Issue 177 of COAST Community News by Central Coast Newspapers

MARCH 1, 2018

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ISSUE 177

Government architect sets the scene for the future of Gosford CBD T

he Central Coast Coordinator General, Ms Lee Shearer, and the Government Architect, have launched an intensive four-week campaign, called Go Gosford, to give the community its say on the revitalisation of Gosford City Centre. Ms Shearer commissioned an Urban Design Implementation Framework (UDIF) for Gosford in August 2017, and has held six workshops, including with other State Government agencies and Central Coast Council staff, to gather information for the Government Architect to prepare the UDIF. In terms of what the city and region will end up with as a result of the UDIF, Ms Shearer said: “It will have some very clear parameters about what areas are key, how any DAs, when they come forward, will be assessed, they will have visuals about what this city should look like.” In terms of money available from the NSW Government to deliver the vision, Ms Shearer said: “The money is always a question that will need to be resolved, and that is really not within my capacity to resolve. “We will be looking at the best ways to implement the outcomes of the architect’s work and if there are proposals that need to be taken forward for money, that will be considered at the right time,” she said. “The main focus for us is, how do we activate this city? “Often the money does look after itself,” she said, citing the rejuvenation of Newcastle and Parramatta as recent success stories. The NSW Department of

The state finance building (right) under construction next to the ATO

Planning has launched a Go Gosford website as another avenue for the public to share their ideas. The public has also been invited to participate in a photo competition. The website launch was announced at a workshop hosted by Ms Shearer and the Government Architect on February 27. “With a revitalised Gosford City Centre so crucial to the development of the Central Coast, it’s vital we continue to engage the community to understand how people want their regional capital to evolve,” she said. Ms Shearer said she and the Government Architect had learned a great deal about expectations for Gosford at the first six workshops. “We have learned that there is a real appetite for things to happen here and to activate this city,” she said. “We have learned that the people who work and live in

this area want a place to come and enjoy and play. “We have learned that they certainly want the waterfront to be something more than it is at the moment,” she said. “Gosford is so important from a regional perspective. “It is the driver of economic development. “It is the driver of jobs, if you get it right,” she said. Ms Shearer and the Government Architect have not yet held a workshop for the Central Coast Councillors, but will be doing so. Central Coast Mayor, Jane Smith, who attended the February 27 community workshop, said: “I am disappointed that the Coordinator General and Government Architect have not come to the elected council to workshop very early in the process. “Councillors are elected to represent community and should have been part of the process right from the

Bonython Tower well under way in Mann St

beginning,” Mayor Smith said. “I have asked for some clarification about the Coordinator General’s delegations and I did not receive correspondence from Mr Scot MacDonald, our Parliamentary Secretary, that indicated that the Planning Minister has given the Coordinator General delegations under Section 23 of the NSW EP&A Act,” Mayor Smith said. The Mayor said that the elected Council and its staff were already working on activating councilowned property in the CBD and tackling issues such as parking. Mr Ben Hewitt, NSW’s Deputy Government Architect, said the team charged with delivering the UDIF for Gosford would be taking a design-led approach. “It is a fundamental belief that we have that we need to involve as many people as possible as early as possible,” Mr Hewitt told the participants of the workshop. Mr Hewitt said the

Government Architect’s work for Gosford would be born out of what had already been put in play, including the Our City, Our Destiny masterplan of 2010. The masterplan included the Gosford school land being part of a cultural precinct. However, the area was later rezoned to facilitate the sale of the school site by the NSW Government, and it is now occupied by the ATO, the NSW Government finance building, and the proposed St Hillier’s mixed use precinct. Ms Shearer said she understood the community’s disquiet about the loss of the school site but it was time to focus on the fact that its redevelopment had resulted in 1,000 new jobs for the city. Mr Hewitt said he believed Gosford was suffering from planning fatigue, a lack of quality stock in terms of buildings, the longterm timeframes for new developments and a high perceived investment risk.

He said the first six workshops had revealed that Gosford’s stakeholders wanted the city to have cultural vitality, a healthy economy and a protected environment. However, those stakeholders were unable to name places and landmarks that they valued, apart from Kibble Park. “Relative to other regional centres, Gosford is starting to build, but does not have the facilities of other cities,” he said. To date, the focus of investment had been on the hospital and the waterfront, but they were geographically too far apart to lead to a revitalisation of the CBD. The Government Architect had identified four places that could be sites for more government investment to catalyse private investment. Those four places were the subject of discussion at the workshop. They were: Kibble Park and surrounds, called the civic heart; city park and surrounds, called opening the door; the area west of the station, including the hospital and schools; and, the waterfront, described by Mr Hewitt as a “unique and amazing asset”. At the outset of the workshop, Mr Hewitt said he hoped the period of intensive consultation, including Go Gosford, would uncover “what has not yet been understood that needs to be in play”. Source: Media release, Feb 26 Matt Porter, NSW Department of Planning and Environment Interview, Feb 27 Lee Shearer, Coordinator General Central Coast Interview, Feb 27 Jane Smith, Central Coast Council Workshop notes, Feb 27 Ben Hewitt, NSW Government Architect 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

PAGE 2 MARCH 1, 2018

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Video news:

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Shearer says “Go Gosford!” entral Coast Newspapers were granted an exclusive interview with Coordinator General Ms Lee Shearer on the occasion of the launch of NSW Planning’s Go Gosford campaign.

Ms Shearer made it clear that the loss of the cultural precinct on the Gosford School site had been “prosecuted, the decision has been made. “We need to look to what the benefits of that site are bringing us and it is bringing us 1000 jobs.” She also believes the remaining green space on Leagues Club Field should be retained, putting the NSW Government at odds

“There is what I would describe as vigorous discussion now about the regional performing arts centre,” she said. Ms Shearer also shared her views about the Go Gosford consultation process and about the Gosford City Urban Design and Implementation Framework.

with the Central Coast Council’s decision to build the regional performing arts centre on the waterfront. “The opportunities that exist for us to have that open frontage down on that Leagues Club Field area are enormous,” she said.

The complete video news interview with Ms Lee Shearer can be seen at coastcommunitynews.com.au/news/video-news

About us 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: 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. Coast Community News 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

oast Community News and The Art House Wyong would like to offer one lucky reader a double pass to award winning playwright and director Ross Mueller’s, production of A Town Named War Boy.

A Town Named War Boy opens at The Art House on April 5 and 6. The new show is based on the State Library of NSW’s collection of World War One diaries, photos

Publisher: Cec Bucello Graphic design: Justin Stanley

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.

of friendship and war, with scenes in a therapist’s office years later. For your chance to win the double pass, write your full name, address and daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to Coast News War Boy Competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford, NSW, 2250, before 5pm on Tuesday, March 13. The winners of the Alice in Wonderland Competition were Ms Therese Hunt of Davistown and Mr Rob Gates of Budgewoi.

and letters, and brings to life the ANZAC legend through the words of the young men who experienced it first-hand. Written by Mueller and commissioned and co-produced by the State Library of NSW and the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP), the show follows the gripping personal accounts of four young Australian men who set sail for the far side of the world. “The tales of the soldiers is uniquely portrayed, mixing scenes

Editor: Jackie Pearson Journalist: Dilon Luke

Assistant Journalist: Suzy Taylor-Monzer

Ph: 4325 7369 Email: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Next Edition: Coast Community News 178 Deadline: March 13 Publication date: March 15 2250 - Bucketty, Calga, Central Mangrove, East Gosford, Erina, Erina Fair, Glenworth Valley, Gosford, Greengrove, Holgate, Kariong, Kulnura, Lisarow, Lower Mangrove, Mangrove Creek, Mangrove Mountain, Matcham, Mooney Mooney Creek, Mount White, Narara, Niagara Park, North Gosford, Peats Ridge, Point Clare, Point Frederick, Somersby, Springfield, Tascott, Ten Mile Hollow, Upper Mangrove, Wendoree Park, West Gosford, Wyoming 2251 - Avoca Beach, Bensville, Bouddi, Copacabana, Davistown, Green Point, Kincumber, MacMasters Beach, Picketts Valley, Saratoga, Yattalunga 2260 - Foresters Beach, Nortfh Avoca, Terrigal, Wamberal ISSN 1839-9045 - Print Post Approved - PP100001843 - Printed by New Age Printing

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Issue 134 February 6, 2018

Edition 437

Edition 438

FEBRUARY 1, 2018

Holstein moves to revive Rawson Rd level crossing work Deputy mayor Cr Chris Holstein is planning to have Central Coast Council support the resumption of work to replace the Rawson Rd level crossing. Cr Holstein said he had submitted a notice of motion about the replacement of the level crossing which he expected would be debated at a February council meeting. Cr Holstein said he would be calling on council to make representations to the NSW Premier, relevant Ministers and to Mr Scot MacDonald, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast. “The works are imperative,” Cr Holstein said. “I believe the rationale and reasons for discontinuing it were not substantiated enough and were not valid,” he said. The former Gosford Council, according to Cr Holstein, “went and did a gold ribbon solution on the pedestrian underpass, the road underpass works commenced and then the Government came back and said it was cost-prohibitive. “I have an understanding of why the project was canned or put to the side and it was around dollars, but the option they were considering was farcical and not justiﬁable and about removing the project from the agenda,” Cr Holstein said. “Their reason for pulling out of it was that it was going to be too cost-prohibitive but it wasn’t costprohibitive until they came up with the railway’s solution. “I think that was an excuse: They found the most costly solution and that sent the project away. “At no stage beforehand had cost been an issue. “Railways said what their requirements to construct the underpass would be and they were unrealistic conditions because they would not be prepared to see any closures of the line. “They actually wanted to put bypass rails on either side of the underpass so the line could continue to operate while the underpass was constructed and that would be a physical impossibility.” Cr Holstein said he did not believe money already spent on roadworks at Bulls Hill was wasted.

Trafﬁc waiting to cross the rail line and, inset, NSW Government’s promise of 2018 completion

“There is still a definite need to have safer access, a formal secondary access to the Peninsula. “We have seen it with what happened the other morning when we had a burst water main on Brisbane Water Dve. “We have seen that with bushfires. We have seen that with road accidents.” Cr Holstein said his motion would include council writing to the leader of the NSW Opposition seeking his support if Labor won government in March 2019. “The reality is we have had incidents at that crossing. “It is not safe. “We need a more effective and faster rail service and you are not going to get that if you still have level crossings. “Movement of traffic on the Peninsula from north to south is a further consideration. “The benefits of a Rawson Rd underpass go beyond the electorate of Gosford. “It would greatly benefit the people who come from the Terrigal electorate via Maitland Bay Dve to use the M1,” Cr Holstein said. Member for Gosford, Ms Liesl Tesch, has vowed to continue to fight for the Rawson Road Level Crossing Replacement Project, a NSW Government project, which was due for completion in 2018. Ms Tesch said the current NSW

Government would be bringing down its ﬁnal budget before the March 2019 election in June. She said she would be reminding the Government in the months prior to the budget that the Peninsula community “still wants a solution to the replacement of the dangerous Rawson Rd level crossing”. “Labor has agreed that, if elected in March 2019, we will replace the level crossing and I am now talking to engineers about alternative proposals that will cost less than the $110 million that was this Government’s last estimate,” Ms Tesch said. According to documents obtained by the Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, Mr David Harris, using the state’s Government Information Public Access law, by October 20, 2016, the NSW Government had paid Gosford and Central Coast Council $15.2 million. Of that, $4.1 million had been spent on project management and consultancy fees, $5.8 million on the pedestrian underpass and adjacent road and footpath work and $5.3 million on preparatory works and road construction at the base of Bull’s Hill. Funds were allocated up until June 2016 but the NSW Government appeared to get cold feet about the project much earlier

even though they kept paying Council’s bills for work completed. Payment claims had been submitted monthly by the Council and paid regularly by the NSW Government. In February 2014, internal correspondence between ofﬁcers of Gosford Council indicated a program for the replacement of the level crossing. Construction of the rail underpass was to commence in December 2014 and was estimated to take 18 months with completion slated for mid-2016. The former Council believed the level crossing would be closed in July 2017. Its breakdown of stages and budgets estimated the total project would cost $92 million but those plans never came to fruition. Although a great deal of the information in the GiPA documents has been blacked out, cost blow-outs and a communication breakdown between Council and NSW Transport appeared to start in 2014. In October 2014, NSW Roads and Maritime Services disputed Council’s $92 million estimate and claimed the total cost of the project would be $130 million. A project control group was appointed in late 2014 and it was at that time that Council received a directive stating that, “effective

immediately”, all rail bridges within the rail corridor would be managed by Transport for NSW and that all road bridges over rail infrastructure would be managed by Roads and Maritime Services. As a result control of the project was moved from Gosford Council to Transport for NSW. Road works adjoining the proposed rail bridge at Bulls Hill were well under construction by February 2015, according to the correspondence. Project timelines continued to blow out due to Transport for NSW reviewing all plans and decisions. “Nearly four months has passed and I am now being advised that the plans will have to be reviewed by TPD,” said one email from Mr Scott Burton, of Gosford Council. “Historically, reviews undertaken by TPD take a considerable period of time. “Combined with the fact that road works on site will now need to stop due to this delay, this places this project in a very difﬁcult position of delivery within the State Government’s expected timeframe.” In March 2015, according to the documents, a Brisbane based consultant produced an options estimate report for Transport for NSW on the project that incorporated the Woy Woy rail underbridge, Shoalhaven Dve underbridge upgrade and removal of Rawson Rd level crossing. Six alternate designs were considered but the estimated cost information and risk analysis was completely deleted from the GiPA documents. Gosford Council representatives were not included in meetings to discuss the various options with NSW Government representatives. A ﬁnal business case assurance review report was then prepared by Transport for NSW in June 2015 but its contents was completed redacted from the GiPA document. SOURCES: Interview, 23 Jan 2018 Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford Interview, 24 Jan 2018 Chris Holstein, Central Coast Council GiPA emails and reports, 2014-2016 Clarinda Campbell, NSW Roads and Maritime Reporter: Jackie Pearson

THIS ISSUE contains 51 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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Issue 135 February 20, 2018

29 January 2018

YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Mangrove Mountain and Spencer advisory committee holds first meeting

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FEBRUARY 15, 2018

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Landfill is at a critical juncture

Exploratory underwater seismic blasts approved A

goals of the MDA and its r Stephen “This is a critical juncture. Goodwin of the “The landfill site is part of a reasons for participating in Mountain Districts 40ha parcel of land that was the advisory committee were Association (MDA) bequeathed to the community to eliminate the environmental risk posed by the existing outlined the community’s by a local returned serviceman to provide a permanent home waste mound. expectations at the first “We recommend that for the Mangrove Mountain meeting of the Mangrove RSL Sub Branch. Council liaise with the EPA to Mountain and Spencer “That this land was lost undertake feasibility studies Advisory Committee on to the community when the for alternative options to January 30. golf course and landfill was achieve this outcome, with

Mangrove Mountain and Spencer advisory committee members Dr Stephen Goodwin, Mr Stephen Rickards, Mr Gary Chestnut, Clr Kyle MacGregor, Mayor Jane Smith and Ms Pam O’Sullivan at the ﬁrst meeting held in Mangrove Mountain Hall

he Mangrove Mountain and Spencer advisory committee held its inaugural meeting at the Mangrove Mountain Hall on Tuesday, January 30, to bed down issues such as its terms of reference and frequency of meetings. All members of the committee were required by Central Coast Council to attend code of conduct training which was held in Wyong on the day before the meeting. The first meeting considered a draft terms of reference for the committee. The draft terms of reference identified the responsibilities of the committee as providing advice and feedback to Council on the current situation at the Mangrove Mountain landfill

site and the illegal dumping at Spencer, recommendations to address issues raised relating to the Mangrove Mountain landfill site the illegal dumping at Spencer, and, the implementation of actions in relation to Mangrove Mountain landfill site and the illegal dumping at Spencer. According to the draft terms of reference, the membership of the committee consists of Mayor Jane Smith, Deputy Mayor Chris Holstein, Councillors Troy Marquart, Richard Mehrtens, and Kyle MacGregor. Community representatives are: Mr John Asquith, chair of the Community Environment Network; Mr Gary Chestnut, a former Gosford Council employee; Dr Stephen Goodwin from the Mountain Districts Association; Mr Wolfgang Koerner from Central Coast Greens; Ms Margaret Pontifex

of the Mangrove Mountain District Community Group Inc; Ms Marilyn Steiner from Mountain Districts Association; Mr Danny Willmott, a former trustee of the land; Mr Stephen Rickards, Ms Pam O’Sullivan, Ms Joy Cooper and Ms Lillias Bovell. The councillors and community representatives will have voting rights. The following Council staff will be non-voting members of the committee: the CEO, Executive Manager of Governance, Director of Environment and Planning, Director of Connected Communities and other relevant staff as required. Directors can choose to send delegates. All 11 local residents who expressed interest in joining the committee were invited to become members. Continued p3

Edition 439

12 February 2018

ISSUE 175

“There is broad acknowledgement that the Mangrove Mountain Landfill presents a huge dilemma for Central Coast Council to resolve,” Dr Goodwin said. “There are many guilty parties behind how this small golf course redevelopment was allowed to grow like topsy, far beyond the development consent, to become a major landfill, with potentially worse to come. “Gosford City Council shares some of this blame, and Central Coast Council must take on this responsibility. “It is up to Council to make the decision as to whether to draw a line in the sand and fight, or to knuckle under pressure from the landfill owners and let it go ahead. “We believe it is in Council’s legislative power to stop further development. “If it does not … the risk to the Central Coast’s water supply will increase enormously. “There is almost no oversight of this landfill, which is deeply disturbing, as it potentially affects us all.

sold to the landfill operator in 2014 is a sore point, and may be the subject of an ongoing investigation.” Dr Goodwin outlined the history of the site from 1991 to the present day. Over that time, according to Dr Goodwin: “The discrete excavation of 20,000 cubic metres of soil and rock on site has exploded to a massive excavation pit of almost one million cubic metres capacity. “How this came about is subject to legal privilege, but gives some idea of the difficulties of taking on the operator. “Take it on though Council must, or give up any semblance of authority to control developments and protect the community from environmental harm,” he said. Council and the EPA failed to meet their statutory obligations, which resulted in the current problem, according to Dr Goodwin. “Records show that of the total environmental waste levy of $22.5m collected by the EPA at the site, almost $22m of this was illegally obtained. Dr Goodwin said the primary

costings and a timetable for completion, to ensure the ongoing risk to the integrity of the Central Coast’s water supply is eliminated.” He called upon Council to prevent “further waste from being brought onto the landfill and golf course site”, and to “review Council practices in handling compliance matters to make sure that issues such as this are not repeated. “While this may bring short term pain, we reiterate our call for an Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding this environmental and public health disaster. “We recommend that Central Coast Council endorse the call for a Special Commission of Inquiry into the operations of the EPA and the former GCC in relation to Mangrove Mountain Landfill.” He tabled a list of 17 issues which he believed needed to be considered by the committee, so that all committee members could be “properly informed”. Source: Presentation, Jan 30 Stephen Goodwin, Mountain Districts Association

sset Energy has been given permission to use underwater seismic blasts to search for coal and gas off the Central Coast, according to the Central Coast Greens. The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority granted Asset Energy permission to do the testing in an area close to Toukley, Budgewoi and the Lake Munmorah Conservation Area, and north to Newcastle. “Central Coast Greens have long stood for no new coal and no gas extraction on the Coast, and extend that call for a ban to off-shore areas too,” said Ms Abigail Boyd, Spokesperson for The Greens on the Central Coast. “The majority of Australians, backed by the Greens, want more investment in renewable energy providing sustainable jobs, and reducing the risks of climate change,” Ms Boyd said. “Ms Abigail Boyd and Greens Member of the NSW Legislative Council, Mr Jeremy Buckingham, spoke at a public meeting on Saturday, January 27, to recommit their opposition to the Wallarah 2 long-wall coal

Catherine Hill Bay Lake Munmorah Budgewoi Toukley

The NOPSEMA location map for the seismic testing Mr Josh Frydenberg, to with the start of this year’s mine. According to Ms Boyd, overturn the approval whale migration. The details were the mine “will undermine for seismic testing and with the our water supplies, and also deny a licence for released Wallarah 2. publication of the pollute our air. Plan “He has these powers Environment “We will not let this new threat go unopposed under the Environment, Summary and Statement Protection and of Reasons, coming either,” she said. “Not only will both Biodiversity Conservation a fortnight after the seismic testing and Act (EPBC), and must announcement of the long-wall coal mining act before March 7,” she approval. Seismic testing has directly damage our local said. Greens NSW been approved to run for environment, putting Mr up to four day for 24 hours our water supplies at parliamentarian, risk, and impacting on Justin Field, has drawn a day between March 15 our cherished marine attention to the dangers and May 30, excluding environment, both to marine life, including the Easter period. projects are seeking to migrating whales, from Mr Field called on the the seismic testing. find more fossil fuel. NSW Government to “Central Coast intervene and ensure the “Only fossil fools look for coal and gas any Greens will join the local proposed testing for oil community in actions to and gas did not go ahead. more. “This is the wrong “The science is in, ensure that governments climate change will and investors are left in project at the wrong produce more droughts, no doubt about the level time in the wrong area more floods, more of opposition from the and will put at risk our local community,” he precious marine life disruption, more risk. including threatened and “We must act now to said. Mr Field said vulnerable whales,” he meet our international targets to prevent the documents released on said. February 1 regarding the “The approval runs worst effects. “We call on the Federal seismic testing approved to May 30 while the Environment Minister, by the Federal regulator official start of the show it risks clashing

whale migration is June 1, last year the NSW Environment Department issued a media release announcing sighting of whales along the coast in late May. “Allowing night time operation means it will be next to impossible to identify whale movements in the danger area of the blasts, risking threatened and vulnerable species like the Southern Right Whale and Humpback Whale.” The seismic testing will occur in an area that is recognised to be home to 22 threatened species including whales, turtles and migratory birds and has the potential to injure fish up to 1km from the air blasts. “The document shows that a large number of threatened and vulnerable species occur in the area of the testing, Mr Field said. “The report accepts that fin fish are likely to suffer permanent injury and death within 70 metres of the airgun and accept temporary hearing loss is possible out to 1km. “This testing will mean a massive air explosion every 3-4 seconds for a period of 3-4 days, 24 hours a day and the company has acknowledged the risk of animal mortality. “There is a real issue with transparency and

consultation with the federal regulator. “It’s unacceptable that an approval is granted before the public is able to see and respond to the environment plans of the company. “The Greens are opposed to this exploration and opposed to any plan for future oil or gas development off the NSW Coast. “We need to end the obsession with fossil fuels which is put our planet and the environment we love and rely on at risk.” A search of the EPBC Act Protected Matters Database was undertaken to identify the likelihood of occurrence of listed fauna within and around the Operational Area. The search resulted in the following areas/ species identiﬁed: 36 listed threatened species (22 likely to occur in the survey area); 42 migratory species (23 considered likely to occur in the survey area and 23 also listed as threatened); and 32 whales and other cetaceans.

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

Source: Media release, Feb 2 Jane Garcia, ofﬁce of Justin Field Media release, Feb 5 Abigail Boyd, The Greens Central Coast Website, Feb 5 NOPSEMA, Baleen 2D HR Seismic Survey

Ettalong Bowling Club proposes merger with Sporties Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club has proposed an amalgamation with Woy Woy Bowling Club, in response to a call for expressions of interest by the Sporties’ club. Ettalong’s merger offer is conditional on trading from the existing Sporties premises ceasing at the time of completion of the amalgamation. All of the Sporties’ “operations” would be relocated to the Ettalong club’s premises. The four-page proposal, signed by Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club Ltd chairperson Mr Robert Henderson and CEO Mr Timothy McGavin stated that the proposal was open to negotiation. However, some core requirements were made clear from the ﬁrst page of the club’s four-page offer, including the surrender of the existing Sporties club liquor licence and transfer of poker machine revenue. “We are open to negotiations with the landlord about the possibility of maintaining some smaller registered club operation from the site if some mutually beneﬁcial arrangement can be struck. “We are not in a position to make that a condition of the proposed amalgamation … nor to hold up the proposed amalgamation on that account.” The merger conditions would appear to result in the current

proposal to redevelop the site on the corner of Brick Wharf Rd and North Burge Rd becoming invalid. That is because the seniors housing component of the proposed redevelopment could only go ahead on RE2 zoned land if it were a component of a registered club. The Ettalong club’s proposal said the amalgamation would have to be complete by September 30 “with the total liabilities and provisions of Sporties that we pay out not exceeding $800,000.” Ettalong Bowling Club members will also need to make a small change to their club’s constitution to facilitate the amalgamation. “Approval will be needed from Bowls NSW for the proposed Pennant arrangements,” the document said. All Sporties members would be automatically admitted as members of the Ettalong Bowling Club for their current annual subscription. “We propose fostering a new and separate Sporites or Woy Woy Bowling Club sub-club and for so long as the new sub-club has a viable number of members [above either 90 or 150] to provide support for it.” That support would include making a green available to facilitate continuation of the existing Woy Woy bowls calendar without charge. Basic funding for the new sub club would come from allowing it to

charge and keep the full amount of each green fee above a minimum of $3. The transferred members would be given personal lockers, support to enable the sub-club to provide the same internal championships with additional marketing, continuation of Pennants, transfer of life members, preservation of honour boards and historical records, continuation of social events, administrative support and access to bowls professional and State Match committee member Mr John Roberts. Employees of the Ettalong club would not be affected and Sporties employees would be able to apply for any positions available at the time of the merger. Sporties’ current month-tomonth tenancy agreement would need to be terminated to take effect at the time of completion of the amalgamation. Gaming machine entitlements would be transferred to the Ettalong club. SOURCE: Proposal document, 7 Feb 2018 Robert Henderson, Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club Ltd

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N Boom gate failure adds to level crossing danger The failure of boom gates at the Rawson Rd level crossing and an inadequate response from NSW Trains has added to the danger of the level crossing, according to Member of Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch. Boom-gates and hazard lights malfunctioned in what Ms Tesch described as “the latest terrifying incident” that caused hours of mayhem and delays after their failure at about 9pm on Wednesday, January 31, she said. “I’m told there was disarray for four hours with trafﬁc banking up, drivers stopping in the middle of the crossing, backing up, and doing U-turns across trafﬁc just to get out of the situation,” Ms Tesch said. “Even more worrying were reports from locals who contacted NSW Trains about the incident and were told that as a safety precaution trains were ordered to simply slow down to avoid vehicles and pedestrians on the tracks,” she said. Ms Tesch said she would continue her calls for the NSW Government to come back to the

table to work on a permanent solution for the fatal intersection. “Rawson Road is one of the most dangerous level crossings in the state, but this is a government that cares more about saving the dollars needed to end this madness and less about human lives,” she said. Ms Tesch said that one barrier stuck down at about 9pm and red lights continued to ﬂash without oncoming trains. As a result, cars were driving around barriers on the opposite side of the road to get through. “What I’m hearing about the night’s events is terrifying, and we are lucky that there wasn’t loss of life,” Ms Tesch said. “Governments around the country are investing the money needed to get rid of dangerous level crossings, but the NSW Liberal Government doesn’t seem to care,” Ms Tesch said. “Last night’s chaos comes only a year after an elderly man lost his life when he was hit by a train while crossing at Rawson Rd.” SOURCE: Media release, 1 Feb 2018 Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford

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

arara native, Matt Graham, has won a silver medal in the moguls at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic games on Monday, February 12.

Graham is Australia’s first medallist this Winter Olympic Games and was awarded a score of 82.57 in the moguls to win the silver medal. Graham was sitting in top spot in the six-man Super Final, but was beaten by Canada’s mogul great, Mikael Kingsbury. The talented world number three came second to Kingsbury, who was awarded gold with a score of 86.63, and Japan’s, Daichi Hara, received the bronze medal with a score of 82.19. Not only has Graham become Australia’s first Olympic Medallist at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, but Australia’s eleventh Winter Olympic medallist of all time. He had achieved four podium finishes within the 2016/2017 world cup season, with three bronze medals and one silver, coming into the Winter Olympic Games. At the age of 19, Graham made his Olympic debut in moguls at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games, heartbreakingly missing out on the super-finals by 0.01 of a point to American mogul skier, Deneen. After being away from home for long periods of time and training extensively, Graham said that he believed it was all worth it for his 2018 silver medal.

“These past 12 months have been really brutal, and I’ve been home for less than 70 days of the year, and it’s all worth it now,” Graham told Coast Community News from PyeongChang. “It’s the best feeling in the world,” he said. Graham’s ski journey began from a young age with endless support from his family. Originally a budding sailor on Central Coast waters, he started his skiing journey after family ski trips to Perisher Blue Ski Resort in the Snowy Mountains. “I first skied when I was three years old with the family and it started off as just family holiday,” he said.

“I joined the Perisher Winter sports program when I was seven and it just snowballed from there. “It’s where we found the passion,” Graham said. Graham had tried all aspects of skiing whilst training at Perisher but found moguls to be his favourite. “I think it was the challenge of it, it’s so bloody hard and I guess it encompasses so many aspects of skiing,” said the Olympic silver medallist. When it came to the gruelling task of deciding between the waves and the slopes, Graham chose to follow the family connection of skiing and began to see his potential as a competitive skier.

“I knew from a pretty early age I had more potential with skiing than sailing. “I knew I was in a good position from a young age with the sport,” Graham said. Graham’s sporting career became challenging for himself and his family, travelling to Perisher Blue every Friday night and returning to Gosford on the Sunday in the Winter months. “The six-hour drive twice a week, the thing that kept us going, was the fact that we enjoyed skiing so much. “Once I started getting selected in teams, I started spending a lot of time away from school.” Matt Graham said he was

thankful for having a strong support network starting with his family. “My closest support network is my family, they’ve been there from day one, along with my coaches, my support staff and the Australian skiing community. “They’ve pushed me as hard as they can, and without them, I’d be less of a skier,” he said. The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Chief Executive, Kate Palmer, said of his medal victory: “Matt described it best when he said that the final 25 second run was the summation of a lifetime’s work, because his silver medal performance represents the dedication he,

MARCH 1, 2018

his family and his support network have shown over his 23 years. “Matt deserves to savour this moment and it’s incredible that his network of family, friends and his high-performance support staff can share the jubilation with him,” Palmer said. The 23 year old said that he would return to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games. “I’m only 23 years old and I’m looking forward to the future and getting back to work soon, in due time, I’ll be back.” Until then, the young silver medallist will be undertaking the rest of his double degree at the University of Newcastle. After making Australian history, Matt Graham said he still called the Central Coast home. “Overall, I would like to thank the Central Coast community for getting behind me and I see the Central Coast as a small, close knit community”. Source: Media release, Feb 12 Kate Palmer, Australian Sports Commission Website, Feb 12 Australian Olympic Team Athlete Profiles: Matt Graham Official Olympic Men’s Mogul Race Results Interview, Feb 13 Matt Graham, Narara Hannah Moore, journalist

Parliament hears about Olympic silver medal, page 12

AAI still expecting Latest power station to move to Airport demolition the largest together with 17 explosives demolition in NSW other interested

he ﬁnal boiler and coal hopper structures at Munmorah Power Station were demolished on February 7, using controlled explosive d e m o l i t i o n techniques.

The demolition was carried out at around 9:00am. The boilers were the largest demolished in NSW so far. Weighing in at 32,200 tonnes and 60 metres in height, the combined boilers and coal hoppers were amongst the heaviest structures to be demolished using explosives in Australia. Contracted to carry out the demolition of the entire power station, specialist contractor, Liberty Industrial, used a controlled blast to bring the boilers down. Following the successful demolition of the chimney stacks in March, 2017, and boilers three and four in May, 2017, the blast was the last explosive demolition event to be carried out during the course of the power station’s removal. The demolition of the 60 metre high, 32,200 tonne boiler house was achieved utilising an engineered induced collapse technique. The process involved a carefully designed and

parties A

“AAI has development m p h i b i a n A e r o s p a c e approval for Stage 1 of a Industries Pty Ltd two-stage project. “Stage 1 is the announced in October 2016 that it construction of the aircraft would be moving its assembling hangar and ofﬁce space. headquarters to the “Stage 2 is the main Central Coast manufacturing facility. Airport.

Drones captured the demolition of the boiler and coal hopper structures at Munmorah Power Station calculated sequence of “Wonderful to see the managed and executed structural pre-weakening final explosive demolition these events. explosions, followed event safely completed “This team is made up by the detonation of at Munmorah Power of local and international strategically placed Station. experts with highly explosives charges to “Our site team has specialised knowledge. collapse the structure in a worked tirelessly over “Ensuring all checks predetermined direction. the past three months are made and key The technique was preparing for this event,” stakeholders are used to safely reduce Mr Gill said. informed of the progress, the structure to suitable “The success of this is an integral part of height for mechanical event is testament to the process, and GPM processing. to work their dedication and continues Liberty Industrial’s giant hard work, and further closely with authorities demolition excavator was highlights Liberty to achieve a safe put to work processing Industrial’s environmentally capability and the debris. in the field of explosive responsible outcome.” The machine boasts demolition,” he said. One final major the largest demolition event is Stephen Saladine, demolition shear anywhere in the Managing Director of planned for 2018 and the world and will make light Generator Property completion of the removal work of the large steel Management (GPM), said, of the power station is members associated “As we near completion expected to be finalised with the heavy boilers. of the demolition of the by October, 2018. Liberty Industrial former Power Station Source: Director, Mr Simon Gill, site, it’s timely to Media release, Feb 7 Brooke Simons, Pursuit praised the project team acknowledge the great Communications work of the team that has for their efforts.

The signing of the agreement between Wyong Council and AAI was attended by the then NSW Premier, Mr Mike Baird. According to documents released by Central Coast Council staff about plans to develop the airport into a general aviation hub and regular passenger transport airport, “AAI has leased 5.2 hectares of land in the north eastern sector of the aviation hub immediately north of the proposed Regular Public Transport Terminal. “Under the terms of the AAI lease, Council agreed to relocate Jack Grant Ave and associated services to include the 5.2 hectare site into the aviation hub land holding. “Once Council has completed the relocation of Jack Grant Ave and associated services, AAI will be able to commence design and construction of the main manufacturing facility.

“AAI currently operate out of a hangar at Melbourne’s Avalon airport and will move its operations to Warnervale when the terms of its contract with Council have been met. AAI has been joined by 17 other organisations in showing interest in moving their businesses to the Central Coast general aviation hub. According to Council, the March 2017 EOI campaign resulted in 137 registrations and 35 EOIs received. The initial expressions of interests have progressed to securing 17 signed, non-binding, letters of offer from eight tourism operators, four private users, three maintenance and repair organisations, one government contractor and one fuel supplier. Source: Central Coast Aviation Hub Concept Plan November 2017

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 177

Government architect sets the scene for the future of Gosford CBD T

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Olympic silver medal for Matt Graham Residents who reported the incident to the number shown on the sign were told trains had been ordered to slow down to avoid cars and pedestrians

26 February 2018

ISSUE 176

Woy Woy Bowling Club has decided to make steps towards amalgamating with Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club. Woy Woy Sporties general manager Mr Kevin Jenkins has written to members describing the Ettalong proposal as a “genuine solid offer”. “Through discussions with our bowling members, the landlord’s offer of an underground bowling green, albeit considerate, was deemed unsuitable for us to remain a viable bowling club,” Mr Jenkins said. “Armed with this knowledge, the board has been exploring all and any suitable alternatives,” it said. “In December, we released an Expression of Interest regarding any local clubs interested in a possible amalgamation. “Various calls and emails were answered from local clubs,” he said. The board of Ettalong Bowling Club made its offer in writing. “On review of the offer, the board of the Woy Woy Bowling Club has resolved to proceed with the first steps towards amalgamation,” he said. Mr Jenkins’ letter explained that a club amalgamation was not an overnight exercise. “We are currently at step two of a five-step process,” Mr Jenkins said. The five steps included the initial call for expressions of interest, which has been completed and the selection of a preferred amalgamation partner. According to Mr Jenkins, both clubs are currently negotiating requirements and feasibility and preparing a Deed of Arrangement. Under the Registered Clubs Act 1976, a Memorandum of Understanding is required to outline the proposed amalgamation, which

is step three and, according to Mr Jenkins, will need to be prepared by the lawyers representing each club. Step four is seeking members’ approval. “Both clubs must vote on the amalgamation based on the Memorandum of Understanding. “Both clubs must have an approved majority based on their own constitutions.” Finally, “as long as the members of both clubs have a majority ‘Yes’ vote, the Ofﬁce of Liquor and Gaming NSW will review the proposed amalgamation and, given they approve, the merger may then proceed. “As we are currently at the stage of step two in the negotiations with Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club, now is the time to ask questions, raise concerns or maybe even show support in this endeavour, with not only your fellow members but also the board and management.” Mr Jenkins put forward the reasons why he believed the amalgamation was worthy of consideration. These included that “a DA of some description, at some point, will go ahead on this site”. Others included downturn in trade including bar, poker machines and membership; uncertainty in the club’s future; and escalating costs and increased pressure on most small standalone clubs’ viability “a trend which appears nationwide”. Mr Jenkins assured members the decision was not made lightly by members of the board. “The board as a whole truly believes this is the only viable option to ensure Woy Woy Men’s and

Street view of the single dwelling to be replaced with four new dwellings

Another non-complying application is lodged Another development application has been lodged with Central Coast Council, arguing that it should not have to comply with planning guidelines. The proposal is for four new dwellings in Edwards St, Woy Woy. The application acknowledged that the proposed development did not comply with current planning controls for setbacks, parking and open space, but listed 14 recent approvals to justify the noncompliance. The 14 are: DA 45890/2014 – 14 Whiting Street, Ettalong Beach; DA 46204/2014 – 4-6 King Street, Umina Beach; DA 46490/2014 - 12 King Street, Umina Beach; DA 46946/2014 – 176 Bourke Road, Umina Beach; DA 47271/2015 – 177 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy; DA 47687/2015 – 7 Greene Street, Woy Woy; DA 47716/2015 - 117 Booker Bay Road, Booker Bay; DA48127/2015 - 174 The Esplanade, Umina Beach; DA49404/2015 – 127 The Esplanade, Umina Beach; DA50019/2016 - 16 Berith Street, Umina Beach; DA49124/2016 – 46 Berith Street, Umina Beach; DA48944/2015 – 8 Osborne Avenue, Umina Beach; DA52242/2017 – 9 Priestman Avenue, Umina Beach; DA52934/2017 – 7 Gallipoli Avenue, Blackwall.

“Council in its planning assessment have conceded that the prescriptive requirements outlined within the Multi-Unit Housing and Residential Flat Buildings chapter are unrealistic for medium density development to occur within the Peninsula area,” the application argued. The applicant has argued that the development would have the same scale, site cover and setbacks as other recently-approved development applications. “Consequently the proposal provides for additional dwellings within smaller households that is consistent with the built form that has been approved in the area. “Given that the evolving form of medium density development has occurred in the locale the proposal is consistent with the established and evolving character of the immediate vicinity and surrounding area,” the applicant said. “The proposed multi-housing development is considered as minor scale development that merely seeks to upgrade the existing housing stock in the locality. “The proposed development is

located in a low volume trafﬁcked street. “Given the site is zoned as medium density residential, the absorption capacity is considered as acceptable in this instance.” The 980 square metre site is located on the western side of the road reserve and is relatively ﬂat, according to the development application. It currently contains a single dwelling and a driveway. The surrounding neighbourhood consists of medium density housing and a blend of one and two storey houses. The application seeks to demolish the existing house and erect four single-storey brick veneer dwellings. Access would be via a driveway running along the southern boundary with a separate garage for each unit. The proposed units include front courtyard fencing that provide areas to store rubbish bins away from the street and from the courtyard areas within the site. SOURCE: Gosford DA Tracker, 20 Feb 2018 DA53647/2018, Central Coast Council

THIS ISSUE contains 58 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

he Central Coast Coordinator General, Ms Lee Shearer, and the Government Architect, have launched an intensive four-week campaign, called Go Gosford, to give the community its say on the revitalisation of Gosford City Centre. Ms Lee Shearer commissioned an Urban Design Implementation Framework (UDIF) for Gosford City Centre in August 2017, and has already held six workshops, including with other State Government agencies and Central Coast Council staff, to gather information for the Government Architect to prepare the UDIF. In terms of what the city and region will end up with as a result of the UDIF, Ms Shearer said: “It will have some very clear parameters about what areas are key, how any DAs, when they come forward, will be assessed, they will have visuals about what this city should look like.” In terms of money available from the NSW Government to then deliver the vision, Ms Shearer said: “The money is always a question that will need to be resolved, and that is really not within my capacity to resolve. “We will be looking at the best ways to implement the outcomes of the architect’s work and if there are proposals that need to be taken forward for money, that will be considered at the right time,” she said. Ms Shearer said the NSW Government was already making significant investments in the city, including the redevelopment

of Gosford Hospital and the finance building on the former Gosford school site. “The main focus for us is, how do we activate this city? “Often the money does look after itself,” she said, citing the rejuvenation of Newcastle and Parramatta as recent success stories. The NSW Department of Planning has launched a Go Gosford website as another avenue for the public to share their ideas about the Gosford City Centre revitalisation. The public has also been invited to participate in a Go Gosford Photo Competition. The website launch was announced at a workshop hosted by Ms Shearer and the Government Architect, at Gosford Golf Club, on February 27. ”A renewed, well-functioning, vibrant Gosford City Centre will attract more jobs and services, increase recreational amenity and enhance the cultural life of the entire Central Coast region,” Ms Shearer said. “With a revitalised Gosford City Centre so crucial to the development of the Central Coast, it’s vital we continue

to engage the community to understand how people want their regional capital to evolve,” she said. Ms Shearer said she and the Government Architect had learned a great deal about expectations for Gosford at the first six workshops. “We have learned that there is a real appetite for things to happen here and to activate this city,” she said. “We have learned that the people who work and live in this area want a place to come and enjoy and play. “We have learned that they certainly want the waterfront to be something more than it is at the moment,” she said. “This building of cities is absolutely integral to the way forward for this region. “Gosford is so important from a regional perspective. “It is the designated city. “It is the driver of economic development. “It is the driver of jobs, if you get it right,” she said. Ms Shearer and the Government Architect have not yet held a workshop for the Central Coast Councillors, but will be doing so.

Central Coast Mayor, Jane Smith, who attended the February 27 community workshop, said: “I am disappointed that the Coordinator General and Government Architect have not come to the elected council to workshop very early in the process. “My understanding is that they have had some workshops with our staff, but councillors are elected to represent community and should have been part of the process right from the beginning,” Mayor Smith said. “I have asked for some clarification about the Coordinator General’s delegations and I did not receive correspondence from Mr Scot MacDonald, our Parliamentary Secretary, that indicated that the Planning Minister has given the Coordinator General delegations under Section 23 of the NSW EP&A Act,” Mayor Smith said. The Mayor said that the elected Council and its staff were already working on activating council-owned property in the CBD and tackling issues such as

parking. “I have asked staff to provide details of Council-owned land and that is with a view to Council activating those spaces and talking to the Government Architect,” she said. Mr Ben Hewitt, NSW’s Deputy Government Architect, said the team charged with delivering the UDIF for Gosford would be taking a design-led approach. “It is a fundamental belief that we have that we need to involve as many people as possible as early as possible,” Mr Hewitt told the participants of the February 27 UDIF workshop. Mr Hewitt said the Government Architect’s work for Gosford would be born out of what had already been put in play, including the Our City, Our Destiny masterplan of 2010. That masterplan included the former Gosford Public School land being part of a dedicated cultural precinct. However, that land was later rezoned to facilitate the sale of the school site by the NSW Government, and it is now occupied by the ATO, the NSW Government Finance building, and a proposed St Hillier’s mixed use precinct. Ms Shearer said she understood the community’s disquiet about the loss of the school site but it was time to focus on the fact that its redevelopment had already resulted in 1,000 new jobs for the city. Mr Hewitt said he believed Gosford was suffering from “planning fatigue, a lack of “quality stock” in terms of buildings, the longterm timeframes for new developments and a high perceived investment risk. He said the first six workshops had revealed that

Gosford’s key stakeholders wanted their region’s capital to have cultural vitality, a healthy economy and a protected environment. However, those stakeholders were unable to name places and landmarks that they valued, apart from Kibble Park. “Relative to other regional centres, Gosford is starting to build, but does not have the facilities of other cities,” he said. To date, the focus of investment had been on the hospital and the waterfront, but they were geographically too far apart to lead to a revitalisation of the CBD. The Government Architect had, to date, identified four places that could be sites for more government investment to, in turn, catalyse private investment. Those four places were the subject of discussion at the workshop. They are: Kibble Park and surrounds, called the civic heart; city park and surrounds, called opening the door; the area west of the station, including the hospital and schools; and, the waterfront, described by Mr Hewitt as a “unique and amazing asset”. At the outset of the workshop, Mr Hewitt said he hoped the period of intensive consultation, including Go Gosford, would uncover “what has not yet been understood that needs to be in play”. Source: Media release, Feb 26 Matt Porter, NSW Department of Planning and Environment Interview, Feb 27 Lee Shearer, Coordinator General Central Coast Interview, Feb 27 Jane Smith, Central Coast Council Workshop notes, Feb 27 Ben Hewitt, NSW Government Architect Jackie Pearson, journalist

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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Old Sydney Town land has attracted a huge amount of interest

ong Kong born billionaire, Mr Richard Chiu, President and founder of Warwick International Hotels, is expecting to sell the 120 hectare land holding at 945 Old Pacific Highway, Somersby, for between $10m and $15m. The CBRE agent responsible for the sale of the property, Mr Peter Vines, said there had been a “huge amount of interest” in the land, which includes the former Old Sydney Town and the Australian Reptile Park, which has a long-term lease on their site. Interest in acquiring the site had been drawn primarily from Sydney and the Central Coast, and the Expression Of Interest (EOI) process is due to close on March 15. Mr Vines said it was difficult to estimate what the sale price would be. “It is really a guess because there is nothing quite like it that has been transacted,” Mr

Vines said. “It is a very large parcel of land in a unique location,” he said. Mr Vines said the Australian Reptile Park’s tenancy “on a very long lease until something like 2067”, added to the market value of the property. “It is a very good business and a very popular attraction,” he said. Mr Vines said potential

buyers were keeping their cards close to their chest about their intentions for the future of the property. It is currently zoned E4 and, according to the Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014, the objectives of the zone were: to provide for low-impact residential development in areas with special ecological, scientific or aesthetic values; to ensure

that residential development does not have an adverse effect on those values; to promote ecologically, socially and economically sustainable development, and the need for, and value of, biodiversity in Gosford; to provide land for low-impact touristrelated development that is of a scale that is compatible with the special ecological, scientific or aesthetic values of the area; and, to ensure that

development is compatible with the desired future character of the zone. Under the LEP, uses permitted without consent on the land were home occupations and recreation areas. Uses permitted with consent include: animal boarding or training establishments; camping grounds; caravan parks; dwelling houses; ecotourist facilities; environmental protection works; extensive agriculture; home-based child care; home industries; pubs; recreation facilities (indoor and outdoor); registered clubs; restaurants or cafes; roads; secondary dwellings; signage; tourist and visitor accommodation; veterinary hospitals; and water storage facilities. Mr Vines said any proposal to rezone the land would be “highly speculative, as all rezoning is”. He said he believed that future owners would be sympathetic to the previous use of the land as the Old Sydney Town colonial theme park.

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“There is a huge spotlight on it as a property because of the huge nostalgia attached to it as the former Old Sydney Town,” he said. Although some of the Old Sydney Town buildings, such as the windmill, were wellpreserved, others are in very poor condition. “It would be very expensive to bring them back to the standard required for a theme park,” he said. The Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, said she had received emails from members of the community seeking information about what could be done to conserve the site or re-open it as a cultural attraction. She said she would be more than happy to assist community groups wishing to tender petitions. Source: Interview, Feb 28 Peter Vines, CBRE Media statement, Feb 28 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014 Jackie Pearson, journalist

PAGE 4 MARCH 1, 2018

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Alternate sites being sought P

ressure from the NSW Government has resulted in Central Coast Council calling for an urgent report on all possible sites for the proposed Regional Performing Arts Centre (RPAC), by March 12.

Mayor Jane Smith called for the report in a lastminute Mayoral Minute at the February 26 Central Coast Council meeting. Clrs Chris Burke and Greg Best attempted to move an amendment to have the matter deferred, which failed. Acting CEO, Mr Brian Glendenning, in an attempt to clarify why the report was urgent, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The resolution the Council made under Administration, on February 22, 2017, required that Council staff investigate only two locations, Leagues Club Field, and part of the remaining Gosford School site, which we will now call the St Hillierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s site. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is constraining our ability to liaise with potential

funding bodies about their requirements and also constrains the work we can do to try and deliver this RPAC to the community,â&#x20AC;? Mr Glendenning said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It (the requested report) is opening the door to allow staff to provide a report to this Council that will address some of the questions people have about potential alternatives that we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t currently consider formally, as staff,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There has been an emerging urgency in our dealings with one of the funding bodies and hence the need for me to ask the Mayor to raise this urgently so we can provide that report for you. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am told that the funding bodies are requiring us to provide information urgently and I need to open the door to look at some alternate sites so that we can give them some alternatives, if that is necessary,â&#x20AC;ŚI donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what their firm [cut off] date is going to be at this point,â&#x20AC;? he said. The State Government appointed Central Coast Coordinator General, Ms Lee

Shearer, said she was not supporting any particular site for the RPAC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am not going to back either or, but what I will say is my early thoughts, and we have to wait for the government architects to finish their work, but I think that [Leagues Club Field] is absolutely integral as being open space,â&#x20AC;? Ms Shearer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we put another building there, I am not an architect, but if we put another building there, we close off that whole accessibility again to the waterfront, so that concerns me,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has never been properly progressed with the State Government, who had an agreement in 2015 that they would give some of the money, and there were some conditions around it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I understand that poppy park was certainly where it was being considered, but I understand everyone seems to agree it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fit there. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what we are trying to build, to be honest with you. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we are building a conference centre, the issue

is the funding was conditional from the State Government perspective that it adjoin a conservatorium. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have got a conservatorium and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know that they have been consulted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So this community can own the outcome, I am not backing anyone in, but what I am backing is that people start talking to the people who actually have the interest. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is what I want to happen, and the funding will be in danger of being lost because we are now nearly four years down the track and I have not seen a plan,â&#x20AC;? Ms Shearer said. Coast Community News understands that the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music is already working with a range of stakeholders to develop a business case, and a plan for the Regional Performing Arts Centre to adjoin the Conservatoriumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing heritage building on the corner of Mann St and Georgiana Tce. The design is understood to be driven by musical performance and not as a

conference or multi-purpose venue. Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, said in Parliament, on February 26, that all three levels of government are funding this project. The Coalition Federal Government has committed $10m, with $12m from the NSW Government, including $2m towards the Conservatorium, and $10m from Central Coast Council. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Together, we are determined to see a world class, iconic, venue that really reflects the beating â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cultural heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of our city,â&#x20AC;? Ms Wicks said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last week, I met with Central Coast Council leaders and members of the local arts community to hear the latest plans,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always been the responsibility of Central Coast Council to decide or determine the exact location of this iconic centre, and this remains the case. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fair to say that we are now at a critical time â&#x20AC;Ś and we also have a glorious opportunity to deliver what is a decades-old desire for a performing arts space in

Gosford. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Council has told me that the pre-design process has commenced, with the preferred location being the Leagues Club Field on the Waterfront at Gosford. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Council is also holding workshops with key stakeholders in the arts, culture and conferencing sectors, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve also been meeting with many local arts organisations to listen to their views, and I will continue to do so. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But in an exciting new development in this decadesold iconic project, Council is now saying that they expect construction to begin in January next year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take around 18 months to complete â&#x20AC;Ś so the Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current timeline has a proposed opening in June, 2020. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to be at the opening night,â&#x20AC;? Ms Wicks said. Ms Wickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office confirmed, on February 28, that the Federal Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution to the RPAC was not contingent on its colocation with the Central Coast Conservatorium.

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PAGE 5 MARCH 1, 2018

for Performing Arts Centre Mayor Jane Smith said it was important that the question of the site be resolved once and for all, and that Council was open to other sites, as long as they met the operational needs of Council and the requirements of the significant Federal and State Government funding. “Council is conscious and grateful for the funding commitments of the State and Federal Governments for the Centre, so we are very keen to get it moving,” Mayor Smith said. “We want to create a worldclass, financially viable facility that the Central Coast can be proud of,” she said. Council has also reported that it is in the design stage of the project and is currently conducting stakeholder workshops with representatives in the arts, cultural and conference sectors, as well as State and Federal Members, on what they want to see the RPAC deliver. “The RPAC is a priority project for Council and one that we want to deliver for our community,” Mayor Smith

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“We were also looking at where St Hilliers are, but after six months of conversation, they are making a business decision that they are not going down that path.” Mayor Smith said she believed the selection of an appropriate site was now “wide open” and could include revisiting sites considered earlier and working with other stakeholders. “I am certainly asking questions about Councilowned sites within the CBD and how we activate those sites, and I know the Coordinator General is working on similar issues to reactivate the CBD, so hopefully, those initiatives will come together,” Mayor Smith said.

Caption

said. “Getting the venue specification and business model right is important for the RPAC’s longevity and overall success, ensuring that the community can see the full

value of this cultural facility for generations to come.” Following the February 26 Council meeting, Mayor Jane Smith said there had always been a sense of urgency about the regional performing arts

centre project. “With the state election coming up next year, we want to make sure that we have spent that money so that there is no risk of losing it,” she said. “We are considering all

options, and really that was what the motion about alternate sites was about last night. “The Administrator resolved that Leagues Club Field would be the preferred site.

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NEWS

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Democracy and community representation is very expensive

report from Council’s Acting E x e c u t i v e Manager of Governance, Ms Shane Sullivan, has recommended that the new Council’s eight advisory committees be called advisory groups, and has cautioned that those already agreed to will cost approximately $240,000 per year, in total, to run. Central Coast Council has already established its Status of Women Committee and the Mangrove Mountain and Spencer Advisory Committee. At its December 18 meeting, Council established: the Catchments and Coast Committee Brisbane Water and Gosford Lagoons; Catchments and Coast Committee Tuggerah Lakes; Coastal Open Space System Committee; Employment and Economic Development Committee, Gosford CBD; Waterfront Advisory Committee; and, the Heritage Advisory Committee. Consideration of additional advisory committees was deferred to a strategic

workshop and then back to a Council meeting. Those additional committees included an Arts Advisory Committee, Central Coast Waste Committee, Environment and Climate Change Committee, Floodplain Management Committee, Social Inclusion Committee, Sport and Playground Advisory Committee, Youth Committee, Traffic Committee and a Water and Sewer Advisory Committee. Ms Sullivan’s report to the February 12 Council meeting included a common draft terms of reference template adapted to the function of each group. “It is recommended that consideration be given to using the title, Advisory Group, to reduce potential confusion with formal Committees of Council that comprised only of Councillors,” the report said. “There are resource impacts arising from the establishment of Advisory Groups or Committees,” Ms Sullivan said. “There are sunk costs associated with the operation of any advisory group or committee structure,” she

said. Resource costs, according to the report, relate to annual reporting to council, management and updating of terms of reference, management of ad hoc issues and enquiries from convenors, initial appointment of members, management of casual vacancies, reporting to council, website management and setup, management of common documents, general communication, provision of training and incorporation, and alignment to Council’s Community Strategic Planning process. “A conservative estimate is that these sunk costs are approximately $35,000 each per annum. “There are also costs associated with the conduct of each meeting. “It may be assumed that the significant cost impact is the actual conduct of the meeting, but it is important to appreciate that there is significant pre and post meeting work necessary,” the report said. “A conservative estimate is that these costs are approximately $6,516

per meeting per group or committee,” it said. “Based on four meetings per year for the eight committees…the annual cost is approximately $240,000. “There are currently no resources dedicated to the support of advisory committees. “Their operation will divert resources from other functions. “The impact of the eight currently adopted advisory committees could be mitigated by the provision of one full time equivalent resource within the existing meeting support function.” The Acting CEO will invite expressions of interest from members of the community to become members of each committee over a period of 28 days, from around February 22 until March 21. The convenor of each committee will review the expressions of interest and provide recommendations and a report to Council on April 9. Source: Agenda item 3.5, Feb 12 Central Coast Council ordinary meeting

Parking strategy report called for

ouncillor Rebecca Gale Collins has called for a report to be provided to a future Council meeting on what action is being taken to develop a parking strategy to deal specifically with the Gosford CBD. Clr Gale Collins tabled her notice of motion at the February 12 Council meeting, and it was seconded by Clr Chris Burke. Clr Gale Collins asked for the report to include information about the provision of and preference for free parking in Gosford CBD. She asked for the report to identify new potential sites for parking stations and places, and for potential upgrades or augmentation of existing spaces and sites. She moved: “That the Gosford CBD parking strategy be the first developed and that other CBDs and regional hubs, particularly on the train line

and freeway interchange sites, have a strategy developed for them subsequent to the Gosford CBD strategy.” Clr Gale Collins also called for several short-term strategies to be investigated in the Gosford CBD, including opportunities at Gosford showground and Adcock Park. She has asked for confirmation on the length of use of Kibbleplex for parking, and the possibility of other privately-owned sites being suitable for parking. The notice of motion also called upon Council staff to have discussions with the Australian Taxation Office and St Hilliers “with regard to their future needs for staff parking and for consideration of additional parking for cycling (pedal and motorised) within the CBD and park and ride options. The motion received unanimous support. Source: Agenda item 5.2, Feb 12 Central Coast Council ordinary meeting

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

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PAGE 7 MARCH 1, 2018

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PAGE 8 MARCH 1, 2018

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Feedback sought on regional library plans

entral Coast Council has repeated its call for the community to provide feedback on the draft concept plans for the long awaited Gosford Regional Library, now on exhibition until Sunday March 11. Information sessions will be held at the Smart Work Hub, located in the Imperial Centre, Gosford, on Thursday, March 1, and Tuesday, March 6. Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, said it was a great opportunity for the community to have their say on the Regional Library project. Ms Wicks said it was good to see Central Coast Council kicking off consultation this month. “The Coalition is determined to deliver on our commitment to this initiative, which for many years has been a community-led vision that will help deliver jobs, connectivity and opportunity for our city,” Ms Wicks said. “This project is shaping up as being another important part of Gosford’s rejuvenation.”

Details about the concept’s plans, frequently asked questions, information sessions and how to make a submission, can be found at yourvoiceourcoast.com. The project will be financed through $8.1m, raised by the former Gosford Council Special Rate Variation, with an additional $7m Federal funding, through the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s Community Grants Program. Two concept plans for the state-of-the-art facility, designed for the Donnison St site at Gosford, are now available to view to gauge public preference. Council’s Director, Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said this was an important project for the Central Coast community, helping to meet a range of long-term community needs. “This development will deliver employment opportunities and economic stimulus, and will be a focal point for library services across the region,” Ms Vaughan said. “We have come up with two options, both of which will provide an Innovation Hub for small and start-up businesses

and creative endeavours, as well as help support commuters and entrepreneurs by encouraging enterprise development and embracing innovation. “What we want to know from the community is whether they would prefer to see a three storey building plus mezzanine, or a ten storey building that has the capacity to house additional commercial space for lease. “We are committed to the revitalisation of the Gosford CBD and growing it as the region’s capital, and this project is one part of how we are accomplishing that.” Mayor Jane Smith said the community has significant investment and interest in progressing this project, and it was important to get the balance right and deliver an innovative and sustainable learning space for the community. “This is a catalyst project for the revitalisation for the Gosford CBD, and one that Council can, and must, get right for the community,” Mayor Jane Smith said. “Libraries are at the heart of creating liveable, connected and sustainable cities, and

that is definitely what we want to see for the Gosford CBD. “The Regional Library will deliver an engaging space and an enhanced library experience for the Central Coast community, where people can learn, create and connect. “It will become a central meeting point for locals and visitors alike, and is proposed to be a true innovation centre and drawcard to the CBD. “This project has been in the pipeline for a long time and we want to assure our community that it is happening. “Each of the two options requires a different level of investment from Council, and so it is important that the community provides input. “At this point in time, we are seeking input on the preferred option for a way forward for this catalyst project for the CBD, and will be holding information sessions for the community to see the plans for themselves and ask any questions they have.”

SCHOLTEN

Source: Media release, Feb 20 Julie Vaughan, Central Coast Council

Mobility plans being developed entral Coast Council has launched the ‘Our Coast, Our Pathways’ project, which will see the development of a Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) and Central Coast Bike Plan for the Central Coast.

Together, the Plans will guide Council’s ongoing provision of an active transport network for footpaths, bike paths and shared paths across the Central Coast. Central Coast Council’s Acting Director, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Boris Bolgoff, said that the Plans accord with Council’s vision of creating a vibrant and sustainable Central Coast, and will deliver on previous consultation outcomes, which reinforced the importance of transport and movement around the Central Coast. “The feedback from the first phase of our engagement was loud and clear; better access to and connectivity of our footpath, shared path and bike path networks is very important to the community and to the future development of the Coast”, said Mr Bolgoff.

“The PAMP and Central Coast Bike Plan will build on and update the work done by the previous Wyong and Gosford Councils, and define the merged Council’s approach to managing existing and new pedestrian and cycle infrastructure over the next ten years.” Mayor Jane Smith said that consultation is integral to planning and delivering a strategy that holistically represents the needs of the community. “Our recreational lifestyle here on the Coast means that active transport, or being able to use footpaths, shared paths and bike paths as an alternative transport mode to get where you are going, is incredibly important,” Mayor Smith said. “From previous research and consultation, we know that different user groups have very different needs, and this process gives everyone equal opportunity to have their say.” An information session will be held in Erina Centre, Erina Fair on February 22, from 5:00 to 7:00pm. Source: Media release, Feb 12 Jane Smith, Central Coast Council

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After retiring in June 2014, Henry Scholten has now opened a small shop in the former Ettalong Markets, only trading on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. The Ettalong market has been beautifully revamped to a luxury European Galleria style tourist attraction. Established in 1988, Scholten Jewellers has been manufacturing fine jewellery on the Central Coast for 30 years, having had shops in Bateau Bay, Gosford, Erina and Tuggerah. Scholten Jewellers is now in Ettalong, providing an excellent repair, design remodelling and manufacturing service. The location is also an impressive showroom of unique, handmade rings, pendants, earrings, bangles, brooches, chains set with precious and semi-precious gems, and a huge selection of Australian Opal. All repairs and manufacturing is done on the premises in a fully equipped workshop.

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PAGE 10 MARCH 1, 2018

NEWS

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Protest march calls for continuation of funding

ember for Gosford and seven-time Australian Paralympian, Ms Liesl Tesch, led a Stand By Me protest march along the Gosford waterfront on Saturday, February 24, calling on the NSW Government to continue disability advocacy funding beyond July, 2018.

People with disability from across the Coast, and representatives from local organisations like Fairhaven, and from around the state, including the Physical Disability Council of NSW, rallied alongside the Labor MP seeking the continuation of state funding for services. Currently the NSW Government funds approximately 50 disability advocacy, information and peak representational organisations, services not covered by the NDIS, at a cost of around $13m per year, Ms Tesch said. Funding disability advocacy promotes, protects and ensures that people with disability enjoy the same rights as all members of the community, and are able to be full and equal participants, she said. “With this funding gone, people with disability living in regional and rural parts of the state won’t have local advocacy for issues including transport, education, employment and health,” Ms Tesch said. Ms Tesch said that cutting the services would be devastating to local people with disability

and their carers. “As a person with a disability, I want to know that advocacy organisations can represent me to ensure my human rights are protected. “We have already heard stories of people with disability on the Coast who are missing out on advocacy support as workers leave due to job insecurity. “Our NSW Advocacy organisations hold a wealth of knowledge, have strong relationships with community members, and are the first point of call for people with disabilities when they need additional support. “We have a long way to go to achieve full inclusion in Australia, and disability advocacy organisations are the vehicle to help create an accessible and inclusive society. “Cutting advocacy funding will make it harder for local people with disability to live full and equal lives in our community, and that is just not acceptable.” The NDIS does not cover all services for people with

disability and Ms Tesch said the need on the Central Coast was clear. “Losing advocacy services like the NSW Council for Intellectual Disability will mean that people with disability will have fewer allies in their corner fighting for inclusive transport, education and employment,” Ms Tesch said. NSW Labor committed to providing funding for disability advocacy following the NSW Disability Advocacy Alliance Parliamentary Roundtable at State Parliament in August. “Disability advocacy groups need certainty so they can continue their important work. “Labor’s committed to continuing their funding and so should the Berejiklian-Barilaro Government,” Ms Tesch said. “State-run services need state funding, so why doesn’t the NSW Government say they will continue the funding for disability advocacy beyond July this year?” “The Federal Government last month announced $60m in funding until 2020, but stressed that a national system “requires ongoing investment

from states and territories” for their own state-run services and state-based planning”. According to Mr Michael Fine, who attended the march, the Central Coast will be one of the hardest hit areas from the cut, and he estimates that up to 50 NSW advocacy groups would be wiped out as a result. “NDIS funding covers service providers, not advocates or basic community support services. “This means that a core piece of disability support infrastructure is about to disappear. “This will leave significant gaps in advocacy, information and representational services for the 20 per cent of people living in NSW with disability, the largest single minority group in NSW, and some of its most vulnerable citizens,” Mr Fine said. “Some groups set to disappear after the cut include the 60 year old NSW Council for Intellectual Disability. “Another is the Central Coast Disability Network, which provides vital services not covered by the controversial

NDIS,” he added. According to Mr Fine, a letter by the NSW Ombudsman, Mr Michael Barnes, outlines the groups’ key role in raising and facilitating investigations into growing reports of predatory crime against disabled people. “Community advocates play a key role in raising concerns about suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation of individuals,” an unpublished letter, co-signed by Mr Barnes and Deputy Ombudsman, Mr Steve Kinmond, reads. “In our current work in receiving and responding to allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation … we regularly exchange information with NGOs. “There is a vital continuing role for community advocates who work with and support people with disability,” the letter reads. Mr Fine said Queensland’s Labor Government has guaranteed a minimum of $4m in ongoing advocacy funding after the national scheme begins, and NSW Labor says it would ensure the funding continues if elected.

The Ombudsman’s remarks were contained in an unpublished submission to the NSW Law Reform Commission’s review of the Guardianship Act. According to Mr Fine. the Ombudsman received nearly 1,750 reportable allegations of incidents in schools, churches and childcare centres in NSW last financial year. Allegations of sexual assault, physical assault and neglect make up the bulk of reportable incident notices. “Last year’s allegations tally represented an increase in the number of formal complaints received of about 30 per cent on the previous year, and 75 per cent for all complaint categories over the past five years, according to its recent annual report. “Nearly half of all reportable incidents are referred by the Ombudsman to the police, and about 20 per cent of reportable incidents result in criminal investigations, a conversion rate the Ombudsman has said reflects the difficulty of pursuing criminal investigations where victims and key witnesses are disabled people,” Mr Fine said. A spokeswoman for Disabilities Minister, Mr Ray Williams, said: “The NSW Government is currently working with the Commonwealth on a new national approach to quality and safeguarding for the NDIS, overseen by a new national regulator.” Sources: Media release, Feb 21 Richard Mehrtens, office of Liesl Tesch Media release, Feb 26 Michael Fine, Woy Woy

Adam Crouch MP

Member for Terrigal

“Working for you” 4365 1906

terrigal@parliament.nsw.gov.au

AdamCrouchMP

Shop 3 Fountain Plaza, 148-158 The Entrance Road, Erina NSW 2250 Authorised by Adam Crouch MP, Shop 3 Fountain Plaza, 148-158 The Entrance Road, Erina NSW 2250.

www.GarethWardMP.com.au

First home buyers pounce on stamp duty concessions

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly on February 14, Mr Crouch said: “More than 19,000 people bought their first home since the NSW Liberal-Nationals Government introduced generous stamp duty concessions. “This is more than triple the number for the same time last year,” he said. “Housing affordability directs every single family across NSW. “It is this Liberal-Nationals Government that is delivering on its promises to improve housing affordability thanks to our Housing Affordability Package announced as part of the 2017 budget. “This Government has abolished all stamp duty for first home buyers on new and existing homes costing up to $600,000, and has introduced stamp duty discounts on homes costing up to $800,000. “But it does not end there. “The Government is abolishing stamp duty on lenders’ mortgage insurance, which would save a first home buyer around $2,900 on a home with an average cost price of $800,000. “Statistics released this week show that the new measures are being very widely used and ultimately are having a very positive effect right across NSW. “For example, in the Gosford region on the Central Coast, the number of first home buyers taking up stamp duty relief in 2017-18 is nine times higher than in 2016-17—an increase from only 35 first home buyers in 2016-17 to 316 in 2017-18. “That is the sixth-biggest increase across the entire state. “Further north, in the Wyong region, the number of first home buyers taking up stamp duty relief has increased by

more than 250 per cent. “I am sure the member for Wyong will be very happy with that announcement. “It has gone from 78 homes in 2016-17 to 224 in 201718,” Mr Crouch said. Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, Mr David Harris, said he welcomed any relief for first home buyers but it was important to look at the bigger picture. “ABS data that is being cherry-picked also shows that last year there were 9,188 more first home buyers in Victoria and 2,047 more in Queensland, when compared with NSW,” Mr Harris said “NSW average mortgages are also $23,000 higher than in Victoria and $82,000 higher than in Queensland,” he said. Source: Hansard transcript, Feb 14 Adam Crouch, Member for Terrigal Media statement, Feb 27 Zachary Harrison, office of David Harris

NEWS

PAGE 11 MARCH 1, 2018C

Call for safer, accessible and allinclusive parks and play spaces

ouncillor Rebecca Gale Collins has advocated for safer, accessible and allinclusive parks and play spaces in the Central Coast Council's Ordinary Meeting on February 26. Clr Gale Collins said she wanted better more accessible infrastructure and a better quality of life for our people with a disability, our elderly and our children. "According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016 census data, the Central Coast has a greater need for disability services than the national average,” said Clr Gale Collins. “Today, over 21,000 Central Coast residents have a form of disability and require daily help," she said. "Families touched by a family member with a disability have expressed feeling disconnected from the community because of a lack of all inclusive infrastructure." In November 2017, the NSW Minister for Planning and Housing, Mr Anthony Roberts, said the NSW Government wanted to ensure everyone was able to enjoy park and play spaces safely, and inclusively, and would provide an injection of funding for councils to retrofit all existing parks within five

years. "When I met Ms Briohny Kennedy in Copacabana earlier in February, I listened to her daily challenges with little Archie, and the challenges to stay connected to the community," said Clr Gale Collins. "Here is a strong woman, advocating for the rights of her child with a disability, and her rights as a mother." Ms Kennedy addressed the Council meeting on February 26 about these challenges facing her due to poorly fenced playgrounds and the lack of inclusive play equipment. "The Central Coast Council now has a Disability Inclusion Action Plan,” Clr Gale Collins said. “It is a good start, but we must ensure the projects are delivered to deadline,” she said. "As a bare minimum, KPIs must be met, for the Central Coast to move forward. “With the right planning and infrastructure, we can ensure that the Central Coast becomes an all inclusive region that supports our growing community needs. “Since following up with our Directors, I understand that a special swing will be built in the Shaun Brinklow Park in Copacabana. "However, as this park

has wood chip and a lack of fencing, it is still a major concern. “You see, some of our people with a disability will be distracted by the wood chip, and put it in their mouths. “We need either grass or matting surface and, the lack of fence means that some children could run out onto the road. "Potential areas for an all-inclusive sensory park include Susan Fahey Park in Copacabana, as the Copacabana Community Association indicated this space was under-utilised. "Also, there is the open space available next to the Tennis Courts on Shelley Beach Rd in Empire Bay. "Assistant Principal of Glendale Public School, Ms Karen Campbell, has students with a moderate to severe disability from across the Central Coast Region. “Glendale has two campuses located at the Entrance and Narara." Ms Gale Collins said that Ms Campbell said: "We need wheelchair accessibility in our play spaces so that wheelchair bound children can play with other children at the same time. “We also need fences so that risks can be managed within the playground space."

Cr Gale Collins said that she had also listened to Amanda Moore of Somersby, mother of a wheelchair bound son. "A Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK) should be readily available to families in need, and amenities must remain secure,” Ms Moore said. “This information needs to be disseminated widely to disability providers so families know where the toilets are located," she said. Clr Gale Collins said: In the Central Coast region we have 335,000 residents - of that, over 67,000 are currently over 65 years of age. "And, 55 per cent of our expected population growth (41,000 people) are expected to be people over the age of 65 by 2036. "So, we need to focus on getting our all inclusion parks, pathways and play spaces right for our children, our elderly and people with a disability. "This Infrastructure upgrade in our parks and play spaces will bring jobs, and it will boost tourism and, ultimately Central Coast Council will be building a better all inclusive Central Coast for our residents to enjoy." Source: Media release, Feb 26 Rebecca Gale Collins, Central Coast Council

Liesl Tesch MP Member for Gosford

How can I help? Schools and education Community Recognition Awards Anniversary & birthday messages Fair Trading Hospitals and health Main roads Police and Emergency Services Public housing Trains and public transport 20 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy NSW 2256

Gosford@parliament.nsw.gov.au (02) 4342 4122

Authorised by Liesl Tesch, 20 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy NSW 2256. Printed using Parliamentary Entitlements.

he generous stamp duty concessions introduced by the NSW Government have been the subject of a motion by Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch.

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

PAGE 12 MARCH 1, 2018

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Second mountain landfill meeting makes little progress he Mangrove Mountain and Spencer Advisory Committee held its second meeting at the Mangrove Mountain Hall on Tuesday, February 27.

Dr Stephen Goodwin from the Mountain Districts Association said he believed the committee was “still settling in”, but he was hopeful that members could focus on what they hoped to achieve as a result of the committee’s work. “At the first meeting, 32 issues were listed for future discussion and people were asked to identify their 10 priorities,” Dr Goodwin said. He said Council staff had then collated each committee member’s top 10, to come up with 10 over-arching priority topics for future discussions. “I flagged at the end that I really thought the first discussion would be to identify the outcomes the committee wants. “In my presentation at the first meeting, I made some recommendations about outcomes and they were ignored. “I am going to send Council staff those recommendations and they will be circulated so other committee members can comment,” he said. Mr Gary Chestnut gave a presentation at the meeting based on the Mountain Districts Association’s submission to the NSW Government calling for a commission of inquiry into the landfill. “Committee members who had not been privy to the information before were

shocked by the presentation,” Dr Goodwin said. The committee’s next meeting will be held at Spencer. Dr Goodwin said he believed that the issue of how the committee dealt with sensitive information needed to be addressed by Council and that some issues may need to be dealt with in a confidential session. At the February 12 Central Coast Council meeting, Councillors Greg Best and Bruce McLachlan attempted to force community members of the Mangrove Mountain and Spencer Advisory Committee to execute binding confidentiality agreements. Mayor Jane Smith had moved at the meeting that council noted the first meeting of the committee and adopted the terms of reference as set out in the meeting’s agenda. Clr Best then moved an amendment, seconded by Clr McLachlan: “That Council require all members of the Mangrove Mountain and Spencer Advisory Committee to execute binding confidentiality agreements.” Clr Best’s amendment also asked: “That Council request the Acting CEO to report to Council regarding how best to minimise legal liabilities and risks to the rate payer purse with regard to the operation of this committee.” During the debate, Clr Best asked Acting CEO, Mr Brian Glendenning, whether the committee would be able to report or recommend “what is and is not happening at Mangrove and Spencer”.

“What authority has the committee got?” Clr Best asked. Mr Glendenning confirmed that the committee’s role was merely advisory and had no delegated functions or powers. “Can the committee compel any organisation, group or individual to provide information?” Clr Best asked, to which Mr Glendenning responded, “No”. Clr Best said he was concerned the committee could not receive confidential information or make clear recommendations back to Council. “From the get go, this committee was formed in haste, on the back of a mayoral minute, and we didn’t have time to make consideration,” Clr Best said. Mayor Smith said she wished to correct Clr Best’s perception that there had not been sufficient notice or opportunity to clarify the role of the committee. “This committee has no mechanism to receive confidential information,” Clr Best continued. “The committee should be given the opportunity to receive confidential information,” he said. “This Spencer issue, we are buying into something, if you go in to fix something, you are going to be responsible. “What I would like to do is deal with the environment at Spencer. “For public theatre, is that what we are doing this for, because this is going to cost a fortune if it goes pear shape,” Clr Best said.

In speaking in favour of his amendment, Clr Best said: “If you don’t do this tonight, it is a bit like the general manager debate, if you do knock this down tonight your committee for the next three months will not be privy to information, an extraordinary volume of information, that will come as this unpacks. “This is an exercise in trying to get this committee to give Council good advice so that the committee working up there on our behalf don’t get this wrong. “This can’t be cobbled together councillors. “We have got to know from Mr Glendenning that this committee cannot minute things and say things that could prejudice this council in the future.” Clr Doug Vincent spoke against Clr Best’s amendment. “It is hard to work out where Clr Best comes from, but normally there is an agenda running in the background, and an alternative agenda to what he is trying to do… he wants to lock it down, he doesn’t want transparency, he doesn’t want people to be able to express a view openly,” Clr Vincent said. The amendment was put to the vote and declared lost, supported by only Councillors Gale Collins, Pilon, McLachlan, Burke and Best. Source: Interview, Feb 28 Stephen Goodwin, Mountain Districts Association Minutes, Feb 12 Meeting notes, Feb 12 Item 3.3, Central Coast Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

Regional Investment Prospectus features the Central Coast

he Central Coast is the first region listed on the NSW Government’s new Regional Investment Prospectus, according to Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch. Mr Crouch said he believed the recently-launched Regional NSW Investment Prospectus could attract national and international investment to the Central Coast. Launched by the Deputy Premier, Mr John Barilaro, the prospectus highlights the benefits and opportunities associated with domestic and international investment across regional NSW. Mr Crouch said the Investment Prospectus was an interactive online tool designed to attract national and international investment in regions across NSW, including the Central Coast. “The aim of this new Investment Prospectus is to highlight to investors the huge number of benefits associated with doing business and creating businesses in regional areas, including my electorate of Terrigal,” Mr Crouch said. “Indeed, I am very pleased that the Central Coast is the first region listed on the

new Investment Prospectus website,” he said. “With our region expected to grow by 75,000 people over the next 18 years, attracting investment is vital to ensuring that the Central Coast community has job opportunities on offer, and becomes an even more vibrant place to live.” Mr Barilaro launched the prospectus in the company of Consuls General and Trade Commissioners from 15 different countries. Mr Barilaro said he was thrilled to launch the website in front of a trade delegation of such size and stature as they toured regional NSW. “We want people from overseas to look at regional NSW and think, what a great place to start or grow a business, and that is what the Investment Prospectus is all about,” Mr Barilaro said. The Investment Prospectus will focus on supporting businesses that are expanding and developing new market opportunities, setting up greenfield operations, or planning to relocate to regional NSW. Source: Media release, Feb 23 Ben Sheath, office of Adam Crouch

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FORUM PAGE 13 MARCH 1, 2018

Terrigal is being choked by its own development

he traffic flow around Terrigal Beach has become a sluggish crawl over recent years, but has become far worse since major residential developments have taken place.

FORUM Letters to the editor should be sent to:

COAST COMMUNITY

NEWS

PO Box 1056 Gosford 2250 or editorial@centralcoastnews.net

The question begs to be asked, did Council give traffic congestion any serious consideration before approving these developments? Terrigal Beach is a beautiful public beach, but if the developers have their way, the traffic will be so restrictive, that the area will become the preserve of the wealthy residents in the new developments, and entry will be prohibitive for neighbouring residents and the general public. The proposed traffic plan

See Page 2 for contribution conditions ensures this will occur and does nothing to facilitate access by the public. I urge anyone who has an interest to see the plan on the Council’s website, yourvoiceourcoast or in Coast Community News Edition 176, February 15. One can be suspicious that the developer’s plan was always to restrict and deter public access. Surely the over development of this beautiful but small area

Other Regional News - In brief Coast Community News focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2250, 2251 & 2260. Given the

was not seriously considered, or was it just negligent? Already a little harbour, locked in by land and sea, there are few ways to preserve access to the area for ordinary people. Allowing these massive developments guaranteed that the traffic would stall. It seems that now that we have these developments, and the future great increase in residents, all that can be done is to persist with the current traffic flow and for Council to fund shuttle buses from Erina and Wamberal every half hour. The cost for these should partly be borne by levies on the new residents, who need to realise that this area does belong to the public and should not be locked off from them. Email, Feb 23 Helen Griffiths, Wamberal

Department of Planning and Environment

Help revitalise Gosford City Centre

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 135 February 20, 2018

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Latest power station demolition the largest explosives demolition in NSW The final boiler and coal hopper structures at Munmorah Power Station were demolished on February 7, using controlled explosive demolition techniques.

AAI still expecting to move to Airport together with 17 other interested parties Amphibian Aerospace Industries Pty Ltd announced in October 2016 that it would be moving its headquarters to the Central Coast Airport.

Independent legal advice to be obtained prior to making a decision about airport The wishes of the elected Central Coast Councillors to reallocate the $6m budgeted on works at Central Coast Airport to other employmentgenerating programs may not be able to be met due

Central Coast Council representatives attended the funeral of the former Member for The Entrance, Mr Grant McBride, to pay tribute to his service and commitment to the Central Coast

Seafood labelling bill rejected

Vale Grant McBride

Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan, and other regional MP’s representing coastal communities, slammed the Berejiklian Government, for not supporting a Private Member’s

The Member for Wyong, Mr David Harris, and the Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan, said it was with great sadness that they had been informed of the passing of Mr Grant McBride on the night of

McBride legacy a fantastic asset

500 pages of documents relating to airport development released Central Coast Council staff continue to proactively release documents about their plans to expand the airport at Warnervale into a general aviation hub and, eventually, a regular passenger New dwelling approvals fall Total new dwelling approvals in Wyong fell by 35 per cent in the 12 months to December 2017, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures. Central Coast police numbers are 57% less than the national average Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan, has released information which shows that Police numbers on the Central Coast have declined since 2011, and are now below the state and

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 439

And now you can have your say about how to best reshape the heart of Gosford. Go to planning.nsw.gov.au/gogosford to make your mark on the interactive map and answer some quick questions.

Visit: planning.nsw.gov.au/gogosford

Another non-complying application is lodged

Vinnies to spend half a million on op shop

Woy Woy Bowling Club has decided to make steps towards amalgamating with Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club.

Another development application has been lodged with Central Coast Council, arguing that it should not have to comply with planning guidelines.

The St Vincent de Paul Society plans to spend more than half a million dollars to renovate its op shop in Woy Woy.

Nursing home proposal resubmitted for Hillview St

Play equipment to be removed from three playgrounds

Questions asked about sandstone blocks

NRMA applies to upgrade cabins at Ocean Beach

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Enter the #GoGosford Photo Comp

Entries close Friday 23 March so get snapping!

Woy Woy bowling club makes steps towards Ettalong

The company behind a proposal Play equipment is to be removed to build a 160-bed nursing home in from three playgrounds on the Hillview St, Woy Woy, has decided Peninsula. to submit a full development application.

Revitalising Gosford City to make it an even better place to live, play, work and prosper, is well underway.

Show everyone what you see in Gosford City by entering the GoGosford Photo Comp. Go to planning.nsw.gov.au/gogosford to be in the running for some great prizes. There’s two categories: Open and Under 12s.

26 February 2018

Community group foreshadows coming events

Councillor Lisa Matthews has asked council staff to provide information about sandstone blocks placed by the council around Rogers Park at Woy Woy and around Pretty Beach and Boatshed receives heritage grant

The NRMA has applied to upgrade The Bays Community Group has A historic boatshed on a mangrove a number of its cabins at its Ocean foreshadowed its events for March walk at Hardy’s Bay has received a Beach holiday park. and April. heritage grant in the latest round of Central Coast Council’s grant funding. The full articles and more can be seen on line on our website www.CentralCoastNews.net They can also be seen on www.PeninsulaNews.info

PAGE 14 FORUM MARCH 1, 2018

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Gosford City Centre Masterplan ignored by developers

Regional Library just needs to be a practical space

hope that when Council considers the final plans for the new regional library, they look to the future and learn from the past. Take the Encyclopaedia Brittanica; started in 1788 in Edinburgh, printed 3,000 copies, sold at 12 pounds each set, enough to buy a castle.

FORUM Moved to the USA in 1901, last printed set in 2010 in 30 volumes, now on line by subscription for $80 per annum. We do not need a glamorous expensive iconic building with water views that wins architectural prizes, like the selfish and arrogant arts

people are claiming for an arts centre. We need a practical space with web access, many work stations, many subscriptions, close to public transport (buses and trains) and parking. A space that will be a practical community library asset in 2050. Email, Feb 17 Godfrey Franz, Gosford

Regional Library exhibition raises questions about funding

egarding Regional Library plans on public exhibition, (Coast Community News, February 15), I find it a little funny that the new Council has announced this public exhibition of the regional library when there are still no answers to where the levied monies went. We, as Gosford Council

FORUM ratepayers, have had our rates levied for years to raise the money to build this important part of our community. After the amalgamation with Wyong, and the books were audited, there was a question raised over the library fund of about $14m. Monies levied for specific purposes by a Council, as I understand it, are only able to

be spent towards that purpose. If these levied funds have been spent on other projects, then where are the funds going to come from? Is the Council going to impose additional levies on the people of the entire Central Coast Council LGA to raise the funds required to build this new library? We will have to wait and see. Email, Feb 20 Carl Veugen, Umina Beach

hat a tawdry affair has emerged from the dirt and rubble of what was the former Gosford Primary School site (Performing Arts Centre will not be included in former school site; Coast Community News Edition 176, February 15).

This historic school, located on prime land on the Gosford waterfront, was demolished on the pretext of a commitment to build a regional performing arts centre on the site. This was in line with extensive community consultations and the incorporation of this vision into the Gosford City Centre Masterplan, developed by council members and other experts, and endorsed by the State Government. The Masterplan clearly identified that the community wanted this area to be part of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Arts and Entertainment precinct. However, instead of the promised performing arts centre, which was clearly identified on this lot in the Masterplan, we now have not one, but two waterfront offices under construction, which will apparently house public servants.

FORUM The latest slap in the face has one of the developers; St Hilliers, confirming that the second parcel of land from the school demolition will be purchased for a paltry $9.5m, but may provide a final market value of around $200m. The arrogance of the developer is apparent in their complete sidelining of the Gosford Masterplan, saying instead: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The regional performing arts centre was never considered as part of our masterplan.â&#x20AC;? The total lack of transparency in how these developments were allowed to occur continues, with the St Hilliersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; representative stating; their â&#x20AC;&#x153;recent market researchâ&#x20AC;? showed that people wanted good quality and affordable food options and urban experiences, with no mention at all of the performing arts centre. The developer provides no information on the independence of the market research, the methodology used or comprehensive reporting on the findings. Instead, the community is fed cherry-picked recommendations in a media release, to justify what the developer obviously intended

to do all along on their Masterplan. The reality is that these developers, who are obviously well connected, did a very good deal when they were given free rein to build these rather cheap and dull government offices on this valuable site. This was done, irrespective of the desires of the broader community, with these buildings being sold off for a tidy profit, before the final bricks are even laid. To suggest that this initiative â&#x20AC;&#x153;will fund new and improved infrastructure for the people of NSWâ&#x20AC;? is a further affront, as it is the local community who will be the worse-off with these developments. So much for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our City, Our Destiny,â&#x20AC;? which was the vision for the original Masterplan. The community will not forget this betrayal of trust in allowing these developers to build entirely inappropriate buildings on a site which could have provided a stunning gateway to the region. The officials responsible for supporting this architectural disaster on our waterfront should consider new career paths prior to the next election. Email, Feb 23 Dr Tahir Turk, Somersby

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Manufacturing more weapons is not the answer obert Findleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letter â&#x20AC;&#x153;Country FORUM Going Downhill

through loss of manufacturingâ&#x20AC;? in Coast Community News Edition 175 is of general concern. However, I sincerely hope that he is not supporting the recent announcement by the Prime Minister and the Defence Department that over the next four years, billions of dollars will be poured into weapons manufacturing industries to provide jobs and enhance our defence exports. This announcement raises serious moral and ethical questions. This is not in our interests, but is being established to enhance interoperability with

the US Military industrial complex and for pursuing U.S. global strategies. One could question why, when the U.S. is by far the largest defence exporter, about one third of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sales, followed by Russia, with about one quarter. Australia already exports weapons, specialised scientific instruments and drone parts for about $2b a year. However, its ambition is to get into the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top 10 weapons exporters with France, UK and Germany. Who will be the buyers? Will the workers be proud to tell their children what they manufacture and what the end results will be? War kills people, destroys

villages, cities and the land. It creates refugees. We Australians are already complicit in these crimes against humanity. Where is their justice? Where are these billions of dollars coming from? We are told that there is not enough money for foreign aid, research, education, hospitals, the homeless, victims of past wrongs, abuse and so on. Surely we can provide manufacturing industries where our workers can take pride in results that benefit our economy and meet their familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs, whilst promoting and sustaining life with hope for a better future for everyone. Think peace. Letter, Feb 16 Pamela Lemoine, East Gosford

Developments welcomed

n response to Malcolm Brooksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; article (Coast Community News, edition 174, pg 14), I read Malcolmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s murder of the adjective â&#x20AC;&#x153;disastrousâ&#x20AC;?, â&#x20AC;&#x153;abolishedâ&#x20AC;? and thought who says? I admire the new tax office every time I drive past and I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see what St Hilliers are going to produce. Finally, we are getting off the floor and Gosford is breathing

FORUM new life, no thanks to Malcolm and the old guys who allowed Erina Fair to build and grow and grow and each time suck the oxygen out of the Gosford CBD. Then at the recent Council elections, Malcolm was seen supporting Gary Chestnut, who is not a Liberal, was not elected, and was a former employee of Gosford Council.

That is not what we want from people like Malcolm. What we would like is support to knock down the ugly Council building one day, build a new police station one day, get Froggies underway, refurbish the valuable parts of the Conservatorium etc. These will make Gosford a fun, friendly and hospitable place to work, live and spend time in.

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

FORUM PAGE 15 MARCH 1, 2018

Unhappy ratepayer displeased with delays

y sympathies go to the people of Copacabana for not being able to get Council to give them basic facilities, as alluded to in recent media reports. We at Kariong have had the same experience recently, except that we have offered to pay for ours. On December 19, we had a meeting with Central Coast Mayor, Jane Smith, and Director, Mike Dowling, in an attempt to ask for a few free hours a month at the Kariong Community Hall, which has been empty for over a year, in return for which, we the community, would pay for the upgrade to the hall, up to $15,000. We eventually received the following reply on February 3 from Mr Dowling: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your proposal was assessed and discussed by the end of the week, and we are moving to a solution that will accommodate your position. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As discussed, Council has

FORUM set fees and charges. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also discussed, in order to accommodate your proposal, that we need to amend the fees around your particular situation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is in play, and all being well, will be able to move forward early next week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The issue, as you know, is not that you want occupation 20-25 hours per month. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the fact that you want this time at no cost, something that we are endeavouring to accommodate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will come back to your organisation early next week, regards, Mike Dowling.â&#x20AC;? No offer was forthcoming the following week, or as at this date, and to say that it was at no cost, when we had offered to pay $15,000, is stretching the truth. The question is, who runs the Council? It is easy to hassle the mayor and the councillors, because they are the ones who we elected.

The truth is that the Council is run by the directors and senior management, principally by Mr Dowling and Mr Scott Cox, neither of whom are elected by the residents. Mr Cox has, to be fair, a list of qualifications which should be enough for him to make well thought out decisions, we would hope. Mr Dowling though, and I have searched everywhere I can, comes to Council with little to no qualifications. The Mayor and some councillors work very hard on behalf of the residents, but they cannot, it would seem, have any effect on these two directors. The question is, what do we, the residents, who are in effect shareholders in Council, do about it? In any normal company situation, we, the shareholders, would have an AGM to vent our displeasure and vote to have the directors removed. Not so, it would appear, with Council. Email, Feb 11 Geoff Mitchell, Kariong

Email, Jan 26 Godfrey Franz, Gosford

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PAGE 16 MARCH 1, 2018

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

#PressForProgress

Central Centra tral al C Coast International Women’s Day

EXPO Saturday ay 3 M March | 10am – 3pm | Centre Court Erina Fair

FREE ADMISSION Program 10.00am – 10.30am

Singing Hands Choir

10.30am – 11.00am

CC Ukulele CLub

11.00am – 11.30am

Sing Australia

11.30am – 12.00pm

Coastal a Capella

12.00pm – 12.30pm

BREAK

12.30pm – 1.00pm

Ms Behavin

1.00pm – 1.30pm

Gosford Musical Society

2.00pm – 2.30pm

Polynesian & Melanesian Performers

2.30pm – 3.00pm

Gosford Conservatorium

Stalls to include: Soroptimist International Brisbane Water

Avoca Beach Days for Girls

BreastScreen Northern Sydney Central Coast

Al Anon Family Groups

Coastal a Capella

Meals on Wheels Central Coast

ZONTA Club of Central Coast

University of Newcastle

Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre

TAFE NSW

Country Women’s Association of NSW

A52 District Inner Wheel

Uniting

Coast FM Community Radio

Better Hearing Central Coast

Rotary Club of Terrigal

Amnesty International Central Coast

Central Coast Volunteering

Business and Professional Women Central Coast

Brisbane Water Historical Society

Our Supporters

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

PAGE 17 MARCH 1, 2018

CENTRAL COAST FESTIVAL OF WOMEN Sun

Mon

Tues

18 25

March Wed

Thu 1

Fri 2

Sat 3

Saturday 3 March Central Coast International Women’s Day Expo

10AM-3PM

Central Coast International Womens Day Committee Centre Court, Erina Fair Shopping Centre

Contact: jillgodwin16@gmail.com

Free

Sunday 4 March All About Women-Satellite Program Streamed from Sydney

12.30PM for 1PM

Central Coast International Womens Day Committee Hosted by The University of Newcastle Ourimbah Campus, Lecture Theatre 2

www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=347514

Free / booking required

Monday 5 March IWD Evening: Babes in Black

7PM-9PM

She the Change Avoca Surf House

www.stickytickets.com.au/63320/babes_in_black.aspx

$60

Tuesday 6 March IWD Lunch

10.30AM for 11AM

View Club Bateau Bay The Entrance Leagues Club

Contact: (02) 4368 3183

IWD Afternoon Tea with Guest Speakers

1.30PM-3PM

Peninsula Women’s Health Centre McMaster’s Road, Woy Woy

Contact: (02) 4342 5905

Free / booking required

Wednesday 7 March IWD Forum

10AM-12PM

Central Coast Women’s Health Centre ARAFMI Lerida House, 21 Bellbowrie Ave, Narara

Contact: (02) 4324 2533

Free / booking required

Thursday 8 March IWD Breakfast

7AM-9AM

Wyong Neighbourhood Centre & BPW CC Royal Hotel, Wyong

Contact: 0414 341 010

IWD Celebration

10AM-12PM

Northern Women’s Health Centre Rose Street, Wyong

Contact: (02) 4351 1152

She Story International Women’s Day Dinner

6PM

She Story Entertainment Grounds, Gosford

www.facebook.com/events/176366039575824/

Women in Community Radio

6AM-6PM

Free

International Women’s Day - Sydney

10AM-12.30PM

Free

10-12 Hyde Park, Sydney

www.facebook.com/events/150373799093120

$35

Free / booking required

$110

Coast FM 963 Gosford - Women presenters all day Saturday 10 March

Sunday 11 March SIBW Annual IWD Breakfast

7.45AM

Soroptimists International The Reef, Terrigal

Contact: cjmcc@optusnet.com.au

$45

PAGE 18 MARCH 1, 2018 HEALTH

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Coast Shelter’s Laurie Maher to retire

EO of Coast Shelter, Mr Laurie Maher OAM, has announced that he will retire in July after 25 years in the role. Board President of Coast Shelter, Mr Gavin Shepherd, said that Mr Maher has been a passionate and tireless advocate for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness on the Central Coast and he has earned the deep respect of all members of the welfare community, including senior government officials and politicians from all parties. “Laurie has been a pioneer of best practice programs across Coast Shelter and he leaves a lasting legacy for those homeless and at risk of homelessness,” Mr Shepherd said.

immeasurable. “Through his compassionate

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heart and support, he has put smiles on many faces. “His leadership has been extraordinary. “Coast Shelter is grounded in the conviction that access to safe, decent, affordable housing is a basic human right, and Laurie has carried the torch over his 25 years at the helm,” Mr Shepherd said. Operations Manager, Ms Shayne Silvers, said: “I speak on behalf of Coast Shelter staff when I say, it has been our great honour to work alongside Laurie and serve in an organisation that is so deeply committed to social justice and equity for all. “An organisation that is not afraid to take bold positions at times, to solve the housing crisis of the poorest and most vulnerable members of the Central Coast Community,” she said. “His simple yet powerful philosophy that ‘everyone deserves to have a roof over their head’, has become Coast Shelter’s mantra, and lies at the heart of our work across our 11 programs and services,” she added. “The board has activated an extensive recruitment process to achieve a smooth transition to a new CEO,” Mr Shepherd said. “In the meantime, Laurie continues in his usual committed style, and our important work to improve the lives of those homeless and at risk continues.” Coast Shelter aims to recruit a new CEO by the end of June.

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FREE SEMINAR at 11am on the topic of Retirement Living:

New stronger flu vaccines available he Turnbull Government is providing two new flu vaccines, free-ofcharge, to Australians aged 65 years and over, Liberal Senator for NSW, Mr Arthur Sinodinos, and Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, have announced.

Ms Wicks says the new vaccines, Fluad and Fluzone High Dose, will become available from April, through the National Immunisation Program. “These new vaccines will help provide stronger protection for over 65s following last year’s horror flu season,” Ms Wicks said. More than 90 per cent of the

1,100 flu related deaths in 2017 were people aged over 65. “They’ve been specifically made for older people, as their immune systems respond less effectively to vaccines,” Ms Wicks added. Sen Sinodinos said that it’s vital that people think about preparing themselves for the flu season early. “Vaccinations save lives and are fundamental to our health system. “We encourage all Australians aged over six months old to get a flu vaccination this year before the peak season starts in June,” he said. Source: Media release, Feb 20 Tim Sowden, Office of Lucy Wicks MP

Principal encourages family involvement in new initiative

arara Public School is introducing a new mental health initiative in 2018.

Principal, Mr Dave Stitt, said the school was introducing Wellbeing Week, from February 26 to March 2. “During the week, students, parents and staff are encouraged to participate in a number of activities to improve their wellbeing. “Special homework will be going home on a grid. “If students can complete 6 tasks and return it to their classroom teacher, they will go into the draw for classroom prizes. “A message board for parents

will be displayed outside the office, allowing people to leave positive messages for members of the community and/or teachers. “We encourage you to write messages or send letters of thanks if you cannot get into school. “Students will also participate in a poster competition, mindfulness sessions and buddy class activities. “It would be great if we could get 100 per cent of students completing these tasks together with their family,” Mr Stitt said. Source: Newsletter, Feb 19 Dave Stitt, Narara Public School

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Retirement Living Open Day March 24th 2018 10am -12pm Yallambee Ave West Gosford

at Yallambee Community Centre West Gosford

Morning tea will be provided, so come and be informed and inspect our facilities, staff will be on hand to answer any questions. To register your spot for the seminar contact Fiona at Evergreen Life Care 4349 2300 and go in the draw to win a FREE Wills Pack

Patrick McHugh & Co

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Women’s Wisdom Circle for same sex attracted women launched

he Central Coast C o m m u n i t y Women’s Health Centre has launched a Women’s Wisdom Circle for same sex attracted women. The group will meet at the Wyoming Women’s Health Centre on a fortnightly basis and will be directed by the interests of the women who attend.

The sessions will run on the first and third Wednesday of the month. The group is open to women who wish to discuss issues that arose from the postal vote debate on same sex marriage and is a way for the Centre to show the Central Coast’s LGBTIQA community their support. Source: Media release, Feb 7 Kate Bradfield, Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre

PAGE 19 MARCH 1, 2018

Did you know there is a bulk-billed specialist centre in Gosford?

The Central Coast Specialist Centre is located right next to Gosford Hospital and offers a comprehensive range of specialist medical services including: • Paediatric endocrinology

• Neurosciences (inc Parkinson’s Disease)

• Gastroenterology

• Paediatrics

• General Surgery

• Plastic Surgery (medical only)

• Geriatrics

• Respiratory Medicine

• Microbiology

• Hepatology clinics

How to access the service?

Where you can ﬁnd us?

Speak to your GP and ask for a referral to the Central Coast Specialist Centre. We are unable to accept patients without a referral. The majority of our services are bulk-billed and those that are not are provided at an affordable rate.

Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, on the corner of Holden St and Ambulance Rd.

Call 4320 5600 for more information. Fax referrals to 4320 5606 and a member of our staff will contact you to schedule an appointment.

ID: 36842

• Endocrinology

PAGE 20 MARCH 1, 2018

EDUCATION

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Lucy Wicks speaks on Closing the Gap

arang, Yerin, N A I S D A , Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council and The Glen have been acknowledged in the Commonwealth Parliament by the Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks.

Ms Wicks was reflecting on the past 10 years of the Closing the Gap framework. “There’s been a lot of progress, but I think we can all recognise that there’s a lot more work to be done,” she said. “As I look around this parliament, I see a resolve and a commitment to close the gap on all sides of the chamber. “I see it when I’m part of events such as the co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of the Close the Gap Campaign, and I see it as a member of the backbench policy committee on Indigenous affairs in the government. “I see it in the hard work and the commitment of the Prime Minister, the Minister for Indigenous Affairs and the Minister for Indigenous Health, including through this government’s commitment to continuing this work with the involvement of First Australians as well as all states and territories. “And I see it in the heartbeat of our Indigenous people on the Central Coast through their passion and their care for one another and our community. “In particular, on a day like today, I’d like to pay tribute to the Barang organisation, which includes the NAISDA Dance College, led by the talented and indefatigable, Ms Kim Walker; Yerin Aboriginal

Health Services, led by Central Coast local, Ms Belinda Field; and, of course, the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council. “I’d also like to place on the parliamentary record the resolve and commitment demonstrated on a daily basis by the selfless advocates at The Glen. “The Glen is the largest Aboriginal drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation centre in NSW. “It’s based at Chittaway Point and it’s assisting our Indigenous community right across the Central Coast and, indeed, beyond. “Under the leadership of CEO, Mr Joseph Coyte, The Glen is a great example of how the Closing the Gap process is more than just a piece of paper, it’s more than just a symbol and it’s more than just a process. “For people like Joe, there are people coming to The Glen who need help, rehabilitation and support, that I’d venture to say, extends well beyond what those of us in this place would have to deal with in our everyday lives. “At The Glen, opportunity is more than a mission statement, it’s a life-changing shift that can save lives and open doors to a brighter future, but to get there, we first need the framework that’s enabled by initiatives like the Indigenous Procurement Policy, or IPP. “Joe has told me that The Glen has responded to the IPP by starting numerous social enterprises, including setting up a separate company to make profits that help fund the running of the rehabilitation program. “Joe said: ‘This is a space that we have strategically

CENTRAL COAST

identified as a possible avenue for us to help create employment opportunities for Indigenous people’. “Joe also told me that the IPP will allow The Glen to become self-reliant, moving away from a reliance on government funding and, thus, allowing them to drive the future direction of the organisation. “It’s a practical example of what is being achieved.” “Importantly, this is not the only item that’s now on track. “For the first time since 2011, three of the Closing the Gap targets are on track. “I acknowledge that this may not, for many, be seen as a significant step forward, but it is progress nonetheless. “This year, the Closing the gap report found that the target to halve child mortality is back on track, with significant improvements in health care. “Between 1998 and 2016, we’ve seen a decline of 35 per cent in the Indigenous child mortality rate and a closing of the gap by 32 per cent. “The report also indicates that outcomes in education are improving, with the early childhood education and year 12 attainment targets on track. “Today, there around 14,700 or 91 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children enrolled in early childhood education in the crucial year before starting school. “This improvement means that the target to have 95 per cent of Indigenous four-yearolds enrolled in early childhood education by 2025 is set to be realised. “There are also more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students staying on until year 12, with over 65 per cent of Indigenous young adults aged 20 to 24 achieving

coastcommunitynews.com.au

year 12 or equivalent, well up from around 47 per cent in 2006. “I know that there is a thirst and desire for this common ground to be more than just a statement, particularly when it comes to our young people. “This is true on the Central Coast, for example, with the advocacy of locals like Ms Lisa Wriley in Kariong, who for many years, has been involved in activities that have drawn together people from across our region to tackle issues around closing the gap and much more. “Lisa told me about the initiatives of people like Dr Beryl Collier, Reverend Penny Jones, Mr Phil Bligh and many others, who hosted film screenings and barbecues for Indigenous young people. “In fact, at the wonderful Kariong Eco Garden, there is a truly inspiring welcome mural and display, including a panel painted by Aunty Joyce Dukes. “I’d love to know that this local committee and its initiatives have a future, and I commit to finding out. “I also know that it’s another example of my community’s desire to do their bit in helping to close the gap. “It echoes the sentiments expressed by the Prime Minister, who spoke about how the solution to closing the gap rests within the imagination, the ingenuity, the passion and the drive of Indigenous people themselves, with government the enabler of their success. “We must also seek common ground, the Prime Minister said, guided by the values that make us all Australians, values of mutual respect, equality and equal treatment under the law,” Ms Wicks said. Source: Hansard transcript, Feb 14 Lucy Wicks, Member for Robertson

Schools’ planned maintenance lists reduced by $24.7m

ine of the 10 schools that topped the Central Coast’s school maintenance blitz are from the former Gosford LGA.

Schools across the Coast have had their planned maintenance lists reduced by $24.7m collectively, as new figures to be released show the benefit of a blitz on roofing, flooring, painting and other maintenance projects that took place over the school holidays. The 10 Central Coast schools with the largest reductions are: Kincumber High School $1,182,526; Gosford Public School $1,125,312; Erina High School $1,034,404; Henry Kendall High School $949,280; Brisbane Water Secondary College, Umina Campus $947,899; Narara Valley High School $796,412; Terrigal High School, $763,151; Woy Woy South Public School, $680,058; Gosford High School $656,234; and, Wadalba Community School, the only Wyong LGA school to make the top 10, at $2,161,092. The NSW Liberal National Government has reduced the State’s planned school maintenance list by more than $200m, or by about a quarter, in the past 18 months, according to Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald. Mr McDonald welcomed the improvement in local school facilities due to the record investment. “I am pleased to see the NSW Government delivering these important works for Central Coast schools,” Mr MacDonald said. “Providing high-quality school facilities is vital to give our children the education they need and deserve,” he added.

Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, said all schools were benefitting from the NSW Government’s record $747m school maintenance investment. “Schools across the Central Coast are benefitting from increased funding to reduce planned maintenance lists and to build new facilities to cater for projected growth,” Mr Crouch said. “The NSW State Liberal Government’s record funding investment will future-proof our local schools,” Mr Crouch concluded. Upon request Coast Community News was given the figures for the spend on the top 20 schools in the region. Copacabana Public School was number 11 with $649, 024, Wyong High School was next at $643,908, Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Berkeley Vale came in with $640, 382, followed by Woy Woy Public School at $629,049. Umina Beach Public School received $625,378 and Valley View Public School received $594,350. Lisarow High School received $583,410, Glenvale School Narara had $506,461, Point Clare Public School received $489,402, and Wamberal Public School came in at $479,999. When questioned about how the funds were allocated, a representative from Mr McDonald’s office said the funds were attributed to each schools’ individual maintenance list logged by School Infrastructure NSW, with the schools with larger lists prioritised. Source: Media release and Statement, Feb 5 and 9 Kit Hale, Office of Scot MacDonald MLC Dilon Luke, Journalist

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ET Australia, with its Adult Training College and Secondary College (ETASC), is expanding, and has big plans for its future in the heart of Gosford CBD. ET Australia has been operating in Gosford since 1977, and in 2013, added an independent high school to expand the educational services it offers. The Year 7 to Year 10 high school commenced with 65 students and has nearly doubled its student enrolments in just five years. In 2017, the high school was at full student enrolment capacity and has operated with a waiting list for student places. In 2018, the school will open with new classrooms to

allow for the addition of extra student enrolment places for high school students. A new adult learning space for the college has also been created and extra teaching and support staff have been employed. “Our high school has been really successful because of the safe and nurturing environment that our school model has become,” ET Australia CEO, Mr Tony Mylan, said. “The school staff are professional, qualified teachers who all come from diverse teaching backgrounds. “The comprehensive school model caters to students across the academic spectrum in a small and supportive school setting. “Our school staff have created a really dynamic school culture which is fostering positive student outcomes for the Central Coast

community. “In 2018, the additional 40 places that we are adding to our high school enrolments will provide parents and students with more educational options on the Central Coast,” Mr Mylan said. “Even accounting for this expansion, ETASC is full for Year 7, but there are currently vacancies for Year 8 and Year 9, with very limited places left for Year 10,” he added. ETASC has a strong academic focus on literacy, numeracy, fostering independence and teaching students a work ethic. This independent high school offers a different learning environment to mainstream schooling as it is located in a commercial building in the centre of the Gosford CBD. Source: Media release, Jan 24 Thomas Dickson, ET Australia Gosford

Fast take up of Active Kids Rebate voucher

housands of school children on the Central Coast are already benefitting from the NSW Government’s new, Active Kids Rebate, Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch said. Mr Crouch said that families on the Central Coast are among the highest rate of Active Kids Rebate recipients in NSW. “Active Kids Rebates became available on January 31, and in the first two weeks, more than

18,000 vouchers have already been claimed by Central Coast families,” Mr Crouch said. “Parents in our local community have recognised the immense value of this program and are enthusiastically taking advantage of it. “Across the Coast, 5,651 vouchers have been claimed in the Terrigal electorate, 4,086 vouchers in the Gosford electorate, 3,603 vouchers in The Entrance electorate and 5,169 vouchers in the Wyong electorate,” he continued.

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GOSFORD SFORD KARIONG KARIO Rugby League Football Club

Mr Crouch said it was important to ensure this initiative was available to all school-aged children regardless of their background or location. “By not means-testing this program, we’re ensuring that all families will be able to receive financial help with sport and recreational activity costs,” Mr Crouch said. Active Kids is a NSW State Liberal Government program which provides a $100 voucher per school-aged child to families to ease cost of living expenses by subsidising the costs associated with sporting activities. The Active Kids Program also supports the Premier’s Priority to reduce overweight and obesity rates of children by five per cent by 2025. Source: Media release, Feb 19 Ben Sheath, Office of Adam Crouch MP

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EDUCATION

Nikau Davis’ self-portrait

wo students from Henry Kendall High School have had their works selected for exhibition in ‘A Central Vision’ that will show in the Gosford Regional Gallery from March 24 to April 25.

Jay Knowling’s HSC work

Nikau Davis of Year 12 (work from Year 11, 2017), has had her drawn self-portrait selected, and Jay Knowling from Year 12, 2017, has had his HSC Body of Work in Photo Media selected. Knowling has presented a selection of photos of Central Coast and Hunter region places with his friend in amongst the

landscapes contemplating self. It is called “Discovering Self”. ‘A Central Vision’ features students’ works from public high schools across the Central Coast. Source: Newsletter, Feb 23 Donna James, Henry Kendall High School

40 years of Catholic education being celebrated ur Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, Wyoming, are celebrating 40 years of catholic education in 2018.

children,” said Principal, Mr Frank Cohen.

Source: Newsletter, Jan 31 Frank Cohen, OLR Wyoming

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To commemorate the milestone, construction will commence on eight new classrooms during this term. The school will also host Prof Ron Ritchhart from Harvard University, USA. Prof Richhart will conduct a masterclass with students in front of visiting teachers and professionals from around the country. “This I can assure you is something very rare, and speaks volumes for the great academic work our teachers continue to do with our

Better Hearing Australia Central Coast Inc

Under 6s – Under 17’s, Girls League Tag Under 12’s & Under 14’s + Open Grade (Mens) Training will begin on Wednesday & Friday afternoons at 5.30pm during February & March 2018 @ Narara Valley High School. Phone Ed: 0457810564 or Renee: 0410572519. Registration Fees are $130 for 8’s – 17’s, DISCOUNT registration cost for 6’s & 7’s @ $65, which includes; insurance, shorts, socks, club shirt & a show bag for the mini leaguers. Family discounts & payment plans are available. Online Registrations now open for all players @ http://gosfordkariong.leaguenet.com.au

PAGE 21 MARCH 1, 2018

Artwork selected for exhibition

40 more high school places high school and training college is expanding in the Gosford CBD.

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Support, education and advocacy for Central Coast people with hearing loss

Phone: 4321 0275 Email: bhacc@harbourisp.net.au

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PAGE 22 MARCH 1, 2018 OUT&ABOUT

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Bush dance to take a Klezmer theme

First Central Coast Festival of Women being held

he first Central Coast Festival of Women will be held from March 3 to 11 and aims to unite many different events celebrating women’s contributions to the community.

he London Klezmer Quartet will perform at the East Gosford Progress Hall on March 10, as part of their national album tour, for the Central Coast Bush Dance and Music Association (CCBDMA) Inc.’s March Bush Dance. This is the London Klezmer Quartet’s (LKQ) fourth album and features a wealth of traditional-style compositions by the band. Dancers will hear the

irresistibly sonorous vocals of Indra Buraczewska in traditional laments, a Warsaw Yiddish theatre hit with a hint of jazz (‘Goodbye New York’) and a song about beetroot soup. Klezmer now has wide appeal in Australia, bolstered by LKQ’s virtuosic and enthusiastic approach to bringing not just the repertoire, but colourful anecdotes about its origins, to audiences, helping to make the music accessible. This is the soulful and celebratory music of Jewish eastern Europe, and wider

afield, at its most beguiling and seductive. Indra Buraczewska’s powerful voice adds spice to the playing that showcases her musical dexterity and maturity on the double bass, and that of Susi Evans (clarinet), Ilana Cravitz (violin), and Carol Isaacs (accordion). The event is a dance more than a concert and patrons are encouraged to participate, Source: Media release, Feb 21 Ilana Cravitz, LKQ Robyn Northwood, CCBDMA

Another Clean Up Australia Day coming up

entral Coast Council is now taking registrations for 2018 Clean Up Australia Day. “Clean up Australia Day will be held on Sunday, March 4, and we are calling on all volunteers to join in the fight against rubbish and become a Clean Up Supervisor,” a Council spokesperson said. “Whether you are an individual, community group, school or business, every

contribution helps in keeping our Coast clean and free from litter,” they added. Interested residents can register at www. cleanupaustraliaday.org.au. The Australian Conservation Foundation, Central Coast, will be having a stall in Adcock Park, near the Velodrome, for Clean Up Australia Day. “This will be the 20th year we have been there, and it will go from 8:30am to 12pm,” said group Secretary, Mr John Wiggin.

“Everyone is welcome to come and help clean up anywhere in the vicinity of Adcock Park. “Bags and gloves will be provided. “Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult,” Mr Wiggin added. Source: Website, Feb 7 Central Coast Council Facebook page Email, Feb 21 John Wiggin, ACF Central Coast Branch

The Festival starts with the fourth International Women’s Day Expo at Erina Fair Shopping Centre on Saturday, March 3, and highlights many of the women’s organisations on the Coast. Information stalls will include Business and Professional Women Central Coast, Country Women’s Association of NSW, View Clubs of the Central Coast, Soroptimists International Brisbane Water (SIBW), Rotary Clubs of the Central Coast, the Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre, and Zonta Club of the Central Coast. The University of Newcastle, Central Coast, and TAFE NSW,

Ourimbah Campus, will also be involved. Locals will have the chance to see one, two or all three sessions of “All About Women”, streamed live from the Sydney Opera House, on Sunday, March 4. This will be held at Ourimbah Campus. Sessions include: Grabbing back women in the age of Trump, with Tarana Burke and Fran Lebowitz; The making of a movement, with Tarana Burke and Tracey Spicer; Suffragettes to social media; and, Waves of feminism, with Barbara Caine, Nakkiah Lui, Anne Summers and Rebecca Walker. The festival finishes on Sunday, March 11, with the annual International Women’s Day Breakfast, hosted by SIBW at the Reef Restaurant, The Haven, featuring guest speaker and 2013 Gold Walkley Award winner, Joanne McCarthy, from the Newcastle Herald. Other Festival of Women Events include: Babes in Black

on March 5, hosted by She the Change, at Avoca Surf House; and the International Women’s Day Forum on March 7, hosted by Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre, Narara The Festival will be launched on March 3 by Central Coast International Women’s Day (IWD) Expo Combined Committee (CCIWDCC), Central Coast Mayor Jane Smith and other local councillors, and state and federal parliamentarians, at Erina Fair Shopping Centre. The Festival showcases local organisations and women who go above and beyond in the region and offers an enhanced sense of local identity for women and girls. Coast FM 96.3 will also be celebrating IWD with a full line-up of female presenters from 6am to 6pm. For all the Festival of Women details, see pages 16 and 17. Source: Media release, Feb 23 Sally Jope, CCIWDCC

100 things you should know about fungi

he Central Coast Group of the Australian Plants Society will host their next meeting at Philip House, Kariong, from 7:30pm on March 9. The topic of the meeting is ‘100 things you should know about fungi’, and guest speaker for the evening is, Ms Pam O’Sullivan. Ms O’Sullivan has had a keen interest in fungi for over 40 years, and through workshops, field studies and publications, has raised the level of

awareness of the importance of fungi in ecosystems. Ms O’Sullivan also has a passion for plants and has worked in the Scientific Division of the National Herbarium in Sydney, and has lectured, tutored and been a conjoint at the University of Newcastle. Ms O’Sullivan is also working toward establishing the NSW Mycological Society. “Pam’s presentation will be an overview of what fungi are, their ecological roles, how they gain their nutrients, benefits to soils and plants, and

wider beneficial roles such as reducing erosion, roles in industry, including medicine, and more,” said Central Coast Group member, Ms Barbara Melville. “These wonderful organisms are fascinating, incredibly photogenic and fundamental to the functioning of our ecosystems and our day to day lives. “Come and be amazed,” she concluded. Source: Media release, Feb 19 Barbara Melville, Central Coast Group of the Australian Plants Society

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Play equipment being removed for safety reasons

ollowing an audit facilitated by Central Coast Council and conducted by an independent authority, some equipment in fourteen play spaces in the former Gosford LGA will be removed immediately. The equipment, primarily older style Miracle Swings, will be removed from many parks. Council’s Acting Director, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Boris Bolgoff, said that the audit was a necessary measure to ensure the safety of the thousands of people who utilise playgrounds across the Central Coast. “Playgrounds are one of our popular assets, and these audits will ensure that our parks continue to meet Australian standards and keep people safe,” he said. “Council has a dedicated replacement program in place for older equipment and most of the parks identified within the audit were already earmarked for replacement or removal. “In a number of instances

these were the last remaining pieces of equipment, and their removal will provide the opportunity for passive open spaces in these locations,” he added. Mayor Jane Smith said that Council’s immediate action confirms its commitment to safety and community wellbeing. “There are over 250 parks on the Central Coast, and each and every one must be of a high standard now and into the future,” she said. “First and foremost, it’s about quality, and the role of our playgrounds and play spaces to enhance the lives of those who visit them every day. “As a Council, ensuring our playgrounds are safe will always be a priority,” she said. In addition to its own program of safety checks, Council regularly facilitates independent and external audits to ensure its play spaces continue to meet Australian standards. The immediate removal of the identified equipment is a necessary measure to ensure the sustainability of playgrounds across the local area.

Council is currently developing a new play space within the Alan Davidson Oval Wyoming, with upgraded play equipment and closer proximity to playing fields designed to improve both the experience and safety for its users. The play space is due to be completed and open to the public in March. Works commenced from February 19 at the following locations: Walder Cres Playground, Avoca; Bronzewing Dve Reserve Playground, Erina; Ettalong Oval Playground, Ettalong; Pinyari Park, Kincumber; Gavenlock Oval, Narara; Goonak Pde, Narara; Delaware Rd, Niagara Park; Wendy Dve Playground, Point Clare; Saratoga Oval Playground, Saratoga; Brisbane Ave Playground, Umina Beach; Lentara Rd Playground, Umina Beach; Garnet Adcock Memorial Park, West Gosford; Alan Davidson Oval Playground, Wyoming; and, Orange Pde, Wyoming. Source: Media release, Feb 16 Central Coast Council Media

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The 5 Lands Art Studios art trail was established with the aim of nurturing and promoting the creative arts for the benefit of both artists and the broader community. The art trail provides a unique opportunity for art lovers and newcomers alike to meet

artists in their own space, talk to them about their practice, and experience the process of making visual art in a variety of forms first hand. “If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit before, you are in for a fabulous experience. “If you have visited in the past, come and see how our work has evolved over seven

years,” said the group’s Ms Ann Parker. In 2018, the 5 Lands Art Studios trail is open from 11am to 5pm on March 3 to 4, on June 24 from 11am to 3pm following the 5 Lands Walk on June 23, and on November 3 to 4 from 11am to 5pm. On open studio weekends, look for the direction signs and orange flags on display at all

MARCH 1, 2018

Coal Alliance fundraiser well attended

Mike Campbell from the Australian Coal Alliance surrounded by Knitting Nannas at the Avoca Theatre fundraiser

lmost 200 people turned out in wet weather to attend an Australian Coal Alliance fundraising film night at Avoca Theatre on February 26. Five locally made independent films, covering various social subjects, were enthusiastically received as they canvassed the great talent of film making on the

5 Lands Art Studios art trail he artists of the 5 lands Art Studios are opening their studios to the public in celebration of the group’s seventh anniversary in March.

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 23

the studios. “Our artists are passionate about the arts and their practice, and have created a trail which showcases an eclectic range of works combined with insights into the creative processes behind them,” Ms Parker said. Source: Media release, Feb 16 Ann Parker, 5 Lands Art Studio

Coast. An Indigenous welcome and also a vocal and guitar performance by Mr Jake Cassar opened the evening. An update on the Australian Coal Alliance (ACA) campaign against the Wallarah 2 mine was given by Mr Mike Campbell in lieu of Mr Alan Hayes, who was in Canberra meeting with the Federal Minister for Energy and the Environment, Mr Josh Frydenberg. “Gosford people realise the critical need to protect

the water aquifers that feed eventually into Mangrove Dam and that they must be protected at all cost for an expanding population of the Central Coast,” Mr Campbell said. “Over $3,000 was raised to pay substantial legal costs for the court challenge against the approval of the mine, in the NSW Land and Environment Court later this year,” he said. Source: Media release, Feb 27 Mike Campbell, Australian Coal Alliance

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Unusual line-up for next Brackets and Jam

Pros and cons of retirement living choices explained Retirement Living Open Day will be held at Evergreen Life Care, West Gosford on March 24.

Indie Alt rock ensemble Hot August will perform at Brackets and Jam this March

he Brackets and Jam South crew have announced the line-up for the March 2 Brackets and Jam on Kincumba Mountain. Rusty Kats will open the evening at 7:30pm, followed by Hotel Satisfaction from 8:10pm. The first drum jam is next up at 9:15pm, with Hot August taking the stage from 9:30pm, followed by the second drum jam closing out the evening at 10:30pm. Rusty Kats are a local two piece duo who have been together for two years and are developing a serious following in the pubs and clubs with their blues and rock music. Fronted by renowned and charismatic vocalist Muma Jane, Rusty Kats has that kick back raw blues energetic style which gets you in.

Guitarist Rod Thorncroft is brilliant on slide guitar. The five members of the new Hotel Satisfaction, Eagles/ Rolling Stones tribute show, formed in mid-2015. All share a great love for the music of these two legendary groups. Hotel Satisfaction is fronted by Ross McGregor -awardwinning country/rock singer, supported by the dual lead guitarists and vocals of Gary Mellross and Ian Smokey Armfield. The solid rock rhythm section is provided by bassist, Tim Fordham and the drumming talents of Warren Henry. Hot August is an Indie Alternative Rock band from the Central Coast. Starting as friends in high school, they started jamming and recording songs, which has led them to the release of their first single, ‘What Do You

If you’re reading this, so could up to 150,000 other people

Want’. “Our Brackets South event takes place on top of beautiful Kincumba Mountain. “The community built venue is a mud brick and natural timber building which sits in a bushland reserve, with panoramic views of Brisbane Water and magnificent sunsets over the hills beyond,” said Brackets and Jam South crew member, Mr Noel Plummer. “This venue is the birthplace of Brackets and Jam on the Central Coast and the community considers it as it’s spiritual home. “The Mountain itself holds a strong significance for our Aboriginal community and has been a long-standing meeting place for Central Coast people. “The rock outcrop situated in front of the kiosk forms a natural pool which is said to have once been a sacred birthing place for women. “The Mountain now gives birth to many new beginnings as the hub of creative community arts in the southern Central Coast region,” he added. Source: Media release, Feb 19 Noel Plummer, Brackets and Jam South

The Open Day will feature seminars that focus on the ins and outs of retirement living and Wills and Power of Attorney and will be hosted by Patrick McHugh and Co Solicitors and Conveyancers. “We will talk about the pros and cons of moving into a retirement village compared to other popular accommodation options for elders,” Patrick McHugh’s team member, Ms Winnie McHugh said. “You will preserve your pension by selling your home and applying all the proceeds to the lease or licence of the retirement village unit. “If you do a granny flat with family, this may also preserve your pension, but put your investment into it at grave risk if things go wrong. “At other times with granny flats, Centrelink count the payment to a child as a ‘gift’ and your pension may be reduced or cancelled altogether. “This needs careful legal advice. “If you stay at home where you are and take out a reverse mortgage to pay for home care and a few comforts, the compound interest on the loan may not end up being very different to the amount of a departure fee in a retirement village. “The chances are that the price of a retirement village unit will be 10 to 20 per cent cheaper than a comparable dwelling in the same locality. “The chances are also that the monthly recurrent charge there will be cheaper for the costs that it covers than paying

these in your own suburban home. “Of course, you pay for these benefits when you leave, through the departure fee and sharing of capital gain. “The costs of rent in a manufactured home may go up in ways that do not happen in a retirement village. “The operator of a village has to roll over a surplus and make good a deficit using funds other than recurrent charges. “If it is to go up by more than the CPI, this needs a formal vote of approval by residents or an order from the tribunal (NCAT). “In a manufactured home park, the site fees can go up unless these are challenged by residents at NCAT and the tribunal agrees. “In a park, the site fees are the main source of profit for the owner, but no profit from this is permitted in retirement villages. “In a park, you have to pay for all maintenance and replacement of parts of your dwelling. “In a village, most maintenance is covered by the recurrent charges and all replacements due to fair wear and tear must be carried out by the operator, using funds other than recurrent charges. “These are some of the important issues for which expert legal advice should be sought when considering whether to stay or to move and, if moving, where to,” Ms McHugh said. The second seminar of the Open Day is entitled: Wills and Power of Attorney: Financial Safeguards. “A Power of Attorney is a legal document appointing the person you have selected to be able to manage your money and property for you.

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

Call 4325 7369 to see how inexpensive it is.

WAR MEMORABILIA WANTED

“This includes paying your bills, accessing your bank accounts and leasing, selling or mortgaging property,” Ms McHugh said. “An Enduring Guardian allows you to appoint the person you would like to make lifestyle and medical decisions for you, if you are unable to make those decisions yourself. “This includes deciding where you live and what healthcare and medical treatment you receive,” she added. “These documents allow you to plan for the future, deciding for yourself who you would like to represent you, what powers you would like that person to have and what limitations you would like to put on those powers. These estate planning documents are especially valuable when a person has lost capacity to look after themselves or make decisions for themselves. It is at this stage that someone else, normally a family member or friend, takes on a carer role. “Not only do these documents allow you to choose the person you want in that role, it also makes it easier for the carer to step in and begin assisting when they need to,” Ms McHugh said. “Our presentation will go into these documents, as well as Wills and Advance Care Directives, in greater detail, including the benefits of having these documents and what happens when you don’t,” she concluded. Interested parties should register with Evergreen Life Care. Source: Media release, Feb 26 Winnie McHugh, Patrick McHugh and Co Solicitors and Conveyancers

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 25 MARCH 1, 2018

Copacabana Community Association Street Poets determined to achieve local improvements project receives a T $49,000 grant ember of the NSW Legislative Council, Mr Taylor Martin, and Minister responsible for Youth, Mr Ray Williams, announced that Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD) would receive more than $49,000 to support the Street Poets project.

The project encourages local youth to produce a spoken poetry album and host live shows to share their work with the community. Mr Martin said local youth would benefit, both creatively and professionally, from the funding. “I am thrilled this grant will provide young people with a platform to voice their perspective on significant community issues,” Mr Martin said. “The Street Poets initiative will also open new doors and up-skill youth for future employment opportunities.” Mr Williams said the Youth Opportunities grant aimed to support young people to develop a range of life skills,

including event management and marketing. “The project selected will upskill young people to provide them with greater opportunities for employment,” Mr Williams said. “It will encourage youth to consider careers and further training in a number of sectors, including event planning or media.” MMAD Creative Facilitator, Mr Will Small, said the organisation is beyond grateful to receive funding under the Youth Opportunities grants program. “This funding will allow us to engage with young people in a creative and empowering way that will not only develop them as emerging artists, but as community leaders who speak creatively and passionately about the most pressing issues facing young people today.” The Youth Opportunities program provides one-off, time limited grants of up to $50,000 for youth-driven community projects. Source: Media release, Feb 27 Todd Kirby, office of Taylor Martin

Comment sought on Banjo’s Skate Park entral Coast Council will host two workshops for locals interested in the design and implementation of Banjo’s Skate Park.

make comment on Council’s, and skate park developer CONVIC’s, draft concept plan for the project. The workshops will take place at the First Terrigal Scout Group Hall, Terrigal, on February 20.

The project will be located at the Terrigal Lagoon Foreshore, and during the workshops, interested parties can view and

Source: Website, Feb 7 Central Coast Council Facebook page

he Copacabana community has called on Central Coast Mayor Jane Smith and Councillors Jeff Sundstrom and Rebecca Gale Collins, to confirm their support for five specific local projects.

Mayor Smith and the councillors attended a meeting, along with 115 residents, at the Copacabana Surf Club. The meeting, held on February 1, was arranged by the Copacabana Community Association so that the Mayor and councillors could hear more about the main projects the association was pursuing on behalf of the community, and to secure the Council’s support. The projects were nominated as priorities through a survey of Copacabana residents, and through consultation with the Surf Club, the RFS, the Copacabana Aboriginal community, the Parklands Group, and the Five Lands Walk Committee (for Copa). The five projects chosen as a result of that process were: improvements to the Copacabana foreshore, including landscaping, barbeques and undercover seating; upgrade of the major local road, Del Monte Pl; upgrade of Susan Fahey Park; creation of a Copa men’s shed; and, all-purpose access to Cochrone Lagoon and a boardwalk to Merchants Gully. Mr Stephen Boucher, President of the Copacabana Community Association, said Del Monte Pl was “in a bad state of repair and has no pavement, despite being a major thoroughfare used

by school buses, visitors to Captain Cook Lookout and the five lands walk.” The Parklands Project is an initiative to upgrade Susan Fahey Park into a community recreation hub that provides a parkland area suitable for ball games and active play, as well as picnics and socialising. Discussion on several of the projects had been ongoing with the former Gosford Council for some years. “It was over 10 years in the case of the foreshore master plan without any progress, and there is frustration amongst the community at the lack of attention and lack of funding for projects and improvements in Copacabana,” Mr Boucher said. “More recently, since the formation of the new Central Coast Council, there has been more optimism by the CCA about progress being made, and discussions on these projects has commenced again with several members

of Central Coast Council staff, who have been more proactive in assisting in moving the projects forward,” he said. “Mayor Smith said that she supported the concepts and ideas, even though she could not personally commit to them, and further investigation would be necessary on some of them. “However, she agreed that she would take the issues back to the Council. “She said that she felt that the projects had merit and were potentially exciting, but needed to be consistent with the objectives of the council’s 10 year plan for the region. “Clrs Sundstrom and

Gale Collins also showed enthusiasm for the projects and indicated that they would support these projects in discussion in Council.” Senator Deborah O’Neill, a Copacabana resident, was also at the meeting. The CCA management team have also met with Ms Lucy Wicks, Federal Member for Robertson, who indicated her support for the projects, and with Mr Adam Crouch, State Member for Terrigal. “The CCA management team is determined to ensure that this momentum is maintained and are grateful for the attendance of the Councillors and for their willingness to listen to the issues and give honest responses to them,” Mr Boucher said. “This meeting demonstrates the strength of feeling within the Copacabana community regarding the lack of attention and funding that we have received by successive councils over the years,” he said. “It is great to see all of the interested groups in Copa working together with us for the good of the community. “We are encouraged by the Councillors’ support and that of Ms Wicks and look forward to making real progress on these improvements.” Source: Media release, Feb 20 Stephen Boucher, Copacabana Community Association

Yoga Classes 5 week Beginner’s Yoga Course

Relax on a Sunday afternoon! Local classes at Central Mangrove Starts 4th March. Bookings essential. Call Jacqui on 0405 760 919 or email jacquifletcheryoga@gmail.com

LAYCOCK THEATRE ON MARCH 18TH AT 2 PM WITH GREG HOOPER ON PIANO

PAGE 26 MARCH 1, 2018

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS DIRECTORY

ARTS & CULTURE 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

rsl@breakerscc.com.au

The NSW Justices Association Inc Seeking volunteers for 8 community JP Desks Monday Erina Fair & Imperial Centre Gosford 9am-1pm Tuesday Gosford Court 9.30am-1pm Thursday Kincumber Library 10am-1pm Free Insurance and training provided 0418 493 388 benefits@nswja.org.au

U3A CENTRAL COAST

Spinning and weaving, patchwork Enjoy a diverse range of courses and activities for seniors. Keep and quilting, felting and other fibre and fabric crafts, community your mind active and make new friends. Your retirement years quilting bees - Day and Night can be the best years of all. Groups 0408 704 701 4325 4743 www.cottagecrafts.net.au

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 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)

www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au

GOSFORD GUMNUTS PLAYGROUP Parents and children meet socially. Make friends, learn more about parenting. 0 to 5 yrs Wed - Fri 10am-12noon Gosford Uniting Church Hall 129 Donnison St Gosford 4325 3695 gumnutsguc@gmail.com

VOLUNTEERING CENTRAL COAST Refer potential volunteers to community organisations. Provide support to volunteers and community organisations. Provide training to volunteers and managers of volunteers Information sessions “Bridge to Volunteering” held regularly. 4329 7122 recruit@volcc.org.au

WILDLIFE ARC

We rescue and care for injured and orphan native animals. 24hr/day, 7days/ week. Come join us. Gen Meeting 3rd Sun Wyoming Community Centre, Maidens Brush Rd Wyoming at 10am 4325 0666

COMMUNITY CENTRES COMMUNITY CENTRES provide the local community with a meeting place and hub for groups, services and information.

Quarterly Meetings law advice, active playgroup, 4369 8053 computer classes, OOSH services, fitness classes, arts & crafts, over 50’s friendship group, youth GAMBLING SOLUTIONS group, social groups and many Counsellors provide free, more services. confidential, professional service 4340 1724 to gamblers, family and friends. wwww.knc.net.au Woy Woy, Kincumber, Gosford, The Entrance. KINCUMBER 4344 7992

NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE • Exercise classes • Yoga for adults and children • Community eco garden • Room hire • Health support groups • Counselling • After school activities 4363 1044 www.kincumber.nsw.au

MINGALETTA ABORIGINAL TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CORPORATION A meeting place and referral hub for education, health, well-being and cultural programs through consultative services and community programs. Mon-Fri 9am-4pm 6 Sydney Ave Umina 4342 7515 admin@mingaletta.com.au

TERRIGAL FIFTY PLUS LEISURE AND LEARNING CENTRE Activities include fitness, yoga, bridge, mahjong, zumba gold, line dancing, tai chi, painting, craft and computer classes. 43845152

WYOMING COMMUNITY CENTRE Yoga & Zumba classes, Art and Craft classes, Playgroup & Vacation Care, Support groups, Book Club, Community Garden, Rooms for Hire, Work Development Orders, Centrelink Volunteer hours 4323 7483 reception@wyomingcc.org.au

HEALTH GROUPS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS meet every Wed 12.30pm Someone cares - Anglican Church 3 Mann St Gosford 4323 3890

BETTER HEARING AUSTRALIA CENTRAL COAST

memberships to join our ranks Rehearsales every Wednesday 7.30 to 9.45pm at Erina

3rd Mon 12 noon Gosford North 2nd Wed 7pm 0417 480 549 or 0407 008 555

info@sympnony centralcoast.com.au

LIONS CLUB OF WOY WOY

TEMPO TERRIFIC COMMUNITY SHOWBAND

1st and 3rd Mon. Woy Woy Leagues Club Make new friends and have fun while serving your community. 0478 959 895

0414 635 047 www.ccsoaring.com.au

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

Active showband available to play at your community function. Small friendly groups formed to Wide ranging repertuore. Always NATIONAL PARKS learn how to overcome anxiety, seeking new members, come and ROTARY CLUB OF ASSOCIATION depression and loneliness and to have fun with music. Follow us on GOSFORD CENTRAL COAST improve mental health and wellFacebook - Every Mon 5 - 7pm Gosford Golf Club 6pm Thursdays Twice weekly bush walks, varying being. Anonymous, free and open Supporting local and overseas Kincumber Uniting Church distances and grades of difficulty. to all. Weekly at Woy Woy, Bateau communities come along and 4365 4414 Explore, enjoy scenery, fauna, Bay and Wyong share fellowship and fun. www.tempoterrific.com floral, history. Keep fit and make 1800 558 268 0414 777 748 tempoterrific@live.com friends. www.grow.org.au www.gosfordrotary.org.au 4389 4423 or 4332 7378

GROW Support Groups

MEALS ON WHEELS Delicious meals delivered free Join us for a midday meal Help with shopping and cooking classes 4363 7111

POLITICAL PARTY

CENTRAL COAST GREENS

ROTARY CLUB OF GOSFORD NORTH

SPIRITUALITY IN THE PUB

Ecumenical & Interfaith Speakers Active community minded club. The Central Coast Greens Forum & Q&A with focus on Many projects focussed on For a fairer, more transparent and developing understanding and accountable government based assisting youth. Support our great encouraging dialogue about projects, get involved with our on democratic principles spirituality through people fun club. New member enquiries Local, state-wide, national sharing their life journeys. welcomed and international issues and 1st Tues March to October Graham Black - 0410 509 071 campaigns - Council and 2nd Tues November CENTRAL COAST FAMILY grahamblack@outlook.com.au parliamentary representation 7.30 to 9pm HISTORY SOCIETY INC. Developing a new economy Grange Hotel Wyoming Open Tue to Fri 9.30am - 2.30pm ROTARY CLUB OF Protecting our environment 4328 2596 - 0498 588 261 First Sat 9.30 - noon Peaceful conflict resolution KARIONG/SOMERSBY Thur 7pm - 9pm Community participation International service club Other times by appointment. We meet monthly every 3rd improves lives of communities 4324 5164 Thu - Details and info: in Australia and overseas. FunBPW CENTRAL COAST www.centralcoastfhs.org.au centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au filled activities, fellowship and Empowering women of all ages admin@centralcoasths.org.au centralcoastgreens@gmail.com friendship breakfasts. Phillip in the areas of work, education, House, 21 Old Mount Penang Rd well-being and friendship. BRISBANE WATER AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY (opp Shell) - Fri 7:15am Monthly dinner meetings and 4340 4529 HISTORICAL SOCIETY OURIMBAH/ NARARA speaker. kersuebay@philliphouse.com.au • Coach tours • School BRANCH Community transport available to educational tours • Annual Street Discussion/action community and from centre Stalls • Participation in History issues - 3 levels of Government Chris Levis 0438 989 199 Heritage Week Celebration Niagara Park Primary School bpwcentralcoast@hotmail.com Margaret Pearce BIZ PLUS NETWORKING 7.30pm 1st Mon each month www.bpw.com.au/central-coast 4325 2270 ASSOCIATION 0410 309 494 kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com Attention business owners - if COUNTRY WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP OF FIRST you keen to grow your business ASSOCIATION (CWA) and in the process build FLEETERS CENTRAL COAST Quilting, patchwork, spinning, worthwhile relationships, attend a For anyone interested in early knitting, crochet and more Develop confi dence by improving Biz Networking breakfast. history or early family histories. 9am-2pm your speaking skills. Meetings are Every Thur 7:15am 9am Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. Every Fri, Opposite entertaining and educational. Erina Leagues Club Point Clare Community Hall Terrigal Bowling Club Geoff Neilson 2nd Sat 10:30am 4385 9503 or 4384 3696 network@bizplus.com.au BRISBANE WATERS 4392 1926 4311 6254

HISTORY GROUPS

WOMEN’S GROUPS

SPECIAL INTEREST

PUBLIC SPEAKING

MUSIC BRISBANE WATER BRASS Brass Band entertainment for the community playing all types of popular music Rehearsal every Tues. 7.30pm-10pm 0419 274 012

BREAKFAST TOASTMASTERS CLUB 8:30am-10:30am 2nd and Last Sat - The Hive and Library, Erina Shopping Centre 0459 240 183

BLUE GUM FLAT

TOASTMASTERS Hearing loss management Mthly meetings 1st and Support and educational groups 3rd Mon 7.15-9.30pm providing practical experience GOSFORD 50+ LEISURE Meets 4th Tuesday at the Grange COASTAL A CAPPELLA Ourimbah RSL and confidence AND LEARNING CENTRE Learn the benefits of hearing aids Dynamic award winning Hotel Monthy meeting 4th 4362 7227 women’s a cappella chorus Handicraft, Painting, Knitting, Tai Tuesday Grange Hotel 10am 4321 0275 new members Chi, Scrabble, Darts, Table Tennis, 43225560 always welcome. Indoor Bowls, Patchwork, Yoga, CENTRAL COAST PROSTATE Music eduction provided Fitness, Gentle Swimming, Line PROBUS CLUB OF AVOCA Lots of Performance GOSFORD WOLD VISION CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Dancing, Cards, Variety Social, 10.15am 3rd Mon opportunities, or hire us COMMUNITY GROUP (GOSFORD) Womens Group, Zumba, Crochet, Avoca Beach Bowling Club for your next event. Make new friends while helping Meet last Friday Month Computers 4382 3372 0412 948 450 your local world vision group Terrigal Uniting Church 4304 7065 www.probussouthpacific.org/ coastalacappella@gmail.com raise funds, monies raised 380 Terrigal Dre, Terrigal microsites/avocabeach benefits Indigenious Australians 9.30am to 12 noon GOSFORD-NARARA SOUNDWAVES and families and communities 4367 9600 NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE FREEMASONS Men’s acapella 4 part harmony world wide to overcome poverty www.pcfa.org.au School Holiday activities, Who are they? What do they do? chorus - all ages 7pm Mon and injustice. playgroup, multicultural Find out about the wolrd’s oldest Central Coast Leagues Club 4th Tue monthly 11am CENTRAL COAST PROSTATE programs, community activities fraternal organisation and how Kieran - 0407 267 675 Presbyterian Church Young St CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Rooms for Hire we help our community. khutton58@gmail.com West Gosford (WYONG) 4329 4477 Gosford Masonic Centre jbthomson51@gmail.com 0400 586 760 Meet last Monday Month admin@gnnc.com.au 86 Mann St Gosford Toukley RSL Club - Homes Ave www.tccl2001.org SYDNEY WELSH CHOIR INNER WHEEL CLUBS OF GREEN POINT COMMUNITY Toukley - 10.00am to 12 noon Cultural organisation performing CENTRAL COAST 4356 9300 at various venues to promote CENTRE Wyong, Terrigal & www.pcfa.org.au TERRIGAL WAMBERAL the Welsh culture with singing, OOSH cave, exersize classes, Gosford North Clubs Also performing for charity fund Women working together to make school holiday programs, RSL SUB-BRANCH raising. At Breakers Country Club pension playgroup, arts & craft, room hire, DYING WITH DIGNITY NSW, a difference and imprive lives CENTRAL COAST 4369 3378 and much more. and welfare officers available to while making new friends. Working to give those 4367 7591 assist with DVA compensation Enjoy social outings and suffering unrelievedly from claims and benefits SYMPHONY community involvment. terminal or incurable illness Wed & Fri 10am – Midday KARIONG NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRAL COAST Wyong Club Meets the legal right to request & Meetings 2nd Sat 10am CENTRE 3rd Wed 6.30pm Community Orchestra receive medical help to die 43842661 Early childhood clinic, free family Terrigal Club Meets welcomes new GOSFORD NORTH PROBUS CLUB

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

SERVICE GROUPS

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

CENTRAL COAST GOJU-KAI KARATE Traditional Karate & Self Defence for Teens & Adults No Contracts, Cheap Rates Wamberal - Mon 630pm Kincumber - Thurs 715pm 0417 697 096 www.centralcoastgojukaikarate.com.au

CENTRAL COAST LAPIDARY CLUB MINERALS & GEMS Learn silverwork, Cabochons, Faceting, Enamelling, Stone Field-trips & fossicking Weekly Workshops Tues and Thurs 8.30am 2.30pm. Thurs 6-10pm 10 Ourimbah Creek Rd Ourimbah 4362 2246

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

CENTRAL COAST SOARING CLUB INC Gliding Club, Learn to fly, Instruction FREE to members 14 and up for Training Flying at Bloodtree Rd Mangrove Mountain Thur, Sat, Sun ( weather permitting) 0412 164 082

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.

Gosford Greyhound Racing Track closed for redevelopment

r e y h o u n d Racing NSW has announced the immediate and indefinite suspension of racing at the Gosford Greyhounds facility. Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) made the announcement following a site inspection performed by GRNSW and the NSW Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association (GBOTA). The two groups found that the state of the track posed a significant risk to the dogs and deemed it unusable, cancelling all future racing at Gosford until major works to rectify the track were completed. In making the decision, GRNSW released the following statement: “… racing at the Gosford GBOTA track will be suspended indefinitely due to increased welfare and safety concerns as a result of ongoing track legacy issues.

“As a result of the increased racing at Gosford over the recent months, a legacy issue whereby previous management practices and the erosion of the track base, have resulted in a significant stone matter being present within the racing profile. “The stone issue and track base issues can no longer be managed appropriately. “In conjunction with the NSW GBOTA, GRNSW will look to develop a project plan and timeline whereby the Gosford GBOTA track base and track profile will be redeveloped to improve safety and welfare standards. “At this time GRNSW will also look to increase the track cambers and grades. “The next four meetings scheduled at Gosford up to March 20, will now be transferred to the Maitland GBOTA track. Source: Media release, Feb 21 GRNSW Media

Excitement had been building for the season launch with a large number of new members signing up in the off season, and a fully booked first Come and Try Day, which was unfortunately washed out. Round 1 was held at Gosford Showground, with competitors ranging from 7 to 64 years of age, competing in six categories across the day, in hot conditions. A very healthy crowd filled the trackside grandstand. Many new racers shuffled nervously around the pits, eagerly awaiting their debut. The Cadet categories were dominated by the ever talented Angilley family, with Mark Angilley taking out Cadet 9, and older brother, Luke, victorious in Cadet 12. Dylan Kelly was runner up in Cadet 9, with an outstanding drive by, Rebecca Garland, to show that girl power is alive and well in Speedway Karting. Brother, Jarrod Garland, overcame some Kart issues to storm home into third place in Cadet 12, just behind runner up, Joey Bissett. Joel Buettel and Nathan Thompson were tied for first in Junior KA4, with Joel taking

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

Friday, Mar 2

Initiative, Adcock Park, 8:30am to 12:00pm, community cleaning of Adcock Park gloves and rubbish bags provided by Conservation Foundation, children under 14 years must be accompanied by an adult Screening: A Quest to Heal Beyond the Physical and Q&A with director and special guests, The Rhythm Hut, Gosford, from 5:30pm, tickets essential

Girrakool Blues Festival and BBQ, tickets essential

Monday, Mar 5

Saturday Mar 3 ALLDAY live Under 18’s show, The Entertainment Grounds Gosford, 5:00pm to 10:00pm, tickets essential

Sunday, Mar 4 Clean Up Australia Day The Australian Conservation Foundation Central Coast Clean Up Australia Day

Gosford Community Choir Launch, Sandy Bigara Vocal Coaching, 135 Faunce St Gosford, 7:00pm to 8:00pm Solar Citizens NSW Central Coast March Meeting, Marine Discovery Centre Terrigal, 7:00pm, free entry

Cnr Ranwick St and Pacific Hwy, Wyoming The Lounge Room Writers Group, The Lounge Room Gosford, 6:30pm to 9:30pm Carrie the Musical, Laycock St Theatre Gosford, multiple show times until March 10, tickets essential

Saturday, Mar 10 Point Clare Car Boot Market, Fairhaven, 209 Brisbane Water Dve Point Clare, 9:00am to 2:00pm, Sellers must book their spot with Fairhaven The London Klezmer Quartet, The East Gosford Progress Hall, 7:30pm Charity Comedy Night, Gosford RSL Club, 8:00pm to 11:00pm, tickets essential

Sunday, Mar 11 Tuesday, Mar 6 Spirituality in the Pub, The Grange Hotel Function Room,

PAGE 27 MARCH 1, 2018

he Central Coast Speedway Kart Club Championship (CCSKC) inaugural round was held on February 18.

For events in post code areas 2250, 2260 and 2251

Gosford Regional Community Services presents: Central Coast Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service Seminar, Wyoming Community Centre, 10:00am to 11:30am, bookings recommended contact Gosford Regional Community Services for more information

SPORT

Round 1 of speedway championship held

The Gosford Diary Thursday, Mar 1

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Ladies Open Mic Night, The Rhythm Hut Gosford, 6:00pm, entry by donation

The first round of the CCSKC Championship was a big success

first on a countback. P Platers, Cameron Jones and Josh Zaia, battled it out all day, with Cameron gaining third narrowly from Josh. Veteran, Gary Morris, proved the theory that experience is hard to beat in KT Light, taking out the class, whilst, Justin Franks, had a great claim in disproving this very theory, by finishing second in a field of seven, whilst still on his P

plates. Sean Morley produced a fine third place. In KT medium, Jason Bisset put the Australian Champion Number 1 plate on display and showed exactly why he owns that plate, by destroying the field, winning three of the four races. In the Senior KA3 Category, Brendan ‘Bubba’ Farrow, won on a countback in a 90 point

tie, with Blake Wright, whilst, Michael Farrell, took out third. The day was an outstanding success, with several spectators signing up for the next Come and Try Day. CCSKC races once a month at Gosford Showground. Source: Media release, Feb 20 Paul Zaia, CCSKC

SERVICES DIRECTORY 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 Youth Angle • Woy Woy 4341 8830 Temporary Accommodation 1800 152 152

Animal Rescue Wildlife Arc 4325 0666 Wires 1300 094 737

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

Emergency 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

Crisis Services and Helplines 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

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

Family and Relationships 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

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

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

Phone services: 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

Welfare Services 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

also, see the Not for Profit organisations directory inside

PAGE 28 MARCH 1, 2018 CLASSIFIEDS

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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.

Personal and Not For Profit Organisations

Artwork is free and advertisers are encouraged to change their advertisements frequently

For large collections home visit available Shop 12 - Ebbtide Mall 155 The Entrance Rd The Entrance

4333 8555

Same day service Guaranteed

Earn decent money while keeping ﬁt. Bonuses paid for inserts. Must be put in le er boxes and not thrown onto driveways, gu ers or front lawns. Need to be available fortnightly - Thursdays, rain hail or shine and possible Fridays - Email contact details to: manager@centralcoastnews.net or call 4325 7369

Run it ’til you sell it* *To run in all three papers and on line for a maximum of 3 months if not sold before Client Name: Phone:

Email:

20 words $22

Photo $5.50

yes

Extra words at $1.10 per word |

Business rates

Having an advertisement run for 3 months only costs $215 + GST, for 6 months it is $385 + GST, and for 12 months advertising, the total cost is only $700 + GST – Approximately $14 per week.

for good quality Swords, Knives and War memorabilia.

for home delivery of COAST Community News

4346 4057

advertisements need to be paid for at the time of booking.

The minimum size of 5cm X a single column only costs $40 + 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.

CASH PAID

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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 $33. Each additional cm costs $6.60 as does colour, and/or a photograph or a logo. Private

Gyprock, Renovations

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

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Over 36 yrs exp

• Residential and Commercial • Interior and Exterior • New Work and Repaints Free Quotes All work guaranteed

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.

PHIL BOURKE PLASTERING

Gosford

Classifieds

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Card:

Expiry:

Ofﬁce use only: Commence with edition:

End with (if not sold) edition:

Reference Number Renewing:

yes

If yes, new ending edition if not sold

Fill in, cut out and send in to Central Coast Newspapers PO Box 1056 Gosford NSW

Lachlan Reidy placed 25th in the Australian men’s bobsleigh team

voca’s own winter Olympian, Lachlan Reidy, placed 25th in the Australian men’s bobsleigh team at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games. The quartet, piloted by Lucas Mata, were unsuccessful in their bid to make the top 20 and a fourth run of the Winter Games, but Mata said the boys left everything they had on the track at the Alpensia Sliding Centre. “Yeah we pushed as best we could. “I drove probably the best run I’ve done this season,” Mata said. “We can’t be upset with that. “The boys are pumped up

and we’re fired up, so it’s really good to end on that note,” he added. With a total time of 02:29.7 seconds across the three runs, the Aussies finished just over three seconds behind Germany’s frontrunners, piloted by Francesco Friedrich. Reidy, one of the team’s brakemen, was emotional after the completion of the race, saying his Olympic experience has been overwhelming. “I feel unreal, the boys laid it all on the line in the last heat. “I couldn’t be prouder to race and push with these guys,” he said. “We literally put it all on the line and maybe came up a little short, but I’m still really proud of what we’ve achieved

here,” Reidy said. Reidy was joined by fellow brakemen, Hayden Smith and David Mari, as an Olympic debutant, and the general feeling amongst the team was one of enormous pride. “To be up the top of the track here, with all our team mates, our parents, and all of our close family and friends, it was amazing,” Reidy said. “It’s an absolute privilege to push in front of them, it’s really overwhelming, but a really special moment.” The 30-year-old said he and the rest of the crew were looking forward to celebrating. Source: Website, Feb 25 Ashleigh Knight, Australian Olympic Team Media

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ANTIQUE colonial dining chairs set of 3 $270 Ph: 0410 522 070 BUC430/2

ANTIQUE colonial dining chairs 2 individual chairs $150 each Ph: 0410 522 070 BUC430/3

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GCH177

PAT132

DOLLS FOR SALE Celluloid, Porcelain, Accessories, Cots, Prams, Dolls, Dressed Authentically. Ph: 4342 1862 MAT133

PAIR Ballroom dancing shoes black, size 7, hardly worn, cost $165 sell $60 Ph: 0423 017 450 after 3pm HHI176

PAIR of column speakers 116cm tall X 33cms wide four speakers in each column $190 for the pair. Ph: 0410 522 070

LIFESTYLE CARAVAN 1 Owner, Island Queen Bed, Reg Sept 18, Well Presented - $25000 Ph: 0403 520 298

TWO 1987 GSXR 750CC - Motor Cycles, Excellent Condition, Rego, No Problems, New Tyres $4000ea Ph: 0421 011 622 LMC439

FULL SET BROSNAN GOLF CLUBS, Extra Putter, Extra Driver, Buggy $325 - Ph: 4340 5606 Ph: 0416 240 734 DSM177

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HOBIE MIRAGE OASIS DOUBLE KAYAK as new paddle/peddle, 2 sets wheels, anchor, adjustable seats, manual incl - ettalong $2800 Ph: 0419 797 177

Macy Callaghan Photo Kelly Cestari WSL

r o m i s i n g professional surfers from all over the world will be

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Leather cafe lounge, 2 Door, Gas/Elec Fridge, Microwave, Gas/Elec Cooktop, TV, DVD, Separate Shower, Toilet, Washing Machine, Vanity, Annexe, Outdoor Picnic Table, Gas outlet for BBQ. As New $45,000 Ph: 0419 144 094

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GREEN MASTER LAWN BOWLS - size one, mint condition, maroon, with bag covers and measure - $350 Ph: 4342 4258 Ph: 0402 757 363 SPA181

2004 HONDA CIVIC - GLI, Sedan, Auto, Maroon, New Tyres, 49,000km, as new $8,000 Ph: 0419 144 094

reasonable offer Ph: 4367 5432 MIZAR ASTRONOMICAL TELESCOPE - Model 80 D-80M, F-90M, as new, unwanted gift Best offer accepted Ph: 4367 5432 FEATURE MIRROR 1m x 1.2m Frame made of Tasmanian black wood set in mirror 580cmx780cm $400 Ph: 4367 5432 MKE182

EXTENDABLE TABLE 8 Chairs, Timber, $350, Hutch $150, Leather Recliner Chairs $250, Double Bed + Bedding $100 ono Ph: 0427 995 614 LCU140

2009 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 200 series GXL Petrol, Silver, Auto, 19,500km as new, Clearview towing mirrors, Tow Bar, New Tyres, Reg til Oct 2018 $55,000 Ph: 0419 144 094 JPA140

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SPORT PAGE 29

KEYBOARD AMPLIFIER Roland KC150,4ch, Mixing, not being used, as new cond, still in box.

2010 20 FT COROMAL offroad caravan, reg Feb 2019, Single Beds, Electric/Gas Cooker, Cover, Privacy awnings, Generator, Solar Panels $33,000 Ph: 0437 321 313 HC0141

congregating at Avoca Beach from March 7 to 11, for the final event of the NSW Pro Surf Series. This event will see over 200 elite male and female surfers competing, with over 18 different countries being represented across both divisions. The NSW Pro Surf Series was developed for Australian and international surfers to gain ranking points and prize money on the WSL Qualifying Series. The Series also creates a NSW coastal road trip for all to explore the variety of waves,

visit local communities and enjoy NSW surfing culture. The 2018 NSW Pro Surf Series will be proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW as well as a number of councils and other organisations.. Avoca locals, Wade Carmichael and Macy Callaghan, were second and first in their divisions respectively in the 2017 NSW leaderboard, and will be looking to make the top 10 again in the 2018 series. Source: Media release, Feb 27 Surfing NSW Media

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 • Audrey’s Family • Jessica Davis - A1 Restaurant, Gosford Cleaning Services, George Nouri Erina • Decorative Fabrics & • Inspire P/L trading Furnishings - Steve as CUP Computers McGinty, Wyoming 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 MARCH 1, 2018

SPORT

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

14’s and 18’s boys win touch titles

Victoria Pendergast to compete at Paralympic Winter Games

ast Gosford resident and Paralympian, Victoria Pendergast, has been named on the 2018 Australian Paralympic Winter Team for the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.

The Central Coast Dolphins were standouts at the NSW Touch Junior State Cup

he Central Coast Dolphins Touch Football Association (CCDT) had a highly successful campaign at the 2018 NSW Touch (NSWTA)

Junior State Cup (JSC), at Port Macquarie, on February 16 to 18. The weekend was highlighted by both the 14’s and 18’s boys winning the club’s first junior

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) Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect.

1 THU

0315 0.30 0943 2.04 1618 0.11 2220 1.54

2 FRI

0407 0.30 1032 2.00 1705 0.14 2310 1.55

0045 1.51 0550 0.39 0643 0.48 1207 1.77 1833 0.30 MON 1254 1.61 1916 0.41

SUN

7 WED

10 SAT

13 TUE

0226 1.45 0838 0.64 1431 1.31 2045 0.58 0519 1.46 1205 0.65 1752 1.17 2334 0.66

8 THU

11 SUN

0114 0.59 0745 1.63 1425 0.45 WED 2018 1.32

0320 1.43 0945 0.69 1531 1.21 2136 0.64

3 SAT

6 TUE

9 FRI

0459 0.33 1120 1.91 1750 0.21 2358 1.54 0134 1.48 0738 0.57 1341 1.45 1959 0.50 0419 1.44 1057 0.69 1643 1.16 2235 0.67

0028 0.63 0615 1.51 0702 1.57 1300 0.59 1851 1.21 MON 1346 0.52 1938 1.26

0155 0.54 0824 1.68 1500 0.40 2054 1.36

15 THU

0233 0.50 0900 1.72 1533 0.36 2129 1.40

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

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

state cup titles, since the 18’s girls were victorious in 2007. Eight of the 10 teams from CCDT made it through to the finals, and the club finished equal third out of 51 NSWTA Affiliates in the overall club championship. The final NSW Junior State Cup, in its current format of northern and southern regions combined, brought 358 teams contesting 20 State Titles, and 20,000 people to the region. Teams from as far south as Wagga Wagga, Murwillumbah in the north and Parkes in the west competed in what was one of the biggest singleweekend sporting events in the world. While the highlight for CCDT at JSC were the two championships, all teams performed admirably, representing the club and the region well. Junior coordinator and 14’s boys coach, Mr Paul Farah, said that the 16’s boys fought hard to make the semi-finals, whilst all the other teams will count themselves unlucky to not have won another game or two through the back end of the tournament. “It was great to see so many teams make it through to finals. “Having two state champions

in the one season is testament to the hard work and dedication the club has put towards its junior program,” Mr Farah said. The 14’s boys were dominant throughout the weekend, going undefeated, only receiving one scare from local rivals, Doyalson, in the Semi Final. Chris Lennon was named Player of the Final, contributing to many of the touchdowns scored. The 18’s boys were well supported in their Grand Final later on Sunday afternoon, with many CCDT players and their families staying in Port Macquarie to cheer the team on against the Manly Sea Eagles. The 18’s boys campaign had gone according to plan, with no major challenge through the first two days of competition, before they stepped up their game on finals day, finishing the day with a 6 to 3 victory over Manly, and the first 18’s boys State championship for CCDT since the star 2004 team. Josh Moffitt was named Player of the Final, capping off a great season for himself personally and the team. Source: Media release, Feb 23 Mark Tipple, Central Coast Dolphins

This will be the second Paralympic Games for the 27-year-old, who became the first female sit-skier to represent Australia at a Paralympic Games at Sochi 2014. Pendergast, who was born with sacral agenesis, will compete in all five events in Para-alpine skiing, including the Giant Slalom, in which she recently won third place overall in the recent World Cup season. Having placed eighth in the Slalom, and 10th in the Giant Slalom in Sochi, four years ago, Pendergast says being selected is another chance to reach her goal of a podium finish at the highest level. “It’s a huge honour to be named on my second Paralympic Team. “It gives me a chance to come back and build upon my first Paralympic Games in Sochi,” she said. “My goal is to podium and give everything I have in my events at the upcoming Paralympic Games. “I’m looking forward to getting there and hopefully putting down some performances to the best of my ability,” she added. While Pendergast continues to carve out a name for herself in international circles, she

is also looking forward to the exposure the Paralympic Games brings to athletes with disabilities. “There is a lot more hype for the Paralympic Games; a lot more people pay attention to this competition, compared to our World Cups or World Championships. “The eyes of the Australian public are on you along with the rest of the world, but the goal is also to treat this competition as any other and try to focus on what we are there to do,” Pendergast said. Australia has enjoyed success in Para-alpine skiing at the Paralympic Games, but has not won a gold medal at a Winter Games since 2002. Chef de Mission of the 2018 Australian Paralympic Team, Mr Nick Dean, hopes Pendergast and the Australian Team will help add to this success. “I would like to congratulate Tori on her selection to the 2018 Australian Paralympic Team,” Mr Dean said. “It is a true achievement to represent your country at the highest possible level. “Tori has paved the way for female Australian sit-skiers and I look forward to seeing her rise to the challenge of achieving new standards this year,” he added. Pendergast will join a team of 11 athletes and two sighted guides to represent Australia in PyeongChang when the Paralympic Winter Games begin on March 9. Source: Media release, Feb 20 Sascha Ryner, Australian Paralympic Committee

Gosford, New South Wales February 2018 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

15 Th 21.9 27.7 0 16 Fr 17.6 30.3 0 17 Sa 18.4 27.9 0 18 Su 19.3 29.7 0 19 Mo 22.6 28.3 0.2 20 Tu 19.9 23.3 28.0 21 We 17.6 25.5 0.4 22 Th 16.4 26.2 0 23 Fr 17.8 27.4 0 24 Sa 19.0 32.9 0 25 Su 23.5 24.3 0 26 Mo 17.7 20.9 84.6 27 Tu 16.1 17.4 Statistics for the first 27 days of February 2018 Mean 18.6 27.5 Lowest 14.9 20.9 Highest 23.5 39.0 84.6 Total 163.2

S S ENE ENE SSW SSW E ENE ENE NE SSW SSW

SSW

50 35 41 41 41 54 24 30 41 37 39 44

local

23:17 13:16 16:58 17:15 17:03 09:19 13:08 16:33 16:25 16:53 13:59 16:37

23.4 23.7 24.9 23.8 25.4 20.9 18.9 19.7 23.7 25.0 23.9 18.1 19.2

66 66 58 82 73 68 77 84 72 70 86 95 78

22.4 18.0 26.3

73 54 95

9am Dirn SW WSW ENE ESE E SSE WSW

3pm Dirn

Spd

MSLP

Temp

Cld

km/h

hPa

°C

eighths

Spd

MSLP

km/h

hPa

NNE NE S SSW SW

6 6 13 2 9 13 6 Calm 9 9 11 13 7

26.4 25.4 26.2 28.1 26.3 22.4 24.3 25.0 26.5 30.7 19.5 19.2 22.7

62 54 59 66 65 52 44 55 63 53 95 81 62

E SSE ENE ENE SE S ENE E ENE ENE SSW S SSE

22 13 24 22 17 20 9 13 22 19 20 22 9

7 Calm 17

25.5 19.2 38.4

59 12 95

# #

17 9 24

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SPORT

PAGE 31 MARCH 1, 2018

Mariners are back to winning ways

he Central Coast Mariners emerged 1-0 winners over Wellington Phoenix at Central Coast Stadium on February 23, thanks to a tidy first half finish by young-gun, Danny De Silva. A crucial three points and clean sheet saw the Mariners climb into eighth position, ahead of Perth Glory, who they face next in round 22 in Perth. The Yellow and Navy now face a weekend without Hyundai A-League action, due to the split round, and will need to wait until March 10, to go back-to-back. The first half started quietly, with neither team creating any clear cut chances in the opening stages, but the Mariners dictated in all statistics, starving Wellington of possession and field position. Opportunities were few and far between for the ’Nix. A header from Doyle, and long-range attempts from Galloway and Krishna, were the only signs of attack for the visiting side in the first stanza. As the first half progressed, the Mariners looked to grow increasingly dangerous in attack. Hiariej was denied twice, with a deflection from Dylan Fox and a diving save from ‘Nix keeper, Tando Velaphi, whilst, Andrew Hoole and Trent Buhagiar, caused plenty of trouble for the Phoenix back four. The home side didn’t relent, and as the final 15 minutes counted down, the attacks kept coming. A cross from Buhagiar found Peter Skapetis, for the best chance of the half, but the striker headed just wide from a tough angle. Then, a brilliant ball whipped

Andrew Hoole was awarded Man of the Match at Central Coast Stadium

in by Hoole missed Jake McGing, at full stretch, by centimetres. Hoole struck again from just beyond the 18-yard box, unable to keep the shot below the crossbar, but giving Velaphi plenty of cause for concern. The Mariners’ momentum reached a crescendo in the single minute of extra time, when Hoole provided a cross that allowed De Silva to flick home a match winner. The Central Coast returned from the break, on the attack, carrying across the energy from the opening stanza. Hoole put on pressure with a clever piece of play outside the area in the 50th minute, but his curling cross spun wide of the post. As the second half continued, Wellington looked more serious in attack, working hard to capitalise on the counter. Roy Krishna worked relentlessly to find an

equaliser for the visitors, with one strike rattling the crossbar and another hitting the side netting. McGlinchey and Ljuijic looked poised to make their mark, but neither could find a way around the Mariners’ defensive line. There was 30 seconds of extreme excitement as the second half entered the final 20 minutes. Substitute, Blake Powell, nearly claimed a second goal with his very first touch, before the ‘Nix went immediately from a goal line clearance to the counter, where Krishna found Kaluderovic in the area, but his shot again hit the side netting. Danny De Silva looked set to work his extra time magic again, with an explosive strike from the edge of the area that swung just wide. In a last gasp effort, the ‘Nix’s Ljujic fired at goal, but

Danny de Silva celebrates his goal against Wellington Phoenix

Kennedy claimed it with ease. As the final whistle signalled the end to an agonisingly long six minutes of extra time, the Mariners kept a hold on their lead, and claimed a welldeserved 1-0 win over the Wellington Phoenix. After the match, Coach, Paul Okon, said: “It was a really energetic start, we probably could have had another goal. “Then the second half comes and it becomes a bit more difficult, they’ve got the wind at their backs, and they’ve got some players that can really hurt you in transition, Krishna, Burns. “In the back of the players’ minds, maybe they’re thinking about what happened last week, but in the end, we managed it, we dealt with it, and we’ve walked away with the three points. “I think that Daniel [de Silva] knows that to get to that next level, he has to score more

goals. “He is certainly capable of it, and the goal that he scores, he makes a run from about 45, 50 metres, so in the end, he gets rewarded for his hard work. “It’s not really natural for a number 10 to work as hard as he does, he doesn’t stop running, so it’s great for him to get his goal, and it’s great that it gets us the three points. “Whenever Tom [Hiariej] and Wout [Brama] perform like that, we’ve always had results, and they’re two experienced players who help everyone around them. “Wout has had a tough couple of weeks after the red card, and he was ready to get out there, and he was excellent leading up to the game, and out there, he was exactly what we needed, he just gave us a bit of leadership out there to make sure we got the three points. “In certain games this

season, we felt like we should have got more, but in the end, the ladder doesn’t lie, it paints a true picture at the moment. “If we had been able to deal with certain moments better, we would have more points, more wins, that’s just how it goes. “We know we’re a team that can play football, we’re a team that can create chances through playing our football, but we need to be more clinical in certain moments, and I thought we did that tonight, and I’m happy for the players, and we finally get to send the fans home with a win. “We have a break this week, the players will enjoy a couple of days off, which they have earned, and then we’re back into working hard, we have a difficult away game against Perth. “We’ve already spoken about what needs to be done in between. “As of tomorrow morning, our focus shifts to what we hope will be another performance where we can go there and win three points.” Of Andrew Hoole’s reward as man of the match, Mr Okon said: “Hooley is the match winner. “Sometimes he can be a bit frustrating, he can try and force things, but at the end, he’s a player that’s capable of finding that system, of getting that goal. “His set pieces tonight were excellent, as they were last week, and on top of that I thought he worked really hard. I’m happy for Hooley, and hopefully for the remaining games we have, he can perform the way he did tonight, and if he does, that will hopefully help us get some more points,” Mr Okon said. Source: Media release, Feb 23 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners

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