Issue 225 of COAST Community News by Central Coast Newspapers

17 JANUARY 2020

ISSUE 225

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

Let’s get down to business: Mayor Following a “roller coaster ride” during her first four months in the top job, Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews, is determined to get down to business in 2020, leading up to the September local government elections. With her top priorities including attacking parking problems in the region’s town centres and exploring every avenue she can to secure State and Federal Government funding, Cr Matthews is determined to run a tight ship and will brook no political grandstanding in Chambers. “The last four months have been fast and furious, scary but exciting, and I’m looking forward to the coming year,” she said in an exclusive interview with Central Coast Newspapers. “One of my top priorities will be looking at parking around the region. “Parking is becoming a real problem in many of our town centres, and we have lots of parcels of land which could be used for more shops and parking. “Another top priority will be exploring employment generation opportunities,

Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews

especially for our youth.” Still seething over the announcement that the State Government will introduce a Local Planning Panel for the region early in the year, Cr Matthews is determined to make the best of a bad situation. “We are elected councillors and are here to represent the community and that is being taken away from us, that’s how we feel,“ she said. “But we have to work with what we are given.

“I want to see a list of who will be on this panel and we will work with them, as our community will suffer if we don’t get this right. “Having said that, the State Government does fund some good projects on the Coast, including roads and various centres, but we have to keep fighting to secure more money. “We need to keep putting our hand up at every opportunity. “The government put us together as a region and now it

needs to help maintain that.” Cr Matthews said she was keen to work with newly appointed Parliamentary Secretary for the Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch. “I am happy to see the Coast once more have a parliamentary secretary but he needs to make sure he works with the whole of the Coast,” she said. Cr Matthews said water management would be another key issue.

Despite some predictions of excessive water use by holidaymakers over the Christmas-New Year period, she said dam levels had dropped by only one per cent over that time. “We will be going to Level 1 water restrictions possibly by the end of the month or early February,” she said. “But I’ve been out and about a lot and I don’t see people doing the wrong thing. “We are lucky in that we’ve had a little bit of rain which has helped, but our community has been doing the right thing. “We’ve also invested heavily in infrastructure around our water supply system and we are doing well.” Cr Matthews said workshops to be held on Council’s finances in February were sure to be productive. “There will be two days of intense learning opportunities,” she said. “We councillors will be able to put up what we think needs to happen and then tic-tac with staff. “Priorities have doubled since Wyong and Gosford Councils merged. Continued P4

Time to rebuild Areas of the Central Coast are already starting to regenerate, with the Gospers Mountain and Three Mile fires now being reported as being under control by the RFS. A fire which caused some concern on New Year’s Eve in Arizona Rd, Charmhaven, was also controlled quickly. The Coast fared better than many other areas of the state in the face of the bush fires which posed a huge threat in December. Despite some close calls, no lives or property were lost in the at-risk areas around Spencer and Gunderman. Spencer resident Robyn Downham said there was extreme gratitude in the community for the hard work of

Areas of Kulnura are already starting to regenerate Picture Ken Grose

firefighters, along with a lingering feeling of caution. “We aren’t out of the woods yet and have been told to remain vigilant,” she said. Downham said residents had been relieved when Wisemans

Ferry Rd was reopened prior to Christmas. Regeneration is already being witnessed in some of the region’s outlying areas and the Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park at Calga has retrieved

approximately 300 animals from temporary accommodation and is once again open for business. Although a period of lower temperatures is providing some relief, residents are

$1M fire grant

Bushfire-hit communities on the Central Coast will see vital infrastructure repaired sooner with a $1M Federal grant to Central Coast Council. See page 6

New coastal pride centre

The push towards a more inclusive, LGBTIQ friendly Central Coast gained a little more traction earlier this month with the opening of the Central Coast Pride Centre in Gosford. See page 22

Year in review JANUARY 17, 2019

YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

PH: 4325 7369

Excessively non complying Terrigal development rejected

urged to stay alert and continue to monitor the RFS app Fires Near Me. Meanwhile, as fires continue to burn in other parts of the country, debate rages over the causes of the bush fire outbreak and what steps should be taken to prevent a recurrence. Arson has been blamed, with the NSW Police Force having taken legal action against more than 180 people for bushfire related offences since late last year. These include the deliberate lighting of bush fires, failure to comply with a total fire ban and discarding a lighted cigarette or match on land. Climate change is considered by many to be the culprit, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison

he public exhibition period for the revised Draft Development Control Plan Chapter relating to Tree and Vegetation Management has been extended by Central Coast Council to January 28.

entral Coast Mayor, Jane Smith, has stressed the need for Council to enforce its own planning controls, after an application for a shop top housing development at 5-7 Church St, Terrigal, was refused at the final Council meeting for 2018.

Smith moved for refusal of the application, which would have comprised two groundfloor shops, 12 residential units and 23 onsite carparking spaces, against the advice of Council staff, making special mention of its level of non-compliance. She said the development exceeded the number of storeys by 25 per cent, had no setback to Hudson La, and no communal space had been provided. Smith said members of the community spent a lot of time and effort contributing to the development of local environment plans and development control plans with the expectation they would be enforced. “Both the former Gosford and Wyong Councils had a reputation for not enforcing their own planning controls,” she said. “So I had hoped that as a new Council, we could provide certainty to our community and to developers by adopting a more reflective decision making process.” Smith said previous ICAC reports showed problems were created when councils didn’t enforce their planning controls.

The subject land

A report from Council’s Environment and Planning Directorate had recommended that Council grant conditional consent to the proposal, but in a narrow vote, Councillors voted, seven to six, to refuse consent for the $10.7M development in the B2 Local Centre zone. “The development, as it currently stands, has significant non-compliance with the Development Control Plan (DCP),” Smith said. “To approve this development when there is such noncompliance with the DCP would create an expectation for similar concessions. “Although the DCP perhaps doesn’t have the strength of a Local Environment Plan, and one non-compliance may be considered acceptable, to have so many non-compliances

sets a poor precedent for future development in Terrigal CBD.” Clr Kyle MacGregor, who seconded the motion, said: “The most important issue we are dealing with here is what is the point of having planning controls if people won’t comply with them? “I believe we should be getting people to do their best to comply. “In the event there is massive variation and they are unable to comply. then I think we’ve got to have a pretty stringent look at that and really go over the detail of it. and try and find a better outcome for the community.” The refusal was based on three points, with the resolution saying that: “The development is not in the public interest as it will create an expectation

that similar non-compliance with Council’s planning controls is acceptable; the development exceeds the number of storeys by 25 per cent; the external wall height is a 23.55 per cent variation; maximum width of enclosed floor space at the fifth level has exceedance of between 10 and 26 per cent; no setback to Hudson La, representing 100 per cent variation; no communal space is provided, representing 100 per cent variation; no deep soil zones are provided, representing 100 per cent variation; and, no side boundary setbacks for visual privacy, representing 100 per cent variation. Source: Agenda item 3.1, Dec 10 Central Coast Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

ISSUE 199

Public exhibition of draft Tree and Vegetation Management policy extended

This extension, based on community feedback, will provide residents with additional time to lodge a submission on the important harmonisation of tree and vegetation management works policies across the Central Coast. If adopted following exhibition, the existing Wyong and Gosford Development Control Plans (DCP) would be amended to include the revised Chapter providing the community with a consistent policy until such time as Council adopts a Consolidated DCP. Council’s revised policy relates to urban and environmental zoned lands, and requires a land owner to obtain a permit before the pruning or removal of any tree or any vegetation located greater than three metres from a house or other approved building, where the proposed pruning or tree removal is not covered by a set of nominated exemptions. Council may also issue permits for minor clearing of land not associated with new development, and where the clearing does not exceed the specified threshold. This revised policy accords with recent NSW Government Land Management and Biodiversity Conservation

reforms and will provide greater clarity for residents. The Community Environment Network (CEN) has asked its members to make submissions to “help save the trees in the back yards of the Central Coast”. “If the draft Chapter is not amended, trees will be lost unnecessarily,” a CEN direct mailout to members said. “The draft Chapter generally requires landowners to obtain a permit from Council to remove or prune a tree, but the draft also describes exemptions to avoid having to obtain a Council permit. “Under the proposed Chapter, trees may be removed without a permit if ‘evidence’ is provided by an arborist with Trade (AQF3) qualifications that they are dead or pose a risk to persons or property, and are not required as habitat for native fauna. “AQF3 training does not cover tree species, diseases, assessment or reporting. “Most tree-removers hold AQF3 qualifications. “Since tree-removers are paid to remove trees, they have a clear conflict of interest if they are authorised to condemn trees. “In addition, Council should recognise the value of nonnative trees. “In some areas, maples, jacarandas and other large exotics provide the only canopy. These should be retained while more natives are introduced.” Source: Media release, Nov 27 Central Coast Council media Email, Dec 2 Community Environment Network

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

As the Coast launches into a new year, we thought it would be timely to revisit the major news stories of 2019. See page 12

Woy Woy Philosophy Society P33

Continued P4

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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17 JANUARY 2020

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6 DECEMBER 2019

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 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

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.

“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

CCN

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.

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

17 JANUARY 2020

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

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.

See page 8

Editorial

Continued P3

Opposition leader calls for Army to support Firies See page 4

54 dwelling complex approved after years of delays A

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

$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

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS

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

Central Coast Council voted at its December 9 meeting to ask Member for Terrigal Mr Adam Crouch, whether part or all of the $1.45 million in funding left over from dredging Ettalong Channel could be diverted to fund dredging of The Entrance channel. However, Peninsula Waterways Committee chairman Mr Mike Allsop has rejected the idea. “This is contrary to the terms of the State funding agreement used to rectify the channel recently, and risks co-operation with the State in future,” he said. “I agree that urgent action is required at The Entrance, that in itself is a disgrace. “But it should not be done with money taken from the ongoing maintenance and dredging of Ettalong channel.” Last month, Mr Crouch announced that the current sixmonth program of dredging at Ettalong was “complete” but said repeated dredging was needed to keep it safe and accessible to recreational and commercial vessels.

The dredge at Ettalong Channel

He said the NSW Government and Central Coast Council had each committed $1.225 million in 2018 as part of Phase 5 of the Rescuing Our Waterways Program. “Central Coast Council will now continue to monitor the condition of Ettalong Channel and undertake further dredging, using $1.45 million in remaining funds under

this Rescuing Our Waterways partnership,” Mr Crouch said last month. “We know there is no such thing as a one-off fix. “Council has a long-term dredging strategy for this local waterway and I encourage them to ensure it remains in an appropriate condition,” Mr Crouch said. Cr Chris Holstein said further

Let’s get down to business: Mayor

dredging would be council-funded in accordance with the last joint agreement. “Beyond that expectation, we are back to the same debate, which will only come to a head depending on access (sand build up),” he said. “I still hope Government or Opposition will commit to an ongoing program funded through

the money raised by government in mooring fees, boat licences and registrations,” Cr Holstein said. Mr Allsop said the Committee believed two primary issues remained. “Firstly, while the main problem at Little Box Head was resolved, the channel itself around Lobster Beach is still too narrow with tight turns making it difficult for vessels to pass in opposite directions. “This needs to be widened a bit further toward the west and the red markers moved accordingly to allow safe passage, especially under a running tide. “Secondly, we have had no indication from Council as to what maintenance arrangements, or emergency works, will apply to the channel and how they will be funded and resourced. “There has been stark silence on this.” Mr Allsop said the community would be in an uproar if there was a repeat of the 2018 “debacle”. SOURCE: Central Coast Council agenda 8.3, 9 Dec 2019 Media statement, 16 Dec 2019 Mike Allsop, Peninsula Waterways Committee Media statement, 17 Dec 2019 Chris Hostein, Central Coast Council

Nine flats approved without debate A proposal for nine residential flats at Woy Woy was approved by Central Coast Council without debate despite it being a non-complying development under planning regulations. There was a crowd of people in the gallery opposing the development. Mr Trevor Walker spoke on their behalf in the Public Forum before the meeting. Property owner, S Gardner, proposed to build nine units at 145 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy, at an estimated value of $1.074 million. The three-storey building would comprise five one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units and 13 car parking spaces. Council staff reported the development was permissible in the R1 general residential zone under the Gosford Local Environmental Plan, but acknowledged that the proposal was non-compliant. It had an inadequate floor space ratio, which equated to a 9.8 per cent variation, and the required setbacks could not be achieved because the block was only 12 metres wide. At 743 square metres, the block was smaller than the required 750

square metres for a residential flat building under the planning provisions. There were 26 submissions objecting to the proposal, mainly because it was non-compliant on several counts under both the LEP and the Gosford Development Control Plan (DCP) 2013. Council’s own report from the Environment and Planning department stated the development was non-compliant on several issues. Mr Walker said in Public Forum at Council’s December 9 meeting that there was a simple reason this development was non-compliant – the block is too small for the building proposed. “None of the required set backs are adhered to,” he said. “The proposed development is not in keeping with the surrounding area which are mainly single storey villas,” he said. “The shading effect on St Luke’s Anglican Church will have major impact, particularly in winter.” Mr Walker said the reduction of natural light within the church would adversely affect the internal viewing of the newly-installed, faceted, coloured glass windows – “of which much was made in the media during the opening day”.

He said he thought the shadowing from the proposal would restrict the effectiveness of any future solar panel installation at the church and would cause higher heating costs. “We’re also worried about the general impact on the Memorial Garden area,” Mr Walker said. “The many additional vehicles that will now be required to use the deteriorating laneway and the intersection on Victoria Rd will create a major ingress and egress problem - to say nothing of parking issues. “The development doesn’t have the required number of parking spaces and there’s the potential for 18 to 20 cars looking for somewhere to park. “There is no room for parking in the laneway behind or on Blackwall Rd,” he said. “This small block of land originally housed two people and this proposal is for 18 people which is an 800 percent increase in population. “Nearby existing developments have only increased by 200 to 300 percent. “If this and future developments are allowed, the village charm of Woy Woy and the Peninsula will disappear forever, and the

ISSUE 225

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

23 DECEMBER 2019

Proposal to divert dredging funds

The surprise move, announced on December 19, follows the axing in March of Parliamentary Secretaries

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.

EDITION 485

Funds earmarked for dredging the Ettalong channel could be diverted to dredge The Entrance Channel.

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

Photo: ABC Central Coast

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

News

infrastructure, which is already stretched to its limits, will fail completely.” Mr Walker urged councillors to view the property personally so they could understand why the residents thought this development was so inappropriate. In the event, the proposal was approved without debate together with a number of other planning proposals recommended by council staff. The council staff report stated that non-compliance to the minimum setback standards was offset by the building design having “architectural interest”. The proposal had only eight percent open space, compared a recommendation of 25 percent under the Apartment Design Guide. The report said that the variation was compensated by adequate boundary landscaping, with each unit having a larger than required balcony, and public recreational space was about 550m away on the Brisbane Water foreshore. Car parking fell short of the required number by one space, according to the report. The report said there was no significant impact with overshadowing of neighbouring

properties, given the church was a non-residential use and no detailed controls specifically applied. Staff believed there was “a reasonable amount of solar access” to the communal open spaces and to the interiors of the church which was deemed to be appropriate for a non-residential property. Their report defended the bulk and scale of the development, which was not considered to adversely affect the scenic quality of the area and the landscaping at the development improved on that. It said the area was undergoing a transition from primarily singlestorey detached dwellings and villas to residential units and a variety of building heights. There was already a significant number of two and three storey multi unit housing development in the immediate locality, the report said. Council’s traffic engineer reported that no significant change in traffic was anticipated and the Roads and Maritime Service had not raised any objections. SOURCE: Central Coast Council agenda 3.2, 9 Dec 2019

Following a “roller coaster ride” during her first four months in the top job, Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews, is determined to get down to business in 2020, leading up to the September local government elections. With her top priorities including attacking parking problems in the region’s town centres and exploring every avenue she can to secure State and Federal Government funding, Cr Matthews is determined to run a tight ship and will brook no political grandstanding in Chambers. “The last four months have been fast and furious, scary but exciting, and I’m looking forward to the coming year,” she said in an exclusive interview with Central Coast Newspapers. “One of my top priorities will be looking at parking around the region. “Parking is becoming a real problem in many of our town centres, and we have lots of parcels of land which could be used for more shops and parking. “Another top priority will be exploring employment generation opportunities,

Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews

Areas of Kulnura are already starting to regenerate Picture Ken Grose

firefighters, along with a lingering feeling of caution. “We aren’t out of the woods yet and have been told to remain vigilant,” she said. Downham said residents had been relieved when Wisemans

Ferry Rd was reopened prior to Christmas. Regeneration is already being witnessed in some of the region’s outlying areas and the Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park at Calga has retrieved

approximately 300 animals from temporary accommodation and is once again open for business. Although a period of lower temperatures is providing some relief, residents are

$1M fire grant

Bushfire-hit communities on the Central Coast will see vital infrastructure repaired sooner with a $1M Federal grant to Central Coast Council. See page 6

New coastal pride centre

The push towards a more inclusive, LGBTIQ friendly Central Coast gained a little more traction earlier this month with the opening of the Central Coast Pride Centre in Gosford. See page 22

Year in review JANUARY 17, 2019

YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

ISSUE 199

Public exhibition of draft Tree and Vegetation Management policy extended

he public exhibition reforms and will provide period for the greater clarity for residents. revised Draft The Community Environment Development Control Network (CEN) has asked Plan Chapter relating its members to make submissions to “help save the to Tree and Vegetation trees in the back yards of the Management has been Central Coast”. extended by Central “If the draft Chapter is not Coast Council to January amended, trees will be lost 28. unnecessarily,” a CEN direct

The subject land

mailout to members said. “The draft Chapter generally requires landowners to obtain a permit from Council to remove or prune a tree, but the draft also describes exemptions to avoid having to obtain a Council permit. “Under the proposed Chapter, trees may be removed without a permit if ‘evidence’ is provided by an arborist with Trade (AQF3) qualifications that they are dead or pose a risk to persons or property, and are not required as habitat for native fauna. “AQF3 training does not cover tree species, diseases, assessment or reporting. “Most tree-removers hold AQF3 qualifications. “Since tree-removers are paid to remove trees, they have a clear conflict of interest if they are authorised to condemn trees. “In addition, Council should recognise the value of nonnative trees. “In some areas, maples, jacarandas and other large exotics provide the only canopy. These should be retained while more natives are introduced.” Source: Media release, Nov 27 Central Coast Council media Email, Dec 2 Community Environment Network

As the Coast launches into a new year, we thought it would be timely to revisit the major news stories of 2019. See page 12

Woy Woy Philosophy Society P33

Continued P4

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Excessively non complying Terrigal development rejected

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2019 OFFICIAL

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NEWS

PAGE 3

17 JANUARY 2020

Action Group opposes 200 manufactured home development Kincumber and Picketts Valley Community Action Group is ramping up its opposition to an over 50s manufactured home resort and caravan park proposed for the site of the former Bangaloe Stud at Avoca, following lodging of a Development Application (DA) with Central Coast Council in December. The $19.7M project would see 202 manufactured homes constructed on the 24.12ha site, along with short-term caravan sites and various community buildings and amenities. These would include a sales centre, a clubhouse, an indoor swimming pool, a tennis court, bowling and putting greens, a yoga deck and community gardens. Choice Living Avoca Developments says the project is consistent with government and industry research identifying a need for a greater housing choice to meet the needs of a growing aged population in the area. It has been designed, the developer says in documents accompanying the DA, to complement the surrounding

area, and has been modelled on an “understated yet contemporary design” respecting the rural residential/ environmental living setting. “The variety of built forms has been carefully considered to allow the entire development to engage with the existing site conditions, building into, onto, and over land features to allow ease of access around the site while working with the existing lay of the land where possible,” a Statement of Environmental Effects says. There will be a range of dwelling styles catering to different buyer requirements and providing a varied streetscape, with the manufactured homes to feature high quality materials selected for “durability, low maintenance and compatibility with the site’s natural features”. But Action Group spokesperson, Graham Murray, says the surrounding area is characterised by rural and semi-rural holdings which form “part of a green tree dominated hinterland that typifies and gives the area its unique quality”. The site also plays an important role in the ecology of the Avoca lagoon catchment,

An artist’s impression of how the development’s clubhouse would look

he said. “Amongst the major concerns (are that) the submission does little to address and explain how developments of this scale are going to contribute to already straining nearby road networks, with traffic delays on Avoca Dr and Scenic Hwy already an everyday commonplace,” he said. “A busy and local crowded shopping centre at Kincumber struggles to provide adequate parking now, let alone with the size of the development adding further to this problem.”

Murray said there were also concerns over access via the residential Picketts Valley Rd and through a recognised green corridor linking Kincumba Mountain reserve to Avoca Lagoon and Bouddi National Park. “Concerns are not just about traffic congestion and notorious black spots, but also for the local fauna that transits through the valley via this corridor, some species of which are listed as ‘vulnerable’ to extinction,” he said. “Some 491 mature trees are

to be removed from the site under the proposal, exposing the development visually to the surrounding residents.” The group has started a change.org petition to Central Coast Council protesting “massive over-development on the Central Coast”. “The surrounding area is already glutted with these types of high-density housing and we don’t need anymore,” the group’s Facebook page says. “The DA needs to be rejected in all forms as it is not in keeping with the Environmental Living (E4) zoning and rural character of this beautiful area. “Although the DA status is currently ‘invalid’, we believe this is just a matter of time until the developers, who are based interstate, finalise their proposal. “Construction plans include building a new 8m wide road through bushland to allow heavy construction (12.5m long) and service vehicles to access the building site via Picketts Valley Rd. “This will create dust, noise and impede traffic flow in the whole area. “This is particularly

concerning for the already struggling Avoca Dr, which will be the permanent entrance. “This mostly untouched rural land forms part of a proven wildlife corridor for the threatened yellow-bellied glider and is a safe refuge for numerous ecological flora and fauna communities. “This mass development will impact the Avoca Lagoon Catchment area because of runoff, thus changing the lagoon’s ecology. “Such a huge development is indicative of the slow creep and the eventual changing of this semi-rural area forever, to become just another built-up suburb with traffic jams, highdensity housing and concrete. “We are not opposed to sensible, sustainable development on the Central Coast but we strongly believe this proposal to be neither environmentally sustainable nor in any way suitable for a small semi-rural community.” Source: Media release, Dec 24 Graham Murray Kincumber and Picketts Valley Community Action Group Facebook page, Jan 12 Central Coast Council DA tracker, Jan 14

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17 JANUARY 2020

NEWS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Time to rebuild

Let’s get down to business From P1 From P1 “We will be thinking about what the community needs, our top priorities and what we can afford.” Cr Matthews, who censured her fellow councillors late last year for inappropriate conduct in Council Chambers, said she was “not going to take any nonsense” this year, with political grandstanding likely to be an issue leading up to the September elections. “We all know games will be played coming up to the election and I’m not going to stand for it,” she said.

“I’ll be using the rules at my disposal to get the business done. “We have to make good sound decisions. “We have to get it right and I will continue to call out inappropriate behavior.” Having said that, Cr Matthews said she believed many decisions had been made in Chambers where councillors had deviated from party lines in casting their votes. “I believe you have to look at what is before you and make your own decision in the best interests of the community,” she said.

“That’s certainly what I’ll be doing.” Cr Matthews said she believed many residents were still struggling with the geography of the existing wards. “I think it’s very confusing. “The wards aren’t evenly distributed and don’t make a lot of sense,” she said. “The matter is certainly worth a discussion in the next term of Council.” Source: Interview, Jan 14 Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews Reporter: Terry Collins

admitting that it was a contributing factor after weeks’ of deflecting discussion around it. Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, a coalition of 30 former fire and emergency chiefs from every state and territory, has called on the Federal Government to urgently address climate change, with former NSW Fire and Rescue Commissioner, Greg Mullins, saying the “unprecedented” bush fire season had been “aggravated by climate change driven by the burning of coal, oil and gas”. The Prime Minister has

mooted a Royal Commission into the fires, with a number of agencies supporting the move, including the Fire Brigade Employees’ Union (NSW), the Public Service Association of NSW, and NSW Volunteer Fire Fighters Association. NSW Labor Leader, Jodi McKay, has thrown her support behind a public Inquiry, but only if it is led by NSW. She said such an inquiry would have to be open and transparent, open for public submissions and conducted by experts, “not on behalf of politicians”. But the United Firefighters Union of Australia is calling instead for the focus to remain

on support for bushfire victims and affected communities, professional career firefighters, fire service support personnel and volunteers. State and Federal governments have announced a range of relief measures and the Bureau of Meteorology’s Annual Climate Statement 2019, shows 2019 was both the warmest and driest year on record for Australia. Source: Media releases, Jan 8-12 NSW Police Media, United Firefighters Union of Australia, Bureau of Meteorology, NSW Greens, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action RFS Fires Near Me app

Community Environment Network WE NEED LOOK AFTER OUR WETLANDS

Human Nature Depending on who you ask, ‘what is human nature?’ You’ll receive a completely different response. The lens with which the world is viewed is the key here. An economist may say human nature is to strive for development and growth, a health practitioner may say human nature is to strive for a long, healthy life. A cultural anthropologist may say human nature is a social animal striving to belong and connect. A technology expert may say human nature strives for innovation; an ecologist may say human nature is to ensure a balance between living organisms and their natural environment and spiritual leader may say human nature is to strive for peace and equanimity. The time in history we ask this question, would also change the response. Our First Australians would still answer human nature is to be caretakers for our living community (flora and fauna) that sustains it. In fact, all of our ancestors, first peoples from all over the globe, would have said the same, looking out for one another our natural world, which provides us with this abundance, shelter, clean air and water to live and be, without which we wouldn’t be able to ask this question. But I’m asking this question in 2020 and my answer would be all the above. We need all our lenses to blend into one and just like in nature a diverse community ensures resilience and survival. The basics of clean air, water, shelter and healthy soils for food should be a given for all our living communities. Anything additional could focus on community development and innovation with the aim of continuing to ensure all our living communities, including our wildlife with which we share this bounty, have their basic needs met. That is my human nature, in which human and nature are one and the same. So, what’s your nature?

When: Saturday February 1, 2020 Time: 9am to 12pm Where: CEN Office, off Brush Road, Ourimbah We have a range of local native plants available including ground covers and herbs, shrubs and trees, bush food, bird attracting, native bee attracting, frog friendly and screen plants. Current specials on wetland plants. Cash or Credit Card. Location: Brush road, Ourimbah Best access is via Brush Road – Turn into Brush Road from Shirley Street and as you start to drive up the hill turn left into the laneway and follow it along to parking and our driveway - look for the Plant Sale signs.

Warm air turns the water from rivers, lakes, and oceans into water vapor that rises into the air. As clouds rise higher and higher, the air gets colder and colder. When the water vapor in the cloud becomes too heavy, it falls back to the ground as rain (Source: Met Office U.K.). An important source of the fresh water needed to make rain comes from the slow moving water in wetlands. In the past five years, three important wetlands on the Central Coast have been threatened or severely damaged. These are Kangy Angy where the wetland was destroyed for a rail maintenance facility and at Lisarow where a protected wetland was destroyed for roadworks (see photos). Alternatives were available for both these sites. At Porters Creek, the wetland is threatened by clearing and an airport. Water begets water is the saying that applies and we need to repair these wetlands and protect the Porters Creek wetland to create the water vapour that makes our rain.

Native Bee Workshop

When: Saturday 8th February, 2020 Time: 9.00am – 12.00pm Where: Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre Cost: $5 ($10 per family) donation for CEN/HFW/ LFW members. Non-members $10 & $5 for children (morning tea and bee hotel materials included) Come along and hear from Native Bee expert Ben MacAndrew on the importance of our native bees and what you can do to help conserve them. Also, build your own native bee hotel! Native bee plants for sale on the day.

BREAKFAST WITH THE BIRDS Join us to celebrate World Wetlands Day 2020 (Wetlands and Biodiversity) at the Central Coast Wetlands, Pioneer Dairy.

When: SUNDAY, 2nd February, 2020 Time: 8am-11am Registration: 8am

Bird Watching tour 8:15-9am Buffet Breakfast and Wetland talks 9-10am (please advise us of any specific dietary requirements)

UPCOMING EVENTS: Register at: www.cen.org.au/events Sustainable Saturdays Wildplant Community Nursery

Activities 10-11am (Dip netting, water testing, tree planting, biodiversity trailer and displays) Cost: $10 per Adult and $6 per child (you can pay on the day with cash) Please bring walking shoes and a fold up chair. Binoculars will also be useful for birdwatching. Breakfast with the Birds is organised by the CEN’s Waterwatch program and supported by the Tuggerah Reserve Trust, Community Environment Network and Birding NSW.

Hale Adasal CEN Chairperson

Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre

When: every day during the school holidays (except 26 and 27 January 2020) Time: 10 am – 4pm Where: 11 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal in Rotary Park next to Terrigal lagoon We have fish feeding at 12 everyday. Our volunteers will tell you about our fish while they are fed. Little people may get a chance to help. Our January Holiday program is well underway with five busy workshop/talks already in the last two weeks. There are still two more to go. Get in early so you don’t miss out. Thursday 23 Jan at 11am Colouring by the Sea: Marine Art Workshop Friday 24 January at 7pm Marine Science Series: Rocky Shores

Bookings are essential To find out more details and to book go to our website www.ccmdc.org.au/events

The Community Environment Network (CEN) is an alliance of individuals and groups that work for ecologically sustainable development.

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www.cen.org.au Ph: 4349 4756

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Central Coast Council has voted to proceed with rezoning three lots of rural land at Terrigal, to pave the way for up to 23 residential blocks, despite receiving 13 objections to the proposal.

Ray Maher

Club Chairman, Michael Dowling, broke the news of Maher’s passing via a statement on the Club’s Facebook page on January 14. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that founder of Central Coast Leagues Club, Ray Maher, passed away peacefully on January 13. “Ray initiated the term ‘Central Coast’ in the early 1950s after recognising that the coastal strip and hinterland separating Newcastle and Sydney needed a sense of identity that distinguished it from the overshadowing cities.

“As founder of Central Coast Leagues Club in 1954, Ray was the longest serving Chairman of any licensed Club in NSW, serving 52 years unopposed as the Chairman of Directors from 1954 until his retirement in 2006. “Ray’s contribution to the Central Coast community for over half a century is unparalleled. “He will be remembered as an exceptional and passionate leader reaching out and uniting the hearts of so many community groups across the region,” Dowling said. Source: Website, Jan 14 Michael Dowling, Central Coast Leagues Club

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17 JANUARY 2020

Conservation and Scenic Protection land to be rezoned for up to 23 residential blocks

Vale Ray Maher

Central Coast Leagues Club Founder, Ray Maher, has died.

NEWS

The lots, in Beaufort Rd, are currently zoned 7(c2) Conservation and Scenic Protection (Scenic Protection –Rural Small Holdings), but councillors followed the recommendation of officers at the December 9 meeting to rezone them R2 – Low Density Residential. Major objections raised included concerns regarding traffic and transport, environment and amenity, flooding and drainage, and infrastructure and planning. Resident Rhonda Chapman addressed councillors at a public forum before the meeting, outlining concerns regarding the future of turpentine trees on the sites. Fellow resident, Therese Gorman, listed the types of birds which use the habitat in the trees and told councillors that the “madness for money has to stop somewhere”.

Landowner Gavin Brown spoke in favour of the proposal, saying the lots were the only land available in that area for infill and the proposal was consistent with local planning rules. His colleague, Kellie Hassib, said only one tree would be removed in Beaufort Rd. Officers recommended the rezone, with additional and expanded requirements for Council to consider when a Development Application (DA) was lodged. These included:management/ ownership arrangements of riparian vegetation; drainage channel design; and servicing, access and footpath connections. A report to Council said adjoining land to the north, east and south was already zoned

R2 and was mostly developed for low density residential purposes. Of 19 submissions, two were in support of the proposal, 13 objected to it and four raised issues for consideration (without objecting or supporting the proposal), the report said. The report said additional traffic expected from the proposal was well within the capacity of the existing road and footpath network and the network footpaths in Fairway Dr, Glen Eagles Cct and Robertson Ct provide safe level paths from the subject lands to access surrounding areas. “Wycombe Rd has a 45 metre long footway from Beaufort Rd, connecting to a 160 metre long footpath,” it said. “These works provide improved and safer pedestrian

access to Beaufort Rd.” The report said much of the vegetation would be retained onsite in the riparian zone and would come under Council’s management within a future public reserve, as part of the DA process. It also said of the hollow bearing trees on the site would be retained and the proposal was consistent with the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 (CCRP) as it: creates housing opportunities which complement residentially zoned and developed lands located adjacent to the north, east and south; does not encroach on sensitive land uses; will protect areas of environmental value and scenic amenity; addresses drainage issues and bushfire planning requirements onsite; maximises the use of existing infrastructure; and, provides a diversity of lot size / housing choice in the residential area. The proposal was passed unanimously. Source: Agenda item 3.4 and public forum Central Coast Council meeting, Dec 9

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NEWS

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$1M Federal grant to Central Coast Council for bushfire recovery Bushfire-hit communities on the Central Coast will see vital infrastructure repaired sooner with a $1M Federal grant to Central Coast Council. Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the grant, delivered as part of a $2B allocation to the National Bushfire Recovery Agency, would allow council to choose the best way to use the money to help its community recover.

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“This means that council can get out and rebuild what’s important to people in our bushfire hit communities, like the Central Coast Plateau,” Wicks said. “This could go into rebuilding or improving roads and other community infrastructure. “It can also go to hiring staff to help with the recovery, or staging local events to attract more tourists and business to the region. “This will help get the local

economy moving which will help speed up recovery in the Central Coast Council area.” Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, said the government was committed to working hand in hand with regional communities to rebuild towns and villages. “These payments will provide immediate assistance directly into the hands of local councils,” he said. “Importantly this is a base payment and just the start of

our support for local communities, in what we know will be a long recovery.” Funding will be directed to councils which have been “activated” by their respective state government for Category C bushfire disaster recovery relief under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Payments will not require matched funding from state governments. Minister for Natural Disaster

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and Emergency Management, David Littleproud, said the move was the “first instalment” in a process of locally led recovery. “We’re committed to rebuilding communities, but also the lives of those impacted by these devastating fires,” he said. The money is in addition to funding that is automatically available to councils through other disaster recovery arrangements and was delivered to state governments on January 9, to administer payments to councils. The only condition placed on councils is that they develop a Program of Works within three months and report back to the Commonwealth in 12 months’ time. Councils will be able to spend their $1M payments on a variety of projects including: Rebuilding damaged or destroyed council assets such as key local roads, bridges, and community facilities; Employing additional local staff to take on specialist recovery or planning roles to help coordinate and plan the rebuilding effort; Hosting new

public activities and events to bring communities together and attract visitors back to affected regions; and, Immediate maintenance and repairs to relief and evacuation centres. A Central Coast Council spokesperson said Council had been notified it would receive the $1M Federal Government grant to help rebuild vital infrastructure and strengthen community resilience. “Council has commenced assessment of damage caused by the recent bush fires and will also be obtaining feedback from community members at Bush Fire Community Information Sessions this week and next,” the spokesperson said. “Following investigation, feedback and assessment of costs, Council will then be able to determine and share with the community how the grant funding will be allocated.” Source: Media release, Jan 9 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks Media statement, Jan 13 Central Coast Council

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NEWS

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Birds flock to Coast after fires Dedicated birdwatchers across the Central Coast are reporting huge numbers flocking to the area in the past six weeks in search of food, in the wake of the bush fires.

Gang-Gang Cockatoo

Allan Benson, a committee member of the Central Coast Birders Group, said that since

the beginning of December, birds have been spotted which are not normally seen down by the coast. “A lot of Top Knot Pigeons that normally live in the rainforest, and Little Lorikeets that normally reside around Yengo National Park, as well as GangGang cockatoos, have been

seen on the Coast,” Benson said. “Top Knot Pigeons feed on Moreton Bay figs and Bangalow palms while the Little Lorikeets are in search of blackbutt gums and forest red gums.” Benson said Glossy Ibis have also been seen, “likely drought refugees from western NSW wetlands”. “The birds are looking for food, that’s the basic reason they are here and we are likely to see a lot more,” he said. “Many of them appear to have been burnt in the fires. “Some bird enthusiasts think that small birds, such as wrens, have difficulty escaping the fire and the smoke associated with fires. “There have been reports of birds being disoriented. “Everything is struggling at the moment and the bush fires have been wiping out food sources as well as trees where birds found shelter in the hollows. “Trees that aren’t burnt are stressed due to the drought and some are flowering, such as blackbutts and the forest red gums, though this is a stress reaction to the drought and will mean less food later on if significant rains don’t come.” Benson is also the Central

Coast representative for the National Regent Honey-eaters Recovery Team. The species is critically endangered with an estimated population of just 400 birds. “Some of those are thought to have resided in Yengo National Park in the lower Hunter Valley where a large part was burnt by fires,” Benson said. “If you find a bird in distress, the best course of action is to gently handle it with a towel and put it in a dark box and transport it to a vet. “All vets take injured wildlife without charge. “In the meantime, people can help by putting out water dishes in safe places for birds to access, keeping cats inside, reporting injured or distressed birds to WIRES on the Central Coast or Australian Sea Birds Rescue, Central Coast branch.” Central Coast Birders Group has about 100 active members and another 300 casual observers. Public meetings are on the fourth Tuesday of each month, starting at 7.30pm, in the Progress Association Hall, 9 Anzac Rd, Tuggerah. Source: Interviews, Jan 7 and 13 Allan Benson, Central Coast Birders Group Journalist: Sue Murray

ADVERTISMENT

PUBLIC NOTICE Lucy Wicks, Federal Member for Robertson, is a charlatan. This opinion is based on numerous traumatic, fruitless visists to her office to discuss climate change action. If the general public and supporters of Lucy Wicks believe this opinion is personal, they are correct. However you are reminded of Clr Troy Marquart’s personal attack on the public at a council meeting last year, when he described them as ‘the great unwashed’. My opinion is compliant with the Liberal party’s values, as demonstrated by Clr Marquart. The Liberal party is the instigator of personal attacks. The member for Robertson should be grateful for having the opportunity to reply, unlike Clr Marquart’s diatribe. While the planet slowly sinks into survival mode and survival becomes a day-to-day challenge, Lucky Wicks is permanently unavailable to her worried constituents. Norman Harris, Umina

Investigation into Clip ’n Climb accident

A 9-year-old boy was airlifted Westmead Children’s hospital after suffering leg and wrist injuries following a fall at Clip ‘n’ Climb Central Coast, located at Central Coast Leagues Club, on Wednesday, January 15. It is understood the child sustained the injuries after falling from a 9m high climbing wall. A statement released by Leagues Club CEO, Edward Camilleri cited user error for the cause of the incident. “An incident involving a 9-year-old boy transpired this morning within the premises of Clip n’ Climb, an internal leaseholder within the Club. “The child sustained leg and wrist injuries and was airlifted to Westmead Children’s

Hospital. “Central Coast Leagues Club personnel assisted emergency services as needed to ensure the patient was attended too quickly. “It is our understanding that the child bypassed the auto belay system, scaled the rock wall and subsequently fell untethered. “Clip n’ Climb will be investigating this incident further. “Our thoughts are with the child and his family. “We hope he makes a speedy recovery,” Camilleri’s statement reads. Source: Media statement, Jan 15 Edward Camilleri, Central Coast Leagues Club

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Police are investigating a clandestine laboratory uncovered in West Gosford

As part of ongoing targeting and disruption of the illicit activities of criminal networks, police from the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor North executed a search warrant at a home in West Gosford on Tuesday, January 7, and located the lab in a building at the rear of the property. With assistance from the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Unit, the lab was rendered safe before police commenced the dismantling process, which is continuing.

Officers have seized more than 50 items, including glassware and other items consistent with drug manufacture, which will be examined by specialist forensic officers. It’s expected more than 300 items are yet to be processed. A 50-year-old man was arrested at the home; however, he has been released pending further inquiries. Investigations are continuing. Source: Media release, Jan 7 NSW Police Media

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Alleged Erina bank robber charged

Lab dismantled

A clandestine laboratory has been dismantled in West Gosford.

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Detectives have charged a man over an alleged attempted robbery at an Erina bank last year. Just after 3:30pm on Monday, October 28, 2019, a man entered a bank in a shopping plaza on The Entrance Rd and demanded money from the teller. After an alarm was activated, the man fled empty handed. Police from Brisbane Water Police District attended and commenced an investigation. The State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad took carriage of the matter under Strike Force Campbellfield. Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a home in

Kahibah, about 10km south west of Newcastle on Friday, January 3. During the search, police located a silver Audi B6, prescription medication, and a tablet press in the garage. A 26-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Belmont Police Station, where he was charged with demand property with menaces with intent to steal, possess/ attempt to prescribed restricted substance and possess tablet press or drug encapsulator. He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Bail Court. Source: Media release, Jan 4 NSW Police Media

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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 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

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Let’s use the expertise and goodwill that this country has in abundance Just like Chris Dillon (edition 224), I too am frustrated at the lack of action, ineptitude and sheer lack of decision making backbone in relation to trying to alleviate the drought. I agree with what he has to say and would go further. Ancient civilizations, like the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Incas and the Mayans, were able to move water over vast distances, even up hills in some cases. Granted that some, though not all, used slave labour. As Chris points out, we have the technology to do this now. How are the Gulf States and others surrounded by sand able to enjoy an unrestricted water supply? Instead of giving grants to farmers, which they must repay, or paying them to leave the land, why are we not using the technology and their expertise to drought proof the

FORUM land from the top end to Victoria and South Australia? The plans were drawn up by John Bradfield over 80 years ago and have been gathering dust all this time. Let us revisit them, update where necessary, and pay farmers and local communities to implement them. A win/win for everyone. Just a thought, are we the only country that does not use our highly trained and mobile Armed Forces to help the civilian population in time of crisis until it is too late or our excellent volunteers are too exhausted? Why must we wait for a fall in the magic 50 per cent in our dam levels before we can implement water restrictions, or worse still, hope for rain to fall? Why not get ahead of the game for a change and be ready for the next cycle?

Historically, we have always suffered from drought, fire and floods. Each of these is treated as a separate entity and yet they are all interlinked. Indigenous communities have known this for millennia and managed the land accordingly. They have always known that this Great Southern Land was a large island surrounded by water. Settlers did not realise this until the mid 1800s. Let’s use the expertise and goodwill that this country has in abundance. Get the decision makers on both sides of the political divide to ignore the shrieks of vociferous minorities and make decisions, as proud Australians, on behalf of all. NSW does not mean Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong. Email, Dec 21 Roy Henry, Avoca Beach

strategy to keep The Entrance channel open

Only 12 per centandofaccessible Australians for the LD Operations fined over Work believe that thecommunity. government is Health and Safety Act breach 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

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 the developer who was throughout the site “flexible to listen to the and an open recreation EDITION 485 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 Funds earmarked for subdivision with lots to examine traffic and dredgingin size the from Ettalong road issues, the applicant ranging channel to could be diverted put in amended plans. 144.1sqm 264sqm.

To allay concerns from and promoted “walkable” neighbours about the neighbourhoods by being new residents parking near numerous shops in streets outside the and services at Lake Site plan of the 54 dwellings on the Charmhaven land development, The Haven shopping centre The site inspection was cope with the extra Community Management which was within walking Statement for the distance. housing, whether attendedYOUR by REAL Councillors INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS there 23 DECEMBER 2019 The development was Jillian Hogan, Louise was enough on site car complex will add a Greenaway and Jeff parking, the suitability of clause to allow “stacked” compatible with the scale Sundstrom, together double-storey housing parking which means and character of the area, with Council staff and 11 in a single storey area, residents could park in the report said. and consideration of a front of their garages if residents. Source: rainwater need be. Dec 9 Some concerns centralised the money raised Meeting, by government Agenda item 3.1 A Council report remained about drainage tank on-site. in mooring fees, boat licences and Central Coast Council said an upgrade of the The new plans altered at Oak Rd and Merinda registrations,”Reporter: Cr Holstein Suesaid. Murray Ave and whether it could vehicular access to the street drainage in OakMr Allsop said the Committee to dredge The Entrance believed two primary issues Channel. remained. 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 Council voted “Firstly, while the main problem at its December 9 meeting to ask at Little Box Head was resolved, Member for Terrigal Mr Adam the channel itself around Lobster Crouch, whether part or all of the Beach is still too narrow with tight $1.45 million in funding left over turns making it difficult for vessels from dredging Ettalong Channel to pass in opposite directions. could be diverted to fund dredging “This needs to be widened a of The Entrance channel. bit further toward the west and the However, Peninsula Waterways red markers moved accordingly Committee chairman Mr Mike to allow safe passage, especially Allsop has rejected the idea. under a running tide. “This is contrary to the terms of “Secondly, we have had no the State funding agreement used indication from Council as to what to rectify the channel recently, and maintenance arrangements, or risks co-operation with the State in emergency works, will apply to future,” he said. the channel and how they will be “I agree that urgent action is funded and resourced. required at The Entrance, that in “There has been stark silence itself is a disgrace. The dredge at Ettalong Channel on this.” “But it should not be done with Mr Allsop said the community He said the NSW Government this Rescuing Our Waterways dredging would be council-funded money taken from the ongoing would be in an uproar if there was maintenance and dredging of and Central Coast Council had partnership,” Mr Crouch said last in accordance with the last joint a repeat of the 2018 “debacle”. each committed $1.225 million month. agreement. Ettalong channel.” SOURCE: “We know there is no such thing “Beyond that expectation, we Last month, Mr Crouch in 2018 as part of Phase 5 of Central Coast Council are back to the same debate, announced that the current six- the Rescuing Our Waterways as a one-off fix. agenda 8.3, 9 Dec 2019 “Council has a long-term which will only come to a head month program of dredging at Program. Media statement, 16 Dec 2019 “Central Coast Council will now dredging strategy for this local depending on access (sand build Mike Allsop, Peninsula Ettalong was “complete” but said Waterways Committee repeated dredging was needed continue to monitor the condition waterway and I encourage them to up),” he said. “I still hope Government or Media statement, 17 Dec 2019 to keep it safe and accessible of Ettalong Channel and undertake ensure it remains in an appropriate Chris Hostein, Central Opposition will commit to an to recreational and commercial further dredging, using $1.45 condition,” Mr Crouch said. Coast Council million in remaining funds under Cr Chris Holstein said further ongoing program funded through vessels.

approved without High risk fishing locations Proposal Nine to flats divert dredging funds

Proposal to divert dredging funds

debate

identified

Funds earmarked for dredging the A proposal for nine residential Ettalong channel could be diverted flats at Woy Woy was approved to dredge The Entrance Channel. by Central Coast Council without debate despite it being a noncomplying development under planning regulations.

It is now mandatory for rock fishers to wear life jackets in high-risk locations around the Peninsula.

National Park closed due to bushfire danger

Surfer breaks leg at Umina Beach

Conservation group donates trees to Peninsula

Brisbane Water National Park, which surrounds Pearl Beach and Patonga, was closed last week until Monday, December 23 because of the heatwave and dangerous bushfire conditions.

A Swedish woman has thanked members of the public who came to her aid after she broke her leg while surfing at Umina Beach.

The Australian Conservation Foundation Central Coast Branch has donated $250 for advanced trees to the Grow Urban Shade Trees group, based on the Peninsula.

Yacht runs aground in smoke haze

Crouch appointed Secretary for the Central Coast

Woman’s 100th birthday celebration attracts 120

A yacht that had run aground due NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian More than 120 relatives, friends to poor visibility in the smoke haze has appointed Member for Terrigal and well-wishers gathered at blanketing the Peninsula from the Mr Adam Crouch as Parliamentary Everglades Country Club on Gospers Mountain hasmetresbeen theheCentral 7 toproperties, celebrate which is already given thethe church100th was a square for a Secretary residential Heforsaid thought Coast. the infrastructure,December A proposal for ninefire flat building under the planning shadowing from the proposal stretched to its limits, will fail non-residential use and no detailed residential by flatsMarine at Woy Woy rescued Rescue Central birthday of Umina woman Ms Vera would restrict the effectiveness of completely.” controls specifically applied. was approved by Central provisions. Mr WalkerJoyce urged councillors There were 26 submissions any future solar panel installation Coast. Tee. to Staff believed there was “a Coast Council without objecting to the proposal, mainly at the church and would cause view the property personally so reasonable amount of solar

Nine flats approved without debate

debate despite it being a they could understand why the access” to the communal open because it was non-compliant on higher heating costs. The full articles and more can be seen on line on our website www.coastcommunitynews.com.au non-complying development several counts under both the LEP “We’re also worried about the residents thought this development spaces and to the interiors of the can alsogeneral be seen under planning regulations. impacton onwww.peninsulanews.info the Memorial was so inappropriate. church which was deemed to be and the GosfordThey Development

There was a crowd of people in the gallery opposing the development. Mr Trevor Walker spoke on their behalf in the Public Forum before

Control Plan (DCP) 2013. Council’s own report from the Environment and Planning department stated the development was non-compliant

Garden area,” Mr Walker said. “The many additional vehicles that will now be required to use the deteriorating laneway and the intersection on Victoria Rd will

In the event, the proposal was approved without debate together with a number of other planning proposals recommended by council staff.

appropriate for a non-residential property. Their report defended the bulk and scale of the development, which was not considered to

Library access with the tap of the screen The new Library Service app is now available to download for free! The app provides one mobile friendly location where you can reserve and renew items, scan book barcodes to search, link multiple accounts, view events as well as get easy access to eBooks, eMagazines, educational resources, music streaming and much more. Simply search 'Central Coast Council' on Google Play and the App Store. Not a member? Get instant online access by signing up today at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/jointhelibrary

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FORUM PAGE 11 17 JANUARY 2020

A desalinated inland lake is not the answer Chris Dillon’s idea that we can create an enormous inland lake, using desalinated seawater (“Desalination is a long term drought solution”, edition 224), does credit to his imagination, but unfortunately, doesn’t bear up under practical scrutiny. To start with, desalinating seawater is enormously expensive and requires heavy energy inputs, so that not only would an inland sea be

FORUM prohibitively costly but the drain on energy resources would be unsustainable. A desalination plant would have to run 24 hours a day to maintain an inland lake against rapid evaporation in the outback climate, and this is not even to mention the cost of thousands of kilometres of pipeline and the running costs of the permanent pumping that would be needed to replenish a

lake. Furthermore, most of inland Australia is not fertile farming land, so that, even with irrigation, it is unlikely that viable agricultural enterprises could be sustained there. As for reducing sea level rise, the amount of water would be insignificant in proportion to the size of our oceans, and evaporated water, in any case, returns to the oceans, so that we’d just be creating a pointless water cycle for all our trouble.

If we are concerned about effective measures to deal with a future drier climate, we should be looking at new agricultural technologies suitable for the conditions we’ll have later in this century. This would mean getting large numbers of traditional farmers off the land and introducing industrialised farming techniques that will raise output efficiency and minimise resource inputs. Undercover cropping will

probably have to be the norm for food production, and land intensive animal management will be required to maintain protein supplies at present levels, unless we can make artificial protein more palatable and more consumer acceptable than it is now. With natural fish supplies dwindling and ocean pollution increasing, fish farming will have to become an important part of our food security strategy.

Of course, when we have a government that can’t think past a few drought hand outs to farmers, it would be absurd to expect a rational national strategy to fit us for the next 50 years, so we can only look forward to the usual muddle and denial so characteristic of our current politicians. Anybody with grandchildren should be desperately concerned. Email, Dec 23 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

Desalination proposal supported I refer to the article by Chris Dillon in edition 224 with regard to desalination. His idea is not ridiculous and it is good that someone has brought up a sensible issue at a time when there is so much nonsense being talked about why bush fires happen. His idea is already in the planning stages and state premiers are fully conversant with the Federal Government’s idea. Countries overseas have these systems in place and some, such as Venezuela, use the water to grow crops. The problem is not the practicality of doing it but the energy cost. In twenty years’ time, when this will be a major source of our water, we will look back and wonder why the governments of today took so

FORUM long. Using energy from coal or hydrogen produced from gas is not the answer, as these ideas offer no long term solution. Plenty of research is being carried out on solutions, particularly overseas, as the person who cracks it will make a fortune. In the meantime, it does not mean that the infrastructure should not be put in place in readiness or indeed started with what energy we can realistically afford. What is required is the vision of good men in either part of government to start the implementation, a factor that is sadly lacking at the moment. Email, Jan 8 Geoff Mitchell, Kariong

Please interpret interpretive I note in your article on the Gosford CBD Strategy FORUM (edition 223) that the new in-word is ‘interpretive’.

This is referred to nine times in the article. I understand that we are going to have signs put up all over the CBD explaining to us the latest ‘interpretation’ of our history. However, please could you explain how ‘Interpretative shop fronts will activate Mann St’? And how do you ‘reinterpret fountains around the city?’ Does that mean that they are going to make them work again? It would be good to see the

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YEAR IN REVIEW

As the Coast launches into a new year, we thought it would be timely to revisit the major news stories of 2019.

JANUARY 17, 2019

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Excessively non complying Terrigal development rejected

he public exhibition period for the revised Draft Development Control Plan Chapter relating to Tree and Vegetation Management has been extended by Central Coast Council to January 28.

The subject land

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Public exhibition of draft Tree and Vegetation Management policy extended

had been pledged for the original design. Mountains District Association called for the release of full details of a Development Application lodged in December, 2018, by Verde Terra, operator of the contentious Mangrove Mountain Landfill, with proceedings over the issue still ongoing in the Land and Environment Court. FEBRUARY 14, 2019

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ISSUE 201

$350m private hospital and medical precinct announced

Central Coast Council refused an application for a shop top housing development in Church St, Terrigal, which would have seen two ground floor shops and 12 residential units but which deprived the community of a makeshift parking facility providing 23 spots. The decision was made against the advice of Council staff, on grounds of noncompliance. The development would be finally approved later in the year amid much controversy. The long-awaited Consolidated Local Environmental Plan (LEP) for the entire region finally went on public exhibition with the aim to simplify planning for the whole community. But Council abandoned the plan later in the year, opting instead to finalise separate LEPs for each of the former LGAs of Gosford and Wyong, with a consolidated LEP to follow. Council voted to stand by its decision in December 2018 to scale back the design for the Winney Bay Clifftop Walk, putting at risk $4.6M in State government funding which

Tim Gunasinghe of Commercial HQ and Matthew Gibbens of the GibbensGroup on site

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2019 in review

nature inspired space with water play and sensory experiences for all. Details of the Verde Terra DA were released to a furious reaction from Mangrove Mountain residents who said the plan, lodged just days before Christmas, 2018, attempted to downplay the nature of the development in “an environmentally sensitive area”. Terrigal Haven Supporters Group welcomed a $500,000 pledge from the State Government for a major investigation into persistent poor water quality at Terrigal Beach in the lead up to the State Election on March 23.

Artist’s impressions of the new hospital and medical precinct to come

major new private hospital and health precinct is earmarked for Racecourse Rd, Gosford, and should be up and running within a few short years. A joint project by AA Crown Holdings and Northside Group, the $350m Northside Private Hospital and medical precinct will deliver world class medical services to

complement Gosford’s existing public hospital. It is the brainchild of Northside Group, comprising developers Commercial HQ and the Gibbens Group. “We had a vision for a medical precinct close to the existing public hospital,” Commercial HQ Managing Director, Tim Gunasinghe, said. “There is a growing demand for medical facilities on the Coast, with continued population growth.

“We bought the land late last year and hope to be in a position to start construction within 12 months.” Gibbens Group CEO, Matthew Gibbens, said that as a State Significant Site, the development, on the 3.1HA former Ausgrid site, would not need to go through Central Coast Council for approval. It will include: 14 state of the art operating theatres; 224 inpatient beds; an intensive care unit; a radiology department; food and retail

tenancies; a pathology centre; a pharmacy; physiotherapy and rehabilitation clinics; a geriatric unit; and, a mental health unit. Gunasinghe said it was possible a nursing home would also be included, as well as an on-site carpark. The project team will include Development Manager, Colliers International, Project Manager, Donald Cant Watts Corke, and architects, Health Project International. Marcelo Ramirez, of Colliers

International, said it would employ around 2,200 people during the construction phase. “Once completed, it is anticipated that upwards of 460 permanent jobs will be generated, bringing an economic benefit of $54m per annum to the region,” Ramirez said. The hospital itself is expected to be completed by 2022, with the rest of the precinct to be added behind it, to the west of Gosford Hospital. AA Crown is also looking

to partner with Australian universities to create training facilities for local students within the medical profession, increasing health research and development opportunities.

MARCH 14, 2019

Source: Media release, Feb 11 AA Crown Holdings and Northside Group Media statements, Feb 11 Tim Gunasinghe, Commercial HQ Matthew Gibbens, the Gibbens Group Marcelo Ramirez, Colliers International

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ISSUE 203

Lederer Group lodges an application for a $280m mixed use development

Plans were announced for a major new private hospital and health precinct in Racecourse Rd, Gosford. The $350M precinct, a joint project by AA Crown Holdings and Northside Group, is under consideration by the State Government for approval as a State Significant Site. The State Government announced a new suite of planning measures aimed at helping Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council achieve better outcomes from its land. Central Coast Council decided to push for Federal community forums to be held on the Coast regarding the prospect of off-shore gas and oil exploration in the region. Minister for Planning and Housing, Anthony Roberts, unveiled plans for the $10M transformation of Leagues Club Field in Gosford, which was earmarked to become a

MP representing the Liberal Party, which was victorious at the polls. Labor MPs Leisl Tesch (Gosford), David Harris (Wyong) and David Mehan (The Entrance) all retained their seats. With the State Election out of the way, the promises started to come in the lead up to the Federal Election on May 18. Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, pledged a $35M upgrade for commuter car parking at Gosford and Woy Woy railway stations. Despite a Liberal victory at the national poll, work has not yet commenced. Wicks also welcomed news that the University of Newcastle had signalled its intention to build a campus in the heart of Gosford, a project she said she had been working on for the past three years. APRIL 11, 2019

major makeover of the Kibbleplex building in Henry Parry Dr, Gosford, is once more on the table, as the State Government considers an application from the Lederer Group for a $280m mixed use development on the site. The NSW Department of Planning has confirmed that the group lodged an application in December, 2018, to develop the site as a State Significant Development (SSD). The Group was issued with the Secretary’s Environmental

A sketch of how the proposed development will look from Kibble Park (from documents lodged with the NSW Department of Planning)

Assessment Requirements (SEARs) in February, 2019, with a detailed application now in the works. The proposal is for a mixed-use development comprising five towers above a podium, with a mix of uses including residential, retail, entertainment, leisure, and food and beverage. The Lederer Group’s initial proposal says the project would transform an “unappealing car parking site” into a “lively, attractive and vibrant precinct to serve the growing needs of the emerging population in and around the Central Coast”.

The development would include car access to Donnison, William and Albany Sts, an open plaza to Henry Parry Dr fronting Kibble Park, residential accommodation in the form of flat buildings or shop-top housing, food and beverage retail premises, an indoor recreation centre and a cinema. The Lederer Group, which also owns the Imperial Centre, acquired Kibbleplex and adjoining vacant land from the former Gosford Council for $13m on March 1, 2016. The Group lodged a development application with the then Gosford Council

on March 6, 2016, for the first stage of an $850m Masterplan, which consisted of nine buildings, including mixed use residential, commercial and retail, and the demolition of existing structures on the site. But consideration of the application stalled with the amalgamation of the former Gosford and Wyong Councils and the finalisation of new planning controls. The Lederer Group declined to comment further at this time. It is unknown if it will lodge a further application for a redevelopment of Kibble Park,

which was included in its 2016 application. State Minister for Planning and Housing, Anthony Roberts, cited the application as an example of a “surge in investor confidence” since the implementation of the NSW Government’s revitalisation program for the Gosford CBD. “I am pleased to report that since the release of measures to revitalise Gosford City Centre, including the new State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), in October, 2018, there has been much interest in the city,” Roberts said. “Since October, the

Department of Planning and Environment has received dozens of enquiries from land owners and their consultants, with very real interest in a broad range of developments, including commercial, residential, mixed-use and hospital developments. “A number of these are State Significant Development proposals with estimated values over $75m.” Source: NSW Planning Department website Media statement, Feb 27 NSW Department of Planning Media release, Feb 14 Anthony Roberts, NSW Planning Minister

The Lederer Group’s proposal for a $280M mixed use development on the site of the Kibbleplex building in Henry Parry Dr, Gosford, was lodged with the State Government as a State Significant Site. Central Coast Leagues Club unveiled a bold vision for a major refurbishment, including a vibrant alfresco dining precinct, improved pedestrian connections to the Gosford CBD and waterfront, hotel accommodation, and new state of the art facilities. All of the Coast’s State MPs retained their seats at the March 23 election, leaving Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, as the region’s only

Liesl Tesch MP

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ISSUE 205

Preparation of an Environmental Plan is next stage for controversial seismic testing A

sset Energy is definitely preparing to seek permission to conduct 3D seismic testing in waters off the Central Coast, with pre-planning for a mandatory Environmental Plan already underway, Director, Tobias Foster, has confirmed in an exclusive video interview with Central Coast Newspapers. If given the green light, the testing would be carried out over a 1,000sq km area, much of which is off our regional coastline. “We are at the stage where we are preparing an Environmental Plan,” Foster said. “We are determining how and when we wish to go about that at the moment. “As per federal regulations, we need to engage with the community and stakeholders and present an Environmental Plan to the national regulator, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA).” Foster said there was a definite need for the testing to be conducted off NSW waters. “The majority of the gas from Queensland is exported to Asian markets and gas for NSW has predominantly been from Victoria, but the reserves

Asset Energy Director, Tobias Foster

are declining,” he said. “What the discovery of natural gas in NSW-would do is that, pending reserves and engineering, we would be able

“stretching back to the 80s” and conducted as recently as 2018 off Norah Head, that the Sydney Basin contains hydrobearing source materials which could yield “multi-

understand that noise as an energy source can disrupt particular organisms in certain contexts,” he said.

the environmental regulator.” Foster defended the need for 3D testing, saying comparing it to 2D testing, was “a bit like colour TV compared to grainy black and white”. “It will improve our knowledge of the existence of hydro carbons and ensure development as efficiently and safely as possible,” he said. With drilling, the natural successor to seismic testing, Foster said an incident such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico was unlikely. “In terms of seismic survey, there is no risk of natural hyrdo carbon release,” he said. “As a consequence of drilling, of course, when we are penetrating geological strata, we do need to ensure that that procedure is undertaken safely and effectively.

He said the company was aware of, but undeterred by, thousands of vocal opponents to any seismic testing off Central Coast waters to offer a local source of gas to provide a cheaper energy source. “We need to secure an energy supply for NSW for decades to come.” Foster said it was obvious from 2D seismic work

trillion feet of gas”. “That’s a significant resource in anyone’s language,” he said. Foster said he did not agree that any lasting damage would be done to marine eco systems through seismic survey. “What we have to do is

“We have to understand each of the risks, determine how we can mitigate against them, and ensure that we have control measures during any activity to ensure that any impact we have on any marine organism or eco system is managed effectively and acceptable to

“We have to prepare an Oil Pollution Prevention Plan as part of any Environmental Plan for our petroleum activity (with) response mechanisms to mitigate against any potential spill.” Foster said there were

systems in place and that the industry continues to “evolve and improve technology, procedures and practices.” Following several incidents, including Deepwater, NOPSEMA had changed regulations to guard against such events, he said. “In terms of the drilling process, we will ensure all assets, nationally and locally, are in place and ready to act should the worst eventuate,” Foster said. He said the company was aware of, but undeterred by, thousands of vocal opponents to any seismic testing off Central Coast waters. “We undertook 2D testing in April, 2018, and we were certainly aware that local interest groups were concerned about our operations, and we anticipate that will continue into the future,” he said. “Australia must maintain energy security, it must maintain provision of raw materials for manufacturing and to ensure energy prices are kept as low as possible. “People must maintain that in the back of their minds when understanding what the petroleum industry provides for Australia.” See the full video interview at www.coastcommunitynews. com.au/news/video-news/ Source: Video interview, Mar7 Community News Partners Reporter: Terry Collins

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

Asset Energy announced that pre-planning for an Environmental Plan was underway as it prepared to seek permission to conduct 3D seismic testing in waters off the Central Coast, despite major community opposition. A row escalated over staff and public parking fees at the new multi-storey Gosford Hospital car park, with a temporary free shuttle bus service for staff to Showground Rd set to cease on April 12.

Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, popped in to the region to lend his support to the campaigns of Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, and Liberal candidate for Dobell, Jilly Pilon, as the Federal election neared. MAY 2, 2019

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ISSUE 206

Federal election officially underway T

he ballot order has been decided for the seat of Robertson, with Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, saying the May 18 Federal Election will be “the most important choice voters on the Coast will make in a generation”.

Five of the eight candidates for Robertson at the ballot draw on April 24. From left: Lucy Wicks, David Abrahams, Cath Connor, Robert Marks and Anne Charlton

Only a handful of people, including five of the eight candidates standing for the seat, turned up to witness one of the steps of democracy in action, as the ballot was drawn on April 24 at the Australian Electoral Commission office in Gosford. The process was repeated across the country in each electorate with the same script being followed and starting at exactly noon. Eight wooden balls were put into a wire cage and the handle was turned. A second Australian Electoral officer sat behind the cage, with a black mask over her face. She pulled the numbers out of the cage and handed them to a third employee who declared the numbers. The first name out of the barrel was, Judy Singer, from Sustainable Australia, who won the coveted first place on the ballot paper, commonly believed to favour the so-called donkey vote. Taking second place on the ballot paper will be, Robert Marks, of the United Australia Party, followed at number three by, Fiona Stucken, of the Christian Democratic Party, Fred Nile Group.

Independent, David Abrahams’, name came out of the barrel fourth. “I can’t complain – four is my lucky number,” Abrahams said. “Seriously, I have been very impressed with the process of the ballot draw.” Sitting Member, Luck Wicks, of the Liberal Party of Australia, said placement on the ballot paper wasn’t all-important. “What’s really important is that people know who they are voting for and why,” Wicks said. Cath Connor, of The Greens, took sixth place on the ballot. “It’s nice to have the official part of proceedings done – we are now off and running,” she said. Sean Bremner Young, of the Animal Justice Party, took seventh spot on the ballot, followed by the ALP candidate, Anne Charlton, at eighth. In summary, your ballot paper for the seat of Robertson in the May 18 Federal Election, House of Representatives, will read: 1. Judy Singer – Sustainable Australia; 2. Robert Marks – United Australia Party; 3. Fiona Stucken – Christian Democratic Party – Fred Nile Group; 4. David Abrahams – Independent; 5. Lucy Wicks, Liberal Party of Australia; 6. Cath Connor – The Greens; 7. Sean Bremner Young – Animal Justice Party; 8. Anne Charlton – Australian Labor Party. Source: Australian Electoral Office Gosford draw, Apr 24 Reporters: Merilyn Vale and Terry Collins AEC Tally Room website, Apr 26

Pre polling on the way in Gosford

The ballot order was decided for the region’s Federal seats, with Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, saying the election would be “the most important choice voters on the Coast will make in a generation”. Terrigal Haven Supporters’ Group pushed for an urgent action plan to address water quality concerns at Terrigal Beach, saying a sewage spill over the Easter weekend put hundreds of swimmers at risk. Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, and Opposition Leader, Bill Shorten, both made visits to the region with the election looming. The polls returned Lucy Wicks as member for Robertson and Emma McBride as Member for Dobell. A new plan was announced for the revitalisation of the former Old Sydney Town site which could see some of the original buildings retained as the hub of a huge tourist destination. Despite several community meetings throughout the year, no action had been seen by the end of 2019.

Mayor, Jane Smith, announced it was time to “move forward” on a new design for the Winney Bay clifftop walkway, with the $4.6M in State government funding almost certain to be forfeited. Despite vocal opposition from various groups and member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, the Council held firm on its decision, with the money eventually lost later in the year. The Friends of Gosford group came up with a bold plan to divert traffic away from the Gosford City Centre by creating a major bypass to run from Manns Rd at West Gosford to Wells St at Springfield, but the proposal fell on deaf ears at Central Coast Council. 13 JUNE 2019

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The proposal would see 260 apartment units in the five towers over six, eight and 12 levels, and two levels of basement parking providing 423 spaces on a 2.3ha site. The Department has issued the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) for the project, to be assessed as a State Significant Development, with applicant JWD Developments having two years to lodge a Development Application and an Environmental Impact Statement. While the proposal exceeds height controls applying to the land, variations to height restrictions will be considered through the design review process. In an Architectural Design Statement, ADG Architects said the site, at 87-89 John Whiteway Dr, was unique in that it was well positioned as a viewing platform, was protected by bushland and yet still connected to the CBD. “Often CBDs are places of disconnection and isolation for residents, however, we

ISSUE 209

designed to reflect the natural topography with the utilisation of green roofs and other elements. The development would aim to cater for families, first home buyers and downsizers. Major features would include luxury pools and decking, raised planters, active turf areas, communal outdoor dining, a coastal bushland walk, golf putting greens and rooftop gardens. AGD Architects principal, Anthony Kelly, said the development would be “not like anything in Gosford at the moment”. “It is extremely important to integrate the community up there already and also the landscape,” Kelly said. “We are now starting to work through the EIS and DA process and we’re targeting approval within 12 months, with construction hopefully to start late next year. “There is a lot of work to be done, from detailed design to engineering and environment work.” JWD Developments is a commercial and residential construction company specialising in apartment and nursing home conversions as well as residential home construction and refurbishment.

An aerial view of the proposed site, showing location of the five towers

believe that this site will create a unique lifestyle for future residents,” the statement said. “Through landscaped vistas and small footprint design, the

buildings will allow the site to be activated via numerous outdoor amenities.” These would range from communal gathering/meeting

areas, such as bocce and tennis courts, to elegant walkways blending into the natural environment. The towers would be of

slender design, offering view corridors to Rumbalara, Presidents Hill and Brisbane Water, the statement said. The facades would be

Source: NSW Planning Department Major Projects site, Jun 6 Interview, Jun 7 Anthony Kelly, Principal, ADG Architects

A major development application for John Whiteway Dr, Gosford, comprising five residential towers and extensive landscaping, progressed to the next stage of consideration with the NSW Planning Department. The proposal, for 260 apartment units, is under consideration as a State Significant Development. We presented an update of an assortment of building projects around the Gosford CBD, many of which had stalled following the completion of the ATO, the

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$ 1 0 0 m development on John Whiteway Dr, Gosford, comprising five residential towers and extensive landscaping, has progressed to the next stage of consideration with the NSW Planning Department.

Member for Gosford

20 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy NSW 2256

A $100m five tower major residential development proposed for Gosford

Gosford@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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

PAGE 12 17 JANUARY 2020

6/11/2018 11:18:28 AM

finance building and Bonython Tower, at opposite ends of Mann St. Raine and Horne Commercial, Central Coast, Sales Agent, Andrew Dunn, said the property market was “on its way back” following the State and Federal elections and CKDS Architecture Director, Caine King, said he hoped to see an increase in development applications as business confidence restored. After months of discussion, Central Coast Council voted to match State Government funding of $2,938,600 and proceed with construction of a controversial boardwalk at Terrigal, with several conditions. 11 JULY 2019

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n the latest development on the issue of the controversial landfill at Mangrove Mountain, Central Coast Council has commenced proceedings in the Land and Environment Court (LEC) against both the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and site owners Verde Terra.

The Council will seek to have set aside variations to Environment Protection Licences granted by the EPA between 2003 and 2012 in relation to the landfill operations. Verda Terra has commenced its own proceedings in the Court, claiming it can conduct waste disposal to the landfill without the need to obtain

The landfill issue has been ongoing for more than 15 years

further development consent, other than for what it considers to be minor alterations. But Council claims that development consent granted by the former Gosford Council in 1998 for the remodelling of the existing golf course does not authorise the scale, location and nature of waste disposal and other landfill activities on the site. The matter has been the subject of protracted Development Application revisions and LEC proceedings over many years, with huge community concerns over the possible effect of the landfill operation on the Coast’s water supply. Mountains District Association has applauded the latest proceedings brought by Council to the LEC, but says they should be considered in the light of other actions

involving the landfill site currently before the Court. “In August, 2018, Verde Terra lodged an appeal against the EPA for the EPA’s refusal of Verde Terra’s application to have the environment protection licence (at the site) varied,” Association spokesman, Stephen Goodwin, said. “Council sought and was successful in being joined with the EPA as a party in this action (which is yet to be determined). “In late December, 2018, Verde Terra lodged a new DA with Council, which Council deemed a Designated Development requiring a new Environmental Impact Statement. “This resulted in Verde Terra commencing new legal proceedings (in April)

appealing the ‘deemed refusal’ of the DA and seeking relief from the requirement for any further development consent at Mangrove Mountain Landfill. “Complex doesn’t even start to describe this mess. “If Central Coast Council is successful in this new action against the EPA, then no licence, no landfilling. “That would please the community, knowing that the water catchment and the Central Coast water supply could at last be made safe from further importation of toxic waste material.” Goodwin said the Association had been calling on Council to challenge the validity of the 1998 development consent against the significantly expanded operations which have occurred since, for some years.

The landfill is situated behind the golf course at Mangrove Mountain

“After all this time, it is encouraging to see Council commence new legal proceedings on the matter of the development consent,” he said. “The first hearing date is on July 12. “At long last, the original 1998 development consent will get its day in Court. “It is a very complex matter that is going to be an interesting contest. “We will have our fingers crossed for a just outcome that the community has requested for a long time.” The landfill has been idle since 2014. In October, 2018, then NSW Minister for the Environment, Danielle Upton, failed to support a recommendation from the Energy from Waste Technology Parliamentary

22 AUGUST 2019

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Inquiry for an independent inquiry to investigate the operation, regulation and approvals of the landfill. Attempts to contact Verde Terra for comment were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Mountains District Association has launched a crowdfunding campaign through the chuffed. org platform to cover the costs of potentially joining with legal actions and undertaking analyses of contaminating pollutants and interpretation of water samples from the landfill and watercourses and dams downstream of it. Source: NSW Government Response to Recommendations, Sep 18, 2018 Danielle Upton, NSW Environment Minister Media statement, Jul 5 Central Coast Council Media release, Jul 7 Mountain Districts Association

Central Coast Council commenced proceedings in the Land and Environment Court against both the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and site owners, Verde Terra, over the controversial Mangrove Mountain Landfill issue. Several matters pertaining to the matter remained under consideration with the court at the end of 2019. Gosford Private Hospital was sold for $200M to Barwon Investment Partners (Barwon), with former owner, Healthe Care Australia, to continue to operate the hospital on a long term 25 year lease arrangement, with options for up to a further 75 years, and plans were announced for a $32M redevelopment. Central Coast Council adopted its first Climate

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Leagues Club field is to become “a world-class public space”

ork is expected to begin on the redevelopment of Gosford’s Leagues Club Field before the end of the year. State Planning and Public Spaces Minister, Rob Stokes, was on the Coast on August 15 to release the final designs for waterfront field, set to transform it into “a worldclass public space”. A draft plan for the project was released prior to the 2019 State election, with the final plans having been drawn up

Artist’s images of the latest plans for Leagues Club Field

following public consultation and with input from the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council. Stokes said the nature inspired design, which features new picnic areas and amenities, walkways, an inclusive playground and water play areas, would set a new standard for public spaces across the state. “The final designs showcase best practice in creating exemplary play spaces that invite everyone in the community to stay and play,” he said.

The park will also feature dozens of new trees, thousands of native plants and an innovative ‘tidal terrace’ which will draw water from the bay at high tide and drain at low tide to create an ecosystem that changes from hour to hour. Stokes said close attention would be given to a proposal by the St Hilliers group to redevelop the adjoining former Gosford Public School site to ensure it integrated with the new-look field. Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the revamp

highlighted the importance of quality open space as a part of Gosford’s revitalisation. “The revitalisation is going from strength to strength with cranes in the sky and new residential and commercial building work underway, as well as high quality public spaces for locals and visitors to enjoy,” Crouch said. Darkinjung Chairperson, Matthew West, said he was proud to have contributed to what will be a special place for the Central Coast community. “These stunning designs feature a living, breathing

bushland ecosystem that complements the park’s proximity to the waterfront,” he said. “The park will incorporate wild play and water features interspersed between newlyplanted trees, thousands of native plants, picnic areas, amenities and walkways. “Sandstone representations of indigenous sea creatures will be exposed at low tide while ‘canoes’ will be available to play on when the water rises. “It is fantastic that the unstructured play zones

will share local Darkinjung and non-indigenous history of the site by encouraging exploration, interaction with nature and learning.” Project leader, the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC), will call for tenders within days. Source: Media release, Aug 15 Planning and Public Spaces Minister, Rob Stokes Media release, Aug 15 Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council Interview, Aug 15 Planning and Public Spaces Minister, Rob Stokes Reporter: Terry Collins

ISSUE 211

Council has commenced proceedings against the EPA and Verde Terra

Change Policy, with some clauses relating to sea level rise planning and the process of “planned retreat” omitted. The Public Service Association called for a judicial review into the juvenile justice system in NSW in the wake of a violent two day riot at Frank Baxter Juvenile Justice Centre at Kariong, which saw 21 detainees facing charges.

It was announced that work would begin on the redevelopment of Gosford’s Leagues Club Field before the end of the year. The site did indeed see some preliminary works in December Revitalisation of the southern end of Mann St, Gosford, took a step forward when property group St Hilliers lodged a masterplan DA for its Central Coast Quarter. The plan proposed an integrated mixed use precinct with a hotel, residential apartments, food, beverage and retail outlets and multiple public thoroughfares on a site adjacent to the finance building. 5 SEPTEMBER 2019

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ISSUE 215

Work to commence on the Clinical School and Research Institute G

osford is on its way to becoming a world class health, research and education precinct, with work starting this week on a new $72.5M facility at Gosford Hospital.

The facility has been a long time in the planning and will be jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments and the University of Newcastle. It will include a Clinical School to support the education and training of doctors and nurses, and a Research Institute to develop new approaches to integrated care. Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, Member of the Legislative Council, Taylor Martin, and University of Newcastle Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Partnerships), Professor Kevin Hall, were on site on Wednesday, September 4, to announce the beginning of construction. Wicks, who has been at the forefront of negotiations on the facility, said it would help position the Coast as a region of choice for education, training and clinical research. “This is a huge achievement for our region, boosting our local economy, creating more jobs for people on the Central Coast and giving our students the opportunity to study and live in Gosford,” she said. “We know that universities can transform local economies and help drive future job growth and opportunities.” Martin said the Institute would drive further investment in health and research and

An artist’s impression of the new facility at Gosford Hospital

be a key part of the region’s economic growth. “The facility will help attract and retain healthcare professionals, offering opportunities for training and clinical experience closer to home, while improving health outcomes through research conducted on site,” he said. The Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute is a partnership between the University of Newcastle and the Central Coast Local Health District, and Prof Hall said it was just one step in a staged approach by the university to

develop the region as a centre of excellence in education. “Students who are training to become the next doctors, nurses and allied health clinicians will learn the most modern techniques and wellresearched clinical practices, working alongside world leaders in their field,” Hall said. Director of the facility will be Professor Nicholas Goodwin, a social scientist who has worked for the past 25 years in the field of health services research, management and policy. In 2011, he founded the

International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC) and became its first CEO in March, 2013. The public benefit organisation is dedicated to improving the science, knowledge and adoption of integrated care worldwide. Goodwin was instrumental in writing the World Health Organisation’s Global Framework on People-Centred and Integrated Health Services Delivery, which was ratified at the World Health Assembly in 2016. In January 2016, he received

the Avedis Donabedian International Award for his contribution to Healthcare Excellence. Goodwin said the Central Coast Research Institute would aim to translate research into practice to enable better health outcomes. “We will explore innovative ways to better coordinate care for key issues such as ageing, obesity, Indigenous health, chronic disease and mental health,” he said. “The Research Institute’s overall book-to-bedside goal is to improve people’s care

experiences and outcomes in sustainable ways. “Our research will lead to better care planning and delivery across health and other sectors. “That in turn will lead to a future where people are better able to manage their health, recover more quickly from illness and injury, and live longer, more satisfying and independent lives.” Source: Media release, Sep 4 University of Newcastle media

Work began on a new $72.5M facility at Gosford Hospital,

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2019 in review

jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments and the University of Newcastle. Comprising a Clinical School to support the education and training of doctors and nurses, and a Research Institute to develop new approaches to integrated care, the facility was completed by the end of the year. Residents were unimpressed with Central Coast Council’s Terrigal Catchment Audit and called for more regular public updates on water quality and an examination of sewer infrastructure in the catchment area. Mayoral elections at Central Coast Council saw Lisa Matthews take the top job, with former Mayor, Jane Smith, elected Deputy. Matthews said she was determined to keep politics out of the Chamber. 3 OCTOBER 2019

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ISSUE 217

Premier accuses Council of sitting on its hands while announcing Conservatorium upgrade

remier Gladys Berejiklian urged Central Coast Council to “hop to it” if it wants State Government help in delivering a Performing Arts Centre (PAC) for Gosford as she announced a $2M refurbishment of Central Coast Conservatorium this week.

The Premier made it clear that $10M pledged for the PAC project in 2015, as part of a $12M package to include the $2M for the Con, could well be at jeopardy due to Council’s inaction. The Premier visited the Con en-route to a Community Cabinet meeting at Mingara Recreation Centre with all 23 of her Ministers on September 30, joined by Arts Minister, Don Harwin, Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, and Taylor Martin MLC. “Musicians of the Coast have used this former courthouse and police station since 1987 and it’s high time it was brought up to date with new performance and equipment, essential refurbishment and safety upgrades,“ Berejiklian said. “Providing an inspiring learning space will encourage students to want to learn music and teachers to give their best. “I hope it will also attract other young people to think big in terms of musical study. “This will be a real boost for the region, with students no longer having to travel long distances for a top class learning environment.” First pledged in 2015 as part of a $12M commitment from the State Government towards performing arts infrastructure on the Coast, the $2M has

Artist’s impression of how the Con will look after its $2M refurbishment. Inset: Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, and Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, at the announcement.

been in limbo ever since, as plans for a PAC stalled. Conservatorium Board President, Peter Brandon, said the decision to deliver the $2M earmarked specifically for the Con was “music to our ears”. Brandon said the Con operates out of the oldest heritage listed building on the Coast, a collection of demountables and a host of halls, rooms and venues all over the Coast. “This funding injection will allow us to transform the Con through sensitive refurbishment, upgrades to bathrooms, the kitchen, teaching and rehearsal spaces and bringing in a new piano and furniture, including seating in the Robert Knox Hall,” he said. The funds will also allow master planning for long-term future capital works. “We have a big vision for performing arts on the Coast. “A combined Conservatorium and small acoustic concert

hall that will become a vibrant educational and cultural hub for our region,” Brandon said. Crouch described the announcement as a “watershed moment” for the Con and the entire region and Minister Harwin said the money would give the Con a “whole new lease of life” which would continue to inspire students and delight audiences for years to come. Conservatorium Deputy Chair, Claire Braund, said master planning for the future could pave the way for a 500600 seat acoustic performance hall, which is what the Coast “desperately needs”. She said talks were ongoing with Council re a council owned block to the rear of the Con as a possible site. “But this $2M allows us to start with a small footprint and build from there,” she said. “We have been lobbying for many years for an appropriate music hall with an orchestra pit.

“We have some world-class musicians here and there is nowhere suitable for them to play on the Coast.” Premier Berejiklian said the $10M originally pledged for a PAC (to be matched dollar for dollar by both the Federal Government and the then Gosford Council) had been put on the back burner due to lack of a suitable proposal. “We are waiting for Central Coast Council to come to us with a proposal and we will consider it closely,” she said. “This is the time to develop the region and Council is sitting on its hands not doing the work required. “When councils and State Government work together, great things can happen. “We have a sense of urgency but we don’t understand why council is not being more cooperative.” The Premier’s comments and announcement come in the wake of a recent decision by Central Coast Council to

review plans for a Cultural Precinct in the heart of Gosford incorporating a Regional Library and a Performing Arts Centre and concentrate instead on pushing through with plans for a library as a stand alone project. Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews, defended that decision after the Premier’s comments. “Planning for the PAC is still ongoing and Council decided to proceed with plans for a Regional Library in an effort to secure Federal Government funding,” she said. “Ratepayers have been paying a levy for a Regional Library for a long time.” Clr Matthews called for affirmation of the $10M pledged in 2015 for a RPAC and said it was “perplexing” that it had not been affirmed at the same time as the $2M Conservatorium announcement. Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said staff had completed all

requirements for the funding, had “provided extensive documentation including evidence of stakeholder consultation, and repeatedly sought advice on the next steps to finalise a funding agreement”. But Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, and Taylor Martin, MLC, confirmed Council’s delay in delivering a PAC in Gosford could result in losing the $10M. Crouch said $2M had been separated from the total $12M to allow the Conservatorium to upgrade its facilities and plan for the future. “It has been over four years since this funding commitment (was made), and Council has not even turned a sod on the performing arts centre,” he said. “The Department of Premier and Cabinet, or any Government representative, is yet to be presented with Council’s fully-funded final proposal.” Martin said the proposed performing arts centre had undergone a number of changes since 2015, and was still not finalised. “There needs to be accountability and value for money when taxpayer dollars are spent,” he said. Source: Press conference, Sep 30 Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, Arts Minister, Don Harwin, Central Coast Conservatorium Board President, Peter Brandon Interview, Sep 30 Central Coast Conservatorium Deputy Chair, Claire Braund Interview, Sep 30 Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews Media release, Sep 30 Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews Media release, Sep 30 Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, and Taylor Martin MLC Reporter: Terry Collins

Premier Gladys Berejiklian ruffled some feathers when she urged Central Coast Council to “hop to it” if it wanted State Government help in delivering a Performing Arts Centre as she announced a $2M refurbishment of Central Coast Conservatorium. The swipe came as Council voted to shelve plans for a Cultural Precinct in the centre of Gosford, which would have included a performing arts centre, in favour of pushing ahead with a Regional Library as a separate project. The Lederer Group announced the Kibbleplex building in the heart of Gosford would be transformed into a

$345.4M five tower residential and retail development within 10 years, if its Development Application, still under consideration with the State Government, is approved. Controversy continued to rage over stalled Regional Performing Arts Centre plans, with Councillor Greg Best being unsuccessful in trying to move for an Independent Audit Investigation into Council’s handling of the Cultural Precinct issue. Central Coast Leagues Club furthered its plans for a $440M redevelopment by applying to the NSW Department of Planning for approval as a State Significant Site. Former NSW Police Minister and Minister for the Central Coast, Michael Gallacher, had his name cleared after allegations of corruption which forced him out of Parliament in 2017 were found to have been unproven. Plans were announced for a $2.23M revitalisation of West Gosford Shopping Centre, recently purchased by Mintus Properties Pty Ltd for a reported $23M. A report commissioned by the NSW Government confirmed that human sewage regularly spills from stormwater drains onto Terrigal Beach. 14 NOVEMBER 2019

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Prime Minister makes a flying visit to the Central Coast but has nothing new to offer

rime Minister Scott Morrison reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in the Central Coast region during a brief but largely unremarkable visit to Gosford on November 12.

Morrison popped into town to be keynote speaker at Gosford, Erina and Coastal Chamber of Commerce’s November luncheon meeting, en-route to Canberra, where he was expecting an update on the dire bushfire situation which continues to ravage NSW. He told around 250 attendees that local businesses were “the beating heart” of any community and noted that the Central Coast region had seen 1,500 new businesses start up since 2015. “This government believes very passionately in small business,” he said. “A strong regional economy is the only way to guarantee the provision of essential services, things like roads and

Prime Minister, Scott Morrison in Gosford on November 12

schools, and we are strong on investing in small business to give it a chance to grow.” “This is an incredible environment and you all get that,” he said. “More and more people are also getting it and moving to the Coast.

“We have big plans for the Coast which we will continue to roll out.” Morrison highlighted the government’s commitment to the $72.5m Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute now under construction at Gosford

Hospital, jointly funded by the Federal Government and the University of Newcastle. He also highlighted government commitments of $70M in road upgrades, $1.6M on the M1 upgrade and $35M for commuter carpark upgrades at Gosford and Woy

Woy. Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, who introduced Morrison at the meeting, said: “The desire to drive investment in Gosford like the university campus was a vision long before I became the Member for Robertson,” she said. “Providing opportunities for people to work where they live is what drives me and I know drives the Prime Minister.” Chamber president, Rod Dever, said the Prime Minister had shown a real understanding of regional issues. “He made it clear we were on his radar and that we are no longer the forgotten Central Coast,” Dever said. The Prime Minister was not available for questions from the media despite our many attempts to ask more specific local questions. Source: Gosford Erina and Coastal Chamber of Commerce meeting, Nov 12 Media release, Nov 13 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks Reporter: Terry Collins

Catastrophic Fire Danger survived

he Central Coast survived a Catastrophic Fire Danger warning on November 12 virtually unscathed, although the Rural Fire Service warns that residents should remain vigilant, with rain not predicted for some time. Several schools were closed on the Coast in view of the warning and thick smoke filled

the air for most of the day. RFS Central Coast public liaison officer, Stuart O’Keefe, said there were a “couple of minor ignitions” which were dealt with quickly. “There was a report of fire at Warnervale but nothing was found, and smoke sightings reported at Woy Woy Bay and Green Point required no firefighting,” O’Keefe said. “However, there is a heightened level of awareness in the community and a certain level of anxiety at the moment

and we would encourage people to report any suspected fires quickly and we will respond accordingly.” O’Keefe said firefighters had “planned and had resources for the worst possible scenarios” following the Catastrophic listing and news that southerly winds due late in the day could lead to a heightened fire risk. “Fortunately for us, none of that preparation was required,” he said. “But the message is that although the high

temperatures and winds have abated for the moment, they are likely to return “The bush is very dry and drought affected and even on calm days fires can take hold and burn quickly. “We would ask everyone to remain vigilant and maintain the highest level of preparation. “Ensure your bushfire survival plan is regularly reviewed, especially in the current situation. “The situation will not really

resolve until we have flooding rains and these are not predicted for months.” O’Keefe said smoke on the Central Coast was coming from the Gospers mountain region, 50km to the west. “I urge everyone to keep up to date with the Fires Near Me app,” he said. Source: Interview, Nov 13 Stuart O’Keefe Public Liaison Officer, Rural Fire Service Central Coast

ISSUE 220

Leagues Club Field work to commence

ork on the $10M redevelopment of Leagues Club Field on the Gosford waterfront is to start in December.

YEAR IN REVIEW PAGE 13 17 JANUARY 2020

saying the government believed “very passionately” in small business. A motion from Councillor Greg Best to move the region directly to level 2 water restrictions once the level at Mangrove Creek Dam drops to 50% was defeated by Central Coast Council. An Executive Member of the Community Environment Network (CEN) accused the State Government of lack of transparency over its assessment process for Development Applications being considered as State Significant Developments. CEN Executive Member, Michael Conroy, said proposals for projects such as the Lederer Group’s plans for the Kibbleplex site on Henry Parry Dr, Gosford, and the St Hilliers’ development in Mann St, highlighted the lack of adequate community consultation. A Drinking Water Catchments Protection Bill 2019, designed to protect the Central Coast’s water supply and put by Central Coast Greens MLC Abigail Boyd, was defeated in the Legislative Council. Gosford Erina Business Chamber (GEBC) mooted a new parking facility to be established near the corner of Erina and Albany Sts, North Gosford, with the eventual demolition of the Kibbleplex building set to rob the CBD of 600 car parking spaces.

See Page 3 for more

Loss of temporary Terrigal car park

he loss of 33 car parking spaces in Church St, Terrigal, became inevitable when the former Gosford Council made the decision to sell the land to a private developer in 2015, Central Coast councillor, Chris Holstein, said this week.

6 DECEMBER 2019

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.

See Page 8 for more

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

embers of the Narara Ecovillage have been left with 18 incomplete cluster homes after their contracted builder went into liquidation. See Page 11 for more

Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, popped in to address Gosford Erina Business Chamber, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in the Central Coast region and

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

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.

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

Page 12

Sport

Bush fires dominated our headlines through the last month of the year, with the

Working for you

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

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.

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

Member for Terrigal

AdamCrouchMP

Vandals attack Little Tern colony

Adam CROUCH MP terrigal@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Business

Cluster home builder goes into liquidation

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ISSUE 222

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

Smoke, fire ... and now for summer

adamcrouchmp

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Gospers Mountain and Three Mile fires putting Central Coast homes and lives at risk. The region suffered under a pall of thick smoke for much of the month. Communities around the Spencer to Mangrove Mountain area remained on high alert, with some close shaves, and several schools in the vicinity were closed on multiple days throughout the month. Firefighters were magnificent in defending the area but were approaching the Christmas season with caution, with high temperatures and winds predicted and a seven-day state of emergency declared by the Premier on December 19. The Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park at Calga remained closed, having relocated all animals to safety, and the Australian Reptile Park was on alert. Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews, was unimpressed when premier Gladys Berejiklian announced more planning reforms were on the way, with the State Government set to take even more control of regional planning. Cr Matthews, still reeling from an announcement that a Local Planning Panel would be introduced for the Coast in 2020, said the “devil will be in the detail” of the as-yet unspecified new controls. Councillor Greg Best tried yet again to tighten water restrictions, but his rescission motion, which aimed to convince his fellow councillors to skip Level 1 and go straight to Level 2 restrictions when Mangrove Creek Dam falls to 50% capacity, probably in mid to late summer, was unsuccessful. An extraordinary meeting of council called by Cr Best late in the month failed to alter the status quo. Reporter: Terry Collins

PAGE 14 17 JANUARY 2020 BUSINESS

& PROPERTY

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Business & Property

New Gosford Gateway expected to transform Gosford This is the sight which will greet people alighting from trains on the Mann St side of Gosford Railway Station if a proposal now under considerations by the State Government gets the green light. ADG Architects have released their concept designs for the $300M Gosford Gateway, a three tower education and commercial precinct set to replace the existing Gateway Centre in Mann St. The 10,000 sqm site will transform into a sustainable multi-use precinct of three towers totalling 80,000 sqm of floor space, if approved as a State Significant Development. The provision of Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEAR) for the mixed use development follows 12 months of early design phases and consultation with Central Coast Council and the State Government. ADG Architects’ vision for the education hub includes a 600-

seat auditorium, and conference facilities to be accessible to the public. Student and retirement independent living units are also proposed in the concept plans, as well as a supermarket and other retail outlets, with public access and

Artist’s impression of the new Gosford Gateway

thoroughfares through to the heritage listed Burns Park. The masterplan incorporates part of the existing Gateway Centre structure and will also house 1,200 car spaces. “Our design is locally driven, with a strong focus on adaptive reuse and sustainability.

The towers will be split by a large public plaza of landscaped green spaces and our building materials and practices will all be renewable,” ADG Architects Principal, Anthony Kelly, said. “This masterplan has been designed for the people of the Central Coast.

“We are dedicated to utilising local consultants for the project.” Kelly said the public plaza would be a true community and cultural epicentre for the region,activated by restaurants, bars and cafes, and providing an important connection

between Gosford CBD, the railway station and the bus interchange that operates opposite the site. “We’re really excited about what this project will do for the region, particularly the stateof-the-art education hub,” he said. “Gosford has been crying out for quality education facilities for quite some time and we’re proud to provide a design plan that could bring this to life. “The ripple effect of proposing projects like this won’t just be felt in Gosford. “We’re confident that this education and commercial precinct will benefit the entire Central Coast.” With the plans now with SEARs, it is expected that the concept masterplan Development Application (DA) will be submitted early this year. Source: Media release, Jan 6 ADG Architects

Happy

Australia Day 26TH JANUARY

Australia Day at Woy Woy Foreshore Sunday, 26 January 2020 2:00pm to 9:00pm Australia Day Woy Woy is a free community event celebrating our great country. Be entertained with games on the CWA Lawn, face painting, food and market stalls, craft workshops and a great line-up of musicians on the main stage.

LUCY WICKS MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR ROBERTSON

Level 3, 69 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford NSW 2250 02 4322 2400

lucy.wicks.mp@aph.gov.au

LucyWicksMP

Authorised by Lucy Wicks MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Level 3, 69 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford NSW 2250.

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PAGE 16 17 JANUARY 2020 BUSINESS

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Unchecked population growth will have a dramatic impact on our quality of life Former Liberal MP and Gosford Mayor, Malcolm Brooks, has urged politicians at all levels to unite in conserving the Coast’s dwindling water supplies and controlling development ahead of a huge projected population boom. “Unchecked population growth will have a dramatic impact on our quality of life and our politicians seem to be oblivious to this fact,” Brooks said. “Without adequate planning and government action, our unchecked population growth also threatens our limited water supplies and makes the risk of running out of water more likely. “Our major resources on the Central Coast are the natural beauty of our waterways and timbered lands, and environmental features. “Continuing unchecked and unplanned growth jeopardises the various resources that bring people to the Central Coast and provide the economic foundation for our community. “Our population in 2001 was

Malcolm Brooks

some 290,000. “Since that time, the population has increased to approximately 311,000, according to the Bureau of Statistics’ 2018 official estimate, and the Bureau projects a population of 414,000 by 2036.” Brooks said that although our population would increase by 30% over the next six years, our water supply would not. “The Millennium Drought that impacted the Central Coast between 2002 and 2008 saw our water supplies dwindle to less than 10%,” he said. “This year the dry weather has seen the main storage at Mangrove Creek Dam, which

provides more than 90% of the available storage, decline to less than 53%. “During the Drought, the then Gosford and Wyong Councils undertook a number of major initiatives to enhance the supply, including the Mardi to Mangrove link, the Hunter Water connection, and increased harvesting from Mooney Creek, Wyong River and Ourimbah Creek. “In addition, a number of enhancements were made to the supply and treatment systems. “Where will our additional water supply come from? “The over populated Sydney basin won’t have enough for its

own needs. “As for the Hunter Valley pipeline, constructed and used in the Millennium Drought, I believe their priority will be to protect their area and citizens. “My solution is that the Central Coast must manage its resources, including population and water usage, in a sustainable way to maintain our values and lifestyle in perpetuity. “With population growth and climate change placing increased stress over our limited water supplies. there appears little political will (Federal, State and Council) to manage population growth or to recognise the limitations of our available water supplies. “West of the M1 Motorway is our major water catchment and agricultural area that must be protected and preserved. “The two essentials for life are water and food, without which we humans do not exist. “All levels of government must ensure no urbanisation west of the M1.” Source: Media release, Jan 10 Malcolm Brooks

16 affordable housing unit development approved A multi dwelling development comprising 16 affordable housing units has been approved by Central Coast Council for a block in Henry Kendall St, West Gosford, adjacent to Henry Kendall Cottage. Originally rejected in July, 2019, the amended application has ticked all Council’s boxes, having addressed issues of concern by adjusting setbacks, increasing landscape area and improving solar access, among other things. The development will see two existing residences demolished to make way for four detached blocks, with the first including two units at ground level and seven car parking spaces, including two accessible spaces.

The second block will contain two units at ground level and two at first floor level. Block 3 will house two units at ground floor level and two on level one and the fourth block will contain three units at ground level and three at first level. Between them, the 16 units, a mix of one and two-bedroom, will offer 27 bedrooms with vehicular access via a single driveway from Henry Kendall St. There will also be two pedestrian access points, two communal areas and landscaping, including three canopy trees. Source: Central Coast Council DA tracker, Jan 15

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PAGE 18 17 JANUARY 2020 HEALTH

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LEGO drug warning for festival goers A new extremely high dose MDMA pill being circulated around NSW has prompted the state’s health department to issue a warning to all young people about the potentially deadly drug in the lead up to the summer music festival season. NSW Health issued a public warning about the new ‘LEGO’ ecstasy pills on December 28, with Clinical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre, Professor Andrew Dawson, confirming the new drug contained double or even triple the common dosage. “While one MDMA tablet/ capsule alone can cause lifethreatening toxicity, the risk is

greatly increased if high doses or multiple MDMA tablets or capsules are consumed over a short period, or if MDMA is consumed in combination with alcohol or other stimulants, such as methamphetamine or cocaine,” Prof Dawson said. “Hot weather will also increase the dangers, as MDMA causes the body to dangerously overheat, potentially leading to organ failure, loss of consciousness and death,” he added. According to Prof Dawson the average dose of MDMA in the colourful “LEGO” shaped tablets was 150mg. “Consumption of high doses of MDMA has been linked to cases of serious illness and

New potentially deadly form of MDMA

death in NSW. “It can cause severe agitation and paranoia, raised body temperature, seizures or fits, heart rhythm problems and death,” Prof Dawson said.

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While the Coast’s only scheduled music festival, Lost Paradise, was cancelled late last year due to potential bushfire impact, the LEGO warning is still in effect and any

locals planning on taking drugs at musical festivals elsewhere are being urged to know the heightened risks associated with this new form of MDMA. The NSW Government recently announced Amnesty Bins would be placed at some music festivals, so patrons have a chance to discard illegal drugs without fear of prosecution or penalty. The measure formed a key part of the NSW Government’s response to the Deputy Coroner’s recommendations following her inquest into the deaths of six patrons at NSW music festivals, which found MDMA toxicity played a part in the death of six young people last festival season, including

the Coast’s own Alex RossKing. NSW Health has also released updated guidelines for music festival event organisers which support the delivery of safer music festivals. Prof Dawson urged anyone who was unwell from MDMA to immediately call Triple Zero. “Importantly, look after your mates. “If you feel unwell, or if your friend feels unwell, do something about it. “You won’t get into trouble for seeking medical care,” he said. Source: Media release, Dec 28 NSW Health

New subsidies for melanoma treatments

In a boost for melanoma patients across the Coast, the Federal Government’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended subsidised access to immunotherapy treatment for high risk early-stage and advanced-stage melanoma patients.

Two melanoma treatments are recommended by the PBAC for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing nivolumab for resected Stage 3 to 4 (high risk) metastatic melanoma,and the combination ipilimumab and nivolumab as first-line therapy for Stage 5 (advanced) melanoma. Co-Medical Directors of Melanoma Institute Australia, Professor Georgina Long and Professor Richard Scolyer, said providing subsidised access to these treatments was wonderful news for melanoma

Professor Georgina Long and Professor Richard Scoyler

patients and their families around Australia, as until now, they could only access these treatments through clinical trials or on compassionate grounds, or face costs of tens of thousands of dollars. “Our clinical trials have proven nivolumab is effective in preventing melanoma recurrence and its spread to other organs including the brain, lungs and liver in the majority of high risk resected Stage 3 patients,’ said Professor Long. “Our trials have also proven

the effectiveness of the combination immunotherapy as front line treatment for Stage 4 melanoma patients where their disease has already spread to other organs, including the brain,” she added. “Providing certainty of access to these treatments via the PBS will be life-changing and lifesaving,” added Professor Scolyer. Source: Media release, Dec 23 Jennifer Durante, Melanoma Institute of Australia

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Information on fee-free traineeships and apprenticeships TAFE NSW Regional General Manager, Marie Larkings, is encouraging school leavers to explore their vocational education options at TAFE NSW Gosford, Wyong and Ourimbah InfoFests, which kick off from January 20. Larkings said that considering the announcement of fee-free traineeships and apprenticeships by the NSW Government, together with Smart and Skilled funding, there’s never been a better time to consider vocational education and training options. “Courses for nine of the 10 most in demand jobs are already being delivered by TAFE NSW. “Industries across the state, such as construction, nursing and hospitality,are experiencing skills shortages, which means that now is the time for people to get the qualification they

“In 2019 we enjoyed many wonderful student and staff achievements – across academic pursuits, the sporting field, creative and performing arts exhibitions and performances,” said Principal, Andrew Backhouse. “Our extensive Stage 4 curriculum review has provided enormous feedback from across all stakeholders and, most significantly, from our students, coupled with research, will see significant changes to the way we deliver teaching and learning from 2021. “These exciting changes will move Henry Kendall High School away from a content driven and orientated curriculum to one that is focussed on developing the skills, mindsets and adaptability our young people will need to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” he continued. Principal Backhouse said that as they looked to the future, he was also very focussed on the past. “In 2020 Henry Kendall High School will turn 50 and this important milestone celebrates our rich diversity, the strength of our school culture, and the many iterations that our school has undergone in those 50

TAFE NSW’s InfoFest is on at all Central Coast campuses next week

need for the job they want. “With entry level courses to bachelor degrees in areas such as early childhood education,

information technology and business, choosing TAFE NSW is an obvious choice for people looking to secure their first job, win a promotion, or start on a career change. “TAFE NSW students are in high demand because of the quality of their education and ability to hit the ground running with the job ready skills that employers are looking for,” Larkings said. “InfoFest will provide prospective students with an invaluable opportunity to explore the innovative range of course options, meet with award winning teachers, and explore the practical, hands on facilities.” Source: Media release, Jan 16 Sarah Livemore, TAFE NSW

Source: Newsletter, Dec 3 Michael Smith, Gosford High School

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Henry Kendall High School

years. Henry Kendall High School began its life as an annex to Gosford High School, before becoming one of the largest schools in NSW and then welcoming Gosford Public School in as a shared site. Backhouse says the school’s culture is something that cannot be understated. “From the moment you enter our gates, it is something that can be felt - a quiet energy and yet calmness. “Having a voice, caring for others, acceptance of individual differences, celebrating achievement and supporting each other – these things are fundamental to the beliefs that the staff bring to their work each day. Backhouse says that culture is organic and must be continually built. “Over 50 years the integral fabric that draws people to this

school has not changed despite faces that have come and gone and buildings that have changed,” he said. “It is a culture that is made up of many, many elements that are our collective values and beliefs in action. “Our 50th year will see a renewed focus on student leadership and student voice, development of project based learning as a fundamental component in the curriculum, emphasis on formative modes of assessment, significant changes to our reporting structures, and partnerships with industry that enhance opportunities for our students. “We are thinking about what is important and what will make a difference and so we should be.”

INT CH

GREEN

STIAN

December 17. “Through the support of local sandstone suppliers, CMQ Operations, the Parents and Carers Association and the Chapman Fund we have been able to commence the creation of this garden. “It will provide a great addition to outdoor seating and places students can enjoy their time at Gosford High School,” Smith said.

The garden was the idea of outgoing 2019 school captain, Daniel Missak, whose vision was to see an outdoor learning space that could double as a quiet place of reflection during difficult times to be available for future students. Principal, Michael Smith, said the garden was progressing well and might be ready for unveiling during the school’s 2019 HSC results barbecue on

17 JANUARY 2020

When students return to Henry Kendall High School this year they’ll be celebrating more than just the start of a new school year with 2020 being the school’s 50th anniversary.

Reflection garden for Gosford High

Gosford High School is developing a reflection garden.

EDUCATION PAGE 19 Henry Kendall High School turns 50 WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

COL

LEGE

Green Point Christian College

Source: Newsletter, Dec 20 Andrew Backhouse, Henry Kendall High School

TEN (C13)

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5:30 Today [s] 6:00 Headline News [s] News Breakfast [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] ABC News Mornings [s] 9:00 The Morning Show Summer 9:00 Today Extra Summer [s] Series (PG) [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] Throwback (PG) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised Australia’s Remote Islands [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] Dream Gardens (PG) [s] 12:00 Movie: “Speedway” (PG) (’68) 1:00 Movie: “Moonstruck” (PG) (’87) 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] Stars: Elvis Presley Stars: Cher, Nicolas Cage 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Ask The Doctor (PG) [s] 3:30 Everyday Gourmet [s] 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] 2:00 The Daily Edition Summer 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] Series (PG) [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Death In Paradise (M v) [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful Call The Midwife (M) [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] (PG) [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] Agatha Raisin (M) [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 7:00 A Current Affair [s] Poh’s Kitchen On The Road 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 7:30 Vet On The Hill (PG) [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 8:30 Movie: “Thor: Ragnarök” (M) Summer: Summer Series [s] – (’17) – Imprisoned on the planet 7:30 The Graham Norton Show Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) Sakaar, Thor must race against (PG) [s] Karen makes some fragrant The Heights (PG) [s] 8:45 Hughesy, We Have A time to return to Asgard and ABC Evening News [s] coconut mussels. Tara turns an Problem (M) [s] stop Ragnarök, the destruction Summer Drum [s] old coffee table into a stylish ottoman. Dr Harry witnesses the of his world, at the hands of the 9:45 The Montreal Comedy ABC News [s] Festival: powerful and ruthless villain Death In Paradise (M v) [s] return of a rehabilitated turtle Just For Laughs #4 (M s,l) [s] back to its home on the Great Hela. Stars: Chris Hemsworth Endeavour: Colours (M v) [s] 11:05 Movie: “The Legend Of 10:50 The Project (PG) [s] QI: Nosey Noisy (PG) [s] Barrier Reef. 11:50 WIN’s All Australian News [s] Hercules” (M) (’14) Stars: ABC Late News [s] 8:30 Movie: “The Fugitive” (PG) (’93) Kellan Lutz, Gaia Weiss 12:50 The Late Show With Stephen Back (M l,d,s,v) [s] Stars: Harrison Ford Colbert (PG) [s] 11:15 Flights From Hell: 1:00 Cybershack (PG) [s] rage (MA15+) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 2:00 Home Shopping Caught On Camera (PG) [s] 4:30 CBS - This Morning 4:30 The Avengers (PG) [s] 12:30 Home Shopping 6:00 I Fish [s] 6:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 6:00 Home Shopping 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 6:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 7:00 Weekend Today [s] 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 10:00 rage Retro Month (PG) [s] 7:00 RV Daily Foodie Trails [s] 10:00 Today Extra Summer [s] 11:00 Classic Countdown: 1976 [s] 10:00 The Morning Show 7:30 The Offroad Adventure Show 12:00 Cybershack (PG) [s] Weekend (PG) [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 8:30 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 12:30 It’s All Greek To Me (PG) [s] 12:00 Beretta Tour de Cure [s] 12:30 QI: Noble Rot (PG) [s] Adventures [s] 1:00 Giving Life (PG) [s] 1:00 World’s Deadliest Weather: 1:00 Endeavour: Colours (M v) [s] 9:30 Studio 10 Saturday (PG) [s] 1:30 Our State On A Plate [s] Caught On Camera (PG) [s] 2:30 Father Brown: The Two 12:00 All 4 Adventure (PG) [s] 2:00 World's Greatest Islands: 2:00 Movie: “Angel Flight Down” Deaths Of Hercule Flambeau 1:00 Farm To Fork [s] Archipelagos (PG) [s] (PG) (’96) Stars: Patricia (PG) [s] 2:30 Delish Destinations: Rotorua, 1:30 Healthy Homes Australia [s] Kalember, David Charvet 3:25 Poh’s Kitchen Lends A Hand 2:00 The Living Room (PG) [s] New Zealand [s] 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens 3:55 Short Cuts To Glory: Matt 3:00 Tennis: Adelaide International 3:00 What’s Up Down Under? [s] Okine vs Food: The Basics [s] 5:00 Seven News At 5 [s] 3:30 This Is Mexico [s] Tennis *Live* From Memorial 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s 4:30 Landline Summer [s] 4:00 RV Daily Foodie Trails [s] Drive Tennis Centre [s] Front Line (PG) [s] 5:00 Football: A-League: Round 15: 4:30 Seafood Escape With Andrew 6:00 NINE News Saturday [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] Brisbane Roar v Wellington Ettingshausen [s] 7:00 Tennis: Adelaide International Phoenix *Live* From Suncorp 7:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: 5:00 10 News First [s] Tennis *Live* [s] Sydney Thunder v Sydney Stadium [s] 6:00 Jamie And The Nonnas: 9:30 Tennis: Hobart International Sixers *Live* From Sydney 7:00 ABC News [s] Aeolian Islands [s] Tennis *Live* From The Showground [s] 7:30 Vera: 7:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] Domain Tennis Centre [s] 10:30 Movie: “Payback” (MA15+) Changing Tides (PG) [s] (’99) – A ruthless criminal who 11:30 Movie: “No Escape” (MA15+) 7:30 Ambulance Australia (M) [s] 9:00 Doc Martin: 9:00 Ambulance UK (M) [s] (’15) Stars: Owen Wilson, is gunned down by his wife and All My Trials (M) [s] 10:15 Program To Be Advised Lake Bell, Sterling Jerins friend after they rob an Asian 9:50 Agatha Raisin: The Fairies 11:10 Program To Be Advised 1:30 Cybershack (PG) [s] gang, survives the attack and Of Fryfam (Part 2) (M) [s] 12:05 Program To Be Advised 2:00 Home Shopping makes it his mission to exact 10:40 rage: Retro Month (MA15+) [s] 1:00 Home Shopping 5:30 Wesley Impact [s] revenge. Stars: Mel Gibson 6:00 Religious Programs [s] 6:00 Home Shopping 6:00 Harry (PG) [s] 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Today [s] 7:30 Fishing Australia [s] 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 8:00 Snap Happy [s] 10:00 Offsiders: Summer Edition [s] 10:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 10:00 Golf: Jack Newton Celebrity 8:30 Farm To Fork [s] 12:00 Surf Patrol [s] Classic [s] 10:30 The World This Week [s] 11:00 Global Roaming: City Life (PG) 9:00 Seafood Escape With Andrew 12:30 Movie: “Charro” (PG) (’69) 11:00 Compass [s] Ettingshausen [s] Stars: Elvis Presley, Ina Balin, 12:00 World’s Greatest Journeys: 11:30 Songs Of Praise [s] 9:30 Studio 10 Sunday (PG) [s] Victor French, Barbara Werle Land Adventures (PG) [s] 12:00 ABC News [s] 1:00 Kevin Can Wait: 12:00 The Offroad Adventure Show 2:30 Cricket: Big Bash League: 12:30 Landline Summer [s] 1:00 All 4 Adventure (PG) [s] Fight Or Flight (PG) [s] 1:00 Gardening Australia [s] Hobart Hurricanes v Adelaide 2:00 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventure Strikers *Live* From UTAS 1:30 Movie: “Zeus And Roxanne” 2:00 Doc Martin (M) [s] (G) (’97) Stars: Steve 3:00 Program To Be Advised Stadium [s] 3:00 The Crown And Us: The Story Guttenberg, Kathleen Quinlan 4:30 RPM Summer Series [s] Of The Royals In Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 7:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: 3:30 Delish Destinations [s] 4:00 Football: W-League: Round 4:00 Endangered: Philippines [s] 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] Brisbane Heat v Melbourne 10: Western Sydney Wanderers 6:30 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 5:00 NINE News: First At Five [s] Renegades *Live* From The v Perth Glory *Live* [s] 7:30 I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Gabba [s] – The Heat host last 5:30 Customs (PG) [s] 6:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] Of Here! (PG) [s] – The trials season’s BBL champions at the 6:00 NINE News Sunday [s] 6:30 Back Roads [s] department are high fiving Gabba in a clash of two of the 7:00 60 Minutes (M) [s] 7:00 ABC News Sunday [s] themselves over this one. They Big Bash’s most explosive 8:00 Serengeti: Rebirth (PG) [s] 7:40 David Attenborough’s are calling it the scariest trial batting line-ups, which is sure 9:10 Movie: “Non-Stop” (M v,l) (’14) Conquest Of The Skies [s] we’ve ever done. Stars: Liam Neeson 8:35 Maigret (M s,v) [s] to produce plenty of fireworks. 9:00 The Graham Norton Show (M) 11:20 Manifest: 10:05 Agatha Christie’s And Then 10:30 Sunday Night: 10:15 Program To Be Advised Point Of No Return (M) [s] There Were None (M s,d,v) [s] Summer Series (PG) [s] 12:10 Cold Case: Stealing Home (M) 11:10 Program To Be Advised 11:05 Inside London Fire Brigade 12:00 The Cosmetic Surgery 12:00 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 1:05 Harry (PG) [s] (M) [s] Show (M) [s] 1:00 Home Shopping 12:30 Home Shopping 2:00 Home Shopping 11:50 Silent Witness (M s,v) [s] 6:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 1:00 1:30 2:00 3:00 3:30 4:00 5:00 5:30 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:30 10:00 10:35 11:05 11:30

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)

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

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

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CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Telemarkskanalen Boat Journey (In Norwegian) 3:00 Aerial Asia: Singapore 3:55 China’s Megatomb (PG) (In English/ Mandarin) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Motor Sport: Dakar Rally 2020 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Hunting Egypt’s Lost Treasures: Tomb Raiders (PG) 8:30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 9:25 Marry Me Marry My Family (PG) 10:30 SBS World News Late 11:00 Movie: “Monsieur Chocolat” (M l,v) (’16) Stars: Omar Sy, James Thierrée, Clotilde Hesme (In French) 1:05 The Night Manager (M s) 2:05 Ride Upon The Storm (M l) (In Danish) 5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Small Business Secrets 2:35 Drain The Pirate City 3:30 Basketball: WNBL Highlights 4:05 The Crystal Maze: The Air Cadets (PG) 5:00 Mythical Beasts Unearthed (PG) 6:00 Motor Sport: Dakar Rally 2020 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Inside Aldi 8:30 Movie: “Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life” (M l,s) (’83) Stars: John Cleese, Terry Jones 10:25 Movie: “The Iceman” (MA15+) (’14) Stars: Donnie Yen, Baoqiang Wang (In Cantonese) 12:25 China’s Prison Kids: Waiting For The Sun (M) (In Mandarin) 2:10 Britain’s Ancient Capital: Orkney (PG) 3:15 The Island With Bear Grylls (M l) 5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 7:00 Small Business Secrets 7:30 Worldwatch 1:00 Speedweek 3:00 Basketball: NBL: NZ Breakers v Melbourne United *Live* From Spark Arena 5:00 Small Business Secrets 5:30 Apocalypse: The Second World War (PG) (In English/ French/ German) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Decoding The Great Pyramid 8:30 Secret Life Of The Mega Resort 9:35 Royal Family: The Scandals And Shame (PG) 10:50 Britain’s Ancient Capital: Orkney (PG) 11:50 Adolf And Eva: Love And War (M s,v) 1:40 Civilisations: Colour And Light (MA15+) 2:50 Look Me In The Eye (PG)

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

Monday 20 January

PRIME (C61/60)

Tuesday 21 January

Saturday 18 January

Friday 17 January

ABC (C20/21)

Sunday 19 January

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PRIME (C61/60)

10:00 Foreign Correspondent [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 10:30 The House With Annabel 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] Crabb [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 11:00 David Attenborough’s 12:00 Movie: “The Trouble With Girls” Conquest Of The Skies [s] (G) (’69) Stars: Elvis Presley 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 2:00 The Daily Edition Summer 1:00 Australian Story (PG) [s] Series (PG) [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 1:30 Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None (M d,v) [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 2:30 Inside London Fire Brigade 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] (PG) [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 3:30 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 7:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: 4:00 Think Tank (PG) [s] Sydney Sixers v Melbourne 5:00 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) Stars *Live* From The SCG [s] 5:30 The Heights (PG) [s] – This clash shapes as a 6:00 ABC News [s] possible preview of this 6:30 Summer Drum [s] season’s BBL final, so both the 7:00 ABC News [s] Sixers and Stars will be keen to 7:30 7.30 [s] gain a psychological edge 8:00 Back Roads (PG) [s] ahead of the finals with a 8:30 Magical Land Of Oz: Land [s] victory. 9:30 Cricket: Big Bash League: 9:30 Exposed (M l) [s] Perth Scorchers v Sydney 10:30 ABC Late News [s] Thunder *Live* From Optus 11:00 Louis Theroux - Twilight Of Stadium, Perth [s] The Porn Stars (M l,n,s) [s] 1:00 Home Shopping 12:00 Horror Movie (M l,s,v) [s] 6:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 1:00 1:30 2:30 3:05 3:30 4:00 5:00 5:30 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:35 9:30 10:25

Wednesday 22 January

Thursday 23 January

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6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 Foreign Correspondent [s] 12:00 The House With Annabel 12:30 Crabb [s] Dream Gardens [s] Ask The Doctor (PG) [s] 3:30 ABC News At Noon [s] 4:00 Australian Story (PG) [s] 5:00 Call The Midwife (M v) [s] 6:00 Rugged Paradise: The 7:00 Abrolhos Islands [s] Poh’s Kitchen [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) The Heights (PG) [s] ABC News [s] Summer Drum [s] 10:30 ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] 11:00 Nigella At My Table [s] . The Pool: Our Playground (PG) 12:00 The Cult Of The Family: A Question Of Identity (M d) [s] 1:00 ABC Late News [s] News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Foreign Correspondent [s] The House With Annabel Crabb [s] Dream Gardens [s] Ask The Doctor (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Australian Story (PG) [s] Call The Midwife (M v) [s] Kev Carmody: Songman [s] Nigella At My Table [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) The Heights (PG) [s] ABC News [s] Summer Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] Sherlock: The Lying Detective (M v) [s] Program To Be Advised Planet America (PG) [s] ABC Late News [s] Bucket (M l) [s] News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Foreign Correspondent [s] The House With Annabel Crabb [s] Dream Gardens [s] Ask The Doctor (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Adam Hills: The Last Leg (PG) [s] Call The Midwife (M v) [s] The Cook And The Chef [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) The Heights (PG) [s] ABC News [s] Summer Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] Program To Be Advised Stop Laughing... This Is Serious: Too Much Variety Is Barely Enough (M l,s) [s] Killing Eve: The Hungry Caterpillar (MA15+) [s]

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

6:00 9:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 3:30 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00

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PAGE 21 17 JANUARY 2020

SBS (C30)

5:30 Today [s] 6:00 Headline News [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 10:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 5:15 NHK World English News - Pre Show [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis 1:00 Program To Be Advised 1:55 Telemarkskanalen Boat *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] Journey (PG) (In Norwegian) – Returning champions Novak 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:05 Aerial Asia: Malaysia (PG) Djokovic, Naomi Osaka as well 3:30 Everyday Gourmet With 4:00 Destination Flavour China Justine Schofield [s] (In English/ Mandarin) as Rafael Nadal, Roger 4:30 David Baddiel On The Silk Federer, Ash Barty and Alex de 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful Road (PG) Minaur are just a few names (PG) [s] 5:30 Letters And Numbers headlining the Australian Open 6:00 Mastermind Australia 2020. Join host Tony Jones for 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:30 SBS World News all the action. 7:35 Cruising With Jane 4:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 7:30 I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out McDonald: Of Here! (PG) [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] South America (Part 1) 7:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis 9:00 Hughesy, We Have A Problem 8:30 Michael Mosley: Trust Me, I’m (M) [s] *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] A Doctor (PG) 11:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis 10:00 Just For Laughs Australia 9:30 24 Hours In Police Custody: (MA15+) [s] *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] Smuggled (M l,v) 11:00 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 10:25 SBS World News Late 12:00 Unforgettable: 12:00 The Project (PG) [s] About Face (M v,d,s) [s] 10:55 Football: The World Game 1:00 Delish Destinations: 1:00 The Late Show With Stephen 11:30 Wisting (MA15+) Rotorua, New Zealand [s] Colbert (PG) [s] (In Norwegian/ English) 1:30 Home Shopping 2:00 Home Shopping 12:30 Witnesses (M l,v) (In French) 4:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 4:30 CBS - This Morning 1:30 Borgen (M l,s) (In Danish)

5:30 Sunrise [s] 10:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] Seven Morning News [s] 11:00 Surf Patrol [s] Cycling: 2020 Santos Tour Down Under: Stage 1 *Live* From Tanunda To Tanunda [s] Program To Be Advised Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia [s] Seven News [s] 4:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: Melbourne Renegades v Hobart Hurricanes *Live* From Marvel 6:00 7:00 Stadium [s] – The defending BBL champions’ title defence has been hugely disappointing, 11:00 but the Renegades will be looking to regain some pride. 12:00 Modern Family: Won’t You Be 1:00 Our Neighbour (PG) [s] 1:30 Cycling: 2020 Santos Tour 2:00 Down Under: Daily Highlights Marvel’s Agent Carter: A View 2:30 3:00 In The Dark (M v) [s] 4:00 Home Shopping

6:00 Headline News [s] Today [s] 5:00 CGTN English News Tennis: Australian Open Tennis 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] - Pre Show [s] 5:30 Worldwatch Tennis: Australian Open Tennis 1:00 Program To Be Advised 1:00 PBS Newshour *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:00 Telemarkskanalen Boat – Returning champions Novak 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Journey (PG) (In Norwegian) Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, Rafael 3:30 Everyday Gourmet With 3:00 Destination Flavour China Justine Schofield [s] Nadal, Roger Federer, Ash (In English/ Mandarin) 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] Barty and Alex de Minaur are 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: just a few names headlining the 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful Emma Willis (PG) (PG) [s] Australian Open 2020. 4:30 David Baddiel On The Silk Tennis: Australian Open Tennis 5:00 10 News First [s] Road (PG) *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] NINE News [s] 6:00 Mastermind Australia Tennis: Australian Open Tennis 7:30 I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out 6:30 SBS World News Of Here! (PG) [s] *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 7:35 Inside Selfridges (PG) Tennis: Australian Open Tennis 9:00 NCIS: In The Wind (M v) [s] 8:30 Marry Me Marry My Family *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 10:00 NCIS: Los Angeles: (PG) Decoy (M v) [s] Chicago Med: 9:35 Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over: 11:00 WIN’s All Australian News [s] Best Laid Plans (M mp) [s] Landed Gentry (M) 12:00 The Project [s] Giving Life [s] 10:30 SBS World News Late 1:00 The Late Show With Stephen 11:00 Asylum City (M l,v) (In Adelady [s] Home Shopping Colbert (PG) [s] Hebrew) Skippy - The Bush Kangaroo 2:00 Home Shopping 12:00 Deep State: Merger/ The State Home Shopping 4:30 CBS - This Morning (M l,s,v) (In English/ Arabic) Ellen (PG) [s] 1:55 Counterpart (MA15+)

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show (PG) [s] Seven Morning News [s] Surf Patrol [s] Cycling: 2020 Santos Tour Down Under: Stage 2 *Live* From Woodside To Stirling [s] Program To Be Advised Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia [s] Seven News [s] Cricket: Big Bash League: Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Stars *Live* From Adelaide Oval [s] – The Melbourne Stars have been the standout team for much of this season, but the Strikers will fancy their chances of pulling off an upset. Modern Family: Halloween 3 Awesomeland (PG) [s] Cycling: 2020 Santos Tour Down Under: Daily Highlights World’s Deadliest Weather: Caught On Camera (M l) [s] Home Shopping

6:00 Headline News [s] 6:00 Today [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 10:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] - Pre Show [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis 1:00 Program To Be Advised 1:00 PBS Newshour *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:00 Telemarkskanalen Boat 4:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Journey (PG) (In Norwegian) *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 3:30 Everyday Gourmet With 3:00 Aerial Asia: India Justine Schofield [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 4:00 Destination Flavour China 7:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] (In English/ Mandarin) *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 4:30 David Baddiel On The Silk 11:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis (PG) [s] Road (PG) *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 5:30 Letters And Numbers 12:00 Lethal Weapon: Bali (MA15+) 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:00 Mastermind Australia [s] – Murtaugh turns to Cole’s 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 6:30 SBS World News former mentor, Tom Barnes, for 7:30 I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out 7:30 Tony Robinson Down Under: help on a high-stakes cartel Of Here! (PG) [s] Eureka (PG) case; Murtaugh and Trish meet 9:00 Bull: Rectify (M v) [s] 8:30 Meat - A Threat To Our Natalie and Maya for the first 10:00 Bull: A Business Of Favors Planet? time; tensions mount between (M v) [s] 9:35 Vikings: The Ice Maiden (M) Bailey and ‘The Gute’, as the 11:00 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 10:30 SBS World News Late new partners begin to work 12:00 The Project (PG) [s] 11:00 The Red Line (M) together. 1:00 The Late Show With Stephen 11:50 Movie: “Till The End Of The 1:00 Plonk: Barossa (M) [s] Colbert (PG) [s] World” (M) (’18) Stars: Mark 1:30 The Hold Down (PG) [s] 2:00 Home Shopping Chao, Zishan Yang 2:00 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS - This Morning (In Mandarin) 4:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 2:00 Versailles (MA15+)

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show (PG) [s] Seven Morning News [s] Surf Patrol [s] Cycling: 2020 Santos Tour Down Under: Stage 3 *Live* From Unley To Paracombe [s] Program To Be Advised Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia [s] Seven News [s] Cricket: Big Bash League: Brisbane Heat v Sydney Sixers *Live* From The Gabba [s] Modern Family: Queer Eyes, Full Hearts (PG) [s] Cycling: 2020 Santos Tour Down Under: Daily Highlights Movie: “Total Stranger” (M s,v) (’99) – The compelling tale of a landlady who rents a room to a young woman only to find that she has invited a dangerous adversary into her domain. Stars: Lindsay Crouse Home Shopping

6:00 Headline News [s] 5:30 Today [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 10:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 5:15 NHK World English News - Pre Show [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis 1:00 Program To Be Advised 1:00 PBS Newshour *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:00 Telemarkskanalen Boat 4:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Journey (PG) (In Norwegian) *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 3:30 Everyday Gourmet With 3:00 Aerial Asia: Indonesia 6:00 NINE News [s] 3:55 Destination Flavour China Justine Schofield [s] 7:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] (In English/ Mandarin) *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 4:30 David Baddiel On The Silk 11:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis Road (PG) (PG) [s] *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 5:30 Letters And Numbers 12:00 Cold Case: November 22nd 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:00 WIN News [s] (PG) [s] – The team reopen the 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 6:30 SBS World News 1963 case of a pool hustler who 7:30 I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out 7:30 Australia With Julia was fatally shot the same day Bradbury: South Australia (PG) Of Here! (PG) [s] as President John F Kennedy. 9:00 Law And Order: SVU: I’m 8:00 Luke Nguyen’s Railway: 1:00 Plonk: McLaren Vale (M) [s] – Vietnam (PG) Going To Make You A Star Unfortunately Chris’ version of a 8:30 Movie: “Mao’s Last Dancer” (M s,v) [s] GSM falls well below par while 10:00 Law And Order: SVU: (PG) (’09) Stars: Chi Cao (In Josh’s brush with a pesticide English/ Mandarin) Mea Culpa (M s,v) [s] truck proves that some people 11:00 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 10:40 SBS World News Late are expendable. On the brink of 12:00 The Project (PG) [s] 11:10 Outlander (MA15+) a nervous breakdown, Nathan 1:00 The Late Show (PG) [s] 12:15 Project Blue Book (M) finds solace at a sweat lodge. 2:00 Modus (M l,v) 2:00 Home Shopping 1:30 Home Shopping (In English/ Swedish/ Danish 4:30 CBS - This Morning

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

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

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

PAGE 22 17 JANUARY 2020

OUT&ABOUT

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New Pride Rock in Gosford for LGBTIQ community The push towards a more inclusive, LGBTIQ friendly Central Coast gained a little more traction earlier this month with the opening of the Central Coast Pride Centre in Gosford. The new space is being headed up by the team from art, culture and social inclusion charity, The Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, and opened on Mann St on January 10. The opening was the breaking of new ground for Naughty Noodle Founder and Creative Director, Glitta Supernova, with the organisations work previously having been focused on the Peninsula, including the

delivery of the Coast’s first ever Pride festival in October last year. The new space will act as the Fun Haus’ Gosford base of operations, where Supernova and her team will plan their next wave of fringe theatre, arts and cultural events with an emphasis on activating and developing the Central Coast’s Pride movement. It’s also set to act as a community meeting point and safe space for LGBTIQ people. “Our new multipurpose space will unite, educate and act as a creative, social and wellbeing meeting point,” Supernova said. While it’s still early days for

the centre, Supernova said the space was already being utilised by drop in groups for sexuality and gender diverse people of all ages, with plans to deliver a series of to be determined creative workshops in the future. 2019 was a huge year for LGBTIQ visibility, inclusion and representation on the Central Coast with the centre poised to build upon that momentum. The Central Coast Pride Centre will design a float for the upcoming LGBTIQ Mardi Gras in Sydney and will host their own dance party in Woy Woy over the Mardi Gras weekend. Supernova also advised that SBS, who will cover the Sydney

Council push to reduce illegal graffiti Central Coast Council will continue to work closely with the community and police in 2020 to reduce illegal graffiti across the region. Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said free graffiti removal kits were still available. “It’s important to remember that graffiti is an act of vandalism and should be reported directly to police via the Police Assistance Line on 131 444,” Vaughan said. “Removing graffiti as quickly as possible not only makes the process much easier, it reduces the likelihood that offenders

will recommit. “Free graffiti removal kits are available at all our libraries and our customer service centres. “The kits provide the chemicals and equipment needed to remove graffiti from your own property or, with permission, the properties of friends and neighbours. “Council is responsible for the removal of graffiti on our facilities and we encourage community members to notify Council if they observe graffiti on any of our properties.” Mayor Lisa Matthews said wiping out illegal graffiti across the Central Coast was a top priority.

“Graffiti can affect business, tourism, neighbourhood amenity and safety which is why we need to work together with police, businesses and the community to stamp it out,” Cr Matthews said. “We all have a part to play by reporting it when we see it and if it is on your own property you can pick up a free kit and remove it straight away.” To receive a graffiti removal kit, residents and business owners must be aged over 18 and show proof of address. Source: Media release, Jan 13 Central Coast Council

Mardi Gras festival will also cross live to the Pride’s dance party during the night. “It takes a village to make a village and our way of saying thank you for contributing to a more welcoming and inclusive Central Coast and the phenomenal growth of Central Coast Pride and the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus over 2019 is to continue working towards authentic diversity and inclusion across the region,” Supernova said. Source: Media release, Dec 19 Glitta Supernova, Naughty Noodle Fun Haus Website, Jan 10 Glitta Supernova, Naughty Noodle Fun Haus

Glitta Supernova manning the desk at the Central Coast Pride Centre

$60,000 funding boost Gosford Regional Gallery is set to receive a $60,000 funding boost from the State Government, ensuring exhibitions can continue as part of the gallery’s annual program. Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the money would be delivered through the first round of the Government’s new Arts and Cultural Funding Program. “Thousands of Central Coast locals walk through the doors of Gosford Regional Gallery each year to interact with arts and cultural works and experiences,” Crouch said. “The gallery also provides up-and-coming individuals and organisations the opportunity to exhibit their work for the first time.” Central Coast Council Mayor, Lisa Matthews, welcomed the funding.

“There is deep appreciation and a love of art and culture across the Coast, and we are also home to some incredibly talented artists, so we welcome this commitment by the NSW Government in our Gosford Regional Gallery,” Cr Matthews said. “The Gallery is a first-class facility and a major contributor to enhancement of visual arts and crafts on the Central Coast. “This funding will help Council

deliver its 2020 exhibition program, providing both local and national artists with an opportunity to showcase their work and the community with the opportunity to enjoy great art.” Round 2 of the funding program opens on February 3 and closes on March 2. Source: Media release, Dec 18 Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 23 17 JANUARY 2020

Seniors Festival returns to the Coast The Seniors Festival will return to the Central Coast in 2020 with a full calendar of events and activities for residents aged 50 and over. Hosted by Central Coast Council, the month-long festival celebrates seniors and the important roles they play in our community – parents, grandparents, friends, workers, neighbours and volunteers. Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the annual event offers something for everyone. “The festival offers a range of over 100 exciting activities including fitness classes, creative workshops,technology classes, performances, exhibitions, markets, tours, talks, nutrition, and health and wellbeing classes,” Vaughan said. “It is an opportunity to reward our older residents for their contributions to the community.

“It also offers our valued residents a chance to meet new people, learn a new skill, start a new hobby and try something different.” Highlights of the festival include the inaugural Seniors Expo on February 13, which will feature a variety of stallholders and key presenters from businesses, services and community groups around the Coast. In Memorial Park, The Entrance, selected winners of the Grandma Moses Art Competition 2019 will be on display from February 18- 27. Mayor Lisa Matthews said the event helps to link seniors to a range of local services. “Many seniors in our community face challenges and issues when it comes to easily accessing information and resources,” Cr Matthews said. “There are numerous

opportunities in our community that seniors may not be aware of that are available. “The Seniors Expo 2020 (provides) an opportunity to speak with these organisations first-hand, ask questions and gather resources as required. “Council is committed to connecting people and creating solutions and opportunities where our seniors can participate and live an active and healthy lifestyle. “Visitors will also be able to hear from speakers on a range of topics that will aid with their day-to-day lives and assist with positive ageing.” Seniors Festival runs from February 1-29 at various locations across the Central Coast. Source: Media release, Jan 9 Central Coast Council

Patrick Brennan selected for Australian Conducting Academy Summer School Central Coast Conservatorium Artistic Director and CEO, Patrick Brennan, is one of eight conductors chosen through a rigorous selection process to take part in the Australian Conducting Academy (ACA) 2020 Summer School in Hobart, Tasmania. Brennan will train under the leadership of world-class conductor, Johannes Fritzsch, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) Principal Guest Conductor and Course Director. “I am absolutely elated that I have been selected for the ACA Summer School as it is such an incredible opportunity that will take my conducting to a new

level”, Brennan said. “High calibre professional development conducting programs are a rare commodity in this country so the ability to work with Maestro Fritzsch and his incredible team of experts and the TSO is extraordinary”. The course will deliver intensive sessions including speaking from the podium, score reading, workshops and rehearsals with pianists and orchestra and panel discussions. The knowledge and expertise Brennan gains at the ACA Summer School is expected to bolster his capacity as a music educator, conductor and Artistic Director on the Central Coast, positively impacting the

students from regional and metropolitan NSW with whom he works a regular basis. It will also give the Central Coast Conservatorium greater capability in delivering professional development programs to Central Coast music teachers and conductors who work in the community. As part of Brennan’s professional and music education portfolio, students can access music extension programs such as the Central Coast Chamber Orchestra, Central Coast Opera, the Regional Youth Orchestra of NSW and Northern Sydney Symphonic Wind Ensemble, all cornerstone organisations he has created.

“Students at the Central Coast Conservatorium want to be challenged at a professional level. They crave academic insight and cohesion within the group but mostly they respond to the emotional connection between themselves and the conductor,” Brennan said. Brennan directs a number of important Central Coast ensembles including the Central Coast Philharmonia Choir, the Central Coast Concert Band, Central Coast Chamber Orchestra, Central Coast Youth Orchestra and the Central Coast Symphonic Wind Orchestra. Source: Media release, Jan 9 Central Coast Conservatorium

PAGE 24 17 JANUARY 2020

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

See www.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

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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

Young Archie awards uncover budding artists Budding young artists from across the Central Coast had their talents recognised on January 8, following the conclusion of Central Coast Council’s 2019 Young Archie Competition. Styled after the Archibald Prize portrait competition, the Young Archie was held over the summer and challenged young artists to produce a ‘drawn from life’ portrait of someone special to them, similar to the brief of its namesake. The competition was broken down into age brackets of 5-8, 9-12, 13-15 and 16-18, with a first, second, third and commended awards for each category, judged by Gallery Curator and established Patonga based artist, Jocelyn Maughan. All finalist entries were curated into an exhibition at the Gallery, which will run until January 22, with awardees

named during a ceremony on the 8th. Declan Ferguson took out first place in the 5-8 category. Ruby Reed placed second and Summer Tildesley third, with Amanda Tan and Abigail Yau picking up Commended awards. Sunae Park took out first place in the 9-12, with Caitlin England taking second, Chelsea Thompson third and Georgia Bellamy the Commended. Rhiannon Watt placed first in the 13-15, with Thomas Donahue in second, Gabby Cooper third and Ariel Delisser the Commended. Chelsea Payne took first in the 16-18, with Jessica Honor in second, Nina Haung in third and Rebecca Ahn the Commended. Source: Website, Jan 8 Tim Braham, Gosford Regional Gallery

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 25 17 JANUARY 2020

Drone service to continue at Avoca Beach Avoca Beach will once again have a set of eyes in the sky this summer thanks to a drone, provided in partnership by the NSW Government, Surf Life Saving NSW, Surf Life Saving Central Coast and Avoca Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC). Equipping lifesavers with accurate aerial vision and surveillance technology, a drone can be rapidly deployed and relay vision with pin-point accuracy to spot rips, distressed swimmers, and marine life. Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said he had fought to ensure a drone service would remain at Avoca Beach over the 2019/20 summer season. “I’m delighted that Surf Life Saving NSW has responded to my request to ensure a drone is positioned at Avoca Beach for another year,” Crouch said. “Footage of sharks and other marine life at Avoca Beach regularly does the rounds on local Facebook pages, so it’s a relief to know swimmers and surfers will have an extra layer of protection this summer. “Drones are eyes in the sky that allow lifesavers to spot potential risks faster, which is a potentially life-saving

Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, and Surf Life Saving Central Coast CEO, Narelle Duggan, at Avoca Beach

advantage.” Surf Life Saving Central Coast President, Stuart Harvey, said the resource would be a welcome addition to Avoca’s patrolling capability through the busy summer season. “This technology gives surf lifesavers more eyes in the sky to spot rips and distressed swimmers and respond to those in need sooner,” Harvey said. “This provides vital support for our surf lifesavers who are

tirelessly dedicated to ensuring the safety of others.” Surf Life Saving NSW UAV Operations Coordinator, Paul Hardy, said there are 30 separate drone locations across NSW. “I want to acknowledge the willingness and efforts of Surf Life Saving Central Coast and Avoca Beach SLSC in taking on this added responsibility for the 2019/20 season,” he said. Surf Life Saving Central Coast CEO, Narelle Duggan, said

locals and visitors should prioritise safety when visiting beaches this summer. “I would encourage everyone to swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags, obey safety signs and if you need assistance, stay calm and raise your arm,” she said. Source: Media release, Dec 20 Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch

Learn FRENCH with CENTRAL COAST 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

WWW.AFCENTRALCOAST.ORG.AU We offer the most effective way to learn French with our methods, developed over 130 years • Very experienced teachers • Individual attention LOW Y R VE • Small classes ! COST • Limited Places

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

For more information ring: East Gosford: Félix Ph: 4339 1151 Bateau Bay: Patricia Ph: 4333 6634 Alliance Française de la Côte Centrale is a Not for Profit organization , registered with the ACNC

PAGE 26 17 JANUARY 2020

PUZZLES

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ACROSS 1. Spicy honey liquor 4. Bleaker 8. Wading bird 11. America, ... Sam 13. Clay-based rock 15. Marine growth 17. Morning vapour 18. Betrays secret 20. Age 21. Unnecessary 24. Urge to action 27. Fah, ..., lah, te, doh 28. Sugar-coated 30. Pre-decimal coin 31. Bumps into 33. Skimmed 34. Rule (country) 35. Measure of length 36. Copenhagen native 39. Voguish fads 42. Pivot 44. Poke 45. Fast jet effect, ... boom 46. Apiece 48. Shoplift 49. Steers off course 50. Looked up & down 52. Coupled 54. Legumes 55. Long tales 56. Forcible restraint Fill 57. Comfort 60. Frosted (cake) 62. Rue

65. Draining tube 67. Chilli con ... 69. Crow relative 70. Avid 72. Soaked 73. Support garment 75. Publicist, press ... 77. Negative adverb 79. Greatly love 81. Morse Code distress signal (1,1,1) 82. Stringent 84. Fete, ... Gras 85. Cowboy’s noosed snare 86. Low cloud 87. Accomplishments 88. Slithered

DOWN

25. Short-sighted 26. Materialise 29. Cigar receptacle 32. Demise 35. Tedious 37. Hurts 38. Lived 40. Movie parts 41. Fizzy drinks 42. Employed 43. Overhanging roof edges 44. Removes skin from 47. Stopping 51. Knife 52. Builders 53. All through 54. Peacock & ... 58. Formed a curve 59. Blunder 61. European money 63. Participate in (competition) 64. Cord fringe 65. Flavour with herbs 66. Promises 68. Tiny particles 71. Register 72. Quite hot 74. Military subdivision 76. Snake-like fish 78. Dull crash 80. Plague rodent 83. Donkey

1. Self-defence aerosol 2. Of the ear 3. Forensic ID check, ... test (1,1,1) 4. Castrate (horse) 5. Truly! 6. Cutting (grass) 7. Invitation reply (1,1,1,1) 8. Unwell 9. Monster 10. Silk band 12. Brooding hen sound 14. Cleverer each letter of the alphabet once only. 16. Heart or lung © Lovatts Puzzles 19. Ship’s officer 22. Approached 23. Overturns

MISSING LINK

MISSING LINK Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

S I N

T E S

E T

S H E C A X C E H K N I I E A I A A E G L M I S C I N C E E S A S T O E S S L A U A K O I T T K

I C

E E L A MS A EN A H E A A I R E

OO A I R O GS G L L EO E P S S M

L E S S A E T A N M E A

ADVERTISE HERE 4325 7369

LAST WEEKS ANSWERS

CCN

Missing Link Solution: Missing Link Solution:

M S I N V I I E G W S A B QU T

T Z E P C E R E O S C S H U A C K

K T S H E A F C A X H K N I T G A L I A A L M I X I E N C E E T OD E S S L A K J O I S T N Y S

Y S K E E P S L A E LMS T AMO HEN I GA L C H EW E A F A I RS D E

B L OOZ E S J A S I RA T E NGS T X G OV A L EON M E P E A S S I R QUACK M H

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 27 17 JANUARY 2020

Koala Ark to support koala population recovery The Australian Reptile Park is at the helm of a world first conservation project to help preserve the NSW koala population. Koala Ark, the world’s largest koala sanctuary was announced on December 4 in response to the NSW bushfires that have ravaged the state’s koala population and habitat. A 7,000ha sanctuary to be installed in the Barrigton Tops region, Koala Ark is being spearheaded by Aussie Ark, an Australian conservation charity and not-for-profit organisation founded by the John and Robyn Weigel, the conservationists that also founded The Australian Reptile Park, with Reptile Park General Manager, Tim Faulkner, Aussie Ark’s President. The multi-million dollar project has already been budgeted and is expected to be completed by 2022, with Aussie Ark needing to fundraise

a further $1.375M over the next three years to complete the project on time. This costing includes the installation of a koala research station on site, a fire management strategy, wildlife monitoring cameras, specialised feral exclusion fencing to keep threats out and three years worth of wages for wildlife officers who’ll be monitoring the site, among other resources. It’s hoped a population between 500 to 1,700 koalas will be able to thrive there once the project is completed. It’s believed Koala Ark will have a drastic impact on the extinction trajectory of the NSW koala which is considered endangered, with it estimated the site will house approximately 7 per cent of the wild population. It comes after bushfires, which continue to rage across the state, destroyed thousands

of hectares of koala habitat, with an estimated 2,000 koalas incinerated in the fires, with this figure not accounting for the number of koalas that died from fire related injuries in care. Mr Faulkner said Koala Ark would be a lifeline for the embattled species. “Koala Ark will be a world first

koala sanctuary that protects against all threats to the species: fire, disease, car strikes, feral and pet attacks and habitat destruction and fragmentation. “Aussie Ark are experts at species recovery and now it’s the koalas turn,” Faulkner said. While the project will help anchor the species, Faulkner

said it was time for Australians to start thinking proactively about the future of native wildlife.. “The current fires have highlighted a real issue with the way Australia handles conservation. “Koalas were endangered before the fires. “We’ve known they were on track to be extinct in NSW by 2050 long before the fires. “All the threats to koalas are as real as the fires are today,” Faulkner said. According to Faulkner, conservation efforts for the koala need to now shift to prioritise habitat recovery and restoration to future proof the species. “What these fires have shown us is that the world cares about koalas and now is the time to push the button on proactive species management. “As it stands, if we keep

focusing conservation efforts around reactive measures, eventually there’ll be no koalas left to save. “It’s time to start future proofing what we have left,” Faulkner said. Faulkner said Koala Ark was on track for its 2022 completion date with a population of around 20 koalas already found to be living on the sanctuary land. Outside of creating the country’s first fully protected koala population, Faulkner said the sanctuary would, in time, also become a haven for other natives. “We have the land, we have the koalas, now we just need to protect it,” he said. Source: Website, Dec 10 Aussie Ark: Koala Ark Project Interview, Dec 10 Tim Faulkner, Aussie Ark Reporter: Dilon Luke

RUN IT ‘TIL YOU SELL IT

CCN sell $80 ono. Buyers collect.

ELECTRIC strainer chain tension mercedes diesel twin, REGENCY PRESURE LOUNGE SIZE - $70, large garden 700 hr fuel tanks, 200 WHEELCHAIR Torrey firm serta pedic soft black leather, 1x4 CHAIR RECLINER umbrella - $30 as new, used for 2 mattress, excellent seater, 2 singles, 3.6m Good condition and hr water tank, gas Ph: 4344 4702 suitable for aged care, days, includes warranty condition $350 ono kayak sundancer, stove fridge toilet, manual, latest model TWO FUNERAL location in Kariong, Ph: 4365 3617 building materials all sleeps four, $39,000 suitable up to CERTIFICATES $1500 cheap. SPEAR POINT PIPE Ph: 0409 821 216 at Palmdale for 204kg, $4000. Ph: 0404 012 283 Ph: 0438 511 585 driver, tripod with AWNINGS 2 cremation or buriel, Ph: 0407 535 351 monkey pulleys, BOAT TRAILER 14’ PAJERO ‘07 EXCEED EXTENSION basic cost covered second owner, log BED QUEEN electrical geared motor $650, tinny boat 13’ M’home 4 metre, double miracoil $2,500 books, excellent $450, trailer HSS new and extras, makes reasonable offer, Ph: 0428 432 149 mattress & base near condition, 202,000 installing metal spear axle hubs bearings, Ph: 4392 3900 new, km, 7 seats leather points easier, $350 long reg, boat has 2 16FT FIBREGLASS upholstery, bluetooth $400 ono Ph: 4341 7567 swivel seats. RUNABOUT dvd player etc, $12,900 Ph: 0432 260 111 Ph: 4312 6474 SEXTANT 70hp Johnson MULTIPLE ITEMS DOCTORS 100 YEAR Outboard Motor, Radio, Ph: 0425 312 510 perfect condition + SPEEDY MAG ARM CHAIR Triton workcentre mk3- OLD CEDAR DESK CUSTOMLINE WHEELS E/Sonnar, Live bait MILLARD POPTOP case davis USA $250 2009 JAYCO POPTOP burgundy velvet, DELUXE CAMPER extension table - $300, with 9 drawers, 2 desk tank, underseat fuel 4 x 20”, 6 stud near Ph: 0429 934 152 16FT CARAVAN STERLING carved frame, renewed TRAILER Triton saw table - $100, extensions and glass tanks, all good condtion LAWN MOWER NEW new reneagde ATS, Rego 7/20, one owner, webbing and seat,$400 single beds, front Air compressor, 4 stroke petrol, 530 265/50 R20 tyres, 95%: sleeps 6, extra tarp $4,000ono top. $1000 ono garaged, in excellent ono. Ph: 4369 1660 kitchen, rollout awning, ingersol rand beltorive roof, queen bed, mm width grass off colorado 4x4 ute, Ph: 0409 963 584 full annex, aircon, Ph: 4333 3040 condition, aircon gas kitchen, awning, single - $120, oxyset, comet catcher, button start, $1250 ono. KENWOOD FOOD excellent condition, hotplates oven and axle, year 2010, reg. sprint gauges - $80, Ph: 4365 4960 self propelled, 8 PROCESSOR FPM90 rego 5/20, extras microwave, kakadu jumpstarter 1900 W27657, EXP. 7/7/18, height positions, side Brand New, Never $13,750 challenger annexe, many extra’s CARAVAN 2013 a.m.p - $50, Alfie home $4,000. discharge, cost $400 Used Cost $700 Ph: 0412 185 167 $22,500 ono TIMBER TRAWLER retreat mabel 21’6”, spa $70, steel picket Ph: 0400 115 329 sell $350 Sell $350 2.01 86-88 Mann Gosford NSW PO Box 1056 Gosford NSW 2250 Phone: 4325 7369 MATTRESS QUEEN Ph: 4369 7002 11 mtrs, 130HP, queen bed, ensuite w/ MAVERICK postdriver - $60, wire Ph: 0409 155 418 Ph: 4325 7868 Email: manager@centralcoastnews.net - Websites: www.centralcoastnews.net 2007 BAYLINER mac cafe, seating, Tv, 2004 JAYCO 245 CIERA A/C solar camera, low HERITAGE POP TOP Inboard mercruiser kilometres, full annex, Awning, Full annex, 5.0L V8 sterndrive, rego June 2020, many fridge, gas, electrical motor and leg fully extras, new $75,000, stove, microwave, serviced, antifouled, sell $60,000. single beds, air con, polished, ideal *To run in all three papers and on line for a maximum of 3 months if not sold before Ph: 0416 145 237 rego 4/20, electrical for family leisure/ LATHE LAM TYPE brakes, extras Client Name: fishing/cruising, 12 350BH $15,000ono passengers, sleeps Phone: Email: Taiwan made, 10inch Ph: 0407 392 872 4 in two cabins, new swing, 25 inch bed, BUSHROCK 20 words $44 Photo $11 yes no carpets/clears/covers, 10 speed screw Large Quantity H+C shower, flushing cutting, some tools, | | | | | | | | take the lot $250 toilet, fridge, stove, $1400 ono TREATED PINE cooktop, m/wave, sink, | | | | | | | | Ph: 4396 4304 POLES 9 auto anchor, lifebelts, DOUBLE BURIEL 2.4m x 120mm fire extinguisher, fresh | | | | | PLOT $8 each water, VHF marine Extra words at $2.20 per word and four cremat Ph: 0416 589 543 radio, AM/FM radio, CD ashes, point clare lawn | | | | | | | | player, registered to cementary. $2,500 July 2020, jetty moored Ph: 4323 4388 | | | | | | | | Woy Woy, $44,000 ono BERNINA 1230 KING TREK CAMPER Ph: 0412 547 791 SEWING MACHINE | | | | | | | | rego 8/20, queen bed, HYUNDAI 10 years plus 8 full annex over swing ELANTRA 2L HVT attachment feet, as Card: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | out kitchen, full floor, Auto, 220,000 klms, new condition $400. built in steps, gas or silver mags, sheepskin Ph: 0423 163 002 Expiry: | / | | 240, $5500, seats, rego Dec 19, FISHING BOAT Ph: 0409 721280 goes well, 2004, $2160 24 FT 6 Office use only: 2004 SPACELAND Ph: 0434 881 331 oregon glassed to Commence with edition: End with (if not sold) edition: CARAVAN 22FT gunnels, diesel shaft seperate shower, toilet, drive, hydrolic gear Reference Number queenbed, awning, box, vhf radio sounder, lots of extras, good GARDEN TROLLEY electric bilge pump, Renewing: yes no If yes, new ending edition if not sold condition $27,000 ono unused, unsuitable for solar charger, own 0427 852 819 my space. Cost $130 safe, mouring dingy trailer $12,000 ono. Deceased estate Ph: 0431 511 764 ERIN POPTOP ALUMINIUN CARAVAN RUNABOUT CHAISE 6.6, double island length 3.850, 30hp fish intricately carved, bed, rollout awnings, finder, bimby cover rod pale blue velvet annex front, kitchen, holders, life jackets, microwave, in excellent upholstery, studded electric motor, reg back, very good condition, many extras, 24.11.19, $5,500 condition. $1000 ono. $19,200 Ph: 0408 619 981 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

PAGE 28 17 JANUARY 2020

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COASTAL DIARY

CCN

A COMPREHENSIVE LISTING OF EVENTS OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS ON THE CENTRAL COAST FRIDAY, JAN 17

Music and Sound Design in SATURDAY, JAN 25 Movies: How Does it Work? School Holiday Program, Gosford Library, SUNDAY, JAN 19 Bookings essential, 2pm - 4pm Avoca Beachside Markets, Heazlett Park Foreshore, Australia Day Eve The Ukulele Kids Show, Curious Creatures Wildlife 9am - 2pm Amusement, Fireworks The Art House Wyong, Show - School Holiday & more! Ticketed, Program, MONDAY, JAN 20 Canton Beach 17/01 - 11am & 2pm, Umina Library, Foreshore, 2pm - 9pm 18/01 - 11am Mod Podge Comic Book Hat Free - Bookings required, centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ 4335 1485 10:30am - 11:30am School Holiday Program, australiaday www.thearthousewyong. The Entrance Library, com.au THURSDAY, JAN 23 Bookings essential, Comedian: Cal Wilson 10am - 11am Live, Gosford Musical Society The Salvation Army Bush The Art House Wyong, Juniors: Disney’s Alice in Magic Jake Abra-KID-abra Fire Appeal Raffle, Ticketed, 7:30pm Wonderland Jr, Gosford RSL, Ticketed, Magic and Comedy Show, Laycock Street Theatre 7pm Club Wyong RSL, Central Coast Mariners Auditorium, Ticketed, Free event, 11am 17 - 18/01, 10:30am & vs Calico Tote Bag Decorating 7:30pm Brisbane Roar FC, in Gosford, Nose to Tail: A holistic Kibble Park Gosford, Central Coast Stadium, way to Comedian: Judith 10am - 1pm train your dog, Ticketed, 5pm Lucy VS Men, Woy Woy Library, www.a-league.com.au The Art House Wyong, Ceramic Flower Pot Free - Bookings required, Ticketed, 8pm Decoration 10:30am - 12pm Comedian: Dave Thornton School Holiday Program, - Live, Robotics Challenge Erina Library, Free 2020 Girls Retreat The Art House Wyong, School Holiday Program, Bookings required, one-day girl’s retreat to Ticketed, 9pm Bateau Bay Library, 10:30am - 11:30am Aquafun, Bookings essential, Aquafun Avoca Lake, 10:30am - 12pm Ticketed, 7:30am - 6pm FRIDAY, JAN 24 Day Retreat, Bamboo Buddha Holgate, Ticketed, 10am - 4pm

for Bucks, The Entrance Channel, 6pm Seaside Cinema: The Castle, Killcare SLSC, Ticketed, 8:30pm Australia Day Woy Woy 2020, Woy Woy Waterfront, 2pm - 9pm

FRIDAY, JAN 31 Senior Moments 2: ‘Remember, Remember’, The Art House Wyong, Ticketed, 31/01 & 01/02, 7:30pm

SATURDAY, FEB 1

TUESDAY, FEB 5

www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ libraries/whats-on/be-connected-digital-connect

TUESDAY, FEB 11

www.wonbuddhism.org.au

Cardiology update- RACC, Research and Revascularisation -To update GP’s on invasive coronary angiography/ intervention within the health district, Ken Duncan Gallery Erina, Free, 6pm - 8:30pm

WEDNESDAY, FEB 12 GEC Chamber February

Central Coast Mariners Luncheon Event with guest speaker Grant Mizens, vs The Entertainment Grounds Westerns Sydney Gosford, Ticketed, Wanderers FC, 12:15pm - 2pm Central Coast Stadium, Ticketed, 4pm FRIDAY, FEB 14 www.a-league.com.au

6pm - 8pm

SUNDAY, FEB 9 Play AFL with the

Reduce Stress And Overcome Anxiety Workshops, Gosford Meditation Centre, Ticketed, 2/02 - One-day workshop, 9am - 12pm, 3/02 - 7/02 Five-day course, 6:30pm - 8:30pm 4368 2393

Tours at Laycock Street Theatre, Free - Bookings required, 10am, 11am & 12pm

Diabetes Management in Primary Care – A practical The Final Test - A approach, Poignant Comedy Top Point Cafe East Gosford, Free - Registration Traversing All The required at 6pm, Issues That Marriages 6:30pm - 8:30pm Face,

Woy Woy Little Theatre, Ticketed, 14/02 - 1/03, TUESDAY, FEB 18 Multiple Screenings Seniors Festival 2020: 4344 4737 Department of Human www.woywoylt.com Services: Information Sessions The Australian Plants Estate Planning For Society Central Coast: What Pea Flower Is That? Older Australians, Phillip House Kariong, Lake Haven Library, Donation entry, 7:30pm Free - no bookings required, 10:30am SATURDAY, FEB 15 12pm, Understanding Retirement Income Seniors Festival 2020: Streams, Department of Human 12:30pm - 2pm Services: Information 4350 1570 Sessions WEDNESDAY, FEB 19 Accommodation Options, Seniors Festival 2020: Erina Library, Department of Human Free - No Booking Services: Information required, Sessions 10am - 11:30am, Accommodation Understanding Aged Options, Care Fees And Charges, Toukley Library, 12pm - 2pm, Estate Free - No Booking Planning For Older required, 10:30am Australians, 12pm, Understanding 2:15pm - 3:30pm Aged Care Fees And 4304 7650 Charges, How to Meditate: Made Easy, Bamboo Buddha Cafe, Ticketed, 1pm - 4pm

Seniors Festival 2020: Department of Human Services: Information Busby Marou - The Great Registration Day for the Divide Tour, Sessions Frantastics Choir Central Coast Leagues Club Accommodation OpAll welcome, Gosford, Ticketed, 8pm Walter Baker hall woy woy, tions, Free - No Book12:30pm ing required, Woy Woy

MONDAY, FEB 3

MONDAY, FEB 17

Seniors Festival 2020: Department of Human Services: Information Sessions Accommodation Seniors Festival 2020: Options, Tuggerah Be Connected Library, Free - No Digital Connect, Booking required, Free for over 50’s, Heart of Stories Tour 10am - 11:30am, 5/02 - 26/02, Author Event with Adele Understanding Your Parks, Fiona Lowe, 10am - 2pm sessions, Pension, contact or visit the link Alexandra Joel and Vanessa 12:30pm - 2pm McCausland, below to find out the 4350 1560 Woy Woy Library, Free dates for your local Bookings required, library Seniors Week - Theatre

The Central Coast branch of the Disabled Surfers Central Coast Bombers! Register now for 2020, Association: ‘smiles on Adelaide Street Oval dials’event, Register to be a Participant Tumbi Umbi, 9/02 & 16/02, 10am - 2pm & Volunteer, Toowoon Bay, 9:30am 0438 153 328 www.ccbombers.com Jess & Matt - Know About You Tour, MONDAY, FEB 10 Laycock Street Theatre Auditorium, Ticketed, Diabetes Management in 7pm Primary Care – A practical approach, SUNDAY, FEB 2 Top Point Cafe East Thirsty Merc Gosford, Rocking Australia Free - Registration required Day Weekend! at 6pm, The Ettalong Diggers, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Origami Creations TUESDAY, JAN 21 School Holiday Program, Lake Haven Library, The Brisbane Waters Bookings essential, Ministers Association 2pm - 3pm Australian bushfires prayer service, Bookanook studio: Electronics for Beginners Ettalong Baptist Church, Kids Creative Writing School Holiday Program: Ticketed, 8pm 7:30pm Workshop, Learn how to build an 4343 0111 Kincumber electronic car, www.ettalongdiggers.com CCC School Holiday Erina Library, Program: Citizen Science - Neighbourhood Centre, 2:30pm - 3:30pm Free when using a The Central Coast Scots Native Bees and Insects, Burns Supper, Bateau Bay Beach (venue creative kids voucher! Organically Different - The East Gosford Progress Bookings required, TBC), Free - bookings Tamburlaine Organic Wines essential, 10am - 12pm Association Hall, Ticketed, 10am - 3pm Degustation Experience, 6:30pm - 10:3pm 0424 771 075 Seasalt Restaurant Terrigal, Curious Creatures Wildlife mjreidy1975@gmail.com Ticketed, 6pm SUNDAY, JAN 26 Show School Holiday Program, Long Jetty Music Event CCC School Holiday Lake Haven Library, Bush Fire Fundraiser for Progrtam: Citizen Science Bookings essential, Red Cross Disaster Relief Waterbug Blitz, 10:30am - 11:30am + Wires, Seymour Pond Holgate, Mowgli Studio, Free - bookings essential, Green Living Kids Tic Ticketed, 4pm - 9pm 10am - 12pm Tac Toe School Holiday Australia Day Program, Sydney-based band Barbeque, Introduction to Water Kincumber Library, Free Winston Surfshirt, Ettalong Diggers Polo Clinic, - Bookings required, 2pm The Beery Terrigal, Terrace, Ticketed, Wyong Olympic Pool, - 3:30pm Ticketed, 7pm 12pm, 4343 0111 Ticketed, 9am - 12pm www.ettalongdiggers.com WEDNESDAY, JAN 22 Movie and Craft Afternoon 2020: A space oddity – School Holiday Program Australia Day Community a cosmic cabaret of Crazy Clay Critters Arabian Nights theme, Breakfast - Entertainment, adventure & exploration, School Holiday Program, Umina Beach Library, food and more! Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, Bateau Bay Library, Free - Bookings required, Slade Park Budgewoi, Ticketed, 7pm - 10pm Bookings essential, 2:30pm - 5pm 8am - 12pm 10:30am - 11:30am Central Coast: Go Love SLSCC Fundraiser - Ducks Yourself - Body Positivity

Library, 10am -11:30am, Understanding Your Pension, 12pm - 1:30pm, Centrelink Payments For Carers, 2pm - 3:30pm 4304 7555

12:30pm - 2pm 4350 1540 Stephanie Parkyn Author Event: ‘Josephine’s Garden’, Erina Library, Free, 1:45pm - 3:15pm

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.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, the Laycock Theatre’s got it all

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 29 17 JANUARY 2020

Taipan beats Tiger Snake and King Brown in Venom ‘Milk-off’ Last week saw a worldwide first at The Australian Reptile Park, when keepers Daniel Rumsey, Jake Meney and Zac Bower milked three of Australia’s deadliest snakes to see who would produce the largest yield of venom.

Central Coast Council has announced a jampacked program of live music, dance and drama in its 2020 Laycock St Community Theatre program. The impending season features an array of diverse professional and community productions for audiences of all ages and interests with highlights set to include YIPA (Youth In Performing Arts), Tall Stories’ adaptation of The Gruffalo’s Child and Victorian State Ballet’s production of Snow White. “Whether you love classical music, children’s theatre, ballet, or appreciate a fun and interactive night out, our diverse selection of shows has

something for everyone,” said a Council spokesperson. “Laycock Street Community Theatre is a cornerstone of performing arts and culture on the Central Coast. “It is one of the nation’s most successful regional theatres, having attracted quality performances as well as provide a strong and supportive base for home grown talent for over 30 years. “It was a theatre built for the community, by the community and holds a special place in the hearts of many central coast locals,” they added. The full 2020 program is available on Council’s website. Source: Website, Jan 6 Central Coast Council

Although the Park hosts a huge variety of Australia’s deadly snakes, selecting the species to use was not difficult. The Venom Milk Off included a tiger snake, a King Brown snake and the Coastal taipan. All three snakes are known for being incredibly deadly, with the Coastal Taipan producing 2.21 grams of venom, the King Brown 1.8 grams and the Tiger Snake 0.3 grams. All venom produced from the display has been processed and is ready to be shipped off and contribute to the lifesaving antivenom program. Head of Reptiles, Daniel Rumsey said the Taipan’s victory was not unexpected, although some thought the King Brown might have had him beat.

Keepers Daniel Rumsey, Jake Meney and Zac Bower in the Venom Milk Off

“It was a really impressive display from these amazing animals, and we loved taking the time to educate the crowd on snake bite first aid and showing the world just how deadly these snakes can be,” Rumsey said. “Tiger snakes are responsible for a large number of snake bite cases in the country as they are distributed near water bodies and wetland areas. “The King Brown ‘Mulga’ is the second longest venomous snake species in Australia and has an extremely widespread distribution. “These snakes have previously delivered up to 1.8

grams of dry venom in a single bite at the park. “Finally, as the third most venomous land snake in the world, the venom of a Coastal Taipan can kill an adult human within thirty minutes to two and a half hours after a lethal bite. “The Coastal Taipans at the Australian Reptile Park are known for their impressive yields and have even broken records in the past.” The Australian Reptile Park is the only facility in the world which milks Australian terrestrial land snakes for the production of antivenom. This is done with the help of

Seqirus, which transforms the raw venom into the final product of lifesaving antivenom. The Australian Reptile Park extracts venom from five groups of Australia’s deadliest snakes including taipans, brown snakes, tiger snakes, death adders and black snakes. Every year there are an estimated 2,000 reported snake bites in Australia, with over 300 receiving antivenom and having their lives saved by the program, Rumsey said. Source: Media release Jan 10 Australian Reptile Park

FRUSTRATED

WITH PARKING

Private property Police Assistance Line on 131 444 Postal Boxes Australia Post on 13 13 18 Telstra equipment Telstra on 13 22 00 or on public payphone 180 22 44

FREE

Major roads and signage Roads and Maritime Services on 1800 816 770 Trains and railway stations Transport NSW on 131 500

GOSFORD CBD SHUTTLE PARK & RIDE

Council Property Central Coast Council on 1300 463 954 Electrical substations, telegraph poles or roadside boxes Ausgrid's website at ausgrid.com.au/grafﬁti

IF YOU WITNESS VANDALISM CALL THE POLICE ASSISTANCE LINE ON 131 444 Free parking (two locations) Adcock Park, West Gosford (135 spaces) Racecourse Road, West Gosford adjacent to the lower tennis courts (170 spaces)

Operating weekdays Peak – 6-10am and 3-8pm (approximately every 10 minutes) Oﬀ-peak – 10am-3pm (approximately every 20 minutes)

centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/easyrun

How do I remove graffiti from my property? Free graffiti removal kits are available from all Central Coast libraries and the Gosford and Wyong customer service centres. Find out more at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/graffiti

PAGE 30 17 JANUARY 2020 CCN

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

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

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

BOOK REVIEW

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 31

The Giver of Stars

Author: Jojo Moyes Publisher: Penguin

I’m on a decline with JoJo Moyes. I loved Me Before You, but I only liked the sequel After You. I then wasn’t sure at all about her subsequent book The Girl You Left Behind. That was a few years ago and I thought it was time to give her another try. It did little to arrest the decline. The Giver of the Stars takes place in the late 1930’s and is based on the real-life Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky, who delivered books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s traveling library program. The story centres around a young woman, Alice Wright, who grew up in England but has recently moved to America with her new husband, Bennett. Alice and Bennett met while Bennett and his father, Mr. Van Cleve, were touring Europe with an outreach mission of the Combined Ministry of East Kentucky Under God, observing how the faithful worshipped outside

CCN

Movie Review – The Rise of Skywalker

America. The Van Cleve’s have money. They own a coal mine. Bennett thought he would have an elegant young Englishwoman with exquisite manners. Alice thought she would have a handsome, rich husband and escape her stifling English family. She thought life in America would be, “New food! A new culture! New experiences!”. She pictured New York. She ended up in the mining town of Baileyville, Kentucky with Bennett and his father. Mr. Van Cleve’s bedroom is next door to theirs and Bennett doesn’t want to disturb his father. Her wedded bliss isn’t exactly what she hoped it would be. While at church with Bennett, Alice learns of a new initiative by Mrs. Roosevelt (the President’s wife) in

MOVIE REVIEW

My challenge with reviewing Star Wars Episode IX, The Rise of Skywalker is age. When I saw the first Star Wars movie it was 1977 and I was eight years old. It was the first time I’d ever been to a picture theatre and I was confronted with an explosion of sound, light and religion (The Force) that was nothing short of life-changing. In just 90 minutes, I found my own sense of aspiration watching a young farm-boy staring off into the horizon, dreaming of joining the rebellion and exploring the galaxy. These are hard emotions to replicate in older people. And so, the Rise of Skywalker has inevitably been derided by many critics and described as the most polarising episode yet. Director J.J Abrams has been accused of excessive exposition, obvious plot devices and even cowardice.

Kim Reardon

But, at its core, Star Wars is a movie for children. And so, I asked three children for their views instead. They provided a revealing contrast to the (adult) critics. While critics slammed the return of Emperor Palpatine and the impossibility of escaping the exploding death star back in Return of the Jedi, Ben (11yo) says he loved seeing the return of the Emperor. He said Palpatine’s voice was the scariest bit.

Critics said the hunt for devices needed to locate the hidden Sith planet was boring and confusing. Austen (9) said he found that part of the movie the most exciting, not least because it introduced the tiny, whiskered, goggles-wearing alien mechanic, Babu Frik. In the few short scenes where he reset C-3PO’s memory banks. Austen found the “kitten engineer” to be “even cuter than Baby Yoda”. Other critics described the ultrabrief appearances of R2-D2, Rose Tico, Lando Calrissian and even the Cantina Band (for four seconds) as either pointless on one hand, or a travesty on the other. Lily (10yo) says while she liked seeing those guys again, she was much happier that the movie was mostly about Rey. And what did the three kids have to say about the whole, weird Rey and Kylo Ren thing? Lots of good things, it turns out. Ben loved the quirky connection that allows them to teleport in for light sabre battles. Austen was rewarded for his unwavering faith in Kylo Ren final redemption (seems all is forgiven after cutting his poor old dad, Han

Solo, in half in Episode VII). And Lily, well, as much as she likes Kylo Ren, she was ecstatic that the movie finally proved that girls are better than boys. Critics my age criticised “The Force Awakens” for being too familiar. They criticized “The Last Jedi” for being too different and for killing off too many familiar characters. And now they are criticising “The Rise of Skywalker” for not killing off enough. They applaud it for sticking to the successful formula of good vs evil and using high-stakes, rolling action with only short pauses for backstory, but criticise it for short-clipped, cheesy dialogue and not enough world-building. Goes to show you actually can have too much of a good thing. At least now they can all feel happy that this (probably) is the last one. Oh, and what did Ben, Austen and Lily hate most about The Rise of Skywalker? That it’s probably the last one. The kids of the Coast have stared the critics down. The Rise of Skywalker gets a big tick from them.

17 JANUARY 2020

which books will be delivered by volunteers on horseback to the more remote areas of the state. Margery O’Hare is the first to volunteer. Margery had the misfortune of growing up in a bad family which has made her an outcast. She doesn’t care. She is her own person. There are few other volunteers as the men folk of Kentucky are generally against it, “Tain’t proper. Women should be looking after the home.” Many others think the only book people should be reading is the bible. Alice is bored and so, to the horror of her husband and father in law, she volunteers. She pays for her defiance. As the women set about delivering books to the poor, to the sick and to the abused, life takes a twist. The books bring joy to people and the volunteers become closer, finding solace and fulfillment in helping others, as they meet stiff resistance, misogyny, racism and extreme poverty. Alice meets Fredrick and there is chemistry. When Margery is accused of murder, the women bind together to help her out. The Giver of Stars is based on the WPA’s (Work Progress Administration) Packhorse Librarian program that ran from 1935 to 1943. Many chapters of the book have an opening blurb that gives some background about the WPA and life at the time in Kentucky. That part was interesting. However, I found the book very predictable, one-dimensional and hard to get into. Good people, bad people. Bad things happening to good people. People are tested. I appreciate this is an historical fiction book, but it didn’t work for me. It read more like a made-for-tv movie from the 1980s. I’m afraid I can’t be a giver of stars on this one. I think I am alone in my reaction to the novel. Most reviews I have read have been very positive. Like really positive. Perhaps it is the immersive writing style and descriptions of the Kentucky people and countryside. Perhaps it is the notion of the joy that books and reading can bring, especially to those without access to literature. While it continued the slide for me as far as Jojo Moyes goes, I will probably forget this book and give her another try in a few years. Kim Reardon The Reluctant Book Critic

Ross Barry

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

PAGE 32 17 JANUARY 2020

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CCN

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 Fourth Meeting of the Woy Woy Philosophy Society SHARE

Reptile Park hopeful of breeding tree-joey

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17 JANUARY 2020

On what it means to ‘be’: A New Missive from the Great Thinkers of the Coast The Society had quite a boost this week. We were approached by someone to join our illustrious group. Someone from Terrigal. And by all reports, another great thinker. But, naturally, there is a strict vetting process. In layman’s terms, we have a “no dickheads policy”, or NDP.

Goodfellow tree-kangaroo joey

Keepers at the Australian Reptile Park are hopeful that the opening last month of a new enclosure for its two Goodfellow treekangaroos might lead to a joey in the near future. The park welcomed its first tree-kangaroo, Banjo, in January, 2019, with female Kimbe arriving last April. The pair have been kept off display to help them acclimatise to their new home and were carefully introduced to the-new exhibit during December. Keepers hope that showcasing the endangered species will highlight the large threat of

deforestation. “We couldn’t be happier to finally show off our gorgeous Goodfellow tree-kangaroos,” Park general manager Tim Faulkner said. “We waited until we had the perfect enclosure built for them. “Kimbe and Banjo are beautiful ambassadors for the species. “Sadly, tree-kangaroos are endangered, but any way we can help this species – we will. “Fingers crossed we hear the pitter patter of tree kangaroo joey feet soon.” Faulkner said there were 12

species of tree-kangaroo in the world with many under threat due to hunting and habitat destruction. The species is slow and clumsy on the ground, moving about at walking pace and hopping awkwardly. But in trees it is bold and agile and climbs by wrapping its forelimbs around the trunk of a tree and hopping with its powerful hind legs. Tree-kangaroos are cousins of species such as kangaroos, wallabies and quokkas. Source: Media release, Dec 20 Australian Reptile Park

Gosford RSL Bushfire Appeal Gosford RSL Club will hold a Bush Fire Appeal Raffle on January 23. Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the Salvation Army Disaster Appeal and will see the Club donate over $7000 worth of prizes. Donation tins have also been set up around the Club will all proceeds also being passed onto the appeal. Club Marketing Manager, Jacquie Miller, said the raffle was the Club’s way of uniting

the community in support of the thousands of Australians impacted by bushfires burning across the country. “Australia’s bushfire disaster rages on as fires continue to blaze around the country. “A state of emergency has been declared for NSW. “Queensland remains heavily impacted by multiple blazes burning across the state, while uncontrolled fires are now sweeping through the landscape in both WA and SA.

“Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams are responding to the bushfires in NSW and Queensland as an unprecedented number of emergency-level fires cause tragic loss of life and property. “Any donation means helping them deliver crucial support to help devastated communities recover,” Miller said. Source: Media release, Jan 6 Jacquie Miller, Gosford RSL Club

We stole the policy from the corporate world. It seems organisations all over the Coast have embraced the NDP. Indeed, it has caused a major demographic shift with large hordes of dickheads forced to migrate from Gosford and Erina in search of new habitat. Most of them found their way to Terrigal and can be found on Saturday afternoons grazing around The Haven when the Trojans have a home game. As it turned out, the glorious Lions happened to be playing the Trojans this weekend and so we took the opportunity to venture over to The Haven, watch the game and meet the new philosopher. And what a pleasant sight we were greeted with upon our arrival. Not an evil wasteland at all, but a wondrous blend of capitalism and surf culture. Created an atmosphere of positivity that not even all that human faeces bobbing around on the shore break could dampen. Johhno quickly cleared a path through the locals and their tiny European cars with his Rugged X. The sound of crumpling fenders was as pleasing to the ear as popping bubble wrap. He pulled up right by the touchline where we could stand in the tray, lean on his spotlight bar and share a few thought-provoking craft beers. The match was preceded by the opening of the new toilet block to much fanfare and many symbolic “flushings” by a young Captain who made found many way to use the word “flush” in his speech – “new infrastructure has locals in a flush” and “Terrigal flush with cash for new shithouse” and so on and so forth. And weren’t we amazed when we saw the young Captain strip down to his shorts and don the boots for the Trojans. This, we thought, would give the Lions an even greater edge and they obliged by skipping out to a 22-point lead at half time. But then the young Captain laid on two tries and set up another, all of which he converted himself to leave the Trojans just one point behind. There were tense moments indeed we thought that was it, but for a late whistle by the Ref. He was harried by the crowd into thinking that a quick stomp on the head of a Trojan who pops it up on the wrong side of the ruck was contrary to the rules of the game. Well, the young Captain didn’t hesitate to point to the posts, electing to take a penalty goal, from his own 22! And we could only watch in dismay as the talented young fellow hooked it around, low and long, and guided it straight over the black dot. At that point, we did what all great thinking men can do in such situations and played Drew Gregory’s Bullshit Song at full volume on Johnno’s tape deck. Suddenly, the young Captain was upon us. “Turn it down lads, you lot aren’t the centre of the universe, you know.” “How do you know, smarty-pants?” came Thommo’s probing riposte. Trust me, we might all think Terrigal is the centre of the Universe, but it’s not. I’ve actually been there,” he said pointing up to the heavens. “What, right up there … in the centre?” said Robbo looking up. “And seen the whole universe, in all its crushing totality?” “Yep.” We felt quite breathless. “Gives you some perspective about what it means to ‘be’.”

“What?” we all said as one, but we knew where the young Captain was heading with this – deep into the teachings of Aristotle, the other Father of Western Philosophy. We bid him to speak to us of ‘being’. “Well, let’s say you drive a Hilux,” said he. “And then let’s say everyone from Woy Woy drives a Hilux, it stands to reason, a priori, that you lot are from Woy Woy.” Robbo’s rebuttal was swift and uncompromising. “But aint Thommo’s from Umina.” “Yeah,” said Thommo, “And I had to drive a Prius loan car last week while his Hilux was in for a service.” We looked at him in disgust. The young Captain meanwhile was having none of it. “Ah, but now you’re talking about observation … what you see and experience, a posteriori,” said the Prince without hesitation. “And that begs the question of what is matter and what is form. It is a matter of “matter” that your Thommo here built a house out of bricks and tin in Umina to sleep in. But it is a matter of “form” to say that he is from Umina.” “Well, technically, I was born in Sydney,” said Thommo, “Royal Womens.” We looked at him with even more disgust. “Therein lies another critical point of differentiation,” the Captain continued. “Are you what you were then? Or what you had the potential to be? Shall we judge you by the observation that you were born in Sydney, or by realizing your higher purpose as a great thinker of Woy Woy?” Thommo, who was still looking very sheepish, made up an excuse about needing to get home to feed his fish. As we went to leave however, Johnno’s Rugged X wouldn’t start. Falafel in the fuel tank. Again. The young Captain offered us a ride. A bit embarrassing really, all of us being seen climbing into that shiny, little Audi, but we had little choice. “What was it like … there in the centre of the whole universe?” Robbo asked him on the way. “Not that big really,” said the Captain. “I mean, the whole thing just revolved around me, but it was put there for me to rule which, technically, makes me just that little bit bigger.” “It’s all about higher purpose, you see,” he continued. “I don’t see so that I can have sight, I have sight for the higher purpose of being able to see.” Suddenly it was clear. This was no mere Captain. We were in the presence of a Philosopher King. This man had, after all, opened eleven toilet blocks, attended thee Bunnings sausage sizzles and kicked the winning goal for the Trojans, all in one day and was now off to sit quietly with Viola Murphy for her 100th birthday. But Boof wasn’t convinced. He’d seen the two glaring flaws in the Prince’s thesis. “One, if he can see so well, why’s he wearin’ glasses?” said he. “And two, everyone knows Woy Woy is the centre of the universe.” Joffa

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Crusaders to compete at new state level competition The Central Coast Crusaders will compete in the newly formed Waratah Tier 1 Basketball League, which will see the Crusaders’ Men’s and Women’s teams compete at an elite level against teams that include the Sydney Metropolitan and regional teams. The Waratah Tier 1 League is the highest level of competition for Basketball within NSW. “We are extremely proud that we are able to offer a pathway for players on the Central Coast, starting at the grass roots level,” said Central Coast Basketball’s General Manager, Mick Ryan. “This is an exciting time for the sport of basketball on the Central Coast.”

The Central Coast Crusaders are to compete in the new Waratah Tier 1 League and they’ll be fully supported by new sponsor, Central Real

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

The Crusaders have also announced that real estate agency, Central Real, has signed as major sponsor of their senior representative basketball program for 2020. Central Real CEO, Richard Ellis, said as a local company committed to the Coast, supporting the community is extremely important to the team at Central Real. “The Central Coast Crusaders will be competing at the top of their league and we’re extremely proud to be part of their journey as they represent the Central Coast in this next level of elite competition,” he said. Source: Media release, Jan 16 Amanda Marjanovic, Central Coast Basketball

E-League Season 2020 launched

Central Coast sports gamers will have the opportunity to compete in, or watch, a new-look E-League 2020.

The revamped E-League Season 3 was officially launched on January 10 with a new competition format and venues, and will be played over 11 rounds over two Saturdays, February 15 and March 7, at the ESL Studios in Sydney. The E-league 2020 Finals Series will then be held on Saturday, May 9 at the new Fortress Melbourne, the largest gaming and esports venue in the Southern Hemisphere. The two venues will accommodate more fans who want to cheer on their favourite competitors in the flesh. The E-League is an initiative designed to connect fans of the EA SPORTS FIFA 18 game with the Hyundai A-League. The game can be played on both Xbox and PlayStation. Each A-League club selects two E-League competitors, one directly and the other via a draft.

The clubs then play each other during the two weekend “regular season” to determine the E-League Premiers based on competition points. The Finals Series in May will remain as a seeded, knock-out to determine the E-League Champion for 2020. FFA Head of Leagues, Greg O’Rourke, was excited about the innovations for the E-League 2020 Season. All matches throughout the E-League 2020 Season and E-League 2020 Finals Series will once again be streamed on twitch (www.twitch.tv). “After two seasons of the E-League, it was timely for us to reassess and revise our strategy for the future of the

competition,” said O’Rourke. “It’s an important part of our long term strategy for the Leagues.” EA Sports have also confirmed the E-League is now a League Qualifying Tournament II of the EA SPORTS FIFA 20 Global Series, which provides a pathway for competitors to compete at the FIFA eWorld Cup. In Season 2 (May 2019), the Central Coast Mariners were represented by Jesse “JesseD1996” Da Silva and Kiran “KyrenFIFA” Gupta, both of whom competed in Season 1. Source: A-League website Reporter: Ross Barry

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

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SPORT PAGE 35 17 JANUARY 2020

Gosford to host 2020 National Gridiron Championships Gridiron Australia has announced that Gosford is set to host the biggest gridiron tournament in Australian history, when the 2020 National Championships take place at Central Coast Stadium in May. For the first time, the championships will incorporate both men’s and women’s events and are poised to bring over 600 athletes and a legion of fans from around Australia to the Coast for the nine day tournament. Gridiron Australia Chairman, Darrin Mitchell, said the championships will be a ‘festival of gridiron,’ with a series of activities planned to celebrate the sport with the gridiron community and to showcase future initiatives to grow the sport in Australia. “This will bring together our best players from across the

29 NOVEMBER 2019

ISSUE 221

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Department of Planning criticised for lack of transparency

6 DECEMBER 2019

country and will give them all the unique opportunity to learn from each other and the best coaches in the country, how to be better footballers and share a common goal. “We look forward to seeing all states represented at the National Championships and to show the country American Football the Australian way,” Mitchell said. This flagship event will also serve as a selection round for the Women’s Australian Outback squad to compete in Finland in 2021, with members of the national coaching staff in attendance, and will also be the introduction of the very first Men’s All-Star team, made up of players from around the country unable to field an independent state team. Gridiron Australia Director of Football Operations, Kevin Wilson, when asked about the potential of the event, had this to say: “This is the biggest

Business

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

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

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

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

Continued P3

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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

Extraordinary Council Meeting called over water restrictions 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.

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YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

Fire fighters brace for next heatwave

The proposed St Hilliers Mann St development

Source: Media release, Dec 20 Stacey Speer, Gridiron Australia Website, Dec 20 Luke Smidmore, Central Coast Sharks

ISSUE 222

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

Smoke, fire ... and now for summer

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.

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.

event for our sport in this country and to have the opportunity to bring our members together in one place to celebrate the sport we all love is extremely exciting.” The Coast is no stranger to the sport, with the region having been represented by the Central Coast Sharks for nearly a decade. Club President, Luke Smidmore, said the Sharks were all very excited to see such a historic event in their own backyard. “With this announcement, as well as our own plans to field teams in all three Gridiron NSW competitions this year, 2020 is set to be a huge year for gridiron on the Central Coast,” Smidmore said.

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

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

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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Extreme heat tests juniors in tennis summer series Gosford Tennis Club (GTC) hosted the 4-day Gosford Gold Junior Tennis Summer Series over the first week of January.

Nick De Vivo and Daniel El Azzi

Shannon Spencer and Zara Larke

The event attracted an impressive list of almost 400 players who travelled from far and wide, including many of the Coast’s own junior tennis stars. Spectators were treated to an incredible display of tennis, endurance and sportsmanship over the four days. On the final day, temperatures rose to a scorching 39 degrees, forcing play to be suspended for a couple of hours. Local sensation, Nick De Vivo, handled the conditions extremely well, taking out the 16/U Boys Singles over Daniel El Azzi. De Vivo also won the Doubles event, partnering with Cooper Wilkinson, defeating Jayden Shipley, who teamed up with Liam O’Neil. De Vivo’s success comes hot

on the heels of his win in the 16/U Gosford Open in December. Zara Larke showed her class by winning the 16/U Girls in a tight tussle with talented local, Shannon Spencer. Central Coast rising star, Toby Eyrl-Collins, took to the court following a successful tournament in Melbourne at the end of last year. Eryl-Collins made the semifinals of both the 12/U Boys Singles and Doubles, but was then forced to retire due to the effects of the extreme heat half way through his singles match against Cruz Hewitt, son of Australian tennis legend, Lleyton Hewitt (4/6 6/4 4/2). Hewitt was subsequently runner-up in the final to winner, Harrison Satara. Hewitt and Satara then teamed up to win the 12/U Boys Doubles final as well. Source: Gosford Tennis Club Reporter: Ross Barry

Football community rallies to help local family A Saratoga family whose home was severely damaged by fire on December 19, 2019, has received over $13,000 in donations to get back on their feet courtesy of a fundraiser set up by their football club. Daniel and Jade Dean have both been long term members of the Kincumber Roos Football Club, so when the club’s Executive Committee heard they had lost everything in a house fire six days before Christmas, they launched a Go Fund Me campaign for the couple and their two young children. Since then, the club and wider Saratoga community has rallied, raising $13,581 for the Dean Family as of January 13,

more than double the original $5,000 goal, with more than $10,000 of that total raised in just three days. Club Secretary, Mel Wright, said the Deans were touched by the generosity of their community. “The out pouring of love and support for Dan, Jade and the kids has been extremely heartwarming,” Wright said. “When the Club first set up this page, it was with the intention of allowing our members the opportunity to support a fellow Roo in need. “Our wish was to ensure enough funds were raised to get Dan, Jade and the Kids sorted in time for Christmas. “The response from our club members has been phenomenal and really shows what a great

family we have within Kincumber Roos, but what was not expected, was the volume of people outside our Club also wanting to contribute. “Support has come from family and friends of the Dean family, the wider football community, residents within Saratoga and neighbouring suburbs and further afield, not to mention the kind ‘silent

angels’ who continue to remain anonymous. “We are pleased to report that Dan, Jade and the Kids have been able to secure emergency accommodation that is fully furnished, and that they have a safe and comfortable to place to sleep. “They are still very overwhelmed by the generosity that has been provided to them

and will be forever thankful to the numerous individuals who have offered their help and support emotionally and financially. “They are extremely humbled by this outpouring of kindness,” Wright said. Shelly Luck, owner of Saratoga based eatery, Shelly’s Café, has also been fundraising for the Deans, collecting all manner of donations when the news broke. Several other businesses in the area have also since donated to the family. The Deans took to social media to express their gratitude to the community and the Club that supported them. “On behalf of our little family we would like to thank you for making an extremely tough

time for our family easier,” Dan said. “We have been totally overwhelmed with the support. “During this tough period we would have struggled to get through without all the help and support that was provided. “Our family will be forever grateful for your support and love,” he added. The Dean Family fundraiser is still live on the Go Fund Me website for any community members wishing to donate. Source: Website, Dec 19-21 Mel Wright, Go Fund Me Website, Dec 19 Scott Baker, Kincumber Roos FC Shelly Luck, Shelly’s Café Website, Jan 2 Dan Dean, Kincumber Roos FC

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SPORT PAGE 37 17 JANUARY 2020

Bridget Conrad crowned 420 women’s sailing champion Gosford Sailing Club’s Bridget Conrad was crowned the 420 Women’s Champion at the Australian Sailing Youth Championships held at Sorrento Sailing and Couta Boat Club (Victoria) on January 11-14 Conrad shared the honours with team mate, India Gilbert, finishing eighth overall and first in the women’s division. The final two days of the four day Championships were abandoned due to light wind and smoke haze from the bushfires. Conrad said the regatta had been a good learning experience. “It was pretty exciting to get first girls at this regatta”, she said

“We were consistent the first two days and we managed to do six races without using our drop.” Following the event, Conrad and Gilbert were both provisionally named in the Australian Sailing Youth Team. The team, which requires ratification from the Australian Sailing Board before being finalised, will represent Australia at the Hempel Youth Sailing World Championships in Salvador, Brazil, from 12 - 19 December. Conrad, who is now a qualified sailing instructor, was first attracted to sailing during the 2012 Olympics when she watched Gosford sailor, Tom Slingsby, win a Gold Medal. Source: Gosford Sailing Club website Reporter: Ross Barry

Master Blasters play at the SCG

Central Coast Grammar School’s Master Blasters at the SCG

There were some familiar faces on the green at Sydney Cricket Ground during the second day of the Australia versus New Zealand test, when a team of Central Coast Grammar School students took to the field.

thoroughly enjoyed the rare opportunity. “Our Master Blasters lived everyone’s cricket dream when they were invited to play at the SCG. “The kids were very excited to see themselves on the big screen,” Low said.

The School’s Master Blasters cricket team were invited to play, and according to Headmaster, Bill Low,

Source: Website, Jan 13 Bill Low, Central Coast Grammar School

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Pink Stumps Day resumes women’s T20 competition The weekend of January 11 and 12 saw the resumption of the Central Coast Cricket Association’s (CCCA) Women’s T20 competition after the Christmas break, with the inaugural Pink Stumps Day, hosted by Southern Spirit Women’s side to raise money for the McGrath Foundation. There were plenty of off-field activities for spectators, including the VIP Ladies tent. On-field, there was action aplenty. Southern Spirit posted 1/98 in their 20 over to account for Narara Wyoming 5/92 at Col Gooley Field, Umina Beach. Naomi Cattley was a standout for the Spirit side with 48 not out, whilst Lily Owen was Narara Wyoming’s best with 22 (ret). The win keeps second-placed Southern Spirit in reach of the undefeated Northern Power Orange in their pursuit of the Minor Premiership trophy. Northern Power Orange also had a comfortable win over Northern Power Blue at Tunkuwallin Oval, Gwandalan. Batting first, the Blue side was dismissed for 42, with

Kylie Taylor top scoring with 17. Kerry Seymour 3/7 and Crystal Osborne 2/6 did the damage for the Blue Power. In reply, the Orange side passed the total in the 10th over, with Kerry Tye 20 and Samantha Thomas 15, leading the way. Warnervale Blue have been

quietly going about their business all season, however on Saturday, they made their biggest statement when they accounted for Terrigal Matcham at Kurraba Oval, Berkeley Vale. Batting first, Warnervale put together a solid 2/116 off their 20 overs, with Michelle Presgrave again impressive with 25 N.O., whilst Piper

Hooke 21 (ret) and Mikaedy Sammut 20, set the innings up with an opening partnership of 47. In response,Terrigal Matcham struggled after star batter, Ella Merritt, was dismissed by Jess Holmes for 14 and they finished on 6/107, just 9 runs short. Emily Humphreys was again

a standout, with the youngster finishing on 32. Sammut rounded out a good match with 2/10 off her 3 overs, whilst Hayley Korocz also took two wickets. Warnervale White made it two wins for the club with a 5 wicket win over a shorthanded Lisarow Ourimbah at Paddy

Clifton Oval, Narara. Batting first, the Magpies were solid in scoring 3/111, with Annalise Brewster 32 and Kylie Turnbaull 24, leading the way. With only four players to protect the boundaries, Lisarow Ourimbah were not able to stop the Warnervale batters, with Jacinta Crawford making the most of the gaps to finish with 55 n.o. In the final game, Kincumber Avoca proved too good for Northern Power White at Taylor Park, the Entrance, winning by 21 runs. After being sent in to bat, Miranda Moloney 48 (ret) and Veronica Brown 33 (ret) got the side off to a good start and skipper Laura Mercer, with 24 (ret), pushed the total to 146 off the 20 overs. Northern Power started the run chase well with Harmony Vince and Emma Raychaudhuri both retiring on 30 and 28 respectively, and despite a late flourish from Stacey McNeill 19 n.o., they finished their overs 31 runs in arrears at 4/125. Source: Central Coast Cricket Association Reporter: Ross Barry

Bowlers dominate Round 15 of Central Coast Cricket Bowlers dominated Day 1 of Round 15 of Central Coast Cricket’s first grade competition with The Entrance the only side to pass 200 runs. Adam Taylor (64) and Ash Hardy (63) both reached half centuries for the Gulls, whilst Jason Blackwood was dismissed for 49. Kaleb Daley was the pick of the Wyong bowlers taking 3/45. With a big run chase ahead of them, Wyong suffered a blow late on Day 1, with Mark Baldwin dismissed for 1 and they will resume on Day 2 at 1/9. Duffy’s Rd continued to be a nightmare for batsmen, with 19 wickets falling for just 137 runs in the clash between Terrigal

Matcham and Warnervale. Batting first, the Bellbirds managed just 77, with Mitch Bowring top scoring with just 16. Jake Crelley and Brett Russell both took three wickets for Warnervale. In response, Warnervale had an equally difficult time at the crease as Jaime Brien 5/24 and Josh Bridge 3/18 carved through the Wildcats, who struggled to their way to 9/60 at stumps. The game between Northern Power and Kincumber Avoca is also evenly poised after Day 1. On a day where both sides had periods of ascendancy, Kincumber Avoca finished the day with 186. Mitchell Howarde continued his good start on the Central

FORT DENISON

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

17 FRI

24 FRI

0226 1.48 0821 0.56 1430 1.56 2100 0.41 0218 0.51 0853 1.82 1535 0.34 2128 1.34

18 SAT

25 SAT

Coast with 3/56, whilst Jeremy O’Connell was a welcome sight back in the two day arena and he finished with 3/47 from 17 overs. In the final match of the Round, batting also proved difficult at Gavenlock Oval as Lisarow Ourimbah claimed first innings points against Narara Wyoming. Winning the toss and batting, the Lions were dismissed for 91 in 45 overs in an innings that included four ducks. Veteran Peter Cross held up one end with an unbeaten 60. Ben Sunshine and Blair Lindsay did the damage with the ball for Lisarow Ourimbah with four wickets apiece. In reply, the Magpies got off to a good start putting on 49 for the first wicket with Ben Cohen posting 42.

They then lost 6/21 before Lindsay and Mitch McBeath steadied the ship and guided the side through to stumps and 1st innings points with 6/95. Lisarow Ourimbah were missing quick bowler Scott Burkinshaw who competed in the Australian Country Championship. Burkinshaw was the highest wicket taker for Country Cricket NSW at the carnival, with 14 wickets in five games over 5 days, and was subsequently named in the All-Australian side. It is the third time that the 25 year old right-arm pacemen has received All-Australian honours. Source: Central Coast Cricket Association Reporter: Ross Barry

TIDE CHART

0327 1.51 0430 1.56 0530 1.63 0934 0.59 1053 0.59 1209 0.54 SUN MON 1535 1.43 1647 1.33 1800 1.29 2155 0.47 2252 0.51 2348 0.53 0300 0.51 0340 0.51 0418 0.52 1011 1.80 0933 1.82 1046 1.76 1613 0.33 SUN 1647 0.35 MON 1721 0.38 2207 1.36 2244 1.36 2320 1.36

TUE

Scott Burkinshaw received All-Australian honours

LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000

Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

0628 1.69 0043 0.53 0132 0.52 1315 0.47 0721 1.75 0809 1.80 WED THU 1903 1.28 1409 0.41 1454 0.36 1959 1.30 2045 1.32 0456 0.54 0535 0.58 0034 1.36 1121 1.70 1156 1.63 0616 0.62 1754 0.41 WED 1827 0.45 THU 1231 1.54 2356 1.36 1901 0.50

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

FFA Inquiry into Alen Stajcic’s Matildas sacking raises more questions than answers In response to recent media speculation, Football Federation Australia (FFA) National Team Review Chair, Diane Smith-Gander AO, has issued a public statement in respect of the recent inquiry by the FFA into the sacking of Alen Stajcic as coach of the Matildas in 2019. Smith-Gardner advised that the reason the Review Team did not interview Stajcic as part of the inquiry was not because they had been directed not to by FFA Chairman, Chris Nikou, but because Stajcic had set conditions for the interview which could not be accepted by the panel. The review panel comprised Smith-Gardner, former Sydney Olympics bid leader, Rod McGeogh, and Liz Ellis. “I wish to place on the record that any suggestion that FFA Chairman, Chris Nikou, instructed the National Team Review Panel not to interview Alen Stajcic is entirely inaccurate”, Smith-Gardner said. “Mr Stajcic requested a set of conditions to participate in the review that could not be accepted.” Smith-Gardner said suggestions thaty Nikou had influenced the outcome were the result of a “mischaracterisation” of an email exchange with the FFA Chairman that had then been leaked to media. The independent review into Australia’s national teams was established in the wake of Alen Stajcic’s sacking Stajcic had been asked to provide a written response to the three person panel, assembled by the FFA board, but instead offered to answer

detailed questions in person. A report by the Sydney Morning Herald, which claimed to have seen the email exchange, referred to an email from McGeoch saying: “I would still send the Stajcic reply to Chris Nikou. “It is a powerful response and if leaked after our final report, would make quite a story. “That concerns me a little.” (Sydney Morning Herald, December 19) The key finding is that the panel could uncover no proof that a “formal ‘lesbian mafia’” existed within football or that there was any bias or agendas behind Stajcic’s axing. Football Coaches Australia (FCA) has since questioned the independence of the panel’s findings. In a report from Reuters, FCA Chief Executive, Glenn Warry, reportedly said: “We were looking for due process for Alen at the time, procedural fairness and accountability. “As to whether that’s been achieved by the review, we’re not too sure.” (Reuters, December 20). Bonita Mersiades, a former FFA publicity chief and team manager of the Socceroos, also said the review was a “failure”. “This summary report does nothing to advance knowledge on the matters around that central issue or to improve confidence and trust in the structures in place for governance of the game in Australia”, Mersiades was reported as saying (Reuters, December 20). Source: Media Statement, Dec 20 Diane Smith-Gardner Sydney Morning Herald Report, Dec19 Reuters report, Dec 20 Reporter: Ross Barry

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SPORT PAGE 39 17 JANUARY 2020

Tommy Oar to leave Mariners and Lewis Miller sings new contarct The Central Coast Mariners have confirmed recent speculation around the future of star player, Tommy Oar. The club confirmed that 28 year old Oar has reached an agreement with new A-League club, Macarthur FC, for the Hyundai A-league 2020/21 season and will move upon completion of the current season. “Tommy has been open and transparent with us through the negotiation process and informed us of his decision in recent days,” Mariners CEO, Shaun Mielekamp said. “He is a professional, and as a Mariners player, will continue to give 110 percent each week through the rest of this season.” Born on the Gold Coast, Oar made his professional debut for Brisbane Roar in 2008 and has played for Dutch club FC Utrecht and Ipswich Town in England. He has 28 caps with the Australian national team and was a member of the 2014 FIFA World Cup team and the successful 2015 Asian Cup team. Oar signed a two-year deal with the Mariners in 2018 and has since been a regular on the left flank and midfield, providing a key source of looping crosses into the strike zone for the yellow and blue. In other player news, the Mariners announced that young defender Lewis Miller has signed a professional contract with the club that will see him tied to the club until 2022. Miller made two appearances late in the 2018/19 season with the Mariners, but has shot into

prominence this season under Alen Stajcic, following his first appearance against Adelaide United in round six. Speaking after signing his new deal, the 19 year old said he was thrilled to be staying loyal to the Mariners. “I want to be a part of the future of this club as I believe we are heading in the right direction and I am hoping to continue to make a positive impact on the team.” Miller said. “I love it here on the Coast, everyone at the club is determined to do better going forward. “The fans are great while the coaching staff and players are awesome.” Head Coach Stajcic praised the youngster for his season so far and backed him to continue his strong form through the second half of the season. “He’s a very talented footballer and he continues to grow and mature and has potentially a very exciting future ahead of him”, Stajcic said. Miller’s signing follows earlier signings this season of up and coming young players including Gianni Stensness and Sammy Silvera. “It’s great to see the Mariners giving boys like Lewis, Sammy and Gianni a real chance to show what they can do.” Stajcic said. “A core value at this club is to discover and allow really talented boys to flourish in a professional environment.” Source: Central Coast Mariners Reporter: Ross Barry

Tommy Oar

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Madness, mayhem … and 3 crucial points

Crusaders to compete

The Central Coast Crusaders will compete in the newly formed Waratah Tier 1 Basketball League, which will see the Crusaders’ Men’s and Women’s teams compete at an elite See Page 34

National Gridiron Championships

With one minute to go in the match against Melbourne Victory on Sunday, January 12, Mariners’ fans were lamenting another night of ill fortune, including the most unlikely of own goals. Some had even left the stadium. Enter Matt Simon, Elvis, an irate coach and, of course, the VAR. Rarely do local fans witness such a night of football. Five goals, four Video Assisted Referee (VAR) decisions, a players’ scuffle, a myriad of yellow cards and even a red card for Victory Coach, Marco Kurz. At the final whistle, the Mariners came out with a memorable 3-2 win against a highly favoured and indignant Melbourne Victory, their first win over Victory in almost seven years. The win gave long term fans

a taste of the glory days of the club, particularly when veteran striker Matt Simon slotted two late penalties to lock away a much-needed three competition points. Victory scored the first goal of the match, eight minutes into the game, after a strike by Dobras was deflected, wrong footing Mariners’ keeper, Mark Birighitti. The game then turned into a battle royale, with precision passing and lethal attacks, with Victory’s Socceroos hero, Robbie Kruse, a constant challenge to the home side’s defence. One minute before half time, the Mariners turned the momentum around with a classic cross from Lewis Miller to find Jordan Murray, who headed it home for an equaliser. The second half turned into an even more intense arm wrestle, with both teams desperate to get the three

points and climb the league ladder. Kye Rowles put the home side in front momentarily, scoring from a corner seven minutes into the second half, only to have it overturned by the VAR for offside. Then, in the 63rd minute, local hero Matt Simon replaced a hard working Jair. Almost immediately tensions escalated, as Simon was felled in the box. No penalty, but Milan Djuric was given a yellow for an overly vigorous objection. At the 78th minute, Mariners’ fans were heartbroken when a cross from Victory’s Adama Traore cannoned off the post, rebounded off the back of Kye Rowles and into the net for the most unlikely of own goals. With just one minute to go, the Mariners were awarded a penalty. The penalty initially was awarded to Melbourne, but

closer inspection from the VAR led to another over-rule, this time in favour of the Mariners Matt Simon slotted it home for the equaliser. As tempers flared, Matt Simon was involved in a scuffle with Victory mid-fielder, Elvis Kambosa. Both players received yellow cards and Simon was left with a torn jersey and looking every bit like Maximus Decimus in a scene from Gladiator. Simon’s torn shirt has since been put up for auction with the latest bid of over $1,500. An irate Victory coach, Marco Kurz, was then red carded for leaving his zone, berating the off-field referee, and was escorted from the ground. In a final attack after almost four minutes of extra time, Mariners’ Michael McGlinchey was brought down amidst a group of Victory players and a second penalty was awarded against the visitors.

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Simon once again found the back of the net to give the Mariners the match. The goal was the 50th goal for Matt Simon in the yellow and blue, after racking up his 250th A-league game the week before. A crowd of 4,357 watched the extraordinary match at Central Coast Stadium. The win ended an 18-match run without a win against Melbourne Victory and puts the Mariners on 13 points, just two points out of the top six. The Mariners now turn their attention to the F3 Derby in Newcastle, followed by a second game away against Western Force on the road, before returning to the Central Coast for a home game against arch rivals Brisbane Roar on January 25.

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Source: CCM Media Reporter: David Abrahams CCN is a media partner of CCM.

Gridiron Australia has announced that Gosford is set to host the biggest gridiron tournament in Australian history, when the 2020 National Championships take place at Central Coast Stadium in May. See Page 35

Women’s sailing champion

Gosford Sailing Club’s Bridget Conrad was crowned the 420 Women’s Champion on January 1114 See page 37