Issue 162 of COAST Community News by Central Coast Newspapers

JULY 13, 2017

YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

PH: 4325 7369

Independent report calls for more safeguards for Mangrove Mountain landfill

Historic moment for Gosford CBD T

An aerial view of the Bonython Tower site shows work well under way on the Singleton development

r John Singleton declared it an “historic moment” when he officially broke ground on his Gosford CBD development, Bonython Tower, on Thursday, June 29.

He said it was the first-ever high rise to be built in the Gosford CBD and the only development of its kind on the Central Coast. It is Mr Singleton’s flagship development. “This is a great day,” he said. “I have been talking about the benefits of this region for

years, and have introduced everyone from politicians to developers, but in the end, I decided to put my money where my mouth is and do it myself. “Many development consents have been issued by the Council, but how good is it to see one actually commence right in the middle of the CBD? “A world class building that would be proud to sit in Sydney or Melbourne. “I told you that I would do it, and here is the physical proof. “How exciting, here comes Bonython Tower. “Bonython Tower is no longer a dream, but it is becoming a

reality after 18 months of planning and design. “We are now able to see it grow and become a beautiful dominating feature of the Gosford CBD skyline. “What’s even better is that it is a local Central Coast project. “CKDS Architecture, Northrop Engineers and our builder, Stevens Constructions, are all local and all are employing local people to work on the project, and make the Central Coast a better place” Mr Singleton said. Located centrally on Mann Street, Bonython Tower is a mixed-use development, comprising of 54 luxury

apartments and two ultimate penthouses. It also boasts two levels of premier corporate suites and a world class restaurant and bar which will set a new benchmark for dining on the Central Coast. There is immediate access to public transport, and Bonython Tower is within easy walking distance to the new ATO Offices, Gosford Hospital and the brand new and exciting Central Coast Medical School and Health and Medical Research Institute. Source: Media release, Jun 29 Paul Anderson, Bonython Property and Investments

ISSUE 162

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) released an independent report on the Mangrove Mountain landfill, with recommendations, including measures for the safe operation of the site. The EPA, in consultation with the Mountain Districts Association (MDA), appointed SLR Consulting Australia Pty Ltd in September, 2016, to independently assess operations at the landfill site, which had not received any waste since May 2014. The consultant’s report made the following observations about the historic and future operation of the landfill. “In relation to the past operation of the Mangrove Mountain facility, this Independent Environmental

Report (IER) has considered a broad range of information and concludes that, significant improvement is required in order to comply with necessary operational and regulatory procedures and policies. “Robust engineering design should be complemented by best practice construction and responsible filling of cells. “With higher design and operational standards, should come higher regulatory scrutiny by the NSW EPA and Council, to ensure operators comply with their Environmental Protection Licence … DA etc. “The NSW EPA will need to review the operational documents provided … together with the design proposals, to assess the adequacy of the proposed landfill expansion whilst assessing the suitability of the site with regard to its position, size, location and potential environmental impacts. “In light of the sensitive nature of the site being 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, the development needs additional Continued P6

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.coastcommunitynews.com.au

PAGE 2 JULY 13, 2017 NEWS

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GOSFORD LGA EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTORY

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! oast Community News and Connect PR have two double passes to give away to see Love Is Love at The Art House, Wyong, on Friday, August 11.

AMBULANCE, POLICE, FIRE 000 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Organisations Aboriginal Legal Service 8842 8000 Community Options 4351 3388 Bungree Aboriginal Association 4397 7700 Mingaletta 4342 7515 Aboriginal Home Care 4321 7215 Drug & Alcohol rehab 4388 6360 Respite Care Options 4351 3388 Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health 4351 1040 Darkinjung Local Land Council 4351 2930

Accommodation Dept. of Housing Gosford 4323 5211 Regional Youth Support Services 4323 2374 Coast Shelter 4324 7239 Neleh House 4340 1052 Elandra Women and Children’s Refuge 4396 4263 Kara Women and Children’s Refuge 4323 1709 Coimba Mens Refuge 4324 7239 Rumbalara Youth Refuge 4325 7555 Wyong Youth Refuge 4351 1922 Youth Angle 4341 8830 Woy Woy Youth Cottage 4341 9027 Maya Young Womens Refuge 4323 1636 Pacific Link Com Housing 4324 7617 Rumbalara Youth Refuge 4325 7555 Samaritans Youth Services 4351 1922 Youth Angle • Woy Woy 4341 8830 Temporary Accommodation 1800 152 152

Animal Rescue

Family Drug Support 1300 368 186 G-line - Gambling Helpline 1800 633 635 Credit Helpline 1800 808 488 Child Support Agency 13 12 72 Australian Injury Helpline 1800 223 363 Veteran Affairs Net work 1300 551 918 Mens Domestic Violence 1800 000 599 Sexual Assault Resource 1800 199 888 Gay and Lesbian Counselling 1800 184 527 Gay and Lesbian Support 1800 249 377 Youth Sexuality Network 4320 2856 Vietnam Veterans 1800 043 503 Victims Support Services 1800 633 063 Translation and Interpreting Service 13 14 50

Inspired by the greatest Shakespearean stories revolving around love, lies, family and betrayal, popular Australian dance company, Dance Editorial Productions, is proud to be showcasing their latest production Love Is Love.

Counselling Mensline - talk with a bloke 1300 789 978 Lifecare Family Services 1300 130 225 CatholicCare: 4356 2600 Relationship Australia: 1300 364 277 Interrelate: 1800 449 118

Parents Helpline 132 055 Central Coast Family Support Service 4340 1099 Horizons (For men with children) 4351 5008 Interrelate - Family Relationships 1300 736 966 Uniting Care Burnside Gosford 1800 067 967

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Health Gosford Hospital 4320 2111 Cancer Hotline 131 120 Mental Health info Service 1300 794 991 Sexual Health @ Gosford Hospital 4320 2114 Beyond Blue (Depression) 1300 22 4636

Central Coast Newspapers is a local, family owned business that publishes and distributes three Central Coast Newspapers every fortnight. All staff are also locals and between them, the three papers cover the entire Central Coast. Each paper focuses specifically on an area bound by postcodes as follows:

Problems, Habits & Addiction

Phone services:

Police Assistance Line 131 444 Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 Woy Woy Police Station 4323 5599 Energy Australia 13 13 88 Gas Emergency 131 909 Gosford City Council 4325 8222 Marine Rescue - Central Coast 4325 7929 SES - Storm and Flood Emergency 132 500

Donnison St. Restaurant 4325 3510 Central Coast Family Support Services 4340 1585 Horizons Family Services 4351 5008 Meals on Wheels Gosford 4363 7111 Woy Woy 4341 6699 Department of Community Services Gosford - 4336 2400 The Salvation Army 4325 5733 Samaritans Emergency Relief 4393 2450 St Vincent De Paul Society HELPLINE 4323 6081

Lifeline - 24 hr. 13 11 14 Suicide Helpline 1800 191 919 Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 Parents Helpline 13 20 55 Indigenous Call Centre 136 380 Family Relationship Advice Line 1800 050 321

more information. All articles are edited and given a heading and are often quite different from what was originally received. Contributions are welcome and are preferred in email form, ideally with any relevant photographs attached. Contributions must include the contributor’s name, address and phone numbers. This is not for publication but name and suburb will be published and anonymous contributions will not be included.

Editor: Jackie Pearson Journalist: Dilon Luke Photo Journalist: Noel Fisher

Assistant Journalists: Satria Darmawan Dyer, Scott Falconer

Ph: 4325 7369 Email: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Next Edition: Coast Community News 163 Deadline: July 25 Publication date: July 27

Welfare Services

Crisis Services and Helplines

Peninsula News Post Codes 2256 and 2257; Coast Community News Post Codes 2250, 2251, 2260; and Wyong Regional Chronicle Post Codes 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 and 2263. Coverage takes in parts of Gosford West, Gosford East and Wyong Central Coast Council Wards. It also takes in parts of the State seats of Gosford, Terrigal and The Entrance, and parts of the Federal seats of Robertson and Dobell All articles are sourced and dated so that readers will know when and where the information came from and where they can perhaps get

Publisher: Cec Bucello Graphic design: Justin Stanley

Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 Beyondblue 1300 224 636 Domestic Violence Line 1800 656 463 Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 Griefline 1300 845 745 Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

Emergency

contemporary, dance hall or fusion. For your chance to win one of the double passes, write your name, address and daytime telephone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to Coast Community News Love Is Love Competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford, NSW, 2250 before 5:00pm on Wednesday, July 26. The winner of the Coast Community News Snow Time in the Gardens competition was Nemeesha Monaghan from Forresters Beach.

Family and Relationships

G-Line Telephone Counsel 1800 633 635 Gamblers Anonymous 9726 6625 Alcoholics Anonymous 4323 3890 Narcotics Anonymous 4325 0524 Quitline 131 848

Wildlife Arc 4325 0666 Wires 1300 094 737

The highly creative show, which will tour New South Wales and the ACT, explores the expectations that we all put on ourselves to be the perfect mother, father, daughter and son and what happens when we don’t measure up in the eyes of those who are supposed to love us the most. Love Is Love tells a series of individual stories of a certain family member and the type of love they are experiencing. The dancers explore the relationships through a particular dance style including hip hop,

2250 - Bucketty, Calga, Central Mangrove, East Gosford, Erina, Erina Fair, Glenworth Valley, Gosford, Greengrove, Holgate, Kariong, Kulnura, Lisarow, Lower Mangrove, Mangrove Creek, Mangrove Mountain, Matcham, Mooney Mooney Creek, Mount White, Narara, Niagara Park, North Gosford, Peats Ridge, Point Clare, Point Frederick, Somersby, Springfield, Tascott, Ten Mile Hollow, Upper Mangrove, Wendoree Park, West Gosford, Wyoming 2251 - Avoca Beach, Bensville, Bouddi, Copacabana, Davistown, Green Point, Kincumber, MacMasters Beach, Picketts Valley, Saratoga, Yattalunga

also, see the Not for Profit organisations directory inside

2260 - Foresters Beach, Nortfh Avoca, Terrigal, Wamberal ISSN 1839-9045 - Print Post Approved - PP100001843 - Printed by New Age Printing

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Issue 119 June 20, 2017

Edition 422

13 June 2017

JUNE 15, 2017

Kathy Smith dies Former Member for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith has died on May 31 after a long illness with cancer. Tributes have flowed from local, State and Federal dignatories. Current Member for Gosford, Ms Liesl Tesch described Ms Smith as “a tireless campaigner for the Central Coast community”. “Kathy was a remarkable woman whose long career in small business and the community sector led to her representing the people of Gosford,” she said. “After being diagnosed with cancer in 1996, Kathy became a cancer advocate and then chair of Cancer Voices NSW. “Kathy spent years working with Federal and State Governments to establish a regional cancer centre at Gosford Hospital. “The Central Coast Cancer Centre will stand as Kathy’s greatest legacy to the Central Coast community and will never be forgotten. “During her time as our local member, Kathy worked tirelessly for our community. “Kathy revealed and fought for the repair of dangerous problems with the Hawkesbury River Rail Bridge, supported the community in the fight to prevent the closure of our local Roads and Maritime Services office, and worked to stop the increase in train fares. “I commit to continuing Kathy’s great work in my role as the Member for Gosford.” Ms Tesch extended her condolences to Ms Smith’s family. Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, also paid tribute to former Member for Gosford, Ms Kathy Smith. “I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Member for Gosford Kathy Smith,” Ms Wicks said. “My thoughts are with Kathy’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.” Central Coast Council administrator Mr Ian Reynolds paid tribute to Ms Smith. He said Ms Smith was renowned for her commitment to the local community, particularly her campaigning for the Central Coast Cancer Centre which includes public radiotherapy services. “Kathy was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to serving her community,” Mr Reynolds said.

“From her passion and commitment to improving the lives of local cancer survivors as the chairwoman of NSW Cancer Voices to her service to the people of Gosford and the Peninsula as an elected representative, her drive and tenacity were beyond question. “On behalf of Central Coast Council, I extend our deepest condolences to Kathy’s family and friends at this time.” The flag at Central Coast Council was flown at half-mast on June 1 in acknowledgement of Ms Smith’s passing. NSW Opposition Leader Mr Luke Foley said Ms Smith had passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. “Kathy bravely battled a recurrence of cancer for more than a year,” Mr Foley said. “Her condition deteriorated sharply last weekend,” he said. “Kathy was first diagnosed with cancer in 1996. “She fought for the provision of public radiotherapy treatment on the Central Coast. “Her campaign culminated in joint Federal and State government funding in 2010 for the construction of the Central Coast Cancer Centre, which included the public radiotherapy facilities for which she battled so hard. “I spoke to her husband Peter O’Hanlon and conveyed to him the great affection that so many members of Parliament, from all sides, feel towards Kathy. “My thoughts are with Peter, Kathy’s children Richard and Janet and her grandchildren Georgia, Jimmy, Ali and Joshua.” Senator Deborah O’Neill issued a statement that said she had been “deeply saddened by the news that, despite a long and determined

fight against cancer, my friend and former Labor colleague Kathy Smith has passed away. “Kathy Smith was a generous and determined woman who never shied away from standing up for our community; both as the Member for Gosford and as a strong advocate for cancer treatment. “She was deeply committed to her family and like so many in our community; Kathy’s family will feel a great emptiness in their lives. “As the NSW Cancer Voices chairwoman, Kathy’s unrelenting determination was a critical factor in the delivery of our very own Cancer Centre at Gosford Hospital. “She was rightly proud of her vital role in that significant achievement which stands as a testament to her endeavors. “As the key leader of the community voice on this issue, Kathy leaves a lasting legacy so that cancer sufferers now have a local facility to undertake cancer treatment closer to their family and friends. “Many locals fighting cancer are now able to balance the challenges of their treatment and still maintain their work and family commitments. “That simply wouldn’t have happened without Kathy’s efforts. “As the Member for Gosford, Kathy’s unrelenting drive kept the Baird government to account and provided crucial electoral support for her local constituents. “In particular, Kathy’s campaigns to keep local state services in our community revealed her character - she wouldn’t give up in the fight for fairness. “Kathy’s tireless work for our community is a noble legacy and I thank her for her dedicated service to the people of Gosford and the Peninsula she called home.” Senator O’Neill said her thoughts and prayers were with Ms Smith’s family.. A private funeral was held for Ms Smith on Tuesday, June 6. SOURCES: Media release, 1 Jun 2017 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council Media statement, 31 May 2017 Kieran Gill, Office of Luke Foley MP Media release, 31 May 2017 Richard Merhtens, Office of Liesl Tesch MP Media statement, 1 Jun 2017 Rhys Zorro, Office of Senator Deborah O’Neill Website, 1 Jun 2017 Lucy Wicks, Member for Robertson

Tenants selected for affordable housing project Tenants are being selected for a government-supported affordable housing project in Woy Woy. “The project was initiated by the NSW Government to provide housing supply for low income earners experiencing housing stress,” according to Mr Keith Gavin, chief of community housing provider Pacific Link Housing which is managing the Woy Woy Apartment Project. The project has 31 apartments, with 13 apartments listed as affordable housing and 17 set aside as social housing. The building in Chambers Place also has common areas, a terrace, parking spaces and ground floor retail space. Affordable housing rentals are set at 75 per cent of full private rental costs. To be considered for tenancy, applicants must have earnings below $52,900 a year, or $79,400per annum for couples, according to Pacific Link’s project officer Mr John Tuffin. They must not own or partown any existing property within Australia or overseas. Applicants must also meet all private rental requirements and provide proof of rental history, citizenship status, financial status, and references. “Depending on the individual needs of tenants, the Woy Woy project provides some accessible apartments and others designed for use as disability units if required. “These will be allocated on a

needs basis,” Mr Tuffin said. “The Government offered a oneoff capital grant through the NSW Land and Housing Corporation within the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS). “The completed project is wholly owned by Evolve Housing and Pacific Link and is to be leased and managed by Pacific Link for the joint venture.” Mr Tuffin said Pacific Link had “significant flexibility” to manage the social housing tenant mix and some of the Woy Woy tenants would be transferred in from underutilised social housing already managed by Pacific Link. “Like all households, tenants who have been in social housing homes for some time progress from having families to being ‘empty-nesters’ and may later find themselves living alone in a large home. “This has been a perpetual problem, both for them and for community housing providers. “Pacific Link will offer the opportunity for existing tenants in good standing who wish to downsize to move to Woy Woy, where the modern apartment is within easy reach of shopping, services and public transport. “The current housing waiting list for over-55s seeking a studio or one-bedroom in Woy Woy is in excess of 300. “The Woy Woy project will help reduce this waiting list,” he said. SOURCE: Interview, 19 May 2017 John Tuffin, Pacific Link Housing Reporter: Dilon Luke

THIS ISSUE contains 56 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 120 July 4, 2017

Edition 421

YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

PH: 4325 7369

The $234m Waterside development was approved by the Joint Regional Planning Panel in December 2015. The approval made way for the site to be developed for commercial and residential use as well as incorporate a cinema, hotel and tavern. Project architect, Mr Cain King, from CKDS Architecture at East Gosford, said the New Hong Kong Macau Australia Pty Ltd had the keys to the site and had commenced cleaning up the interior, including some asbestos removal. “All fees have been paid to Council,” Mr King said. Mr King said a plumber had also been on site turning off the water supply, and fencing was to be erected so demolition could begin. The applicant lodged a Section 96 amendment in April to modify the development consent to allow demolition of part of the site prior to the issue of a construction certificate. No other alterations to the development were requested as part of the Section 96 application, however, the demolition work will constitute commencement of the development, so the applicant will have met their responsibility to commence

Looking down on the former Froggy’s building towards Georgiana Terrace

work on the development prior to the expiry of Council’s consent in December. Mr King said the developer did not intend to commence construction of the first stage of the development until late 2018. A letter from PJ Donnellan and Co solicitors accompanying the Section 96 application also stated: “This addition will allow our clients to begin demolition work that does not interfere with any heritage sites that are part of the approved DA located at 50-70 Mann St, Gosford”. However, Mr King said the demolition would facilitate alternative uses for parts of the site in the interim. “With the demolition on the site and the focus of stage one not to commence until

next year, we are hopeful that Council will approve some alternative uses,” Mr King said. “Some of the possibilities

include pop-up marketplaces, parking, or the possibility of utilising the site as a holding area for construction

Another of the derelict buildings to be demolished

vehicles as multiple projects are underway in the CBD, so that they can have access to construction sites without disrupting traffic,” he said. As the local government election approaches and the current Administration period winds to an end, decisionmaking within Central Coast Council appears to be slowing down, but Mr King said he was hopeful that Council would see the value of putting the site to use once demolition is complete. The land does form part of Central Coast Council’s current planning proposal to move the commercial core of the Gosford CBD towards the waterfront. “This planning proposal proposes to rezone the land from B4 to B3 Commercial

Core,” said a Council assessment report written to consider the merit of the Section 96 application. “The planning proposal does not affect the s96 application, which is to permit demolition prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate for building works,” the assessment report said. “The subject site is zoned B4 Mixed Use under Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014. “The proposed development is defined as commercial, shop top housing, hotel, and entertainment facility, as defined in Gosford LEP 2014, which is permissible in the zone with consent of Council. “The proposed land uses are also permissible in the B3 zone, subject to the exhibited planning proposal. “The proposed modifications will not result in adverse amenity impacts on the adjoining properties and the streetscape,” the report concluded. “The proposed development is substantially the same as the development that was originally granted consent. “As such, in accordance with Section 80(1)(a) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the Section 96(1A) for modification is recommended for approval.” When actual construction commences, the three-tower project will be completed in three stages, each lasting five years. Source: Interview, Jun 13 Cain King, CKDS Architecture Gosford DA Tracker, DA47046.2/2015 Jackie Pearson, journalist

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.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Edition 423

JUNE 29, 2017

Liberal ad ‘inﬂated’, say teachers

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Demolition in preparation for Waterside development underway osford’s longeststanding eye sores, the remains of the Froggy’s skate rink on Mann St and the office building on the corner of Baker St and Georgiana Tce, are about to be demolished as part of preparation for phase one of the triple-tower Waterside development.

26 June 2017

ISSUE 160

Australia China Theme Park status remains unclear

$3m additional federal funding

onﬁdentiality clauses in contracts signed between the former Wyong Council and Australia China Theme Park Pty Ltd (ACTP) continue to prevent Central entral Coast w h o l e - o f - c a t c h m e n t encourage sustainable rich in biodiversity and it Coast Council from the Council has issues in an effort to use, and educate the must be protected,” Mr updating community about the welcomed $3m in reduce the effects of local community about Reynolds said. pollutants, litter and the estuary,” he said. “Council is pleased status of those funding for Tuggerah The project will to have this Federal contracts. Lakes Estuary and environmental vandalism making their way into the build on a decade of Government support C a t c h m e n t lakes. ACTP has still not estuary planning and and it will help Council Improvement as part “This funding will management that has to continue to invest paid $3m to acquire of the Federal support the ongoing resulted in a measurable in monitoring and the land at Warnervale G o v e r n m e n t ’ s implementation of the improvement in water improving the health that is the subject of the Improving Your Local Tuggerah Lakes Estuary quality and ecological of our catchments and Development Application for the place of worship Parks and Management Plan, condition of Tuggerah waterways. stormwater Lakes and the catchment. E n v i r o n m e n t through “We all have a role to (DA828/2016). Other media outlets upgrades, foreshore Council Administrator, play in protecting our Program.

These funds will add to the $7m Council has already invested in Tuggerah Lakes in the current ﬁnancial year, resulting in signiﬁcant improvements in the water quality across the lakes system. Council Group Leader Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said the funds would be dedicated to

enhancement and a range of streambank, wetland and saltmarsh rehabilitation activities in the estuary catchment,” Mr Dowling said. “The project will continue to improve water quality, enhance nearshore areas for recreational use, reduce pollutant loads to the estuary, control invasive species in ecologically sensitive areas,

Mr Ian Reynolds, said the funding was a clear indication of the lobbying power the new Central Coast Council has, and he is looking forward to more funding ﬂowing to the Coast for the Lakes and other key initiatives. “The Tuggerah Lakes estuary is a jewel in the crown of the Central Coast, offering a unique environment which is

unique environment and waterways and I encourage everyone to get involved.” Residents are urged to report environmental vandalism to Council. The project will commence in July and will run over three years ﬁnishing in July 2020. Source: Media release, Jun 19 Central Coast Council media

have cast strong doubts over the viability of the land sale contract and ACTP’s ability to complete the land purchase or build the temple, but the latest statement from Council did not provide any new information about the status of the land deal or the development application (DA). “The former Wyong Council entered into

contracts to sell land at Warnervale to ACTP,” a written statement from Central Coast Council said. “Those contracts include conﬁdentiality clauses that bind both parties, and as such, it is not appropriate to comment on the detail. “Council is working actively and carefully to protect the interests of ratepayers and is looking to ﬁnalise the contract with ACTP as soon as possible. “Council will make further comment when it is appropriate to do so.” Cardno NSW/ACT Pty Ltd, the consultants who prepared substantial documentation in support of the Buddhist Temple DA, were also unable to comment. Cardno’s Manager of Urban Planning, Mr John O’Grady, said the company had a “very close relationship with the client and we’re not at liberty to comment.”

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

Continued P3

Liberal Party has advertised that Woy Woy’s secondary college campus will receive twice as much it will actually receive, according to Teachers Federation members at the campus. The advertisement in the June 13 edition of Peninsula News claimed that Brisbane Water Secondary College Woy Woy campus would receive an extra $14.9 million, implying a similar amount would be received by Umina campus. Ettalong Woy Woy Teachers Federation president Mr Christopher Wright said: “Because it is one college with two campuses, Brisbane Water Secondary College receives its funding in one sum. “This means that the Liberal Party has advertised a hugely inﬂated ﬁgure of $14.9 million of additional funding for Woy Woy Campus alone.” He said it could be “deliberately misleading information in the Liberal Party advertisement to make the funding sound more impressive”. Alternatively, local Liberal Party representatives did not know “the school names and student numbers of the schools in their local learning community”. Mr Wright said that the advertisement stated that the

Liberals would deliver “fullyfunded, needs-based funding”. “Whatever the phrase ‘fully funded needs based funding’, as used in the Liberal Party advertisements, means to the Liberal Party, it is certainly not equivalent in meaning to fully funded needs based funding according to the National Education Reform Agreement. Over 2018 and 2019, the college would receive a total increase in funding of $499,302. “If the National Education Reform Agreement (the previously agreed Gonski funding model) were to be honoured by the Federal Government, then over the same two years Brisbane Water Secondary College would have received an increase in funding of $2.3 million.” Mr Wright said the ﬁgures quoted of $14.9 million “in additional funding” for Brisbane Water Secondary College Woy Woy Campus and $5.8 million for Umina Beach Public School were based upon the Australian Government’s School Funding Estimator. Both NSW Minister of Education Mr Rob Stokes and NSW Departmental Secretary Mr Mark Scott had stated it should not be relied upon because the basis of the estimate was unknown, he

DEB O’NEILL & LABOR VOTED AGAINST

$14.9m IN ADDITIONAL FUNDING

FOR BRISBANE WATER SECONDARY COLLEGE WOY WOY CAMPUS Only the Liberals will deliver fully funded needs based funding to Central Coast schools. Authorised by Senator Arthur Sinodinos, Suite 3, Level 20, 1 Bligh Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

said. “That there are some inaccuracies on the school funding estimator website is certain. “For example, the Umina Campus of Brisbane Water Secondary College is not mentioned at all. “Umina Beach Public School is inaccurately named. “What other inaccuracies there may be in the school funding estimator is unknown.” Mr Wright also questioned the assumptions behind the estimate. “The time period for this ‘additional funding’ for the two schools mentioned is not speciﬁed in the Liberal Party advertisements.

“On the estimator website an increase of only $243,800 is listed for Woy Woy Campus and $95,800 for Umina Beach Public School in 2018. “This certainly looks less impressive than the 10-year increase figures cited of $14.9 million and $5.8 million respectively. “These 10- year figures are simply determined by assuming that funding per school would otherwise remain completely static at the 2017 amount for the entire following decade. “Furthermore, given that a 10year period is much longer than the Federal political cycle, it is also conceivable that, like the final years of the National Education Reform Agreement funding, some years of this iteration of school funding may never see the light of day. “These considerations make the cited figures of $14.9 million and $5.8 million not especially meaningful. Mr Wright said: “As teachers, we care about the education of our students. “We are concerned about the Federal Government’s new policy on schools funding and in particular how our public schools will be disadvantaged by this policy. “We support the full implementation of the National Education Reform Agreement’s

model of needs based school funding.” Teachers Federation members of the Woy Woy campus have unanimously passed a motion condemning the use of the College’s name for party-political purposes. “We condemn the association of Brisbane Water Secondary College Woy Woy Campus with misleading information about school funding, as occurred in the Liberal Party advertisement published in the Peninsula News on June 13,” the motion said. “We reject any implication by political parties that our College supports or should support a funding model that will deliver signiﬁcant funding cuts to the students of the Peninsula.” The motion was passed unanimously on June 15. Mr Wright said he had written to the Prime Minister, Mr Malcolm Turnbull, Senator Arthur Sinodinos and the Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, about the advertisements published in the Peninsula News. The advertisements were booked and paid for by the ofﬁce of Senator Sinodinos. SOURCES: Motion and letter, 20 Jun 2017 Christopher Wright, NSW Teachers Federation Sinodinos response - page 4

Community plan from Pearl Beach A grass-roots, communitydriven plan for the new Central Coast Council has been generated out of Pearl Beach. One of the chief instigators of the plan, Ettalong resident Ms Marcelle Hoff said it was timely that the group behind the plan held a public meeting in Pearl Beach on Saturday, June 24, to take the initiative into the “action” stage. “The period for public consultation concerning the contents of our Community Plan is rapidly being replaced by the need for action and decisions,” Ms Hoff said. She said the meeting that was held on June 24 was held to digest feedback received, discuss recent

Marcelle Hoff

activities and research, understand the landscape and determine strategies. Declared or potential candidates for the September 9 Central Coast

Van Davy

Council election were invited to attend the meeting, along with supporters or potential supporters of the Community Plan. “The meeting was important

for those who wanted the Central Coast Council to be truly representative of the wishes of ratepayers to forge a sustainable and equitable future for them,” Ms

Hoff said. Community members have been meeting at Pearl Beach regularly since March to put together a comprehensive, community-driven plan for the future of the Central Coast. Ms Hoff, who had spent two years as an independent councillor on the City of Sydney Council, said she believed the Community Plan should give people a “sense of awareness of what they can do if they are passionate and put their mind to it.” She said she worked with Dr Van Davy of Pearl Beach to put the ﬁrst draft of the Community Plan together based on her experience as a City of Sydney councillor and Deputy Mayor.

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YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

15-storey Merindah tower has enough sales to proceed

will increase in value. “The developer wants to keep as many as possible because the closer to completion, the higher their market value. “The developer has several letters of offer from finance providers to finance the project, but the developer is looking for a lower rate so another 10 units may be made available off the plan.” According to Mr Gutierrez, every Gosford development that has had a significant marketing launch (more than $150,000) has been wellreceived by the market and there is plenty of demand to fill all residential space coming on stream. The off-the-plan sales generated for Merindah were an even split between Sydney buyers and locals, and between owner-occupiers and investors, he said. Baby boomers wanting to downsize are the main buyers of higher-end waterfront properties in Gosford at the moment, while lower-priced properties appeal to Sydney buyers, including investors and first-home buyers, Mr Gutierrez said. Source: Interview, Jun 26 Pablo Guitierrez, George Brand Terrigal Jackie Pearson, journalist

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developed by JMGM & GWPG. Mr Jeff Moxham, from Ray White, said the landmark mixed-use project was the latest tower being constructed in a range of new developments set to transform Gosford’s skyline into a modern metropolis. “These projects are revolutionising Gosford and delivering a world class city centre,” Mr Moxham said. “333 Mann St was approved by the Joint Regional Planning Panel in late 2016 and will boast 102 apartments in a mix of one, two and three-bedroom floor-plate designs, with 500 square metres of commercial retail below. “Mann St is already a hive of activity with John Singleton’s first high-rise project, Bonython Tower, being developed on the Dutton’s Tavern site. “JMGM is also proposing a 24-storey tower with 189 residential apartments and 2500 square metres of commercial-zoned retail at 325 Mann St.” The $368 million upgrade of Gosford Hospital is directly opposite the new developments at 325 and 333 Mann St. Ray White Commercial NSW is seeking interest from local, national and international

buyers. “Currently, Gosford is experiencing strong pre-sales for residential units being sold off the plan, which is beneficial for both developers and buyers seeking good value in the market for new units,” he said. JMGM currently has more than $120 million in developments in progress, with a focus on high-quality residential and mixeduse developments across Sydney and along the eastern seaboard. The Ikon at 333 Mann St will comprise a single tower over a podium base that will include four levels of parking integrated into the fabric of the podium with one level partly underground, three levels of commercial tenancies, 17 levels of one, two and three bedroom residential apartments and landscaping. The development was approved and achieved delayed commencement within the timeframe that enabled the developer to take advantage of the former Gosford Council’s 30 per cent bonus height and floor space controls. As a result, the Gosford Local Environment Plan allowed for a maximum height of 78 metres and a floor space ratio of 6.5:1. The proposed four-tofive-storey podium will accommodate four commercial tenancies with a floor area of 500 square metres that could accommodate various café and office premises. Within the tower, 15 of the one-bedroom units will be adaptable for people in wheelchairs or other special users. Each apartment will have direct access to a balcony or terrace with an area between eight and 12 square metres and residents will have access

10 July 2017

ISSUE 161

21-storey Ikon Tower being offered for sale off the plan

partments in the $34.24 million, 21-storey Ikon Tower residential and commercial he first stage of suspicions,” he said. off-the-plan sales The Pinnacle Construction development at 333 in the Merindah Group will be the lead builder Mann St, Gosford, are Apartments project at 21 on the project and Mr Gutierrez being offered for sale off to 23 Mann St, Gosford, said the crane that will be the plan. utilised “is massive”. has closed, and the According to Ray White developer is still aiming He said off-the-plan sales Commercial NSW, the building, had been deliberately kept to to have the building a minimum. boasting 102 apartments ready for occupancy by and 500 square metres of “As the building gets off the commercial space, is being the first half of 2019. ground, the remaining units The $34m residential flat building that will tuck in behind the heritage-listed Telstra building, is the largest single tower to ever go to market in Gosford, and at 15 storeys, is the largest development in terms of height that Gosford has seen to date. Mr Pablo Gutierrez from George Brand Terrigal, who was the agent responsible for off-the-plan sales, said: “We have sold the quota of apartments that was a necessary requirement for the loan for the project to commence.” The DA consent for Merindah expires on September 22, but Mr Gutierrez said he was confident construction would start within that period, or the developer would be successful in securing a 12-month extension from Central Coast Council. “We would have already started construction but the developer is just finishing a large building project in Dee Why and it is a little behind schedule,” he said. In response to rumours that the development was not going ahead, he said: “I’ve heard that rumour, but I can unequivocally assure you that we are on track. “I am not sure where that rumour started but I have my

JULY 13, 2017

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Shooting fatality in Wyong

28-year-old Norah Head man charged with murder hree men were arrested on July 3 and charged with offences relating to the death of Mr Jayden Mason.

The crime scene on July 3 Inset - 22-year-old Wyong man Jesse Thompson olice are the victims and the then fled the scene at i n v e s t i g a t i n g shooter, and the other speed. “Some sort of after one man died at Warner Ave where the altercation took place and another was two victims were found. Tuggerah Lakes between the two parties injured during a LAC are investigating in those two vehicles, shooting at Wyong. the circumstances but what exactly lead Just before 12:30pm, surrounding the incident. to it and whether there Monday, July 3, In a media conference was any background, emergency services were around 4:30pm I couldn’t say,” Acting called to Warner Ave, on the same day, Superintendent Waddell Wyong, following reports Tuggerah Lakes Acting said. of shots fired. Acting Superintendent Superintendent, Mr David A 22-year-old Waddell, confirmed Waddell did not confirm man, believed to be police were working off how the second victim, Wyong local, Mr Jesse the theory that the victims the 28-year-old man, Thompson, was treated had been involved in sustained his injuries, nor by NSW Ambulance an altercation involving how the two victims and paramedics, but died at their vehicle and another their vehicle came to be the scene. vehicle, believed to be a on Warner Ave. Another man, aged white ute, on Byron Rd. Inquiries are continuing. 28, was also treated for Acting Superintendent Acting Superintendent a wound to his hand, Waddell told media Waddell urged anyone before being taken to that police believed with information Wyong Hospital. the 22-year-old victim pertaining to the incident his vehicle to come forward. Officers attached to exited approaching Tuggerah Lakes Local before Source: Area Command (LAC) the occupant(s) of the Media release, Jul 3 have established two unknown vehicle. NSW Police Media Media conference, Jul 3 crime scenes, one An argument ensued David Waddell, Tuggerah at nearby Byron Rd, and the occupant(s) of Lakes LAC believed to be the scene the unknown vehicle shot Dilon Luke, journalist of an altercation between the 22-year-old man and

An artist's impression of the Ikon tower

to landscaped communal open space at the level three podium and on the rooftop. When the JRPP determined in favour of the development in December, 2016, it noted the corner location, site proportions, surrounding infrastructure, nature of adjoining development and proposed design measures resulted in a development that

suited the site. The consent was for two years from December 15, 2016. Source: Media release, Jun 22 Steve Connolly, Converse Communications Website, Jun 26 Central Coast Council Gosford DA tracker, 49489/2016 Jackie Pearson, journalist

Tuggerah Lakes LAC acting Superintendent, Mr David Waddell, said three people had been arrested, a 34-yearold man from Erina, a 28-year-old Norah Head man and a 37-year-old man from Kanwal. The 34 year old was arrested and taken to Gosford police station and was assisting with inquiries. The two other men were arrested and taken to Wyong Police Station. The 28-year-old was charged with murder and was to appear in Wyong Local Court on July 4. The 37 year old from Kanwal was charged with concealing a serious offence, he was bail refused to appear at Wyong Local Court on July 4. “Police will allege the victim was assaulted by two of these persons and left on a roadway at Lake Haven Dve,” Acting Superintendent Waddell said. “He later died in hospital.” Acting Superintendent Waddell had earlier addressed the public

and media on June 26, in Wyong, appealing for information following the death of Mr Mason, who was found in Lake Haven with serious head injuries on June 24. Mr Mason was found by a passing motorist at around 10:30pm, lying unconscious in the middle of the road on Lake Haven Dve, near the intersection at Lyle St. He was treated at the scene by paramedics and was then taken to John Hunter Hospital. Mr Mason died in hospital on June 25. Superintendent Waddell confirmed that Mr Mason’s death was being treated as a homicide investigation and said police had seized several vehicles, spoken to a number of people and were reviewing CCTV footage from the evening. The Superintendent also confirmed at the time, that the post mortem would be conducted on June 28 and speculated that the results would confirm how Mr Mason’s injuries were obtained. During the conference, Superintendent Waddell was questioned by media as to whether or not Mr Mason could have sustained his injuries in an altercation at the Wyong Leagues Club, near where he was found.

Despite conﬁrming that Mr Mason had attended the Club that evening and having been asked to leave, the Superintendent said he believed that a number of altercations occurred at the Club on the evening of June 24, but said that the nature of these incidents and who was involved was still under investigation. When addressing the rumours that Mr Mason may have been involved in an altercation with Leagues Club security; that Mr Mason may have had been involved in an incident with a ride sharing service; or that Mr Mason may have been the victim of a hit and run, Superintendent Waddell said that police and the Homicide Squad were pursuing a lot of lines of inquiries regarding the circumstances that led to Mr Mason’s injuries. Superintendent Waddell also requested that any witnesses come forward. Of particular interest to police is a woman, believed to be in her 50s, who was driving a dark blue Ford Falcon sedan towing a box trailer, who stopped to render Mr Mason assistance. Source: Press conference, Jun 26 Press conference, Jul 3 David Waddell, Tuggerah Lakes LAC Dilon Luke, journalist

Calls for short-term action to protect beachfront The Umina Community Group would like to see the council taking more short-term measures before the September 9 local government election, according to spokesman Mr Tony Winch. “We would like to see a sand replenishment process to basically push the sand back into place to at least remove some of the dangers.” Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club has published pictures on its Facebook page of the state of the erosion near its clubhouse. “We would like to see council doze the whole area, re-contour the beach and replant the area with native vegetation … but that would cost money,” said president Mr Scott Hannell. He said there were signiﬁcant parts of the beach that were not passable at high tide and the extent of the erosion made it difﬁcult for the club to get its safety equipment on and off the sand “At the moment the all-terrain vehicle that council supplied the club and that tows our gear trailer, the rubber ducky and other emergency equipment wouldn’t be able to be pulled up off the beach,” he said. Mr Hannell questioned why so much attention had been given to the risk to private property at Wamberal when community assets and public amenity were in such dire straits on the Peninsula’s main beachfront. Mr Hannell said the photos had been viewed by over 22,000 people and the majority of comments were in support of something being done to improve the amenity of the beach. Several public access paths have been impassable for over two years, he said. More recently, erosion has seen the depletion of sand around the main stormwater drain near the Ocean Beach Surf Club’s car park.

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The dunes, between the surf club and the sandbag wall, constructed after the April 2015 storm, have been eroded to the point where they are now an unvegetated cliff-face. Mr Hannell said the club had been having discussions “for years and years” with council about the state of the beach. “I can’t see the beach recovering for at least the next few years and luckily we haven’t had any decent east coast lows this year.”

Storm water scour in front of the main outlet near the surf club

“They talk about dredging the channel but they are pumping the sand into the sea and not using it to replenish the beach,” he said. Mr Tony Winch, from the Umina Community Group, said the group had been working with the Central Coast Council ofﬁcers responsible for the amenity of the beach “on the day-to-day tactical tasks” required to keep the situation from deteriorating further. He said he would describe the current public amenity as “very

interrupted”. “From the community group’s point of view, we have been waiting for the Coastal Zone Management Plan to be approved by the NSW Government,” Mr Winch said. “Now that is signed off, the next thing is to look at where the funding will be coming from,” he said. “Hopefully it would be the council applying for and organising that funding so the work in the plan can be implemented. “That is a hard directional

priority to put in place without elected councillors,” he said. “On a positive note the regeneration of the dunes by the three active dune care groups continues. “We are pleased to see the sandbags have done their job at the point by protecting the road and now some of the bags have been covered in sand,” he said. Mr Winch referred to the sandbag wall constructed to protect The Esplanade after erosion impacted the roadway following the April 2015 storm. The Central Coast Council operational plan for 2017-18 will see the ﬁrst steps taken towards a three-year project to construct coastal protection works along Umina and Ocean Beach, subject to the availability of funding. SOURCES: Facebook post, 20 Jun 2017 Interview, 5 Jul 2017 Scott Hannell, Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club Interview, 5 Jul 2017 Tony Winch, Umina Community Group Reporter: Jackie Pearson

Exposed pipe and rubble

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

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) released an independent report on the Mangrove Mountain landfill, with

An aerial view of the Bonython Tower site shows work well under way on the Singleton development

r John Singleton years, and have introduced reality after 18 months of apartments and two ultimate recommendations, including penthouses. declared it everyone from politicians to planning and design. measures for the safe an “historic developers, but in the end, “We are now able to see it It also boasts two levels operation of the site. moment” when he I decided to put my money grow and become a beautiful of premier corporate suites The EPA, in consultation where my mouth is and do it dominating feature of the and a world class restaurant with the Mountain Districts officially broke ground myself. Gosford CBD skyline. and bar which will set a new Association (MDA), appointed on his Gosford CBD “Many development benchmark for dining on the SLR Consulting Australia development, Bonython consents have been issued by “What’s even better is that it Central Coast. is a local Central Coast project. Pty Ltd in September, 2016, Tower, on Thursday, June the Council, but how good is it There is immediate access to to independently assess a “CKDS Architecture, Northrop 29. to see one actually commence Engineers and our builder, public transport, and Bonython proposal to recommence

right in the middle of the CBD? “A world class building that would be proud to sit in Sydney or Melbourne. “I told you that I would do it, and here is the physical proof. “How exciting, here comes Bonython Tower. “Bonython Tower is no longer a dream, but it is becoming a

Stevens Constructions, are all local and all are employing local people to work on the project, and make the Central Coast a better place” Mr Singleton said. Located centrally on Mann Street, Bonython Tower is a mixed-use development, comprising of 54 luxury

Tower is within easy walking distance to the new ATO Offices, Gosford Hospital and the brand new and exciting Central Coast Medical School and Health and Medical Research Institute. Source: Media release, Jun 29 Paul Anderson, Bonython Property and Investments

ISSUE 162

Independent report calls for more safeguards for Mangrove Mountain landfill

Remains of a walkway now hanging from the dune

THIS ISSUE contains 43 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

YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Historic moment for Gosford CBD

Short-term action to protect the beachfront between Umina and Ettalong should take place while Central Coast Council prepares for is major “coastal protection works” project, according to two local community groups.

operations at the landfill site, which had not received any waste since May 2014. The consultant’s report made the following observations about the historic and future operation of the landfill. “In relation to the past operation of the Mangrove Mountain facility, this Independent Environmental

www.gosfordnews.org 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.coastcommunitynews.com.au

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NEWS PAGE 3 JULY 13, 2017

“Secrecy” surrounding monies held in trust by Council may be queried in Parliament

SW Shadow Minister for Local Government, Mr Peter Primrose, said he would ask questions in budget estimates in August regarding the “secrecy” surrounding monies held in trust by Central Coast Council. At least one local resident has been attempting, since March, to view the Council’s statement of monies held in trust, but her requests have been rejected by Central Coast Council. According to the NSW Local Government Act of 1993, all councils in NSW are required to have two funds: a consolidated fund and a trust fund. Section 409(1) of the Local Government Act 1993 says that all money and property received by a council is held in the council’s consolidated fund unless it is required to be held in the council’s trust fund. Section 411 goes on to explain that “all money and property received by a council

Ms Joy Cooper with the correspondence she has received from Council

in trust must be held in the council’s trust fund; and money or property held in the council’s trust fund must be applied for the purposes or in accordance with the trusts relating to it”. The audited accounts of the former Gosford Council for the period July 1, 2015, to May 12, 2016, included the statement: “The following entities have

been included as part of the consolidated fund: general purpose operations; Gosford Water Supply Authority, established under the Water Management Act 2000; Somersby Industrial Estate; committees established under the Local Government Act 1993 S355. “In accordance with the provisions of section 411

of the Local Government Act 1993 (as amended) a separate and distinct Trust Fund is maintained to account for all money and property received by Council, in trust, that must be applied only for the purposes or in accordance with the trusts relating to those monies. “Trust monies and property subject to Council’s control

have been included in these statements [referring to the audited statements presented to Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, on Monday, June 19]. “Trust monies and property held by Council, but not subject to the control of Council, have been excluded from these statements. “A separate statement of monies held in the trust fund is available for inspection at the council office by any person, free of charge.” The same statement was included in the draft financial statements from the former Gosford Council when they were first tabled at an extraordinary meeting of Central Coast Council meeting on March 13. Since March 13, Ms Joy Cooper of Green Point, has been asking to exercise her right to inspect that “separate statement of monies held in the trust fund” but, as of July 11, Central Coast Council had not allowed the inspection to take place. Ms Cooper is also a

community representative on the former Gosford Council’s Protection of the Environment Trust, which Central Coast Council has expressed an intent to wind up. She said she had very limited knowledge of what money Central Coast Council should keep in its trust account, but did not understand why, if its financial statements clearly stated “any person” could inspect the statement of monies held in trust, the council was stonewalling her attempts to do so. Ms Cooper commenced her lengthy period of correspondence with Central Coast Council by sending straightforward email requests to ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov. au and calling council’s public telephone number. Her first phone call was on March 14, followed by an email on March 19, to which she received an automated response.

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“Secrecy” surrounding monies held in trust

SW Shadow Minister for Local Government, Mr Peter Primrose, said he would ask questions in budget estimates in August regarding the “secrecy” surrounding monies held in trust by Central Coast Council. From P3 By April, Ms Cooper had started to address her correspondence directly to the CEO, Mr Rob Noble, and Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds. She has since spoken at two community forums held prior to Central Coast Council ordinary meetings called to

deal with the accounts of the former Gosford Council. She has attended the Council’s Gosford chamber and, recently, has submitted an informal Government Information (Public Access) Act (GIPA) request to view the statements. She has called the ABC Central Coast breakfast show to ask Mr Reynolds for assistance in viewing the statements. On July 5, Mr Brian Glendenning, as Acting Chief Executive Officer, responded to Ms Cooper’s GIPA request. “While I think I understand the information you have requested in your emails and in your Informal Request under

the GIPA Act, it seems to me that what you actually are seeking to achieve is to confirm that Council is appropriately keeping any trust monies in an appropriate account and to confirm that, where trust monies have been expended, that those monies have been expended in accordance with the permitted trust purpose. “It would be useful to sit down with you, or have a telephone conversation with you, to understand exactly the information that you want, and provide you with a firm (and near) date when that information can be provided to you. “This more targeted approach might significantly

shorten the time it takes to provide you with the information you need, which seems to be a subset of the broad range of documents you have sought in your Informal Request under the GIPA Act,” Mr Glendenning said. In response to Mr Glendenning, Ms Cooper said that she did not believe she should be required to explain her reasons for wishing to see the statements and simply wished to “avail myself of the invitation put by council to view the accounts”. Coast Community News has asked Central Coast Council, the NSW Office of Local Government (OLG) and Mr Primrose to clarify whether

Ms Cooper’s request to review the statement of monies held in trust by the former Gosford Council is reasonable and why it would not be fulfilled by Central Coast Council. “If the constituent does not receive satisfactory answers from the OLG, then I will raise these concerns with the Minister in budget estimates next month,” Mr Primrose said. “At the very least, if the forcibly-merged Council is claiming this information should be kept secret, then it has to give a valid explanation as to why this is the case,” he said. “The default position should be openness and transparency.”

Coast Community News asked the NSW Office of Local Government to provide some indication of the types of money that would be required to be kept in a council’s trust account. It responded: “The Local Government Act 1993, the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, and the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting provide the framework for councils to undertake financial reporting. “The Local Government Code of Accounting Practice requires councils to report on the level of externally restricted funds which are those that can only be used for specific purposes.”

Community Environment Network CEN

is proud to support the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre - what about you?

The Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre (CCMDC) at Terrigal is all about the enjoyment and sustainable use of our coasts, catchments and marine environments. Since 2010 , we have had over 30,000 visitors. The CCMDC is very much a hands on centre, engaging visitors with displays, a small number of aquaria, a wet touch table, craft and quizzes for our Junior Marine Scientists. We are also pleased to partner with the University of Newcastle in supporting the CCMDC. With the Central Coast being the focus of the University’s Marine Studies programs, it has been a great opportunity to engage with local academics and students in making our region a hub for marine science.

Exclusive screening of Blue The Film Blue had its world premiere at the Sydney Film Festival in June and is due for wide release in September - so we are thrilled to bring this exclusive screening to Avoca Beach Theatre. Support the work of the Marine Discovery Centre.

We will also be launching our new CCMDC Members Program. Thu, 27 July, 2017 Arrive 7:30pm for screening to commence at 8pm Avoca Beach Theatre $20 per person ($15 for students)

Tickets available at www.ccmdc.org.au/events

Upcoming events Thu, 13 July Aboriginal Art: A kids and family workshop 9:30-11:30am Gosford Thu, 27 July Exclusive Screening: Blue Arrive 7:30pm for 8pm screening Avoca Beach Theatre

For many events there is a charge. These charges vary so please check the website for details. Bookings are essential FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK - VISIT www.ccmdc.org.au

Since 2015, the CCMDC has been delivering environmental education excursions to local schools ranging from kindergarten to Year 12, supporting teachers to deliver the school curriculum.

Upcoming Plant Sales CEN office, Ourimbah: * 22 July * 19 Aug * 16 Sept

Now, we are keen to take the Marine Discovery Centre to the next level - and we are asking for your support. In July we will be launching our new CCMDC Members Program. CCMDC Members will receive half price entry to the Centre as well as discounts on special events and purchases at the Centre.

Umina Beach Markets * 17 Sept * 19 Nov More information: email nursery@cen.org.au

CEN is proud to support the Night’s Watch Parliament exhibi on by local ar sts Marta Le and Therese Gabriel Wilkins

Please join us at our Fundraising Movie night at Avoca Beach Theatre on Thursday, 27 July to support the Marine Discovery Centre - and find out more about the CCMDC Members Program.

View the exhibi on un l 30 July: Mon-Fri: 10am-5:30pm at The Art House, Wyong A end one of the FREE community presenta ons 11 July, 11am-12pm, Dr Beth Mo from the Powerful Owl Project

John Asquith, Chairman

13 July, 11am-12pm, Jacky Hunt from Central Coast Wildlife ARC 19 July, 11am-12pm, Ar sts talk with Marta Le & Therese Gabriel Wilkins.

Bookings essen al. Register by email to Marta: marta.le @gmail.com or Therese: wingedwoman@dodo.com.au

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

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

www.cen.org.au

Ph: 4349 4756

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NEWS

PAGE 5 JULY 13, 2017

by Council may be queried in Parliament In response to the question of why Central Coast Council would state clearly that the statement related to monies held in trust can be inspected by any person and then prevent a resident from inspecting those statements, OLG said: “This is a matter to which Council should respond”. On the question of whether or not residents of NSW should be able to inspect a council’s statement of monies held in trust, the OLG referred Coast Community News to the GIPA Act. Central Coast Council provided a written response to questions. “There is no separate annual statement of monies,” the statement said. “There are series of statements of monies, which were presented to the members of the trusts, and the minutes of the meetings of the trusts were then reported to the former Gosford Council (at least three times each year) and more recently to this Council. “The reports to the former Gosford Council meeting, and more recently this Council, are public information available

from the Council’s website.” Coast Community News has asked for specific links in order that the public can find the information with ease. “Council suggested a meeting with Ms Cooper, to attempt to clarify what other

information she required given the broad terms of her pending GIPA request, and statements made by her in the media. “Council is still prepared to meet with Ms Cooper, as it would like to resolve the issue with her.

“Phrases appear to have been taken from Note 1 on page 29 of the business paper for the Extraordinary Meeting of Council on March 13, which is page 13 of the Financial Statements of the former Gosford Council, for the period from July 1, 2015, to May 12,

2016. “The purpose of those phrases, in that context, was to identify the trust monies and assets that were included in the Financial Statements … which were prepared as required under the accounting standards and

$750m Council Operational Plan adopted

entral Coast Council adopted its first integrated Operational Plan with $551 million in essential services and $207.9 million on capital works rolled out from July 1.

Capital works spending has been increased by $400,000 on the draft exhibited plan thanks to additional grant funding received by Council. Overall, the plan forecasts a surplus of $1.9 million for the 2017-2018 financial year. The draft plan was on public exhibition for 29 days

from May 16 and received 77 submissions from the public, which resulted in some amendments. Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the financially sound Operational Plan struck a balance between delivering essential services in local areas and big picture regional projects to benefit the entire Central Coast community. “The community can have confidence that our finances are sound and strong,” Mr Reynolds said. “Everything in this Plan is costed and is on track for delivery,” he said. “We have chosen to directly

tackle our infrastructure backlog and will deliver bumper investment in our local road network, parks, playgrounds, sports fields and water and sewer assets. “There is also a strong investment in regionally significant assets that will drive investment, growth and tourism for the Central Coast including …a Regional Performing Arts Centre in Gosford.” Over 75 per cent of operating and capital expenditure will be invested in the top priorities identified by the community: roads; transport and drainage; water and sewer; open space

and recreation; waste services and waterways. “A key priority for this Administration period of Council has been to build a solid foundation in preparation for the newly elected Council in September, and I believe we have delivered,” said Mr Reynolds. “This truly marks a line in the sand as we now go forward as one Council with a sound plan and budget, and a vision to create a vibrant and sustainable Central Coast.” Source: Media release, Jun 28 Central Coast Council media

codes prescribed under Local Government Act 1993.” Coast Community News has subsequently asked Central Coast Council to clarify whether the statement “A separate statement of monies held in the trust fund is available for inspection at the Council office by any person free of charge” was included in the Gosford Council accounts in error. Another possibility is that all monies held in trust are “controlled’ by council and therefore form part of the consolidated fund, hence the trust fund balance is $0. Clarification has also been sought from Council on that possibility. The NSW Audit Office has also been contacted for clarification of a Council’s responsibilities in relation to monies held in trust. Source: Emails, Mar 13 to Jul 7 Joy Cooper, Green Point Media statement, Jul 11 Amanda McCormack, office of Peter Primrose Media statement, Jul 11 Ray Chesterton, office of Local Government Media statement, Jul 11 Central Coast Council media Jackie Pearson, journalist

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PAGE 6 JULY 13, 2017

NEWS

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Independent report calls for more safeguards for Mangrove Mountain landfill

he Community Environment Network (CEN) and Mountain Districts Association (MDA) have called for Central Coast Council to require a new Development Application (DA) and a new Environmental Impact Study (EIS) before consenting to any plans to reopen the landfill at Mangrove Mountain. From P1 regulatory scrutiny. “Adequate groundwater monitoring bores are to be installed around the boundary of the site, with any repeatedly recorded dry holes redrilled to ensure groundwater is intercepted and can be monitored. “Monitoring frequency should be quarterly as or as agreed within the Environment Protection Licence (EPL). “Practical measures to divert stormwater are critical, especially in light of the steep proposed final landform for the golf course. “Sediment/silt fences should be installed and maintained. “Capping of the completed existing fill mound should be undertaken as a matter of priority to minimise further leachate generation through stormwater infiltration through the waste surface. “Whilst it is noted that there is a 1998 Development Consent issued by the former Gosford City Council and there is a 1992 Environmental Impact Statement, prepared by TGT Consulting Services Pty Ltd, these should now be

considered in the context of the 2014 Consent Orders issued by the Land and Environment Court. “The 2014 Court Order required the operators to carry out future operations in compliance with specified amended landfill management plans. “Revised versions of these plans have been considered in detail as the primary focus of this assessment, including appropriate future management controls for the historically landfilled waste. “Presenting an opinion as to whether the 2014 Court Order modifies the 1998 Development Consent is outside the scope of this IER. “The decision on how the current … documents (and any subsequent amendments undertaken based on the recommendations within this IER) relate to the original 1998 Development Consent (and EIS), in my opinion rests with the NSW EPA and the current Central Coast Council,” the consultant said. EPA Executive Director, Waste and Resource Recovery, Mr Steve Beaman, said the agency had received SLR’s recommendations and would require Verde Terra, the site’s operator, to adopt them. “The EPA has taken on board the recommendations for additional measures for the ongoing safe operation of the landfill site, and we are committed to ensuring Verde Terra adopts them,” Mr Beaman said. “This report has been useful for the community and the EPA in assessing Verde Terra’s site management plans and its development proposal overall.

“SLR’s independent specialist consultant met the MDA a number of times during the review to ensure their concerns were addressed. “The EPA appreciates the significant time and effort contributed by the MDA, and we now have a more robust proposal as a result. “The EPA understands the ongoing community concerns over the storage of muddy stormwater at the site since it ceased operation, and the historically landfilled waste. “We’ll continue to consult and work closely with the MDA to address these concerns. “The good news is that this independent report found no evidence that the landfill is affecting ground or surface water quality. “This confirms the EPA’s assessment of water quality tests in surrounding creeks that the EPA and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage have done previously, along with groundwater monitoring undertaken by Verde Terra’s consultants.” Mr Beaman said the EPA had delivered a copy of SLR’s report to Central Coast Council on June 22 for its consideration. The Mangrove Mountain landfill initially operated under a development consent issued in 1998 by the then Gosford City Council, according to the EPA. In 2014, the Land and Environment Court of NSW made orders that provided for altered use of the site and some remedial actions. Mr Beaman said that once Central Coast Council confirmed that the proposal could be implemented in accordance with the

development consent, the EPA would review the operator’s environment protection licence. “We must ensure Verde Terra’s licence is consistent with its development consent and Court Orders, and that this operator properly manages the disposal of waste,” he said. “We’ll be working closely with Council to ensure that the site is managed in line with all environmental requirements. “The EPA will regularly monitor and assess the ongoing operation of the site to ensure it complies with the environment protection licence and EPA’s Solid Waste Landfill Guideline (2016) requirements, and ensure that the local environment remains protected.” The release of the report was welcomed by MDA. “The consultant who undertook the review did a thorough job in going through the vast amount of technical information presented to him,” said MDA spokesperson, Dr Stephen Goodwin. “The objective was to assess the suitability of the proposed management controls and monitoring framework for the Verde Terra landfill expansion, and of the management controls and compliance with regards to the previous landfill activity, in the context of protecting the environment and the community,” Mr Goodwin said. “The EPA media release announcing the report’s release stated that the review was to ‘assess a proposal to recommence operations at the landfill site’,” he said. “If truth be known, it was more about should the landfill

be reopened, not when. “MDA disagrees with the contents of the media release, and urges people to at least read the conclusions within the report. “The Review Report made 61 recommendations, which have been passed on to the landfill operator for implementation. “The media release stated that Central Coast Council had received a copy of the independent review on June 22, prior to it being made public. “Interestingly, the EPA acknowledged that a change in use has taken place, although they do not define what that was. “However, a change in use without following the rules contained in the Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 is a breach of the Act. “Council has had the document for two weeks and is now in a position to advise Verde Terra that due to the number, range and complexity of the amendments, in accordance with the legal principles contained in Section 96 of the EP&A Act, a new Development Application with a new Environmental Impact Study (EIS) must be prepared and submitted to Council. “Until these documents have been prepared, submitted and assessed, no further work should be undertaken upon the land”, he said. Mr Goodwin said he refuted Mr Beaman’s statements about the impact of the existing landfill on ground and surface water. He said MDA contended that the EPA was relying on information provided by the landfill operator’s consultant,

annual bore monitoring and testing done by the EPA “months after the significant environmental event had been reported to it,” he said. Chairman of the Community Environment Network (CEN), Mr John Asquith, said Central Coast Council should take no steps in relation to re-opening the Mangrove Mountain landfill until after the September 9 election. “There should be no action taken as council currently stands. “CEN has always argued that there should be a new DA and an EIS, as the changes that have been made and will be made since the original consent, are in no way insignificant,” Mr Asquith said. “The only time this development has been out to the public for submissions, was in 1998 when it was for 80,000 cubic metres of clean waste to build a golf course. “There has been a ten-fold increase in the amount of waste on that site and the latest proposal is a huge increase that will have a huge impact on the community,” he said. SLR Consulting’s report on the Mangrove Mountain landfill site is now available on the EPA’s website. Source: Media release, Jul 7 Emma Schiller, NSW Environment Protection Authority Media release, Jul 10 Stephen Goodwin, Mountain Districts Association Interview, Jul 12 John Asquith, Community Environment Network Interview, Jul 12 Stephen Goodwin, Mountain Districts Association Jackie Pearson, journalist

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This is how much your school will lose, thanks to Malcolm Turnbull and Lucy Wicks. Peats Ridge Public School Kulnura Public School Somersby Public School North Gosford Learning Centre Central Mangrove Public School Pretty Beach Public School Glenvale School Copacabana Public School Erina Heights Public School Girrakool Education & Training Unit Woodport Public School Brisbania Public School Chertsey Primary School Gosford East Public School Avoca Beach Public School Empire Bay Public School Point Clare Public School Kincumber Public School Niagara Park Public School Gosford Public School Kariong Mountains High School Kariong Public School Woy Woy Public School Terrigal Public School Erina High School Henry Kendall High School Gosford High School Woy Woy South Public School Terrigal High School Kincumber High School Umina Beach Public School Ettalong Public School Narara Valley High School Brisbane Water Secondary College

Turnbull’s cuts 2018 & 2019 -$31,282 -$42,478 -$47,185 -$63,381 -$67,878 -$90,857 -$191,859 -$195,419 -$204,562 -$234,814 -$279,229 -$285,552 -$294,036 -$301,411 -$303,312 -$309,364 -$334,002 -$347,816 -$377,300 -$392,255 -$447,487 -$453,816 -$475,877 -$526,307 -$534,516 -$570,030 -$572,450 -$585,222 -$588,242 -$598,433 -$634,568 -$646,998 -$814,491 -$1,874,265

TOTAL

-$13,716,694

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PAGE 8 JULY 13, 2017

NEWS

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Current status of three former Gosford City Council Trusts unclear

he Greens Central Coast have demanded that the Central Coast Council administration explain the whereabouts of the assets and accounts of three former Gosford Council Trusts containing more than $1.5m for environmental and social works. “We are aware that Council has received an internal report, tabled in September 2016, that recommended the termination of three trusts which set aside funds for environmental and social works in the former Gosford City Council,” said Central Coast Greens Secretary, Mr Wolfgang Koerner. “We have been unable to have our concerns addressed by either the Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, or CEO, Mr Rob Noble,” Mr Koerner said. “The three trust entities we are urgently seeking information on are: the Gosford City Council Protection of the Environment Trust (PoET), the Gosford Affordable Housing Trust and the Gosford Foundation Trust,” he said. “We are very concerned about the trust’s assets and potential

NSW Greens Member of the Legislative Council, Mr David Shoebridge, with greens Council candidates Mr Stephen Pearson (Gosford East Ward) and Kate da Costa (Gosford West Ward candidate)

improper dealings that may have occurred in the current council amalgamation process. “The environment trust alone has more than $1.5m in it. “All three trusts were established for the benefit of the local community and the natural environment. “The Greens wish to publicly affirm that there is no reasonable cause to have these trusts dissolved and their assets disappear into the new Council entity. “We are seeking urgent

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confirmation from Central Coast Council that the future of these trusts is assured and that they will continue to benefit the people of Gosford as set out in the trust’s deeds,” Mr Koerner said. NSW Greens spokesman for the Central Coast and Local Government, Mr David Shoebridge, visited Gosford on Monday, July 10, to call for Central Coast Council to clarify its intentions in relation to the trusts. “We are appalled to learn that some $1.5 million held in the Protection of the Environment Trust, the earnings of which are to be applied exclusively for environmental purposes, are being targeted by the unelected

Council administration. “The local environment is already grossly underfunded and this cash-grab from this Council, just months before a fresh election, is deeply offensive,” Mr Shoebridge said. “On behalf of the Greens, I have issued comprehensive freedom of information requests to Central Coast Council so that we can understand exactly what is being planned for these community funds,” he said. Ms Kate da Costa, who is running as the Greens candidate in the September 9 local government election in the West Gosford Ward said: “We are extremely disappointed to learn that the Gosford Protection of the Environment

Trust is at risk. “This trust has generated essential funds to preserve and maintain our local COSS lands as well as provide environmental education for local children of all school ages, all at no cost to the ratepayer,” Ms da Costa said. “The new Central Coast Councillors, to be elected on September 9, may need to consider the question of reinstating any terminated trusts and their funds, as one of the first items of business,” she said. “To suffer the loss of two additional trust funds, one intended for affordable housing, and another for the support of local arts and culture, would be a heavy blow for the Gosford community. “We are calling for an immediate halt on any termination plans by the Administrator or the CEO. “In view of the on-going difficulties in having the audits to the accounts of the former Gosford Council verified, it better not turn out that these trust funds were incorporated into the amalgamated accounts to improve the optics of Council’s bottom line. “That would add insult to injury and Gosford ratepayers would have every reason to be furious. “We are unsure if this represents a simple administrative oversight or sleight of hand on the part of the interim Central Coast Council. “We are also urgently seeking a statement from Council to clarify if an action to secure control over these trust assets in the NSW Supreme Court is going to be initiated, while the business of Central Coast

Council is under administration. “Clearly, the matter of these three trusts should be deferred until it can be dealt with by a democratically elected new Council and only after full and proper consultation with the community,” she said. The Protection of the Environment Trust was established in 2006 in connection with planning changes to allow for the Somersby Industrial Park and at the instigation of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet. The Gosford Foundation Trust was created in 1988 to provide support for the local arts and to facilitate cultural and recreational facilities. The last known balance in this trust’s account was $51,602 as at June 2016. Council’s minutes of September 28, 2016, revealed that Ms Jane Smith, a member of the PoET and the Gosford Foundation Trust management committees, described in her presentation to the Administrator how she had sought information from Mr Noble and Mr Reynolds without success. She then provided a detailed history of the environment trust’s inception and the arrangements that were made under the deeds in relation to certain land assets, which enable a dependable income to be used for environmental purposes. The trust’s land asset base survived two consecutive and unsuccessful court challenges before 2016. Ms Smith drew Mr Reynold’s attention to the fact that several other parcels of land had been donated to the trust since its establishment but that, while records of transfers exist, these lands are not recorded on the trust’s asset register. Speaking on behalf of the community members of the PoET management committee, Ms Smith cautioned that a removal or termination of the former Gosford City Council’s trusts would be regarded as a contemptuous act by the community. Ms Smith submitted that these trusts should continue under the new Central Coast Council. Source: Media release, Jul 10 Interview, Jul 10 David Shoebridge, NSW Greens Wolfgang Koerner, Central Coast Greens Jackie Pearson, journalist

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NEWS PAGE 9 JULY 13, 2017

BaptistCare Point Clare development receives nearly 200 objections aptistCare is planning to develop $12 million worth of community and affordable housing on land adjacent to the BaptistCare Orana Centre on Brisbane Water Dve, Point Clare, but some local residents are concerned about the proposal.

Central Coast Council has received nearly 200 submissions objecting to the DA. A development application has been submitted to Central Coast Council outlining plans to build 55 units, 43 of which will be available to seniors. The proposal is a development under Schedule 4A EP&A Act 1997, being community facilities for the purposes of affordable housing and group homes with a capital investment value of greater than $5 million and therefore the application will be referred to the Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel for determination. “This housing addresses a critical shortfall in suitable, affordable, housing for seniors in Point Clare and Gosford due to the ageing population,” according to a media statement from Baptist Care, responding to significant community opposition to the DA. According to the latest census data, 35 per cent of the Point Clare population is aged over 55 compared to the national average of 27.6 per cent. In greater Gosford, the over-55 age group is expected to grow by two-thirds to account for over 40 per cent of the population by 2026. “The housing replaces previous accommodation on the site which was demolished in 2016 to make way for the development. “The previous accommodation included a retirement village and low-care residential places within the Orana Centre, which was of a similar occupancy (57) and density to the proposed development. “The remaining 12 units in the proposal will be offered to singleparent families. “Of those, six will be affordable rental housing for single parents who are working, but on low to moderate incomes, being key workers such as child care workers, health workers, teachers, or nurses who provide essential services locally. “The other six units will be for single parents who will have

The site looking west from Koolinda Avenue towards Girralong Ave

the full support of BaptistCare’s training division, Hope Enterprises, and our partnership with TAFE, to enable them to undertake training and education to increase their employment opportunities. “As a major employer on the Central Coast, BaptistCare is also well placed to offer employment and training opportunities in aged care, administration and hospitality. “When complete the community housing will be actively managed by BaptistCare staff on site and will be integrated with BaptistCare’s suite of services, such as home care services for seniors, job training, counselling and other community services, to foster the wellbeing and independence of residents and, where appropriate, help them to transition to longterm housing in the private rental market. “With an ageing population, increasing costs of living and a housing affordability crisis, there is an urgent need to improve access to suitable, affordable housing for seniors and single-parent families in the community. “An increasing portion of these demographics are in rental stress, paying more than a third and sometimes more than half of their income on rent. “Increasing access to affordable and community housing is a key strategic priority for BaptistCare as part of its commitment to serve the aged and people living with disadvantage. “BaptistCare has removed a reference to crisis housing in its development application and the classification has been changed from temporary to permanent group homes. “It was never our intention to

offer crisis or transitional housing, and the change to permanent status clarifies this. “BaptistCare has held two informal community information sessions on March 14 and June 19, to update the community on the process and to address questions our neighbours may have had on the proposed development. “Council is currently considering the proposal and a decision is expected in the coming months,” the BaptistCare statement said. According to a group called Point Clare Residents Against BaptistCare Orana Development, the June 19 meeting at Gosford RSL was attended by over 200 Point Clare residents. They were addressed by BaptistCare’s General Manager of Housing, Mr Mike Furner. “The meeting came on the back of an outcry from the local community who got wind of the development that BaptistCare did not intend to publicise as ‘it did not affect Point Clare residents’,” said the group’s spokesperson, Mr Chris Golden. “This huge development in the heart of Point Clare attracted fierce community concern and anger,” Mr Golden said. “BaptistCare is no longer only concentrating on aged care, it has instead signed a multimillion dollar contract with the state government to provide social and affordable housing,” he said. “BaptistCare’s presentation spelled out where they wished to head with the Orana development, including expanding their footprint into residential streets, and put a timetable to their plans. “The primary community concern is that this huge multi-

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million dollar, high density 55 unit complex will profoundly change the character of Point Clare forever from the quiet, family-oriented community it currently is. “BaptistCare has confused the community with their everchanging development proposal and terminology, and has continually failed to address the concerns voiced by residents regarding the lack of infrastructure in Point Clare for a development on such a massive scale. “Towards the end of the meeting, the question was put to Mr Furner, ‘if the Joint Regional Planning Panel rejects the 55 unit,

multimillion dollar development as wrong for Point Clare, do you have a Plan B?’ “The answer was ‘there is no Plan B’ so it seems it’s all or nothing in the minds of BaptistCare.” According to the Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) submitted in support of the DA, the part of the Orana site on which the former Magnolia wing was located, together with land with frontage to Northwind Ave, is the land to be used for the development of the proposed affordable housing for seniors and families. In addition to the self-contained seniors housing units and affordable units, a community room would be provided on the ground floor of the building, and 23 car parking spaces would be provided along with a central communal open space area, according to the SEE. “It is proposed to subdivide the development site, being Lot 20 DP 879925 into two allotments, to separate the existing residential care housing component from the proposed self-contained dwellings to be provided as part of this application,” the SEE said. “Although BaptistCare will maintain ownership of both lots, from an operational perspective, it is more logical to separate the two uses.

“The existing facilities, including buildings and car parking, will be located on proposed Lot 200, which will have an area of 11,948 square metres. “The development which is the subject of this DA will be located on proposed Lot 201, which will have an area of 7,895 square metres. “A communal vegetable garden is also proposed between Blocks C and D and a children’s play area is proposed between Blocks G and H. “A series of accessible paths linking the dwellings with the communal open space areas, car parking areas, a community room, garbage bin storage areas and public roads are also proposed to be provided. “In addition, the existing 1.5m wide footpath will be extended along the Girralong Ave frontage and a new footpath will be provided along the Northwind Ave frontage of the site.” Source: Media statement, Jul 4 Elizabeth Byrne, BaptistCare Media release, Jun 27 Chris Golden, Point Clare Residents Against BaptistCare Orana Development Website, Jul 11 DA51373/2017, Central Coast Council Gosford DA Tracker Jackie Pearson, journalist

PAGE 10 JULY 13, 2017

NEWS

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Proposed composting facility seen as a major biosecurity risk

o r t y - e i g h t submissions have been received by Central Coast Council in response to a development application for an integrated composting facility at 222 Grants Rd Somersby. Piccoli Pty Ltd, trading as 3Pallaettes, through an Organics Infrastructure Grant, is seeking to establish a controlled open windrow composting facility on 1.5 hectares of land within a larger property. At maximum capacity, the facility would compost up to 5,000 tonnes per annum of organic waste. It would produce soil conditioner to be supplied to identified local agricultural and horticultural markets. Garden and landscaping organics, untreated timber, and fibrous organics are anticipated to form 70 per cent of the material processed at the site, with the remaining 30 per cent of materials consisting of other natural or processed vegetable organics, commercial food waste and agricultural waste. In return for a maximum input of 5,000 tonnes per annum (TPA), approximately 3,000 TPA of saleable material would be produced, according to the applicant. “The 40 per cent process loss

An overview of the composting site at Somersby

is due to heat and evaporation during the decomposition process,” the applicant said. The facility would use vermiculture (the use of earthworms) for preprocessing of some material and then pasteurisation by open windrow composting of all material. According to a Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) submitted in support of the DA, the goal of the project would be to divert organic waste

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from landfill, to appropriately recycle those materials through composting and to beneficially apply the product to the land. The SEE said the DA have been submitted as an integrated development in accordance with Part 4, Division 5, Section 91 of the EP&A Act. “The development of a controlled composting facility at the site is considered a scheduled activity but it is understood that an Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) would not be required …until such a time that more than 200 tonne of organics are on-site, or more than 200 tonne of putrescible organics are processed in a single year. “An EPL will be required for the facility to exceed these parameters. “Following consent of this DA, an EPL will be sought from the EPA.” The key potential environmental issues identified

production. An easement for a water supply pipeline and Brisbane Water National Park are also located nearby. The proposed development affects land zoned RU1 Primary Production. The site is located within the Somersby 3: Agricultural Plateau and Hillsides Character Place which “should remain productive rural landscapes that accommodate broadacre agricultural or livestock activities, together with a scattering of residential and small scale tourist activities that do not interfere with the preferred primary-productive uses”. The SEE argued that the compost facility would fit with the Desired Character statement because it would support the local agricultural industry through the supply of compost. “Local agricultural wastes such as spent poultry litter could be used as inputs to the compost process, contributing

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in the SEE were: air quality; surface water and ground water protection; transport and traffic issues; and security, safety and sustainability. The site for the facility would be located within a larger property located on the Somersby Plateau, approximately 8.5 km northwest of the Gosford CBD. Part of the property was previously used as a council quarry for the extraction of gravel, presumably for road base. “Except for quarrying activities, it is understood that since clearing, the land has been used for grazing purposes,” the SEE said. It is surrounded by the Hanson sand quarry, two councilowned, above-ground water storage tanks, an earthen bund associated with the Grants Rd sand quarry and the Grants Rd quarry pit to the south and other privately owned rural/ residential properties, some of which appear to be used for market gardening and poultry

to responsible waste resource recovery in the local area. “The development is not considered to preclude future broad-acre agricultural or livestock activities, or other development consistent with the Desired Character.” According to the SEE, it would take around 10 weeks to produce fully-mature compost using the controlled open windrow system. A windrow will be turned initially once per day during the break down phase (generally two weeks), then once every second day thereafter decreasing to a point where no turning is required during the maturation phase (approximately after week eight). “Temperature, CO2, ammonia and water will be monitored daily. “All process control records, laboratory testing and record keeping will be kept in accordance with EPA licencing and AS4454 (2012) requirements,” the SEE said. “An open windrow system requires the operator to be more involved in the process, enabling them to be more aware of the windrow conditions ensuring a quick response to addressing any process or environmental concerns. “Vermiculture is the only method the EPA will allow to compost Category 3 inputs without demonstrating the prevention of odorous emissions and degradation of the local amenity … as vermiculture does not require turning of the biomass, and will be covered with a thick (minimum 150 mm) layer of cured compost, it is recognised … to be without significant odour-emission problems.

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New Youth Employment Program launched

he Central Coast is one of four areas across the state where the NSW Government has introduced a new employment program for young people. Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, said he urged young unemployed people to take part in the $65 million employment program to help them get training, overcome employment barriers, and secure lasting jobs. He said the Youth Employment Program is part of the NSW government’s $100m Smart Skilled and Hired initiative. “This new Youth Employment Program will help eligible young people aged 15-24

in the Western Sydney, the Central Coast/Hunter, New England/North West and the North Coast regions to target and reduce high youth unemployment.” Mr Crouch said that following a tender process, Advanced Personnel Management (APM) and The Salvation Army Employment Plus, have been selected as Youth Employment Program providers in the Hunter/Central Coast region. These providers will be employed on an outcomesbased contracting model allowing them to design tailored support plans for local participants across areas including life skills, accommodation and transport, training, and health and wellbeing, while also

considering the needs of the local labour market. The Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills, Mr Barilaro, said the provider contracts will also have financial incentives linked to young people staying in employment for at least six months. “The Youth Employment Program will be supported by employers and organisations to connect young people with training and jobs,” Mr Barilaro said. “Training, mentoring and work experience placements will help young people build their skills and experience to secure lasting employment.” Source: Media release, Jun 30 Wendy Masula, office of Adam Crouch

Proposed parking fee increases scrapped ouncil has reconsidered a fee increase for the Gosford City Car Park in Baker St, following community feedback on its draft Operational Plan and budget for the 201718 financial year.

Over 40 submissions were received during the public exhibition period, objecting to the proposed fee increase for the car park, formerly known as the Baker Street Parking Station.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council had listened to the community concern on this fee increase and had amended its plan accordingly. “There will now be no increase in the casual car park rate at the car park, and a flat rate for Central Coast Stadium events of $5,” Mr Reynolds said. “That will make this car park a much more attractive option when major events are held at Central Coast Stadium, when parking really will be at a premium.”

Regular users of the car park, particularly commuters, can be reassured that permanent car parking space pricing will remain in line with CPI increases, currently at 3 per cent. “Council understands that parking is an issue in the Gosford CBD and is committed to working with commuters, businesses, residents and particularly State Government agencies on a permanent solution.” Source: Media release, Jun 28 Central Coast Council media

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NEWS PAGE 11 JULY 13, 2017

Community expresses support for new development proposal

From left Mr John Andrews Mooney-Cheero Progress Asn, Mr Tim Irwin Hawkesbury River Residents Asn, Ms Felicity Brownrigg Volunteer Rescue Asn, Ms Liesl Tesch Member for Gosford, Mr Lindsay Johnson Milsons Passage Progress Asn, Hon Jim Lloyd Mooney Mooney Progress Asn, Ms Di Bowles Brooklyn Community Asn, and Mr Bob Brownrigg Volunteer Rescue Asn

ith uncertainty about the future of Peat Island continuing, Member for Gosford, Ms Liesl Tesch, convened a meeting with residents of the Hawkesbury River community to discuss the future of the development.

Held in the old Mooney Mooney Primary School, the meeting was the first after the NSW Government released a new development proposal for housing and tourism on the island in a public meeting in April. The Peat Island facility was closed in 2010, with initial consultations starting with the community in 2011 about what the area may look like in the future. Ms Tesch said that local resident groups were united on the potential of the area. “The Hawkesbury River is a beautiful place and we should be making it more accessible for visitors and residents alike to enjoy,” Ms Tesch said. “Peat Island and surrounds are an important tourist link to the Hawkesbury River, and we need to stress the importance of keeping public access to the

area.” Local resident groups said they were frustrated that while there has been ongoing discussions, no change has been made. Local resident and former Federal Liberal Member for Robertson, Mr Jim Lloyd, said the new development was much more reasonable. “I am very keen to see this redevelopment proceed,” Mr Lloyd said. “The worst thing that could ever happen for us is to see run-down useless buildings, which are an eyesore and of no value to the community,” he said. The community wholeheartedly rejected a Liberal government development proposal in 2014 that offered inappropriate highrise overdevelopment of the sensitive Hawkesbury River community. While additional development on the eastern side of the expressway, close to existing housing was welcomed, local residents made it clear that they wanted the government to allow public access to the Hawkesbury River and Peat Island. John Andrews, the Secretary of the Mooney Cheero Progress

Association, said he was pleased with the outcome of the meeting, celebrating that key leaders in the community were united in their vision for the Peat Island Hawkesbury River development. According to Ms Tesch, once the plans are released from the Department of Planning, Central Coast Council offered to extend the community consultation period from one to three months, and made assurances that consultation would occur within the local community. She said no decisions would be made on the future of the Peat Island development until after Central Coast Council elections in September. The concept masterplan is currently awaiting rezoning approval by Department of Planning and Property NSW. The meeting included representatives from the Mooney Cheero Progress Association, Milsons Passage Progress Association, Lower Hawkesbury River Residents’ Association, Brooklyn Community Association, and the Volunteer Rescue Association. Source: Media release, Jun 29 Liesl Tesch, NSW Member for Gosford

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PAGE 12 JULY 13, 2017

NEWS

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Liesl Tesch learns some home truths about homelessness

Council welcomes NSW Parliamentary inquiry into commuter car parking

he NSW Parliamentary inquiry into commuter car parking has been welcomed by Central Coast Council.

Ms Jo Christie shows Member for Gosford, Ms Leisl Tesch some of the food supplies that go into the 170 meals served daily by Coast Shelter

s Liesl Tesch, State Member for Gosford, became overwhelmed with emotion as she visited the Gosford headquarters of Coast Shelter for the first time on Monday, June 26.

Ms Tesch was visibly moved by the generosity of the local community when she saw the amount of food donated. “Coasties really are generous people.” Ms Tesch said. Meeting with Mr Laurie Maher, Executive Officer of Coast Shelter, for nearly two hours, they discussed the important role the organisation plays across the entire Central Coast. “Our biggest outgoings are wages, insurance and telephone expenses, all things

that cannot be cut back,” Mr Maher said. The demands on the Central Coast are continually growing, compelling Coast Shelter to also grow to meet the needs of the community. More than a soup kitchen, Coast Shelter houses vulnerable people escaping homelessness and domestic violence, provides money for medicine, food hampers and support for those in need. “Housing affordability is often confused with social housing. “The people we see are not even addressed in the affordable housing debate.” says Mr Maher. “In many cases on the Coast, families have to decide if they pay for the roof over their head or food for their children.” The high cost of housing and the shortage of suitable

accommodation forces more people onto the street each week. Mr Maher and Ms Tesch discussed the lack of funding for social housing projects in the latest State budget. “The Government has spent up big on roads around Sydney, but no funding for social housing projects” Mr Maher said. Coast Shelter has nearly 100 employees and hundreds of volunteers helping through increasingly difficult times. Ms Tesch said she would be happy to accept donations of coats and warm clothes at her electorate office in Blackwall Road, Woy Woy. Source: Meeting notes, Jun 26 Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford Laurie Maher, Coast Shelter Noel Fisher, photo journalist

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The Inquiry will look at the effectiveness of current NSW Government policies and programs, the process for selecting the location of commuter car parks, the potential for restricted access or user-pays commuter car parks and consideration of alternative modes of firstmile/last-mile travel, including point-to-point transport, active transport and on-demand buses. Council Group Leader, Assets Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said Council was already working with Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) and Transport NSW to improve parking in the Gosford CBD and along the rail corridor to Sydney, and welcomed the

broad scope of the inquiry which would look at more than simply building more car parks. “We have already been working on a parking strategy, as we know it is such a critical issue, for not just our commuters but local businesses as well,” Mr Dowling said. “We need a comprehensive solution that is not simply about building more car parks, and I am pleased to see that the scope of the inquiry will also look at public transport connections,” he said. “We are certainly keen to provide our expertise and the work we have already done to the inquiry and will be putting in a submission. “I would encourage all of our commuters to put in a submission as well, to help ensure that the inquiry comes up with recommendations that will deliver better outcomes for our community.”

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said commuting and parking were critical issues on the Coast, and it was pleasing to see them getting recognition through the Parliamentary inquiry. “With over 40,000 of our workers having to travel outside the Coast, it is critical that we tackle the issues of parking and local jobs head on,” Mr Reynolds said. “If we can come up with a solution that allows our residents to easily access public transport connections to get to the jobs they want, that could be a real game changer for the Central Coast,” he said. The Inquiry’s Terms of Reference and submission details can be found at the NSW Parliament website, and submissions close on August 4. Source: Media release, Jul 7 Central Coast Council media

Prospective councillor candidates invited to Community Plan meeting

nyone considering running as a candidate in the Central Coast Council election on September 9, has been invited to be part of the Community Plan Central Coast (CPCC) movement. Since February, a group of residents from all over the new local government area has been working on the Community Plan. That group, now calling itself CPCC, wants to hear from candidates who want to support the plan in return for the group’s support for their election campaign. “We are very keen to hear from any candidate, from

any party or independent stance, who believes they are supporters of the CPCC,” said spokesperson, Dr Van Davy. “If you are a candidate or possible candidate that supports the CPCC, then it is in your and our best interests to have our support,” Dr Davy said. CPCC will hold a meeting on Saturday, July 15, at the Ourimbah RSL Club, to give candidates an opportunity to present a four-minute speech and ask/answer questions to seek the group’s campaigning and polling day support. “Each candidate will be given four uninterrupted minutes to tell us why she or he believes CPCC should support them. “Each candidate should be prepared to answer questions

for three or four minutes after their pitch is completed. “This is a public call for quality candidates who strongly support the CPCC, and who want electoral support, to inform us and indicate their intentions. “For those of us who will not be candidates, this is the time to listen to, and question, potential candidates prior to our imminent decisions concerning whom we support, and with what intensity,” Dr Davy said. The meeting will be held between 10:00am and 1:00pm. Source: Media release, Jul 10 Van Davy, Community Plan Central Coast

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National parks are inadequately funded

he National Parks Association of NSW has called for the resignation of the NSW Environment Minister, Ms Gabielle Upton, for failing to adequately fund national parks, including Brisbane Water and Bouddi. “Minister Upton must resign after abject failure to fund environment protection through economic windfall,” said the association’s CEO, Mr Kevin Evans. He said the NSW Government’s budget had provided no new funding for the environment. “This government is presiding over a once-in-ageneration glut driven by asset sales and stamp duty revenue from Sydney’s booming housing market,” Mr Evans said. “We’re asking for a billion dollar investment, on top of the climate change fund, into nature protection, in recognition of the fact that the sale of public assets must be translated into a natural legacy for the NSW community.” Mr Evans said that statewide billion dollar investment would translate into the better management of individual parks, such as Brisbane Water and Bouddi. “The budget was extraordinary, the media called it the envy of the developed world, and that means we needed to take that opportunity to see a significant investment in the health of the environment,” he said.

“Nature in NSW, in areas like the Central Coast, is a driver for regional tourism, both domestic and international, and we have under-invested in those national parks, even though they are the main reason tourists visit. “We are a voluntary organisation that runs the biggest bush walking program in the southern hemisphere, so our people are out in the national parks often enough to know that our paths, our tracks and signage are in a poor state. “It is about nature conservation and about giving visitors a high-quality experience, and our members see the depressing lack of maintenance that results in tracks being closed and access to full enjoyment of the parks denied.” Mr Evans said that he appreciated that there were Aboriginal sites and artefacts in need of protection in both the Brisbane Water and Bouddi parks. “We strongly believe local Aboriginal communities need to be involved in such conservation. “It is always difficult to budget for all eventualities, but we want the budget to at least bring parks up to a standard where management is good, and then we can properly protect the Aboriginal heritage,” he said. He said the NSW Government’s repeal of the Native Vegetation Act, and the now unstoppable introduction of the Biodiversity Act, would both make it easier for private landowners to clear vegetation,

further jeopardising habitat. “We will need to reflect in 2055, when we say goodbye to the last koala outside a zoo in NSW, whether the decisions being made now contributed to the fact my children will not be able to see a koala anywhere in the wild in NSW,” he said. “Minister Upton and Treasurer Perrottet triumphantly announced a miserly $800,000 from the budget to fit radio collars on koalas. “That’s little more than an expensive insult. “The public deserve better. “These dark days of Coalition governments abandoning the environment must give way to bi-partisan recognition that we cannot have a successful economy without a healthy environment. “NSW has fallen well behind in achieving its international commitments to biodiversity protection. As a signatory to the International Convention on Biological Diversity, NSW has voluntarily committed to protect, by 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas. “Minister Upton must resign and make way for someone in the Coalition, and there must be someone, who cares about the environment, to turn the ship around.” Source: Media release, Jun 20 Kiran Charles, National Parks Association NSW Interview, Jun 21 Kevin Evans, National Parks Association NSW Jackie Pearson, Journalist

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PAGE 13 JULY 13, 2017

Banjo’s skate park and other upgrades for Terrigal Lagoon Reserve

An artist impression of Banjo's Skate Park

entral Coast Council is giving the foreshore of Terrigal Lagoon a makeover, opening up more recreational opportunities for the local community. The foreshore is already a popular spot with local community groups and families and provides easy access to the lagoon for aquatic activities including paddle board riding. Council is looking to build on this popularity by upgrading the Rotary Park as well as planning for Banjo’s skate park within Terrigal Lagoon Reserve, and the community was invited to a drop-in information session on Wednesday, July 12 at the 1st Terrigal Scout Hall. Council Group Leader, Assets Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, encouraged the community to come to the information session to get an insight into the planned works.

“We want the community to meet the staff behind the project and check out the plans for the foreshore,” Mr Dowling said. “These works will not only add to the amenity of the area, they will also increase the recreational opportunities available along the foreshore. “The play space will be upgraded with new, modern, play equipment, and the skate park aims to provide a safe space for local riders,” he added. The project has significant community support and a $500,000 Federal Government grant to build a skate park where children can learn to skate in a safe, friendly and supportive environment. The proposed location for the skate park was selected after a review of open space land in the Terrigal/Wamberal area and best meets the criteria for accessibility, visibility, proximity to public transport and suitable cleared land. Terrigal Rotary Park will also

receive a significant boost with a $325,000 upgrade, thanks to, in part, a $100,000 grant from the NSW Metropolitan Greenspace Program and a $5,000 contribution from the Rotary Club of Terrigal. Works include upgrading the play space and park furniture within the Rotary Park. Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the upgrade was part of the record spend on capital works to deliver better services and infrastructure for the community. “The upgrade of the Terrigal Lagoon foreshore is one of many open space projects we have budgeted for to give our community more options to get out and be active,” Mr Reynolds said. “We are planning to spend more the $27m, this financial year, to improve our open space and recreational spaces across the Coast.” Source: Media release, Jul 4 Central Coast Council Media

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33 unit development approved for West Gosford

Waste management charges to increase for residents in multi-dwelling housing

esidents in multidwelling housing will incur increases in their annual domestic waste management charges.

An aerial image of the subject site

n another effort to streamline apartment style living in Gosford City and to provide housing options for the predicted population boom, Central Coast Council has approved another multistorey Residential Flat Building. The approved $11.9m, eight storey building is set to provide West Gosford with 33 new units, two levels of parking and any associated servicing and landscaping (DA49552/2016). The Residential Flat Building (RFB) is situated at 72-74 Donnison St, and according to the Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE), has been designed in direct response to the nature of the site, with a focus on respecting the viewing, solar access and privacy rights of existing developments. The subject site is located within Gosford’s General Residential Zone as well as the Gosford City Centre Development Incentive Area. The subject site is identified as Lot 4 and 5, Section 94 in Deposited Plan 758466, with each lot comprising 676.58m squared. The subject site contains no easements, restrictions

or encumbrances requiring consideration as part of this development. The subject site consists of two (2) rectangular pieces of land with a total road frontage of approximately 32.92m to Donnison St West and a depth of approximately 41.15m. Lot 4 currently contains a rendered brick single storey dwelling, while Lot 5 contains a brick, fibre cement and metal clad single storey dwelling. The site is located within the south-western corner of Gosford City Centre in an area which contains a mix of medium density housing. A number of residential flat buildings are located within the immediate surrounds of the subject site. The SEE provides a site plan with two levels of basement mixed use parking, mixed parking and apartments available on the ground floor and mixed style apartments throughout the remaining eight levels. The SEE states: “The proposed residential flat building development will increase the residential density of the site through the provision of 33 units able to assist in accommodating the housing needs of the community whilst also adding to the residential variety of

Gosford City Centre. “The proposed development is compatible with the intended scale and desired character of the local area as well as the wider streetscape which is undergoing a process of regeneration. “The building has been designed to take into account the topography of the site as well as the existing surrounding dwellings. “It also incorporates a modern design, so as to add to the amenity and visual interest of the city centre. “The building encapsulates significant articulation through the use of a variety of materials. “The area contains a number of aged dwellings; however, these are slowly being replaced by more intensive residential development in line with Gosford’s desired character. “The proposed building follows this trend through the use of exemplary architectural design and unit mix.” This development, being orchestrated by Gosford Water Views Pty Ltd. Source: Document, Jul 12 DA49552/2016, Gosford E-Planning Portal Dilon Luke, Journalist

The increase will be due to a decision by Central Coast Council to “harmonise” domestic waste charges across the new local government area, which takes in both the former Gosford and Wyong LGAs. “The result is that residents of the former Gosford Local

Government Area will incur an increase of $35 a year for the standard three bin and kerbside pick-up service,” Central Coast Council’s 201718 operational plan said. “However as a result of other adjustments in rates and annual charges, for example the discontinuation of the water safety levy, the overall amount of rates and charges paid will broadly be in line with the proposed pathway,” the plan said. “In reviewing impacts on individual ratepayers, it was noted that on face value,

multi-dwelling facilities, where a number of individual residences and a number of waste management services exist in one facility, will incur significant increases in waste management charges. “Further analysis indicates that this is linear with the number of residences and the average increase per residence is in line with the standard increase noted above.” Source: Agenda item 3.7, Jun 28 Central Coast Council ordinary meeting

Gabby Greyem to stand for Council ast Gosford resident, Ms Gabby Greyem, has declared her intention to run as an independent candidate in the September 9 local government election in the Gosford West Ward.

Ms Greyem’s business, Jasmine Greens Café is located at Umina, in the Gosford West Ward. Ms Greyem described herself as a longstanding community advocate with a commitment to sustainable development and has, in 2016 and 2017, won sustainable development awards for her business. She also got a Council community grant to establish a community garden at Jasmine Greens, but the grant expired on June 30 before Council had allocated her the funds.

She won the tender for the cafe at Woy Woy Stadium in 2016, but said that she was still awaiting its lease being finalised by Council. Ms Greyem said her platform for election in the Gosford West Ward included “making the Central Coast the best region to live in in Australia; providing real and fulfilling opportunities for young people, families and our aging population; and local jobs. She said she stood for “sensitive and strategic urban development for our increasing population, development which builds and encourages healthy and liveable communities; and preserving the character and charm of our local communities through sensitive development control plans. She wants to improve the Ward’s and the Coast’s public

transport options and wants to strive for “environmental, social and economic sustainability for the Central Coast”. Ms Greyem’s platform also offered support for local businesses and primary producers. She wants to see climate change mitigation and adaptation, preservation of national parks, coastal open spaces and reserves. Another of her platforms was to “ensure Central Coast Council is a customer service orientated, accountable, professional and transparent organisation, serving its residents and using our resources for the best longterm outcomes for our community,” she said. Source: Election Platform, Jun 28 Gabby Greyem, Jasmine Greens

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NEWS PAGE 15 JULY 13, 2017

Proposed composting facility seen as a major biosecurity risk

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 120 July 4, 2017

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

View east towards the property entry gate on Grants Rd

o r t y - e i g h t submissions have been received by Central Coast Council in response to a development application for an integrated composting facility at 222 Grants Rd Somersby. From P10 “Management practices will include inspection of all loads prior to and during unloading, with 3Pallaettes staff present at all times. “Any highly contaminated loads will not be allowed to unload, or if discovered during unloading, will be re-loaded and sent back. Subject to availability, it is anticipated 3Pallaettes will use organic material from Category 1: garden and landscaping organics such as grass; leaves; arborist mulch; clay; untreated timber: sawdust; shavings; packaging; natural organic fibrous organics: seed hulls/husks; straw; processed fibrous organics: paper; cardboard; paper processing sludge; and, non synthetic textiles. Category 2 includes: other natural or processed vegetable organics such as vegetables; fruit and seeds; processing sludges and wastes; brewery and distillery wastes; food processing wastes; and

manures: animal manure and mixtures of manure and biodegradable animal bedding organics. Category 3 includes: meat, fish and fatty foods including carcasses and parts of carcasses; blood; bone and fish. The proposal includes protective measures such as berms to prevent the spread of odour and fully lined leachate ponds to protect against ground and surface water contamination. However, the primary concerns expressed in the objections received by local residents and business owners were the risk of pathogenic contamination of nearby rural pastures and animals. For example, a letter from Mr David Parrott, Livestock Manager for Cordina Chicken Farms, stated: “The success of the poultry industry relies on maintaining rigorous quarantine and biosecurity measures and having this facility located amongst existing poultry operations will make this almost impossible to manage. “It is therefore the position of Cordina that this proposed composting facility at Somersby poses a major biosecurity risk to its poultry operations in the surrounding area. “There are approximately half a million broiler chickens

within 1km and a further 3 million within 10km of this proposed operation. “Exposure to poultry manure, carcasses and organic material from other farms, either from the facility itself, or during transportation to the site, can introduce disease to surrounding poultry farms and result in morbidity, reduced productivity and/or mass mortality. “Composting facilities close to farming operations can also be a source of ongoing pathogen transmission and make it impossible to successfully implement quarantine measures and eradicate disease from the area. “It is our opinion that this facility ought to be refused, based on the risk posed to the existing poultry industry in the surrounding area. “Such a composting site could easily be located elsewhere in the state of New South Wales or within a greater distance from existing poultry farms and away from their current transport routes.” The application was referred to the NSW Department of Primary Industries in May and has not yet been determined by staff or referred to a council meeting. Source: Website, Jul 10 DA51743/2017, Central Coast Council Gosford DA tracker

Shooting fatality in Wyong

28-year-old Norah Head man charged with murder

Work continues at airport in defiance of State legislation

Police are investigating after one Three men were arrested on man died and another was injured July 3 and charged with offences during a shooting at Wyong. relating to the death of Mr Jayden Mason.

The NSW Department of Planning and Planning Minister, Mr Anthony Roberts, have failed to finalise the review of the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act 1996, almost a year and a half after the review

CEN calls for a full Environmental Impact Statement on airport works The Community Environment Network (CEN) urged its members to submit objections to Central Coast Council, which closed on June 22, opposing a Section 96 application to modify an approved

Community objects to subdivision with lots averaging 205 square metres Over 60 Buff Point residents, dressed in red, and packing Wyong council chamber’s public gallery, beseeched Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, to reconsider his decision to approve

Wyong Local Environmental Plan 2013 to have anomalies and errors corrected Aplanning proposal to amend the Wyong Local Environmental Plan 2013 (WLEP) to address anomalies and errors has been supported by Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds.

Land use needs west of the M1 Motorway to be addressed by the Department The NSW Department of Planning and Environment will be responsible for addressing land use needs west of the M1 Motorway under the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036.

Former Council’s resolution to compulsorily acquire part of Wyong Grove ignored Administrator of the Central Coast Council, Mr Ian Reynolds, has failed to see through a resolution of the former Wyong Council to compulsorily acquire parts of the Wyong Grove site to ensure it

Selection of Liberal candidates for Councillor positions underway The NSW Liberal Party expects to have one councillor elected to the new Central Coast Council in the Budgewoi Ward, two in The Entrance and one in Wyong, according to an internal party

Wyong Regional Chronicle focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262, & 2263. The full articles and more can be seen on our website www.centralcoastnews.net

e Frkeeone! Ta

Edition 423

10 July 2017

Calls for short-term action to protect beachfront

Extra units called in to fight gas installer factory fire

PCYC applies for $450,000 building additions

Short-term action to protect the beachfront between Umina and Ettalong should take place while Central Coast Council prepares for is major “coastal protection works” project, according to two

Some 60 fi re fi ghters and 15 emergency vehicles were used to fi ght a fi re in a factory on Rawson Rd, Woy Woy, at around 6pm on Tuesday, July 6.

A development application to complete $450,000 worth of additions to Umina PCYC has been lodged with the Central Coast Council.

Tesch calls for submissions on ferry prices

Funding opportunity for local groups, says Tesch

Coastal works to start at unspecifi ed cost

Liesl Tesch, has called on ferry passengers to make submissions to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal on how best to set fares for regular private ferry services

Member for Gosford, Ms Liesl Tesch, said she wanted to encourage community groups on the Peninsula to apply for Community Building Partnership grants before applications close on

Central Coast Council has not specifi ed how much it intends to spend on coastal protection works at Umina and Ocean Beach.

Priestman Ave house may be demolished

Town plan, coastal works and library project scheduled

Council announces spending plans

A house in Priestman Ave, Umina, A new masterplan for Woy Woy Central Coast Council announced is to be demolished to make way for Town Centre, coastal protection it will spend a total of $18.38 multi-dwelling housing consisting works along the beachfront and million in its Gosford West Ward in of three units if a development refurbishment of the Spike Milligan the coming year. application is approved by Central Room in the Woy Woy Library are Coast Council major projects Central Coast 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 16 JULY 13, 2017

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Police appeal for assistance after identifying clothing of interest

e t e c t i v e s investigating the sexual assault of a girl on her way to school, and the attempted abduction of a woman in Narara, are renewing their appeal for assistance after identifying clothing of interest. Police were contacted after a 12-year-old girl disclosed that she had been sexually assaulted by an unknown man while walking to school on Monday, May 15. Officers were told that the girl was walking along a pathway between Reeves and Carrington Sts, Narara, at about 7:45am, when a man grabbed her from behind and took her into nearby bushland, where she was tied up with cable ties and sexually and indecently assaulted. The girl escaped, made her way to school and reported the incident. She was taken to hospital for treatment and has since physically recovered from her injuries. Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad, assisted by Brisbane Water Local Area Command and the Child Abuse Squad, commenced an investigation under Strike Force Garawan.

Strike Force investigators are also investigating the attempted abduction of an 18-year-old woman near Narara Railway Station on Sunday, June 4. Officers were told that the woman got off a train just before 4:30pm, and walked along Narara Valley Dve and into the laneway leading to Koninderie Pde, when she was approached from behind by an unknown man who grabbed her around the neck. The woman told police

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she kicked back at the man, breaking free from his grip, and ran toward Koninderie Pde calling out for help. She contacted Triple Zero after seeing the man walk away toward Narara Valley Dve. Both girls described the man as being aged in his mid-20s, 175-180cm tall, with a chubby build, grey/blond hair, and blue eyes. They also described various items of camouflage clothing. With the assistance of the girls, detectives have been able to piece together the outfit the man was wearing at the time of the first incident. Sex Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent, Ms Linda Howlett, urged the community to take the time to have a good look at the items to see if they recognise anything familiar. “Investigators have been working closely with the girls

to determine what they believe the man was wearing at the time of the incidents,” Det Supt Howlett said. “As you can imagine, it has been a difficult process, particularly for the younger girl, who has bravely relived the incident over and over to help us. “The clothing was described as a ‘3D, leafy Ghille suit’, which is quite distinct, but it is widely available and may not necessarily have been purchased at the same time, or even purchased recently. “While we continue with our inquiries on that front, we are appealing to the community to help narrow our search.” Detectives also believe the man involved in the incidents would be very familiar with the Narara area. “The incidents occurred in areas that are well-used by locals, and would require a certain amount of familiarity to be in the right place at the most opportunistic time,” Det Supt Howlett said. “In addition, it would be difficult to get around suburbia wearing these clothes without drawing attention to yourself, so we believe he’d know the best routes to use to go unnoticed. “Anyone who knows someone who fits the description and who would have access to an outfit like this, is urged to get in touch with us as soon as possible,” Det Supt Howlett said. Members of the public are urged not to approach the man if sighted, but to contact Triple Zero (000) immediately. Source: Media release, Jul 9 NSW Police Media

Armed robbery at the Mooney Mooney Workers Club

olice investigating an armed robbery at the Mooney Mooney Workers Club are appealing for public assistance. At about 9:40pm on Sunday, July 2, a male and female described as being in their late teens to early 20s, entered the club on Kowan Rd and confronted staff. Police were told the male threatened one staff member with a knife, while the female threatened another with a handgun. The pair escaped with an amount of cash and were last seen running through the club’s car park into Kowan Rd. The two male staff members and a number of patrons in another part of the club were not injured. Police are now urging any person who knows the identity of the two people to come

Anyone with information about these incidents should call

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

forward. The male is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall with a stocky build and wearing a black balaclava and dark clothing. The female is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall with a chubby build and was wearing a balaclava and a dark hooded top and pants. Source: Media release, Jul 5 NSW Police Media

Man arrested in West Gosford with firearms and drugs

26-year-old Wendoree Park man was arrested in West Gosford with firearms and drugs on July 11. At about 3pm, Tuesday, July 11, Brisbane Water Police located a vehicle at the Hely St

Lookout, West Gosford. The Person Of Interest (POI) was observed in the driver’s seat with a drug implement. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a quantity of drugs, equipment, knives, knuckle duster weapons and a revolver firearm located in the footwell. The POI was arrested and conveyed to Gosford Police Station where he was subsequently charged with: one count possess unauthorised pistol; one count possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit; one count custody of a knife in public place; four counts possess prohibited drug; and one count possess prescribed restricted substance. The POI was bail refused to Gosford Local Court on July 12. Source: Website, Jul 12 Brisbane Water Police Facebook page

Community hall administrators misled

was reading in Coast Community News, June 29, that Council has greatly increased the fees for hiring public buildings and spaces. May I say that councils and government don’t own public buildings and public spaces, “the people do”. Councils only look after it for the people.

FORUM Yes it is true that fees have increased, but some of the volunteers were promised, by senior council staff, that they would continue to administrate those facilities. However, they lied to the communities about placing them on the so called expression of interest list.

This happened with Point Clare Community Hall. So where do we go from here, when public servants lie to the people that employ them? It is so gratifying that this has now come to light in your wonderful newspaper. Long live democracy. Email, Jun 29 Robert Findley, Point Clare

Bouquets for Gosford Hospital staff

ecently, I had occasion to experience firsthand the wonderful and very professional care and treatment from the staff at Gosford Hospital and a number of associated outsource facilities and services. So often hospitals get criticised for one reason or another, but I would like to put on record the fact that my experience was exceptionally good. Initially I was referred to the Emergency Department of Gosford Hospital by my local doctor for a somewhat serious condition.

FORUM After initial examination in the emergency area, I was quickly moved to a short-stay area, later to a surgical ward and finally to medical ward. In all areas, I received wonderful and very professional treatment and support. During my stay, I was examined by a number of specialist doctors, pathologists and other technical staff, both in the hospital and at outsourced facilities associated with the hospital. In a relatively short time, these highly-motivated, professional staff, were able

to diagnose my problems and prescribe appropriate treatment for which I and my family will be forever grateful. We are so lucky in this country to have such a wonderful health system. In addition, the care and attention I received from the nursing staff in all the areas of the hospital was exceptional. Thanks too to the patients’ transport people. It is impossible for me to speak too highly of all staff I came across at Gosford Hospital and the associated facilities; thank you to everyone.

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FORUM

PAGE 17 JULY 13, 2017

What is planned for the waterfront?

r Stevan King is to be congratulated on his Letter of June 15 which appeared in your Issue 161. His comprehensive letter regarding difficult times ahead through poorly-planned overdevelopment echoes the views of many of us. He covers many issues, and his observations are all valid. It is to be hoped that ratepayers have regard for these issues at the upcoming Central Coast Council election and at the next NSW State election. In April 2013, the former Gosford Council devised a slogan that stated to the effect that it was “Under New Management and Open for Business”. This (now disused?) slogan, which can be found in a Council-produced document titled ‘Invest Gosford 2013’, certainly proved to be prophetic, as evidenced by the avalanche of Development Applications approved for significant development projects. The waterfront precinct at Gosford seems to be far from safe. I was one of a number who wrote widely in 2012 to the then Gosford Mayor; the then Premier O’Farrell; Minister for Planning and Infrastructure,

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at the time, Mr Brad Hazzard; all local state members; and Central Coast Regional Development Corporation. I wrote objecting to a proposal known as, The Landing, which was being mooted for the waterfront. This proposal was way over the top, including numerous high rises, finger wharves and an extensive marina, all on a site designated as a State Significant Site. Central Coast Regional Development Corporation reported to the Minister, and to an outside observer, appeared to operate in close consultation with Council. There seemed to be a collective will of state and local government to be supportive of the proposal. As matters now stand, components of The Landing are currently deferred, but as far as I am aware, The Landing has never been formally killed off in its totality.

It needs to be laid to rest and a stake driven through the heart of this monster. In objecting to The Landing, I expressed the view that Council should take a lead from various Queensland cities in relation to Gosford waterfront. Notably Townsville, but Cairns, Airlie Beach, Bowen, Wynnum-Manly also come to mind. We need family spaces, not enclaves for overseas and local investors seeking a haven for spare cash. The waterfront precinct is, most regrettably, gaining a federal tax office and a state finance office. One cynically wonders what will occur when these buildings outlive their current usefulness and/or their initial lease terms. Will they magically morph into residential? Also, the boat ramp area has gained an eatery. What were our civic leaders thinking when they agreed to this? Did this win a competition for ugly? Meanwhile, we can now look forward to overshadowing, overpopulation, traffic congestion and years of disruption. Email, Jul 10 Hugh Finn, Erina

Email, Apr 7 Walter Slight, Saratoga

Not impressed with anything

How does Council determine its spending priorities? entral Coast Council has recently announced Banjo’s Skate Park, yet another project for Terrigal, and yet another skate park within a few kilometres of the new $2.5m Bato Yard at Bateau Bay.

$500m Federal Government funding is apparently available for this project, plus a further $325,000 upgrade, thanks to, in part, a $100,000 grant from the NSW Metropolitan Greenspace Program and a

FORUM $5,000 contribution from the Rotary Club of Terrigal. Which prompts one to ask, how does Council determine its spending priorities? Tourism? Favoured spots? Even-handedness across areas? Local age demographics? Noisy wheel gets the oil? More than 85 per cent of the $9m NSW Government Amalgamation incentive was allocated to former

Gosford areas, already well established, with only 15 per cent allocated to Wyong areas, less well established, and where new population growth is planned to occur. Terrigal/Avoca together received around half of the $9m incentive. Now another $825,000 is allocated to the same area. Doesn’t seem fair or rational to me. Maybe Council can explain its decision-making process? Email, Jul 10 Kevin Armstrong, Tumbi Umbi

hy would anybody buy a unit in either the Ikon Tower or Merindah Apartments?

We still can’t get a bus to run between Gosford and Woy Woy of a night, after 30 odd years of asking.

FORUM Authorities show their contempt for the aged and the general public by doing nothing whatsoever about rebels, who blatantly smoke at bus stops at Woy Woy and Gosford.

I don’t think there is much else to attract people to live in the area, either. Certainly not our wonderful council, who probably can’t make up their minds whether they are a council or not. Email, Jul 10 John Airey, Point Clare

PAGE 18 HEALTH JULY 13, 2017

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NAIDOC Community Day a huge success

Free concessional hospital car parking extended

atients and carers who frequently visit Gosford Hospital can benefit from abolished car parking fees under expanded concessions from July 1, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, announced on July 3.

NAISDA Dance College performing at the event

he Central Coast Local Health District (the District) is celebrating the success of the 2017 annual Central Coast NAIDOC Community Day with record crowds having turned out to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Sunny weather and school holidays were the perfect combination in enticing an estimated 4,000 people to the annual event held at The Entertainment Grounds in West Gosford, which saw the biggest and best attendance

numbers to date for the District’s free health check initiative, according to District Aboriginal Health Manager, Mr Steve Ella. “We had a very successful day and it was great to see the community come together in such big numbers,” Mr Ella said. “We are still finalising the figures, but we are on track to recording about 300 health checks, which is a terrific result for the District.” According to Mr Ella, 2016’s event attracted just over 200 people. The event included a full range of free health screening

stalls in areas like diabetes, dental, kidney, heart and lung health. Support and information was also available on quitting smoking, healthy living, better managing chronic disease and more. “NAIDOC was a great way to start that conversation about health with people,” Mr Ella said. The event also offered rock climbing, face painting and a bush tucker BBQ through to music, cultural and dance performances. As well as improving health awareness and management among local Indigenous people, NAIDOC Day also focused on education and employment opportunities with more than 30 job market stalls on offer. Source: Media statement, Jul 11 Clare Graham, Central Coast Local Health District Dilon Luke, journalist

Mr MacDonald said a website and smartphone app, the first of its kind in Australia, will provide information on how to access the discounted rates. “The NSW Government has implemented a much fairer system that helps those most in need, with car parking costs at public hospitals, particularly patients and carers who visit frequently or for long-term treatments,” Mr MacDonald said. “The new website and app will also make it much easier

for public hospital patients and visitors to understand how to access the expanded concessions, as well as providing useful information on their local hospital.” Signage will be displayed prominently throughout paid parking car parks with instructions on how and where patients can validate concessional parking. The website and app include the following features: A quick search for hospitals by name address or from a map; Pricing, opening hours and a hospital campus map if available; Concession parking information such as rates, eligibility and how to obtain the discounted rate at the hospital; Hospital details including address, phone number, visiting hours, and a link to the hospitals’ websites; Public transport options to hospital including train, bus, ferry, and community transport; Links

to services such as the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme, NSW Community Transport Program (CTP), NSW Health Isolated Patient Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS), and Carer Gateway; and will be available in English and eight community languages. Those eligible for free concessional hospital car parking include patients and carers attending hospital for treatment lasting more than a week, patients and carers attending more than twice a week, ongoing cancer treatment patients, cardiac rehabilitation education exercise class attendees, daily dressing outpatients and health promotion education class attendees. Source: Media release, Jul 3 Kit Hale, office of Scot MacDonald MLC

Trivia night fund raiser for Cancer Council oastFM 96.3 Central Coast community radio, based in Gosford, is planning a fundraising trivia night for the Cancer Council’s Relay For Life at Mingara Athletics Track, which takes place on October 14-15.

Team CoastFM is aiming to raise over $2,000 to donate to The Cancer Council at the annual event, and the majority of the money raised will be sourced from a family-friendly trivia night. The trivia night will take place in the Niagara Park Public School Hall on Saturday, August 12. Tickets are $10 per person

in tables of eight and must be booked through CoastFM. The event is BYO food and drink with tea and coffee provided on the night. Source: Email, Jul 11 Crystal Russon, CoastFM 96.3

Wait times still above state-wide average

Mr Harris and Mr Secord also said that there were still more than 3,200 patients waiting for elective surgery in the Central Coast region. Gosford hospital emergency

department was also still above the state-wide average waiting times, being longer than the national benchmark of four hours. NSW Labor has called on the Federal Government to drop its plans to scrap the After Hours GP home doctor service, saying it would increase attendances at Gosford emergency department. “The BHI data for January to March 2017, released in June, showed that the State and Federal Liberal-National Governments’ health policies were failing Central Coast patients,” Mr Harris said. According to the data, 32 per cent of patients at Gosford Hospital waited more than four hours in the emergency department. The state wide average was 26.8 per cent of patients

waited beyond the national benchmark. The data also revealed the median wait time for elective surgery. The data recorded 3,296 people waiting for elective surgery in the region, with 2,090 patients registered with Gosford Hospital. The median wait at Gosford Hospital for non-urgent elective surgery was 278 days. “NSW health and hospitals, especially Central Coast emergency departments, are under enormous pressure. “Labor supports a strong public health and hospital system,” Mr Secord said. Source: Media statement, Jun 28 Walt Secord, Shadow Minister for Health Dilon Luke, journalist

District Director of Public Health, Dr Peter Lewis, said the flu vaccine takes about two weeks to become effective, so there was still time to get the flu vaccination. “For those with a chronic medical condition like asthma, the yearly vaccination is the best way to protect against flu,” Dr Lewis said. “A new vaccine needs to be given each year because

influenza viruses change. “The influenza virus causes fever, chills, headache, dry cough, weakness and aching limbs. “The fever passes in a few days, but the weakness and the cough can last for a week or more,” Dr Lewis said. The flu season starts around July but the Central Coast has already recorded 88 flu cases in June compared to 16 flu notifications for the same period last year. With numbers increasing, the District is anticipating a gradual rise in flu cases over the next four to six weeks. Dr Lewis said despite the common misconception, the flu shot cannot cause flu illness.

Photo: Noel Fisher

bout 10,000 women will be offered free, lifesaving, mammograms every year at a new $957,000 BreastScreen NSW centre at Erina.

“Flu vaccines used in Australia are made with vaccine viruses that have been ‘inactivated’ so they are not infectious,” he said. Free seasonal influenza vaccine is available for the following people who are considered more vulnerable to influenza: all people aged 65 years and over; all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 6 months to 5 years; all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over; pregnant women; and people with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.

Minister for Health and Medical Research, Mr Brad Hazzard, joined Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, and Mr Taylor Martin MLC, on June 28, to officially open the new state-of-the-art facility, which will boost breast screening capacity by 20 per cent on the Central Coast. “I particularly encourage women on the Central Coast aged over 50 to take 20 minutes every two years to visit this great new centre “The screening is free, you don’t need a doctor’s referral and it is potentially life-saving,” Mr Hazzard said. “One in eight women in NSW will develop breast cancer in

Source: Media release, Jul 10 Clare Graham, Central Coast Local Health District

Issue 120 July 4, 2017

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$300m intercity ﬂeet maintenance facility at Kangy Angy approved subject to conditions T

he Federal Department of Environment and Energy has given conditional approval o Transport for NSW o build its intercity ﬂeet maintenance acility at Kangy Angy. The proposed development had been eferred to the Federal Department under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 999 as a controlled action, due to potential mpacts to the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot which are listed as hreatened species and communities. According to the Parliamentary Secretary or the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, Transport for NSW has also put out for public exhibition an additional Species Impact Statement that is open until June 30. Nineteen conditions were attached to the Federal Environment Department’s approval, which has relied heavily on “bio-banking” to offset any negative environmental impacts of the proposed train maintenance facility. The Federal conditions eferred the applicant o the need to adhere o conditions issued by he NSW Government

The subject site has been given conditional approval by the Federal Environment Department in its approval of the development “as they relate to avoiding and mitigating the impacts of the action on protected matters”. In addition to those State conditions, the Federal Department has said the applicant must prepare and implement a Groundwater Management Plan that must be submitted to it at least one month before construction commences, and construction can’t commence until that plan is approved by the Federal Minister for the Environment, Mr Josh Frydenberg. The Groundwater Management Plan is intended “to minimise the

impacts of the action on Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems that support or may support Biconvex Paperbark located onsite and offsite”. The Federal consent also places restrictions on how much land can be cleared: not more than 19.6 hectares of high quality swamp forest; and 3.6 hectares of wet open forest that is foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater within the impact area. “To compensate for the impacts to foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot, the person taking the action must provide an offset package in accordance with the offset requirements

calculated under biobanking for the relevant plan community types,” the approval document said. According to the Federal Government’s approval, at least 90 per cent of those offset requirements need to be direct offsets located in the Central Coast or Lake Macquarie, “and must be consistent with the onground actions identiﬁed in the national recovery plan for the Swift Parrot to manage and protect Swift Parrot habitat at the landscape scale. Another offset package must also be put in place to compensate for any impacts on the foraging habitat for the Regent Honeyeater.

Again, 90 per cent of those offsets must be located in the Central Coast or Lake Macquarie area and consistent with the national recovery plan for the Regent Honeyeater. The Biodiversity Offset Strategy will also have to be submitted to the Federal Department one month before construction commences and be approved by the Minister prior to commencement. The strategy will need to demonstrate how the proposed offset package will meet the consent conditions. It will have to identify and describe the proposed offset sites with maps clearly depicting

entral Coast Council has welcomed $3m in funding for Tuggerah Lakes Estuary and C a t c h m e n t mprovement as part of the Federal G o v e r n m e n t ’s mproving Your Local Parks and Environment Program.

Issue 120 July 4, 2017

Source: Website, May 24 EPBC 2016/7681, Federal Department of the Environment and Energy Media statement, Jun 5 Kit Hale, ofﬁce of Scot MacDonald

These funds will add to the $7m Council has already invested in Tuggerah Lakes in the current ﬁnancial year, resulting in signiﬁcant mprovements in the water quality across the akes system. Council Group Leader Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said the funds would be dedicated to

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hree men were arrested on July 3 and charged with offences relating to the death of Mr Jayden Mason.

The crime scene on July 3 Inset - 22-year-old Wyong man Jesse Thompson the victims and the then fled the scene at shooter, and the other speed. at Warner Ave where the “Some sort of two victims were found. altercation took place Tuggerah Lakes between the two parties LAC are investigating in those two vehicles, the circumstances but what exactly lead surrounding the incident. to it and whether there In a media conference was any background, around 4:30pm I couldn’t say,” Acting on the same day, Superintendent Waddell Tuggerah Lakes Acting said. Superintendent, Mr David Acting Superintendent Waddell, confirmed Waddell did not confirm police were working off how the second victim, the theory that the victims the 28-year-old man, had been involved in sustained his injuries, nor an altercation involving how the two victims and their vehicle and another their vehicle came to be vehicle, believed to be a on Warner Ave. white ute, on Byron Rd. Inquiries are continuing. Acting Superintendent Acting Superintendent Waddell told media Waddell urged anyone that police believed with information the 22-year-old victim pertaining to the incident exited his vehicle to come forward. before approaching Source: the occupant(s) of the Media release, Jul 3 unknown vehicle. NSW Police Media Media conference, Jul 3 An argument ensued David Waddell, Tuggerah and the occupant(s) of Lakes LAC the unknown vehicle shot Dilon Luke, journalist the 22-year-old man and

olice are investigating after one man died and another was injured during a shooting at Wyong.

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Just before 12:30pm, Monday, July 3, emergency services were called to Warner Ave, Wyong, following reports of shots ﬁred. A 22-year-old man, believed to be Wyong local, Mr Jesse Thompson, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, but died at the scene. Another man, aged 28, was also treated for a wound to his hand, before being taken to Wyong Hospital. Ofﬁcers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command (LAC) have established two crime scenes, one at nearby Byron Rd, believed to be the scene of an altercation between

encourage sustainable use, and educate the local community about the estuary,” he said. The project will build on a decade of estuary planning and management that has resulted in a measurable improvement in water quality and ecological condition of Tuggerah Lakes and the catchment. Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the funding was a clear indication of the lobbying power the new Central Coast Council has, and he is looking forward to more funding ﬂowing to the Coast for the Lakes and other key initiatives. “The Tuggerah Lakes estuary is a jewel in the crown of the Central Coast, offering a unique environment which is

rich in biodiversity and it must be protected,” Mr Reynolds said. “Council is pleased to have this Federal Government support and it will help Council to continue to invest in monitoring and improving the health of our catchments and waterways. “We all have a role to play in protecting our unique environment and waterways and I encourage everyone to get involved.” Residents are urged to report environmental vandalism to Council. The project will commence in July and will run over three years ﬁnishing in July 2020. Source: Media release, Jun 19 Central Coast Council media

ACTP has still not paid $3m to acquire the land at Warnervale that is the subject of the Development Application for the place of worship (DA828/2016). Other media outlets have cast strong doubts over the viability of the land sale contract and ACTP’s ability to complete the land purchase or build the temple, but the latest statement from Council did not provide any new information about the status of the land deal or the development application (DA). “The former Wyong Council entered into

Continued P3

28-year-old Norah Head man charged with murder T

whole-of-catchment issues in an effort to reduce the effects of pollutants, litter and environmental vandalism making their way into the lakes. “This funding will support the ongoing implementation of the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan, through stormwater upgrades, foreshore enhancement and a range of streambank, wetland and saltmarsh rehabilitation activities in the estuary catchment,” Mr Dowling said. “The project will continue to improve water quality, enhance nearshore areas for recreational use, reduce pollutant loads to the estuary, control invasive species in ecologically sensitive areas,

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

E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Shooting fatality in Wyong

onﬁdentiality clauses in contracts signed between the former Wyong Council and Australia China Theme Park Pty Ltd (ACTP) continue to prevent Central Coast Council from updating the community about the status of those contracts.

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$3m additional federal funding

Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater habitat within the offset sites. The applicant will also need to identify how the offset sites will be legally secured in perpetuity and “identify the long term objectives for future conditions of the offset sites, management and monitoring actions and timeframes for implementation”. Any supplementary measures will also have to be included in the strategy along with the monetary value of each component of the offset package. As part of the Federal Environment Department’s approval, the applicant must maintain accurate records substantiating all activities associated with or relevant to the conditions of approval and such records may be subject to audit. The applicant will also be required to publish annual reports on their website, addressing compliance with each condition of approval including documentary proof. The approval period has a ﬁve year duration from May 5.

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

Source: Press conference, Jun 26 Press conference, Jul 3 David Waddell, Tuggerah Lakes LAC Dilon Luke, journalist

JULY 13, 2017

NSW Minister for Health, Mr Brad Hazzard, and Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, with a Breastscreen staff member at Erina

450% increase in flu cases lu season has hit early and the Central Coast Health District is encouraging locals to get their flu shot and protect themselves from respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

HEALTH PAGE 19

New $957,000 BreastScreen centre at Erina

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ccording to Shadow Minister for Health, Mr Walt Secord, and Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, Mr David Harris, independent quarterly data from the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) shows that Gosford Hospital continues to be under enormous pressure, with long waits in the emergency department and long waits for elective surgery.

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their lifetime, and the earlier it is detected, the better the outcome.” Mr Crouch said the cuttingedge facility will enable 1,500 more local women in the next year alone to be screened. “The centre is also working with local community networks to increase the number of Aboriginal women who attend for a regular breast screen,” Mr Crouch said. The centre features an additional $450,000 of equipment, including a digital mammography unit, and an imaging unit that will provide instant, high-quality, specimen images during biopsy procedures. The centre offers free mammograms to women over 40.

Women in the 50-74 age group are encouraged to have a breast screen every two years. The centre, previously based at Gosford Hospital, also has free, accessible parking and extended opening hours. BreastScreen NSW, Northern Sydney Central Coast, Director, Ms Meredith Kay, said the centre would provide an enhanced service in the rapidly growing region. “This centre will improve patient comfort and help staff provide the best care and support during what can be a very anxious time for women,” Ms Kay said. Source: Media release, Jun 28 Natasha Wallace, office of Brad Hazzard

Veterans affairs card holders welcome

Dr Michael Kotis (BDS SYD UNI)

PAGE 20 JULY 13, 2017

EDUCATION

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New Junior School being built at St Philip’s

Group courses for young people

egional Youth Support Services will be running group courses for young people with an NDIS package.

An example of an adventure playground used to inspire the College's plan for their own playground

t Philip’s Christian College, Gosford, has unveiled plans for their new Junior School and announced that building will commence at the end of Term 4. The announcement was made during an information evening for parents and carers that reiterated the changes associated with the plans. Head of Junior School, Ms Helen Finlay, said the build would cause minimal disruption to the school’s day to day operations with

Kindergarten being the only year group relocated during the build. Ms Finlay also said that the emphasis on the new Junior School would be flexibility. Key features include operable walls that will ensure classes can be divided during explicit teaching times and opened up again during collaborative and inquiry learning times. “During the evening, I also announced plans to build an adventure playground, taking advantage of the slope we currently have in front of the Kindergarten classrooms going down to the basketball court.

“A local company has designed a magnificent playground and the cost of the new playground will be $92,000, which will need to be raised by our school community. “Already I can announce that generously the Spring Fair Committee has agreed to put proceeds towards this very exciting project, as well as the Library staff, who have voted to put the proceeds from the Book Fair towards our new adventure playground. Newsletter, Jun 30 Helen Finlay, St Philip’s Christian College

The courses will be held in the Youth Arts Warehouse, Gosford, and at the Wyoming Youth Skills Centre, Wyoming, in Term 3. The program will provide young people with the chance to explore their passion and to try something new, with a focus on the arts and music. The programs will be run by industry professional facilitators and will provide skills in a variety of creative programs. Art, Music, Drama and much more will be on offer in a state of the art venue, fully resourced with art supplies, computers, music instruments and electronic equipment. Classes include, Arts and Pizza, Drama Express, Music Making, Cooking Skills, Girls

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, announced approximately $200,000 had been provided for the new fencing. “We have listened to the

local community and this fencing is now being built at Narara Valley High School,” Mr MacDonald said. “Student and staff safety is of utmost importance, and this project will help ensure that the school is a secure place for everyone who learns and works there. “The project includes security fencing for the entire site including school buildings, the main school oval and the

agricultural plot. “I am pleased that the NSW Government is delivering this important project for the school and our local community,” Mr MacDonald said. The fence is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in coming weeks. Source: Media release, Jul 7 Kit Hale, office of Scot MacDonald

This workshop is mentored by professional musicians. Cooking Skills covers basic cooking skills and will teach a variety of easy recipes. Topics covered include food hygiene, knife safety, fresh versus frozen and more. Girls Night is a safe and supportive platform for young women to come together and learn about healthy relationships and friendships. This workshop is intended as a community experience led by female mentors and will cover a range of topics relevant to young women’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Boys Night will cover a variety of secret men’s business whilst providing young men a platform to come together and discuss matters relevant to their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Source: Newsletter, Jul 7 Regional Youth Support Services E-Letter

TAFE graduation ceremony held

New security fencing arara Valley High School will have new security fencing, following strong advocacy from the local community.

Night (women’s health) and Boys Night (men’s health). Arts and Pizza combines painting, sketching, photography and general artistry in a fully stocked art room under the direction of an art professional and is suitable for anyone wishing to release their inner artist. Drama Express combines workshops on drama, movement and theatre creation in a safe and supportive space. This workshop is listed as a great way to meet new people whilst building self-esteem. Music Making encourages artistic expression, learning and musical collaboration in a state of the art recording studio. All technology needed to create and perform and produce music will be supplied. This workshop is about developing music skills and building confidence, and covers, song writing, recording and learning an instrument.

hirteen students from Gosford City have graduated from TAFE NSW at a ceremony at the combined TAFE NSW and University of Newcastle campus at Ourimbah. Ms

Elizabeth

McGregor,

TAFE NSW Regional General Manager North, said the relationship between TAFE NSW and the University of Newcastle has created many educational pathways for new and existing students. “Now in its 29th year, this partnership enables and empowers people of all

ages and backgrounds to use tertiary education as a springboard to success without having to leave the Central Coast,” Ms McGregor said. Source: Media release, Jul 5 Emily Gallagher, TAFE NSW Communication Officer

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Date set for Spring Fair

t Philip Christian College’s 2017 Spring Fair will be held on September 16. The 2016 Spring Fair was such a success that the Fair Committee has decided to try and go bigger and better. The length of the Fair has

been increased and they have plans for more amusement rides. “We don’t think we can do better with the weather that we were blessed with last year, but we know that we can build on the success of last year and continue to provide an environment that will

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EDUCATION PAGE 21 JULY 13, 2017

Eight new classrooms to be built at OLR Wyoming

help build community while having some fun for the kids at the same time,” Ms Janet Parkhouse said. The committee is also seeking volunteers to help plan and execute the fair. Newsletter, Jun 30 Cameron Johnstone, St Philip’s Christian College

Playgroup visits ambulance station

osford Gumnuts Playgroup recently visited the Point Clare Ambulance Station. The children got to meet station personnel and learn

about ambulance and paramedic services. The group was able to explore an ambulance, learn about all the gadgets inside the emergency vehicle and play with the siren.

Other highlights included learning about health and safety with a practice dummy. Source: Media release, 23 Jun Gosford Gumnuts Playgroup

Sociocracy Training Workshops at Ecovillage workplaces and ecovillages, achieve their vision and aim. Australia’s leading Sociocracy trainers and facilitators, Ms Gina Price and Ms Ruth Newport, will lead the Ecovillage workshops. This workshop will cost $350. The Ecovillage will also host a ‘Taste of Sociocracy’ presentation before the official workshops.

arara Ecovillage will offer Sociocracy Training Workshops in August. Sociocracy is a decision making and governance system employed at the Ecovillage that: is inclusive, transparent, equitable and includes all voices. It ensures the best use of resources and co-ordination of activities and eads to care, respect and co-operation. Results of decisions are reviewed to determine their

ongoing usefulness. Sociocracy helps families,

Source: Newsletter, Jul 4 Lyndall Paris, Narara Ecovillage Network

For FITNESS, FUN and FRIENDSHIP GOSFORD SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCERS

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, with students and teachers at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, Wyoming

ur Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, Wyoming, will get eight new classrooms with the assistance of funding provided by the NSW Government.

The project is receiving $1,111,970 to support the $1,968,904 project under the Building Grants Assistance Scheme, with further funds provided by the school community. This project is for the demolition and reconstruction of a general learning area of a more contemporary design. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, welcomed the funding and congratulated Our Lady of the Rosary on their successful project. “This funding will help Our Lady of the Rosary get these

holds a class every Wednesday from 7 to 10pm at the Church of Christ Hall, Henry Parry Drive, Wyoming That

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works off the ground and I’m delighted that the NSW Government is able to support this project,” Mr MacDonald said. Education Minister, Mr Rob Stokes, said the Building Grants Assistance Scheme (BGAS) was an important initiative to support local school communities. “This funding will help improve facilities so that schools are equipped to meet

the learning needs of students today and into the future,” Mr Stokes said. BGAS is administered by the Association of Independent Schools NSW and the NSW Catholic Block Grant Authorities and funded by the NSW Government. Source: Media release, Jul 10 Kit Hale, office of Scot MacDonald MLC

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PAGE 22 OUT&ABOUT JULY 13, 2017

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Pride of Workmanship recognised

The Thomas Macokatic Band to perform

he 5 Lands Experience is back at The Rhythm Hut this July 30, with feature artist, Thomas Macokatic. A regular monthly community event at The Rhythm Hut in Gosford, the 5 Lands Experience begins with a free community drum circle, at 5pm, where all ages and levels are encouraged. The 5 Lands band has run for over 9 years around the Central Coast, from Terrigal, to Erina, to Gosford. Named after originally forming to perform at the popular Central Coast 5Lands 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 unique band doesn’t practice, nor write music

Award winners from left: (back) Mr Anthony Wagstaff, Ms Sue Wiseman, Mr Stephen Clarke, Ms Jaylene Moreau, Ms Patricia McInnes and Ms Lyn Parkes, (front) Mr Stuart Davies, Mr Warwick Dodd and Mr Barry Windeatt

osford North Rotary Club has announced the winners of their Pride of Workmanship Awards.

Recipients were Ms Patricia McInnes, in the field of education; Mr Barry Windeatt, in the field of medical/

wellness; Mr Ron Jones, in the field of recreational activities; Ms Sue Wiseman, field of education; Ms Jaylene Moreau, field of medical/ healthcare; Ms Lyn Parkes, in the field of bereavement support; Mr Stuart Davies, field of hospitality; Mr Warwick Dodd, field of recreational

support; and Mr Anthony Wagstaff and Geoffrey Yule, in the field of distribution and excellence in employment. The awards were held at Gosford Golf Club on May 22.

n Open Mic Night for folk musicians on the Coast will raise much needed funds for Gosford’s Coast Shelter. Coast Shelter has been operating on the Central

Coast for over 25 years and is dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless adults, families and young people. Coast Shelter staff and volunteers are motivated by the belief that every individual should be able to live in safe, secure, affordable housing,

restoring hope to those in need. The Open Mic will feature folk, blues and spoken word and will kick off at Matcham Hall from 6:00pm on July 29.

Source: Email, Jun 30 Tom Flood, Open Mic Night

THE GRAND PAVILION

Ph: 02 4385 8892 9/17 Church St, Terrigal NSW Lunch: 11:30am - 2:00pm Dinner starts at 5:00pm - till late

established act known as The Thomas Macokatic Band. The group is comprised of five main members, Macokatic on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Gabe Argiris on drums, Nathan Richards on lead guitar, Dan Zyderveld on bass and Victoria Stanmore on violin and vocals. This month The Rhythm Hut are also fundraising for the WQRDS. As a not for profit community space, The Rhythm Hut is dedicated to supporting the arts and music on The Central Coast, and this monthly event is open to the whole community, with entry by donation. Suitable and affordable for the whole family, patrons are encouraged to pay whatever they can afford to help keep this unique space running, and such events happening on The Central Coast. Source: Media release, Jul 11 Stevie Swansbra, The Rhythm Hut

Multi-award winning bush poet to appear at Gosford Bush Poets gathering

Source: Email, May 16 Stuart Elridge, Gosford North Rotary

Open Mic Night with a difference at Matcham

together, but rather creates improvised jams, based on funk, jazz, folk and groove. Well known for getting the dance floor filled, the 5 Lands Band kick off music at 6.30pm. Thomas Macokatic is an artist based in Newcastle and lead singer of a self titled, five piece, folk-infused, alt-rock band. It all began for Macokatic at an early age, where he would spend a great deal of time wandering around the jam sessions of his two elder brothers. Immersed in sounds of The Doors, Hendrix and The Beatles, whilst witnessing the artistic talent of his mother, it wasn’t long before he was practicing songs of his own on the old piano down the hall. Twenty years later, Macokatic finds himself amidst an eclectic assortment of friends and musicians jamming in his lounge room, those same people now form the well

enowned folk musician and multi-award winning bush poet, Jason Roweth, will be the guest artist when the Gosford Bush Poets meet on July 26 in the Conference Room of the Gosford Hotel.

Jason and his wife Chloe have appeared as a folk musician and singer at every major folk festival event in Australia and the duo have toured extensively overseas. Although Jason is widely known and respected as one of Australia’s finest folk singers and musicians, in recent years he has developed

a great ability as a presenter of bush poetry. Jason has won numerous awards for reciting and yarn spinning and has developed a unique and highly entertaining style. Source: Email, Jul 4 Vic Jeffries, Gosford Bush Poets

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 23 JULY 13, 2017

Car in the water at Davistown was a navigational hazard

he Marine Rescue Central Coast radio room received a phone call from NSW Police Marine Area Command (MAC) after they were advised that there was a car in the water off the Eulalia Wharf boat ramp in Davistown on Sunday, July 9. The MAC requested that the radio room send a ‘Securite’ to all ships because the car was a navigational hazard. It was also requested that one of the Central Coast vessels investigate the matter, and attach a marker buoy to said vehicle. Central Coast 21 were sent with a marker buoy to investigate the car in the water. The unit’s new Rescue Water Craft, Central Coast 11, was already out on patrol and

they also headed towards Davistown. Once the car entered the water, it floated approximately 200m from the boat ramp and sank down to the mud. It seems that the car’s owner did not put the handbrake on. CC21 and CC11 found the car and it was decided that the only way that they were going to be able to successfully get the marker buoy attached to the car was for the rescue water craft operator to get into the water, dive down and attach it to the car. When the marker buoy was successfully attached, CC21 and CC11 both headed back to base, and the radio room stopped their ‘Securite’ message in regards to this navigational hazard. Source: Media release, Jul 9 Mitch Giles, Marine Rescue NSW Central Coast Unit SDD

1,932 men have drowned in the last decade

Don’t let your mates drink and drown AN INITIATIVE OF

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Car being pulled out of the water at Davistown Photo: Anthony Wagstaffe

PAGE 24 OUT&ABOUT JULY 13, 2017

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NAISDA open for Royal Ballet in Cairns

Huge turnout enjoys 5Lands Walk

AISDA Dance College shared the stage with the world renowned Royal Ballet, when it visited Cairns for a one night only Gala Performance in the Munro Martin Parklands on Wednesday, July 12.

Local artist Jane Gilling's piece the Pearly Gates was a crowd favourite during the 5 Lands Walk

he 2017 5Lands Walk was a heavenly event for many of the more than 20,000 participants, according to organisers. Clear blue skies, crisp, fresh, winter air and a cavalcade of passing whales helped ensure the 12th annual 5Lands Walk was a fabulous, fun, free family day. For some, coming close to Ms Jane Gillings’ Pearly Gates, one of many stunning sculptures and art installations by talented local artists on display, was particularly special. For others, highlights included the opportunity to explore the stunning coastal scenery from MacMasters

Beach to Terrigal, the stylish opening ceremony featuring Yantra de Vilder’s “Ephemera and Connections Exhibition”, performed by a 50 piece choir and orchestra featuring world renowned flautist, Ms Jane Rutter, and guest speaker and local resident, Ms Linda Mottram, the Welcome to Country and Message Stick Ceremonies, the Highland Band and the Candy Striped Circus. Visitors to the exhibition by local artists at the Avoca Surf Club were enthralled by the breathtaking diversity and quality of works on display. “Created for the community through the assistance of an army of over 700 volunteers, local, State and Federal Government, ethnic communities, Central Coast

Health, schools, colleges, associations, local businesses and sponsors, the 5 Lands Walk remains a unique coastal event. “Our aim is to provide the opportunity for locals and visitors to stop, enjoy, appreciate and refresh amongst what is surely one of Australia’s finest, most appealing natural environments. “The fact that in the process we continually expand the numbers of visitors travelling to the Coast to participate in the 5 Lands Walk makes the event of even greater significance, this year contributing over $2,000,000 to the local Visitor Economy. “I thank everyone who contributed, participated, supported or encouraged friends and family to enjoy and experience this year’s spectacular”, said 5 Lands Walk President, Mr Con Ryan. Source: Media release, Jun 30 David Fellow, 5Lands Walk

NAISDA opened the Gala with excerpts from its critically acclaimed production From Sand to Stage. The performance moves beyond form to reveal a new lexicon of Indigenous creativity, challenging our current social and political image of what it means to be an Indigenous Australian.

Chief Executive Officer of NAISDA, Ms Kim Walker, said that NAISDA is thrilled to be a part of this historic performance. “At NAISDA, our developing artists are given opportunities to perform all over Australia and the world, but opening for the prestigious Royal Ballet is a truly unique experience that I am sure will remain with them for the rest of their lives. “This is a huge honour and we are proud to be representing Indigenous arts and culture across Australia,” Ms Walker said. In what will mark the Royal Ballet’s first time performing in Cairns, the Gala Performance

featured an ensemble of dancers from the company, including solos and duos from the company’s broad repertoire including Swan Lake, Le Corsaire, Don Quixote and Romeo and Juliet. “The Royal Ballet is one of the world’s most distinguished companies and our developing artists watched the main show in awe. “To say we are proud to have been involved in this event is an understatement.” NAISDA had 13 artists make the trip to Cairns. Source: Media release, Jul 5 Alison Orren, Brilliant Logic

Special refugee event at Avoca Beach Theatre

voca Beach Picture Theatre will be screening, The Staging Post, on Sunday, July 30. The film follows Muzafar and Khadim, two Afghan Hazara refugees, stuck in Indonesia after Australia ‘stopped the boats’. Facing years in limbo, they created a community, started the Cisarua Refugee Learning Centre (CRLC) and changed UN refugee policy. The Staging Post is a story of friendship, connection and the power of community. Following the film there will be a Q&A with Director Jolyon

Hoff and the Cisarua Refugee Learning Centre Co-Founder, Muzafar Ali. Tim O’Connor, Director, Refugee Council of Australia, said: “The ground-breaking documentary, The Staging Post, is vital in shifting the understanding and debate in Australia to better understand the impact of our current policies.”

The Staging Post and the Cisarua Refugee Learning Centre are showing the world how Australian’s respond to people in need, and the refugees are showing the world what they are capable of when given a chance. Source: Website, Jul 7 Eventbrite

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 25 JULY 13, 2017

Exclusive screening to raise funds for Marine Discovery Centre

Vintage Fair takes out the 2017 Excellence in Social Enterprise Award

generations to come. Marine biologist and activist, Mr Lucas Handley, said our oceans are in trouble and it is time that we stopped thinking of them as both a place of limitless resources and a dumping ground. His call for action is echoed by passionate advocates for marine preservation, such as shark activist, Madison Stewart; FNQ ranger, Philip Mango; seabird specialist, Dr Jennifer Lavers; sustainability promoter, Tim Silverwood;

From left: Ms Jodie Frost-Foster, Ms Tracey Honig, Ms Monique Cardon, Ms Lucy Wicks Member for Robertson, and Ms Sarah Williams

voca Beach Picture Theatre will be hosting an exclusive screening of ‘Blue, The Film’ on July 27. Filmed over two years in Indonesia, the Philippines, Hawaii and Australia, this cinematic, galvanising documentary comes at a time when we are making critical decisions that will decide the legacy we leave for

Greenpeace SE Asia’s, Mark Dia; and, long-time campaigner, Valerie Taylor. Money raised from the film’s screening will go towards fundraising for solar for the Marine Discovery Centre in Terrigal to keep the Centre going to counter climate change, and other critical issues facing our oceans. Source: Media release, Jul 9 John Asquith, Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre

Reserve being adopted by community group

ocal community group, Friends of East Gosford Community Reserve, is teaming up with Central Coast Council to protect and improve green spaces in the Gosford area. In a pilot initiative, they will work with Council to develop and care for the currently unnamed reserve on the corner of Wells St and Coburg St, in East Gosford. As well as protecting and managing the reserve, the group plans to install seating areas, pathways and plant identification signs, in order to make it more enjoyable for visitors. Group member, Ms Sue Chidgey, said the initiative was a win for the community and the environment. She said the two-hectare reserve was the last piece of natural bushland in suburban East Gosford and

The East Gosford Reserve

had significant environmental value. “Water dragons, bandicoots and a variety of birds, including one that migrates from Papua New Guinea, live in or use the space, and it’s important we protect these areas,” she said. Ms Chidgey praised the Central Coast Council for coming on board with the initiative, saying it was a “complete flip” from the former Gosford Council, who wanted to reclassify and sell

he popular sustainable shopping village, Vintage Fair, an arm of Fairhaven Services, Point Clare, won the prestigious 2017 Excellence in Social Enterprise Award at the Gosford/Erina and Coastal Business Chamber Awards. The eclectic shopping destination on Brisbane Water Dve features a thriving op shop; a fully catalogued, second hand bookstore; an upcycled funky gift store; a plant nursery; a used furniture barn; and, the popular Fare Cravin’ Café. “We are thrilled to receive

this award on behalf of our team who upcycle, restore and create bespoke homewares and made-to-order recycled pallet furniture in a supported employment environment. “They are delighted, it means so much to our whole team,” said CEO, Ms Monique Cardon. Vintage Fair provides an innovative and creative outlet for people living with disability, volunteers and staff. The success of the social enterprise has seen it evolve over the past three years from a traditional op shop to a collective of contemporary retail spaces, recrafting, reinventing and restoring donated items and reducing landfill. “It is great to see a local charity recognised in this way,”

said Ms Jodie Frost-Foster, Social Innovation Manager, and the creative vision behind the initiative. “The Gosford Tiny Homes project and The Coast Bar and Restaurant have each commissioned pallet furniture. “Better Homes and Gardens had us build the entrance feature for their Expo at Sydney Showground, and we have had pop up shops at Westfield in Tuggerah and are currently doing a roaring trade at Erina Fair. “We are a local charity, established for over 50 years, and still pushing the envelope with innovation,” she concluded. Source: Media release, Jul 4 Sarah Williams, Vintage Fair

off 25 reserves. “As our population grows, we believe the green spaces between developments are vital for community health and well being. “We hope that many more once-threatened reserves will be supported by their communities through this initiative.” Source: Interview, May 22 Sue Chidgey, Friends of East Gosford Community Reserve, Tynan King, Journalist

MARKETS Mangrove Mountain Hall Hall & Fairview Fundraising bric a brac • flowers • books • Food • home style preserves • Live Music & pony rides

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PAGE 26 JULY 13, 2017

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS DIRECTORY

ARTS & CULTURE

GOSFORD NORTH PROBUS CLUB

ART STUDIOS GALLERY & COOPERATIVE

Meets 4th Tuesday at the Grange Hotel Monthy meeting 4th Tuesday Grange Hotel 10am 43225560

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

CENTRAL COAST ART SOCIETY Lectures, demonstrations and discussion. Weekly paint-outs Tuesdays 4349 5860 for locations Workshops - 4363 1156 9.30am - 12.30pm 1st and 3rd Wed Social Meetings 1.30pm 4th Wed Gosford City Arts Centre. 4325 1420 publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au

CENTRAL COAST HANDWEAVERS, SPINNERS AND TEXTILE ARTS GUILD Spinning and weaving, patchwork and quilting, felting and other fibre and fabric crafts, community quilting bees - Day and Night Groups 4325 4743 www.cottagecrafts.net.au

FELLOWSHIP OF AUSTRALIAN WRITERS A friendly and supportive group for new and old writers. Encouragement and critique of work. Workshops and competitions 10am 3rd Sun Conference rm. Gosford Hotel 4363 2627 centralcoastfaw@live.com

COMMUNITY GROUPS ABC - “The Friends” Support group for Public Broadcaster. Aims. safeguard ABC’s independence, funding, & standards. Meetings through the year + social afternoons Well-known guest speakers 4341 5170 www.fabcnsw.org.au

CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRE Not for profit service providing free legal advice. Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm 4353 4988 centralcoast@clc.net.au

CENTRAL COAST SOCIAL GROUP Social contact, entertainment events, new friendships, for 30’s-60’s - Live music, house parties, dinners, BBQs, picnics, trips away etc. Monthly Meet & Chat 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

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

GOSFORD-NARARA CENTRAL COAST PROSTATE NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP School Holiday activities, (GOSFORD)

playgroup, multicultural programs, community activities Rooms for Hire 4329 4477

Meet last Friday Month Terrigal Uniting Church 380 Terrigal Dre, Terrigal 9.30am to 12 noon 4367 9600

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

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Terrigal 50+ leisure centre, Duffy Rd Terrigal 4369 0302 - 4384 1490 terigalinnerwheel@gmail.com

COASTAL A CAPPELLA

Dynamic award winning women’s a cappella chorus LIONS CLUB OF WOY WOY new members admin@gnnc.com.au 1st and 3rd Mon. Woy Woy PROBUS CLUB OF AVOCA always welcome. Leagues Club www.pcfa.org.au 10.15am 3rd Mon Music eduction provided Make new friends and have fun Avoca Beach Bowling Club GREEN POINT COMMUNITY Lots of Performance while serving your community. 4382 3372 CENTRAL COAST PROSTATE opportunities, or hire us CENTRE 0478 959 895 for your next event. www.probussouthpacific.org/ OOSH cave, exersize classes, CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 0412 948 450 microsites/avocabeach school holiday programs, (WYONG) coastalacappella@gmail.com ROTARY CLUB OF playgroup, arts & craft, room hire, Meet last Monday Month SENIORS COMPUTER and much more. GOSFORD NORTH Toukley RSL Club 4367 7591 Active community minded club. SOUNDWAVES CLUB CENTRAL COAST INC. Homes Ave Toukley Many projects focussed on Men’s acapella 4 part harmony Classes Mon to Fri for over 50 10.00am to 12 noon assisting youth. Support our great chorus - all ages 7pm Mon Basics: Mon , Tues and Thurs KARIONG NEIGHBOURHOOD 4356 9300 projects, get involved with our fun Central Coast Leagues Club 10am to 12noon www.pcfa.org.au CENTRE club. Graham Black Kieran - 0407 267 675 Different programs every day, Early childhood clinic, free family khutton58@gmail.com 0410 509 071 10am - 12noon or 1-3pm law advice, active playgroup, DYING WITH DIGNITY NSW, jbthomson51@gmail.com grahamblack@iprimus.com.au Apple-Mac: Mon, Tues, Wed computer classes, OOSH services, CENTRAL COAST All at Kincumber Neighbourhood fitness classes, arts & crafts, Working to give those Centre SYDNEY WELSH CHOIR ROTARY CLUB OF over 50’s friendship group, youth suffering unrelievedly from 02 4307 9421 Cultural organisation performing group, social groups and many KARIONG/SOMERSBY terminal or incurable illness at various venues to promote more services. International service club the legal right to request & the Welsh culture with singing, TERRIGAL WAMBERAL 4340 1724 improves lives of communities receive medical help to die Also performing for charity fund wwww.knc.net.au in Australia and overseas. FunRSL SUB-BRANCH Quarterly Meetings raising. filled activities, fellowship and At Breakers Country Club pension 4369 8053 4369 3378 friendship breakfasts. Phillip and welfare officers available to KINCUMBER House, 21 Old Mount Penang Rd assist with DVA compensation NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE FAIRHAVEN SERVICES TEMPO TERRIFIC (opp Shell) - Fri 7:15am claims and benefits • Exercise classes Enabling People who live with a 4340 4529 Wed & Fri 10am – Midday COMMUNITY SHOWBAND • Yoga for adults and children disability to achieve their goals kersuebay@philliphouse.com.au Meetings 2nd Sat 10am Active showband available to • Community eco garden and aspirations. 43842661 play at your community function. • Room hire Since 1962 rsl@breakerscc.com.au • Health support groups Independant Living, community Wide ranging repertuore. Always • Counselling participation, life skills & more seeking new members, come and BIZ PLUS NETWORKING have fun with music. Follow us on U3A CENTRAL COAST • After school activities NDIS Provider. Facebook - Every Mon 5 - 7pm Enjoy a diverse range of courses 4363 1044 ASSOCIATION 4323 3566 Kincumber Uniting Church and activities for seniors. Keep www.kincumber.nsw.au Attention business owners - if 4365 4414 your mind active and make new you keen to grow your business GAMBLING SOLUTIONS www.tempoterrific.com friends. Your retirement years and in the process build MINGALETTA ABORIGINAL Counsellors provide free, tempoterrific@live.com can be the best years of all. worthwhile relationships, attend a TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER confidential, professional service 0408 704 701 Biz Networking breakfast. CORPORATION to gamblers, family and friends. www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au Every Thur 7:15am - 9am A meeting place and referral hub Woy Woy, Kincumber, Gosford, Erina Leagues Club for education, health, well-being The Entrance. Geoff Neilson GOSFORD GUMNUTS CENTRAL COAST GREENS and cultural programs through 4344 7992 network@bizplus.com.au The Central Coast Greens PLAYGROUP consultative services and For a fairer, more transparent and Parents and children meet community programs. GROW Support Groups accountable government based CCLC BRIDGE CLUB socially. Make friends, learn more Mon-Fri 9am-4pm Small friendly groups formed to on democratic principles Duplicate Bridge-partner not about parenting. 0 to 5 yrs 6 Sydney Ave Umina learn how to overcome anxiety, Local, state-wide, national required for most sessions. Wed - Fri 10am-12noon 4342 7515 depression and loneliness and to and international issues and Central Coast Leagues Club Gosford Uniting Church Hall admin@mingaletta.com.au improve mental health and wellcampaigns - Council and 12.30pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri. 129 Donnison St Gosford being. Anonymous, free and open parliamentary representation Sat 1.30pm Wed 7.15pm Mon 4325 3695 TERRIGAL FIFTY PLUS to all. Weekly at Woy Woy, Bateau Developing a new economy 4325 9854 gumnutsguc@gmail.com LEISURE AND LEARNING Bay and Wyong www.cclcbridgeclub.asn.au Protecting our environment 1800 558 268 CENTRE cclcbridgeclub@westnet.com.au Peaceful conflict resolution VOLUNTEERING www.grow.org.au Activities include fitness, yoga, Community participation CENTRAL COAST bridge, mahjong, zumba gold, We meet monthly every 3rd CENTRAL COAST CAKE Refer potential volunteers to line dancing, tai chi, painting, MEALS ON WHEELS Thu - Details and info: DECORATORS GUILD community organisations. Delicious meals delivered free craft and computer classes. centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au Sugarcraft demonstrations Provide support to volunteers Join us for a midday meal 43845152 centralcoastgreens@gmail.com conversation and lunch and community organisations. Help with shopping and cooking Visitors welcome Provide training to volunteers classes WYOMING AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY 4th Sat - 10am 50+ leisure and and managers of volunteers 4363 7111 COMMUNITY CENTRE OURIMBAH/ NARARA Learning Centre Gosford Information sessions “Bridge to Yoga & Zumba classes, Art 4382 6236 Volunteering” held regularly. BRANCH and Craft classes, Playgroup lsroe@bigpond.com.au 4329 7122 Discussion/action community & Vacation Care, Support recruit@volcc.org.au issues - 3 levels of Government groups, Book Club, Community CENTRAL COAST FAMILY CENTRAL COAST Niagara Park Primary School Garden, Rooms for Hire, Work HISTORY SOCIETY INC. 7.30pm 1st Mon each month GOJU-KAI KARATE WILDLIFE ARC Development Orders, Centrelink Help and advice with your family 0410 309 494 Traditional Karate & Self Defence We rescue and care for Volunteer hours history research. Tue to Fri, kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com for Teens & Adults 4323 7483 930am to 2pm Lions Community injured and orphan native No Contracts, Cheap Rates reception@wyomingcc.org.au Hall, 8 Russell Drysdale St, Wamberal - Mon 630pm animals. 24hr/day, 7days/ E. Gosford. Kincumber - Thurs 715pm week. Come join us. 4324 5164 Develop confidence by improving 0417 697 096 Gen Meeting 3rd Sun Wyoming www.centralcoastfhs.org.au your speaking skills. Meetings are www.centralcoastgojuCommunity Centre, Maidens kaikarate.com.au entertaining and educational. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Brush Rd Wyoming at 10am meet every Wed 12.30pm BRISBANE WATER 4325 0666 Someone cares - Anglican Church BRISBANE WATERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY CENTRAL COAST LAPIDARY 3 Mann St Gosford COMMUNITY CENTRES • Coach tours • School BREAKFAST CLUB MINERALS & GEMS 4323 3890 educational tours • Annual Street Learn silverwork, Cabochons, TOASTMASTERS CLUB Stalls • Participation in History Faceting, Enamelling, Stone 8:30am-10:30am COMMUNITY CENTRES BETTER HEARING Heritage Week Celebration Field-trips & fossicking 2nd and Last Sat - The Hive and provide the local community Margaret Pearce AUSTRALIA CENTRAL Weekly Workshops Library, Erina Shopping Centre with a meeting place and hub for 4325 2270 Tues and Thurs 8.30am 0459 240 183 COAST groups, services and information. 2.30pm. Thurs 6-10pm Hearing loss management FELLOWSHIP OF FIRST 10 Ourimbah Creek Rd Ourimbah Support and educational group BLUE GUM FLAT GOSFORD 50+ LEISURE 4362 2246 7 groups across the coast FLEETERS CENTRAL COAST TOASTMASTERS AND LEARNING CENTRE Providing practical experience For anyone interested in early Mthly meetings 1st and Handicraft, Painting, Knitting, Tai and confidence history or early family histories. CENTRAL COAST 3rd Mon 7.15-9.30pm Chi, Scrabble, Darts, Table Tennis, Learn the benefits to hearing aids Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. SOARING CLUB INC Ourimbah RSL Indoor Bowls, Patchwork, Yoga, 4321 0275 Point Clare Community Hall Gliding Club, Learn to fly, 4362 7227 Fitness, Gentle Swimming, Line www.centralcoast. 2nd Sat 10:30am Instruction FREE to members Dancing, Cards, Variety Social, betterhearingaustralia.org.au 4311 6254 14 and up for Training Womens Group, Zumba, Crochet, Flying at Bloodtree Rd Mangrove Computers Mountain Thur, Sat, Sun ( weather INNER WHEEL CLUB 4304 7065 permitting) OF TERRIGAL 0412 164 082 BRISBANE WATER BRASS Share friendship, social activities 0414 635 047 Brass Band entertainment for the as well as fundraising for local, www.ccsoaring.com.au community playing all types of national and international popular music projects. 3rd Mon, 12noon

SPECIAL INTEREST

POLITICAL PARTY

HISTORY GROUPS

PUBLIC SPEAKING

HEALTH GROUPS

SERVICE GROUPS

MUSIC

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

NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION CENTRAL COAST Twice weekly bush walks, varying distances and grades of difficulty. Explore, enjoy scenery, fauna, floral, history. Keep fit and make friends. 4389 4423 or 4332 7378

SPIRITUALITY IN THE PUB Ecumenical & Interfaith Speakers Forum & Q&A with focus on developing understanding and encouraging dialogue about spirituality through people sharing their life journeys. 1st Tues March to October 2nd Tues November 7.30 to 9pm Grange Hotel Wyoming 4328 2596 - 0498 588 261

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 Making a difference in the lives of women and girls through Awareness, Advocacy and Action by supporting local and national projects 2nd Thur 7 pm Breakers Country Club, Dover Rd, Wamberal sibrisbanewater@@siswp.org www.siswp.org

WOWGIRLS WAVE OF WISDOM INC WOWGIRLS Wave of Wisdom connects women and local businesses around a common theme of well-being. to share wisdom and explore life’s potential. Regular Powwows, WOW Wisdom gatherings, WOW days and WOW courses check our website for activities. www.wowgirls.com.au info@wowgirls.com.au

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.

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SPORT PAGE 27 JULY 13, 2017

Storm under-11(1) could be creating history

Livewire dummy half, TJ Ghilardi splits the Colts up the middle during the first half Photo -Andrew Stark

Storm half Dylan Kesby runs the ball as prop Lorenzo Godoy watches on

Powerhouse prop Lorenzo Godoy puts Gosford on the front foot against Kincumber

he Gosford Kariong Storm under-11(1) rugby league team have started a late charge towards what would be an historic semi-final berth, with an impressive 24-10 victory over Kincumber during round 10.

Try scoring wiz, Benji Keene-O’Keefe captured in full flight as Izayah Groat looms in support

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, Jul 13

Sunday, Jul 16

Kids in the Kitchen pasta making workshop, Erina Fair 11:00am to 1:00pm, bookings essential The INKA, Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre, 10:00am to 12:00pm, bookings essential

Flower Crown Workshop, The Rhythm Hut, Gosford, 5:00pm to 6:30pm, bookings essential

Monday, Jul 17

Central Coast Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Volunteer Support Group fund raising stall, Erina Fair, outside Mega Save Chemist

Saturday, Jul 22

Community Stalls, William Street Plaza, Gosford, all proceeds to Children’s Medical Research Institute, 9:00am to 3:00pm

Tuesday, Jul 18

Hotel Satisfaction, Avoca Beach Hotel, 8:30pm Ben Woodham, Kincumber Hotel, 7:00pm Darren Rolling Keys Band, Central Coast Leagues Club, 8:30pm

Author Talk, Indira Naidoo, Erina Library, from 6:00pm

Sunday, Jul 23

Saturday, Jul 15

Wednesday, Jul 19

Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Information Seminar, Spencer Community Hall, 2:00pm Brisbane Water Historical Society’s Red Woolen Petticoat exhibition and talk featuring Ms Marilyn Wood, 25-27 Henry Kendall Street, West Gosford, 11:30am

Grounded, paintings by Rewa Betland, The Art Studios Gallery, 391 Mann Street Norther Gosford, until August 6

Friday, Jul 14

Figure drawing session, The Art Studios Cooperative, 391 Mann Street, North Gosford, 11:00am to 1:00pm

Tempo Terrific Band Concert, Kincumber Uniting Church, 152 Avoca Drive, Kincumber, 2:00pm Ben Woodham, Foghorn Brewhouse Erina, 8:30pm

Wednesday, Jul 26 Thursday, Jul 20 Men of League Race Day, Gosford Racecourse

Gosford Bush Poets featuring Jason Roweth, Conference Room, the Gosford Hotel, from 7:00pm

Superb goal line defence, especially during the first half, helped set up the win for Rod Godoy’s side, as wave after wave of Colts’ attack was repelled by tigerish Gosford tackling. It was only in the moments leading up to half time that the Storm line was finally breached, however a long distance try to Benji KeeneO’Keefe, and a slick grubber kick and chase effort by half Dylan Kesby enabled the underdogs to go into the break leading 12-6. The second half provided more of the same, as the Gosford Kariong boys continued to muscle up in defence, while talented fullback, Benji Keene-O’Keefe, raced over for a further two tries; finishing the game with yet another hat-trick. The win reversed an early season 24-8 loss to the Colts and was a welcome return to form for the Stormers, after a disappointing loss to Blue Haven on the previous Saturday.

In the 17 seasons that have played out following the merging of the Gosford Giants and the Kariong Kookaburras, to form the Gosford Kariong Storm, never has a division one team from the club ever managed to make the semifinals. This year’s U11(1)s currently

sit one place shy of achieving this feat, with fifth-placed Berkeley Vale very much in their sights during what promises to be a hectic run home toward mid-August. Source: Media Release, Jul 6 Andrew Stark, Gosford Kariong Storm RLFC

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

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

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PAGE 28 CLASSIFIEDS JULY 13, 2017 ADULT SERVICES

Love & Lust Adult Shop 156 Mann St Gosford

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ASBESTOS

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

BUILDERS

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All aspects of small building work and property maintenance

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Self Defence Real solu ons to real threats Krav Maga Proven to work

TILING

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BRICKLAYING

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Quality Laminate Benchtops supplied and seconds for sale

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30years Experience All aspects of brickwork Small jobs welcome No Jobs over $1,000 labour Phone Bill

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Classifieds advertising rates in print and on-line 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.

Carpentry, repairs, renovations, maintenance and alterations Call Jes 0415 294 009 Lic 7428c

CARPENTRY

MGL

CARPENTRY Carpenter & Joiner 40yrs Experience Decks, Pergolas, Doors, Windows etc Fully Insured - Call Gary

0458 130 829 4341 1346 no labour & materials over $1000

ELECTRICIAN

YOUR LOCAL ELECTRICIAN

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.

Gosford

0456 884 545 PAINTER

Lighting, Power Points, Phone & Data, Fault Finding,

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

4308 6771 ENTERTAINMENT

July 22 at 7pm

Anna Salleh and Guy Strazz Superb Brazilian sounds

Grinding Services Mulching Available Fully Insured Call Jamie

0413 088 128 www.eyecarelawnmowing.com.au

TUITION - DANCE

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• Residential and Commercial • Interior and Exterior • New Work and Repaints

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PLASTERERS

Your local plasterer Gyprock plasterboard, small jobs, walls, ceilings and cornices. Over 30 year’s experience. No jobs over $1,000. Ph: Neville 0417 426 254

Dancers

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

POSITIONS VACANT

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Experienced Tilers wanted!

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

4346 4057

Start Immediately 0439 589 426

CWA Hall - Woy Woy

Entry: $10, $13 and $15 www.troubadour.org.au

4342 6716

452 The Esplanade St, Warners Bay & 17 Church Street, Terrigal tgp.aarthi@gmail.com

TUITION - MUSIC

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NEED TUTORING? Offering private High School tutoring for English, Geography and Business Studies. PRIVATE TUITIONS OFFERED: •Private tuition for English students from years 7 - 12 PRICING Private Tuition $30/h

0478 980 724

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WANTED TO BUY

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Looking for Restaurant Manager, Office Manager, Cook, Wait Staff and delivery drivers

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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.

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SPORT PAGE 29 JULY 13, 2017

Avoca lose to Woy Woy in hard fought over 35e’s match

voca were unlucky to succumb to Woy Woy in their 1-2 home game in the over 35e’s round 7 football match at Erina High School on Saturday, July 7. There was a feeling at the ground that both teams were reliving memories of finer days as tackles were hard and enthusiasm high. Woy Woy had the better of the opening period, hitting the target on numerous occasions,

Big Anthony Genner in Full flight for Woy Woy Photo: Bruce James

1 Year (25 editions) to Peninsula News $75

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

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

Phone: 4325 7369 120c Erina Street, Gosford To order online

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

Credit Card Number: ___________________/___________________/

he Terrigal Wamberal RSL Sub-Branch has been fundraising for the purchase of a purpose built wheelchair, valued in excess of $5,000, to allow a disabled exserviceman or woman to compete in the next

Central Coast Newspapers, PO Box 1056, Gosford NSW 2250

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

Invictus Games. The Invictus Games is a sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women. The inaugural Invictus Games was held in London in 2014. Orlando hosted the second Invictus Games in 2016 and the next Games will be held in

$7,000 government grant to Erina Rugby League Club rina Rugby League Club has benefited from a $7,000 NSW Government funding to develop the skills of its volunteers and players and promote the club’s participation in the Give Me Five For Kids local rugby league round played on Sunday, June 18.

______________________________________/

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

Avoca were determined not to let in another goal and displayed some fine defence. Avoca played on the breaks, and in the 35th minute, Avoca striker, Anthony Hippersley, managed to find himself on the end of a delicately placed through ball and superbly beat the advancing Woy Woy goalkeeper to level the score. The second half was more intense than the first, with some bruising tackles that made some of the spectators wince. Ten minutes into the second half, a foul on Delimitros just

outside the box resulted in a free kick, 20 metres from goal directly in front. The Avoca defence set a wall but a beautifully taken shot by Woy Woy captain, Andrew Genner, stunned the Avoca goalkeeper, as he watched the ball slam into the back of the net giving Woy Woy a 1-2 lead. Both teams ended up a little bruised, however the match ended in good spirits and a good win to Woy Woy. Source: Match report, Jul 9 Bruce James, Photo journalist

RSL Club fundraising for a wheelchair for use at Invictus Games

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

only to be denied a goal by an Avoca goalkeeper in fine form. Ironically, in the 25th minute, a harmless looking ball fell towards the Avoca keeper. Woy Woy striker, James Delimitros, chased the ball all the way and challenged the Avoca goal keeper, causing him to spill the ball. Despite a desperate attempt by the Avoca goalkeeper to claw back the fumble, Delimitros lunged forward striking the loose ball into an empty net making the score 0-1.

NSW Minister for Sport, Mr Stuart Ayres, and Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, joined Erina Rugby Club CEO, Mr Ian Munro, to announce a $2,000 sporting grant for players to attend a pre-season training camp and $5,000 for new jerseys. “This funding will not only contribute to player performance this year but will help the League support the

Give Me Five For Kids NRL rounds,” Mr Ayres said. Mr Crouch said “local sporting grants really make a difference in the community, not only will these funds assist in training and developing skills within Erina Rugby League Club, they will also help the club support a good cause.” Mr Munro said the grants had been received at the opportune moment. “All five grades, including First Grade, Reserve Grade, Open Grade, Under 19s and Ladies League Tag, proudly wore the new jerseys and supported the Central Coast’s wider effort to raise money for the Give Me Five for Kids,” Mr Munro said. Source: Media release, Jun 14 Anna Hindson, office of Stuart Ayres

Toronto, Canada, in September 2017. The fourth Invictus Games will be held in Sydney from October 23-27, 2018. Prince Harry, a Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, was recently in Sydney to promote this event. The Invictus Games use

the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women. Source: Media release, Jun 19 Terry Saxby, Terrigal Wamberal RSL Sub-Branch

The Shame File

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

• Renotek, Tascott

Sutherland, Gosford

North

• Michelle Umback - 2 • Ezy Homes - Freddies Funky, Terrigal Warehouse, Gosford • Tony Fitzpatrick Central Plaza trading as Futurtek • Thomas James Roofing Clinton, Trading • Shelley Walker as TMA Products & Previously trading as AthroBalm & Effective Headmasters Hair Business Solutions of Design, Park Plaza Ettalong Gosford • Ashley’s Family • Jessica Davis - A1 Restaurant, Gosford Cleaning Services, George Nouri Erina • Decorative Fabrics & • Inspire P/L trading Furnishings - Steve as CUP Computers McGinty formerly of Gosford • Dean Lampard • Modern Asian Trading as Lampard Cuisine, Victoria Street Painting East Gosford • Coast and Country • AAA Coastal Painting Removalists - Gosford Service, Greg

PAGE 30 JULY 13, 2017

SPORT

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Karina Berry striving to regain AFL form after giving birth

osford women’s AFL player, Karina Berry, is excited to be back playing for her beloved Tigers, after missing the 2016 season for the birth of her baby daughter, Daisy. The year 2016 was not the first season of football Karina has missed, having sat out the majority of the 2014 season after badly injuring her knee. “It’s so great to be back on the field this year, especially because I hadn’t had the chance to play in the Women’s BDAFL comp, as most did last year,” Ms Berry said. “Being on the sideline for an entire season has given me another insight into the game, being able to watch and learn a lot more, so I feel I have a much better understanding of the game now and my game is a lot different,” she said. Playing football and raising a baby is new for Ms Berry, but she is enjoying the challenge, which is made easier by the fact that there are a number of other Gosford women players who are in a similar position. “I was always going to return to football after having Daisy, this wasn’t even something I thought twice about,” she said. “So we have just got on with the football season this year as we have every other year,

although, now we just have a lot more to pack into the car on game days. “It’s just a typical day at footy with all of our bubs and kids in and out of the change rooms and along the sideline. “Gosford is a very family oriented club and we have so much respect for all our women including those who are mothers. “Aussie Rules football really is for everyone,” Ms Berry said. Her husband, Simon Berry, is also actively involved with Gosford, being the coach of the Gosford Women’s team and a player. “We love it, it’s so good to share this passion together and also to pass it on to Daisy,” Mr Berry said. After returning to football, Karina is still working her way to full fitness, which has seen her used in a variety of positions this year, but recently she has returned to her favourite midfield role. “I still have a long way to go with my strength, speed and agility, to get it where I’d like it, but I’m definitely on my way now and it’s a good feeling to be back on the ball,” Ms Berry said. Despite missing a year’s football, she was thrilled to be selected in the Women’s Representative team to play AFL Sydney. “I thoroughly enjoyed my

Tide Chart

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

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

13 THU

16 SUN

19 WED

22 SAT

25 TUE

0501 0.41 1105 1.38 1642 0.59 2303 1.70

0543 0.42 1151 1.40 1730 0.62 2347 1.64

0038 1.56 0714 0.45 1335 1.46 MON 1929 0.66

0136 1.48 0805 0.46 1433 1.52 2041 0.64

0354 1.39 1000 0.45 1635 1.71 2308 0.48

0503 1.40 1059 0.43 1733 1.82

0110 0.26 0707 1.46 1251 0.36 1923 2.00

0203 0.18 0801 1.49 1345 0.35 2015 2.04

0429 0.22 1034 1.49 1620 0.43 2240 1.84

14 FRI

17 THU

SUN

0342 0.17 0945 1.50 1529 0.38 WED 2153 1.95

SAT

TUE

FRI

MON

THU

0626 0.44 1241 1.42 1826 0.65

BDAFL rep football experience this year and was very surprised (and thankful) that I was selected to be a part of the team. “The competition standard is definitely on the rise each year, there’s no doubt about that. “I believe it has come such a long way in such a short time since its inception in 2015 and it’s incredible to think that the majority of the women playing have never played before. “I believe to allow for more growth and development in the region, the league should look at two divisions next year, to continue pushing all teams to the next level.” She said the Gosford women’s team has had a good year so far, but has loftier goals set for the end of the year. “Our girls are coming together with great form this season, even with the largest ever influx of new players that our team has ever seen. “These new girls are taking the game in their stride, so keen to learn all the time and ensuring they are achieving their goals each week. “Our girls are hungry for the premiership after our displeasing exit from the finals series last season,” Ms Berry said. “The club has some great young talent coming through, in both the men’s and women’s sides, which gives the club good hope for success on and off the field. “We may be a small club but we still have a lot of notable long serving members and loads of passionate new comers to continue the Tigers tradition for many years to come.” Source: Newsletter, Jul 8 Garry Burkinshaw, Black Diamond AFL

Legends of League Tournament to be held in Gosford

n partnership with Paladin Sports and the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF), the Legends of League (LOL) are bringing back all the big names from the past for one action packed day of ‘old school’ Rugby League. The inaugural LOL Tournament will be held at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday, November 18. The Central Coast region was chosen for its passionate Rugby League fan base, its

close proximity to Sydney and for being the gateway to the Hunter region, which has a massive Rugby League following. Some of the biggest names in Rugby League have been recruited as Team Ambassadors to promote the event: Wendell Sailor, Danny Buderus, Steve Menzies, Andrew Ryan, Matt King, Luke Burt, Craig Wing and Mark Riddell. The tournament will be 9 v 9 on a modified field with a game duration of only 20 minutes. It’s a one-day Rugby

Source: Media release, Jun 26 Matthew Hill, Legends of League

Several improvements underway at Gosford Racecourse SW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) has stated that work on remodelling the intersection of the Central Coast Highway and Racecourse Rd, West Gosford, would be complete in October.

The work included a slip road from the highway into Racecourse Rd. According to the latest newsletter from The Entertainment Grounds, the RMS is leasing land from the Gosford Race Club to use as a works compound for the intersection project. Small redevelopment and upgrade projects are

also underway within The Entertainment Grounds (Gosford Racecourse). A fence is being built to screen the back of house area which is part of the entry sequence from the car park. An LED screen and additional signage has also been installed, according to the newsletter. “This project will make navigating through the precinct easier and will also give a better first impression when entering The Entertainment Grounds,” the newsletter said. The work was expected to be completed by late July or early August. The parade ring at the race track is also to be remodelled.

0243 1.42 0901 0.47 1534 1.60 2157 0.58 0013 0.36 0608 1.42 1156 0.39 1830 1.93 0254 0.15 0855 1.50 1437 0.35 2104 2.02 0514 0.29 1123 1.47 1711 0.51 2326 1.70

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

League festival, with $75,000 prizemoney to be awarded to the winning team. A percentage of the gate takings will be donated to the MHF to directly support Beanies for Brain Cancer. Other notable Rugby League legends to sign on thus far include Robbie O’Davis, Michael Buettner, Nathan Blacklock, Solomon Haumono, John Hopoate, Steven Bell, Tim Brasher and Georgie Rose.

WAR MEMORABILIA WANTED

“The placing stalls will be moved into the middle of the ring and the owners’ and trainers’ area will be increased. “New fencing, landscaping, and a custom-built media hut for broadcasting, will complete the works. “The aim of the project is to showcase the placed horses better whilst also giving owners and trainers a larger, safer area to congregate pre and post race. “The new media hut will allow broadcasters to go to air in a weather proof building instead of the current open gazebo,” the newsletter said. Source: Newsletter, Jul 10 The Entertainment Grounds media

Wins to Kariong, Avoca and Terrigal in Union n the Gosford Rugby Union competition’s Match of the Day on July 8, Kariong cemented their good position on the ladder with a 46-20 victory over Warnervale at Kariong Oval.

Kariong got away to an excellent start and dominated the first half, going into the break with a 22-3 lead. It appeared at that stage that things were comfortably secured, but Warnervale would have had different thoughts. Kariong played good rugby in that first half to deserve their lead. Best players for Kariong were lock, Robert Brown, fullback, Jake Holwill, who was always dangerous with the ball in hand, and flanker, Lachlan Peruch. Another feature of the match were the three tries scored by young winger, Brandon Shillingsworth. Kariong continued in much the same vein in the second half and went on to further increase their lead, however Warnervale were not to be denied. The second stanza was a far more even contest, with scores in that second period being 24-20, but all the damage had been done in the first half. Elsewhere, Gosford lost to Ourimbah at Gosford Showground 24-10, in what proved to be a good game of rugby. Ourimbah started the match brilliantly and had crossed for two tries within the opening six minutes. The 12 points to 0 lead was quickly reduced when Gosford

crossed for an early try. The score remained 12-5 for much of the remainder of the first half. The match had then developed into a real battle with plenty of action from one end of the field to the other. Ourimbah and Gosford both did score close to halftime, and this made the halftime score 17 points to 10 in favour of the visitors. There was not too much between the two teams for much of this first half and both teams felt they were in with a chance. The second half was much the same, as there was very little scoring by either team, although both teams had their chances to post further points. It was not until late in the match that the victory was secured by the visitors, when Ourimbah crossed for their fourth try to secure the win. Best efforts put in for Gosford were by prop, Grant Sullivan, lock, Luke Brown, and fiveeight, Josh McGlynn. Ourimbah maintain their position near the top of the table, while Gosford will look to rebuild in the remaining rounds of this year’s competition and will start to look towards next year. Gosford will trouble teams for the remainder of this year but they now realise that they cannot make the Top Four this year. Elsewhere again, Avoca Beach struggled early on but were able to come from behind to defeat Hornsby at Heazlett Park by 29 points to 12. Hornsby started the match well and played the far better rugby in the first half. They took an early 12 points

to 0 lead in the match and were definitely setting the pace. They were controlling things in the forwards and backs, and the home team had no answer. Avoca did get back into the match late in the half when they crossed for their first try. At halftime, Hornsby led by 12 points to 5 and an upset win looked like a distinct possibility. However, Avoca gradually gained the ascendancy in the second half and were able to post 24 unanswered points to secure the win. Best players for Avoca were, Blake Jacob, Elliott Dawkins and Chad Martin. Meanwhile, Terrigal were convincing winners over The Lakes and ran out winners 64-3 at Slade Park. It was one way traffic from start to finish and Terrigal continued on their undefeated run to the Finals. Terrigal crossed for 10 tries and The Lakes had no answers to their attack. It was a tough day for the home team and they will need to regroup for the remaining matches this season. Best for Terrigal were, Dylan Calabria and Brent Merritt, who both crossed for three tries each. Terrigal sit outright first on the table with 47 points, while Kariong sits in equal second with Ourimbah on 37 points, with Avoca Beach sitting in third place with 30 points, and Gosford sitting in seventh place with 18 points. Source: Match report, Jul 8 Larry Thomson, Central Coast Rugby Union

SPORT

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PAGE 31 JULY 13, 2017

Gosford Women win their second pennant in a row after 31 year drought

osford City Women’s Bowling Club have won their second pennant flag in two years. Before the current grade

three flag win, the club won the grade four flag in 2016. The 2016 victory was the first for 31 years. The Women’s Bowling Club was founded in 1939, the same year as the men’s club.

Membership is open to all and two of the members, Joyce and Dot, are in their 90s and still playing bowls. Source: Letter, Jul 6 Blanche Woodbury, Gosford City Women’s Bowling Club

Terrigal-Avoca Panthers devour Nelson Bay 106 - 49 ound 13 of the AFL Black Diamond Cup saw TerrigalAvoca defeat Nelson’s Bay at Dick Burwell Oval, 106 to 49.

Nelson Bay kicked the first goal of the game before the Panthers kicked the next six goals to open up a 34-point

lead early in the second quarter, and then cruising to a 57-point win. Best players for the Panthers were Lachlan White, Jayson Van Dam, Sam O’Brien, key backman, James Hart, coach Mark Skuse, and Ryan Webster, who also kicked four goals to be the game’s leading goal kicker.

In the Black Diamond Plate, Gosford lost to Maitland in a close encounter, losing 78-82. Meanwhile in the women’s competition, Gosford were unable to secure a victory over Maitland, losing 54-63. Source: Match report, Jul 8 Garry Burkinshaw, AFL Black Diamond

Gosford, New South Wales July 2017 Daily Weather Observations Date

Day

Temps Min Max °C

°C

Rain

Evap

Sun

Max wind gust Dirn Spd Time

Temp

Cld

hours

km/h

°C

eighths

1 Sa 4.0 15.4 0 2 Su 3.8 17.1 0 3 Mo 2.3 16.9 0 4 Tu 8.5 21.3 0.6 5 We 10.0 19.8 0 6 Th 6.6 18.0 0 7 Fr 2.6 18.5 0 8 Sa 3.8 17.9 0 9 Su 5.0 17.5 0 10 Mo 3.1 16.6 0 11 Tu 3.2 17.1 0 12 We 8.1 4.6 Statistics for the first 12 days of July 2017 Mean 5.1 17.8 Lowest 2.3 15.4 Highest 10.0 21.3 4.6 Total 5.2

SW NNE NW NW W NW W W WNW W S

30 17 19 35 30 22 33 28 26 24 30

local

00:39 14:17 12:13 13:37 11:58 05:05 13:29 14:18 10:21 11:06 14:54

9.4 9.2 8.7 15.5 15.3 12.7 9.6 10.9 12.1 10.8 9.7 11.6

58 78 94 80 50 63 86 69 60 70 68 75

11.3 8.7 15.5

70 50 94

9am Dirn W W

3pm Dirn

Spd

MSLP

Temp

Cld

km/h

hPa

°C

eighths

Spd

MSLP

km/h

hPa

WNW W

9 7 Calm 2 7 4 Calm Calm 4 Calm 9 9

14.8 16.5 16.3 21.0 19.3 17.7 18.2 17.3 17.2 16.2 16.1

54 48 63 30 38 43 35 44 45 41 56

SSW N NNE NW NW WNW WNW WNW NNW SW S

7 4 6 13 11 4 17 11 2 7 19

4 Calm 9

17.3 14.8 21.0

45 30 63

NNW S

9 2 19

N NNW WSW

NNW

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