*ck). The new tracks, due for release in early 2017, have the hallmark of true alt-pop hits with lush sound and unique writing. In recent shows, This Way North supported Thirsty Merc, played Toronto showcases and stages such as Moomba, Nannup Music Festival, Bendigo Blues and Roots, Swagger Music Festival and Wollombi Music festival. Media release, Feb 8, 2017 Stevie Swansbra

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

If you’ve got something happening in Gosford LGA area over the next few weeks, let us know about it and we’ll list it here for you, for free. Contact details are on page 2. See the Peninsula News for events in post code areas 2256 & 2257 and the Wyong Regional Chronicle for events in post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 & 2263

Thursday, Feb 23 Manpower Australia Girls Night Out, Central Coast Leagues Club Mr Stink, Laycock Street Community Theatre, 10:00am, 12:00pm, 6:00pm and Feb 24 10am Australian Exotica travelling exhibition, Doug Moran National Portrait Prize and IlluminateGosford Regional Gallery, until April 2 A Matter of Time, exhibition exploring the fourth dimension in clotyh, Gosford Regional Gallery, unitl March 22

Friday, Feb 24 Ben Woodham, Erina Leagues, 6:30pm

Beach 9:00am to 2:00pm Quilting and sewing classes with Alan R Tremain at Wyoming Community Centre, 147 Maidens Brush Rd, bookings essential, 10:00am to 4:00pm Live jazz featuring Mike Hallam’s Hot Six, Scenic Lounge, central Coast Leagues Club, 2:00pm Ben Woodham, Kincumber Hotel, 1:00pm

Wednesday, Mar 1 Names upon a Stone, exhibition exploring the life of poet Henry Hendall by Brisbane Water Historical Society, at Henry Kendall Cottage and Museum, West Gosford until May 31

Gosford featuring Blues Angels and Hamish Jellyroll Baker, from 7:00pm International Women’s Day Expo, The Hive Erina Fair Subway Surf Series, threeday event at Avoca beach, until March 6 Girrakool Blues Festival and Barbecue, Mount Penang Gardens, Kariong until March 5 Family Fun at Five games night and sausage sizzle, Gosford Uniting Church Hall, 5:00pm to 6:45pm, 129 Donnison St, Gosford Whistle Dixie, Foghorn Brewhouse, Erina, 8:00pm Erina Juniors Rugby League Football Club Race Day, The Entertainment Grounds, Gosford, from 12:00pm

Thursday, Mar 2 Saturday, Feb 25 The Rewbies, Avoca Beach Hotel, 8:30pm New Nightclub launch, Scenic Lounge, Central Coast Leagues Club, from 9:00pm Down to Earth Landscapes by Janelle White, art Studios Cooperative, Mann St, North Gosford, until Mar 5

Kibble Markets, fresh produce and general market stalls, Kibble Park, Gosford, 8:00am to 2:00pm

Friday, Mar 3 Tomcat Playground, Foghorn Brewhouse Erina, 8:00pm Ben Woodham, Terrigal Hotel, 7:30pm

Sunday, Feb 26 Avoca Beachside Markets, Heazlett Park Foreshore, Avoca

Saturday, Mar 4 First Saturday Blues, Hotel

Sunday, Mar 5 Clean Up Australia Day Record Collectors’ Fair, Gosford RSL, 12:00pm to 6:00pm Johnny Devilseed and Old Man Rubes, Gosford RSL

Monday, Mar 6 Captioned screening of High Society for NSW Seniors’ Week, Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, 10:00am

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 27 FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Award winning play in the womb of Gosford

5 Lands Band and This Way North to share the bill at The Rhythm Hut he February 5 Lands Experience will kick off from 5pm at Gosford’s The Rhythm Hut on February 26.

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The cast of The Vagina Monlogues

osford’s The Rhythm Hut will play host to The Vagina Monologues, a political play that celebrates the vagina and bemoans the state of women’s rights and sexual violence.

The award-winning play is based on V-Day Founder/ playwright Eve Ensler’s interviews with more than 200 women. With humour and grace, the piece celebrates women’s sexuality and strength.

Annual Bonsai show at Erina he Bonsai Society of the Central Coast is celebrating 20 years as a community group dedicated to improving the knowledge and appreciation of the art of Bonsai.

Its Annual Show will be held at the Erina Room at Erina Fair (near the library) on March 11 and 12. The show includes over 60 trees, as well as information about growing bonsai and a sales area where trees, handmade pots and tools will be for available for purchase. Demonstrations on how to grow and style bonsai trees will be held on both days. Children are welcome and encouraged to have a go at making their own bonsai under the guidance of friendly and talented members. Ailing bonsai can be taken to the show for a free check-up. Media release, Feb 8, 2017 Denise Allen, Bonsai Society of the Central Coast

Through this play and the liberation of the word vagina, countless women throughout the world are said to have taken control of their bodies and their lives For 18 years, The Vagina Monologues has given voice to experiences and feelings not previously exposed in public. VDay (Until the Violence Stops) is an international campaign to end violence against women and young girls worldwide. Every February, community organisations and college campus’ are given free rights to perform theatrical productions written by campaign founder, Eve Ensler, to raise awareness of the movement as well as raise funds for local women’s shelters and support organisations, with 10 per cent of funds raised going to that

years ‘Spotlight’ beneficiary. The 2017 spotlight is on workplace violence and exploitation. As part of the VDay Campaign, 90 per cent of the proceeds from the three Gosford Vagina Monologues performances will be donated to Coast Shelter to fund their ‘Love Bites’ preventative program. This initiative educates Central Coast high schoolers on issues surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault. The Vagina Monologues will be performed on: February 24 and Feb 25. Media release, Feb 9, 2017 Lou Sawilejskij, The Rhythm Hut

THE RHYTHM HUT PRESENTS

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135 faunce st, gosford Fully licensed, all ages Tickets $20 Pre/$30 door www.therhythmhut.com.au www.nararamusicfestival.com.au

PAGE 28 FEBRUARY 23, 2017 CLASSIFIEDS ADULT SERVICES

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Classified advertising is the cheapest form of newspaper advertising. This newspaper is published on line on the night before publication date, and is read that way by hundreds of people. All advertisements, including these classified advertising pages, appear in full on-line as an additional benefit for free. See www.CentralCoastNewspapers.com or www. CentralCoastNews.net Central Coast Newspapers’ advertising rates are relatively much lower than in other newspapers and at the same time much larger than in other newspapers, with the minimum size being 50mm X 42mm. Approximately 16,000 copies of each newspaper are printed and distributed every fortnight. Coast Community News also has a website especially designed for use on the latest mobile phones – www.CoastCommunityNews.com.au Classified advertisements in Coast Community News will also appear in a directory on that mobile website for free, with up to two live links to phones, websites, or email addresses for each advertisement. The mobile website has over 40,000 regular users and 10,000 unique readers every month.

Personal and Not For Profit Organisations As Central Coast Newspapers are community newspapers, the cost of advertising not for profit organisations’ events is subsidised. This makes them the same rate as non-business advertisements. A mono 5cm advertisement only costs $40. Each additional cm costs $8 as does colour, and/or a photograph or a logo. Private advertisements need to be paid for at the time of booking.

Business rates The minimum size of 5cm X a single column only costs $50 + GST in mono and an extra $8 + GST for colour, a logo or a photograph, every two weeks. Most businesses choose to advertise on an ongoing basis and discounts apply for multiple bookings, if they are paid for in full, in advance. Having an advertisement run for 3 months only costs $275 + GST, for 6 months it is $495 + GST, and for 12 months advertising, the total cost is only $940 + GST – Approximately $18 per week. Artwork is free and advertisers are encouraged to change their advertisements frequently.

ACF to run Clean Up Australia Day site he Central Coast Branch of the Australian Conservation Foundation will be running the Clean Up Australia Day site at West Gosford’s Adcock Park on Sunday morning, March 5.

pick up bags and gloves. Wearing a hat and strong shoes is highly recommended. Children under 15 need to be accompanied by an adult. The other sites on the Central Coast are listed on the Clean Up Australia Day website.

The location will be near the Netball Courts and the Velodrome, where volunteers can sign up and

Media release, Feb 21, 2017 John Wiggin, Australian Conservation Foundation Central Coast

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NRL players deliver messages about respect and belonging

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PAGE 29 FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Avoca mates clash at Pro

Valley View Public School students with representatives from the Sydney Roosters NRL club

tudents at Valley View Public School received a visit from members of the Sydney Roosters NRL club on Friday, February 17.

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Jake Friend and Jared WaereaHargreaves from the Sydney Roosters visited Valley View to deliver messages about respect and belonging. Their message tied in with Valley View’s school value of Respect and they spoke to students in years two to six about the importance of being respectful and kind to others. Newsletter, Feb 21, 2017 Mary Hunt, Valley View Public School

Wade Carmichael during his heat-winning ride at Newcastle's Surfest Photo: Grant Sproule World Surf League

eammates are set to become rivals as pro surfers and Avoca locals Wade Carmichael and Ace Buchan gear up for an all-out battle in the 2017 Maitland and Port Stephens Toyota Pro held from February 20-26 at Newcastle’s Merewether Beach.

Fresh off the back of their national win at the Nudie

Let your community know about: • Weddings • Engagements • Special Birthdays • Special Anniversaries • New Born Babies • Special Achievements

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

Send us a photo and information Details on page 2 - 4325 7369

Australian Boardriders Battle Carmichael and Buchan are set to face off in Round 2 of the pro series running in conjunction with Newcastle’s Surfest. The Coast was also represented by Wamberal’s Matt Formston in the Adaptive Surfing Expression Session that showcased surfers with disabilities and their talent. Formston has five per cent of his

peripheral vision. Carmichael and Buchan will face off against South Africa’s Michael February and Wollongong’s Nic Squires in their Round 2 heat. Website, Feb 22, 2017 Surfest Round 1 results Dilon Luke, Journalist

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.

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PAGE 30 FEBRUARY 23, 2017

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Coast teams and players in fine form

Academy netball program launched

he Central Coast Academy of Sport Greater Bank Netball Program was launched on January 22. Meeting at Central Coast Grammar School, the Netballers and their families were briefed on what to expect out of the 2017 Netball Program. After receiving their official Central Coast Academy of Sport uniform and having their individual and team photos taken, athletes took part in their first training session for the year. Newly appointed Head Coach of the CCAS Netball Program, Ms Jessica Morgan, said of the opening session: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a Central Coast's U16 Country Championship team in action at Kanwal Photo: Andrew Stark

he Central Coastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s junior representative rugby league players have kicked off their seasons in fine form as the NSW Rugby League-run competitions for the Harold Matthews and SG Ball Cups commenced on Saturday, February 18.

The Central Coast Under-16s team travelled to Hillier Oval in Liverpool to play their opening premiership match of the year and ran in seven tries to defeat the Western Suburbs Magpies 36

to 22. This season has seen the local representative sides sport a new look, as the ongoing investment made into the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rugby league development by the Sydney Roosters has included the dropping of the Coastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traditional colours of sky blue and yellow in favour of red, white and Bondi blue. The Centurions moniker of recent times has also been replaced and the teams are now running into battle under the Central Coast Roosters banner. In other Matthews Cup results over the weekend, the Newcastle

Tide Chart

FORT DENISON LAT 33Â° 51â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S - LONG 151Â° 14â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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

0025 0.62 0656 1.58 THU 1337 0.49 1932 1.31

0112 0.56 0740 1.66 1416 0.41 2013 1.38

0236 0.42 0319 0.37 0900 1.80 0941 1.83 SUN 1530 0.28 MON 1606 0.24 2130 1.53 2210 1.59

0451 0.33 0541 0.35 1108 1.77 1154 1.68 WED 1725 0.26 THU 1807 0.32 2337 1.66

26 1

24 FRI

27 2

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FRI

he Stage 1 students at Valley View Public School have already started their sport program developing physical skills.

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0403 0.34 1024 1.82 1645 0.24 2252 1.64 0024 1.67 0635 0.40 1245 1.57 1853 0.40

6 9

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

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

Media release, Feb 9, 2017 Mark Tipple, Central Coast Academy of Sport

Rugby League Football Club

Both boys and girls worked together in sporting teams. Valley View Public School congratulated them on a positive start to PDHPE. Newsletter, Feb 15, 2017 Mary Hunt, Valley View Public School

G H DQ

from this squad to compete in the upcoming 2017 ClubsNSW Academy Games, which is being held on the Central Coast in April. The 2017 Central Coast Academy of Sport Netball Squad Members are Elise Annabel, Cassidy Ashe, Kala Bennett, Holly Birchall, Ava Bowcock, Tiah Cox, Elly Davidson, Isabella de Vivo, Milla Evans, Charlotte Flynn, Jessica Kelly, Erin Kessler, Gillian Leecroft, Eden Matterson, Bree Miller, Brooklyn Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mara, Charlee Proctor, Georgia Ray, Brooke Stevenson, Sera Aliti Tamaniceva, Chloe Timewell and Alexa Walker.

GOSFORD KARIONG

0430 1.62 0541 1.66 0015 0.55 1119 0.50 1227 0.44 0642 1.72 1725 1.28 WED 1832 1.34 THU 1324 0.37 2309 0.60 1928 1.41

TUE

Media release, Feb 20, 2017 Andrew Stark, Gosford Kariong Storm RLFC

Sport program starts at an early age

0115 1.65 0213 1.62 0319 1.61 0735 0.46 0845 0.51 1002 0.52 1340 1.44 SUN 1445 1.33 MON 1604 1.27 1944 0.49 2044 0.56 2155 0.60

SAT

0155 0.49 0820 1.74 1453 0.33 2051 1.46

Knights, who are captained by Wyongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jaron Purcell and feature a handful of Central Coast juniors, defeated the Raiders 42 to 24 in Canberra, having led by just two at the break. The Manly Sea Eagles, with powerful Ourimbah three-quarter Keegan Turner, a star turn out wide, also began on a winning note, running in ten tries to rout South Sydney 54 to 8. On the same day that the Matthews Cup kicked off, the Central Coastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s junior country championship teams, along with the SG Ball Cup squad welcomed the Southern Redbacks and Southern Stingrays from the NSW South Coast to Morry Field Oval for a series of trial games. Coached by former international Mark Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Meley, the SG Ball Cup team had received a first-up bye in their competition and used the trial to fine tune their play with a view to their campaign beginning in earnest on Saturday, February 25 against the grizzly Bears from North Sydney.

great first session, with lots of enthusiasm and energy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am very excited to work with this group of talented athletes and help them further their individual sporting goals.â&#x20AC;? Mr Mark Tipple, the CCAS Programs and Communications Coordinator said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jessica did a great job of getting the squad mentally prepared for whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ahead this year in the Netball program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was fantastic to see them seem to grow more comfortable with each other and their coaches as the session went on. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to seeing how their skills develop throughout the program.â&#x20AC;? Two teams will be named

WAR MEMORABILIA WANTED

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PAGE 31 FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Mariner’s loss to Victory was no disgrace

Paul izzo stops a Melbourne shot on goal

he Central Coast Mariners were unable to make it to four wins in a row, following a defeat by Melbourne Victory in Gosford on Sunday, February 19.

Hot off the back of three wins in a row, the Mariners fronted up full of confidence at Central Coast Stadium and battled with the second-placed Melbourne Victory in front of a seven thousand strong crowd who braved the erratic weather conditions. It was a high tempo first half that saw chances flying at both ends with the wide men offering plenty throughout. At the 25th minute, Victory’s lone striker, Besart Berisha, finished a team goal built from the left flank. The play was started by Daniel Georgievski, who found the crafty Marco Rojas in the box. Rojas then had Berisha charging into the area who gave Izzo no chance with his close range strike.

The home team’s fans were certain the referee should have called the goal off-side but postmatch commentators put paid to their theory. The Mariners went to the sheds at half-time trailing by one goal but held their heads up during the first half given their relative position on the table when compared with the Victory. The Mariners came out fighting after the break and looked promising until James Troisi took the game into his own hands just before the hour mark with an individual goal. After dispossessing Jake McGing, Troisi broke into space and fired home from a tough angle to double the Victory lead. A misguided back pass from the Mariners allowed Berisha to pounce again at the 90th minute, and he took full advantage, dribbling around a defender before firing into the net just before the full-time whistle. For the Mariners, Fabio Ferreira had his hand in everything as a

Scott Galloway in the action against Victory

number 10 who looked very sharp in the middle of the park. Most of the Yellow and Navy’s success in attack was channelled down the right wing through Trent Buhagiar who whipped several balls into the box. Unfortunately for the home team they couldn’t convert from their six corners of the first half and Melbourne Victory capitalised on their first big chance of the match. In the second half, young midfielder Adam Berry put his hand up and attempted to jag a goal back with a rocket from thirty yards out. Berry’s strike from distance was just wide of the upright. As Berisha tends to do so well, the Albanian made his presence known in stoppage time with his second goal of the night in front of the travelling Victory supporters. “Victory didn’t perform that well against Newcastle last week so we were expecting a strong performance from them, and I guess they came here smelling a little blood,” said Mariners’ Head

Coach, Mr Paul Okon, after the match. “We did well in those first 15 minutes when we were under pressure to not concede,” he said. “From where I was sitting it looked like Bes [Besart Berisha] was offside, it could have gone either way, but I thought we started bright again in the second half. “We had some moments and got the ball into some dangerous areas, but we really didn’t threaten the goal enough, and after a little bit of fatigue, we gave away the second and third goal, which saw Melbourne Victory go away deserved winners. “It’s a great finish by Troisi and I think at times we saw the difference in quality between the two teams. “We fought hard, we certainly are at no fault through effort, and it’s a result that disappoints us because it was a home game and defensively we’ve been very good of late. “We gave the opposition

Izzo punches away another Victory shot Photos: Noel Fisher

opportunities and a bit of a blowout score but everything now turns to the F3 Derby.” Central Coast Mariners travel to Newcastle on Sunday, February 26. “The last month has been superb, the points reflect that, but even prior to that, I think we were playing OK,” Okon said. “We had some good performances and the two games we had here over the Christmas period against Sydney and Melbourne City could have and should have given us more points. “People ask as if we want to make the top six or if we think we can make it. “It isn’t our focus, our focus is to compete, try and win every game and if we’re close enough then it’s obvious that we’re going to fight for it. “From that respect, you could maybe look at tonight as a step backwards, but when you consider where we’ve come from and where we are, we still have a lot to play for.

“Our expectations have been met because I wanted to see a team that would compete every week, that would fight and try and win. “Ultimately that’s what it’s about. “We’ve never set up to defend for our lives or be negative, that’s not the type of football we want to play. “We’re delighted with the way Fab’s [Fabio Ferreira] travelling, hopefully he can continue to deliver performances, we want him to score more goals and it’s a question of continuing to work and keep getting into those areas where we think he can threaten. “At the start, he found playing as a 10 a bit difficult and he wasn’t too fond of it. “I think it’s grown on him and he can see how effective he can be,” Okon said. Media release, Feb 19, 2017 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners

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Saturday Appointments Available - We accept Veteran’s Affairs patients Shop 1, 201 Mann Street, Opposite Gosford Train Station, Gosford 2250 gosford@dentallifeline.com.au | www.dentallifeline.com.au