Issue 224 of COAST Community News by Central Coast Newspapers

20 DECEMBER 2019

ISSUE 224

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

State of emergency declared Premier Gladys Berejiklian declared a seven day statewide State of Emergency on December 19, with high temperatures and winds over the next week expected to wreak havoc, with fires burning around the state, including the Gospers Mountain and Three Miles fires, which continue to threaten the Central Coast.

News

Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast. The surprise move, announced on December 19, follows the axing in March of Parliamentary Secretaries

See page 8

Editorial

Continued P3

Opposition leader calls for Army to support Firies See page 4 Photo: ABC Central Coast

$300M triple tower development to replace Gateway Centre A $300M project which would see the Gateway Centre in Mann St, Gosford, replaced with three mixed use towers and a retail podium, is under consideration by the State Planning Department as a State Significant Development. Owner, Jarre Pty Ltd, has applied for permission to provide Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARS) for a mixed use development, to be known as Gosford Gateway, at 8-16 Watt St, Gosford. A public plaza would be located in the centre of the site to provide pedestrian connectivity to the existing green space at Burns Pl and Gosford Station. The existing Mann St

The existing Gateway building would be redeveloped to form the base of one of three towers

pedestrian overpass connecting the site to Burns Park and Gosford Railway Station would be demolished and a new pedestrian crossing installed to activate the street level. The first of three towers would be located on the

northern section of the site, at the corner of Mann and Faunce Sts, and comprise approximately 24 levels, including a podium of 3-4 levels. Tower 2 would occupy the south-eastern section of the site with frontage to Watt St.

It would house approximately 33 levels, including a podium of 4 levels. Tower 3 would face Mann St in the south-western section of the site, with the existing retail building reused to maintain a retail podium of three levels, topped by up to 12 more levels.

Basement car parking would be provided with access off Watt and Faunce Sts. Negotiations are underway for the purchase of 139 Faunce St to allow for expansion of the site. Located between Gosford’s two tallest topological features, Presidents Hill and Rumbalara Reserve, the development has the potential to offer views to both. Suggested usages for the three towers include a hotel, commercial offices, retail areas, an educational and entertainment component, student accommodation, retirement independent living units and a health services precinct. Source: NSW Planning Department website, Dec 18

The share market is at a record high, interest rates at record lows, the Central Coast economy has grown by 3 per cent on average for the past four years, our homes are worth 50 per cent more than they were four years ago and local unemployment has fallen to 5 per cent. There’s even a new Star Wars movie coming out. So why are we so glum? See page 12

Sport

Two teams of local ice skaters have competed for the Southern Sky synchronised skating group in the Australian Figure Skating Championships. See page 38

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

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20 DECEMBER 2019

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CCN

Coast Community News is published weekly on a Friday by Central Coast Newspapers Pty Ltd (CCN), a local, family-owned business. CCN publishes three local, independent newspapers – Coast Community News, the Peninsula Community Access News and the Wyong Regional Chronicle – distributed via more than 450 distribution points right across the Central Coast. Most of our stories, as well as our digital programs such as “Friday 5@5”, “Spotlight” interviews and “Around the Grounds” (sport) can be viewed online at www.coastcommunitynews.com.au CCN aims to serve the interests of the community in three important ways: 1. To serve the ultimate purpose of the free press in a democracy, that is, to hold powerful interests to account through high-quality, independent journalism without fear or prejudice; 2. To provide an affordable medium for local businesses to advertise their products and services, including discounted rates for eligible not-for-profit organisations; and, 3. To keep the community informed about local issues and ensure that important public notices are available to ALL members of the community irrespective of their socio-economic circumstances.

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Our content is originated through both our own team of local journalists as well as external sources, including media releases, websites and public notices. All our news content is subject to strict editorial standards – see www.coastcommunitynews. com.au/aboutus/editorialstandards Wherever possible, our news includes source lines that provide information about where information was sourced so that readers can judge for themselves the veracity of what they are reading. 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 is published weekly and its 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 For all other information, please visit our website or call us on (02) 4325 7369 or call in and see us at Suite 1, Level 2, 86 Mann St, Gosford. Ross Barry, Publisher

Coast Community News would like to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a HarperCollins book pack featuring five new release titles. HarperCollins occupies a unique place in Australian and New Zealand publishing. In both nations they are the oldest publisher with a heritage dating back to the bush ballads and school books of the late 19th century. Through the decades, their publishing has been distinguished by a commitment to quality and creativity plus an innate understanding of what Australians want to read and how. The book pack features six new release titles from a collection of new and old favourites from HarperCollins stable of celebrated Australian authors.

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The lucky winner will receive the following titles: Something in the Wine by Tricia Stringer; The Cinema at Starlight Creek by Alli Sinclair; The One by Kaneana May; Undara by Annie Seaton; Heart of the Cross by Emily Madden and The Postmistress by Alison Stuart. For your chance to win write your full name, address, email and daytime telephone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to Coast Community News HarperCollins Competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250, before 5pm on January 14. The winners of the Hunter Valley Gardens Competition were, Anne Dyle of Ourimbah, Allison Taylor of Kincumber, and Barbara Martin of Terrigal.

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Next Edition: Coast Community News 225 - Deadline: January 15 Publication date: January 17 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

Publisher: Ross Barry - CEO: Cec Bucello - Design & Production: Justin Stanley, Lucillia Eljuga Journalists: Terry Collins, Dilon Luke - Head of Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff ISSN 1839-9045 - Print Post Approved - PP100001843 - Printed by Spotpress Marrickville Issue 179

4 December 2019

29 NOVEMBER 2019

CCN

ISSUE 221

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

Department of Planning criticised for lack of transparency

EDITION 484

6 DECEMBER 2019 YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS - PH: 4325 7369

Vandals attack Little Tern colony

Business

Groups come together for Bouddi emergency plan Four community groups have united to establish an emergency plan to help guide residents of the Bouddi Peninsula.

Regional telecom provider, Central Telecoms, based at Erina, has been named Top Telco in Australia at the recent CRN Fast50, held in Sydney on November 21. With a growth of 101% for the 2018/19 financial year, Central Telecoms has made its debut on the CRN Fast50 (which is a listing for all tech companies, including Telcos), at number seven, making it the seventh fastest growing tech company in Australia as well as being the fastest growing Telco. Page 13

Editorial The Three Mile fire in full blaze

The abandoned Little Tern chick in the care of ASRCC

T The proposed St Hilliers Mann St development

An Executive Member of the Community Environment Network (CEN) has criticised the State Government for not allowing enough time for community feedback on Development Applications (DAs) being assessed for approval as State Significant Developments.

CCN

CEN Executive Member, Michael Conroy, said proposals for the Kibbleplex site on Henry Parry Dr, Gosford and the St Hilliers’ development in Mann St were two cases in point. “CEN considers that the NSW Government is only going through the motions of the public participation process that is required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, while minimising the window of opportunity for Central Coast Council and community groups to make submissions to this process,” Conroy said in a letter to the editor. He said that while both DAs had been exhibited for the legal

minimum of 28 days from October 11, the scale of the proposals and the number of documents involved did not allow adequate time for community comment. “The development proposed on the Kibbleplex site would be the largest private sector development in Gosford; it is estimated to have a capital cost of $345M and its five residential towers (and podium) would have a gross floor area of 73,000 square metres,” Conroy said. “The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for this proposal contains 129 pages and has 20 technical appendices (such as traffic, water cycle, visual impact etc). “The St. Hilliers’ development is estimated to have a capital cost of $165M and would have just over half the floorspace of the Kibbleplex development (40,000 square metres) in its hotel and two residential towers “The EIS for this proposal contains 104 pages and 23

appendices. “With all the resources and professional expertise available at Central Coast Council, the Council officers only completed their submissions on the hundreds of pages in the Environmental Impact Statements and 43 appendices in the first week in November, with submissions closing on November 7.” Conroy said if members of the public wished to make a submission on line after digesting the hundreds of pages of technical information, the Department specified that they should: create a user account on the Department’s Major projects website; click the ‘Have Your Say’ link; find the project concerned; and Click the ‘Make a Submission’ icon, all after reading the Department’s privacy statement. “It is not surprising that the only community group which … had the time and patience to successfully make an online submission was the Community

The Lederer Group’s proposed development on the former Kibbleplex site

Environment Network,” he said. “No individual members of the public made a submission on two of the largest developments proposed in the Gosford City Centre. “CEN considers that the Department’s exhibition of these two applications for State Significant Development in Gosford City Centre has failed to implement community participation principles.” He said according to the Environmental Planning and AssessmentAct:the community has a right to be informed about planning matters that affect it and planning authorities should encourage effective and ongoing partnerships with the community to provide meaningful opportunities for community participation in planning; planning information should be in plain language, easily accessible and in a form that facilitates community participation in planning, and the community should be given opportunities to participate in

strategic planning as early as possible to enable community views to be genuinely considered; community participation should be inclusive; and planning authorities should actively seek views that are representative of the community. But a spokesperson from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment said the department’s approach for DAs in the Central Coast region was “consistent with all of our projects across NSW”. “The community is the heart of everything the department does and we always invite the community to comment on all major projects under assessment,”the spokesperson said. “The development applications (DAs) mentioned were exhibited for 28 days from Friday, October 11, until Thursday, November 7. “All DAs and State Significant Development applications are exhibited for 28 days and rarely

does the department extend this timeframe. “The department will now collate submissions and then the applicants will be required to respond to community concerns raised. “This report will be publicly available on the department’s major projects website.” Unfortunately, the department’s approach for DAs in the Central Coast region does not include advertising development applications for major developments being on exhibition in any of Central Coast Newspapers’ publications, leaving it up to residents to have to find out somehow in time to react before the exhibition period closes, according to Cec Bucello, CEO, Central Coast Newspapers. Source: Letter to the editor, Nov 26 Michael Conroy, Executive Member, Community Environment Network Media statement, Nov 28 Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

he Little Tern colony at North Entrance’s Karagi Reserve has suffered a devastating blow after several nests and eggs were destroyed during a raid over the weekend. The Little Tern is considered endangered in NSW and is particularly sensitive to human disturbance when breeding. They nest on the ground and have therefore been severely impacted by the human takeover of nesting beaches, as parents are known to abandon chicks and eggs when stressed or threatened, making for a generally poor breeding rate for the species. In an effort to help preserve the North Entrance colony, the section of the reserve where they nest has been fenced off and large signs informing of the colony’s presence have been

A Little Tern and chick from the North Entrance colony Photos: Australian Seabird Rescue Central Coast

erected by Central Coast Council. However, according to Central Coast Birding Group member, Luke Ullrich, that did not stop two children and one adult from entering the nesting ground on Sunday afternoon (December 1) and harassing several parents and chicks, destroying multiple nests and eggs in the process. Ullrich, who had gone to photograph the colony’s latest lot of chicks a few days earlier, was riding his bike along The Entrance Channel when he witnessed the trio inside the nesting ground around 7pm. When he realised what they were doing he began shouting at them to leave and they quickly did, but the damage was already done. “It was gut wrenching really,” Ullrich said. “They were harassing the parents and chasing the chicks. “They were even

throwing the eggs at each other. “I couldn’t believe it,” he said. Ullrich said the colony was well known to locals with the space generally respected by residents, and its fencing and signage well maintained by Central Coast Council. He described the three intruders as a man possibly aged in his 30’s and two boys possibly aged between 12 and 15. He was unclear how long they had been terrorising the colony but was thankful that he was passing by. “It’s just so hard to get your head around that someone could do that. “There’s no way you can do that and not know that what you’re doing is wrong,” he said. Ullrich and other bird lovers and specialist organisations now fear for the health of the colony, with this incident having potentially wiped out a good portion of its next generation.

“Who knows what effect this will have long term? “I know of one chick that was abandoned and it’s possible there’s more, and there could also be some abandoned eggs. “It’s just awful,” Ullrich said. The abandoned chick is now in the care of Australian Seabird Rescue Central Coast (ASRCC). ASRCC Coordinator, Cathy Gilmore, echoed Ullrich’s sentiments and said it was unthinkable that someone could do this, let alone condone children disrupting endangered wildlife. Central Coast Council and NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (NSW DPIE) have both been approached for comment. Spokespeople for both organisations have confirmed a full interagency investigation into the incident is underway.

In a statement, the Council spokesperson said Council was extremely disappointed in the alleged behaviour of the trio involved. “Council has a longstanding practice of erecting temporary fencing and warning signs each breeding season to help protect the critically endangered Little Terns. “During these periods, the animals are monitored by dedicated community volunteers. “Council and The NSW DPIE both encourage any residents who witnessed the incident to contact the Environment Line on 131 555 to provide any additional information that may help with investigations,” the spokesperson said. The NSW DPIE spokesperson said the Department was shocked by the reports of intentional damage to the North Entrance Little Tern colony. “NSW DPIE is working with Central Coast

Council to investigate the incident and is calling on the public to come forward if they have any information on the alleged incident. “Little Terns rely on the public to protect them by staying clear of marked nesting areas and keeping their dogs and vehicles well away. “The Little Tern is listed under NSW legislation as endangered, so every nesting area is important to securing their future in NSW. “Offenders who harm or attempt to harm them could face significant fines under the Biodiversity Conservation Act,” they said.

Photo courtesy NSW Rural Fire Service

The Central Coast is still suffering under a pall of thick smoke as the Gospers Mountain and Three Mile blazes continue to burn, with communities in the region on high bushfire alert. Four Central Coast schools, Central Mangrove, Kulnura, Peats Ridge and Somersby Public Schools, were closed on December 5 due to the proximity of bushfires, with parents advised to check the Department of Education website daily for updates. The Gospers Mountain fire, which has been burning in the

Wollemi and Dharug National Parks for weeks, has now spread to more than 232,900 ha and was listed on the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website as being controlled, but updated to Emergency warning level on December 5. Closer to the Coast, the Three Mile Fire was on a Watch and Act warning level on December 5, having already burnt over 6,000 hectares of bushland in the Yengo and Dharug National Parks. RFS Community Liaison Officer, Matt Horwood, said the warning could well be upgraded to Emergency throughout the

“Weather has been delaying some of the back burns that we want to do. “Our first priority has to be life and property.” Horwood said backburns, which are burnt ahead of existing fires to remove fuel which could help them spread, were not to be confused with hazard burns, performed as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park at Calga remains on high alert, with all of its remaining animals relocated on December 4 as news came that the park could face spot fires from the north.

With most of the Park’s 300 animals having already been relocated over the past few weeks, Operations Manager and Owner, Tassin Barnard, took the decision that “even the too high risk to move” animals needed to be taken to safety. The last animals to go were the wallabies and emus, with as many of the wild animals as possible also contained and removed. With spot fires a very real possibility, staff were instructed on how to put them out by RFS volunteers on December 5. Continued P5

The Central Coast has produced many great champions and many great achievements over the past decade, but one statistic we take no pride in is being No. 1 in NSW for rates of domestic violence. Page 12

Sport

Vandals attack Little Tern colony The Little Tern colony at North Entrance’s Karagi Reserve has suffered a devastating blow after several nests and eggs were destroyed during a raid over the weekend.

Source: Website, Dec 1 Cathy Gilmore, Australian Seabird Rescue Central Coast Interview, Dec 2 Luke Ullrich, Central Coast Birders Media Statements, Dec 2-3 Central Coast Council Media NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Dilon Luke, Journalist

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

day, with residents between Kulnura and Greengrove, including Mangrove Creek, Mangrove Mountain and Upper Mangrove, advised to be prepared to take action at any time, and Lower Mangrove residents advised to activate their bushfire survival plans. Residents in nearby communities are advised to monitor conditions closely. Horwood said firefighters were at the mercy of weather conditions. “These fires are growing and the whole community needs to be aware that they could continue to spread,” he said.

The abandoned Little Tern chick in the care of ASRCC Photo: Australian Seabird Rescue Central Coast

The Little Tern is considered endangered in NSW and is particularly sensitive to human disturbance when breeding. They nest on the ground and have been severely impacted by the human takeover of

nesting beaches, as parents are known to abandon chicks and eggs when stressed or threatened, making for a generally poor breeding rate for the species. In an effort to help preserve the North Entrance colony, the section of the reserve where they nest has been fenced off and large signs informing of the colony’s presence have been erected by Central Coast Council. However, according to Central

CCN

9 DECEMBER 2019

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS

ISSUE 222

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

Smoke, fire ... and now for summer

Coast Birding Group member, Luke Ullrich, that did not stop two children and one adult from entering the nesting ground on Sunday afternoon (December 1) and harassing several parents and chicks, destroying multiple nests and eggs in the process. Ullrich, who had gone to photograph the colony’s latest lot of chicks a few days earlier, was riding his bike along The Continued P25

The Lisarow Ourimbah Magpies have taken out the first piece of silverware of the 2019/20 cricket season with a five wicket win over Warnervale in the One-Day final played at Erina Oval on Sunday Page 39

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Wagstaffe-Killcare Community Association president Mr Mike Allsop said the catastrophic danger day on November 12 “exposed some vulnerability in our community with some confusion about what people should be doing to respond and prepare”. “We found that some people did not know what they should do or where they should go in an emergency,” he said. Leaders of four main community groups in the area met and agreed to assemble a joint Community Resilience and Empowerment Plan. Mr Allsop said the objective was to get clear and concise information to people, both locals and tourists, and to co-ordinate the community response to disaster events. The core group of organisers are Mr Allsop, Killcare Wagstaffe Rural Fire Brigade captain Ms Michelle Biddulph, Killy Cares president Mr Stephen Hinks and Killcare Surf Life Saving Club president Mr Craig Shepherd. “With the two emergency services and two great community organisations acting as one, you can be assured that whatever happens, we’ll be in a much better place to cope,” Mr Allsop said. “There are one or two roads

Killcare Surf Life Saving Clubhouse

that are critical and if these are blocked for whatever reason, storm damage for instance, or fire, there is no escape by road. “So, we have to be prepared and that’s where this new plan will come into effect. “We know Wagstaffe Hall is a safe neighbourhood place so we have to make sure we are ready to offer assistance with amenities and shelter. “The surf club is also a designated emergency service and the clubhouse is a good solid building for a safe place, too. “We have to make those safe places better known and their

Tree group wins regional environmental award A Umina tree advocacy group has been named Community Environment Network’s Most Outstanding Communitybased Organisation of the Year.

Grow Urban Shade Trees received the award for their work in making the Peninsula a greener, cooler place to live. The group works under the umbrella of the Umina Community Group, Group member Ms Melissa Chandler said their award was a reminder to all Peninsula residents that grassroots activism can have an impact. “This award provided a timely reminder of how three individuals Jennifer Wilder, Debbie Sunartha and myself started this journey simply by putting fingers to

13 DECEMBER 2019

ISSUE 223

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

Fire fighters brace for next heatwave Rural Fire Service (RFS) firefighters will take advantage of cooler weather conditions over the next few days to conduct back burns in an effort to contain the Three Mile fire, ahead of another wave of heat expected from Sunday, December 15.

keyboards and pens to paper to contact the then Gosford Council to say ‘we need more trees on the Peninsula’. “We were solo keyboard warriors until we all joined together, but it’s true that three heads are better than one because the second we started sharing our ideas we started making progress. “Having our efforts to green the Peninsula acknowledged by the board and members of the Community Environment Network, many of whom we highly respect, is a massive honour for us, but it’s just early days and we are still learning. “We will do our best to be worthy of this award,” Ms Chandler said. SOURCE: Social media, 28 Nov 2019 Melissa Chandler, Grow Urban Shade Trees

location better known. “It’s still a work in progress and Michelle is researching various RFS emergency templates to find the most suitable for our community of about 2000.” Mr Allsop said the finished plan could be a two-page leaflet listing trigger points so people know what

to do, where to go, who to call in an emergency. “We’re hoping that leaflet will be visible and easy to find in every house, even holiday homes for the tourists. The Community Resilience and Empowerment Plan will be published in the association’s

newsletter and by email and printed copies will be displayed in retail stores and community buildings. SOURCE: Newsletter, 3 Dec 2019 Interview (Sue Murray), 4 Dec 2019 Mike Allsop, WTKCA

Study about relocating koalas to Pearl Beach Pearl Beach Arboretum has been successful in gaining a $20,000 grant to go towards a University of Sydney study about relocating koalas to Pearl Beach.

The funding would allow a detailed survey of the Brisbane Water National Park to determine whether or not any koalas were still present, according to Federal Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks. If none were present, koalas whose habitat had been destroyed in the northern NSW could be relocated to the arboretum, she said. The arboretum had a wildlife corridor planted with “koala trees” where they could be released with transponders to track their movement. “The approval could not have come at a better time,” Ms Wicks said. “Koala habitats have been completely devastated in northern NSW and koalas currently recovering at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital will have no habitat to return to.” Arboretum vice-president

An RFS spokesperson said on Thursday, December 12, that crews were collaborating with Lower Hunter firefighters on a huge back burn near Bucketty and Kulnura as they attempted to hold the blaze at bay. “Residents at the northern end of the Three Mile fire zone can expect to see a lot of smoke and fire in coming days, but this will be from the backburn,” the spokesperson said. Wednesday and Thursday this week saw fire activity ease across the entire fireground, following a horror day on Tuesday, when searing temperatures and strong winds saw homes in the Spencer and Mangrove Mountain areas under threat. “Our plan is to make the most of the favourable conditions while they last and strengthen those containment lines,” the RFS spokesperson said. “With active fire edges still having the potential to spread, we will be concentrating on safeguarding valuable assets.” The spokesperson said firefighters were exhausted, but motivated to protect life and property and to get the situation to a “manageable

Business

A new Gosford CBD Heritage Strategy, adopted by Central Coast Council at its meeting on December 9, will draw on the city’s industrial past and Aboriginal culture, using heritage interpretation, to change the perception of the CBD for residents and visitors. See Page 13

Editorial The fire reached the Raines' Mangrove Mountain property but did not threaten their house. Photo: Elaine Raines

level”. Tuesday saw some tense moments for Coast residents as firefighters expanded their operations following a huge weekend effort to control blazes in the Wollombi and Laguna areas. Robyn Downham of Spencer fled the scene on Tuesday to spend time with friends at Avoca, leaving partner, Mark Hudson, to protect the couple’s property. “It wasn’t as much the fire threat as the emotion which got to me,” Downham said. “I had a bit of a meltdown. “The situation has been horrendous since October, but we have a wonderful community and we all did

everything we could to prepare for the fires. “We are so grateful for the newly finished public wharf and for the wonderful firefighters. “We have seen brigades come to help from far and wide. “We would like to see politicians at all levels do a little more.” Hudson said fires came as close as 10 metres to the couple’s property. “I woke at 3am to see flames to the rear of the property, and a neighbour and I watched the fire approach as we armed ourselves with buckets and so on,” he said. “But the firefighters arrived

before noon and I was very confident when they came with their tankers. “We have a lot of lantana near the property and they set up a backburn but when the wind came up it was a very tense time.” Hudson said firefighters did an amazing job and although embers could still be seen that night, by the next day, they had burnt themselves out. “We’re still on alert and have concerns about running out of drinking water,” he said. Elaine Raines of Mangrove Mountain was relieved to be breathing fresh air on Thursday, after some tense times earlier in the week which saw fires encroach onto the family

property. “It’s nice to have a bit of a break, we’ve had some really tough days,” she said. “We had some fire on the property, but it didn’t come near the buildings or sheds. “While we were prepared and ready to defend our house, sheds and livestock, the wind that was forecast didn’t come, so lit embers didn’t appear. “We just had burnt leaves and ash and we were very grateful.” Even so, the community remains on alert as neighbours work as a team. “To date we have been able to defend our property and we’re hopeful the fire will infill,” Raines said. Continued P3

When would be a good time to talk about climate change? “Climate change isn’t just an “issue” to add to the list of things to worry about like power bills or taxes. It is a civilization wake-up call, a powerful message spoken in the language of fires, floods, drought and extinction, telling us we need a new economic model – telling us we need to evolve.” Naomi Klein, 2014 See Page 12

Extraordinary Council Meeting called over water restrictions Sport Central Coast Councillor Greg Best’s push for tighter water restrictions in the region escalated this week, with an Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held on December 16 to consider his rescission motion on the issue, which was deferred at the December 9 meeting until midFebruary.

Lucy Wicks with Milo the koala

Ms Anne Parson said she was pleased the grant application had been successful. “Due to the catastrophic loss of habitat for koalas, they no longer have a habitat to return to so it is vital they have somewhere suitable where they can be relocated,” Ms

Parson said. “Things have changed very quickly and we really need to be ready to go.” SOURCE: Media release, 25 Nov 2019 Lucy Wicks, Federal Member for Robertson

THIS ISSUE contains 64 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Councillor Greg Best is pushing for tighter water restrictions

Cr Best has been advocating for months that the region should skip straight to Level 2 restrictions when Mangrove

Creek Dam reaches the trigger point of 50% capacity, bypassing the more lenient Level One. With the level sitting at 53.3% on December 9, the trigger point could well be reached by mid to late summer. His Water Security Emergency motion called on councillors to abandon their previous resolution to refer the matter to the Water Management Advisory Committee and opt instead to introduce the tighter restrictions, but it was deferred to the first meeting of 2020

when Mayor, Lisa Matthews, closed the December 9 meeting after midnight. Cr Best says a decision on the matter cannot wait until February and lodged a request under the Code of Meeting Practice for an extraordinary meeting, with support from Councillors Jilly Pilon, Bruce McLachlan and Troy Marquart. Council has confirmed that a meeting has been called for 5pm on December 16 at Wyong Council Chambers. “I believe this Council is treating the drinking water

issue with contempt,” Cr Best said. “We must take a more responsible response to conserving our precious dwindling water supplies. “The first time I raised the matter in Council, it was referred to a Water Committee which had not even been formed at that point. “We have catastrophic fires looming from the west and more than 50,000 tourists set to descend on the region over the next few weeks. Continued P5

Tascott high jumper and Sydney Uni Athletics star, Nicola McDermott, has capped off a stellar year by being named Sydney University’s Blue Athlete of 2019. See Page 37

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

18 DECEMBER 2019

ISSUE 180

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

Urgent action sought over dredging of The Entrance Channel

entral Coast icon and it may well also Council is mark its demise”. Proprietor of The searching for funds for emergency Entrance Boat Shed, dredging of The Toni Moon, said in Public Forum that she and her Entrance Channel. Councillors decided at the December 9 meeting to lobby the State and Federal governments and they have their eyes on money which was set aside for ongoing maintenance of Ettalong Channel after the recent completion of dredging there. This action came about from a Notice of Motion by Cr Greg Best who wanted an urgent investigation into the continuing deterioration of the Tuggerah Lakes and the choking of The Entrance Channel. He informed councillors how the siltation of the channel was affecting the historic Entrance Boat Shed, saying “2020 marks the centenary of this local

husband, Terry, bought the business two years ago “with the vision to bring the old girl back to its former glory”. “The boat shed will be forced to close if something isn’t done immediately,” Moon said. “We need an emergency dredging program. “Just look at the state of The Entrance Channel at the moment, you’ve (Council) neglected our main asset, the asset that attracts tourists to the area, the asset that keeps our business and many others alive,” she said. Moon said it was not just the shallow waters because of the siltation, it was the growing seaweed and build up of wrack because of the

The shallow waters around The Entrance boat shed where even paddleboarders run aground. poor water flow. trouble.” “The wrack is now stuck Moon said because under the boat shed, it’s of the shallow waters deep, it’s not moving, and the seaweed, their and it’s going mouldy, equipment was being which is not healthy, and damaged. it stinks like you wouldn’t “We’ve already had believe,” she said. two of our new motors “In certain parts, on the just about burnt out road side, it has dried off because people who hire and that’s a fire hazard, our boats don’t realise to so if someone does turn motors off when the something stupid like wrack is so thick,” she flick a cigarette, we’re in said.

Mayor, Lisa Matthews, called for the CEO, as a priority, to provide full details of Council’s short and long term dredging plan, including the acquisition of a suitable dredge. Cr Jane Smith questioned whether keeping the channel open was the objective under the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan. “I think it’s more for a flooding issue, isn’t it? Rather than for navigation,” she said. Council Director, Environment and Planning, Scott Cox, said that the dredging program in the past had been carried out for an exchange of water between the lake and the ocean. He said current restrictions under the dredging licence was that it had to be 10m away from a jetty or wharf and

15m from a pylon or a bridge, which limited the areas at The Entrance where dredging could occur. Council has already started a rubbish clean up in the waters from Picnic Point to the eastern point, past Memorial Park. CEO, Gary Murphy, will write to Terrigal MP, Adam Crouch, for advice as to whether a portion or all of the $1.4M in funding left over from dredging Ettalong Channel can be diverted to fund dredging of The Entrance Channel as an interim solution. Also, Council will convene a meeting of experts and stakeholders to discuss an ongoing strategy to keep The Entrance channel open and accessible for the community. Source: Meeting, Dec 9 Agenda item 8.3 Central Coast Council Reporter: Sue Murray

20 DECEMBER 2019

ISSUE 224

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

See page 8

Editorial

Continued P3

Opposition leader calls for Army to support Firies See page 4 Photo: ABC Central Coast

54 dwelling complex approved after years of delays A

Under a community fter several years of community title scheme, a resident consultation and owns the lot they buy but amendments, Lake shares responsibility of common areas, such as Haven Development recreational spaces and P/L has been given driveways, with other the go ahead for a 54 residents. dwelling complex in There will be 12 blocks Charmhaven. of attached double-storey Central Coast Council approved the $10M development at its December 9 meeting and Cr Doug Vincent thanked the developer who was “flexible to listen to the community and make amendments”. The 1.3ha of vacant land at 7 Stratford Ave, will be transformed into a community title subdivision with lots ranging in size from 144.1sqm to 264sqm.

buildings and each home will have three bedrooms and a single garage. There will be 38 visitor parking spaces throughout the site and an open recreation area in the centre of the complex. Following Council’s deferral of the matter in September for a site inspection by councillors to examine traffic and road issues, the applicant put in amended plans.

Site plan of the 54 dwellings on the Charmhaven land The site inspection was attended by Councillors Jillian Hogan, Louise Greenaway and Jeff Sundstrom, together with Council staff and 11 residents. Some concerns remained about drainage at Oak Rd and Merinda Ave and whether it could

cope with the extra housing, whether there was enough on site car parking, the suitability of double-storey housing in a single storey area, and consideration of a centralised rainwater tank on-site. The new plans altered vehicular access to the

site from the constructed portion of Stratford Ave, instead of the previously proposed access from Moala Pde. This amended access also means only 19 trees need to be removed from Stratford Ave, compared to 80. To allay concerns from neighbours about the new residents parking in streets outside the development, The Community Management Statement for the complex will add a clause to allow “stacked” parking which means residents could park in front of their garages if need be. A Council report said an upgrade of the street drainage in Oak

Rd was proposed to direct stormwater from the development to the piped drainage system downstream at the Oak Rd/Merinda Ave intersection. A report to Council said the development would assist housing needs and promoted “walkable” neighbourhoods by being near numerous shops and services at Lake Haven shopping centre which was within walking distance. The development was compatible with the scale and character of the area, the report said. Source: Meeting, Dec 9 Agenda item 3.1 Central Coast Council Reporter: Sue Murray

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

News

The existing Gateway building would be redeveloped to form the base of one of three towers

Sport

Two teams of local ice skaters have competed for the Southern Sky synchronised skating group in the Australian Figure Skating Championships. See page 38

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NEWS

PAGE 3

20 DECEMBER 2019

State of emergency declared From P1 Berejiklian said she had accepted the advice of Rural Fire Service Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons, in declaring the state emergency. “(This) is vital to the safety of communities in NSW as we face the most devastating bushfire season in living memory, having lost six lives and (with) almost 800 homes destroyed,” she said. “These declarations are not taken lightly. “This is the second State of Emergency this season following the declaration made on November 11, also for a period of seven days. “It will ensure once again that our State is best placed to respond to the predicted fire conditions.” A State of Emergency declaration enables extraordinary powers to be exercised by the RFS Commissioner. These include the power to: direct any government agency to conduct or refrain from conducting its functions; control and coordinate the allocation of government resources; evacuate people

from property within the declared area; close roads and thoroughfares to traffic; pull down or shore up infrastructure at risk of collapse; order the shutdown of essential utilities in the declared area, including electricity, gas, oil and water; and, enter or take possession of property in the course of the emergency response. Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said the State had a huge level of gratitude for the thousands of firefighters on the frontline who have risked their own safety to protect life and property. “The work they are so committed to right now will never be forgotten,” he said. Meanwhile, a total fire ban continues on the Coast until at least Saturday evening. Hazardous conditions saw Central Mangrove, Kulnura, Peats Ridge and Somersby public schools closed on December 19. The NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) has heaped praise on RFS volunteers and staff during “one of the most ferocious and devastating fire seasons in living memory”.

“The dedication, skills and efforts of all personnel who front up and volunteer day in and day out to fight and contain these fires, help save lives and protect property, is extraordinary,” RFSA President Brian McDonough said. “It is seriously tough out there. “The crews are exhausted and they are stretched to capacity. “There’s no doubt that this is turning out to be one of the toughest and longest fire seasons. “But the volunteers, together with other emergency services personnel, are absolutely committed to helping the community and keeping people safe.” McDonough also highlighted the importance of employers who allowed volunteer firefighters to leave the workplace to assist the firefighting efforts. “A supportive employer makes it much easier for a volunteer to respond to the call as their workplace acknowledges the importance of their service and the security of their job,” he said.

Over recent weeks, the RFSA has offered more than $200,000 of support to firefighters in the form of meals and drinks, care packs, over 4,000 clean cotton T-shirts, toiletry packs and hygiene wipes. “The RFSA has also provided crucial mental health support to firefighters who are on the frontline,” McDonough said. “Battling intense heat, long hours and dangerous conditions, and with the summer only just beginning, the RFSA is also asking Australians to think about volunteer fireies who will be out saving properties and lives over the Christmas and New Year period,” he said. “We must also not forget those who are self-employed and have left their farms or businesses to assist when needed, and those who used their annual leave entitlements to volunteer.” Source: Media release, Dec 18 NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) RFS website Education Department website Media release, Dec 19 NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian

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NEWS

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Opposition decries lack of leadership on the bushfires NSW Opposition Leader, Jodi McKay, has slammed Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Premier Gladys Berejiklian for a “woeful lack of leadership on the bushfires”. McKay was at Mangrove Mountain on December 18, inspecting fire affected areas with Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch. “This visit is about recognising that weather conditions will be horrendous, hot and windy, through to Saturday,” she said. “We are taking time to say to volunteers that we appreciate them, this is about recognising them.” McKay said she had concerns over how relief would be provided for firefighters who have been battling the Gospers Mountain and Three Mile fires for many weeks. “This is a largely volunteer workforce working day in and day out,” she said. “The question is, how is this going to be maintained? “We could be looking at no rain until February or beyond. “We have heard no word from the Premier on what will be happening (on the fire front) over the Christmas New Year period.

State Opposition leader, Jodi McKay, and Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, at Mangrove Mountain on December 18

“People need to have a break and spend time with their families.” McKay said she was also concerned about the effect on small businesses, who are releasing staff on paid or unpaid leave to fight the fires. “This is not sustainable in the long term,” she said. “Small businesses operate within a community, but this is an issue that the government needs to address.” Tesch said many volunteer firefighters, forced to take leave without pay to battle the blazes, would be facing Christmas with little money in

the bank. “I have been at the fire control centre every day and these fireies are doing an amazing job,” she said. McKay said she had fielded many questions on what role defence personnel were taking in the fire effort. “The Minister can’t tell me how many defence personnel are helping or even where they are,” she said. “They don’t fight fires, but there is a lot of ancillary work they could be doing. “More defence personnel are urgently needed to support our RFS volunteers who are

slogging their guts out. “These people could be clearing debris, cutting fire trails, carting water, and feeding and transporting crews. “Gladys Berejiklian must clarify exactly how many defence personnel she has requested from the Commonwealth, how many she has received, where they are stationed and what is the plan to sustain this effort. “Communities are outraged that the Premier hasn’t facilitated this help to arrive.” The NSW Opposition is also calling for daily hazardous

pollution warnings and practical health advice to affected communities. Shadow Health Minister, Ryan Park, said people need to be alerted if they are in harm’s way and what they should do. “Should they wear face masks?” he said. “Is it safe to sleep with the windows open or let children play outdoors? “This advice should be backed by an extensive public health information campaign across mainstream media and social media channels. “Local hospital and ambulance services need

immediate additional resources to deal with escalating health complaints, particularly as that relates to cardiovascular conditions, breathing difficulties and asthma.” Member for Terrigal and Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said unless politicians are “picking up a hose or buttering sandwiches”, they should stay out of the way of hard-working firefighters. “I am in constant contact with Superintendent Vicki Campbell and I want to thank all of our paid and volunteer firefighters for their fantastic work in containing the fire threat to minimise any loss of life or property,” Crouch said. “Last weekend I visited the Kariong Fire Control Centre to thank emergency services personnel for their selfless service, and I also regularly visit my local Rural Fire Brigades all year round.” Source: Media release, Dec 18 State Opposition Leader, Jodi McKay, and Shadow Health Minister, Ryan Park Interview, Dec 18 State Opposition Leader, Jodi McKay Media statement, Dec 19 Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch

$15,000 grants available for those severely affected by bushfires Recovery assistance to farmers and small businesses on the Central Coast has been extended, with $15,000 grants now available for those affected by bushfires in the region. The grants are part of a $12M package, announced in addition to the previouslyannounced $48.25M recovery grants and services package, and a $25M commitment to clean up debris and hazardous waste, jointly funded by State

and Federal Governments. Member for Terrigal and Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the money would go a long way to help clean up and repair damaged property and equipment. “The announcement of further financial assistance won’t take away from the devastation felt by many, but providing readily available assistance will help take the burden off people who are

getting back on their feet,” Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks said. “It is times like these when a strong, coordinated approach is required to help those who are worst hit.” The Central Coast is one of six local government areas to access the extended StateFederal bushfire recovery funding. Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management, David Littleproud, said the

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment would help to provide dignity for those who had suffered a catastrophic loss. “This is for people whose home has been severely damaged or destroyed, who’ve been seriously injured or who’ve lost a family member,” Littleproud said. “It will take time for lives to return to normal and these payments will ensure that those affected have additional

assistance to help them with their recovery. “We stand shoulder to shoulder with communities facing bushfires and will make more assistance available as it is needed. “This will help farmers and small business clean-up, repair damaged equipment and fencing and replace stock. “Getting back to business is one of the best ways to recover. “This will make sure businesses can open and

people are back to work sooner. “When money flows around a community, it can help to speed up the whole recovery. “The bushfires in NSW have been devastating for many communities and we are committed to supporting them long-term.” Source: Media releases, Dec 18 Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management, David Littleproud

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NEWS

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20 DECEMBER 2019

Mayor visits bush fire affected region Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews, has warned that the bushfire danger in the region is far from over after visiting bushfire impacted communities at Mangrove Mountain and Spencer on December 12. “It is beyond belief really (that) we didn’t lose lives or homes,” Cr Matthews said. She said the visit had helped her understanding of what the communities have been living with day to day, for a number of weeks now. “There is no doubt that the stress of continual fire threat and poor air quality is impacting community spirit and their daily lives in a way that the rest of us can’t quite comprehend,” Cr Matthews said. “To see for myself, to talk to those in the communities affected, has given me a renewed appreciation and understanding of community resilience on the Coast. “They have really come together and supported each other during this difficult time.

Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews, meets with residents and firefighters at Spencer

“They are facing a very different festive season to the rest of us and they really appreciated knowing that the whole Central Coast community is with them. “I heard some amazing stories.

“One Lady, a single parent at Kulnura, told me how she had protected her home by eliminating all fuel sources around the property – including replacing all her wooden fencing with wire and connecting a sprinkler system

to her roof. “The resilience of these people is amazing. “When I met with them they were laughing and smiling – but very aware of how serious things are.

“There are also a number of specialist services available to which I encouraged them to reach out and access and find the support they need during this time.” Council’s Director Environment and Planning,

Scott Cox, said it was important for the community to remain vigilant as the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) continues to fight and monitor the fires in and around the Central Coast LGA. “It is vital that all Central Coast community members regularly refer to the information provided by the RFS, who are the lead agency for bush fires,” Cox said. Council encourages all residents to continue to monitor the RFS Fires Near Me app and website, and to follow the NSW RFS and NSW RFS Central web pages. Disaster Recovery Services are available on 1800 018 444. The council also advised the following mental health services were available to offer support: Mental Health Line 1800 011 511; Lifeline – 131 114; Mensline - 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800; and Beyondblue - 1300 224 636 Source: Media release, Dec 13 Central Coast Council

35 percent cut to fire trained positions in National Parks The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has hit back at claims by the Public Service Association of NSW (PSA) that the state’s bushfires, including the Gospers Mountain and Three Mile fires which threaten the Central Coast, have been exacerbated by cutbacks to NPWS services made 18 months ago. PSA General Secretary, Stewart Little, said the intensity and impact of the fires has been increased by “significant cutbacks” to the service.

“Overall, there has been a 35 percent cut to fire trained positions in National Parks,” he said. “The loss of expertise is irreplaceable, area managers with 30 years’ experience have left roles and not been replaced. “Under resourced and over stretched park rangers and other NPWS staff mean that core duties are under pressure. “Apart from last financial year, National Parks haven’t been able to reach their annual hazard reduction target since 2016. “It’s not just hazard reduction.

“Money set aside for upgrading fire trails hadn’t been spent and the work has not been done. “Hazard reduction, fire trails maintenance, all of this takes place over years, not a single season. “It means that this problem has been compounded. “A restructure in National Parks has meant workers are expected to manage twice the workload. “That is unsafe in any situation, but in the current conditions we are facing, this could be deadly.

“It fundamentally comes down to an issue of resourcing and an exodus of expertise from national parks.” But a spokesperson for NPWS said the effectiveness and capacity of the service had been demonstrated in recent weeks as NPWS staff work tirelessly alongside RFS volunteers and other agencies to save property and lives. “Each day, there are typically more than 300 NPWS staff fighting fires and assisting as part of critical incident management teams,” the spokesperson said.

“Any suggestion that the restructure has diminished the capacity of NPWS to deliver effective fire management is incorrect and is not supported by any evidence. “Over the last four years, more than 75% of all prescribed burning in NSW has been carried out by NPWS. “NPWS carries out more prescribed burning than every other organisation in NSW combined. “Last year alone, NPWS did 137,000 hectares of prescribed burning. “The five year rolling target

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for NPWS is 135,000 hectares. “Over the last five years, 85% of all fires that start on national parks have been contained on national parks. “This reflects an exceptional performance by NPWS staff. “NPWS maintains a fit and prepared firefighting workforce and has adequate resources to conduct hazard reduction and emergency response activities.” Source: Media release, Dec 12 Public Service Association of NSW Media statement, Dec12 NPWS

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20 DECEMBER 2019

NEWS

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RFS brigade seeks donations to purchase proper respirators

Coast residents eligible for Disaster Recovery assistance The Central Coast has been added to the list of those regions eligible to apply for assistance under the Disaster Recovery Funding program jointly provided by the State and Federal governments.

Brigade seeks funding to purchase these masks for members

Joe Arena, Treasurer at the Copacabana Rural Fire Brigade, has asked the Central Coast to dig deep to help fund vital fire fighting masks for the brigade. Arena made a public plea via social media on Tuesday (December 11), asking for financial support so that the brigade could purchase adequate facemasks to protect their lungs while members are protecting the public.

“The Brigade has been manning three trucks on rotating shifts for the last two weeks to fight the Hawkesbury and Central Coast sections of the mega fire (fused Three Mile and Gospers Mountain fires), while also sending members north over the last three months,” Arena said. “Our brigade has been desperately trying to protect homes and property,completely exhausted, and I’m horrified to say that they have been using

RFS issued dust masks to protect their airways. “In defence of the RFS, these are unprecedented conditions on a scale no one could have anticipated, but we have no choice but to go out and fight fires with what we have. “My Brigade is currently fundraising so that we can purchase and maintain P3 masks, similar to Promask Twin Full Face Respirator Readypaks for eight members,”

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Arena said. The respirators cost around $140, not including certification costs. Since making the appeal, the Central Coast community has rallied, with Arena confirming the Brigade had raised so much money in the 24 hours since it went live that it now has enough funds to purchase respirators for other local brigades. “We would like to thank everyone who supported our appeal for the purchase of face masks for our firefighters. “We are humbled by the generosity of the community, and we have achieved our original objective and will use any excess funds to purchase masks for neighbouring brigades,” Arena said. Since news broke that firefighters were relying on P2 grade masks the public has criticised the State Government and the NSW RFS for not ensuring volunteer firefighters were adequately equipped. The NSW RFS has since come out and said P2 masks were actually safer to use in these intense conditions and stated P3 masks actually made it harder to breath will fighting fires. In a statement,a spokesperson for the RFS said any local brigades who feel they aren’t adequately equipped should contact their district body to discuss. “NSW RFS firefighters are provided all necessary tools and equipment to undertake their work. “This includes all personal protective equipment, fire appliances and associated hoses, nozzles, etc,” they said. Source: Website, Dec 10 Joe Arena, Copacabana Rural Fire Brigade Media statement, Dec 12 NSW RFS Media Unit

Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said practical support, financial subsidies and mental health services were now available to victims of the bushfires, with a one-off payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children available. The news came as the Three Mile fire continues to threaten properties around Mangrove Mountain and Kulnura. “As residents return to their properties and survey the damage, this recovery assistance is being made available to people whose homes have been destroyed or severely damaged, including smoke damage,” Crouch said. “This is the largest bush fire disaster relief funding package in NSW history. “Over recent weeks we have seen hundreds of firefighters, 38 trucks and multiple aircraft fight the blazes. “Fire conditions can change quickly. “Wherever you live on the Central Coast, please stay up to

date using the RFS Fires Near Me app.” The $48.25M funding includes: $25M to facilitate the clean-up of homes destroyed or damaged; $15,000 individual grants for primary producers and small businesses to assist with clean-up and the replacement of infrastructure; $4.05M for mental health services; and, the waiving of replacement fees for personal documents at Service NSW. Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management, David Littleproud, said there were now 40 areas of the state eligible for assistance. Central Coast Council could also be eligible for assistance in cleaning up and restoring any public assets damaged by the fires. Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the news couldn’t have come at a better time, with Central Coast homes and properties still under threat. “In times like these, we have to work together and look out for each other,” she said. Source: Media release, Dec 6 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks Media release, Dec 8 Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch Media release, Dec 11 Department of Human Services

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Central Coast Councillor Greg Best will approach the State Government to take over control of the region’s water supply following his failed ongoing attempt to convince his fellow councillors to take the Coast to level 2 water restrictions as a matter of urgency. But Mayor Lisa Matthews said if such a move was made, Council would fight to keep control. Cr Best announced his intentions after a rescission motion put by him and Councillors Troy Marquart, Bruce McLachlan and Jilly Pilon at an extraordinary meeting on December 16 was defeated. The motion sought to see overturned the Council’s previous resolution to await a report around rain water tanks and a storm water harvesting scheme at Terrigal, and refer water level restriction trigger levels to the Water Advisory Committee for consideration. They had hoped a successful rescission would pave the way for a new motion to introduce Level 2 water restrictions as a matter of urgency.

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Councillor wants State Government to take control of the region’s water supply But with the motion lost, Council will adhere to its previous resolution which is that when the water level at Mangrove Creek Dam drops to 50%, Level 1 restrictions will be introduced. The dam was at 52.9% capacity on December 16, with the 50% trigger expected to be reached in early February if no large rainfall occurs. Until then, Water Wise recommendations prevail in the region. Earlier this year, Council voted to lift the restriction trigger from the previous 40%. Cr Best said he was “absolutely furious” with the decision on December 16 and had already put steps in motion to appeal to the State Government to step in. “We haven’t got it right, this Council is treating our dwindling water supply with contempt,” he said. Councillor Chris Holstein voted for the motion, he said, because debate was “cut short”. “I wanted to have the discussion,” he said. “I wanted to clarify some statements made recently and

I wanted some facts and figures put on record. “I have done some research into this issue, and even with a projected increased usage of 17% over the DecemberJanuary holiday period based on previous years’ figures, we won’t reach the trigger level until at least February – and that’s if there’s no rain.” Cr Holstein said the argument that the Hunter has introduced Level 1 restrictions and Sydney has introduced Level 2 restrictions should be tempered by the fact that both areas supply water to a far greater number of residents than does the Coast. “The figures tell us that we use less water per thousand people than Sydney or the Hunter do,” he said. “When you put restrictions on, there is a lot of social angst and you can actually see water usage rise.” Mayor, Lisa Matthews, said councillors had made the right decision. “We have a solid plan in place to manage the Coast’s water supply,” she said. “We are also in a stronger position than other areas which have already moved to water

restrictions, due to our significant investment in water infrastructure since the Millennium Drought, which continues today. “Our residents are already resilient, resourceful and responsible water users who should be applauded for their efforts to reduce water. “If and when there’s a need, we’ll ask them to put their shoulder to the wheel again.” With summer likely to bring an influx of tourists to the region, Cr Matthews said she expected most visitors would already have water wise habits, since many have been living with water restrictions in their own area. “Tourism is great for the economy of the Coast, and we will continue to promote water wise behaviours to both residents and visitors, regardless of restriction levels,” she said. Cr Matthews said the Council would resist any attempts to involve the State Government and would “fight for our asset”. She said the Water Advisory Committee, which met for the first time on December 16, did not advise moving to level 2 restrictions.

Deputy Mayor, Jane Smith, who chaired the committee meeting, said water management was “too important” for councillors to “play politics with”. She said the committee was skills based and had received a number of presentations from staff, and discussed a range of issues including the water restriction trigger levels. “The committee recognised that we are moving towards Level 1 water restrictions,” she said. “They also recognised the need for education and engagement of our community in order to prepare them for those restrictions. “The committee supported the current trigger levels adopted by Council.” Council’s Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader, said Council’s ongoing investment in water infrastructure and residents’ own water conservation had put the region in a strong position to face a prolonged drought. “Our dam levels are holding steady, with our total water storage falling by less than two percent in the past three months,” he said.

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20 DECEMBER 2019

Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said that while Central Coast Council is the water authority for our region and it is their decision to implement water restrictions, the State Government would expect these to be introduced if the current dry conditions continue. “Minister for Water Melinda Pavey wrote to Council on December 5 and urged Council to remain vigilant over the hot summer period,” Crouch said. “The Minister also requested that Council consider whether the current dry conditions warrant the early introduction of water restrictions in late 2019 or early 2020.” The rescission motion was lost 8-6, with Councillor Rebecca Gale absent. Source: Agenda item 2.1 Central Coast Council Extraordinary Meeting, Dec 16 Media release, Dec 16 Central Coast Council Media statements, Dec 17 Councillors Greg Best, Jane Smith, Lisa Matthews and Chris Holstein Media statement, Dec 19 Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch Reporters: Terry Collins and Merilyn Vale

PAGE 8

20 DECEMBER 2019

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Adam Crouch appointed Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast

Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast.

The surprise move, announced on December 19, follows the axing in March of Parliamentary Secretaries. Crouch said he was honoured to take on the role which he said would provide additional opportunities for the Coast’s needs and wants to be aired at the highest level within the State Government. “This is a fantastic opportunity and I look forward to further supporting people and organisations across the Central Coast in my new role as Parliamentary Secretary,” he said. “The Central Coast is a growing region, with the NSW Government committed to upgrading infrastructure and delivering more services. “Between 2016 and 2036, there will be an additional 75,500 people calling our region home. “This is a challenge that requires all levels of government to work together. “Our Government’s key achievements to date include the redevelopment of Gosford and Wyong hospitals, half a billion dollars for State road upgrades, revitalising the Gosford city centre and unprecedented levels of funding for local schools. “In the last two years alone, Central Coast Council has received more than $90M in grant funding from the NSW Government. “It is my mission to ensure that our region continues to receive its fair share of funding,

Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, with Premier, Gladys Berejiklian

now and into the future.” Berejiklian said Crouch had shown “a huge amount of passion and dedication for the Central Coast”. Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews has welcomed the appointment and said Council had been advocating for a Minister for the Central Coast, or the reinstatement of the Parliamentary Secretary role, since it was abolished in March. “The role of Parliamentary Secretary is critical for Council and the State Government to collaborate effectively,” Cr Matthews said. “This role is a crucial pathway into government, ensuring relevant departments and ministers are aware of the important work we are doing and the opportunities to work more effectively together to deliver for the entire region. “We are one of the biggest and fastest growing regions in NSW and we need a seat at the table to ensure we get our fair share of funding and opportunities that our community needs and

deserves. “While our preference was for the Central Coast to have its own Minister, as we believe we are big enough and important enough to have one, this is important recognition by the State Government.” Cr Matthews said she would prioritise a meeting with Crouch in the New Year. Gosford Erina Business Chamber, which has also been pushing for the role to be reinstated, has applauded the move. “The announcement is seen as a positive response to the business community from the NSW State Government,” Chamber President, Rod Dever, said. “The appointment reinforces the Premier’s words that the Central Coast is important to the government and is certainly on the government’s radar. “Having a Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast allows for greater representation and provides a stronger voice for the region. “The Coast has so many projects which require

continued focus, including the Gosford City Redevelopment, which cannot be left lagging.” Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDACC) Chair, Phil Walker, said RDACC had also been advocating for a dedicated Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast for the past two years. “It’s vital that our region is represented and supported at this level of Government,” Walker said. “This appointment gives the people of the Central Coast a direct voice in decision making and will ensure enhanced outcomes for local business and industry,” he said. Walker said the move acknowledged the significant economic development potential of the Central Coast. “The Central Coast is growing exponentially,” he said. “As our region continues to expand and innovate across the food, beverage, agricultural and development industries we need to ensure our infrastructure and services are upgraded accordingly. “We are thrilled the NSW Government is committed to this. “Mr Crouch has passionately supported the people of Terrigal since 2015 and I wish him every success in supporting the greater Central Coast community as Parliamentary Secretary.”. Source: Media releases, Dec 19 Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews, Gosford Erina Business Chamber, Regional Development Australia Central Coast

Commuters’ Association is pushing for a major upgrade of railway station carparks The Central Coast Commuters’ Association is pushing for a major upgrade of the Gosford railway station carpark in the wake of a Federal Government pre-election pledge to alleviate parking woes for commuters. The Government pledged $35M from its Urban Congestion Fund, with $30M to be invested in 600 additional car spaces at Gosford, and $5M funding 140 more spots for Woy Woy commuters. Vice President, Eddie Ellis, said the money was “badly needed and will be much appreciated”, but the Association was concerned that no sites for the upgrades had yet been announced. “The current car park in Showground Rd next to the station should be expanded,” he said. “This is currently at ground level and can be expanded upwards. “No other site should be considered. “The current car park is used by many commuters, and on weekends and nights by spectators using the Central Coast Stadium, which has a capacity of 20,000 and no car parking whatsoever. “The stadium is 100 metres from the current car park. “The Central Coast Commuters’ Association would like to see the current station car park upgraded with reinforcing built to allow for the

maximum possible height (around eight more levels) and then build as many levels as the $30M Federal Government allocation will allow. “Nearby buildings are around eight levels above street level; the car park should be extended to a similar height.” Ellis said the parking situation would worsen when the Kibblepex building in Henry Parry Dr is demolished to make way for a new development, at a cost of 600 parking spaces. “The best possible solution for commuters and the whole community is that the current car park be extended upwards,” he said. Ellis said the Government owned land opposite Gosford Station in Mann St could also eventually house a multi-level car park. Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said additional commuter car parking was “absolutely vital for our hardworking commuters. “We are working with all levels of government to get it done,” she said. “It is a major investment which is in detailed planning, and the Federal Government is in regular discussions with both the State Government and Central Coast Council on the delivery of these projects.” Source: Media release, Dec 12 Eddie Ellis, Vice President, Central Coast Commuters’ Association Media statement, Dec 17 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks

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20 DECEMBER 2019

Council to focus on Terrigal and Avoca lagoon catchments to improve water quality Avoca and Terrigal lagoons and Kincumber Creek are three of the least healthy estuarine waterways on the Central Coast. Central Coast Council’s first combined Waterways report card, released on December 12, lists the water quality in Terrigal Lagoon as only fair, and Kincumber Creek as poor, while Avoca Lagoon scored the report’s only very poor rating. The report examines the ecological health of Southern Lake Macquarie, Tuggerah Lakes, Brisbane Water and the coastal lagoons over the 201718 year, providing a clear picture of the estuarine sections of the entire region’s waterways network. Turbidity exceeded trigger values in Terrigal Lagoon throughout the entire sampling period, and chlorophyll-a levels were considered poor. At Avoca Lagoon, both turbidity and chlorophyll-a clearly exceeded trigger values on all sampling occasions throughout 2017-18. Kincumber Creek suffered

regular high turbidity due to its shallow nature, but chlorophyll-a was generally good with some exceedances recorded. Turbidity is a measure of water clarity or cloudiness and chlorophyll-a is an indicator of levels of microalgae and nutrients in the water, which can lead to algal blooms and a decline in water quality. Seagrass depth range is also assessed as a biological indicator of water clarity over longer time periods. Council’s Environment and Planning Director, Scott Cox said that while the report showed overall positive results it also provided a valuable tool to help Council identify areas for further investigation. “Council uses a recognised monitoring program to assess the ecological health of our waterways, allowing us to monitor the condition, monitor changes over time and target investment and on ground works to improve ecosystem health,” Cox said. “For the 2017-18 year we

Terrigal Lagoon

have seen good results in all of the southern Lake Macquarie, Cockrone and Wamberal Lagoon sites, plus the majority of sites in Tuggerah Lakes, Lake Munmorah and Brisbane Water. “Other sites that have shown a mix of poorer results include Budgewoi Lake, Terrigal and Avoca lagoons, and some other sites where creek systems enter larger waterways. “These results will allow

Council to review our management actions and plan for on ground works to help improve waterway health over time.” The report noted reduced water quality at Narara Creek, Erina Creek and Kincumber Creek, highlighting concerns for water quality entering from the catchments. Cox said Brisbane Water main basin sites at Woy Woy Bay, Cockle Bay and Booker Bay

were considered excellent for the 2017-18 year. “The naturally well flushed nature of the main sites within Brisbane Water is reflected in the excellent results,” he said. “Reduced water quality coming from the Narara, Erina and Kincumber Creek catchments have highlighted some concerns, with turbidity being the main concern.” He said Council had some work to do in the Terrigal and Avoca lagoon catchments to understand what is going on and how results can be improved over time. Council’s program is delivered in partnership with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, using a scientifically robust methodology and is the most comprehensive program of its kind provided by local government in NSW. Mayor, Lisa Matthews, said: “Our local waterways make up 13% of the total area of the Central Coast so it is important to understand the state that they are in, so that we can

make informed decisions. “This report will enable a greater understanding of our waterways and allow the community to take a role, in partnership with Council, to help maintain and improve the health or our rivers and lakes.” The report also outlines the actions Council has taken to target improvements in waterway health including: rehabilitation of natural wetlands at Erina, Davistown, Saratoga, Bensville, Point Clare and Tascott; protection and rehabilitation of coastal saltmarsh and foreshore bushland along the shores of Tuggerah Lake and Brisbane Water; maintenance of a network of over 418 stormwater quality improvement devices throughout the estuary catchments to improve water quality; and, removal of 967 tonnes of sediment and pollutants from stormwater quality improvement devices. Source: Media release, Dec 12 Central Coast Council The Central Coast Waterways Report Card

Major water mains upgrades at Avoca completed

Central Coast Council said the project, undertaken on Cape Three Points Rd and The Round Dr, had been given high priority on its Water Mains Renewal Program.

Director, Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader, said Council had been working closely with residents on a solution to prevent the situation occurring again. “Avoca residents have experienced several water main breaks in the past two years which have caused significant impact on them,” he said.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank these residents, as well as the surrounding communities, for their support while we worked to install and connect residents to new water mains in the area. “We have installed 2,700 metres of new water main, opting to place the new main in the roadway to preserve trees, minimise water supply

disruptions to residents during construction, and direct any unexpected future releases of water away from properties. “In July 2018, we kicked off a region wide Water Mains Renewal Program, which is now an ongoing program that identifies and renews water mains that are close to their end of life or could be subject to future breaks.

“Through this program, we continually monitor and test our water mains and the results indicate areas due for maintenance. “The program improves the integrity of the water infrastructure, minimises the risk of water main breaks and disruption, and improves water flow, water quality and reliability for the community.

“Final road restoration for The Round Dr, and temporary road restoration in Cape Three Points Rd, is programmed for completion before Christmas, with final road restoration for Cape Three Points Rd to be carried out in March,” Loader said.

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 (02) 4342 4122 20 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy NSW 2256 Gosford News - third page - update.indd 1

Gosford@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Source: Media release, Dec 12 Central Coast Council

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

Work has been completed on water mains upgrades at Avoca in the wake of the flooding of homes in the past two years due to pipe breakages.

6/11/2018 11:18:28 AM

PAGE 10 20 DECEMBER 2019 ON THE BEAT

Central Coast publications. The full articles and more, as well as all previously published editions, can be seen on line on our website www.coastcommunitynews. com.au.

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.

CCN 18 DECEMBER 2019

ISSUE 180

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

Urgent action sought over dredging of The Entrance Channel

Urgent action sought over dredging of The Entrance Channel Central Coast Council is searching for funds for emergency dredging of entral Coast icon and it may well also The Council Entrance Channel. is mark its demise”. Proprietor of The searching for funds for emergency Entrance Boat Shed, dredging of The Toni Moon, said in Public Forum that she and her Entrance Channel. Councillors decided at the December 9 meeting to lobby the State and Federal governments and they have their eyes on money which was set aside for ongoing maintenance of Ettalong Channel after the recent completion of dredging there. This action came about from a Notice of Motion by Cr Greg Best who wanted an urgent investigation into the continuing deterioration of the Tuggerah Lakes and the choking of The Entrance Channel. He informed councillors how the siltation of the channel was affecting the historic Entrance Boat Shed, saying “2020 marks the centenary of this local

Councillors want to be involved in review of Warnervale Airport Act Councillor Louise Greenaway’s move to ensure close Council involvement in the review of the Warnervale Airport Restrictions (WAR) Act caused some heated exchanges in the Chamber and Tuggerawong public park still to be “considered”

The prospects of a park and playground on land where Tuggerawong Hall once stood will be considered at Central Coast Council’s February budget a community fter several years planning session. titleUnder scheme, a resident of community

Vastly non-complying 54 dwelling complex approved development approved despite after years of delays objections After several years of community A Palmdale community is taking consultation and amendments, on Central Coast Council over what Mayor, Lisa Matthews, 15m from a pylon or a the CEO, is as abridge, which limited the Lake Haven Development P/L has called theyforclaim non-complying a priority, to provide full areas at The Entrance been given the go ahead for a 54 details development for of Council’s short application where dredging could term dredging occur. dwelling complex in Charmhaven. and a long second dwelling on a rural plan, including the Council has already acquisition of a suitable started a rubbish clean up property. Waterways Report Card shows Tuggerah Lakes estuary was generally good Central Coast Council has released its 2017-18 Waterways The shallow waters around The Entrance boat shed where even paddleboarders run aground. Report Card, showing that water poor water flow. trouble.” “The wrackthroughout is now stuck Moon because quality the said Tuggerah under the boat shed, it’s of the shallow waters Lakes wasandgenerally good. deep, it’sestuary not moving, the seaweed, their and it’s going mouldy, which is not healthy, and it stinks like you wouldn’t believe,” she said. “In certain parts, on the road side, it has dried off and that’s a fire hazard, so if someone does something stupid like flick a cigarette, we’re in

equipment was being damaged. “We’ve already had two of our new motors just about burnt out because people who hire our boats don’t realise to turn motors off when the wrack is so thick,” she said.

dredge. Cr Jane Smith questioned whether keeping the channel open was the objective under the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan. “I think it’s more for a flooding issue, isn’t it? Rather than for navigation,” she said. Council Director, Environment and Planning, Scott Cox, said that the dredging program in the past had been carried out for an exchange of water between the lake and the ocean. He said current restrictions under the dredging licence was that it had to be 10m away from a jetty or wharf and

in the waters from Picnic Point to the eastern point,

past Memorial Park. Only $6.4M of election promised CEO, Gary Murphy, road funding will to write be spent to Terrigalin MP, Adam Crouch, for advice Dobell as to whether a portion or all of the $1.4M in funding Fourteen road improvement and left over from dredging Ettalong Channel resurfacing projects acrosscan be the diverted to fund dredging northern suburbs ofwill completed Thebe Entrance Channel an interim solution. by 2022, thanks astoAlso, a $70M roads Council will a meeting of package to fullyconvene funded by the experts and stakeholders Federal Government. to discuss an ongoing strategy to keep The Entrance channel open and accessible for the community.

Only 12 per cent of Australians believe that the government is Source: run for ‘all people’ Meeting, Dec 9 Agenda item 8.3 LD Operations Pty Limited was Trust in governmentCentral has reached Coast Council Reporter: Sue Murray fined $136,000 in the NSW District its second lowest level on record, Court for a breach of the Work with just onein- four Australians Health and Safety Act and causing indicating that they had confidence a worker at Mannering Colliery to in their political leaders and site from the constructed Rd was proposed to be seriously injured. institutions, to a major portion of Stratford according Ave, direct stormwater from LD Operations fined over Work Health and Safety Act breach

54 dwelling complex approved after years of delays

owns the lot they buy but the previously the development to the consultation Wyongand Regional Chronicle focuses on news specifically relating to post codeinstead areasof2258, 2259, 2261, 2262, shares responsibility of proposed access from piped drainage system amendments, Lake & 2263. The full articles and more can be seen on our website www.coastcommunitynews.com.au common areas, such as Moala Pde. downstream at the Haven Development recreational spaces and This amended access Oak Rd/Merinda Ave P/L has been given driveways, with other also means only 19 trees intersection. the go ahead for a 54 residents. need to be removed from A report to Council said dwelling complex in There will be 12 blocks Stratford Ave, compared the development would Charmhaven. of attached double-storey to 80. assist housing needs

Central Coast Council buildings and each home approved the $10M will have three bedrooms development at its and a single garage. There will be 38 December 9 meeting and Cr Doug Vincent thanked visitor parking spaces throughout the site the developer who was EDITION 484 “flexible to listen to the and an open recreation community and make area in the centre of the complex. amendments”. Following Council’s The 1.3ha of vacant land at 7 Stratford Ave, deferral of the matter in September for a site will be transformed into a community title inspection by councillors subdivision with lots to examine traffic and Four groups road issues, the applicant rangingcommunity in size from have united to establish put in amended plans. 144.1sqm to 264sqm.

Site plan of the 54 dwellings on the Charmhaven land with NEWS the extra The site inspection was cope LOCAL YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT attended by Councillors housing, whether there Jillian Hogan, Louise was enough on site car Greenaway and Jeff parking, the suitability of Sundstrom, together double-storey housing with Council staff and 11 in a single storey area, and consideration of a residents. rainwater Some concerns centralised remained about drainage tank on-site. The new plans altered at Oak Rd and Merinda Ave and whether it could vehicular access to the

To allay concerns from neighbours about the new residents parking in streets outside the development, The Community Management Statement for the complex will add a clause to allow “stacked” parking which means residents could park in front of their garages if need be. A Council report said an upgrade of the street drainage in Oak

and promoted “walkable” neighbourhoods by being near numerous shops and services at Lake Haven shopping centre which was within walking distance.9 DECEMBER 2019 The development was compatible with the scale and character of the area, the report said.

Groups come together Tree group winsBouddi regional Study about relocating Groups comefortogether for emergency plan Bouddi emergency plan

environmental award

Source: koalas to Pearl Beach Meeting, Dec 9 Agenda item 3.1

Central Coast Council Four community groups have A Umina tree advocacy group Pearl Beach Arboretum has been Reporter: Sue Murray an emergency plan to help united to establish an emergency has been named Community successful in gaining a $20,000 guide residents of the Bouddi Office: 2, 86-88 Mann St,residents Gosford - Phone: of 4325the 7369 - Environment Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: plan toLevel help guide Network’s Most grant -to gowww.coastcommunitynews.com.au towards a University Peninsula. Wagstaffe-Killcare Community Bouddi Peninsula. Outstanding Communitybased of Sydney study about relocating Association president Mr Mike Allsop said the catastrophic Organisation of the Year. koalas to Pearl Beach.

danger day on November 12 “exposed some vulnerability in our community with some confusion about what people should be doing to respond and prepare”. “We found that some people did not know what they should do or where they should go in an emergency,” he said. Leaders of four main community groups in the area met and agreed to assemble a joint Community Resilience and Empowerment Plan. Mr Allsop said the objective was to get clear and concise information to people, both locals and tourists, and to co-ordinate the community response to disaster events. The core group of organisers are Mr Allsop, Killcare Wagstaffe Rural Fire Brigade captain Ms Michelle Biddulph, Killy Cares president Mr Stephen Hinks and Killcare Surf Life Saving Club president Mr Craig Shepherd. “With the two emergency services and two great community organisations acting as one, you can be assured that whatever happens, we’ll be in a much better place to cope,” Mr Allsop said. “There are one or two roads

Community hall to receive $66,000 upgrade

Furniture truck believed to have caused power cut

Clifford St villa development approved

Pearl Beach Progress Association A furniture truck that accidently A three-villa development at 4 will receive $66,000 from Central struck a power pole in Central Ave, Clifford St, Umina Beach, has Coast Council in a community Phegans Bay, is believed to have been finally given the go-ahead by Killcare Surf Life Saving Clubhouse grant to upgrade thethatcommunity been behind a Bays-wide power Central Coast Council after several are critical and if these are location better known. to do, where to go, who to call in an newsletter and by email and blocked for whatever reason, “It’s still a work in progress and emergency. amendments and printedacopies be displayed hall outage on November 21. site will inspection. storm damage for instance, or fire, Michelle is researching various “We’re hoping that leaflet will in retail stores and community there is no escape by road. “So, we have to be prepared and that’s where this new plan will come into effect. “We know Wagstaffe Hall is a safe neighbourhood place so we have to make sure we are ready to offer assistance with amenities and shelter. “The surf club is also a designated emergency service and the clubhouse is a good solid building for a safe place, too. “We have to make those safe places better known and their

RFS emergency templates to find the most suitable for our community of about 2000.” Mr Allsop said the finished plan could be a two-page leaflet listing trigger points so people know what

be visible and easy to find in every house, even holiday homes for the tourists. The Community Resilience and Empowerment Plan will be published in the association’s

buildings.

SOURCE: Newsletter, 3 Dec 2019 Interview (Sue Murray), 4 Dec 2019 Mike Allsop, WTKCA

Stolen elf needed for Christmas fund-raiser

Umina CWA delivers presents to Blayney women

Bouddi Bushcare wins State prize

A Booker Bay resident is seeking information to recover part of a Christmas fundraising display stolen on November 28.

Umina Beach branch of the Country Women’s Association will deliver 70 Christmas parcels to the women of the Blayney community, west of Orange NSW.

Bouddi Bushcare Group, formerly

knownrelocating as the Bitou Bashers, won Study about the Community Group Prize at koalas to the Pearl Beach State Bushcare and Landcare Awards last month, following the August.

Pearl Beach Arboretum has group’s regional win in been successful in gaining a $20,000 grant to go towards The full articles and more can be seen on line on our website www.coastcommunitynews.com.au a University of Sydney study They can also be seen on www.peninsulanews.info about relocating koalas to Pearl Beach.

Tree group wins regional environmental award

A Umina tree advocacy group keyboards and pens to paper to

The funding would allow a detailed survey of the Brisbane Water National Park to determine whether or not any koalas were

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Court hears details of horror M1 multi vehicle crash

Other Regional News - In brief Coast Community News focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2250, 2251 & 2260. Following is a summary of news articles published in the most recent edition of each of our sister

Sam McLean, the truck driver accused of killing two men on the M1 Motorway in July, 2018, after ploughing into their ute, fronted Gosford District Court for sentencing on Tuesday, December 12. McLean, of West Wallsend, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death and one count of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm after a third driver became caught up in the incident. In an agreed upon Statement of Facts tendered in court, it was stated that McLean took his eyes off the road for “a second or two” whilst approaching Mooney Mooney Bridge, when his truck collided with a ford utility occupied by 19-year-old Jack Langford and his 52-year-old uncle, Adam Langford. The impact pushed the Langford’s ute into a Kia Rio Sedan being driven by a

75-year-old woman and then triggered a domino effect, with three other vehicles caught up in the collision. Shortly after, the Langford’s ute caught fire and both occupants died in the blaze. The court was then presented the findings of the attending Crash Investigator which found that McLean would have had around 28 to 30 seconds to react to conditions if he was travelling at a speed between 95-100km/h. Peter Langford, father and brother to the deceased, then presented his victim impact statement in which he lamented the loss of his firstborn child and brother. Langford then told the court that while his loss had been devastating, he did not wish to see McLean’s young family torn apart by the justice system. The court then heard from McLean’s Barrister, who said

his client would live with the guilt of what he had done for the rest of his life and would commence his sentence immediately. Following the proceedings McLean was reprimanded in custody. District Court Judge, Tanya Bright, will hand down her sentence when McLean’s matter returns to court in February. Speaking to media outside of court, Langford told media that he believed McLean hadn’t gotten behind the wheel intending to kill anyone and that he did not wish to spend the rest of his life hating someone. Source: Documents, Dec 12 NSW Department of Justice, Transcript and Casefile R v Sam McLean 2018/00235535 Press conference, Dec 12 Peter Langford, Gosford Courthouse Reporter: Dilon Luke

Couple sought over shop lifting Brisbane Water Police have released a CCTV image of a man and a woman they wish to speak to in relation to the theft of property from a store at West Gosford in November. At around 6:30pm on Wednesday, November 20, a male and female entered a business at West Gosford and Police allege that they stole an amount of electrical goods, including cameras. Following investigations, police from Brisbane Water Police District have obtained an image of the pair. The male is described as: Caucasian, approximately 35-years-old, tan complexion, large build, short brown hair,

Do you know these people?

wearing a white and grey striped shirt, dark grey shorts and black cap. The female is described as: Caucasian, approximately 35-years-old, tan complexion,

short and slim build, brown hair, wearing a blue singlet and light blue jeans. Source: Website, Dec 12 Brisbane Water Police District

There exists huge potential for the success of Warnervale airport Last Sunday (December 8) I attended the Matt Hall event held at Lake Macquarie Airport to celebrate his winning the 2019 Red Bull World Championship. The competition is between pilots flying their special aircraft with great skill and speed, navigating between inflated pillars over a time trialled course. Matt gave an inspiring motivational talk to the large crowd who attended, his theme being that it was always better to “have a go” than to live “a life of regret” by not trying. Entering into partnerships, he explained his purchase of the airport, which with private enterprise and the entrepreneurship it brings, has

FORUM Letters to the editor should be sent to: PO Box 1056 Gosford 2250 or

editorial@centralcoastnews.net

See Page 2 for contribution conditions become a very productive hive of aviation activity of which he can be rightly proud. Whilst the Central Coast Council is in an election pending hiatus over issues including decisions on the future of Warnervale Airport, with the fire and cricket season upon us, there are two lessons to be learnt, firstly from the fire brigades (to whom we all owe

a great debt of thanks): “Not having a plan is not a plan;” and from cricket: “No match was ever won by trying not to lose.” With the development of the second Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek requiring the relocation of many small aviation enterprises, there exists huge potential for the success of this airport to be replicated at Warnervale, the evidence for it is overwhelming. Now that the State Government have an interest in the future of the airport at Warnervale, their opportunity to make progress and secure great outcomes for the Wyong region could not be clearer nor more certain. Email, Dec 9 Allan Cooper, Erina

Desalination is a long term drought solution What I’m about to suggest may sound totally ridiculous and fantastical, but I get frustrated at the lack of action on drought. The government is talking about creating more dams, but this idea is of no use unless it rains constantly. Australia is surrounded by water and we need to find a way to direct it to the area where it is required. Obviously, the water would need to be desalinated and pumped from the ocean via pipelines. The technology is available and earth moving equipment knows no limits, compared to

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FORUM the construction of the Snowy Hydro project, The Great Ocean Road, The canals of Holland and the Manchester Ship Canal. These miraculous achievements were completed with bare hands, picks and shovels. It is possible. If this concept had been adopted years ago, we would not have the concern we have to-day, with the government throwing huge amounts of money at the farmers. They want water not money. A recent proposal from the

government is to pay exit fees to the farmers,thus encouraging farmers to abandon farming which in turn means less farm produce, and higher food costs. Where is the sense in that? An enormous inland lake could be created to provide irrigation west of the divide and perhaps even a new town. Would it also influence reducing rising sea levels? I suggest that a feasibility study be investigated and the conclusion must be in the affirmative so that the only result is not, can it be done, but how can it be done. Email, Dec 7 Chris Dillon, Kincumber

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FORUM PAGE 11 20 DECEMBER 2019

Effective planning is anathema to the present government In response to the article “Premier forecasts reforms ‘supercharging’ the economy on the Central Coast,” which appeared in edition 222; The Premier’s latest promise to “boost the timeliness, certainty and transparency of the State’s planning system” (English translation - make it easier for developers) does not bode well for an orderly and sustainable future for the Central Coast. Here, we have all the old familiar code words, create investor certainty, remove layers of bureaucracy, introduce a simple and effective system, slash timeframes, reduce red tape and fast-track projects, all of course, “hand in hand with the community”, which should be a red light for anybody worried about creating a liveable environment for our growing population. If the Premier is concerned about “demystifying and restoring confidence in the planning system,” these kinds of alarming announcements don’t help.

FORUM If we can believe it, her new magic wand is going to create thousands of jobs in regions, “including the Central Coast,” reduce youth unemployment, speed up investment and deliver “fantastic new places, right across NSW.” The problem is that planning, at least as it is practised in NSW, doesn’t do any of these things and isn’t designed to do any of these things, and wishing won’t make it so. We have had plan after plan, each one promised as the panacea for all our problems. We have had a modern Coordinator-General, we have planning panels coming out of our ears, and what has all this led to, the re-landscaping of Leagues Park field. The problem is that effective planning is anathema to the present government, so all we get is window-dressing, designed to obscure the real objectives which are developer profits (take heed of the private-certifier boondoggle whose results we are now

seeing). Of course, everybody is in favour of increasing transparency (or politicians say they are interested in increasing transparency, which isn’t quite the same thing), everybody would like to speed up the development application process, everybody would like certainty in the application of planning regulations and everybody wants the community intimately involved (or politicians say they do, which isn’t quite the same thing). However, this would require a complete revamping of legislation, institutions and procedures, massive budgeting allocations and a serious dedication to proper training of those charged with implementation of the system. On the other hand, it is easy to make grandiose announcements and then, tinker with the system, so that special interests are satisfied: guess which direction we’re headed in. Email, Dec 11 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

If you have something to say, then stand by it To our dear readers, this is a gentle reminder regarding the protocol when submitting a letter to the editor. All letters to the editor can either be emailed to us directly at editorial@centralcoastnews. net or posted to PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250, and must be addressed to the editor. All letter writers are advised that we cannot use anonymous letters to the editor. If you have something to say,

then stand by it. The same standard applies to aliases. All letters to the editor must include the authors full name and suburb of residence as well as a contact telephone number which is not for publication. Our Forum is for the benefit of our readers. If you are not a part of that readership your letter will not be considered unless it expressly concerns an issue

regarding the paper’s locality, and even then, it will still be subject to the editor’s approval. Any letters containing inappropriate content will either be heavily edited or disregarded. This reminder has been prompted by an influx of letters to the editor that breach one or more of the above standards and therefore can’t be published. From the editor

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Our economic statistics paint a rosy picture so why are we so glum? The share market is at a record high, interest rates at record lows, the Central Coast economy has grown by 3 per cent on average for the past four years, our homes are worth 50 per cent more than they were four years ago and local unemployment has fallen to 5 per cent. There’s even a new Star Wars movie coming out. So why are we so glum? If we take this headline data at face value, it’s hard to recall ever being in such a good economic environment. Or, as our Prime Minister said at the recent Gosford Business Chamber luncheon: “How good is the Central Coast?” In contrast, there are plenty of other things to be less excited about - increased homelessness, a state wide water crisis, a bushfire that has now burnt out almost a million hectares west of the M1, the spectre of climate change more generally, intensifying political adversarialism, and escalating rates of addiction and other mental illnesses.

Many studies have also suggested that while the overall economy is in good shape, fewer people are enjoying the spoils. This phenomenon is widely referred to as the “widening income gap”. Data released earlier this year by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) showed that the richest decile of people, notably concentrated in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs and northern beaches, is getting richer, while the poorest decile is getting poorer. This is also misleading. It’s at odds with ABS data in any case – see below. That’s most likely because it’s based on pre-tax income, and Australia’s regressive tax system, if adhered to, is designed to redistribute income heavily from the highest income cohorts to the lowest. I could find no definitive study to show that our income gap is any wider than other country’s or that it’s getting wider. In any case, this is of little relevance to us here on the Central Coast, as almost all of us reside among the lower income cohorts. In other words, none of us have any money! But this is not a new phenomenon, we’ve never had any money. We’ve always been Mt Druitt on the Coast, or as I prefer to say, Mt Druitt has always been Woy Woy in the West.

Median House Prices (Source: economy.id; Hometrack)

But are things worse now, or have they always been pretty grim? When I left high school in country NSW in the mid-1980s (yes, that long ago), we were 10 years into a devastating drought, the cold war was in full swing, posing a real, existential threat to humanity. A meltdown of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in the Ukraine had spread radioactive material across much of Eastern Europe, while the Exxon Valdez oil tanker was doing something similar in Alaska’s Prince William Sound. Price and wage inflation were running at 8 per cent, interest rates were double digits, the unemployment rate had hit 10 per cent and Paul Keating was declaring Australia to be a Banana Republic. Yet, everyone was optimistic. Luke Skywalker had destroyed the death star one final time and made peace with his Dad, and the world was our oyster. So why are we now so gloomy, especially when our economic statistics paint such a rosy picture? One possibility is that the data is wrong, or at least misleading. Damn lies and statistics and all that kind of thing. Even the most comprehensive statistics are just estimates. Unemployment data is a prime example. The latest data shows that the unemployment rate on the Central Coast has fallen to just 5 per cent. But not only does it contain estimation (stratified sampling) error, it obscures a significant increase in underemployment, where a large cohort of workers are technically “employed” even though they only work a few hours a week. It also doesn’t reflect the problem with youth unemployment on the Coast, which is as high as 18 per cent. Mastery of reporting such economic data is now a critical piece of the modern politician’s toolkit, a Jedi mind trick – “No mister speaker, these are not the droids you are looking for.”

Number of Unemployed People on the Central Coast (Source: economy.id, ABS Labour force survey 6202.0)

A second possibility to explain our gloomy disposition is that that technology is advancing faster than our Neanderthal DNA can cope with. Worse, we’re convinced that technology has recently turned nasty and “disruptive” rather than “productive”. Generation X-ers like me suffer this worse than anyone. We’re all about productivity. We took to Thatcher and Reagan’s economic rationalism like a Jedi embraces the Force. We liked it because it rewarded hard work and efficiency and, at its core, the notion of a steady state “equilibrium”. We grew up with text books, Casio calculators and mainframe computers the size of a small toilet block. We upgraded our “tech” every 10 years and learnt not to trust any mathematical expression we couldn’t write out the proof for. We weren’t trained to handle disequilibrium, or a “state-ofconstant-change”, it hurts our low plasticity brains. We don’t like non linearity, fuzzy logic or machine learning. We don’t like replacing our phones every 18 months. We know that artificial intelligence will be our ruin if only the world would stop for a minute or two so we can write down the proof. We can’t understand how our children have mature, social interaction with members of the opposite sex at 14, when it took us until we were 30. We know it all has something to do with this social media thing, but we’re still too busy to finish writing down that proof as well. Put more simply, X-ers are suddenly worried that humans are becoming less human. That the world is losing its sense of nostalgia for how things were. We’ve looked up to discover 40 years of neo-liberalism has left us loaded up with debt, worn out our social fabric and made our natural environment sick. The Earth is turning into Tatooine! We’re aghast that those with the power to do something about it don’t seem to care enough. Surprise, surprise – they’re X-ers too! And so we now want to lecture younger generations on climate change, having burnt fossil fuels as fast as we could for 40 years. We now want to impose our ill-defined ethics upon the new leaders in this grand era of science and information technology, but the truth is, we don’t have much experience ourselves of applying ethics in our own grand era of business and finance. Probably best to let the Millennials work it out from here .

Growing up in the state of constant change has trained them in, well … change. A final possibility is that pessimism is correlated with age. The argument here is that the average person is never more hopeful than the day they are born, aside from the indignation of being pushed out of a very comfortable womb. The more of life you experience however, the more failure and disappointment you have, the more other people let you down, or the more violence and grief you suffer, or even just the sorer your back gets, the more your sense of optimism is slowly ground away. I have some empathy for this argument. When I was 8 years old, I was ready to pick up my lightsabre and take on the whole Imperial Army. When I was 18 years old, I checked this aspiration somewhat, deciding just to save this planet and leave the rest of the Galaxy for someone else. By the time I was 48, I was having challenges just mowing the lawn. The mathematics of this is simple. If everyone slowly gets more pessimistic as we get older, then our perception of the state of the world deteriorates, even though the true state of the world hasn’t changed. So, there it is. Dare I now wish you all a Merry Christmas? If it helps, here’s a quick three step guide, based on the three possibilities above, to being happier over the holiday season. 1. Forget about statistics – spend some time with real people. If someone you know has become distant or reclusive, go drag them out and do something together, it’s not enough just to ask them if they’re OK as they won’t tell you if they’re not. 2. Do something ridiculously human and low-tech– be silly, play cricket in the back yard, read your children a bed-time story, find an old hatchet to bury or just go out and get re-acquainted with nature, it’s all around us and it’s free. 3. Pretend you are younger than you are, but just remember to mind your back! If none of that appeals, at least go and see the new Star Wars film … and may the force be with you.

Ross Barry, Publisher and part-time Provocateur

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 13 20 DECEMBER 2019

Business & Property Ravello will skyrocket us to become one of Australia’s most desirable destinations - Singleton The first sod was turned on December 17 for construction of a new $19.8M seven storey residential complex on the Gosford waterfront. The Ravello development, a project of John Singleton’s Bonython Property & Investments, will comprise 40 apartments and two levels of underground parking, and will sit on the former site of Monti’s Ashore in Masons Pde. With a mix of one, two and threebedroom apartments and three penthouse suites, the Ravello will offer largely uninterrupted views of Brisbane Water. Following on from the success of his award winning, multi use Bonython Tower development in the heart of the Gosford CBD, Singleton said Ravello would continue to raise standards across the region. “With Ravello, we’re aiming to create something never before seen on the Central Coast, residences of absolute beauty that raise the reputation of our entire region,” he said. “We’ve once again hand-picked the very best people from the very best

organisations to bring us something extraordinary that will advance our standard of living. “If Bonython was responsible for putting Gosford and the Central Coast back on the map, then Ravello will skyrocket us to become one of Australia’s most desirable destinations.” Bonython Property & Investment Group Executive Chairman, Paul Anderson, said it was exciting to once again be working with leaders in the field to change the façade and

perception of our local landscape. Anderson said the development was approved in 2015 by the then Gosford Council, with demolition on the site beginning within the two-year consent window keeping the project alive. “Every detail of this development speaks quality and class, from the scale and comfort of every apartment, to the design and positioning of each residence to capitalise on the spectacular water views, to the flawless finishes that include European Oak, custom fittings and individual

temperature controlled wine storage in every apartment,” he said. “We’re changing people’s expectations of how we can live.” Following recent Master Builders Association award wins for work on Bonython Tower and other large-scale developments, Stevens Construction will once again be responsible for the Ravello, with design by White and Dickson Architects. Singleton said work would proceed in coming weeks, with the project due for completion early in 2021, or

possibly sooner. “I’d like to see it open by this time next year,” he said. Singleton was cautiously optimistic about the impact that the Coast’s Local Planning Panel, to be introduced to the region early next year, would have on development going forward. “It all depends on who is on the panel,” he said. “You need people who want to say yes to development on the Coast.” Singleton also has four more projects earmarked for the region. These include two residential complexes for Caroline Bay, one of which could include a private marina and possibly a public jetty and café. He is also finalising designs and sketches for a residential and commercial development at East Gosford and another residential development at East Gosford with water views. Source: Media release and site inspection, Dec 17 Bonython Property & Investments Central Coast Council DA tracker, Dec 17 Reporter: Terry Collins

Chamber urges businesses to consider the security of their premises over holiday period Gosford Erina Business Chamber has urged Coast businesses to consider the safety and security of their premises ahead of the Christmas New Year break. “It’s that time of year where many take a well earned break from their day to day business operations and spend some

quality time with family and friends for the festive season,” Chamber President, Rod Dever, said. “But before you run off into the sunset with your cocktail in hand, there are a few things that you may like to consider, to ensure that you are able to reopen upon your return.”

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138 Robina Town Centre Drive Robina Qld 4226 PO Box 3275 Robina Town Centre Qld 4230 Tel: 1300 0867 Fax: safety 1300plan. 81 8962 Dever urged 36 businesspeople to: checkartwork@localdirectories.com.au that locks on doors, email: “What lights will be on inside windows and access gates are or outside the business so that www.localdirectories.com.au well maintained; remove cash if something occurs, police and from premises; advise security or security have good lines of company of closure period and sight inside and out and can make sure it has contact detect the presence of others numbers. without having safety Dever also advised businesses concerns?” he said. to notify their insurer of any “Have you prepared the closure periods and reinforce a

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He said cleaners should also be advised of security contacts during any closure period. “Taking some simple steps now before you go can assist you when you are ready to come back,” Dever said. “Being prepared is better than being caught out and losing time and money when you should be trading.” Source: Media release, Dec 18 Gosford Erina Business Chamber President, Rod Dever

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& PROPERTY

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Local business inducted to Australian Bridal Industry hall of fame Central Coast wedding and special occasion online marketplace, Personalised Favours, has celebrated a decade in business by being inducted into the Australian Bridal Industry Awards (ABIA) Hall of Fame at its annual awards ceremony held in Sydney on December 10. With only 40 businesses across the country ever inducted into the Hall of Fame ever before, the regional e-commerce enterprise earned the coveted position by winning five consecutive NSW

Awards and two National Awards previously. Company founder, Melissa Wilkinson, said she was honoured to be announced into the ABIA Hall of Fame, especially as the recognition was largely built on customer satisfaction. “More than 25,000 couples vote for their preferred suppliers in the ABIA Awards each year, and to be inducted into the Hall of Fame shows we are continually meeting and exceeding our customer expectations in the categories of quality of product, quality of service, attitude of staff and

value for money, on which the awards are based,” she said. “This follows on from our win of the national Designer of Dreams award both this year and last year.” Managing Director, Matthew Mosse-Robinson, said innovation was the key to Personalised Favours ongoing success, as it celebrates a decade in business in 2019. “The continuing growth and success of Personalised Favours over the past 10 years has been largely due to our focus on continual innovation – from product design to

branding to creating the best customer experience across our online platforms,” he said. Personalised Favours is the foundation brand of the Foresight Online Group, founded in 2009 as an e-Bay store in the Wilkinson’s garage and now incorporating six successful e-commerce businesses. All artwork, design and customisation take place in factory premises at West Gosford. Source: Media release, Dec 10 Personalised Favours

Personalised Favours founder, Melissa Wilkinson, and managing director, Matthew Mosse-Robinson, at the West Gosford factor

New social housing development at Point Clare A new 55-unit social housing development at Point Clare will provide rental accommodation for at least 43 low income seniors and 12 singleparent families. Developed under the State Government’s $1.1B Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF), BaptistCare Bouddi Place was financed and developed by BaptistCare. Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Gareth Ward, joined Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, on a visit to the new complex recently.

“The NSW Government is undertaking the biggest build of social and affordable housing in the country,” Ward said. “The ground breaking Social and Affordable Housing Fund is providing more opportunities and support services for tenants and will help provide a pipeline of houses for vulnerable people for years to come.” Crouch said BaptistCare’s suite of home and community services was tailored to residents’ needs to empower them and help foster independence. “Bouddi Place includes a

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CENTRAL COAST E

community centre, park, vegetable garden, communal barbecue area, an onsite manager and a regular schedule of events and activities for tenants,” he said. BaptistCare General Manager for Housing, Mike Furner, said the organisation was excited for Bouddi Place to provide the benefits of an intergenerational mix of seniors and families that reflects the broader community. “We have a diverse mix of tenants from all walks of life at BaptistCare Bouddi Place, from seniors, to key workers and single mums,” he said.

“Some have faced challenges or adversity in their lives, but with the support of our onsite manager and suite of support services, we’re creating a genuine support system that starts with the home and will help them regain independence.” BaptistCare is a not-for-profit organisation and registered Community Housing Provider. Source: Media release, Dec 2 Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch BaptistCare website, Dec 9

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PAGE 16 20 DECEMBER 2019 HEALTH

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Conflict Resolution VR program to help train nursing students A world first virtual reality (VR) simulation to help train nursing students in conflict resolution is being rolled out at the University of Newcastle’s (UON) Ourimbah Campus. The Conflict Resolution VR program replicates a real world emergency room and asks students to respond to a high pressure mock scenario. As part of the Bachelor of Nursing, students undertaking their mental health module are immersed via a VR headset. Faced with ‘Angry Stan’, an avatar based on real world interactions, users must remain calm and navigate a range of challenges to manage the situation. The program is a collaboration between UON’s School of Nursing and Midwifery and the University’s IT Services Innovation Team, and is the first of its kind to respond with real time biofeedback including the human heart rate. It gives second year students a realistic insight into the clinical workplace where they can practice controlling their stress levels, managing conflict and building resilience in the classroom before entering the clinical environment. “Working in an emergency environment can be incredibly demanding, with emotions

running high and competing priorities,” said project lead and lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dr Donovan Jones. “Knowing how to effectively diffuse an escalating situation while keeping a clear head can make a life-changing difference in emergency care, which is why we want to ensure that our graduates are well equipped with resilience training when entering the workforce,” he added. With more than 30 years’ experience in the field, Professor of Mental Health Nursing, Mike Hazelton, formed part of the team to develop Angry Stan based on his very real, lived experience. “Nursing is an incredibly rewarding career, however it’s an environment where emotions can run high as you encounter people who are having possibly the worst day of their lives,” Prof Hazelton said. “Stan represents someone that health workers may come face to face with in an emergency environment. “He is looking for his friend who has been brought in as a patient and is becoming increasingly agitated,” he said. Dr Jones said that the task at hand was to assess the situation and respond to Stan’s questions in a way which puts

Conflict Resolution, a world-first VR training program for nursing students is being by Central Coast nursing students

him at ease, alongside balancing competing priorities, whilst also maintaining a steady heartrate. “Essentially, the calmer they remain, the easier Stan and the scenario is to deal with. “Even if unprovocative responses are selected by the user, the wording is altered to be more provocative if the technology picks up from their heart rate that they are stressed,” Dr Jones said. “We support a zero tolerance for violence against healthcare workers, which is why it was imperative to develop an immersive training program where students can practise dealing with these potential situations in a safe, repeatable and realistic environment,” Prof Hazelton added. Looking at the bigger picture,

Dr Jones said the team behind the program was working towards ensuring that it can become a valuable resource outside of the higher education sector, with the goal to see it adopted into health training and best practice across the board. “Equipping employees with ways to maintain their mental health should be of paramount importance. “We realise that dealing with conflict in the workplace isn’t something that’s exclusive to healthcare. “Moving forward, we’d like to explore gender roles and environments within Conflict Resolution to make it applicable to people working across a range of industries,” he said. With this training under their belt, UON’s next wave of health

workers could very well be bringing an entirely new approach to staff patient interactions to healthcare providers across the Coast and it can’t come soon enough given the year that was at the Coast’s two major hospitals. Staff dissatisfaction regarding security, safety and workflow at Wyong and Gosford Hospitals made consistent headlines this year, with seven rallies over conditions, disputes and safety concerns held across both hospitals since January. Security in particular, has been a prominent issue for Wyong Hospital staff with representative bodies like the Nurses and Midwives Association of NSW and the Health Services Union (HSU) NSW both lending support to staff claims that security and safety had fallen by the wayside due to chronic staff shortages. After a lengthy campaign for more security staff championed by the HSU NSW, the State Government is in the process of rolling out 13 new security officers (to be shared across Wyong, Gosford and Blacktown Hospitals) and CCTV cameras in each hospital’s Emergency Department. When announcing the trial in November, NSW Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, said its focus would be on identifying and intervening in security

incidents before they escalated to violence. With the focus seemingly on preventative measures regarding staff safety across the board, the Chronicle contacted both the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) and HSU NSW to discuss how a resource like Conflict Resolution could change the landscape of Emergency Departments. The CCLHD declined to comment. A HSU NSW spokesperson said that while the HSU considers de-escalation training to be critically important to reducing violence against hospital staff, it was by no means a suitable replacement for the employment of security officers. “The most critical thing in reducing violence is employing more security officers. “We urgently need at least 200 new officers across metropolitan NSW, with special constable powers,” the spokesperson said. Source: Media release, Nov 25 UON Media Media statement, Dec 9 Central Coast Local Health District Media Media statement, Dec 11 Nick Lucchinelli, HSU NSW Reporter: Dilon Luke

Central Coast region has donated $313,000 to The Fred Hollows Foundation The Central Coast community has gone above and beyond with the spirit of giving, by providing a family the best Christmas gift of all, restoring sight to a single father and his two children. Over the past year, the Central Coast region has generously donated $313,000 to The Fred Hollows Foundation, allowing it to reach Porlee, Blong, Shoua and thousands of other blind

and vision impaired people. Poorlee, and his children Shoua and Blong, live in a small, remote village in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Life is hard for local villagers, but for Porlee’s family it’s been especially tough, as both his children were born with blinding cataracts. “Our life was so difficult, I had no idea what to do,” Porlee said. When Porlee heard about a

Fred Hollows outreach eye camp that could help his children, he packed their bags and set off on the eight-hour journey to the hospital. At the Provincial Hospital, Dr Phetsamone Indara examined Porlee as well, and discovered he also had cataracts in both eyes. “This was a very important case,” Dr Phetsamone said. “The father and both his children had cataracts.

“I was willing to operate, but only on five eyes, one eye for the father, as he needed to be able to look after his children.” Because of Porlee’s tenacious love for his children, the skill of an ophthalmic surgeon trained byThe Fred Hollows Foundation, and the people of the Central Coast who donated, their story has a happy ending. Founding Director of The Fred Hollows Foundation, Gabi Hollows, extended her heartfelt

thanks to the people of the Coast, saying her father would be amazed by their compassion to help people who shouldn’t need to go blind. “Without the support of communities like the Central Coast, The Foundation couldn’t have helped so many people like Porlee and his beautiful children this year,” Hollows said. “Our generous donors are at the heart of our Fred Hollows

family, and they help us transform the lives of those living with avoidable blindness. “I am so grateful to everyone who has supported our work this year, and the past 25 years. “I extend my heartfelt thanks and wish you all a safe and happy holiday season,” she added.

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HEALTH PAGE 17 20 DECEMBER 2019

Local Health District hits back at claims that public health services on the Coast are in decline Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) has hit back at claims by Member for Wyong and shadow Health Minister, David Harris, that public health services on the Coast are in decline. Harris said waiting times in emergency departments, along with waiting lists for elective surgery at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals, were “continuing to blow out” according to latest Bureau of Health information. “These revelations follow a damning report from the NSW Auditor General which revealed that a majority of Local Health Districts across the state were failing to meet their targets when it came to important health indicators including sentinel events, emergency treatment and triage, elective surgery, and readmission rates for mental health patients,” he said. “Patients across the Central

Coast are among those waiting the longest in emergency departments across NSW. “The median waiting time in emergency for patients in the Central Coast Local Health District is now 3 hours and 34 minutes before being looked after, an increase of 14 minutes since 2018. “This is just unacceptable. “My community relies on the public health system and Gladys Berejiklian and Brad Hazzard are letting it fall into rack and ruin.” But a CCLHD spokesperson said the longest flu season in NSW since the 2009 pandemic had been a significant contributor to record numbers of emergency department presentations across the state. “The record rise across the state was clear in the Central Coast Local Health District, where both Gosford and Wyong hospitals recorded massive increases in emergency

Gosford Hospital’s emergency department

department (ED) attendances in the July to September quarter, compared to the same period last year,” the spokesperson said. “In total, 37,103 ED patients were seen at Gosford and Wyong hospitals from July to September, up by nearly nine per cent, or more than 3,000 patients.

“The rise of seriously ill and injured patients presenting to EDs was especially apparent during this reporting period. “At Gosford Hospital, there was an almost 20 per cent increase in the amount of people presenting in the most serious triage category, and 11 per cent in the second most serious, up by 40 patients to

241, and up by 265 patients to 2,665 respectively. “Despite the significant increase in presentations, 60 per cent of patients at Gosford and Wyong emergency departments started receiving treatment on time during this period.” The spokesman said CCLHD continued to develop long-term plans to address increasing attendance levels, including revising the current inpatient bed numbers, recruiting additional senior medical staff into the EDs, increasing the department’s short stay capacity, and developing additional aged care response services in the community. “The CCLHD has developed a stronger partnership with Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network, looking at improvements in care provided to patients both in and outside of hospitals, and working with NSW Ambulance, local GPs, after hours medical

practices and pharmacies,” the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said care and prevention initiatives to reduce the risk of hospitalisation included: a new mobile x-ray service; community clinics and support for events like NAIDOC Day; preventative health checks; more community nurse practitioners; and, tools to identify and assist people living with chronic conditions. “The 2019-20 budget for CCLHD is more than $873M. “This is an increase of over $32M on the 2018-19 budget. “Between mid 2012 and mid 2019, CCLHD increased its workforce by an additional 1,044 full time equivalent staff, an increase of 24 per cent, including 199 more doctors and 453 more nurses.” Media release, Dec 11 Shadow Health Minister, David Harris Media release, Dec 13 Central Coast Local Health District

Anne Purcell a finalist in NSW Health Excellence in Nursing Awards A nurse from Central Coast Local Health District was one of 43 finalists recognised at the 2019 NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards held in October. Anne Purcell has been a Nurse Practitioner, Wound Management, on the Central Coast since 2007 and was a finalist in the Excellence in Innovation in Research category. Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said Purcell’s role

provides direct and indirect clinical care for people with acute and chronic wounds. “Anne is also a source of high level advice to other nurses when treating wounds,” he said. “She commenced her nursing career in 1976 and is now applying her decades’ of expertise to assisting other medical professionals through clinical leadership, education, quality improvement and research activities.” Crouch said the annual

awards recognise the contribution and dedication of nurses and midwives working in the NSW public health system. “These awards are an opportunity to honour nurses and midwives across NSW who go above and beyond and make a real difference not only within their teams but, most importantly, to the care they provide to patients,” he said. “It’s fantastic to see Anne being recognised at the statewide level for her

innovation in research, leadership and experience.” More than 53,000 nurses and midwives are working in full time and part time positions in NSW Health hospitals and health services. In total, 361 nominations were received for the 2019 Awards, an increase of 17% from 2018. Source: Media release, Dec 13 Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch NSW Health website

Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, with Anne Purcell

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PAGE 18 20 DECEMBER 2019

EDUCATION

Students spread a bit of Christmas cheer

2019 HSC school rankings released

Central Coast Grammar School was one of the Coast’s top ranked schools in this year’s HSC

Junior and Senior students from Central Coast Grammar School (CCGS) recently visited Erina’s Tarragal Glen Retirement Village to spread a bit of Christmas cheer to residents. Headmaster, Bill Low, said

students from the Junior and Senior Choirs made the visit to entertain residents with a few numbers from their repertoire. CCGS has a longstanding tradition of visiting the village every year around this time to connect with older residents of the community. Mr Low said students were

warmly received and accomplished their goal of spreading some festive joy. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear,” he said. Source: Website, Dec 4 Bill Low, Central Coast Grammar School

The HSC is done and dusted and while school leavers around the Coast are celebrating their results, schools across the region are reviewing their own performance for the year. The review comes with the release of the 2019 HSC school rankings by the NSW Education Standards Authority. The Coast’s schools ranked as follows. Gosford High School was our highest ranking school, coming in at 52nd in the state, followed by Central Coast Grammar School in 100th and Henry Kendall High School in 244th. The next best were St Edward’s Christian Brother’s College at 314th, Kincumber High School at 323rd and Central Coast Adventist at 326th. The remaining schools ranked in the following order: Green Point Christian College, St Joseph’s Catholic College, Narara Valley High School, Erina High School, Kariong Mountains High School, Terrigal High School and Lisarow High School. None came in above the

350th mark. Central Coast Grammar School’s Headmaster, Bill Low, said: “Dedication, focus and balance were three key priorities resulting in one third of students achieving an ATAR over 90. “12 per cent gained an ATAR of over 95 and 64 per cent achieved an ATAR over 80,” he said. Low said he was particularly pleased that so many students had achieved their aspirations and would be successful in their chosen area of university study. “A large number of offers for university study have already been forthcoming for a wide range of degrees. “The offers to students were from universities within NSW, across Australia and the USA. “The continually improving percentage of students with ATARs over 80 and over 90 has been an ongoing emphasis within the school,” Low said. Minister for Education, Sarah Mitchell, said HSC students around the Coast had impressed. “HSC students right across NSW should be feeling very

proud of themselves, because regardless of their results, they have come to the end of a very challenging year and now is time to start thinking about what lies ahead,” Mitchell said. “Whether you are heading off to vocational training or university, or plan to travel or work, the opportunities that the HSC affords you here, and around the world, are endless. “Whilst it is inevitable that some of you may not have had the result you hoped for, there are a number of different pathways available now to help you reach your goals. “Completing your HSC is an incredible milestone and I wish you all the best for life after school, as you take all that you have learnt with you onto your next chapter. “The world is your oyster,” Mitchell said. Source: Website Dec 18 NSW Education Standards Authority HSC 2019 Rankings Website, Dec 17 Bill Low, Central Coast Grammar School Media release, Dec 17 Sarah Mitchell, NSW Minister for Education Reporter: Dilon Luke

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EDUCATION PAGE 19 20 DECEMBER 2019

School choir entertains shoppers

Olivia Russell with Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Education Minister Sarah Mitchell at the First in Course Award Ceremony

The 2019 HSC results are in and students across the Coast have performed exceptionally well. The Coast’s Selective High School, Gosford High School, was by far and away the Coast’s most successful school, recording 263 Band 6 results, with two students also making the coveted First in Course merit list, Olivia Russell for French Beginners and Patrick Fang for Mathematics. The NSW Government’s Education Standards Authority released the 2019 merit lists on December 17, with students across the Coast waking up to their results that morning. The Coast had a large number of students featured on this year’s Honour Roll. Thirteen students were named to the All Round Achiever list, with six added to the Top Achievers list. All Round Achievers are students who achieved the

highest band result possible in 10 or more units of study. They were: Gosford High School’s Georgina Buckmaster, Emily Calbert, William Dahl, Samuel Dobb, Lakmali Edirisinghe, Rosana Lee, Yiyang David Liu, Nasser Malibari, Makali McEvoy-Folland, Daniel Missak, Samuel Perrone and Yuting Zheng; and Central Coast Grammar School’s, Natalie Band. Top Achievers are, by definition, some of the highest scoring students in the state. They are students who achieved one of the highest possible results in their exams and a subsequent state ranking in their course out of the maximum allowed candidature which varies from course to course. They were: Gosford High Schools’ Olivia Russell, first in French Beginners; Patrick Fang, first in Mathematics; Liam Flew, seventh in

Investigating Science; and, Yve Nichols-Evans, eighth in Investigating Science; Benjamin Issac, St Edwards Christian Brothers College, tenth in Construction Examination; and, Mia Gillard, Narara Valley High, tenth in Music 1. Distinguished Achievers are the students who achieved a result in the highest bracket (Band 6 or Band E4) for one or more of their courses. A comprehensive list of all students named to the 2019 Distinguished Achievers List from high schools in the former Gosford LGA, listed by surname in alphabetical order, is far too lengthy to be published here, but can be seen on our website www.coastcommunitynews. com.au. Source: Documents, Dec 17 NSW Education Standards Authority, 2019 HSC Merit Lists Reporter: Dilon Luke

Green Point Christian College’s Primary Choir delighted audiences at Erina Fair

Green Point Christian College’s Primary Choir entertained shoppers at Erina Fair on December 4, when they performed a medley of Christmas carols in the atrium.

What's On

across the Coast these school holidays? We run and support fun school holiday events right across the Coast! Check out What's On: Ÿ at our Leisure Centres Ÿ at our Town Centres Ÿ across our Libraries Ÿ at Gosford Regional Gallery PLUS be part of a special series of Citizen Science workshops!

@CentralCoastCouncil centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/schoolholidays

to the World, O Holy Night, and O Come All Ye Faithful,” Nash said. Source: Website, Dec 4 Phillip Nash, Green Point Christian College

Students attend Australian Catholic Youth Festival Students from Catholic high schools across the Central Coast have returned from a pilgrimage to Perth as part of the Australian Catholic Youth Festival.

Patrick Fang with Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Education Minister Sarah Mitchell at the First in Course Award Ceremony

“Our primary school students sung their hearts out today at the Erina Fair Atrium with a great crowd gathered to enjoy the carols,” said College Principal, Phillip Nash. “The students sang 10 songs in all, including favourites Joy

Students from St Joseph’s, St Peter’s, St Brigid’s and Mary MacKillop Catholic Colleges all attended this year’s festival, which took place at the Perth Convention and Exhibition

Centre, from December 8 to 10. The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is a national gathering of Catholic young people established by the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference. It exists to provide young people with opportunities to deepen their relationship with their faith and to celebrate and empower the vitality of the Catholic Church in Australia.

Each year the ACYF attracts faith leaders and exceptional young people promoting aspects of the Catholic faith through their lives as guest presenters and performers.

Source: Website, Dec 10 Australian Catholic Youth Festival 2019 Website, Dec 8 Tony McCudden, St Joseph’s Catholic College, East Gosford

lid

Saturday 21 December

12:05 6:00 10:00 11:10 12:00 12:30 1:00 2:00 2:50 3:40 4:30 5:00 7:00 7:30 9:00 9:50

Sunday 22 December

11:20 12:10 6:00 7:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 6:00 7:00 7:40 8:30 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 1:30 2:25 3:55

5:30 Today [s] News Breakfast [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] ABC News Mornings [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 9:00 Today Extra Summer [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] Gardening Australia [s] Back Roads [s] 12:00 Golf: 2019 Australian PGA: Day 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 2 *Live* From RACV Royal 1:00 Movie: “Waiting For The Light” Pines Resort, Gold Coast, (PG) (’90) Stars: Teri Garr, ABC News At Noon [s] Queensland [s] Shirley MacLaine One Plus One [s] 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 2:30 Cricket: Big Bash League: Dream Gardens [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Death In Paradise (PG) [s] Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Sixers *Live* From Traegar 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] Poh’s Kitchen On The Road Park, Alice Springs [s] 6:00 NBN News [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 7:00 A Current Affair [s] 6:00 7Prime News [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] 7:30 Not The Robbie Williams Grand Designs Australia (PG) 7:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Christmas Show (PG) [s] The Drum [s] 8:30 Movie: “Love Actually” (M n,l,s) Stars *Live* From Metricon ABC News [s] (’03) Stars: Keira Knightley, Gardening Australia: Stadium, Gold Coast [s] Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson Christmas Special 2019 [s] – 10:30 Movie: “US Marshals” (M v,l) 11:15 Movie: “The Ugly Truth” (’98) – US Marshal Samuel Costa and Sophie plant (MA15+) (’09) Stars: Katherine summer shade to protect Gerard and his team are assigned to track down Heigl, Gerard Butler, Bree Sophie’s new summer retreat. Sheridan, who has been Turner, Eric Winter Endeavour: Harvest (M v) [s] 1:05 Our State On A Plate (PG) [s] accused of a double-murder. QI: Oddballs (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping ABC Late News [s] Stars: Tommy Lee Jones, Wesley Snipes, Irène Jacob, 4:30 The Avengers: The Yearly With Charlie From Venus With Love (PG) [s] Pickering 2019 [s] Robert Downey, Jr 5:30 A Current Affair [s] 12:30 Home Shopping rage (MA15+) [s] 6:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 6:00 Home Shopping rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Today [s] rage Guest Programmer (PG) 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 10:00 Today Extra Summer [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 10:00 The Morning Show 12:00 Cybershack (PG) [s] Weekend (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] 12:30 Our State On A Plate (PG) [s] 12:00 The Clubhouse [s] QI: Oddballs (M s) [s] Endeavour: Harvest (M v) [s] 12:30 Golf: 2019 Australian PGA: Day 1:00 Giving Life (PG) [s] 1:30 Movie: “Pride And Prejudice” 2 *Live* From RACV Royal Father Brown: (G) (’05) Stars: Keira Knightley, Pines Resort, Gold Coast, The Devil You Know (PG) [s] Talulah Riley, Rosamund Pike Queensland [s] Grand Designs Australia: 4:00 The Garden Gurus [s] Williamstown Bluestone House 5:00 Seven News At 5 [s] 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s 5:00 NINE News: First At Five [s] (PG) [s] 5:30 Driving Test: Hai (PG) [s] Front Line (PG) [s] Griff’s Great Kiwi Road Trip: 6:00 NBN News Saturday [s] 6:00 7Prime News [s] Make Yourself At Home [s] 7:00 Movie: “Jumanji: Welcome To 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens Landline Summer [s] The Jungle” (PG) (’17) Stars: Summer: Countdown To Carols Football: A-League: Round 11: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart Wellington Phoenix v Sydney 8:00 Special Event: Woolworths’ 9:30 Movie: “Grown Ups” (PG) (’10) Carols In The Domain 2019 FC *Live* From Westpac Stars: Adam Sandler (PG) [s] Stadium [s] 10:30 Movie: “National Lampoon’s 11:30 Movie: “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” ABC News [s] (PG) (’15) Stars: Kevin James, European Vacation” (M s) (’85) Vera: On Harbour Street (PG) Keir O’Donnell, Jayma Mays – The Griswold family take on Doc Martin: Faith (M) [s] the European continent all in a 1:15 Harry (PG) [s] Victoria Christmas Special 2:05 Home Shopping catastrophe-filled fortnight (PG) [s] thanks to a TV quiz-show grand 2:30 Skippy - The Bush Kangaroo Father Brown (PG) [s] 3:00 Home Shopping prize. Stars: Chevy Chase rage Guest Programmer 4:00 The Baron (PG) [s] 12:30 Home Shopping (MA15+) [s] 6:00 Harry (PG) [s] 6:00 Home Shopping rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Today [s] 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:30 The Morning Show - Weekend 10:00 Cross Court [s] The World This Week [s] 10:30 The Hold Down [s] 12:00 The Clubhouse [s] Compass [s] 12:30 Golf: 2019 Australian PGA: Day 11:00 World’s Greatest Journeys Songs Of Praise [s] (PG) [s] 4 *Live* From RACV Royal ABC News At Noon [s] 12:00 Global Roaming (PG) [s] Pines Resort, Gold Coast, Landline Summer [s] 1:00 School Of Rock - Behind The Queensland [s] Gardening Australia [s] Scenes (PG) [s] 2:30 Cricket: Big Bash League: Doc Martin (M) [s] 1:30 The Perfect Adventure [s] Melbourne Stars v Hobart World’s Busiest Cities [s] 2:30 Movie: “Blizzard” (G) (’03) Hurricanes *Live* From Ted Football: W-League: Adelaide Stars: LeVar Burton Summerton Reserve, Moe [s] United v Canberra United 4:30 Explore TV: Yukon, Canada [s] 5:00 Seven News At 5 [s] *Live* [s] 5:00 NINE News: First At Five [s] 5:30 The Great Day Out [s] Sammy J: How Good Is 5:30 Customs (PG) [s] 6:00 7Prime News [s] Christmas? [s] 6:00 NBN News - Sunday [s] 7:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: ABC News Sunday [s] Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat 7:00 60 Minutes [s] Grand Designs [s] *Live* From The SCG, Sydney 8:00 Serengeti: Destiny (PG) [s] Midsomer Murders (PG) [s] 10:30 Sunday Night: Summer Series 9:10 Movie: “Deep Impact” (M l) Howards End [s] (’98) Stars: Téa Leoni (PG) [s] – Melissa Doyle leads a World’s Busiest Cities (PG) 11:30 Manifest: team of Australia’s best Mary Berry’s Absolute Unclaimed Baggage (M) [s] reporters, breaking the stories Christmas Favourites [s] 12:20 World’s Funniest Videos Top that matter. Silent Witness (M v) [s] 10 Countdown (PG) [s] 11:00 Young, Lazy And Driving Us rage (MA15+) [s] 12:45 Harry (PG) [s] Crazy (PG) [s] Vera: On Harbour Street (PG) 1:35 South Aussie With Cosi (PG) 1:00 Home Shopping Silent Witness [s]

Also see: ABC COMEDY (Channel 22) ABC ME (Channel 23) ABC NEWS (Channel 24)

Also see: 7TWO (Channel 62) 7MATE (Channel 63) 7FLIX (Channel 66) 7FOOD (Channel 74)

TEN (C13)

SBS (C30)

6:00 Headline News [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 The Living Room [s] 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Living Room (PG) [s] 9:00 The Graham Norton Show (M) 10:00 Arj Barker: Organic (M s,l) [s] – Arj Barker starts with the finest free-range topics and nurtures them until they’re full of wholesome hilarity and ready for a tellin’. 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 12:30 The Project (PG) [s] 1:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 2:30 Home Shopping 6:00 I Fish [s] 6:30 Seafood Escape With Andrew Ettingshausen [s] 7:00 RV Daily Foodie Trails [s] 7:30 All 4 Adventure (PG) [s] 8:30 Jamie’s Easy Christmas Countdown [s] 9:30 Studio 10 Saturday (PG) [s] 12:00 The Living Room (PG) [s] 1:30 Healthy Homes Australia [s] 2:00 Farm To Fork [s] 2:30 Everyday Gourmet Christmas Special [s] 3:30 Christmas With The Australian Woman’s Weekly 4:30 Discover Japan: Kyushu [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 7:00 Movie: “School Of Rock” (PG) (’03) Stars: Jack Black 9:20 Ambulance Australia (M ) [s] 11:50 999: What’s Your Emergency: Let’s Babysit Until The Parents Turn Up Then (M) [s] 12:45 Elementary (M v) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 6:00 Religious Programs 7:30 Fishing Australia [s] 8:00 Behind The Sash [s] 9:00 Discover Japan: Kyushu [s] 9:30 Studio 10: Sunday (PG) [s] 12:00 The Offroad Adventure Show 1:00 All 4 Adventure (PG) [s] 2:00 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventure 3:00 RV Daily Foodie Trails [s] 3:30 Australia By Design: Innovations [s] 4:00 Seafood Escape With Andrew Ettingshausen [s] 4:30 Farm To Fork [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 6:30 Jamie’s Italian Christmas [s] 7:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) 8:30 Movie: “Pretty Woman” (M l) (’90) Stars: Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, Héctor Elizondo, Laura San Giacomo 11:00 Kinne Tonight (M s,l) [s] 12:00 Mr Black (M l) [s] 1:00 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS - This Morning

5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 The Tsar And Empress Secret Letters 3:00 The Queen’s Favourite Animals 3:55 Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 4:30 Morgan Freeman - The Story Of God (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 5:55 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Arabian Sands: Arabian Sands 8:40 Movie: “Saturday Night Fever The Ultimate Disco Movie” (MA15+) (’17) Stars: John Badham 10:00 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (MA15+) 10:50 SBS World News Late 11:20 Movie: “Paris Can Wait” (PG) (’16) Stars: Diane Lane, Arnaud Viard (In English/ French) 5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Grand Prix Of Figure Skating: Italy 4:05 The Crystal Maze: Sasani Family And Friends (PG) 5:00 Travel Man: Rome (PG) 5:35 Mythical Beasts Unearthed: Mystery Of The Pyramid Serpent (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 The Vietnam War (M v) 8:35 Movie: “The Godfather III” (MA15+) (’74) – Michael Corleone has a strong desire to escape the corruption of his ‘family business’, but fate and Stars: Al Pacino, Diane Keaton 12:45 Movie: “Hell Or Highwater” (M) (’16) Stars: Jeff Bridges 1:35 Movie: “The Thieves” (MA15+) (’12) Stars: Jun Ji-hyun (In Korean/ Cantonese/ Mandarin) 4:05 One Born Every Minute (M) 5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 Speedweek 3:00 Basketball: NBL: Illawarra v New Zealand *Live* From WIN Sports And Entertainment Centre 5:00 Football: FIFA Women’s World Cup: A Nation’s Story 5:30 Apocalypse: The Second World War: Shock (In English/ French/ German) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Secrets Of The Department Store: Inside Fortnum And Mason - The Queen’s Grocer 8:30 Woodstock (M d) 10:20 Europe’s Last Warrior Kings (M v) 11:25 Paradise On Earth (PG) 12:20 The Obesity Myth (M) 1:30 The Sugar Conspiracy: Sugar Coated (PG) 3:10 Kinky Business (MA15+) 4:05 One Born Every Minute (M l)

NINE (C81/80)

Also see: GEM (Channel 82) GO! (Channel 83/88) LIFE (Channel 84)

Also see: 10 PEACH (Channel 11) 10 BOLD (Channel 12)

Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences, (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years, [s] Subtitles Consumer Advice: (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence

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Also see: SBS VICELAND (Channel 31) SBS MOVIES (Channel 32) SBS FOOD (Channel 33) SBS NITV (Channel 34)

ABC (C20/21)

Monday 23 December

Friday 20 December

8:30 10:05 10:35 11:05

PRIME (C61/60)

Tuesday 24 December

ABC (C20/21)

6:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:10 12:00 1:00 1:30 2:00 3:00 3:30 4:00 5:10 6:00 7:00 7:30

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Wednesday 25 December

Thursday 26 December

PAGE 20 20 DECEMBER 2019

6:00 7:00 10:00 10:55

PRIME (C61/60)

Gardening Australia [s] News Breakfast [s] Restoration Australia (PG) [s] The Great Australian Bee Challenge [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Australian Story (PG) [s] Grand Designs [s] Howards End [s] Mary Berry’s Absolute Christmas Favourites [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) The Heights (PG) [s] Antiques Roadshow [s] ABC News [s] Hard Quiz Celebrity Special (PG) [s] Back Roads [s] Griff’s Great Kiwi Road Trip: Get Some Number 8 Wire [s] Employable Me Australia (M) ABC Late News [s] Louis Theroux’s Weird Christmas (MA15+) [s]

6:00 9:00 11:30 12:00

6:00 Gardening Australia: Christmas Family Special [s] 7:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Restoration Australia (PG) [s] 11:00 The Great Australian Bee Challenge [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 12:30 Australian Story (PG) [s] 1:05 Call The Midwife (PG) [s] 2:35 Antiques Roadshow [s] 3:30 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 4:05 Think Tank (PG) [s] 5:05 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 5:30 The Heights (PG) [s] 6:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) [s] 6:50 Bluey [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 Spicks And Specks Reunion Special (PG) [s] 8:30 A Berry Royal Christmas [s] 9:35 300 Years Of French And Saunders (M l,s) [s] 10:25 ABC Late News [s] 10:55 Christmas Sounds Better This Year [s]

6:00 9:00 11:30 12:00

12:00 12:30 1:00 2:00 3:00 3:30 4:05 5:00 5:30 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:20 10:20 10:50

2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 1:00

2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00

9:10 11:30 12:00 1:00

9:30 The Pope’s Christmas Mass 9:00 2019 [s] 11:30 Compass (PG) [s] 11:00 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 12:30 A Berry Royal Christmas [s] 1:00 Compass (PG) [s] 1:30 Victoria Christmas Special [s] 1:00 3:00 Kumi’s Japan [s] 3:30 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 3:00 4:00 Think Tank (PG) [s] 5:00 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 5:30 The Heights (PG) [s] 5:00 6:00 QI (PG) [s] 6:00 6:30 Shaun the Sheep [s] 7:00 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 The Queen’s Christmas Message [s] 9:00 7:40 Royal Variety Performance 2019 [s] 9:35 Insert Name Here (PG) [s] 11:10 10:05 Adam Hills: The Last Leg (PG) [s] 10:50 Outnumbered Christmas Special (PG) [s] 11:30 Walliams And Friend (M l,s) [s] 12:30 12:10 QI (PG) [s] 6:00 7:00 9:30 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 1:05 1:45 2:40 3:15 5:10 5:40 6:10 7:00 7:30 8:30 10:00 10:45 11:15 12:15

Gardening Australia [s] News Breakfast [s] Rugged Paradise [s] Restoration Australia [s] Australia Calling [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Australian Story (PG) [s] Adam Hills: The Last Leg (PG) [s] 300 Years Of French And Saunders (M l,s) [s] Insert Name Here (PG) [s] Royal Variety Performance 2019 [s] Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) The Heights (PG) [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) ABC News [s] Spicks and Specks: Ausmusic Special (PG) [s] Call The Midwife (PG) [s] Killing Eve (MA15+) [s] ABC Late News [s] Call The Midwife (M) [s] Louis Theroux’s Weird Christmas (MA15+) [s]

Also see: ABC COMEDY (Channel 22) ABC ME (Channel 23) ABC NEWS (Channel 24)

NINE (C81/80)

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

TEN (C13)

5:30 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “A Puppy For 1:00 Christmas” (G) (’16) – Noelle 1:30 has a successful job, a handsome boyfriend and the life 2:00 of her dreams. Deciding she is 3:00 4:00 missing one last thing, Noelle 5:00 adopts an adorable puppy. 6:00 Stars: Cindy Busby 7:00 The Daily Edition [s] 7:30 The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] 8:30 9:30 7Prime News [s] 10:30 Cricket: Big Bash League: Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers *Live* From Adelaide 11:25 Oval [s] Modern Family: The Feud (PG) [s] Celebrity Botched Up Bodies 12:15 (MA15+) [s] The Catch: The Benefactor (M) 1:05 1:30 Home Shopping

Today [s] 6:00 Headline News [s] Today Extra Summer [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] 11:00 Jamie’s Ultimate Veg (PG) [s] Ellen (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] Good Food Christmas (PG) [s] 1:00 Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Giving Life [s] Cookbook [s] Baby It’s Christmas (PG) [s] 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] 3:30 Everyday Gourmet [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 4:30 Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals [s] NBN News [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] A Current Affair [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] RBT: Lucky Unlucky/ Don’t 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] Pass Go (PG) [s] 7:30 Hughesy, We Have A Problem The Fix: Scandal (M) [s] Christmas Edition (M) [s] The Fix: Lie To Me (M) [s] 8:30 Movie: “Office Christmas Party” Unforgettable: Behind The (MA15+) (’16) Stars: Jason Beat (M v,d,s) [s] Bateman, Olivia Munn I Am Innocent: Alex 10:35 Kinne Tonight (M s,l) [s] Macdonald (M) [s] – Retired shearer Alex Macdonald was 11:35 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 12:35 The Project [s] blamed for the death of his skipper, David Parkinson. 1:35 The Late Show With Stephen Harry (PG) [s] Colbert (PG) [s] A Current Affair [s] 2:30 Home Shopping Home Shopping 4:30 CBS - This Morning

5:30 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “My Christmas Love” 1:00 (PG) (’16) Stars: Meredith Hagner, Bobby Campo The Daily Edition [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 6:00 7Prime News [s] Movie: “Home Alone” (PG) (’90) 7:00 7:30 – An eight-year-old troublemaker must protect his 8:00 house from a pair of burglars 11:00 when he is accidentally left home alone by his family during 11:45 Christmas vacation. Stars: Macaulay Culkin, Daniel Stern Movie: “Fred Claus” (PG) (’07) Stars: Vince Vaughn The Goldbergs: A Wall Street 2:00 Thanksgiving (PG) [s] 2:30 The Family: All The Livelong 3:00 Day (PG) [s] 4:00 Home Shopping

Today [s] Today Extra Summer [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Ellen (PG) [s] Movie: “Arthur Christmas” (G) (’11) Stars: Sarah Smith, James McAvoy, Bill Nighy Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NBN News [s] A Current Affair [s] How To Train Our Dragon: Homecoming (PG) [s] Carols By Candlelight [s] Greatest Christmas Commercials [s] Movie: “The Jazz Singer” (PG) (’80) Stars: Neil Diamond, Laurence Olivier, Lucie Arnaz, Catlin Adams, Franklyn Ajaye, Paul Nicholas, Sully Boyar Home Shopping Skippy - The Bush Kangaroo Home Shopping Ellen (PG) [s]

Movie: “Oh, Christmas Tree” (PG) (’13) Stars: George DeSalvia, Lance Felton Movie: “Spirit Of Christmas” (PG) (’15) Stars: Thomas Beaudoin, Kati Salowsky Movie: “My Dad Is A Scrooge” (PG) (’14) Stars: Christian Laurian Kerr, Brian Co Movie: “Christmas With The Andersons” (G) (’16) Stars: Christy Carlson, George Stults The Chase Australia [s] 7Prime News [s] Movie: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (PG) (’89) Stars: Chevy Chase Movie: “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (M d,l) (’83) Stars: Chevy Chase Holidays Make You Laugh Out Loud: Holidays (PG) [s] – Showcasing some of the funniest holiday moments captured on camera. Home Shopping

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:30 Cricket: Australia v New Zealand: Test 2: Pre Game [s] 10:30 Cricket: Australia v New Zealand: Test 2: Day 1 [s] 12:30 Cricket: Lunch break [s] 1:10 Cricket: Australia v New Zealand: Test 2: Day 1 [s] 3:10 Cricket: Tea break [s] 3:30 Cricket: Australia v New Zealand: Test 2: Day 1 [s] 6:00 7Prime News [s] 7:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers *Live* From Optus Stadium, Perth [s] 10:30 Modern Family: Spring-A-Ding-Fling (PG) [s] 11:00 Chicago Fire: The White Whale (M) [s] 12:00 Movie: “The Pawn” (M v,l) (’98) Stars: Greg Evigan, Tony Lo Bianco, Rob Stewart, Sydney Penny, Phillipe Simon, Tom Pashkov, Leslie Daniels 2:00 Home Shopping

Also see: 7TWO (Channel 62) 7MATE (Channel 63) 7FLIX (Channel 66) 7FOOD (Channel 74)

6:00 Headline News [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 11:00 Jamie’s Italian Christmas [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 Jamie’s Easy Christmas Countdown [s] 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:30 Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 Movie: “Elf” (G) (’03) Stars: Will Ferrell, Jon Favreau 9:30 Hughesy, We Have A Problem Christmas Edition (M) [s] 10:30 Kinne Tonight (M s,l) [s] 11:00 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 12:00 The Project [s] 1:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 2:00 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS - This Morning

6:00 Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols [s] 7:00 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant [s] 9:00 Baby It’s Christmas (PG) [s] 10:00 World’s Best Christmas Commercials (PG) [s] 11:00 Kevin Can Wait: The Might’ve Before Christmas (PG) [s] 11:30 CMA Country Christmas (PG) 1:00 Carols By Candlelight [s] 4:00 Movie: “All I Want For Christmas” (G) (’91) Stars: Ethan Embry, Thora Birch 6:00 NBN News [s] 7:00 A Current Affair [s] 7:30 Movie: “Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas” (G) (’00) Stars: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Christine Baranski 9:35 Movie: “Christmas With The Kranks” (PG) (’04) Stars: Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis 11:35 Queen’s Christmas Message 11:45 Chicago Med (M mp) [s] 12:35 Harry (PG) [s] ]

6:00 Farm To Fork [s] 6:30 Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Cookbook [s] 7:30 Christmas With The Australian Women’s Weekly 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 11:00 The Living Room (PG) [s] 12:30 Movie: “Elf” (G) (’03) Stars: Will Ferrell, Jon Favreau 2:30 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Everyday Gourmet Christmas Special 2019 [s] 4:30 Farm To Fork [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 Have You Been Paying Attention To 2019? (PG) [s] 8:30 Movie: “Four Holidays” (M s) (’08) Stars: Vince Vaughn 10:15 Kinne Tonight (M s,l) [s] 10:45 The Project (PG) [s] 11:50 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 1:00 The Talk (PG) [s] 2:00 Home Shopping

5:30 Today [s] 9:00 Today Extra Summer [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 Movie: “Raise Your Voice” (PG) (’04) Stars: Hilary Duff, Oliver James, David Keith 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 6:00 NBN News [s] 7:00 A Current Affair [s] 7:30 Great Getaways (PG) [s] 8:30 Race Across The World (M) [s] 9:50 Travel Guides: Argentina (PG) 10:50 World’s Wildest Weather: Hellish Hailstorm (PG) [s] 11:45 Cold Case: The Brush Man (PG) [s] 12:35 Cross Court [s] 1:00 World’s Funniest Videos Top 10 Countdown: The Call Of The Wild (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 4:00 Ellen (PG) [s]

6:00 The Talk (PG) [s] 7:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 7:30 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 8:00 Farm To Fork [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 11:00 Bondi Vet (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 Luxury Escapes: Italy (PG) [s] 1:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:00 Movie: “Four Holidays” (M s) (’08) Stars: Vince Vaughn 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 Movie: “Meet The Parents” (PG) (’00) Stars: Ben Stiller 9:40 Movie: “Monster-In-Law” (M s) (’91) Stars: Jennifer Lopez 11:40 How To Stay Married (M l,s [s] 12:10 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 1:10 The Project (PG) [s] 2:10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 3:00 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS - This Morning

Also see: GEM (Channel 82) GO! (Channel 83/88) LIFE (Channel 84)

Also see: 10 PEACH (Channel 11) 10 BOLD (Channel 12)

Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services

PAGE 21 20 DECEMBER 2019

SBS (C30)

5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 2:00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize 2:05 Andre Rieu: Christmas In London 3:45 Great British Food Revival: Shellfish - Valentine Warner 4:25 Morgan Freeman - The Story Of God: Proof Of God (PG) 5:25 Letters And Numbers 5:55 Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Cruising Down Under 8:30 24 Hours In Emergency (PG) 9:30 24 Hours In Police Custody: Living Among Us (PG) 10:30 SBS World News Late 11:00 Football: The World Game 11:30 Wisting (M l,v) (In Norwegian/ English) 12:25 Spin (MA15+) (In French) 2:25 Nox (M d,l,s,v) (In French/ Tamil) 5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Luke Nguyen’s United Kingdom Bitesize 2:10 Rick Stein’s Spanish Christmas Special 3:20 Rick Stein’s Christmas Odyssey 4:30 Cruising With Jane McDonald (PG) 5:25 Letters And Numbers 5:55 Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Russia To Iran: Across The Wild Frontier (In English/ Russian) 8:30 Secrets Of The Toy Shop: Inside Hamleys (PG) 9:25 Secrets Of The Department Store: Inside Harvey Nichols 10:25 Asylum City (M l,v) (In Hebrew) 11:10 Pope - The Most Powerful Man In History (PG) 5:00 5:15 5:30 1:00 2:00 4:00

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour All Aboard The Sleigh Ride Great British Food Revival: Turkey - Angela Hartnett 4:35 Sandringham: The Queen At Christmas 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Great British Railway Journeys: Croydon To Shoreham-By-Sea (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Secrets Of The Department Store: Inside John Lewis 8:25 Henry IX: The Lost King (PG) 9:35 The Secret Life Of Al Capone (PG) 10:30 The Red Line (M) 11:20 SBS World News Late 11:45 Movie: “Rodin” (M l,n,s) (’17) Stars: Izïa Higelin (In French) 1:25 Versailles (MA15+) 3:30 Heston’s Feasts: Christmas (PG) 5:00 5:15 5:30 1:00 2:00

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Nordlandsbanen Train Journey (In Norwegian) 3:00 The Flying Scotsman: Unstoppable Scotsman (PG) 3:50 Great British Food Revival: Cabbage - Jason Atherton 4:30 Child Genius 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Australia With Julia Bradbury 8:00 Luke Nguyen’s Railway (PG) 8:30 The Wonderful World Of Chocolate (PG) 9:25 On Becoming A God In Central Florida: Flint Glass (MA15+) 10:20 Outlander (MA15+) 11:30 Mars: Crossroads (PG) 12:25 War And Peace (M s) 1:15 Cardinal (MA15+)

Also see: SBS VICELAND (Channel 31) SBS MOVIES (Channel 32) SBS FOOD (Channel 33) SBS NITV (Channel 34)

PAGE 22 20 DECEMBER 2019

OUT&ABOUT

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

A wide range of school holiday activities available Central Coast Council is offering more than 100 free and affordable events for the children of the Coast during the coming school holidays. New to the school holiday program this summer is a special series of Citizen Science activities, providing an opportunity to learn about the local environment and make a contribution to scientific knowledge. The workshops are designed to be educational and lots of fun and include Hollows as Homes, Waterbug Blitz, Native Bees, and Insects and Birds of Woodlands and Wetlands. Council’s Leisure Centres have a packed schedule of swimming and sporting activities. A variety of swimming

Central Coast Council’s school holiday program will keep your kids occupied

programs will be held at Council’s pools and the sport centres will host soccer, basketball and multisport clinics, as well as fun sessions with obstacle courses, slides

and jumping castles. Autism and sensory friendly sports sessions will be also held at Niagara Park Stadium for children who require more

space in a quieter environment. At Kibble Park, Gosford, kids can enjoy a Dinosaur Train Live Show, yoga and craft sessions, 9D cinema and more.

At Council’s Libraries, kids can get crafty with rock painting, terrarium sand art and origami, or learn the secrets of make-up artists with special effects make-up

workshops at the Erina and Tuggerah branches. The ever-popular Green Living Kids workshops are back too, as well as new wildlife shows, where kids can get up close with a range of Australian animals. Kids can explore their artistic side at the Gosford Regional Gallery, learning the basics behind textile arts and crafts, creating a fantasy adventure zine, making colourful bird creations using fabric, or immersing themselves in Indigenous culture by decorating a boomerang. A full list of holiday activities is available on Council’s website. Source: Media release, Dec 13 Central Coast Council

Gift wrapping service for a good cause

Ronald McDonald Family Room gift wrapping service

In the countdown to Christmas, last minute gift givers are being encouraged to take some of the stress out of their shopping while supporting a good cause, by getting their gifts wrapped by volunteers from the Ronald McDonald Family Room

Gosford. Volunteers will be onsite at Erina Fair up until Christmas Eve (December 24) and will wrap gifts of all shapes and sizes. The service costs $2 for small gifts and $5 for large (anything bigger than a shoebox) with proceeds going to support the

Family Room. The volunteers are set up out the front of Myer and hope to see as many shoppers as possible take up their services in the lead up to Christmas. Source: Website, Dec 16 Jenny Abourizk, Ronald McDonald Family Room, Gosford

Santa being greeted at McMasters Beach Photo: Wilma Vanlaar

Phone 1800 534 229 www.legacy.com.au

WE SALUTE YOU

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

PAGE 23 20 DECEMBER 2019

The Trusted Name in Retirement Responding to the needs of Australia’s ageing population, Oak Tree Group has created an expanding portfolio of villages, stretching from Cairns to Hobart. With strong demand for Retirement Communities in the Hunter Valley and Central Coast, The Oak Tree Group aspires to meet this demand with a new village in Kanwal. When the Oak Tree Group was founded just over a decade ago, the motivation behind the brand was never to be the biggest but the best in the field of independent senior living.

The Group was set up with a mandate to provide quality and affordable retirement living options which would offer an easier, maintenance free way of life for seniors but still remain within the financial reach of the average Australian home owner. Realising a unique and undersupplied opportunity in regional locations, the Oak Tree Group made this their focus, and charged forward on what they describe as being a busy, but deeply gratifying journey. “We are passionate about, and intrinsically linked to, regional towns and their people – I grew

up in Armidale and my business partner’s family are originally from Ingham,” said Founding and Managing Director of The Oak Tree Group Mark Bindon. “All too often seniors are forced to relocate to bigger, metro cities to get the support they need because regional towns may lack the infrastructure. “This not only breaks down a community, but puts unnecessary stress on the lives of our seniors who would rather stay in the places they love and know to be home,” said Mr Bindon. Oak Tree Villages offer modern and purpose-built homes designed to help seniors agein-place and live independently well into their retirement years. The attraction to community living is the affordable allinclusive fees, the relief from property maintenance and repairs and of course the ability to lock the door and travel without the concerns for the property that has been left behind.

For more information about Oak Tree Retirement Villages Kanwal phone 1300 367 155 or visit oaktreegroup.com.au

Sales Office: Lake Haven Shopping Centre Shop 123 Lake Haven Drive Call 1300 367 155

oaktreegroup.com.au

PAGE 24 20 DECEMBER 2019

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CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING RATES Classified advertising is the cheapest form of newspaper advertising. This newspaper is published on line on the night before publication date, and is read that way by hundreds of people. All advertisements, including these classified advertising pages, appear in full on-line as an additional benefit for free.

See www.coastcommunitynews.com.au 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 13,000 copies of each newspaper are printed and distributed every week.

Personal and Not For Profit Organisations

As Central Coast Newspapers are community newspapers, the cost of advertising not for profit organisations’ events is subsidised. This makes them the same rate as non business advertisements. A mono 5cm advertisement only costs $33. Each additional cm costs $6.60 as does colour, and/or a photograph or a logo. Private advertisements need to be paid for at the time of booking.

Business rates

The minimum size of 5cm X a single column only costs $50 + GST in mono and an extra $10 + GST for colour, a logo or a photograph. Most businesses choose to advertise on an ongoing basis and discounts apply for multiple bookings, if they are paid for in full, in advance. Having an advertisement run for 6 editions only costs $215 + GST, for 12 editions it is $385 + GST, and for 24 editions advertising, the total cost is only $700 + GST – Approximately $14 per week. Artwork is free and advertisers are encouraged to change their advertisements frequently

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THE SHAME FILE

Central Coast Newspapers has a very liberal credit policy for advertisers and realises that from time to time, people, businesses and organisations get into financial difficulty and may need assistance and time to get things back on track. However, some people, businesses and organisations take advantage of this generosity they use advertising but simply don’t pay their account after several months and need to be taken to court to do so. From time to time, as necessary, we will name these people, businesses or organisations as a warning to our readers so that they will be wary when dealing with them. Decorative Fabrics & • Modern Asian Cuisine, • Steve McGinty, Furnishings Victoria Street East Gosford • Michelle Umback - 2 Funky, • AAA Coastal Painting Wyoming Terrigal •T ony Fitzpatrick trading as Service, Greg Sutherland, • Dean Lampard - Trading as Lampard Painting North Gosford Futurtek Roofing • Ezy Homes - Freddies • Coast and Country •S helley Walker - Previously Warehouse, Gosford Central Removalists - Gosford trading as Headmasters Hair Plaza • Mulla Villa PTY Ltd Design, Park Plaza Gosford Thomas James Clinton, • • Jessica Wheatcroft trading • Jessica Davis - A1 Cleaning Trading as TMA Products as Wheatcroft Advertising Services, Erina & AthroBalm & Effective quaBricks, Kogarah • I nspire P/L trading as CUP Business Solutions of Ettalong A Computers formerly of • • Audrey’s Family Restaurant, Craig Lack Fencing Gosford George Nouri • Renotek, Tascott

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 25 20 DECEMBER 2019

Free Gosford CBD shuttle bus service welcomed Central Coast Council commenced its free Gosford CBD shuttle bus service on December 16, aimed at relieving parking congestion in the city centre. Launched by Mayor Lisa Matthews on December 17, the shuttle service will ferry motorists from parking facilities at Adcock Park and in Racecourse Rd to major points within the city centre. Cr Matthews said expanding options for community members travelling to Gosford CBD for work and services, was a major focus for Council. “Gosford is a major and growing hub for our region and we know that parking there can be challenging for members of our community,” she said. “I’d encourage everyone to check out our new and free shuttle service. “Park at Adcock Park or

Mayor, Lisa Matthews, tries out the new shuttle

Racecourse Rd and catch the ‘easy run’ to the Gosford CBD location that works best for you.” Council’s Director, Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff, said the shuttle would run every ten minutes during peak times. “This is a 100 percent free

service that will provide easier access to the CBD area without the stress of finding suitable car parking,” he said. “The locations of the ‘easy run’ buses can be tracked online and passengers can choose to get off at Gosford High School, several stops along Mann Street, or the

Australian Tax Office (ATO) building.” Buses will run on weekdays from 6am to 8pm,approximately every 10 minutes during peak periods (6-10am and 3-8pm), and around every 20 minutes during the middle of the day. Gosford CBD stops covered by the ‘easy run’ free Gosford

CBD shuttle service are: Gosford High School: opposite railway station, Mann St; William Street Mall, Mann St; Cnr Donnison St and Mann St; and, ATO Building, Georgiana Tce. The Gosford Erina Business Chamber has applauded the introduction of the service. “This will free up parking for those who need to access the CBD to do business, shopping or use any of the city’s offerings and services,” Chamber President Rod Dever said. “Now is the right time to act and address parking issues with a proactive plan. “Council could not afford to sit on their hands and do nothing and be reactive, which has been the case in the past. “This six-month trial of park and ride facilities will prepare residents, workers and commuters who require all day parking for future changes to parking in the city.”

While the Chamber welcomes the move as a short-term strategy, it says more is still needed in planning for a longerterm solution. “When Kibbleplex parking is removed to allow for development, we will see more pressure to the city’s parking accessibility and as other developments come online, we will see further limits to parking owing to construction and development,” Dever said. “Council has listened to the business and wider community and acted to put a plan in place that will alleviate what was seen as a potential parking disaster for our region’s capital and we applaud their efforts to act early.” Source: Media release, Dec 13 Gosford Erina Business Chamber Media release, Dec 13 Central Coast Council

RUN IT ‘TIL YOU SELL IT

CCN sell $80 ono. Buyers collect.

axle, year 2010, reg. - $120, oxyset, comet Ph: 0409 155 418 SIZE W27657, EXP. 7/7/18, sprint gauges - $80, LOUNGE Torrey firm serta pedic jumpstarter 1900 $4,000. mattress, excellent soft black leather, 1x4 Ph: 0400 115 329 a.m.p - $50, Alfie home condition $350 ono seater, 2 singles, 3.6m REGENCY PRESURE MAVERICK spa - $70, steel picket Ph: 4365 3617 kayak sundancer, CHAIR RECLINER ELECTRIC postdriver - $60, wire SPEAR POINT PIPE building materials all Good condition and WHEELCHAIR strainer chain tension cheap. driver, tripod with suitable for aged care, - $70, large garden as new, used for 2 monkey pulleys, Ph: 0438 511 585 location in Kariong, days, includes warranty umbrella - $30 electrical geared motor BOAT TRAILER 14’ $1500 manual, latest model Ph: 4344 4702 $650, tinny boat 13’ and extras, makes Ph: 0404 012 283 suitable up to TWO FUNERAL installing metal spear $450, trailer HSS new 204kg, $4000. CERTIFICATES axle hubs bearings, PAJERO ‘07 EXCEED points easier, $350 second owner, log at Palmdale for Ph: 0407 535 351 Ph: 4341 7567 long reg, boat has 2 books, excellent cremation or buriel, BED QUEEN swivel seats. SEXTANT condition, 202,000 double miracoil basic cost covered perfect condition + Ph: 4312 6474 MILLARD POPTOP ARM CHAIR km, 7 seats leather mattress & base near $2,500 case davis USA $250 SPEEDY MAG 16FT CARAVAN 2009 JAYCO POPTOP burgundy velvet, upholstery, bluetooth new, Ph: 0428 432 149 WHEELS Ph: 0429 934 152 single beds, front STERLING carved frame, renewed dvd player etc, $12,900 $400 ono LAWN MOWER NEW 4 x 20”, 6 stud near Rego 7/20, one owner, webbing and seat,$400 kitchen, rollout awning, Ph: 0425 312 510 Ph: 0432 260 111 new reneagde ATS, 4 stroke petrol, 530 full annex, aircon, garaged, in excellent ono. Ph: 4369 1660 CUSTOMLINE MULTIPLE ITEMS mm width grass 265/50 R20 tyres, 95%: excellent condition, condition, aircon gas DELUXE CAMPER Triton workcentre mk3catcher, button start, off colorado 4x4 ute, rego 5/20, extras DOCTORS 100 YEAR hotplates oven and TRAILER extension table - $300, $1250 ono. self propelled, 8 $13,750 challenger microwave, kakadu sleeps 6, extra tarp Triton saw table - $100, OLD CEDAR DESK height positions, side Ph: 4365 4960 Ph: 0412 185 167 with 9 drawers, 2 desk annexe, many extra’s roof, queen bed, CARAVAN 2013 Air compressor, discharge, cost $400 MATTRESS QUEEN extensions and glass $22,500 ono 2.01 86-88 Mann Gosford NSW - PO Box 1056 Gosford NSW 2250 Phone: 4325 7369 kitchen, awning, single retreat mabel 21’6”, ingersol rand beltorive sell $350 Ph: 4369 7002 Email: manager@centralcoastnews.net - Websites: www.centralcoastnews.net queen bed, ensuite w/ 2007 BAYLINER mac cafe, seating, Tv, 245 CIERA A/C solar camera, low Inboard mercruiser kilometres, full annex, 5.0L V8 sterndrive, rego June 2020, many motor and leg fully extras, new $75,000, serviced, antifouled, sell $60,000. *To run in all three papers and on line for a maximum of 3 months if not sold before polished, ideal Ph: 0416 145 237 for family leisure/ Client Name: LATHE LAM TYPE fishing/cruising, 12 Phone: Email: 350BH passengers, sleeps Taiwan made, 10inch 20 words $44 Photo $11 yes no 4 in two cabins, new swing, 25 inch bed, carpets/clears/covers, 10 speed screw cutting, | | | | | | | | H+C shower, flushing some tools, $1400 ono toilet, fridge, stove, Ph: 4396 4304 | | | | | | | | cooktop, m/wave, sink, DOUBLE BURIEL auto anchor, lifebelts, PLOT | | | | | fire extinguisher, fresh and four cremat Extra words at $2.20 per word water, VHF marine ashes, point clare lawn radio, AM/FM radio, CD | | | | | | | | cementary. $2,500 player, registered to Ph: 4323 4388 July 2020, jetty moored | | | | | | | | BERNINA 1230 Woy Woy, $44,000 ono SEWING MACHINE | | | | | | | | Ph: 0412 547 791 10 years plus 8 HYUNDAI attachment feet, as ELANTRA 2L HVT Card: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | new condition $400. Auto, 220,000 klms, Ph: 0423 163 002 Expiry: | / | | silver mags, sheepskin FISHING BOAT seats, rego Dec 19, 24 FT 6 Office use only: goes well, 2004, $2160 oregon glassed to Commence with edition: End with (if not sold) edition: Ph: 0434 881 331 gunnels, diesel shaft drive, hydrolic gear box, vhf radio sounder, Reference Number electric bilge pump, Renewing: yes no If yes, new ending edition if not sold GARDEN TROLLEY solar charger, own unused, unsuitable for safe, mouring dingy my space. Cost $130 trailer $12,000 ono. Deceased estate Ph: 0431 511 764 ALUMINIUN ERIN POPTOP RUNABOUT CARAVAN length 3.850, 30hp fish CHAISE 6.6, double island finder, bimby cover rod intricately carved, bed, rollout awnings, holders, life jackets, pale blue velvet annex front, kitchen, electric motor, reg upholstery, studded microwave, in excellent 24.11.19, $5,500 back, very good condition, many extras, Ph: 0408 619 981 condition. $1000 ono. $19,200 Ph: 0427 438 439

Run it ’til you sell it

Fill in, cut out and send in to Central Coast Newspapers PO Box 1056 Gosford NSW 2250

top. $1000 ono Ph: 4333 3040

TIMBER TRAWLER 11 mtrs, 130HP, mercedes diesel twin, 700 hr fuel tanks, 200 hr water tank, gas stove fridge toilet, sleeps four, $39,000 Ph: 0409 821 216 AWNINGS 2 EXTENSION M’home 4 metre, reasonable offer, Ph: 4392 3900 16FT FIBREGLASS RUNABOUT 70hp Johnson Outboard Motor, Radio, E/Sonnar, Live bait tank, underseat fuel tanks, all good condtion $4,000ono Ph: 0409 963 584 KENWOOD FOOD PROCESSOR FPM90 Brand New, Never Used Cost $700 Sell $350 Ph: 4325 7868 2004 JAYCO HERITAGE POP TOP Awning, Full annex, fridge, gas, electrical stove, microwave, single beds, air con, rego 4/20, electrical brakes, extras $15,000ono Ph: 0407 392 872 BUSHROCK Large Quantity take the lot $250 TREATED PINE POLES 9 2.4m x 120mm $8 each Ph: 0416 589 543

KING TREK CAMPER rego 8/20, queen bed, full annex over swing out kitchen, full floor, built in steps, gas or 240, $5500, Ph: 0409 721280

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ACROSS

62. Din 65. Develop 67. Overweight 69. Reason 70. Face disguises 72. CD brand (1,1,1) 73. Worships 75. Long curl 77. Assent with head 79. Outmoded 81. Leaf brew 82. Jet black 84. Pig’s grunts 85. Of the nose 86. Isn’t able to (3’1) 87. Strangeness 88. Woe!

23. High standards 25. Ledger entry 26. Caught (butterfly) 29. Cataloguing 32. Dress edge 35. Beautified 37. Waltz virtuoso, ... Rieu 38. Least interesting 40. Woodwind instruments 41. Northern sea duck 42. Dock 43. Bus base 44. Jumbo (size) 47. Carbonates 51. Ballroom performer 52. Religious deviation 53. 25th wedding anniversary 54. Sacred songs 58. Smell 59. You ... what you eat 61. Fire-lighting crime 63. Colorado ski town 64. Tried 65. Housing complex 66. Flower jars 68. Buffalo 71. Grassy hill 72. Lengthy movie 74. Additionally 76. Immense periods 78. Pigments 80. Take (exam) 83. Bleating sound only. alphabet once

1. Begin, ... off 4. Plunged blade into 8. Engage (gears) 11. Extend arm 13. Hollywood award statuette 15. Gambols 17. Coronation regalia, ... & sceptre 18. Saying 20. Bar bill 21. Brown photo shade 24. Holy images 27. Mournful 28. Tiny landmasses 30. Laundry machine 31. Anaesthetic gas DOWN 33. Tickled 34. Couch 35. In current state (2,2) 1. Retained 36. Hotel’s cleaning lady 2. Zodiac crustaceans 39. Overthrow 3. Map guide 42. Feasted, ... & dined 4. Store 44. Mocking remark 5. On ship 45. Visual perception 6. Newborns 46. The D of DOA 7. Extinct bird 48. Horned beast, white ... 8. Angry 49. Hazard 9. Eradicate 50. Antiquated 10. Cultivated (ground) 52. Successors 12. Advantage 54. Skin opening 14. Indian class system Fill in each letter 55. More secure 16. Lions’ abodes of the 56. Spanish carnival 19. Flavouring sachet, bouquet 57. Facts ... 60. Udder tip 22. Break-out

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ADVERTISE HERE 4325 7369

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Retirement living showcased in 2020 calendar Twenty-four women aged between 70 and 92 from RetireAustralia’s Wood Glen Retirement Community at Erina, have put a whole new spin on retirement village living in a cheeky 2020 calendar. Featuring almost 60 images, the newly released calendar showcases life at Wood Glen. Organiser and resident, Kate Dowling, said the calendar, named ‘A Taste of Wood Glen’, made use of an array of props including 400 balloons woven into mesh fabric wrapped around the women in one scene alone. Gleaned from five months of photo shoots and 2,500 snaps, the calendar highlights the community’s facilities including its heated swimming pool, bar, resort-style lodge, bowls green and exercise areas. In another shot, a group of residents cheekily dressed in convict attire are pictured trying to scale the village gates. The women dress up as witches to mark Halloween in October, while various attempts to climb aboard floating pink flamingos meet with mixed success in a pool shot for January. “We came up with the idea because we wanted to show what life was like here at Wood Glen,” Dowling, whose husband Michael shot all of the images,

said. “It’s more than just a calendar – it was about bringing people together. “Like anything, life is what you make it, and this, like many of our activities, was a whole lot of fun for all involved. “This is a friendly and welcoming community and I think this has brought a lot of us even closer. “It has been a lot of work, but it has been well worth it. “While we wanted it to be fun, it also contains some serious messages, such as that everybody’s body is beautiful.’’ Wood Glen Retirement Community Manager, Vanessa Fordyce, said the calendar had become a talking point in the community and highlighted the friendships that commonly developed among people living in a retirement community. “This project was initiated by the residents and required a lot of their time and creativity working together, which speaks volumes for the community spirit that exists at Wood Glen,’’ she said. “A total of 240 calendars have been produced, with sales to friends and relatives helping to recoup the costs.” Source: Media release, Dec 17 RetireAustralia’s Wood Glen Retirement Community at Erina

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 27 20 DECEMBER 2019

Over 1000 entries in the Robertson Christmas Card Competition

Lucy Wicks with this year’s winners and their designs

The artistic talents of school kids around the Robertson electorate were on display at local member, Lucy Wicks’ office recently, when the winners of this year’s Robertson Christmas Card Competition were announced. “This year was the hardest year yet to choose our winning and highly recommended designs, with over 1,000 entries,” Wicks said. Winning schools included Copacabana Public School, Green Point Christian College and St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School. “It was lovely to see parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles, teachers, principals and friends join us in celebrating our 2019 award recipients. “Thank you to each and every

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

EVERY MONTH ALL WEATHER

2ND & LAST SUNDAY EACH MONTH

NEW STALLS WELCOME PHONE MARGARET 4374 1255

student and school who entered the competition and to Bendigo Bank for partnering

with us for the competition,” Wicks said.

Source: Website, Dec 12 Lucy Wicks MP

Departing Tuesday 4th February NSW & Victoria High Country

Travelling through the Brindabella Ranges to Tumbarumba, then onto Corryong. Travel through the Alpine National Park to Omeo & Dinner Plain to the beautiful town of Bright. skirting the Great Dividing Range along the Kings Valley to Mansfield. Travel up to Craig;s Hut made famous in the Man from Snowy River film. Visit the town of Benalla and view some amazing street art and silo art around the area. 9- day holiday, all motel accommodation. $2475.00 pp t/s

Departing Saturday 21st March Vietnam, Siem Reap Cambodia, Bangkok

This fully escorted holiday includes economy airfares, daily breakfasts, 8 lunches, 5 dinners, overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An Saigon, Mekong Delta Siem Reap, Angkor Wat and Bangkok. 20 days $4450.00 pp t/s

Departing Friday 30th April Outback NSW Station Life

On this holiday we will be visiting 3 outback NSW stations and spending 2 nights on each. Gilgandra is our first stop then onto Bourke for 2 nights to discover the town and surrounds. then it is off to Trilby Station through the small township of Louth. From Trilby we visit Eldee Station and then into Broken Hill for 2 nights. Lake Paika Station is our next 2 nights stay before travelling home via Wagga Wagga. 13 days of contrast, accommodation with vary from motels, cabins and shearers bunk house. $3968.00 pp t/s

Departing Monday 15th June Oodnadatta & Beyond

Travel the Oodnadatta Track to the edge of the Simpson Desert and follow parts of the Old Ghan Line. Visit the Outback towns of Marree, William Creek and Oodnadatta. View Lake Eyre and the old rail sidings and stations like Curdimurka. spend 2 nights on Mount Dare Station and visit Dalhousie Springs. Visit the town of Fink and stand in the geographical centre of Australia. spend 2 nights in the Opal town of Coober Pedy and such a lot more on this holiday. 17 days with varied accommodation. $$4997.00 pp t/s

Call us on 0418 456 835 or 0428 083 197 930am to 230pm Monday to Friday Email - office@echidnatravel.com.au Web- echidnatravel.com.au

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COASTAL DIARY

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A COMPREHENSIVE LISTING OF EVENTS OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS ON THE CENTRAL COAST FRIDAY, DEC 20 Central Coast Carols 2019 Cancer Council NSW, Central Coast Stadium, Ticketed, 5pm - 9pm, Fireworks at 9pm Free Discovered - We welcome singers and singer/songwriters (aged 7 – 24 years) who have a love of singing, The Hub Erina Youth Entertainment Venue The Lee Academy Fulltime Graduation Concerts 2019, The Art House Wyong, Ticketed, 20 & 21/12, 7:30pm 2019 Christmas Twilight Market, Gosford Showground, 5pm - 9:30pm

SATURDAY, DEC 21

SUNDAY, DEC 22

Christmas Day Service, TUESDAY, DEC 31 Ettalong Uniting Central Coast church, Mariners vs 55 Picnic Parade, Adelaide United, 8:30am Central Coast Stadium, 4341 8536 Ticketed, 6pm www.a-league.com.au NYE Dinner & Show, Ettalong Diggers NSW Rural Fire Service Ballroom, Fundraiser - Bowling Club Ticketed, 7:30pm Family Fun Day, 4343 0111 Gosford City Bowling Club, www.ettalongdiggers.com Christmas Day Buffet 3pm - 6pm Lunch, Central Coast Council: Ocean Beach Hotel, TUESDAY, DEC 24 NYE Celebration with 12pm - 3pm activities, entertainment 4341 2322 and delicious food, www.obhotel.com.au

Christmas Eve Community Carols in The Park with Gosford City Brass Band, Kibble Park Gosford, 6pm - Community building games, 7pm - carols

Christmas Day Buffet Lunch, Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, Ticketed, 12pm - 3pm, Christmas Day Buffet Breakfast, Lord Ashley Bar and Lounge, 7am - 10:30am

Combined Churches Carols and Lessons, Umina Uniting church 346 Ocean Beach Rd, Carols in the Park - Santa, FRIDAY, DEC 27 Food and Fireworks, 7pm, 4341 8536 Memorial Park The Entrance, 6pm - 9pm Breath-Training Workshop for Ocean Swimmers, Christmas Eve Ocean Beach SLSC & Pearl Carols - Led by some of Beach rock pool, Ticketed, our young people, 8am - 1pm

Seaside Cinema: Yesterday, Killcare SLSC, Ticketed, 8:30pm

New Years Eve 2020 Salsa Party Gatsby Style! The Coast Bar & Restaurant Gosford, Ticketed, 7pm

Reptile Enclosure Workshop, Village Central Wyong, Free, 10am - 1pm

Gosford Twilight Raceday & Aussie Nightmarkets, The Entertainment Grounds, 2pm - 8pm

Summer Camp 2020 Year 7-12 Students, Scout Camp Kariong, 13 - 16/01, 9am - 3pm

Romeo & Juliet in a week WEDNESDAY, JAN 8 SATURDAY, JAN 11 New Years Eve Family Race - Aged 13 to 21, Learn, Day - racing, food, music rehearse, & produce The Outpost Central Coast: Storytime Ballet: The and entertainment, Shakespeare, Retro Summer High Tea, Nutcracker, The Entertainment Grounds, Laycock Street Community Kincumber Uniting Church, Peninsula Community Ticketed, 12pm - 6pm Ticketed, 13 - 17/01, Centre Woy Woy, Ticketed, Theatre, 9am - 8pm 11:30am 2:30pm Ticketed, 08 - 09/01, THURSDAY, JAN 2 11am - 2pm Gaming in Libraries: Comedian Wil Anderson Seaside Cinema: Hogwarts Wizard Wilegal, Kids Yoga and Craft in Bohemian Rhapsody, Tournament School Holiday The Art House Wyong, Gosford, Killcare SLSC, Program, Ticketed, 8pm Kibble Park Gosford, Ticketed, 8:30pm Gosford Library, Free Ticketed, 10am - 1pm Bookings required, Alliance Française Gosford Waterfront, SATURDAY, JAN 4 10am - 12pm Conversation Group - Come 5pm-9:30pm Pool Inflatable Fun, and practice your French at Fireworks at 9:15pm Birth and Beyond Wyong Olympic Pool, any level, TUESDAY, JAN 14 Weekend Program, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 & Erina League Club, Central Coast Council: Gosford Private Hospital, First attendance is free, Gosford Musical Society 24/01, 11am - 2pm NYE Celebration with Ticketed, 8:30am - 1pm 10am – 12pm Juniors: Disney’s Alice in entertainment, amusement Wonderland Jr., THURSDAY, JAN 9 rides, delicious food and SUNDAY, JAN 5 Sneaky Sound System, Laycock Street Community great music, The Beery Crowne Plaza Theatre, Memorial Park, Lighthouse Summerfest Terrigal Pacific, Ticketed, 14 - 18/01, The Entrance, 6pm-9pm 2020 FREE Carnival, Ticketed, 7pm Multiple screenigns fireworks at 9pm Camp Breakaway San Remo, 5:30pm McGrath Foundation Pink CCC School Holiday

Central Coast Mariners vs Perth Glory, Central Coast Stadium, Ticketed, 7pm www.a-league.com.au NYE Podium Party -

Gosford Gold Cup - Night Greyhound Racing, Gosford Greyhound Club, Ticketed, 7am - 12pm

MONDAY, JAN 6

Stumps Day: T20 Women’s

Brass Monkeys Show Cricket - Southern Spirit vs and Circus Workshop, Narara Wyoming, The Art House Wyong, Umina Oval, 1:30pm Ticketed, 09 - 11/01, Luna and Co: Kokedama 10am for the show & Workshop - How to make 12pm for workshops, a traditional Japanese 4335 1485

Program: Citizen Science - Birds of Woodlands and Wetlands, Central Coast Wetlands - Pioneer Dairy, Free bookings essential, 10am - 12pm

Multi-Sport Fun Day - Six www.thearthousewyong. moss ball, Alberts Line, 97a Dinosaur Train Live Show in hours of fun playing Donnison Street Gosford, Gosford, com.au games such as wheelchair Ticketed, 10am Kibble Park Gosford, basketball, soccer, hockey 11am, 12pm & 1pm and volleyball as well as Jumping Castle Fun, jumping on the inflatables Peninsula Leisure Centre, SUNDAY, JAN 12 Escape Room: School and trampolines, 11:30am - 1pm Holiday Program, Central Coast Mariners Niagara Park Stadium, The Galleria Ettalong Woy Woy Library, The Terrace, 9pm, 6 & 7/01, Ticketed, vs club, FRIDAY, JAN 10 Beach, 10:30am - 4pm Bookings essential, Limelight NYE, Scenic Secret Santa Xmas eve 9am - 3pm Melbourne Victory, 27/12 - 8/01 10:30am 11:15am Lounge, 9pm party, Central Coast Stadium, CCC School Holiday Messy Little Munchkins Pocket Bar Terrigal, Waterslide and Pool SATURDAY, DEC 28 Ticketed, 6pm Progrtam: Citizen Science for messy sensory play, Tales from the Tea House Bubble Time Presents: 4pm Inflatable Fun, www.a-league.com.au Hollows As Homes, JumpNJungle Gosford, School Holiday Program, New Year’s Eve, Peninsula Leisure Centre, Waterworld Central Pearl Beach Arboretum, Ticketed, 9:30am Gosford Regional Gallery, Lord Ashley Bar and WEDNESDAY, DEC 25 6/01 - 26/01, Australia’s first mobile Gaming in Libraries: Free Bookings essential, Bookings essential, Lounge Terrigal, 8pm 10-11am & 1-2pm daily water park, Hogwarts Wizard 10am 12pm Seaside Cinema: 10:30am 11:30am Samaritans Christmas (Mon-Fri) – inflatable Doyalson RSL, Tournament School Top End Wedding, NYE at The Beery feat. KLP, 11am-12pm & 2-3pm daily Lunch, 28/12 - 27/01, Holiday Program, Aladdin (2019) Movie Event Killcare SLSC, DIY Cosmic Sneakers The Beery Terrigal, Wyong Race Club, (Mon-Fri) – slide 10am - 4pm Gosford Library, School Holiday Program, Ticketed, 8:30pm BYO Sneakers, Ticketed, 7pm 11am - 3pm Bookings essential, Toukley Library, School Holiday Program, Jumping Castle and Pool Melinda Schneider & Mark 10am - 12pm Bookings essential, Children’s Pageant & Umina Beach Library, Inflatable Fun, Gable Rock the 70s & 80s, 1pm - 3:30pm Christmas Carols, Bookings essential, Gosford Olympic Pool, Hardys Bay Club, MONDAY, JAN 13 Warnervale Regional 10:30am 11:30am 6/01 - 26/01, Ticketed, 7pm Australian Wildlife Reptile Uniting Church, Free family 11am-2pm daily (Mon-Fri) Show and Encounters, Indoor Soccer Clinic & event, 6:30pm Henna Tattoos School SUNDAY, DEC 29 Village Central Wyong, Games, Holiday Program at Indoor Soccer Clinic & NYE White Party! Christmas Day Buffet Free event, 11am & 12pm Niagara Park Stadium, Making Meditation Tuggerah Library, Games, Lunch, A Luminous Christmas: The Bayview Woy Woy, shows 13 & 14/01, 3:30pm 5pm Mainstream: Free Beach Bookings essential, Niagara Park Stadium, Ticketed Ettalong Diggers, 30-day LED light show, Meditation Session, 10:30am - 12pm 6 & 7/01, 3:30pm - 5pm www.bayviewwoywoy. Waterfront Plaza, The Ticketed, Australian comedian Terrarium Sand Art School Terrigal Beach, com.au Entrance, 30/11 - 29/12, Fiona O’Loughlin, Holiday Program, 11:30am & 12:30pm Free, 6:30pm Craftanoon School Holiday TUESDAY, JAN 7 7:30pm - 9:30pm Central Coast Leagues Club The Entrance Library, 4343 0111 Program, 2019 New Year’s Eve - Parkview Room, 10am - 12pm www.ettalongdiggers.com Toukley Library, 9D Cinema, Celebration, Ticketed, 8pm Bookings essential, Kibble Park Gosford, Gosford Waterfront, 2pm - 3pm 11am - 2pm 5pm - 9:30pm Belle Of The Turf, You are welcome to The Entertainment grounds, Presented by The Joker & come dressed as an Breastfeeding Basics, Thief Terrigal, Ticketed, Gosford Private Hospital, angel, a shepherd or a The Entertainment Grounds, 10:30am - 2:30pm wise man / woman, Ticketed, 9:30am - 12pm Ticketed, 1pm - 6pm Umina Uniting church Killcare Art ShowEttalong Chrismtas NYE Countdown Party, 346 Ocean Beach Rd, Art, Surf And Sun, Markets, Central Coast Leagues Club 6:30pm Killcare Surf Life Saving

Basic entries in the Coastal Diary are FREE. Send information to coastaldiary@centralcoastnews.net

ENHANCED entries using bold typeface with an address, phone number and a live link are available for a small fee. Photographs can also be added for a small fee. All display advertisers are entitled to a free enhanced entry.

Alice in Wonderland coming to Laycock Theatre

GMS will take Gosford down the rabbit hole thiis January

Gosford Musical Society’s (GMS) young starts are gearing up to tackle the Disney version of Lewis Carroll’s curious classic, Alice in Wonderland. Set for a January debut, Alice in Wonderland Junior will see the next generation of the GMS take to the Laycock Theatre’s stage as they take audiences on a journey down the rabbit hole. Directed by the GMS’s Rosie Ross, the production will take on Disney’s animated motion picture and follow the evercurious Alice, played by Evie Pearce, as she chases the White Rabbit across Wonderland. Pearce’s Alice will be joined by an array of talented young up and comers with Scotia Emmett taking on the role of

White Rabbit, Eva Berry the Queen of Hearts and Liam Barbeler as the Mad Hatter. “With creative costumes, a wonderful set, and a cast of over forty talented GMS local musical theatre performers, come sing along with classic Disney hits including: ‘I’m Late,’ ‘The Un-birthday Song,’ ‘How D’ye Do and Shake Hands’ and ‘Zip-A-Dee-DooDah’. “This is a show not to be missed,” said GMS President, Roslyn English. Alice in Wonderland Junior will run from January 14 to 18 at the Laycock. Tickets are essential. Source: GMS Website, Dec 4 Roslyn English, Gosford Musical Society

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 29 20 DECEMBER 2019

Deen Rad is a Hall of Famer To spotlight exceptional young locals, Coast Community News (CCN) has partnered with Regional Youth Support Services (RYSS) to feature their inaugural class of YOP Pop Up Hall of Famers The Hall of Fame is an online gallery launched by RYSS, with support from the Department of Families and Community Services, that tells the stories of inspiring young Central Coast residents, and it was designed to show local youth that even in the face of adversity, nothing can stop them achieving their goals. Amongst the inaugural Hall of Famers, several call the former Gosford LGA home, including current Central Coast Youth of the Year and Gosford local, Deen Rad. Described as a born leader, Deen has been involved in a number of youth development and leadership programs from

Deen Rad

the grassroots local level, like Rotaract and the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge, state programs like YMCA NSW Youth Parliament, right through to the international stage with UN Youth. The 24-year-old’s also got a head for numbers, having previously worked with Macquarie Bank in their wealth management operations. Deen has recently joined PWC Australia as a consultant with

their Private Clients’ team. He has studied a Bachelor of Applied Finance/Bachelor of Economics at Macquarie University and is currently a candidate studying for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program. Whilst at Macquarie University, Deen served as a student ambassador, speaking to and mentoring thousands of students about how to achieve their aspirations via tertiary

education and professional experience. Passionate about enabling opportunity for others to lead their best lives, Deen currently acts as the Chief Financial Officer for the John Mac Foundation, a Not-For-Profit organisation that provides university scholarships to young refugees and promotes social business and microfinance with Grameen Australia, the Australian replica of Nobel Peace Prize winning institution, the Grameen Bank. Deen picked up his Hall of Fame nomination for highlighting just how much a young leader can achieve and for doing his part to provide mentoring opportunities for the next generation. Source: Interview, Aug 27 Lani Pomare, RYSS Website, Nov 27 YOP Pop Up Hall of Fame: Deen Rad Reporter: Dilon Luke

Australian Ballet brings The Nutcracker to Gosford The Australian Ballet has announced it is bringing its production of beloved Christmas time ballet, The Nutcracker, to Gosford’s Laycock St Theatre these summer holidays. In a special story time version of the production just for kids, locals will have the chance to experience The Australian Ballet’s rendition of the world’s most famous Christmas ballet in five sessions from January 8 to 9. Suitable for kids aged 3 and up, audiences will be guided through the classic Christmas tale by a narrator and a festive

cast of characters at a marvellous Christmas party that transforms into a spellbinding, magical adventure. Children will be fully immersed in the story and will help make the magic happen on stage. Storytime Ballet is a new kid friendly initiative of The Australian Ballet’s designed to educate children in classic ballets and inspire a love of dance. Tickets are essential. Source: Website, Dec 4 Central Coast Council

The Australian Ballet’s Storytime Ballet rendition of The Nutcracker is coming to Gosford

PRESENTS | SUMMER @ THE ART HOUSE

BRASS MONKEYS CIRCUS | 9-11 JAN

THE UKULELE KIDS SHOW | 17-18 JAN

STAND-UP COMEDY 11-25 JAN BOOK NOW 02 4335 1485 www.thearthousewyong.com.au

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@thearthousewyong 12/12/2019 3:13:24 PM

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NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS

ARTS & CULTURE CENTRAL COAST ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE

Free social French conversation groups, small classes at East Gosford and Bateau Bay Inquires: Renee 0435 028 416 www.afcentralcoast.org.au afcentralcoast@gmail.com

CENTRAL COAST ART SOCIETY

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

publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au

CENTRAL COAST HANDWEAVERS, SPINNERS AND TEXTILE ARTS GUILD

Spinning and weaving, patchwork and quilting, felting and other fibre and fabric crafts, community quilting bees - Day and Night Groups 4325 4743 www.cottagecrafts.net.au

THE MAKERS STUDIO CENTRAL COAST INC.

Creative workspace for print making, screen printing, textile and fibre arts. Introductory classes & open access workshops. Creative support each Thurs 10am - 4pm 0414 220 855 www.themakersstudio.org.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 CARAVANNERS INC

3rd Sun - Jan to Nov Visitors - New Members welcome, Trips Away, Social Outings, friendship with like minded folk Details from Geoff 0447 882 150

CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRE

Not for profit service providing free legal advice. Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm 4353 4988 contact@centralcoastclc.org.au

CENTRAL COAST 50+ SINGLE & SOCIAL GROUP Fun And Friendship With an Excellent Monthly Progam of Dinner, Dancing, Scrabble, Cards, And Tenpin Etc. So Call -

0437 699 366 0412 200 571

CENTRAL COAST SUNDAY LUNCH BUNCH

(Singles over 55) Luncheons 1st and 3rd Sundays monthly at various licensed venues 0418 772 569 (after 2pm)

CCLC INDOOR BOWLS Mon - Ladies Social Wed Night - Mixed Social Sat - Mixed Social New members welcome - tuition given level 2 Central Coast Leagues Club 4334 3800

GOSFORD NORTH PROBUS CLUB

Meets 4th Tuesday at the Grange Hotel Monthy meeting 4th Tuesday Grange Hotel 10am 4322 5560

FREEMASONS

Who are they? What do they do? Find out about the wolrd’s oldest fraternal organisation and how we help our community. Gosford Masonic Centre 86 Mann St Gosford www.tccl2001.org

GOSFORD AND DISTRICT ORCHID SOCIETY

Persons interested in Orchids and their culture are invited to join a friendly club 4th Wed, 730pm Kincumber School of Arts building, Tora Ave, Kincumber 0405 669 707

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

WINE APPRECIATION CLUB

Central Coast Leagues Club Join Us - 2nd Wednesday Monthly to taste and be educated on wine by various wineries - $5 Membership $10 Tasting - Lightfood Provided, purchases not mandatory Keith - 0420 722 529 Fraser - 0416 831 088

COMMUNITY CENTRES

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

GOSFORD 50+ LEISURE AND LEARNING CENTRE

bridge, mahjong, zumba gold, line dancing, tai chi, painting, craft and computer classes. 4384 5152

WYOMING COMMUNITY CENTRE

Community Support, Zumba Book Club, Community Garden, Facility Hire, EAPA, Fine Assistance, Volunteer Opportunity, CDAT, OSHC/ Vacation Care Managed by Gosford Regional Community Services 4323 7483

accounts@gosfordcommunity.org.au www.gosfordcommunity.org.au

HEALTH GROUPS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Meet Mon, Wed & Fri, 12.30pm - Someone cares Anglican Church 3 Mann St Gosford 4323 3890

BETTER HEARING AUSTRALIA CENTRAL COAST

Hearing loss management Support and educational groups providing practical experience and confidence Learn the benefits of hearing aids 4321 0275

CENTRAL COAST PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (GOSFORD)

Henry Kendall Gardens Summer Meeting 3rd Mon each month - 7pm, Winter Meeting 3rd Sat each month - 2pm 0410 696 458 cisscentralcoast@bigpond.com

PENINSULA LIGHTHOUSE

info@sympnonycentralcoast.com

TEMPO TERRIFIC CONCERT BAND

Plays popular music for community events. New adult members playing wind, brass and percussion welcome. 0405 619 980

ROTARY CLUB OF GOSFORD NORTH

Active community minded club. Many projects focussed on assisting youth. Support our great projects, get involved with our fun club. New member enquiries welcomed Graham Black - 0410 509 071

Guiding you through the grahamblack@outlook.com.au www.tempoterrific.com storm - Your only local mobile counselling service SPECIAL INTEREST POLITICAL PARTY Supporting ALL people suffering from Domestic CCLC BRIDGE CLUB CENTRAL COAST GREENS Violence offering a holistic Duplicate Bridge-partner not The Central Coast Greens program making our required for most sessions. For a fairer, more transparent community safer. Central Coast Leagues Club and accountable government Counselling services available 12.30pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri. Monday @ Ettalong Baptist based on democratic principles Sat 1.30pm Wed 7.15pm Mon Local, state-wide, national Church Barrenjoey Room , 4325 9854 and international issues and book an appointment: www.cclcbridgeclub.asn.au campaigns - Council and 0417 472 374 parliamentary representation - cclcbridgeclub@westnet.com.au penlighthouse@gmail.com Developing a new economy www.peninsulalighthouse.info/ CENTRAL COAST Protecting our environment Peaceful conflict resolution GOJU-KAI KARATE Community participation Traditional Karate & Self CENTRAL COAST FAMILY We meet monthly every 3rd Defence for Teens & Adults HISTORY SOCIETY INC. Thu - Details and info: No Contracts, Cheap Rates Open Tue to Fri 9.30am centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au Wamberal - Mon 630pm 2.30pm centralcoastgreens@gmail.com Kincumber - Thurs 715pm First Sat 9.30 - noon 0417 697 096 Thur 7pm - 9pm www.centralcoastgojuAUSTRALIAN LABOR Other times by appointment. kaikarate.com.au PARTY OURIMBAH/ 4324 5164

HISTORY GROUPS

www.centralcoastfhs.org.au admin@centralcoasths.org.au

BRISBANE WATER HISTORICAL SOCIETY

• Coach tours • School educational tours • Annual Street Stalls • Participation in History Heritage Week Celebration Margaret Pearce 4325 2270

Meet last Friday Month Mon-Fri FELLOWSHIP OF Terrigal Uniting Church Chess, Darts, Handicraft, gosfordorchidsociety@yahoo.com.au 380 Terrigal Dre, Terrigal FIRST FLEETERS Indoor Bowls, Knitting, Line 9.30am to 12 noon CENTRAL COAST SENIORS COMPUTER CLUB Dancing, Origami, Painting, 4367 9600 For anyone interested in early Pencil Drawing, Scrabble, www.pcfa.org.au CENTRAL COAST history or early family histories. Scrapbooking, Sit & Sew, Table A non-profit seniors club Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. Tennis, Ukulele to help members master DYING WITH DIGNITY Point Clare Community Hall 4304 7065 computers, tablets, phones and 2nd Sat 10:30am C ampaigning to give those keep up with grand children 4392 1926 4311 6254 suffering unrelievable terminal GOSFORD-NARARA Friendly Volunteer Helpers or incurable illness the choice NEIGHBOURHOOD scccc@internode.on.net to receive legal medical help Google scccckincumber CENTRE to die. Quarterly meetings, 4307 9421 School Holiday activities, BRISBANE WATER BRASS Erina Fair. playgroup, multicultural Brass Band entertainment 02 4369 8053 programs, community SENIORS SOCIAL AND for the community playing all j2@heelstone.com.au activities - Rooms for Hire FRIENDSHIP CLUB INC types of popular music 4329 4477 Meets 2nd Mon Rehearsal every Tues. GAMBLING SOLUTIONS admin@gnnc.com.au Regular monthly social 7.30pm-10pm Counsellors provide free, activities as well as day 0419 274 012 confidential, professional POINT CLARE outings and short breaks service to gamblers, family and COMMUNITY HALL away, organised by individual COASTAL A CAPPELLA friends. Woy Woy, Kincumber, Community Garden - Playgroup members. Dynamic award winning Gosford, The Entrance. Craft and Exercise Groups 4322 7588 or 0427 404 322 women’s a cappella chorus 4344 7992 Function or Meeting Hire new members always Managed by Gosford Regional welcome. TERRIGAL WAMBERAL GROW Support Groups Community Services Music eduction provided Small friendly groups formed RSL SUB-BRANCH Enquiries regarding hire to Lots of Performance to learn how to overcome At Breakers Country Club 4323 7483 opportunities, or hire us for anxiety, depression and pension and welfare officers accounts@gosfordcommunity.org.au your next event. loneliness and to improve available to assist with DVA www.gosfordcommunity.org.au 0412 948 450 mental health and well-being. compensation claims and coastalacappella@gmail.com Anonymous, free and open to benefits KARIONG all. Weekly at Woy Woy, Bateau Wed & Fri 10am – Midday NEIGHBOURHOOD SOUNDWAVES Bay and Wyong Meetings 2nd Sat 10am CENTRE A cappella harmony for Men 1800 558 268 4384 2661 Early childhood clinic, free – new members welcome. www.grow.org.au Terrigal-WamberalSB@rslnsw. family law advice, active Rehearsals Mondays 7.00pm org.au. playgroup, computer classes, to 9.30pm Central Coast MEALS ON WHEELS OOSH services, fitness classes, Delicious meals delivered free Leagues Club, Dane Drive, U3A CENTRAL COAST arts & crafts, over 50’s Gosford Join us for a midday meal Enjoy a diverse range of friendship group, youth group, Ring Max on 4324 3631 Help with shopping and courses and activities for social groups and many more or Kieran 4324 1977 cooking classes seniors. Keep your mind active services. 4363 7111 and make new friends. Your 4340 1724 SYMPHONY retirement years can be the wwww.knc.net.au CANCER INFORMATION best years of all. CENTRAL COAST 0408 704 701 Community Orchestra & SUPPORT SOCIETY TERRIGAL FIFTY PLUS www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au welcomes new memberships Educational organisation LEISURE AND LEARNING promoting prevention, self-help to join our ranks. Rehearsals CENTRE every Wednesday 7.30 to and freedom of choice in Activities include fitness, yoga, 9.45pm at Erina therapies.

MUSIC

NARARA BRANCH

Discussion/action community issues - 3 levels of Government Niagara Park Primary School 7.30pm 1st Mon each month 0410 309 494 kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com

PUBLIC SPEAKING Develop confidence by improving your speaking skills. Meetings are entertaining and educational.

BLUE GUM FLAT TOASTMASTERS

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

SERVICE GROUPS INNER WHEEL CLUBS OF CENTRAL COAST

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 0414 635 047 www.ccsoaring.com.au

SPIRITUALITY IN THE PUB

Ecumenical & Interfaith Speakers Forum & Q&A with focus on developing understanding and encouraging dialogue about spirituality through people sharing their life journeys. 1st Tues March to October 2nd Tues November 7.30 to 9pm Grange Hotel Wyoming 4365 9197

Wyong, Terrigal & WOMEN’S GROUPS Gosford North Clubs Women working together to make a difference and imprive CENTRAL COAST lives while making new friends. WOMEN’S HEALTH Enjoy social outings and CENTRE community involvment. Counseling, therapeutic and Wyong Club Meets social groups, workshops, 3rd Wed 6.30pm domestic violence and abuse Terrigal Club Meets issues. All services provided by 3rd Mon 12 noon women for women Gosford North 4324 2533 2nd Wed 7pm www.cccwhc.com.au 0417 480 549 or 0407 008 555

LIONS CLUB OF WOY WOY 3rd Mon. Woy Woy Leagues Club Make new friends and have fun while serving your community. 0478 959 895

ROTARY CLUB OF GOSFORD

Gosford Golf Club 6pm Thursdays Supporting local and overseas communities come along and share fellowship and fun. 0414 777 748

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

www.gosfordrotary.org.au

If you would like your Community Organisation listed here call us on 4325 7369 or see www.coastcommunitynews.com.au 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.

CCN

The Weekend

BOOK REVIEW

Author: Charlotte Wood Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Three friends come together for a weekend to clean out the beach house of their friend, Sylvie, who has just passed away. Sylvie’s partner, Gail, has gone to Ireland and left them to it, saying they can take anything they want. Jude, Wendy and Adele are all in their 70’s and have been friends for many years. Having all met through Sylvie, her loss begs the question of how such friendships can continue when the unifier is gone or, as one of them asks, “how to find a new arrangement among your friends, shuffling around the gap of the lost one, all of you suddenly mystified by how to be with one another.” Jude is a no-nonsense ex restauranteur. She is on time, tidy, a great cook. She has also been having an affair for forty years with Daniel, who is married, rich and keeps Jude in the style she is accustomed to. Jude just needs to get through this weekend and then she can spend

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Christmas with Daniel. Adele is an actress that hasn’t landed a part in years. She is struggling financially and, it seems, her much younger partner is going to split up with her.

She has a great body for her age and enviable hair. Wendy is an academic that has written internationally renowned books and plans to write more. She deeply misses her husband

MOVIE REVIEW Director: James Mangold

Having been savaged for my unfavourable assessment of ‘Knives Out’, I decided to take a more constructive approach this week. We are then drawn into the ford factory, where sales are flat and Henry Ford II is suffering from under achievement, living in the shadow of his famous forebear. After being snubbed by Ferrari and then insulted by its doyen, the Ford company tracks down Shelby to lead an ambitious, fast tracked plan to design and build a racing car that can beat Ferrari at Le Mans. Enter the quirky, pugnacious British driver, Ken Miles (Christian Bale), who Shelby knows is the only driver capable of both designing the car and withstanding the grueling 24-hour race to bring them victory. There are some horribly over acted scenes to establish Miles’ credentials as both an ace driver and a hot-head (certainly not a ‘Ford Man’) and we have to endure a confusing merger deal, a Le Mans event that Miles doesn’t race at, and then a NASCAR race where he does race at, and where we learn one has only to hold one’s foot to the floor and just keep turning left to win. This is all before we even get to the 1966 Le Mans showdown with Ferrari. It is there that the percolating excitement of this historic event is

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 31

Lance who passed away years ago. Finn is her very old dog that she just can’t bear to put down, even though everyone tells her it is cruel to keep him alive. He was a gift from Sylvie when Lance passed, and Wendy lost her main reason to live. Finn, as it turns out, becomes an allimportant character, a portent of ageing, anxiety, physical deterioration and death. And so, these three very different personalities come to be stuck in a house together, with an old dog, for two days. What could possibly go wrong? They are aging in a world that doesn’t want old people, “Everybody hated old people now; it was acceptable, encouraged even, because of your paid-off mortgage and your free education and your ruination of the planet.” It is an incisive exploration of women, the essence of friendships, grief, ageing and ageism. Tensions flare, secrets are revealed, and the women are funny at times and cruel at others. They judge each other, they disappoint each other, they ride the wave together. That’s not to say there weren’t some

20 DECEMBER 2019

Kim Reardon

issues, the most notable being the cliché backstories – the faded actress, the forty-year old affair, the grieving widow. But Wood develops each of the women’s characters wonderfully over the course of the story, with their own blend of strength and vulnerability. Ultimately it was just nice to read about a group of women who had been friends for so long. Charlotte Wood is an accomplished writer. She recently won the 2016 Stella Prize and the Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Fiction for ‘The Natural Way of Things’, and ‘The Weekend’ is a highly readable and engaging new offering. I did have to ask … and maybe I am just not that nice … but who cleans out their deceased friend’s house? Aren’t there people you can pay to do that?

Gosford Uniting Church Presents

Ford v Ferrari

In fact, I was all set to see the bright side of just about anything. Unfortunately, I walked into a screening of Ford v Ferrari. Almost as long as the 24 Hour Le Mans race itself, the movie is one long, slow car crash that not even Christian Bale can save. To be clear, it has nothing to do with being, or not being, a revhead. There is plenty there for the revo of course – low-grumbling GT40s, slick gear changes, late braking and many scenes where the camera hovers over the tachometer while it enters the 7,000 RPM red zone. At its core however, this is a retro60’s movie about a truly extraordinary sporting event, and two men’s search for glory. In that sense, it’s a very noble objective, but one that fails badly in its ambition. In fact, it fails before it even starts, by virtue of a title that invokes the same anticipation as Aliens v Predator or Godzilla v Kong. When the film begins, we are introduced to Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon), a co-driver in the Aston Martin that won Le Mans in 1959, and who now makes a living selling expensive sports cars.

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

undone by a more intense competition for cringiest moment. The winner is undoubtedly the “eyeballing” scenes between Miles and his Italian counterpart. The skill of both drivers, whilst hurtling side by side toward a hairpin bend at over 200 miles per hour, to take their eyes off the road, turn to each other and engage in a 10+ second man stare is really … well … unbelievable. The high point to the film is probably Tracy Letts’ performance as Henry Ford. He produces a memorable tightening of jaw muscles as he hears of the insult delivered to him by Enzo Ferrari (Remo Girone) and an even more memorable crying scene later in the film. Caitriona Balfe is convincing as Miles’ wife, Mollie, as is Ray McKinnon as Shelby’s chief engineer. Damon, Bale and Josh Lucas as Leo Beebe, on the other hand, all give very forgettable performances in what is, overall, a very forgettable film. Ross Barry

Christmas Eve Carols in Kibble Park Featuring Gosford City Brass Band Tuesday 24th December 2019

True singa-long Christmas Carols Since 1961

PAGE 32 20 DECEMBER 2019

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

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WHERE DO YOU GET IT?

FOLLOWING IS A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF COAST COMMUNITY NEWS PICKUP LOCATIONS, PAPERS ARE DELIVERED TO ALL OF THESE LOCATIONS EVERY FRIDAY

AVOCA BEACH

ERINA FAIR

Bowling and Recreation Club Avoca Dr & Townsend Ave

Service desk Erina fair

Avoca Beach Hotel 326-360 Avoca Dr

Rose Café 620-658 Terrigal Dr

Australia Post 1/181 Avoca Dr Avoca Beach Picture Theatre 69 Avoca Dr

COPACABANA Copacabana Newsagency 206 Del Monte Pl

DAVISTOWN Living Choice Alloura Waters 1 Murna Rd Davistown RSL Club 19 Murna Rd Davistown Cellars Paringa Ave

EMPIRE BAY

Aroma Café 419 Terrigal Dr Muffin Break Erina Fair Shopping Ctr Coles Erina 620 - 658 Terrigal Dr Woolworths 620-658 Terrigal Dr

Aurrum Aged Care 351 Terrigal Dr The Bungalow’s Village Park 474 Terrigal Dr The Bungalow’s Village Park 474 Terrigal Dr McDonald’s Erina 2 Terrigal Dr Ritchies SUPA IGA 3/216-218 The Entrance Rd Wood Glen Retirement Village 105 Karalta Rd Tarragal Glen Retirement Village 6 Tarragal Glen Ave Pine Needles Lifestyle Estate 61 Karalta Rd Greenlife Erina 33 Karalta Rd Erina Leagues Club 18 Ilya Ave Platinum Building 4 Ilya Ave Adam Crouch MP Office Shop 3 Fountain Plaza, 148 158 The Entrance Rd Erina Pharmacy 148/158 The Entrance Rd Erina Newsagency & Post Office 158 The Entrance Rd PRP Diagnostic Imaging 167 The Entrance Rd Ritchies SUPA IGA 375 The Entrance Rd

East Gosford Pharmacy 69 Victoria St Cafe Expresso Eat in & Takeaway 51 Victoria St

KARIONG Kariong Neighbourhood Centre 10 Langford Dr FoodWorks 5/4 Mitchell Dr

Woolworths 3 Parsons Rd

Central Coast Tractors 51 Smiths Rd

MANGROVE MOUNTAIN Mangrove Mountain Memorial Club & Golf Course 18 Hallards Rd Mangrove Mountain General Store Waratah Rd

Ooomph Café 26A Adelaide St

Kariong Kakes Pies & Bread 4 Mitchell Dr

Erina Library Unit AZ02, 620-658 Terrigal Drive

East Gosford Medical Centre 22 Brougham St

Kariong Tavern 10 Langford Dr

Central Coast Plateau Medical Centre 1639 Nurses Rd

Presbyterian Aged Care 19/21 Victoria St

Liquorland 6-8 Central Coast Hwy

Westy’s Place 1650 Wisemans Ferry Rd

Coles Express 6/8 Pacific Hwy

Mangrove Produce True Value Hardware 1668 Wisemans Ferry Rd

ETTALONG

FORRESTERS BEACH

The Sunken Monkey Hotel 207 The Entrance Rd

Chemist Outlet 52 York St

Green Point Christian College 382 Avoca Dr

841 Wisemans Ferry Rd

Supanews Erina Fair Erina Fair Shopping Centre

Empire Bay Tavern 1 Poole Cl

Coles Express 211 The Entrance Rd

IGA Xpress East Gosford 87/91 Victoria St

ALDI Avoca Dr &, Bayside Dr

13/1 Parsons Rd

Australia Post 3/4-8 Mitchell Dr

United Service Station 306 Empire Bay Dr

PRP Diagnostic Imaging 167 The Entrance Rd

Nutmeg 54 York St

Centre 96 Koolang Rd

East Gosford Newsagency 53-55 Victoria St

Ettalong 50+ Leisure and Learning Broken Bay Rd & Karingi St

ERINA

8 Russell Drysdale St

Forresters Beach Retirement Village 1001 The Entrance Rd

GOSFORD Imperial Centre 171 Mann St Gosford Masonic Centre 86-88 Mann St Central Coast Leagues Club 1 Dane Dr Brisbane Water (NSW) Legacy 51-57 Masons Parade Montis Ashore 42 Masons Parade Gosford Sailing Club 28 Masons Parade the Lott 152 Mann Street The Bon Pavilion café 159 Mann St Free Choice Tobacconist Imperial Centre Central Coast Council Gosford Office 49 Mann Street

WEST GOSFORD Coles West Gosford Shopping Centre Michel’s Patisserie West Gosford Shopping Centre West Gosford Amcal+ Pharmacy Shop 17/299 Brisbane Water Dr

Brentwood Village 1 Scaysbrook Dr

Metro Petroleum 57 Central Coast Hwy

Kincumber Men’s Shed Killuna Road

Oldfield Cellars 1/57 Central Coast Hwy

Kincumber Uniting Church 152 Avoca Dr

Hungry Jack’s 57 Pacific Hwy

Kincumber Public School Avoca Dr

Red Rooster 52 Pacific Hwy

Kincumber & District Neighbourhood centre 20-22 Kincumber St

Flip Out 10 Hely St Gosford RSL Club 26 Central Coast Hwy Yallambee Lodge 22-32 Yallambee Ave Evergreen Life Care Yallambee Ave

KFC 69 Central Coast Hwy

EAST GOSFORD St Edward’s College 13 Frederick St

Bakehouse 2000 36 Empire Bay Dr

Singo’s Wholesale Meats 1A Racecourse Rd

Gosford Railway Café Gosford Railway Station

7-Eleven 53/55 Central Coast Hwy

Nautical Village 57 Empire Bay Dr

Kincumber Kebabs 36 Empire Bay Dr

McDonald’s 65 Pacific Highway

Gosford Golf Club 22 Racecourse Rd

Coles Kincumber Village Shopping Centre

The Lott 299 Brisbane Water Drive

Gosford Police Station 9-11 Mann St

The Art Barn Plaster Painting 11 Kirrawee Rd

KINCUMBER

GREEN POINT Coles Sun Valley Rd Butchery @ Green Point Shop 4/7 Sun Valley Rd Green Point News Shop 7 Green Point Shopping Centre

CENTRAL MANGROVE

NARARA

TERRIGAL Terrigal Fifty Plus Leisure and Learning Centre Cnr Terrigal Drive and Duffys Rd Terrigal Sands 12-30 Duffys Rd News@Terrigal 56 Terrigal Esplanade Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific Pine Tree Ln Terrigal Bowling Club 4 Wilson Rd

UMINA BEACH Peninsula Village 91 Pozieres Ave

Woolworths 261-275 Trafalgar Street Corner, West St ALDI 310 Trafalgar Ave

WAMBERAL

SPAR Niagara Park Shopping Centre

Wamberal Newsagency 774 The Entrance Rd

ABCOE Factory Outlet 16 Washington Ave

Caltex 656 The Entrance Rd

PEATS RIDGE

Wamberal Surgery 662 The Entrance Rd

Corrugated Cafe 780 Peats Ridge Rd

Pharmacist Advice 658 The Entrance Rd

Caltex 1112 Peats Ridge Rd

Wamberal Gardens Retirement Village 1 Spencer St

The Springs 1080 Peats Ridge Rd

POINT CLARE

Breakers Country Club 64 Dover Rd

WOY WOY

Acorn Garden Centre 229 Brisbane Water Dr

Ms Liesl Tesch MP Office 20 Blackwall Rd

Fairhaven Services Brisbane Water Dr

Peninsula Plaza Blackwall Rd

Fare Cravin’ café 209 Brisbane Water Dr

Deepwater Plaza Railway St

Waterford Retirement Village 24 Kincumber St

BaptistCare Orana Aged Care Centre 193/201 Brisbane Water Dr

Peninsula Leisure Centre 243 Blackwall Rd

Coles Express Avoca Dr &, Bungoona Rd

ALDI 53-59 Brisbane Water Dr

Kincumber Library 3 Bungoona Rd

This Little Piggy Eat & Drink 7/51 Brisbane Water Drive & Talinga Ave

Kincumber Community Health Centre 20 Kincumber St

McDonald’s Avoca Dr

SARATOGA

KFC 38 Avoca Dr

IGA Shop 7 Village Rd

Domino’s Pizza

Saratoga Medical Centre 1/10 Villge Rd

Shop 2/34 Avoca Dr

KULNURA General Store, Indian Restaurant & Cafe 4 Greta Rd

Newsagency 10 Village Rd Blooms The Chemist Shop 11, Saratoga Shopping Village

SOMERSBY

St Joseph’s Catholic College Russell Drysdale St

Broadlands Village 9 Milpera Rd Meals on Wheels 96 Koolang Rd

Coles 11 Parsons Rd

Waterfall Café 49 Parklands Rd

Lions Club Community Hall

Green Point Community

Lisarow Newsagency

General Store & Takeaway

LISAROW

WYOMING Wyoming Newsagency Shop 6, Wyoming Shopping Village Coles Pacific Hwy ALDI 489 Pacific Hwy KFC 468 Pacific Hwy Adelene Retirement Village 1 Birch Rd

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR LOCATION ADDED TO THIS LIST FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO ACCESS, PLEASE LET US KNOW.

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 33 Third Meeting of the Woy Woy Philosophy Society SHARE

M1 upgrade has reached a major milestone The upgrade of the M1 between Kariong and Somersby has reached a major milestone with widened and extended entry and exit ramps at the Kariong interchange now open. State Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the completion of the ramps would reduce delays and improve travel times. “This will reduce queuing at peak travel times for the 70,000 motorists using this section of road each day,” he said. “As part of the joint StateFederal upgrade, the two ramps at the Kariong interchange are now two lanes each which makes traffic flow more smoothly. “Prominent new signage has also been installed over the

main roadway, helping drivers better negotiate the changed route at fast speeds and minimise confusion.” Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the final phase of the upgrade between Kariong and Somersby would involve installing traffic lights at the intersection of Wisemans Ferry Rd. “The $391.6M productivity package along the highway will deliver a better, more reliable journey on one of Australia’s busiest roads,” she said. “Earlier this year we completed work to replace the existing roundabout at the Weakleys Dr and John Renshaw Dr intersection with traffic lights, improving traffic flow, travel times and safety.” Wicks said the project would also see the M1 widened to three lanes between Kariong

and Somersby interchanges, and between Tuggerah and Doyalson interchanges. The road surface will also be replaced with new pavement, giving motorists a smoother and safer drive. Work on the Kariong to Somersby upgrade will shut down between December 20 and January 6. Work on the Tuggerah to Doyalson section of the upgrade will also shut down from December 20, with workers to return on January 2. The M1 upgrades are expected to be completed in mid-2020. Source: Media release, Dec 12 Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch Media release, Dec 12 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks

Work on Kincumber roundabout progresses to next stage Electrical relocation work for street lights and power poles has begun as the Kincumber roundabout project continues. The work will take place along the north-western side of Empire Bay Dr, near Cochrone St, at Kincumber Creek. Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the latest works represented another achievement in what has been a complex project. “This is the last hurdle to jump before the final stages of construction can occur,”

Crouch said. “Installation of new street lights and power poles is currently underway and the first high voltage connection for the new poles was scheduled to start on November 26.” Crouch said once complete, work would continue to relocate the underground electrical cables and conduits. “In early 2020, the final stages of construction will occur, with the widening of the final section of road west of Empire Bay Dr,” he said. “This will involve widening

the northbound lanes on Empire Bay Dr to two lanes and installing a new concrete roundabout, new asphalt surface, kerb and gutter, footpath, stormwater drainage and landscaping. “I want to thank the 25,000 motorists who use this section of road every day for their patience while work continues.” No work will be carried out between December 21 and January 6. Source: Media release, Nov 21 Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch

More federally funded road projects Eleven road projects on the Central Coast will be fast tracked, thanks to an injection of funds from the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery Program. Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said six projects in the seat of Robertson would benefit.

These include: Araluen Dr, Killcare; Mimosa Ave, Saratoga; Wells St, East Gosford; Mangrove Rd, Narara; Springfield Rd, Springfield; and, Peats Ridge Rd, Central Mangrove. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, said the

Government had committed an additional $100M per year to the Roads to Recovery Program from 2019–20, as part of the Local and State Government Road Safety Package announced in the 2019–20 Budget. Source: Media release, Dec 10 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks

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20 DECEMBER 2019

The Truth and our Perception of It: A New Missive from the Great Thinkers of the Coast It’s with some trepidation I disclose our whereabouts this week. The tyrants’ net has tightened, and they’ve even enforced a midnight curfew. Midnight! Just when our best thinking starts to flow. As it turned out, the Four Wheel Drive Expo was on in Sydney this week and so we decided to hold a meeting of the Society on the train back to Woy Woy. It’s been a challenging week I must say. Following the Prohibition on the Dogs, Johnno picked up six refugee greyhounds. All maidens, of course, but one of them placed third at Dapto a few weeks back. Unfortunately, his fellow tenants at the Mantra didn’t share Johnno’s love for the great creatures and asked him not to keep them in his apartment, or in his Hilux, even though it was a dual cab. And so, he’d spent most of his week on Ettalong beach, where his dogs could frolic among the herons and the ducks. Quite a sight really, all those feathers floating about against the late afternoon sun. It was touch and go for a while at the Expo too. At first, the organisers weren’t too keen to have Johnno’s dogs in the Convention Centre either. But when they saw how natural they looked, up there in the tray of the new Rugged X, everyone relaxed. Indeed, everything would have been just fine had Boof’s foxy not made a sudden dash through the crowd. Now, an hour and twenty minutes is a short train ride for thinking men like ourselves, so we drew upon Daniel Kahneman’s ‘Thinking Fast and Slow’. While it was not our natural way of doing things, this fast-thinking could be incredibly efficient. It required blocking impulses from a part of one’s body that might otherwise travel to one’s brain and spend some quality time there and, instead, direct them straight to another part of one’s body. “It’s just like being at a night club,” said Robbo, who was so taken with the practice he had us ponder whether we shouldn’t just operate this way all the time. And we may well have too, except we soon discovered the conscious thought required to prevent one from farting in public was something that happens in the slower-working brain. It was only as we left Hornsby Station however, that the real trouble started. Upon seeking a new place to think, we were distracted when climbing over the three mountain bikes in the vestibule area and stumbled unwittingly into a quiet carriage. Designed for silence and sudoku, we were immediately confronted by three or four quiet carriage nazis as well as a family of five, fresh from the airport, with their seven large suitcases packed over two whole rows of seats, the children’s mouths stuck fast with duct tape. Then, there was a rather full-bodied fellow laid out asleep across two more seats, threatening to snore at any moment, one shirt button popped open to reveal a well-rounded, hairy belly button. And, of course, there was the omnipotent growling sound that arose as we passed by every spare seat. Eventually we found a spot at the back of the carriage to convene and cracked open a few crafties. It was then Thommo engaged us with a blinding stroke of genius, all with just one word. “Plato.” We all knew exactly what he meant, all except Johhno. “Which one?” said he, “The planet, or the

dog?” “Not Pluto, Johnno,” said I, but I did notice one of the greyhounds wagging its tail. “Plato, scribe of The Republic, founder of western philosophical thought.” “I thought that was John Howard?” “No, he just led the 1990s Renaissance.” “And was the very first to use the ‘liar, liar, pants on fire’ argument in Parliament,” I reminded him. Thommo brought us back to the matter at hand – reconstructing the Parable of the Cave. We quickly got a small fire going behind all the quiet folk. Before long, Johhno and Robbo used their deft hand skills in front of the flame to project several monsterly images up on to the wall of the carriage in front of the people staring ahead. There were many oohhs and aahhs, followed by many ssshhh’s and “do you minds?” We pressed on, creating dark shadows of hideous beasts, winged phantoms and the odd bunny of course. The effect was accentuated by the sleeping fellow with the bulging belly button who proceeded to issue deep guttural snorting sounds that echoed around the carriage and seemed to come from beyond where the shadowy creatures dwelt. Before we even made Hawkesbury River, the quiet-seekers were in dire fear of the world outside their carriage. It was just like Plato’s Theory of Forms. Inside was the apparent, concrete world of objects and senses, all of which were constantly changing and none of which were real (really real that is). Beyond was the unseen world, the world of the unseeable truth, full of mysterious shadowy forms and distant sounds wherein dwelt real unbendable concepts like fear, beauty, geometry and justice. “Something that can be grasped cannot be real,” whispered Thommo. “Shut up – don’t you know it’s a quiet carriage,” cried one of the quiet-keepers, upon which a great row broke out with shouting, swearing and snorting. Eventually we arrived at Woy Woy. The quietseekers refused to disembark, so afraid of the other world. Even when they were forced to leave, they yearned to be allowed to return to the quiet carriage where they could feel safe amidst their known objects and untroubled by the truth. Boof just shook his head a stroked the foxy. “I think I’ll bring my headphones next time Joffa.” Joffa

PAGE 34 20 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT

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Round 12 cricket matches poised for exciting finishes

Andy Ryan, Narara Wyoming

Round 12 of the Central Coast cricket competition kicked off on the weekend of December 14 – 15, with all games hanging in the balance after Day 1. At Col Gooley No. 1 Oval, Kincumber will have a big decision on their hands this weekend on how long to bat before declaring. After bowling Southern Spirit

Dan Heuston, Kincumber

out for 93, Kincumber posted a score of 5 for 216, with John McRae scoring 58 and Dylan Robertson 56 not out. With bonus points on the line, Captain Dan Heuston will need to figure out how many overs his bowlers will need to take 10 wickets. At Gavenlock oval, the scenario is very similar, with Narara Wyoming going into this

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weekend at 7-160, a lead of 88 over Wyong, who were dismissed for a dismal 72. Andy Ryan captured 4 for 43 for Narara Wyoming and then posted 46 to be unbeaten at the crease with skipper, James Smith. Mark McLachlan also posted 56 for Narara Wyoming. At Harry Moore Oval, the match between Northern power and Lisarow is poised for an exciting run chase. Lisarow dismissed Northern Power for 143 with Scott Burkinshaw taking 4 for 27 and Blair Lyndsay 3 for 25, but were themselves in trouble at stumps on Day 1, having lost their first three wickets for just 21. Mitchell Howard did the damage for Northern Power, with figures of 2 for 5 and all efforts will be focused this weekend on dismissing Magpies’ danger man, Ben Cohen. In the final game of the round, The Entrance will be trying to head into the Christmas break with a win over Warnervale. The Seagulls made a first innings total of 223 and had the Wildcats in a precarious position at 2 for 16 at the end of play on Day 1. The young and the old will continue proceedings with Joey Liddle and Scott Atkinson looking to get a big partnership early on to put pressure on The Entrance bowlers. First innings points are crucial here with the first grade table very even heading into Christmas. Coast Community News will bring you all the final results of Round 12 next Monday in our online weekend sports wrap “Around the Grounds” on www. coastcommunitynews.com.au Source: Central Coast Cricket Association Reporter: Ross Barry

Katie wins Girls Under 18’s Long Jump national medal Gosford Senior Athletics Club’s Katie Gunn and Annabelle Rodgers have returned from the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships with medals. Gunn won bronze in the Girls Under 18’s Long Jump, while Rodgers picked up gold in the Girls Under 18’s Para Shotput and silver in the Para Discus. Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, congratulated both junior athletes on their success. “Such a fantastic achievement for you both. “I'm sure everyone at Gosford Senior Athletics Club is proud of you for all of the hard work and effort you put in to compete at a national level,” Wicks said. Gunn was a recent recipient

of a Robertson Sporting Champions Grant and Wicks said it was great to see what young athletes in her area can achieve with financial support. “Katie was one of our Sporting Champions Grant recipients for 2019 and indicated she’d use her grant to help with costs

associated with competing at the national level. “Katie travelled all the way to Perth for this competition,” Wicks said. Source: Website, Dec 12 Lucy Wicks, MP for Robertson

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 011 046 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

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SPORT PAGE 35 20 DECEMBER 2019

Cacks and Dads Army find beach water polo glory

Women competitors at the Terrigal Beach water polo fours

The blue and yellow colours of Beach Water Polo Fours brightened up Terrigal Haven on Sunday, December 15, for their first tournament of the season. Fourteen teams from all around NSW were vying to be the champions of their respective divisions on a beautiful December day. The women dominated the

29 NOVEMBER 2019

ISSUE 221

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

Department of Planning criticised for lack of transparency

6 DECEMBER 2019

morning as they played against club mates, friends and team rivals, and then all sat down to lunch together afterwards. Favourites, The Lobsters, were unable to claw their way back to claim the championship trophy from The Cacks, who won the grand final in straight sets, 2-0. The Central Coast Lifeguards took a break from patrolling the beach to rally against some

ISSUE 222

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

Smoke, fire ... and now for summer

Business

13 DECEMBER 2019

With a growth of 101% for the 2018/19 financial year, Central Telecoms has made its debut on the CRN Fast50 (which is a listing for all tech companies, including Telcos), at number seven, making it the seventh fastest growing tech company in Australia as well as being the fastest growing Telco. Page 13

Editorial The Three Mile fire in full blaze Photo courtesy NSW Rural Fire Service

The proposed St Hilliers Mann St development

The Lederer Group’s proposed development on the former Kibbleplex site

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Sport

Rural Fire Service (RFS) firefighters will take advantage of cooler weather conditions over the next few days to conduct back burns in an effort to contain the Three Mile fire, ahead of another wave of heat expected from Sunday, December 15. An RFS spokesperson said on Thursday, December 12, that crews were collaborating with Lower Hunter firefighters on a huge back burn near Bucketty and Kulnura as they attempted to hold the blaze at bay. “Residents at the northern end of the Three Mile fire zone can expect to see a lot of smoke and fire in coming days, but this will be from the backburn,” the spokesperson said. Wednesday and Thursday this week saw fire activity ease across the entire fireground, following a horror day on Tuesday, when searing temperatures and strong winds saw homes in the Spencer and Mangrove Mountain areas under threat. “Our plan is to make the most of the favourable conditions while they last and strengthen those containment lines,” the RFS spokesperson said. “With active fire edges still having the potential to spread, we will be concentrating on safeguarding valuable assets.” The spokesperson said firefighters were exhausted, but motivated to protect life and property and to get the situation to a “manageable

The abandoned Little Tern chick in the care of ASRCC Photo: Australian Seabird Rescue Central Coast

The Little Tern is considered endangered in NSW and is particularly sensitive to human disturbance when breeding. They nest on the ground and have been severely impacted by the human takeover of

Business

Editorial The fire reached the Raines' Mangrove Mountain property but did not threaten their house. Photo: Elaine Raines

Extraordinary Council Meeting called over water restrictions Sport

ISSUE 223

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

Fire fighters brace for next heatwave Regional telecom provider, Central Telecoms, based at Erina, has been named Top Telco in Australia at the recent CRN Fast50, held in Sydney on November 21.

strong competition in the Mixed Social Competition. While some Cronulla girls Made it Over the Bridge for the mixed competition, they went back over the bridge trophyless, losing the grand final in a nail biting penalty shootout. Rio Olympian, Keesja Gofers, and 5 times NCAA champion, Michaela Rosenthal, proved too strong in the penalty shootout that lasted almost 10 minutes

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Central Coast Councillor Greg Best’s push for tighter water restrictions in the region escalated this week, with an Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held on December 16 to consider his rescission motion on the issue, which was deferred at the December 9 meeting until midFebruary.

Councillor Greg Best is pushing for tighter water restrictions

Cr Best has been advocating for months that the region should skip straight to Level 2 restrictions when Mangrove

Tascott high jumper and Sydney Uni Athletics star, Nicola McDermott, has capped off a stellar year by being named Sydney University’s Blue Athlete of 2019. See Page 37

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

20 DECEMBER 2019

ISSUE 224

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

A top temperature of 40 degrees was expected on December 19, ahead of a cooler change on December 20 and another scorcher on December 21. The Gospers Mountain fire was on Watch and Act alert and the Three Mile fire on Advice alert on Thursday morning, with those ratings likely to change as temperatures soar. Berejiklian said she had accepted the advice of Rural Fire Service Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons, in declaring the state emergency.

See page 8

Editorial

Photo: ABC Central Coast

Continued P3

News

The existing Gateway building would be redeveloped to form the base of one of three towers

Sport

Two teams of local ice skaters have competed for the Southern Sky synchronised skating group in the Australian Figure Skating Championships. See page 38

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

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Phone: 4325 7369

88 Mann St Gosford - PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 www.centralcoastnews.net - manager@centralcoastnews.net

and saw the Fours 6-8 team etched into the trophy. As the sun went behind the clouds, the men came out to play with 6 strong teams looking to establish themselves early. While the local team Master and Apprentices started out strong, it was the Drummoyne team 1-2 WP Academy and Dad’s Army, ably led by Daniel Doohan, that lined up for the

final game of the day. Local Jai McNamara claimed he was distracted momentarily by a large Bull Ray swimming beneath the field during the final, but in the dying seconds of the second set, Dad’s Army was able to put away a goal to win the inaugural Central Coast event. This is first time beach water polo fours has been played on the Central Coast and event

organiser, Scott Nicholson, himself a former National League player, said the event was well supported by Central Coast Council and the local water polo community, and they will be back next year. Source: Scott Nicholson, Beach Water Polo Fours Reporter: Ross Barry

PAGE 36 20 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT

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Central Coast Rugby League open to a combined competition with Newcastle in 2021

Central Coast Rugby League (CCRL) has confirmed that they remain open to discussions with Newcastle Rugby League about a combined competition in the future. In recent months, Newcastle Rugby League made an offer to two Central Coast clubs, Wyong and The Entrance, to join their competition in 2020. The Roos were part of the Newcastle League from 2003

to 2012, playing in two deciders and claiming the 2009 title. Both clubs rejected the offer as it only included their first grade teams. The Newcastle competition has eight clubs while the Central Coast competition has ten. CCRL President, Gerard Andrews, said both competitions suffered from an imbalance across teams, with a few very strong clubs and a

few very weak clubs. Andrews has left the door open for discussions about a possible merger with Newcastle in 2021 with a view to pitting the best teams on the Central Coast against the best teams in the Newcastle region. He was also open to extending any discussion to clubs on the Northern fringes of Sydney, such as Asquith. Newcastle Rugby League Chief Executive Officer, Matt

Harris, has previously said that potential changes to the current structure and format were up for discussion during 2020. One option is a revamp of the current representative fixtures, in which a CCRL regional representative team plays against a Newcastle representative team (the Newcastle Rebels) before the regular encounter with the Metropolitan Ron Massey side, a match from which the NSW Pioneers team is selected to

play the Queensland Rangers. Andrews also noted that while male participation in the CCRL was stagnating, female participation was growing strongly, especially in the tackle version of the women’s game. He said any aspirations for a combined competition would include male and female teams. Andrews also said that the Koori Cup, held on the Central

Coast this year, had a massive impact on the local rugby league scene. “The Koori Cup provided a huge boost to indigenous rugby league and culture, which has a long and proud history across the Central Coast as well as to the broader rugby league community.” Source: Gerard Andrews, Central Coast Rugby League Reporter: Ross Barry

Five locals named on the NSW Youth Pathway Cup 2020 team Several Central Coast lifesavers have been named on the NSW Youth Pathway Cup representative team. Wamberal’s Noah Nakagawa, Avoca’s Mia Cracknell and Natalia Drobot, and Terrigal’s Emelyn Wheeler and Aymn Hamilton, have all been named to the team, with Terrigal’s Rachelle King as Head Coach. The Youth Pathway Cup offers the best Under 14 and 15 athletes across beach and water disciplines the opportunity to compete at an elite level alongside the senior

NSW Interstate team. The 2020 event will be the third year that the Youth Pathway Cup has been run. Established to support the development of Australia’s brightest young athletes, it is a team orientated event where every race counts. “It really is a great pathway for our future state, national and international athletes,” said SLSNSW Director of Surf Sports, Don van Keimpema. “The event is in place to provide fundamental representative opportunities to young athletes already

FORT DENISON

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

20 FRI

27 FRI

FRI

10 FRI

0310 0.46 0942 1.87 1620 0.29 2217 1.37 0310 0.46 0942 1.87 1620 0.29 2217 1.37 0310 0.46 0942 1.87 1620 0.29 2217 1.37 0310 0.46 0942 1.87 1620 0.29 2217 1.37

21 SAT

28 SAT

SAT

11 SAT

0353 0.48 1025 1.89 1706 0.28 2306 1.36 0353 0.48 1025 1.89 1706 0.28 2306 1.36 0353 0.48 1025 1.89 1706 0.28 2306 1.36 0353 0.48 1025 1.89 1706 0.28 2306 1.36

22 SUN

29 SUN

SUN

12 SUN

0440 0.50 1111 1.89 1755 0.28 2358 1.34 0440 0.50 1111 1.89 1755 0.28 2358 1.34 0440 0.50 1111 1.89 1755 0.28 2358 1.34 0440 0.50 1111 1.89 1755 0.28 2358 1.34

demonstrating talent in surf sports,” he added. Each state fields a team. Squads consist of five male and five female athletes in each age group who are selected for their versatility and results over the last season. King said selecting the NSW team was a tough process. “Last weekend’s Interbranch Championships at Bulli provided the opportunity for the athletes to state their case for selection. “We’re lucky to have such a strong pool to pick from and are very happy with the squad

we’ve chosen for January’s event,” she said. The NSW Youth Pathway Cup team will go into camp from January 22, with the competition to be held on January 24, alongside the Interstate Championships at Alexandra Headland, QLD. The NSW team is undefeated in the Cup and will be looking to retain that title come the new year. Source: Media release, Dec 12 SLS NSW Media Noah Nakagawa is one of five locals on the NSW Youth Pathway Cup 2020 team

TIDE CHART

0530 0.53 1200 1.85 MON 1846 0.31

TUE

0530 0.53 1200 1.85 MON 1846 0.31

TUE

0530 0.53 1200 1.85 MON 1846 0.31

TUE

0052 1.33 0626 0.57 1252 1.78 1941 0.34 0052 1.33 0626 0.57 1252 1.78 1941 0.34 0052 1.33 0626 0.57 1252 1.78 1941 0.34 0052 1.33 0626 0.57 1252 1.78 1941 0.34

25 WED

WED

15 WED

0151 1.34 0727 0.60 1348 1.70 2038 0.36 0151 1.34 0727 0.60 1348 1.70 2038 0.36 0151 1.34 0727 0.60 1348 1.70 2038 0.36 0151 1.34 0727 0.60 1348 1.70 2038 0.36

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

26 THU

THU

16 THU

0254 1.37 0834 0.62 1450 1.61 2134 0.38 0254 1.37 0834 0.62 1450 1.61 2134 0.38 0254 1.37 0834 0.62 1450 1.61 2134 0.38 0254 1.37 0834 0.62 1450 1.61 2134 0.38

APPROX. TIME LAG AFTER FORT DENISON Ettalong 40 min, Rip Bridge 2hrs - Wisemans Ferry 2 hrs 30 min, Koolewong 2 hrs 10 min In view of the variations caused by local conditions and meteorological effects, these times are approximate and must be considered as a guide only. They are not to be relied on for critical depth calculations for safe navigation. Actual times of High and Low Water may occur before or after the times indicated

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SPORT PAGE 37 20 DECEMBER 2019

Locals win Fiji Tennis Cup Three Central Coast tennis prospects featured in the second Ultimate Fiji Tennis Cup. Joel Fell, Caleb Familton and Dayne King competed in the four-day competition as part of a five-player Australian team which took on 10 Fijian prospects in the towns of Nadi, Lautoka and Denarau Island. The Australians, who are all students of the Central Coast Sports College at Kariong, ran out winners of the competition, which featured a two-day round robin tournament, a knockout tournament and a Davis Cup-style teams event. College Tennis Coach, Steven Hamburger, led the Australian team at the tournament. Hamburger said it was a great event which exposed his players to some unique playing conditions. “It has been an awesome tour with different Fijian players coming in each day to give our boys some good competition,”

Joel Fell, Caleb Familton and Dayne King with Australian teammates and the Fijian team

he said. Despite being a whirlwind experience, Hamburger said the Cup was not without its challenges. “The boys struggled with the

heat. “They got better as the week went on, but after the warm up on the first day, they were gone. “They are used to playing in hot conditions in Australia, but

it is nothing like the humidity of Fiji,” he said. Fiji team coach, Krishneel Kumar, said the competition was a terrific development opportunity for aspiring Fijian

Gosford junior tennis players shine in national tournament

Two local junior tennis stars, Shannon Spencer and Toby Eyrl-Collins, competed in the National Junior Tennis tournament in Melbourne this week. Spencer qualified for the event by winning the Rod Laver Junior Championships U16 event in Queensland earlier this year. In a very tough first round match against the very experienced and strong shotmaker, Ashleigh Simes, Spencer played some incredible

tennis but unfortunately was defeated 6-3, 6-3. Eyrl-Collins, ranked 916 in Australia, made it through to the quarter finals after defeating Steven Klasan in Round 1 (6-4, 6-4), and Shun Nagata, an international player from Japan and 9th seed in the competition, in Round 2 (7-5, 3-6, 7-6). In Round 3, Toby defeated Rishi Makesar, winning 6-4, 6-3. In the quarter finals, he finally met his match in another rising

Japanese star, Jin Furuta, who went on to be runner-up in the tournament. Furuta beat Eyrl-Collins 6-1, 6-3. The tournament was an excellent example of how much Eyrl-Collins has grown as a player showing great maturity and digging deep when behind on the score board.

tennis players. “The benefit of this tournament for our Fijian players is that it gives us a different level of competition that we don’t usually get in

Toby Eyrl-Collins

Source: Media release, Dec 18 Dylan Arvela, Ultimate Fiji

Waratahs come to Avoca The NSW Waratahs are coming to Avoca.

Source: Gosford Tennis Club Reporter: Ross Barry

Fiji,” he explained. “It costs a lot of money to travel to Australia and get that exposure, so we are very lucky to have Australian players coming here to help us develop our game. “The Ultimate Fiji Tennis Cup has a lot of potential. “Last year we had only six Fijian players, now we have 10, and I am hoping to have around 20 next year,” he said. Ultimate Fiji Tennis Cup Director, Bruce Tilt, hailed the tournament a success and thanked Tennis Fiji for supporting the competition. “It was great to see the progression of the competition from 2018 to 2019,” Tilt said. “We really want to give Fijian and Australian players the opportunity to play against different opposition which I believe will help each individual improve as a player,” he said.

The Waratahs will be training at Heazlett Park on Friday, December 20, in preparation for the upcoming Super Rugby season starting in February. Community members can watch the session with an allotted time for autographs

and a team activity which will also be open to the public for player interactions. The training session will kick off from 10:30am with the team activity set to start from 1:30pm. Source: Email, Dec 16 Luke Mack, NSW Rugby Union

PAGE 38 20 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT

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Ice Skaters in sync despite loss of Erina rink Two teams of local ice skaters have competed for the Southern Sky synchronised skating group in the Australian Figure Skating Championships. One adult team and one mixed age team, comprising mostly children 12 to 16 years of age, travelled to Melbourne for the four days, two days of training and two days of competition. The championships are the final event of three competitions that began in September. The Southern Sky skaters have continued to train and compete despite the closure of the Erina Ice Rink in August. The closure of the ice rink

caused many skaters to quit the sport and in particular, individual competition. Southern Sky however, was able to support a dozen young skaters to continue with synchronised skating, in which up to 16 skaters take to the ice together to create different shapes and formations, similar to synchronised swimming. Coach Christine Leghorn said her mixed age team began practicing in February, but after the Erina rink closed, they made the decision to travel all the way to Penrith Ice Rink once a week to practice. “It has required a big commitment from the kids and their parents and meant a lot of car pooling.

“We are so proud of what the girls have been able to achieve this year, especially with the technically more difficult routine. “The lack of ice to practice on led to a drop in confidence going into the last competition, however they fought hard to perform well,” Leghorn said. Three skaters from the group, Matilda Ralph, Elicia Ferguson and Christine Leghorn, will now travel to Croatia in January to compete in the Zagreb Snowflake Trophy, while one skater, Ashbyi Taylor, has just returned after competing in the Lumiere Cup in the Netherlands. Source: Christine Leghorn, Southern Sky Reporter: Ross Barry

Southern Sky synchronised ice skaters

Four Central Coast boys selected in NSW U18 indoor hockey teams The U18 indoor State Hockey Titles were played in Goulburn on December 1, with the Central Coast Hockey Association (CCHA) boys finishing 3rd in Division 1. The team had a strong start to the Championships with a 6-3 win against Parkes and a 5-2 win in the F3 derby against Newcastle. Day 2 saw another 8-2 win against Tamworth before the battle for top spot in the pool against Hockey New England. In a tight tussle, New England got the early jump scoring in the 1st quarter before the Central Coast managed to equalise in the 3rd quarter. A back and forth encounter ensued before New England scored from a short corner after the fulltime siren and claimed top spot in the pool.

Big year for cycling star Lincoln Hey Forresters Beach local and cycling star on the rise, Lincoln Hey, is winding down after a massive few months of competition.

In the semi final, the CCHA boys couldn’t get into their usual rhythm and Illawarra jumped out to a 5-0 lead heading into the final quarter. CCHA mounted a late comeback in the final quarter with 2 quick goals, but were unable to claw the lead back with the final score remaining 5-2. The team finished in the same position as 2018, maintaining their position in Division 1. Following the State Titles,

Kael Webster was selected in the NSW U18 Men State Indoor Team, while Joel Tweedy, Michael Taylor and Zane Drennan were all selected for the NSW U18 Men Blues Indoor Team, with both teams to play in the Australian Indoor Hockey Festival in Wollongong from January 13 - 16. Source: Central Coast Hockey Association NSW Hockey website Reporter: Ross Barry

Hey, who rides for Central Coast Cycling Club, was a part of the Rauland NSW Development Team that debuted at the UNCI junior Nations Cup Tour de DMZ in Korea in September which placed fifth. It was a phenomenal result for the elite squad of NSW riders, who were up against some of the world’s most promising young cyclists with the added nerves of representing Australia for the first time in the competition. Building momentum, Hey backed up his stint abroad with his maiden win at Heffron Park Criterium Cycle Track in

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Lincoln Hey crossing the finish line at Heffron Park

October, before taking out a slew of medals during the Clarence Street Cyclery Cup in November. Hey competed in the Elimination, Madison and Omnium Championships during the Cup and medalled in all three, taking gold in the Madison, silver in the Elimination and bronze in the Omnium.

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He was also a finalist in this year’s Sport Central Coast Awards for Junior Sportsperson of the Year Source: Websites, Sep 5-Dec 13 Cycling NSW Sport Central Coast Central Coast Cycling Club Lincoln Hey Cyclist-Official Facebook page Reporter: Dilon Luke

Brave Mariners go down 0-1 to Sydney FC

Danny de Silva on the attack for the Mariners

The Central Coast Mariners suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to A-League leaders, Sydney FC on Saturday, December 14. Mariners’ Coach, Alen Stajcic, made three changes going into the match, with Eunsun Kim captaining the side in place of Tommy Oar, and top scorer, Milan Ðurić, returning after two weeks on the bench. New signing Jair also made his full debut for the Yellow and Navy in place of Matt Simon. The Mariners enjoyed a lot of possession early but were brought undone by a cross from Sydney’s Rhyan Grant that found Kosta Barbarouses with time and space to finish. The strike by Barbarouses turned out to be the difference. The Mariners lifted but were denied repeated scoring attempts by Sydney keeper, Andrew Redmayne, including an acrobatic display to keep

out a rising volley from Danny DeSilva on the edge of the area. Debutant Jair looked lively and had several good touches as he settled in to his first start with the club. Moments before half time, an intercept by Giancarlo Gallifuoco provided an opportunity for Sammy Silvera to cross to Jair in the box, but his strike flew agonisingly wide of the post. The second half saw a strong surge by the Mariners. Milan Ðurić had an opportunity to level from a free kick outside the area, but his dipping effort was smothered by Redmayne; denying the Serbian his fourth goal of the season. Stajcic brought youngster Dylan Ruiz-Diaz into the game along with Matt Simon after 72 minutes, as the Mariners continued to push for an equaliser, but the hosts kept them at bay to eventually secure the win.

Ziggy Gordon

Despite a brave effort, the Mariners now find themselves at the bottom of the A-League ladder, a position they occupied at the end of last season and one they will be intent on improving upon when they face Adelaide on December 22 at Central Coast Stadium. In other news, the Mariners have launched an appeal for former Mariner Andre Gumprecht, whose wife was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma Cancer, to support the family with medical costs. Gumprecht made 63 appearances for the club over four seasons. The Mariners have also advised that kids can attend free the two upcoming Mariners home games against Adelaide and the traditional New Year’s Eve fixture against Perth Glory. Source: Central Coast Mariners website Reporter: Ross Barry

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