Issue 235 of COAST Community News by Central Coast Newspapers

27 MARCH 2020

ISSUE 235

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

SHUTDOWN

News

As Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged all Australians abroad to head for home, Central Coast residents all over the globe were faced with cutting holidays short See page 8

News

38 confirmed COVID-19 cases The Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) has advised that cases of COVID-19 on the Coast have more than doubled since Monday with 38 cases now confirmed for the region. Of the 38 cases, five people have recovered and are no longer in isolation, while all others are being monitored at home in isolation, with no cases currently requiring hospitalisation. While the number of cases is accelerating, so too are the number of tests being taken, and so this pattern

may not be as alarming as it might first seem. Nevertheless, CCLHD has announced that it will reprioritise all surgery appointments to create more capacity in intensive care units in anticipation of an increase demand in relation to the Coronavirus. Hospitals will also be conducting outpatient clinic appointments over the phone or by video where possible, to reduce close contact. CCLHD Chief Executive, Dr Andrew Montague, stressed that there would be no impact to emergency and trauma patients, as well as urgent surgery cases and said District

staff will communicate directly with affected patients about rescheduling where necessary. The full release from Central Coast Health is available on our website. Across the state, 190 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed as of 8pm on Wednesday by NSW Health, bringing NSW’s total number of confirmed cases up to 1,219, with over 72,780 cases tested and excluded from the total. Overseas travel remains the highest source of the infection with 647 of the state’s cases confirmed as being acquired overseas.

Of the confirmed cases 16 are in intensive care with 10 requiring ventilators. The state also has its first four confirmed cases in children under the age of 10 with a 2-month-old boy, a 1-year-old girl, a 2-year-old-girl and a 7-year-old girl all confirmed as having the virus. The increase in confirmed cases comes as the NSW Government commenced tougher lockdown protocols on Monday, March 23, including the closure of all pubs, clubs, restaurants, food courts and other public meeting venues. The new protocols included a

recommendation that all people stay at home unless they need to do otherwise. A ban on all overseas travel, a ban on real estate auctions and inspections, restrictions on the number of guests at weddings and sadly, a limit of 10 mourners at all funerals. There is also now a ban on extended family barbeques and other gatherings. On Thursday, NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, said new powers had been given to the police to enforce these restrictions. Reporter: Ross Barry

Commercial fishing operators working across the Central Coast are struggling to stay afloat in the wake of the State's reform to the industry. See page 10

Business

Local call centres have helped this Australian telecom company in avoiding the strain of the crisis. See page 21

Second economic support package announced The Federal Government’s second economic support package, announced on March 22, has been applauded by the Central Coast business community. The $66.1B package follows on from the Government’s first stimulus package of $17.6B, and will see eligible small businesses on the Coast able to apply for up to $100,000 in support funding, and people in stress able to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation

in 2019-20, and a further $10,000 in 2020-21. Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the plan aimed to “cushion the economic impact of the coronavirus and help build a bridge to recovery. “A total of $189B is being injected into the economy by all arms of Government in order to keep Australians in work and businesses in business, including in the Electorate of Robertson,” Wicks said. Continued page 6

Woy Woy Philosophy Society

Missive #13: Spinoza’s Taxonomy of Knowledge … and dunny roll

“I’d like to see the bloody virus get through that!” It may not have been Robbo’s best idea ever, to meet in the empty Gosford Leagues carpark, but after we’d arranged all five of our Hiluxes into circular formation (just like General Custer), we really did feel quite invincible. See page 29

Puzzles page 28

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

PAGE 2 27 MARCH 2020

NEWS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

ABOUT US

CCN

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

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN

Our content is originated through both our own team of local journalists as well as external sources, including media releases, websites and public notices. All our news content is subject to strict editorial standards – see www.coastcommunitynews. com.au/aboutus/editorialstandards Wherever possible, our news includes source lines that provide information about where information was sourced so that readers can judge for themselves the veracity of what they are reading. Each paper focuses specifically on an area bound by postcodes as follows: Peninsula News Post Codes 2256 and 2257; Coast Community News Post Codes 2250, 2251, 2260; and Wyong Regional Chronicle Post Codes 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 and 2263. Coast Community News is published weekly and its coverage takes in parts of Gosford West, Gosford East and Wyong Central Coast Council Wards. It also takes in parts of the State seats of Gosford, Terrigal and The Entrance, and parts of the Federal seats of Robertson and Dobell For all other information, please visit our website or call us on (02) 4325 7369 or call in and see us at Suite 1, Level 2, 86 Mann St, Gosford. Ross Barry, Publisher

Coast Community News would like to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a Grit Elite Scooter.

The Grit Elite is valued at $220. For your chance to win, write your full name, address and daytime telephone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to Coast Community News Grit Pro Scooters Competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250, before 5pm on April 8.

Grit Pro Scooters are at the forefront of the extreme scooter riding scene in Australia, quickly becoming one of the fastest growing scooter brands in the world. Ridden by the world’s best freestyle scooter riders, Grit are the most advanced pro scooters on the market. Combining precision design and the highest quality materials, Grit has the perfect scooter to suit your style, skill or discipline.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions the Central Coast Mariners Competition has been withdrawn.

FOR ROLLING UPDATES OF LOCAL COVID-19 RELATED ISSUES ON THE CENTRAL COAST; HEALTH, ANNOUNCEMENTS, LOGISTICS, EVENTS, OFFICIAL ADVICE AND LINKS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU IF YOU HAVE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ABOUT LOCAL COVID-19 RELATED ISSUES PLEASE SEND TO CCN

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Next Edition: Coast Community News 236

Deadline: March 31 Publication date: April 3

2250 - Bucketty, Calga, Central Mangrove, East Gosford, Erina, Erina Fair, Glenworth Valley, Gosford, Greengrove, Holgate, Kariong, Kulnura, Lisarow, Lower Mangrove, Mangrove Creek, Mangrove Mountain, Matcham, Mooney Mooney Creek, Mount White, Narara, Niagara Park, North Gosford, Peats Ridge, Point Clare, Point Frederick, Somersby, Springfield, Tascott, Ten Mile Hollow, Upper Mangrove, Wendoree Park, West Gosford, Wyoming 2251 - Avoca Beach, Bensville, Bouddi, Copacabana, Davistown, Green Point, Kincumber, MacMasters Beach, Picketts Valley, Saratoga, Yattalunga 2260 - Foresters Beach, Nortfh Avoca, Terrigal, Wamberal

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

6 MARCH 2020

ISSUE 232

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

News

Koala Kindy

EDITION 490

13 MARCH 2020

7,200

7,000 Controversy rages over roadworks expenditure on the Central Coast pledged prior to the 2019 Federal Election.

See page 9

6,000

See page 6

Business

The Australian Reptile park is celebrating seven of the world’s cutest animals, as a swathe of koala joeys turn one. Affectionately dubbed the Lucky Seven in 2019 after being bred into the Park’s

breeding program, the seven koala joeys have all been named after various Disney characters by their keepers. The joeys’ high social media profile has made them ambassadors for the koala species and raising awareness.

Koalas are thought to be on track to become completely extinct by 2050, with their numbers plummeting by a third between 1990 and 2010 due to habitat destruction, deforestation, fragmentation, cars and dogs.

The Park’s Mammal Keeper, Erica Johnstone, said staff were excited that the koala joeys were all growing up to be “healthy, happy individuals with unique personalities that are a part of an important breeding program here at the Australian Reptile Park”.

Following their eucalyptus leaf party, the joeys napped in their favourite spots for eighteen hours, as is customary for koalas after a big day.

CCN

Ratepayers from Point Clare to the Peninsula, Empire Bay and Killcare Heights, have reported muddy looking water pouring from the taps inside their homes, with numerous accounts on social media of

water not being fit to bathe or wash clothes in. Killcare Heights resident, Sharon McEvoy, is convinced that drinking the brownish water over recent weeks resulted in “the worst case of diarrhoea I have ever experienced”. “About a fortnight ago, I started to get really sick with diarrhoea and battled it for a week before going to the doctor, who conducted some tests,” she said. “He said tests had revealed aeromonas in my system and

that this usually resulted from contaminated water. “I was so weak I couldn’t even climb the stairs in my home without having to sit down at the top,” she said. “When you pour a glass of water, the discolouration isn’t as apparent, but when you fill a bathtub or handbasin, you can see how brown it is.” Since visiting the doctor, McEvoy has been only drinking bottled water. Continued P4

Recession looming for Coast? First it was bushfires and flooding, and now a combination of the Coronavirus, a slide in global oil prices and a sickening crash in the share market, threaten to plunge the Central Coast into recession.

Construction is expected to begin on the Terrigal boardwalk and viewing platform in April .

Continued page 4

See page 9

5,600

Central Coast Council finished last financial year with a budget surplus of $62.4M, $14.9M more than it had budgeted for ($48.5M)

Business

Nuclear power debate resurrected

See page 14 Woy Woy Philosophy Society

Many people who have been suffering with brown water coming out of their taps for weeks in various areas of the region, are not convinced by assurances from Central Coast Council that the water is safe to drink, despite its colour.

News

Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley, has vowed to fight moves to repeal legislation banning uranium mining in NSW, which she says is the first step towards nuclear power plants in the State, with three Central Coast sites likely contenders.

A Prince Among Men and women too of course

What a comedy of errors. It all started with Boof’s winning goal for the Mariners last week and ended with him being elected to Council. See page 33

Puzzles page 26

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

“There will be a nuclear power station in my lifetime” - Taylor Martin, MLC

An Upper House inquiry into the Uranium Mining and Nuclear Facilities (Prohibitions) Repeal Bill 2019 has recommended repealing the original bill in its entirety. Although this would make it

legal to mine for uranium within NSW boundaries for the first time since 1987, the prohibition on nuclear facilities would remain in place as a result of prohibitions enacted in federal legislation. But Catley said that Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, had made it clear that he supports the building of new nuclear power stations. “While there is also federal legislation in this space, it is clear that the Deputy Premier sees the removal of the current ban on uranium mining and nuclear power in NSW as the

first step towards that objective,” she said. “Potential nuclear power station sites were identified at Eraring, Vales Point and Munmorah in 2018, but nuclear is not the answer to the problem of climate change. “Nuclear is too expensive and too dangerous. “The future lies in large scale renewable energy projects that bring together wind, solar and other renewable technologies to meet our needs. Continued page 5

Call for lifeguards at Pearl Beach Pearl Beach Progress Association has called on Central Coast Council to provide lifeguards at Pearl Beach over the summer holidays.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) update page 3

Source: Media release, Mar 4 Australian Reptile Park

Brown water safety concerns

5,800

ISSUE 185

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS

entral Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) has opened two Coronavirus testing clinics.

Avoca Lagoon is set to receive a $300,000 restoration as part of a $5.3M Central Coast waterways package.

6,600

6,400

Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) has reminded residents that online grocery delivery services are available.

18 MARCH 2020

Testing clinic opens at Wyong

6,800

6,200

Erica Johnstone with one of the birthday joeys

16 MARCH 2020

News

See page 3

News

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS

ISSUE 233

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

Going, going ...

The Central Coast is set to join the elite set of socalled Gigabit Cities around the world with an announcement that is set to offer extreme internet speeds. See page 14 Woy Woy Philosophy Society

Missive #12: Do I exist?

“I think I’ve had an epiphany Joffa.”

President Mr Peter Romey said the association supported the Pearl Beach Safety Advisory Group’s proposal to have dedicated

Wrong picture Peninsula News mistakenly published a picture of Southern Spirit women’s cricket team player Jessica Moody instead of team captain Sally Oman on page one of edition 488.

It wasn’t that unusual for Thommo to have an epiphany – sometimes he could have up to three a day.

The picture was incorrectly captioned as Sally Oman. Peninsula News apologises for any offence or embarrassment this may have caused.

See page 33

13 Mar 2020

Puzzles page 26

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

lifeguards patrol the beach. He said it would begin canvassing Central Coast Council. Safety Group member Mr Peter Toohey said the group wanted “to create a safer beach environment for everyone”. Mr Toohey said that Pearl Beach suffered from several issues that impacted user safety. He said many of them could be

lessened with the presence of a regular lifeguard. “At Pearl Beach, the currents and lack of shallow water can be a dangerous combination for poor swimmers and children,” Mr Toohey said. “Pearl Beach has considerably coarser sand and the quartz pearls produce a steep reflective beach, with waves surging up the beach,

making for a steep drop into deep water off the shore. “This results in dangerous situations, particularly from the middle to northern end of the beach. “We also experience added dangers from uncontrolled jet skiers, dogs on the beach, fishermen leaving bait, tackle and sometimes even fires.

“These all add to beach safety issues,” Mr Toohey said. He said Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch had been approached for support and residents had been asked to write to Central Coast Council asking for a lifeguard service. SOURCE: Newsletter, 5 Mar 2020 Peter Romey, Pearl Beach Progress Association

Church sells for $1.43 million St Andrews church in Umina sold by auction for $1.43 million on March 5. The auction was “hotly contested” by six bidders and sold for $200,000 more than predicted by real estate agent Mr John Ienna. Hope Unlimited Church, which currently offers services at the

Peninsula Community Centre, placed the winning bid for the Ocean Beach Rd church. Mr Ienna, from Ray White Real Estate in Umina, said other bidders were a child care centre and four separate developers. SOURCE Interview (Sue Murray), 12 Mar 2020 John Ienna, Ray White Umina

THIS ISSUE contains 58 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

In a statement on March 13, a spokesperson for the CCLHD confirmed that clinics would open at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals on March 16 and 17 respectively, as part of the District’s ongoing response to diagnose and slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The Gosford clinic, located at 75 Holden St, is adjacent to the P2 car park. The Wyong clinic is located at Building C, opposite the Health Services Building. Both clinics will operate seven days a week, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on weekends. People who have developed cold and/ or flu-like symptoms who have returned from overseas in the last 14

days or who have been in contact of a confirmed case, should be tested for COVID-19 and should contact their GP or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for advice in the first instance. People who have returned from China,

Iran, Italy or South Korea, or who have had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 but are well, should self-isolate at home for 14 days and seek treatment only if they develop symptoms. People advised by their GP or Healthdirect

to undergo COVID-19 testing have an option to attend a number of testing centres on the Central Coast. Should people wish to attend the District’s Gosford or Wyong clinics, they need to call ahead to book an appointment.

Anyone who attends the clinic without a booking may be asked to wait or may be instructed to go home and return for an appointment. This is to minimise waiting times and the risk of infection to others. People who present with no symptoms or risk factors may be reassured that testing is not required and advised that they can return home. In line with this, people are urged to exercise good prevention practices including: staying home and away from other people if you are unwell with respiratory symptoms; following sneezing and coughing etiquette by covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow or coughing into a tissue and disposing of it; and, cleaning your hands regularly throughout the day with soap and water for 20 seconds or using an alcohol based hand rub.

News

he Coast has its first confirmed cases of Coronavirus. The Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) confirmed on March 13 that a woman in her 30’s is the region’s first official COVID-19 diagnosis. In a statement, a spokesperson for the CCLHD said staff were undertaking daily wellness checks while she is in isolation at home and that the patient was doing well. They also confirmed an investigation into how the patient became infected was underway and that all her close contacts had been contacted and

Chief Executive, Dr Andrew Montague, Central Coast Health District advised to self-isolate. The spokesperson said the patient’s close contacts were also being

contacted daily by the CCLHD Public Health Unit to monitor their condition and will be promptly tested if they develop symptoms. In a statement on March 16, the CCHLD confirmed the second case. “The CCLHD is providing care for a woman in her 40’s who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 after recently returning from overseas,” the statement reads. The second woman is also in isolation at home with the same procedures being followed as in the first case. The cases are not believed to be related.

Moves to repeal legislation banning uranium mining in NSW. See page 3

News

Debate continues over traffic chaos on Carters Rd See page 5

Business

Source: Press release, Mar 13 Central Coast Health

Following the initial to ensure there is no Two community/ announcement, the ongoing risk of infection. sport projects from CCLHD Page faced backlash “A close contact is 28 WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET for the former from concerned someone who has been community members face to face for at least Wyong Shire will CCN for not providing more 15 minutes or been in the receive a share EVENTS OVER THE for NEXTat FEW WEEKS ON THE CENTRAL COAST information A COMPREHENSIVE about LISTING sameOFclosed space in over $1M.SATURDAY, APR 11 WEDNESDAY, MAR 18 Harmony Day Lunch FRIDAY, MAR 27 Lions Club of Woy Woy Ultimate Gamer Tournament SUNDAY, APR 5 Climate Action Plan (12-24yrs), patient zero’s location - Please bringor a small Community Peninsula Inc: CAN leastWorkshops, two hours. CAN Lake Munmorah See page 10 The Central Coast Bouddi Eco Network: plate ofCELL food to share, Car BootCELL Sale and BBQ, Hamlyn Terrace Shopping Centre, Collective: In Conversation Community screening of Car Park DundanED movements, prompting aED Community Kariong Neighbourhood Road Centre, “Locations whereWoythese Entry is free, Series with Ash Pollard, film 2040, Centre, all welcome, Woy, 6am - 1pm 6pm - 8pm, 4:30pm - 7:30pm The Bon Pavilion Gosford, Killcare SLSC, Ticketed, second statement. 12:30pm - 1:30pm have you say online live, or cases work orA Community have Ticketed, 6:30pm 6pm - 9pm Benefit 4340 1724 register your interest FRIDAY, APR 3 Coastal a Cappella: A The Eagles Show, Concert - to Send Peninsula admin@knc.net.au yourvoiceourcoast.com “PleaseTHURSDAY, beMAR 19 assured, visited doSATURDAY, notMAR 28pose any CAN Dancer to Germany, Cappella in the Valley, The Ettalong Diggers CELL Tuggerah Lakes U3A Wagstaffe Hall, 1pm Narara Valley Public Ballroom, Ticketed, SATURDAY,the MAR 21 WEDNESDAY, MAR 25 A Creative Writers ED 8:30pm, NSW Health notifies Gosford Red Hatters: ongoing risk to the public. presents: School, Ticketed, 4343 0111 Readings & Social Day - by Fundraising for Drought MONDAY, MAR 30 2:30pm www.ettalongdiggers.com Your Life, Your Death, our Creative Writers group and Bushfires, locations public of AidKibbleany 0412 284 652 “Publishing private Your Choice followed by a Morning Tea, Mall Stall Wyong Family History Patonga Beach www.trybooking.com The Entrance/Long Jetty Free Seminar & Group: Wyong & Districts where there has been a details, CAN Easter Fete! stalls, RSL Hall, 10am – 12pm such as the The Central Coast Volunteer Afternoon Tea, Opera in the Arboretum Anglican Church Records CELL Tuggerah Lakes Choral food & more, Support Group: Raising Ettalong Diggers, celebrates its 1838 - 1987, ED risk of infection. Society: Easter Cantata – Flavours by the Sea money for Guide Dogs Patonga Hall, SATURDAY, APR 4 location of 1:30pm - 4pm St James Anglican Church 15th year,individuals an afternoon of singing CAN Fundraising stalls, - food, entertainment for further info & to 9am - 1pm Wyong, RSVP required, Crommelin Native CELL and music, Woy Woy The Central Coast branch of “This isDeepwater soPlaza,members ofED RSVP and stalls, 10am - 12pm diagnosed, a breach 0455 213 111 Arboretum is Pearl Beach, Presbyterian Church the Disabled Surfers Alliance Française CAN Memorial Park Toukley, Ticketed, Ticketed, 3pm - 5:30pm Association: ‘Smiles on CELL MAR 20 Conversation Group: The Entrance, the publicFRIDAY,can monitor TUESDAY, no MAR 31 Central Coast Centre of of privacy and serves 2pm Dials” Surf Event, ED Come and practice 3:30pm - 8:30pm for the Disabled: Recycled & re-loved their symptoms and seek Riding public health benefit,” the 18 March 2020

Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) announced on March 13 that a female in her 30s had been diagnosed with the virus, with the diagnosis of a second woman, this time in her 40s, also confirmed on March 16. On March 18, three more cases were confirmed: a female in her 30s who attended a wedding at Tumbling Waters Retreat, Stanwell Tops, on March 6; and a male and female in their 70s who recently returned from overseas and were travelling companions of the second case announced on the Coast, a woman in her 40s also recently returned from overseas. A CCLHD spokesperson said staff were continuing daily wellness checks with all confirmed cases in the region, who remain in isolation and are doing well. Close contacts of all five have been contacted and asked to self-isolate. They are being contacted

centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ flavoursbythesea

Annual general

Ettalong kids market, The Galleria Ettalong,

Voting closes for 2020 Customer

4342 3366

Tuggerah Lakes U3A

www.eastsgroup.com.au

6:30pm - 8:30pm 4349 4756

Troubadour Folk Club: Hallett-Flood (Blue Mts)

words, The Art House Studio Wyong, Ticketed, 31/03 - 8pm,

Toowoon Bay, Registration essential, 9:30am

Coast Opera Concert And Sparkling High Tea,

Central Coast bus passengers could soon see front seats cordoned off and stand only zones pushed back, if the Transport Workers’ Union of NSW (TWU) gets its way. See page 5

every day to check that they are well and any who develop COVID-19 symptoms will be tested for the infection. CCLHD issued a reminder that all travellers returning or arriving from overseas must self-isolate for 14 days. NSW Health is continuing to

Assassinations’, The Entrance/Long Jetty RSL Hall, 10am – 12pm

Craig Morrison and Friends. The Rhythm Hut Gosford, Ticketed, 7:30pm Friday Night Football With Fletch & Hindy, Central Coast Leagues Club, Free, 6pm

Learn more about hearing with an implantable hearing system - FREE information session, Gatsby High Tea, 3/40 Mann St, Gosford, 86-88 Mann 10:30am, to register Street, Gosford, 1300 581 391 or email info@ridbc.org.au Tickets to be purchased prior, 2pm THURSDAY, MAR 26 0468 408 455

St Lukes Hall Woy Woy, Tickets at door, 7pm 4342 6716 SUNDAY, MAR 29

5/04 - 3pm RETREAT: Cultivating Authenticity - A weekend of self-discovery and inspiration, Bamboo Buddha Cafe Holgate, Ticketed, 4 & 5/04, 9am - 2:30pm

THURSDAY, APR 2

Central Coast Live Well Festival, Gosford Waterfront, 10am - 2pm

‘To The Point’ free lecture series with Dr James Dunk, Green Point Christian College, 7:30pm Free - registrations required

symptoms and seek medical assistance if they become unwell. “Anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 and their close contacts should go into selfisolation to ensure there is no ongoing risk of infection.

4:30pm - 7:30pm

Rotary club of Brisbane Water - Titanic Dinner, Pearl Beach Hall,

euthanised,” Anderson said. “Unusually, the race stewards brought attention to the ‘delay in retrieving’ the injured greyhound by track staff. “Most injuries are treatable and a normal greyhound life expectancy is 12-14 years. “Twelve greyhounds have now been killed on NSW tracks this year, with 53 greyhounds killed nation-wide. “Also, in the 10 races at Gosford this year, 28 greyhounds have been injured.” Anderson said the greyhound racing industry was in need of urgent reform.

WEDNESDAY, APR 8

The Central Coast Series skate, scooter and BMX competition 2020, BATO Yard, Entry is free and open to riders aged 5-24

See page 6

News

Continued page 4

The Australian share market continued to slide this week in response to the global spread of the coronavirus and increasing concerns over the subsequent economic impact. See page 14

38 confirmed COVID-19 cases The Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) advised on Wednesday, March 25, that there are now 38 confirmed cases of Covid-19 on the Central Coast, a doubling of cases in the prior 48 hours. Of the 38 cases, five people have recovered and are no longer in isolation, while all others are being monitored at home in isolation, with no cases currently requiring hospitalisation. While the number of cases is accelerating, so too are the

number of tests being taken, and so this pattern may not be as alarming as it might first seem. Nevertheless, CCLHD has announced that it will reprioritise all surgery appointments to create more capacity in intensive care units in anticipation of an increase demand in relation to the coronavirus. Hospitals will also be conducting outpatient clinic appointments over the phone or by video where possible, to reduce close contact.

Chief Executive, CCLHD, Dr Andrew Montague, stressed that there would be no impact to emergency and trauma patients, as well as urgent surgery cases. Medical staff will communicate directly with affected patients about rescheduling where necessary. The full release from Local Health is available on our website. Across NSW more broadly, 212 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in the 24 hours to 8:00pm on Wednesday

night, bringing the state total to 1,029. It should be noted that there have now been well over 67,000 other cases tested and cleared in NSW. The increase in confirmed cases comes as the NSW Government commenced tougher lockdown protocols on Monday, March 23, including the closure of all pubs, clubs, restaurants, food courts and other public meeting venues. The new protocols included a recommendation that all people stay at home unless

Puzzles page 26

See page 5

Business

Reporter: Ross Barry

See page 14

Second economic support package announced The Federal Government’s second economic support package, announced on March 22, has been applauded by the Central Coast business community.

For regular COVID-19 News updates, including our March 19 interview with Parliamentary Secretary, Adam Crouch, please visit - coastcommunitynews. com.au/central-coastcoronavirus-related-updates/

they need to do otherwise. A ban on all overseas travel, a ban on real estate auctions and inspections, restrictions on the number of guests at weddings and sadly, a limit of 10 mourners at all funerals. There is also now a ban on extended family barbeques and other gatherings. On Thursday, NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, said new powers had been given to the police to enforce these restrictions in NSW.

The $66.1B package follows on from the Government’s first stimulus package of $17.6B, and will see eligible small businesses on the Coast able to apply for up to $100,000 in support funding, and people in stress able to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation

Puzzles page 28

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

Show of superhuman strength - Australian acrobatic troupe Gravity and Other Myths: Backbone, The Art House Wyong, Ticketed, 21 & 22/04, 8pm & 2pm

Office: Level 2.01/86-88 Mann Street Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 The Italian Tenors, The Ettalong Diggers Ballroom, Ticketed, 3:30pm, 4343 0111

Business

Continued page 4

Two-year-old Sapphire Jan was humanely put down after sustaining major leg injuries, according to a steward’s report. CPG National President, Dennis Anderson, said a collision between several dogs at the first turn during race two caused Sapphire Jan to fall. “She sustained a compound and comminuted fracture of the hind tibia, similar to those seen in a car accident and gunshot wounds, and was

your French at any level, Erina Leagues Club First attendance is free,

TUESDAY, APR 21

movements, prompting a second statement. “Please be assured, NSW Health notifies the public of any locations where there has been a risk of infection,” the statement said. “This is so members of the public can monitor their

The Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG) is calling for a major reform of the greyhound racing industry after a dog was euthanised following a meet at Gosford on March 10.

Puzzles pageSATURDAY, 26APR 18

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Cats of Australia stand accused of killing wildlife and not only do Central Coast councillors have them in their sights, but they want a unified national approach.

COASTAL DIARY

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Two confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Coast T

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With five cases of COVID 19 now confirmed on the Coast and specialised testing clinics open at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals, residents are preparing for more coronavirus impacts on the region.

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PAGE 3 27 MARCH 2020

Pubs and clubs closures leave hundreds out of work Hundreds of hospitality workers on the Central Coast are without jobs, as clubs and hotels closed down at noon on March 23, following a directive from Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, on March 22, in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The Prime Minister announced that all pubs, clubs, casinos, nightclubs and cinemas were to close and that restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway only. ClubsNSW said the closures would see 37 registered clubs alone in the region ceasing to operate. Central Coast Leagues Club acknowledged that the shutdown was for the “health and wellbeing of our nation”. Chief Executive Officer, Edward Camilleri, said the nation was experiencing “trying times”. “It is now more than ever where we need to pull together as a community to support our most vulnerable as we navigate these unchartered waters,” he said. “As a time honoured

institution of the Central Coast, we will persevere through this unknown and continue to serve our community as we have for the past 66 years. “We thank you for your ongoing support and wish you good health.” ClubsNSW issued a statement on March 23 saying it was a “devastating time for the state's club industry, its 3.5 million members, and the 63,000 people who rely on clubs to make a living.

Hotel Gosford was closed on March 24

“Clubs across NSW are in the process of communicating with their employees on what the federal government's shutdown means for them,” the statement said. “As is the case in the broader community, we expect many employees will be stood down for an extended period of time. “Our thoughts are with them. “Clubs have been an intrinsic part of this country's social fabric for over 100 years. “The industry played a pivotal

DESIGNER COMFORT 4353 4144

role leading communities through the recent bushfire crisis and the drought in the same way that clubs have supported returned servicemen and women since WWI. “Each year, clubs provide upwards of $120M to a variety of worthy charitable, community and sporting groups, enriching local life and making NSW a better place to live in. “ClubsNSW' focus for the foreseeable future is ensuring

that, when the shutdown is lifted, the industry can resume trading, remain viable and continue making our communities better places to live and work in. “We encourage club members to look out for each other in the months ahead, albeit remotely. “We are acutely aware that for many people, clubs provide them with their primary social outlet. “Our message to club members and employees is,

look after yourselves and if you need to talk to someone, call a family member or friend, or failing that, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. “There are tough days ahead, but we will get through this, and when it's safe to do so, your local club will be there for you and the broader community, just as we've been for more than a century.” Also closing on March 23 were indoor sporting venues and places of worship, with enclosed spaces for things such as funerals having to follow a strict four square metre rule. He said this was only stage one of the social distancing measures and if Australians failed to adhere to the rules, “more draconian measures will be introduced”. Essential services, such as shopping centres will not be closed, nor will bottle shops, home deliveries and takeaway food businesses. Source: Media statements, Mar 23 ClubsNSW and Central Coast Leagues Club Office of the Prime Minister website, Mar 24

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Council announces more closures Central Coast Council has announced more closures as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread. Administration buildings at Wyong and Gosford have been closed to the public, along with libraries, leisure centres, gyms, pools, the Gosford Regional Gallery, Edogawa Commemorative Garden, The Entrance Visitor Information Centre, Gosford Smart Work Hub and all community facilities such as halls. The closures took effect on March 23 and will continue until further notice. Chief Executive Officer, Gary

Murphy, said Council’s priority was the health of staff and the community and continuing to deliver essential services. “Our job right now is ensuring we play our part in managing as best we can the spread of coronavirus, and to protect the health and wellbeing of our staff and community”, Murphy said. “I want to assure the community that a number of our services are not interrupted and this includes essential services such as water and sewer, collection and management of waste, development assessments and road repairs.

“Child care centres and public toilets will remain open. “Maintenance of sports fields, parks and reserves, such as mowing and other services, will be evaluated as the situation unfolds. “We will still attend to customer service queries by phone on 1300 463 954 and via Council’s website, and keep the community updated through Council’s information channels including social media, enews and advertising.” Murphy said the unprecedented situation meant that Council would have to deliver services differently and that staff were evaluating all

options and importantly taking the advice of health authorities. “Now is the time to look out for your family, friends and neighbours, while exercising all the precautionary measures around physical distancing and self-isolation,” he said. “Kindness during these times can be as simple as a phone call or note under a front door to see if someone is okay, offers to shop or walk someone’s dog, and respecting each other as things get stressful in shops or other public spaces.” Source: Media release, March 22 Central Coast Council

Gary Murphy

New emergency measures announced by Premier Workers and businesses on the Central Coast are now able to access a range of advice and support on nonhealth related COVID-19 enquiries via the Service NSW contact centre 13 77 88. Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, said the hotline is available 24/7 and Service NSW would

recruit 1,000 workers to fill a mixture of full-time, part-time and casual roles. “This is the greatest health challenge we have endured in living memory and it is impacting households and businesses across the State,” Berejiklian said. “We’re hiring more staff to respond to this health crisis and the Service NSW contact

centre will temporarily transition to 24/7 operation to support the state’s response to COVID-19. “Whether you want to know the latest updates on restrictions, cost of living assistance, financial support for businesses or rules around social distancing, the hotline is here to help.” The announcement on March

26 follows the passing of 20 urgent amendments in NSW Parliament earlier in the week. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said it was necessary for Government and business practices to change. “COVID-19 is a once-in-acentury crisis and these vital changes are needed to stop the

spread and save lives,” Crouch said. The emergency measures include, among other things: empowering police to take immediate action on suspected breaches of COVID-19 public health orders; more flexibility for NSW Health to use private health facilities; reducing court appearances; and allowing the potential conditional release of

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vulnerable, low risk offenders; changes to planning laws that ensure any development that protects community health, welfare and safety can proceed without normal approvals. Source: Media release, Mar 25 Member for Terrigal and Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

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NEWS

PAGE 5 27 MARCH 2020

Centrelink and MyGov inundated Major queues formed at Centrelink branches all over the Coast on March 24, as those whose jobs are already impacted by shutdowns raced to apply for their entitlements. Reports also came in that the Centrelink phone line and MyGov websites were down as thousands of users from all over the country tried to use them. But Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said around 5,000 new call centre staff would be employed and extended hours introduced to handle the volume. “The best way to go is to register your intent online and

Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, has issued a reminder to Central Coast residents of the latest steps announced by Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, on and before March 25, to help combat coronavirus. “We are conscious of the real impacts that these measures are having on the daily lives of Australians and so we will continue to do everything we can to support our people

let them get in touch with you,” she said. “You will also be back paid to the date that you registered your intent. “There is no need for those

across the Central Coast to queue, the Federal Government has made it as easy as registering your intent via your MyGov account. “A representative will get in

contact with you to take the necessary steps needed to process your request. “It is vital that during this time, we respect the social distancing protocols put in

place and stay at home unless it is absolutely essential.” Wicks also urged everyone in the region to visit Australia.gov. au for the latest up-to-date information surrounding the coronavirus, including information on accessing financial support. “This website has been developed by the Federal Government, storing all information as a central source surrounding the coronavirus, providing a place for people to go for the most up-to-date information,” she said. The website carries information on: symptom checker; health and prevention; travelling; receiving financial

More details of the shutdown

through what is going to be an incredibly difficult time,” Wicks said. The measures, which took effect March 26, include a ban on overseas travel. They also include the closure of all pubs, clubs, restaurants, café’s and food courts, excluding any takeaway or home delivery services. Retail businesses such as auction houses, real estate auctions and open house

inspections are also banned, while outdoor and indoor markets will be a decision for each state and territory. Beauty and personal care services such as beauty therapy, tanning, waxing, nail salons, tattoo parlours, spas and massage parlours are shut down, however the bans do not apply to hairdressers and barber shops. Entertainment venues including cinemas, nightclubs,

casinos, gaming or gambling venues, strip clubs, brothels, concert venues, theatre, stadiums, arcades and play centres are all shut down. Leisure and recreation venues including community centres, health clubs, gyms, swimming pools and boot camps have also been banned, while outdoor personal training operations are limited to groups of no more than 10 people. All galleries, museums,

national institutions and historic sites, libraries, community centres, and youth centres, as well as community halls, clubs, RSLs, and PCYCs have now been closed. Weddings can continue to be conducted where there are no more than five people in attendance and funerals need to be restricted to no more than 10 people. “These have not been easy decisions, but they are

support; education suppliers; businesses and employees; and, community support. “During this time, it is essential that we keep those across the Central Coast informed,” she said. “Knowledge is key, and this is our way of keeping those within our communities as up to date as possible surrounding the coronavirus. “This website will provide key updates on the government’s response across all categories, linking you to the relevant department websites.” Source: Media releases, Mar 25 and 26 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks

necessary to save lives in our community,” Wicks said. “All the actions we are taking are based on advice from leading medical experts and are designed to protect Australians from this virus.” Latest updates and advice on the coronavirus can be found at https://www.australia.gov.au/ Source: Media release, Mar 26 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks

How to protect yourself and our community

Self-isolate and practice social distancing

Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly

Use hand sanitiser

Wash your hands regularly

COVID-19 HOTLINE - 1800 020 080 Liesl Tesch MP | Member for Gosford Authorised by Liesl Tesch, 20 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy NSW 2256. Printed using Parliamentary Entitlements.

PAGE 6 27 MARCH 2020

NEWS

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Council calls on Federal and State Governments for direct economic stimulus Central Coast Council will call on the Federal and State Governments to direct economic stimulus packages to local government in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Lisa Matthews said in a mayoral minute put to Council’s March 23 meeting, that stimulus packages must include substantial funding and resources for councils to help drive local economic recovery.

“We need to ensure that there is local employment and support of local businesses across NSW, as well as ongoing investment in public infrastructure and community services for the public good,” she said. “We need all governments to work hand in hand with councils to help the community move beyond this pandemic and prosper in the future.” In her mayoral minute, Cr Matthews said the effects of coronavirus on communities

had been being seen across the globe since November, 2019. “For our Central Coast community, we are faced with a further challenge after experiencing local bushfires and floods,” she said. “Whilst recovery efforts are still underway following those events, it is important to acknowledge the further impact that the coronavirus will have on our community and the local economy. “Local councils are best

placed to deliver locally led solutions, including recovery efforts and economic stimulus, in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, as demonstrated during bushfires, drought and floods. “We know that economic stimulus provided to local governments during the Global Financial Crisis was effective in generating significant local economic recovery for Australia.” The mayoral minute was passed unanimously.

But Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the State Government already had a $2.3B Stimulus Package designed to protect jobs and protect the community. “This includes a $700M health boost, $250M for additional cleaning of public assets, and $500M for shovel ready infrastructure projects,” Crouch said. “Central Coast residents and businesses will absolutely benefit from this.

“The last thing the NSW Government would ever do is write a blank cheque to Central Coast Council.” Crouch said all levels of government needed to work together to protect jobs and the community. Source: Mayoral Minute, item 1.3 Central Coast Council meeting, Mar 23 Media statement, Mar 25 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Second economic support package announced From page 1 “This includes $17.6B for the Government’s first economic stimulus package, $90B from the RBA and $15B from the Government to deliver easier access to finance, (as well as) the second economic support package. Wicks said the latest stimulus package would help “small and medium businesses to bounce back”. Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, said the Government wanted to “help businesses keep going as best they can and for as long as they can, or to pause instead of winding up their business. “We want to ensure that when this crisis has passed, Australian businesses can bounce back,” he said. “We know this will be temporary.

“That’s why all our actions are geared towards building a bridge, keeping more people in work, enhancing the safety net for those that aren’t, and keeping businesses alive so they can get to the other side and stand up their workforce as quickly as possible.” Business NSW Central Coast Regional Director, Paula Martin, said support for business owners to help pay staff wages was “a welcome initiative” and “further indication of the severe economic impact of the coronavirus”. “Transfers of up to $50,000 to eligible small and medium businesses will be available within weeks, with another $50,000 available in the new financial year,” Martin said. “Bank loans of up to $250,000 will also be available, with a six-month repayment free period.

“Business owners thank the Federal Government for this unprecedented support at a time when they need it most. “This will provide some comfort during these challenging times when business owners are thinking primarily about their capacity to pay their staff, their rent and their existing suppliers. “It also re-enforces the long prosecuted view from Business NSW that business owners need to be supplied with a voucher to receive proper financial advice during this time, otherwise they could be making critical financial decisions without careful considered advice. “Employers and their staff are looking to do the right thing and I’ve been pleased to see a number of innovative measures that various businesses and their staff have put in place to

ensure the viability of their enterprise. “It’s also good to see support for businesses which employ an apprentice or trainee, with wage subsidies now available. “What will also need to be looked at carefully in NSW is industry specific rescue packages, because different industries are being impacted at different rates. “It is also a time for business owners to have necessary conversations with landlords about rent arrangements, as well as with electricity suppliers about reduced rates or longer payment terms. “This is also about preparing businesses for the recovery when it eventually comes, being in a position to resume as close to normal business operations as quickly as possible.” But the Transport Workers’

Union (TWU) says support to businesses to keep workers employed doesn’t go far enough, and that allowing workers to access their super amounts is “fiscal stupidity”. “The offer of up to $100,000 to small businesses to keep workers employed will get burned through in a matter of weeks for many companies,” TWU National Secretary, Michael Kaine, said. “For workers employed in larger businesses, there is no support. “Workers accessing superannuation funds which have been dwindled significantly because of market turmoil is the wrong move. “The Government is expecting workers to shoulder the burden of this crisis. “That is not just unfair, it is also dangerous, as it will leave workers and the economy in a

worse off position to bounce back from the crisis once the pandemic is under control.” The TWU has called on the Government to implement measures which include: covering the wages of workers stood down up to 80% of their salary; when Government salary payment begins, workers no longer have to use their leave before any forced leave imposed; and, companies to agree to not pay shareholder dividends or executive bonuses before workers’ back to work and all leave has been recredited. Source: Media releases, Mar 22 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks Business NSW Central Coast, Paula Martin Media release, Mar 23 Transport Workers Union

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PAGE 7 27 MARCH 2020

Social distancing rules apply to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Please keep a 1.5 metre distance from people, don't shake hands or exchange physical greetings. Always cough or sneeze into your arm or use a tissue and put it in the bin straight away.

Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds or more with soap and water. All people who arrive in Australia, or think they may have been in close contact with a person diagnosed with coronavirus, are required to self-isolate for 14 days. For more information on Coronavirus visit www.australia.gov.au You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.

If I can be of assistance, please contact my office.

LUCY WICKS MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR ROBERTSON Authorised by Lucy Wicks MP, Level 3, 69 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford NSW 2250.

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

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PAGE 8 27 MARCH 2020

NEWS

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Home safe and sound As Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged all Australians abroad to head for home, Central Coast residents all over the globe were faced with cutting holidays short and getting home as best they could, often under trying circumstances. For Michelle Kinnane of Pearl Beach, a trip to visit her new grandson in New York turned into a nightmare. “My son has been living in New York for six or seven years and runs a company in Manhattan,” Kinnane said. “With he and his wife expecting a bay, I booked ages ago to take a trip there at the beginnning of March. “When I flew out on March 9, the situation wasn’t too bad, but the day after I landed, things started to go haywire. “New York quickly became a ghost town and my son had to close down his office, and every day, the news became more stressful. “As it became clear that I needed to return home, my son and his wife, both Australians, had to make the decision whether to stay in New York or to come home with me. “There was a lot to consider with a company and a dog to think about, but with the state of medical support in the States, they decided that they needed to come back to Australia with me. “I was glad I was there, because without me to help with the baby and meals, they couldn’t have organised all they needed to in three or four days.

Michelle Kinnane with grandson

“Then came news that the borders would soon close. “We didn’t know if it was real news or fake news, but I felt very panicked. “As soon as the baby’s passport came through, we were on a plane on March 19. “The flight home was full of Australians leaving everything behind, like my son did. “It was very distressing once we landed, because not everyone had got the message that only Australian residents would be allowed back in, and people were being forced to go back to the countries they had come from. “When we arrived back in Australia on March 21, because of the time difference, it looked like everything was going on as normal and that disturbed us,

but of course, things have changed again since then.” Kinnane is now in isolation at home, with son Adam, daughter in law, Leilaini, and grandson River is in isolation in a separate Pearl Beach home. “We keep in contact via video – I am just so thrilled they are here,” Kinnane said. “It’s strange to think that if things had been normal, I would have been in Miami now and wouldn’t have been back for another week.” For Steve Cummings and wife Penny Howard of Umina, a South American dream trip was cut short. Leaving on March 4 for a month-long trip, the pair had “no second thoughts” about flying out. “We knew there was a virus,

Steve Cummings and Penny Howard

but at that stage it seemed like a bad flu which was largely restricted to China,” Cummings said. “We thought South America would be safe.” The pair spent the first 10 days in Bolivia, enjoying the local sights and expecting to cross into Argentina and then go on to Buenos Aires, Rio, and Uruguay for a home stay. But on March 15 at 5am, they got the news that their tour was cancelling the Buenos Aires trip, with border crossings an unknown, and were given the choice to abandon the tour, which they decided to do. “We were the only two to leave the tour, but we knew that there was an airport in Uyuni, where we were at the time.

“It was a known quantity and we heard that flights in and out of Argentina were already being cancelled,” Cummings said. With difficulty getting on to airline LATAM, the couple had their son book and pay for a flight for them to La Paz, where they stayed for four days before finally flying home. “The first couple of days in La Paz were vibrant,” Cummings said. “On the Monday morning, we took the cable car to the airline office and they were great and were able to change our flights home to the Thursday. “The streets were alive with colour and movement, but on the Tuesday night, we noticed everyone packing up early. “When we got back to the

hotel, it was blocked off with a grille, and we had trouble getting back in. “We hadn’t realised that a curfew had been introduced that day. “On Wednesday, the streets were quiet and we were sitting in our hotel room by 5pm, with the TV on to provide a bit of background noise.” On Thursday, March 19, the couple flew out of La Paz for Santiago, where they had a 13 hour layover before their flight to Australia left. “We were tense the whole time that we were laid over,” Cummings said. “Some flights were cancelled, and we later heard that two flights after ours were also cancelled. “We were so relieved to get on board.” The couple finally got home to Sydney on March 21. “We stayed in touch with others on our tour from various countries and discovered that they were also affected by the lockdowns, but they have all managed to get home safely, thank goodness.” Now in isolation at their Umina home, the couple is relieved to be back on Australian soil. “We are grateful we had 10 days in Bolivia and managed to experience the Bolivian Salt Flats and the marvellous culture, and it was just gorgeous, but sitting at home is a great place to be,” Cummings said. Source: Interviews, Mar 25 Michelle Kinnane and Steve Cummings Reporter: Terry Collins

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PAGE 9 27 MARCH 2020

A message of help and hope from Senator O’Neill We have never faced a crisis like this before, Coasties, and there will be sad times ahead. Yet I have no doubt we can each do our part to get past this COVID-19 crisis. It’s our duty, each one of us, to follow the best emerging health advice. Go to health.gov.au or call the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 020 080. Do not just rely on Facebook posts for information. I was in Canberra on March 23rd to pass $84 billion worth of support for our health services, for emergency living wage payments and for business support. You need access to that money now to survive. If you are not getting the response from the Government that you need, as your Labor Senator for the Coast my office is ready to assist you. The government must still be held to account. Helping you face challenges of this time matters to me. My office has gone digital - no face to face contact but please contact me if I can be of any assistance. Senator Deborah O’Neill Labor Senator for NSW

Suite 3.12 The Platinum Building 4 Ilya Avenue Erina, NSW, 2250 Phone: +61 2 4367 4565 Fax: +61 2 4367 3506 senator.o’neill@aph.gov.au Authorised by Senator Deborah O’Neill, PO Box 3627 Fountain Plaza NSW 2250

PAGE 10 27 MARCH 2020

NEWS

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Local fishing industry in chaos following industry restructure Commercial fishing operators working across the Central Coast are struggling to stay afloat in the wake of the State Government reforms to the industry. They met at Woy Woy, in the week ending March 13, with Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Jenny Aitchison, Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, and Member for The Entrance, David Mehan. They wanted to address the “significant reduction in fishing vessels over the years which has led to a massive reduction of locally caught seafood”, according to one fisherman. Aitchison said the local fishing industry was in chaos, four years into the industry restructure by the NSW Government. “Recent announcements impacting commercial fishers is a slap in the face for the industry and shows how out of touch the government is with its day to day challenges,” she said. “In the meeting with fishers, it emerged that they and many of their industry colleagues are struggling to stay afloat.” Aitchison said the government announcement that it would waive the second instalment of commercial fishing management fees came far too late. “It came nearly a week after the payment deadline and a month after the Labor Opposition called for the waiver, without any provision for refunds to provide cashflow assistance for those who had paid,” she said. “The second announcement was for a review process to seek feedback on commercial fishing regulations, with a view to imposing more changes on the industry, under the guise of removing redundant and inefficient regulations.

Professional fishers meet with Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, Member for The Entrance, David Mehan, and Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Jenny Aitchison

“Commercial fishers continue to be severely impacted by the NSW Government’s disastrous Business Adjustment Program reforms implemented in May, 2016. “The long promised review of the socioeconomic impacts of the program, the Barclay Review, was due in December, 2019, but still has not been released. “They must release the Review before they embark on yet another round of change.” Tesch said there hasn’t been any community consultation and the concerns of local fishers have not been heard. “Our people are hurting and other people from other waterways are being allowed to come and fish in our waterways,” she said. Mehan said family livelihoods were being put at risk. Secretary of Wild Caught Fishers Coalition, Mary Howard, said mesh fishers were suffering through a restriction on the number of days they could work. “They are trying to cope with working on limited days and

they have to balance that with weather conditions and species movement,” she said. “It doesn’t always work out comfortably and affects their ability to actually be viable. “The ability to transfer quotas across the state for mud crab fishers was meant to make the industry more viable, but it has had the opposite effect. “As a result of the reforms, mesh fishers can now keep crabs caught in their nets, whereas previously they couldn’t, and this is impacting crab fishers. “Changes to the ‘shares’ system for prawn trawl fishers means they have had to buy more shares to keep their business going. “These moves have forced many fishermen out of the industry and put others in additional debt. “It has impacted many families on the Central Coast and elsewhere,” Howard said. Dane Van Der Neut of Wyoming has been fishing the waters off Patonga, in Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River, for the past 12 years.

He and his father, Tom, of Woy Woy, who has been fishing those waters for 45 years, operate a family business with two trawlers. They have been supplying fresh, locally caught, seafood to various places around the local area as well as the Sydney market. “The government has destroyed an industry that feeds a nation,” he said. “One example is, that before the reforms, a commercial fisherman was able to work 365 days, but now it’s restricted to 63 days, and if you want to work more days, you have to buy back into the industry through the shares system for a job that you were already doing. “The reforms did reduce businesses because some couldn’t afford to buy shares at inflated prices from people in the know, who bought shares before the reforms were introduced. “Some of the share prices were just ridiculous. “For example, meshing was something like $80,000 for just enough shares to go meshing

for 60 days. “Even though the government touted it as ‘look how good we’ve made the industry’, all it did was put quotas for certain species, like mud crabs and lobster, into single hands and create monopolies. “I was squeezed into one fishery species, which limits your ability to create an income through different seasons. “It made me go and get other employment because I couldn’t diversify anymore, so we had to put all our eggs in one basket, which meant we just had the prawn trawling. “The government wanted to change a multi species, multi method industry into a single species, single method industry, which just doesn’t work. “The reforms, the government said, were to streamline the industry and to make it more valuable, more profitable and viable, but it has done the opposite. “The government is not listening when commercial fishers continually warn that this is a mistake and it has put the whole industry in a very

precarious economic situation.” But Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the government had implemented “essential reform in the commercial fishing industry to ensure we can effectively manage fish resources, as well as having a viable and sustainable fishing industry into the future. “By linking commercial fishery shares to catch or effort, these reforms have actually given meaning and value to the shares,” Crouch said. “During the course of reforms, fishers were given a number of choices, including to consolidate, sell or expand. “If fishers wanted to sell their shares, they were able to do so and received a $20,000 payment. “For some, this was their retirement fund after years of waiting for the reforms to come. “The NSW Government is also providing over $1M in fee relief for fishers impacted by the recent drought, fires and flooding”. Crouch said the socioeconomic review was currently underway and when the report is finalised, it will be considered by the NSW Government. Source: Media release, Mar 13 Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Jenny Aitchison Interview, Mar 19 Secretary, Wild Caught Fishers Coalition, Mary Howard Interviews, Mar 23 Wild Caught Fishers Coalition, Dan Van Der Neut Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch Media statement, Mar 25 Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch Reporters: Sue Murray and Terry Collins

Dynamic equilibrium of CO2 questioned Mr Caruana’s defence of CO2 (Coast Community News edition 233) is interesting if you don’t connect the dots and restrict discussion to the classrooms. Advice that CO2, in huge amounts, has been discharged into the air and that the gas has a dynamic equilibrium everywhere, is questioned. If there is dynamic equilibrium everywhere, why is there an increase in ocean acidification? Increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere brought about by human activities are having a significant effect on the PH and chemistry of the oceans. Globally, the world’s oceans are experiencing a decline in PH, that is, they are becoming more acidic.

I never said that roundabouts were “dangerous”, an emotive word that means only what the writer wants it to mean, I only pointed out the irrefutable statistical fact that roundabouts generate more, but less severe, accidents than traffic light controlled intersections. I also pointed out the practical difficulty of designing an effective roundabout at the Rawson/Ocean Beach Rds intersection. Of course, as he colourfully puts it, “the nut behind the wheel” (the correct technical

FORUM PAGE 11 27 MARCH 2020

NSW verification requirements have increased

FORUM Such changes pose a serious threat, particularly to marine organisms that secrete skeletal structures and support oceanic productivity and biodiversity. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas exacerbating climate change. Do not claim that equilibrium exists, ignoring the devastating environmental impact on 7 plus billion humans. I am not convinced by Mr Caruana’s clinical opinion. What is Mr Caruana’s opinion on climate change? He has avoided this question in his synopsis, why? Removing the rhetoric, does Mr Caruana support climate change? Letter, Mar 17 Norm Harris, Umina

Council should do what is necessary for a permanent solution Dave Horsfall misrepresents my letter on roundabouts (Coast Community News edition 233).

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FORUM term, I believe, is “the nut on the steering wheel”) is responsible for almost all accidents, but this applies to all types of intersections and has no relevance to the solution of the intersection in question. I see that the estimated cost, probably understated, of the proposed remediation works is astronomical, and the result will be a makeshift arrangement, like the mess at Woy Woy, that satisfies nobody. The Council should do nothing or should bite the bullet and do what is necessary for a permanent solution. Email, Mar 16 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

This is a brief but confusing look at the muddled verification requirements for Service NSW. I recently attempted to update my Working With Children Check (WWCC) authority with Services NSW but was told all the documents that I presented, apart from my Birth Certificate, were not considered valid. This is because none of the documents, my NSW driver’s licence, security guard licence and my Medicare authority card included my middle name (Francis) on the documents. I have cleared the WWCC, as it’s called, before, without any queries as to my identity. None of the organisations to which I applied for the above authorities have ever queried my identity and readily accepted my applications, including birth certificate verification, and dispensed the appropriate authorisation without requiring me to include

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

editorial@centralcoastnews.net

See Page 2 for contribution conditions my middle name. I have a long surname, Castellari, and an equally long Christian name; Christopher. They only just fit on most card authorities. However, according to Service NSW, they now require the entire name, Christian, middle names and surname, as recorded on your birth certificate, to be entered onto an identification deemed valid by them. Apparently, this has been so since December, according to

the Services NSW officer that I spoke to, but there has been no official notification, as far as I can see, that verification requirements have changed. In fact, Service NSW states on its website that in most cases such as Birth Certificate, Driver’s Licence etc, the middle name is optional. The Minister responsible for Service NSW is Victor Dominello, the Member for Ryde, and his web page is awash with press releases about all the good things that the NSW Government has done for the citizens of the state, especially in the wake of the bushfires. Sadly though, no word or hint that document verification requirements, which mean your identity, the identity that I have held for a good many years, have changed and are more strict. To meet Services NSW requirements, and I suppose

the Federal Government’s as well, although I have been unable to find any clear guidelines from them either, we will all have to change the information on our driver’s licence, bank and credit cards, Medicare card, Opal card etc to match my easily fakeable, type written piece of paper they regard as more important than all my other verification carefully compiled in my belief that it was actually worth something. So, it’s start over again, change them all to match my birth details, or maybe I’ll just chuck them all in the bin along with my smartphone, car keys etc and wander off into the bush. It’s a tantalising thought and would certainly be easier than the processes one would otherwise have to go through to prove that I exist. Email, Mar 13 Chris Castellari, Avoca Beach

Photosynthesis reduces excess CO2 This is my reply to the participants at climate conferences at Kyoto and elsewhere (letter Mark Ellis, Forum Coast Community News Issue 233). Had you known that reputable scientific encyclopedias had recorded accurate analyses of the atmosphere in 1900, 1910, 1920, etc, you would not have wasted millions drilling cores into the crust of the earth to guesstimate the concentration of CO2 at an undetermined preindustrial revolution date. When, exactly? Dinosaur age? Such project planning was an unscientific folly. The facts of the past century are important for our time, not

FORUM antiquity or the Pliocene era. What rot. Now, the unpalatable facts for you are that CO2 was 350ppm 100years ago and it is only 400ppm today, after a fourfold increase to a polluting world population and a hundreds fold increase in CO2 discharges. Sure, zillions of tons of CO2 are generated annually, but every sunny day around the globe it is all gobbled up to grow forests, grasslands and food. The recorded facts prove that nature is logically providing its own equilibrium for a much higher world population than ever before with photosynthesis.

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Scaremongers in the past had predicted we would be starving, yet we are now much better fed, especially in Asia. These are the facts. In such circumstances, one cannot calculate the GWP for one molecule of CO2, and multiply it by zillions of tons, because the zillions aren’t there anymore. The overwhelming amounts of moderating water vapour more than offset the GWPs of trivial amounts of CO2 and impurities. I’m not denying that the planet is warming, because I learned something from Canadian lumberjacks, in 1955, that convinced me that ‘imperceptible’ warming was occurring at those frozen

forests over the previous 100 years. Who even dreamed of global warming then? The warming in Canada became perceptible shortly after that date. For Canadians it was a blessing in winter. The truth will eventually prevail. When this happens, most subsidised ‘green’ assets and products will lose all their value. These are good times for trying to imagine the consequences of that shock. Botanists, where are you? Time to call the bluff. Email, Mar 17 Guy Caruana, East Gosford

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EDITORIAL

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Why you need to look at all the stats, not just the scary ones Every day now, we peer at frightening graphs showing the exponential growth in the number of people around the world who have tested positive for the virus. There is no doubt the virus is spreading but these graphs only show part of the story – the scary part. They do not show how many people were tested to get that result or how many of the people with a positive result are actually feeling fine. All we see are raw, rising numbers. “To get a sense of what proportion of the community is getting this infection, we need to know how many were tested, not just how many tested positive,” says ANU Medical School’s Professor Peter Collignon, who is an expert on infectious disease. Communicating proportionality may dampen alarm. Australia’s current graph of positive cases begins around the middle of January and stays flattish until March, when it starts to climb dramatically. Looking at it, a citizen might think we were doing fine initially but then suddenly, things got worse with a rush. But what the graph reflects is that we did no testing initially – once we started, the more people we tested, the more cases we found. Theoretically, even if the number of infected people had been stable, the number of positive cases would have increased because testing increased and more cases were found. One day this week, when the numbers of new cases dropped a little, some people may have thought this was cause for optimism. What it reflected, however, was that we are running low on test kits while we wait for new stocks to be distributed next week. Australia's scary graph, however, does serve a purpose. It raises panic but it also helps people to understand why radical action is necessary. The balance is delicate and while this graph is an important part of the package presented to the public, a companion graphic showing the percentage of people testing positive could mitigate the panic. The power of 'percentage positivity' Here’s the difference. If one day we test 100 people and we find one case, that equals a 1 per cent positivity rate. If the next day we test 1000 people and we find 10 cases, that still equals a 1 per cent positivity rate. So, while the raw numbers of confirmed cases on the second day is bigger and potentially alarming, the percentage positivity hasn’t increased. Deriving positive percentage is simple – it just means dividing the number of positive cases by the number of tests performed and multiplying the result by 100. There are various ways to depict this. A bar chart could be used. So could a pie chart with the whole pie being the total number of tests performed, and a slice being the number of positive tests. A series of pies could enlarge as testing increases. Watching the pies could put the issue in perspective and be less terrifying than watching the raw numbers rocket. And here's why. As of Friday morning over 104,000 tests had been performed in

Australia and about 708 people had tested positive If we assume each person had a single test, the percentage of positivity overall would be about 0.7 percent. But the number of tests does not necessarily reflect the number of people tested, because some have additional tests to confirm a positive result or to clear them of infection. Even if 30,000 of these tests were repeats, the overall percentage of positivity would be under 1 percent. While pie charts are generally not well liked by statisticians because they can oversimplify percentages, they do allow the public to make an instant appraisal. Providing percentage positivity would be useful, but it is logistically more complex to do on a daily basis, says Dr Meru Sheel, an infectious diseases epidemiologist at the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at ANU. New cases are readily reported the same day but there can be a lag reporting the number of tests performed. While testing widely is important, she says it needs to be systematic, comprehensive and consistent, so we know who was tested. At the moment, the shortage of tests means strict we need to have criteria for testing. This gives us an idea of who is being tested, although the guidelines do allow a margin for clinical judgement.

Testing criteria skews numbers As can be seen in the bar graph above, South Korea shows the number of people tested and the number confirmed positive. It has now tested almost 300,000 people and amassed the most

comprehensive data in the world. It has also become the most credible source of data on this virus and has shown the world that diagnostic capacity, which allows for wide testing at scale, is key to epidemic control. South Korea rolled out testing everywhere, with drive-through clinics where healthy people could show up and get tested. Our criteria, which include having a fever, having returned from abroad or having been in close proximity to someone who is infected, produces a biased sample of the population. It is also the sample from which conclusions are being drawn to justify shutting down society. While progressive shutting down is the right thing to do, the decisions are not being made on much hard evidence. And the 100,000 testing kits about to hit the ground will be heavily rationed, meaning many infected, asymptomatic people will not qualify. “That may well mean we won’t see the bulk of the iceberg that lies below but I do think that proportionately, compared to most countries, we have done well with testing,” says Professor Collignon. He says there is guidance in the Korean data, which clearly shows the relationship between age and risk of dying from this virus. If things got really bad in Australia, he says a staged age-related closedown would be appropriate. “I think we should protect people over 70. When there is more spread, we might advise people over 60 to self-isolate and if it becomes widespread, revise this to people over 50.” Another way of calming panic may be to contextualise death. Every death is a tragic loss and in the past month, seven Australians have died from this virus. This figure might cause less anxiety if people knew that in the same time period, more than 13,000 Australians died from other causes. There may be some comfort in the relativities – not for those who are bereaved, but for those feeling overwhelmed by the threat of the virus. And there is more comfort from Korea, where no citizen under the age of 29 has been lost to the virus so far, and only two under 50 have died. On the other hand, The New York Times suggested this week that the new virus would gain a place among the top causes of death in the US. It suggested that after heart disease and cancer, it would come in third, pushing Alzheimer’s and other brain degeneration to fourth position. Around the world there is statistical confusion about the death rate. The simple fact is that until the outbreak is over, no one will really know. Until then, all Australians have is a ratio based on the number of people who died among those who tested positive for the virus – a figure that will be delayed because it takes time for infected people to recover. On Friday, a spokesman for the Health Department said it was planning to add more graphs to its website. Jill Margo Health Editor, Australian Financial Review (This Article has been reprinted with permission from Nine)

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Puppy Love If you need a little pick me up in these dark times, look no further than Central Coast Animal Care Facility’s (CCACF) Facebook page.

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PAGE 13 27 MARCH 2020

OUT&ABOUT

While uncertainty about what the future holds for locals abounds as NSW appears to inch closer to a full blown lockdown, Dee Walton and her team at the CCACF have answered the call for a bit of good news amidst all this socially distant doom and gloom. Earlier this March, Walton put the call out for people willing and able to foster some of the CCACF’s charges to get in touch, as the facility faced the prospect of running a skeleton crew as part of the government’s COVID-19 crackdown. Since then locals have stepped up, fostering cats, dogs, kittens and puppies. Foster stories have been the highlight of Walton’s usual ‘Dee’s Diary’ posts, but they’re not the only reminder that humans can be good boys too, with posts about locals donating food, blankets, bedding and other bits and pieces to help see the CCACF through what will likely be an unprecedented winter. Several of the team’s fur babies have also found their forever homes, with people channelling some of the fear and anxiety around the current situation into acts of compassion. Anyone interested in fostering or adopting a pet can check the CCACF’s Facebook page for updates on what animals are available, or for information about donating items, can call the shelter directly on 4304 4350. Source: Social media, Mar 14-24 Dee Walton, Central Coast Animal Care Facility Reporter: Dilon Luke

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OUT&ABOUT

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Theatre productions left in the dark The theatres of the Central Coast have gone dark, with productions planned for coming months canned as theatres and halls around the region closed to the public in recent weeks in view of the coronavirus pandemic. “Just a few weeks ago, members of almost every local arts organisation, whether community, independent, or youth, were packed into the foyer of Laycock St Community Theatre, all eagerly awaiting the opening performance of Gosford Musical Society’s production of Mamma Mia,” Jopuka Productions’ Artistic Director, Joshua Maxwell, said. “It was entirely business as usual. “Perhaps there were fewer hugs, handshakes, and cheek kisses, but there was a general good spirit and nearly full bottles of hand sanitisers sat on each end of the bar. “I don’t think anyone in that room could have predicted where we’d be two weeks later.” On March 16, Wyong Drama

Group announced the cancellation of its planned ANZAC Tribute, which was to open Tuggerah’s new Red Tree Theatre, followed quickly by cancellation of the group’s planned production of The Full Monty and its One Act Play Festival Jopuka Productions moved its production of Shrek Jr, a coproduction with Central Coast Music Factory, to October, and soon after cancelled its other planned shows - C*ckhead, Short Cuts, Bubble and Two Weeks with The Queen. Gosford Musical Society’s Mamma Mia was cancelled mid run on March 19, as ever stricter rules on indoor gatherings were introduced by the Federal Government. GMS President, Ros English, said the group had managed to complete all but four of its scheduled performances and hoped to bring the show back later in the year. “It was an emotional and difficult decision, but we had no doubt that it was what we had to do,” she said. “Plans for our remaining

The theatres on the Central Coast are in darkness

shows of the year, Back to the 80s, 42nd Street and Beautiful, will also have to wait until next year.” The cancellations snowballed as NAISDA cancelled its graduation and Laycock St Community Theatre cancelled many weeks of programming, including a planned Bushfire Relief Concert, as did The Art House, including the national tour of Spamalot. Woy Woy Little Theatre announced that Ladies in

Lavender, Appointment with Death, and the 2020 Flash Festival were all postponed. President, Christine Vale, said the decision was made on March 17, just ahead of the March 18 announcement that indoor gatherings were to be limited to 100 people. “Based on bookings, both productions were already popular, so we’ve decided to reschedule them for the same time next year, Ladies in Lavender in May and

Appointment with Death in August,” Vale said. “At this stage, we have not made a decision about the October/November production, Ben Hur. “We’ll be monitoring the situation over the next few months and keep everyone updated.” Wyong Musical Theatre Company’s new management announced that they were pushing back their performances of The Addams Family and The Lion King Jr, and the new The Attic Theatrical took its first work, The Good The Bad, And The Very Ugly, a musical concert featuring hits from Disney, online. Uniting Productions announced its production of You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown would be postponed to a later date. “Our bustling, sometimes crowded, but always vibrant arts community is on hold,” Maxwell said. “Costumes still on hangers in one theatre, half-built sets in others. “It’s surreal.

“We’re not alone of course, this is happening across the world. “We initially hoped to be back in our venues by late May, but as things progress, it’s looking less and less likely. “Some think the theatres will be closed until June; some think January, no one can really say for certain. “Some of us will go digital, releasing online content to help make ends meet, others will just bunker down and weather the storm. “When this is over, we’ll be facing the major rebuilding of our community and arts patronage. “We’re in this together and come this time next year we’ll be back in tightly packed foyers.” Source: Media release, Mar 23 Joshua Maxwell, Jopuka Productions Facebook Pages various companies Interview, Mar 23 Ros English, Gosford Musical Society Reporter: Terry Collins

Pulse Nightclub closes amid shutdown It’s the end of an era for loose units and wild nights in Gosford, with Pulse Nightclub officially closed after 15 years. The venue was one of a group of buildings slotted for demolition following the approval of the Archibald development in 2019 and planned to finish up trade in April. But, with the latest restrictions on public gatherings for indoor venues, management chose to bite the bullet early. It’s a sad end for the establishment, which was planning to hold two final nights of revelry as a last hoorah of sorts on March 20 and 21. Licensee and General Manager, Zane Tredway, said it was not the end he was hoping for, but believes the decision to cease trading sooner rather than later was in the community’s best interest. “We had planned to trade right up until ANZAC Day, but unfortunately the current situation with COVID-19 has thrown a spanner in the works. “We had a few big events planned over our final weeks, but it seemed counterintuitive to try and make the 100 person

threshold work, so we called time with the public’s health and safety in mind,” he said. With the NSW Government announcing the shutdown of all non-essential services the following week, it seems Tredway made the right call pulling the pin when he did. Regardless, Tredway said Pulse had become a rite of passage for young people on the Coast and despite challenges over the years, believes the venue will be sorely missed. “Everybody’s got a story about Pulse, but all good things have to come to an end. “It really feels like the end of an era though,” he said. In a blow to the local economy, Tredway confirmed that the early closure of Pulse meant that all nightclub staff had been let go, from bartenders to promoters, DJs and security guards. Looking to the future, Tredway said it was a goal to see some sort of farewell for Pulse take place, but conceded that nothing concrete was in the pipeline at this stage. Source: Zane Tredway, Central Coast Hotel Gosford/Pulse Nightclub Reporter: Dilon Luke

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 15 27 MARCH 2020

James Lynn sits atop KidsQue Nation competition If you think you’re hot on the grill, wait ‘till you meet Bensville’s James Lynn. At just 9-years-old, this pint sized grill master has seared, sizzled and seasoned his way to the top in what’s shaping up to be the most hotly contested KidsQue Nation Australia competition to date. The country’s only sanctioned food sports body for kids, KidsQue Nation Australia Founder, Matt Staunton, said he started the competition to give kids an opportunity to put down their devices and pick up the tongs as they battle it out to see who’s rib eye reigns supreme in a good old fashioned cook off. With 25 competitions set to take place this year across five states (subject to individual state COVID-19 control measures), KidsQue always unearths some true savants of the steak, and James is no exception, having emerged as the national competition leader after four intense rounds. After coming sixth in the

country in last year’s competition, James is keen to go all the way to the top this year. “I’m going to win so I can make my mum and dad proud,” James said. Grilling runs in the Lynn family, with dad Daniel owning a smoking business, but for James, getting to make new friends is his favourite part of KidsQue. “I’ve made some really good friends and I have lots of fun travelling around to competitions,” James added. For James’ mum Pauline, seeing her son grow in confidence, forge new friendships and develop genuine cooking skills was exhilarating. “The great thing about KidsQue is that it really isn’t about the competition. “Everyone involved is so supportive of the kids. “The whole thing is about making sure that, win or lose, they have a good experience, and that really brings families

together,” she said. “Just seeing him giving it a go and having so much fun, I’m definitely a proud mum. “Plus, we can now get James to eat things like steak, which he’d never touch before he started grilling, so that’s a win in my book,” Pauline added. James will get to sit pretty at the top of the leaderboard in April, with the next KidsQue competition set to get underway in May. Upon completion of the competition later in the year, the top five will become eligible to compete for the international title of KidsQue champion for 2020. While winning isn’t the be all end all, James admits he wants to go to be in that top five. “I want to bring home the big trophy,” he said. Source: Email, Mar 17 Matt Staunton, KidsQue Nation Australia Interview, Mar 25 Pauline and James Lynn, Bensville Reporter: Dilon Luke

New art for Indigenous branding Regional Youth Support Services (RYSS) has thrown down the gauntlet to aspiring young, local artists, with the youth organisation seeking new art for its Indigenous branding. RYSS is keen to receive entries featuring Indigenous designs, with the winning artist to receive $200 in prize money.

The winning design will also be digitalised and used for RYSS’ Indigenous programs, projects, events and its Reconciliation Action Plan. A spokesperson for RYSS said artworks of all mediums will be considered, provided they reflected one or more of the following themes: youth, growth, the future and reconciliation.

“We will make the winning artwork into a digital format and create logo design from an element of the works. “We will supply the artist with copies of these files for their portfolio,” the spokesperson said. Source: Press release, Mar 13 Regional Youth Support Services

Dance studio turns to digital to keep clients engaged As the Coast adopts to life in lockdown, one local dance studio has gone digital to keep clients engaged. Known as the home of Latin dancing on the Coast, Central Coast Dance Centre, has taken the challenge of staying relevant in the age of COVID-19 into its stride, launching online dance lessons. Owner and five time Australian Salsa Champion, Krin Bajough, thought he was getting ahead

of the virus when he rolled out non-contact salsa classes at the start of March. But when the latest government restrictions came into effect, like many small business owners, he’s turned to the internet as an alternative to complete lockdown. Armed with nothing but an iPhone, Bajough held his first virtual dance class on March 24, with clients entering a group video chat and watching on as he ran them through the steps before having a crack at

Kariong Library temporarily closed for relocation

it themselves from the comfort and isolation of their homes. While Bajough admits that there were some issues coordinating the lesson, he was pleased with the response from his students and was keen to see the new initiative take off. “It was touch and go, trialling new ways to keep dancing together”, Bajough said. Source: Website and video, Mar 24 Krin Bajough, Central Coast Dance Centre

To provide improved services to the community, Kariong Library is being relocated to The Hill Youth Centre, 98 Mitchell Drive, Kariong. In order to make this change Kariong Library branch will be temporarily closed from Tuesday 17 March, reopening in its new location on Tuesday 31 March. The returns chute will remain open 24/7 while the library is being moved to a new location. Nearest branch locations are Woy Woy, Umina and Gosford. As always our extensive range of free online resources and services will continue to be available 24/7 via centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/elibrary We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience during this time. The Entrance l Toukley l Tuggerah l Umina l Woy Woy

Join the library and enjoy the FREEDOM

PAGE 16 27 MARCH 2020

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Sunday 29 March

Saturday 28 March

Friday 27 March

ABC (C20/21)

PRIME (C61/60)

NINE (C81/80)

TEN (C13)

SBS (C30)

5:30 Today [s] 6:00 Headline News [s] 5:00 CGTN English News News Breakfast [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 5:15 NHK World English News ABC News Mornings [s] 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 9:00 Today Extra (PG) [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 5:30 Worldwatch Antiques Roadshow [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 1:00 Ambulance Australia (PG) [s] 1:00 PBS Newshour Grand Designs [s] 12:00 Movie: “March Sisters At 12:30 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:55 The Point Christmas” (PG) (’12) Stars: 1:30 Kevin Can Wait (PG) [s] 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] ABC News At Noon [s] 2:30 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 2:55 NITV News: Nula Foreign Correspondent [s] Julie Berman, Justin Bruening, 2:00 New Amsterdam (M mp) [s] 3:30 Everyday Gourmet [s] 3:30 Royal Murder Mysteries: The Australian Story (PG) [s] Kaitlin Doubleday, Molly Kunz 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] Riddle Of The Romanovs (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Agatha Raisin (M) [s] 2:00 The Daily Edition (PG) [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 3:25 Heston’s Feasts 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] Fake Or Fortune? [s] (PG) [s] 4:20 Secret Life Of The Airport 6:00 NINE News [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] (PG) 5:00 10 News First [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] Grand Designs [s] 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:30 Escape To The Chateau (PG) 6:00 WIN News [s] The Drum [s] 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:00 The Latest Seven News [s] 8:30 NINE News Special: ABC News [s] 6:30 SBS World News COVID-19 [s] 7:30 The Graham Norton Show 8:00 Better Homes And Gardens Gardening Australia [s] – (PG) [s] – Guests Madonna, Sir 7:35 Egypt’s Apocalypse: 9:15 Movie: “Double Impact” Jane Edmanson revives indoor 9:30 Movie: “Die Hard: With A Volcano (M) (MA15+) (’91) – Twin brothers Ian McKellen, Danny Boyle, Lily Vengeance” (M v,l) (’95) – John orchids, Millie Ross visits a sky8:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine: are separated when their James, Himesh Patel and high garden, Clarence Slockee McClane and a Harlem store Dillman (M) parents are murdered but Sheryl Crow. owner are targeted by German meets volunteering native plant 8:30 Hughesy, We Have A 9:00 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does twenty five years later they enthusiasts. terrorist Simon Gruber in New Problem (M) [s] Countdown (M l,s) York City, where he plans to rob re-unite in order to avenge their 8:30 The Capture (M l,v) [s] parents’ death. Stars: Jean9:30 Carl Barron - Drinking With 9:55 Faboriginal (PG) the Federal Reserve Building. 9:30 Silent Witness: A Fork (MA15+) [s] 10:25 SBS World News Late Claude Van Damme Two Spirits (Part 2) (M v) [s] Stars: Bruce Willis, Jeremy 11:40 Cold Case: Pin Up Girl (M v) [s] 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 11:00 Movie: “Love And Mercy” (M) 10:30 ABC Late News [s] Irons, Samuel L. Jackson, 12:30 The Project (PG) [s] (’14) Stars: Paul Dano 11:05 Shaun Micallef’s MAD AS Graham Greene, Colleen Camp 12:30 Destination WA [s] 1:30 The Late Show (PG) [s] 1:10 Home Ground (MA15+) 11:30 Program To Be Advised 1:00 The Hold Down (PG) [s] HELL (M) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 2:30 Home Shopping (In Norwegian) 12:30 Home Shopping 11:35 rage (MA15+) [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 6:00 I Fish [s] 6:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 6:00 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 6:00 Home Shopping 5:15 NHK World English News 6:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 7:00 Weekend Today [s] 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 7:00 Escape Fishing With ET [s] 10:00 Today Extra - Saturday [s] 10:00 The Morning Show 10:55 Q&A [s] 1:00 PBS Newshour 7:30 What’s Up Down Under? [s] 12:00 My Way [s] Weekend (PG) [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 8:00 The Offroad Adventure Show 2:00 ISU Grand Prix Of Figure 12:30 Award Winning Tasmania: 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: 12:30 The Capture (M l,v) [s] Skating: Four Continents 9:00 Everyday Gourmet [s] Strahan (PG) [s] Tancred Stakes Day, Bendigo 1:30 Vera: Tuesday’s Child (M v) [s] (Seoul, South Korea) 9:30 Studio 10 Saturday (PG) [s] 1:00 Destination WA [s] Mile [s] 3:00 Brian Cox: Life Of A 3:30 Travel Man: Moscow (PG) 12:00 Pooches At Play [s] 1:30 Movie: “Undercover Blues” 5:00 Seven News At 5 [s] Universe: End Of Days [s] 4:00 The Crystal Maze (PG) (’93) Stars: Dennis Quaid 12:30 Jamie And Jimmy’s Food 3:30 Fake Or Fortune?: Giacometti 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s 4:55 Great British Railway Fight Club [s] 3:20 David Attenborough’s Life Front Line (PG) [s] 4:30 Landline [s] Journeys (PG) 1:30 Buy To Build [s] Story: Growing Up (PG) [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 5:00 Program To Be Advised 5:25 Great Continental Railway 2:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 7:00 Movie: “Thor” (M v) (’11) – The 4:30 The Garden Gurus [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] Journeys (PG) 2:30 The Living Room (PG) [s] powerful but arrogant god Thor 5:00 NINE News: First At Five [s] 7:30 Doc Martin (PG) [s] – Martin 6:30 SBS World News 3:30 Fishing Australia ]s] 5:30 Getaway (PG) [s] is cast out of Asgard to live rushes to a medical emergency, 7:30 Drink Wars: Coca-Cola Vs 4:00 Taste Of Australia [s] 6:00 NINE News Saturday [s] amongst humans in Midgard and preparations for Morwenna Pepsi (M) 4:30 Farm To Fork [s] 7:00 A Current Affair [s] (Earth), where he soon and Al’s wedding do not go to 8:30 Country Music: Will The Circle 8:00 Movie: “Back To The Future II” 5:00 10 News First [s] becomes one of their finest plan. Martin takes his final GMC Be Unbroken? (1968-1972) (PG) (’89) Stars: Michael J Fox 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] defenders. Stars: Chris assessment under the watchful (PG) 6:30 Program To Be Advised 9:10 Movie: “Terminator 2: Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, eye of Bernard Newton. 7:30 Ambulance Australia (PG) [s] 9:30 Movie: “The Bounty” (M) (’84) Judgment Day” (M v,l) (’12) Natalie Portman, Idris Elba, Kat 8:20 Agatha Raisin: As The Pig Stars: Mel Gibson, Anthony Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger 8:30 Ambulance UK (M) [s] Dennings, Anthony Hopkins Turns (Part 2) (PG) [s] 9:30 999: What’s Your Hopkins, Laurence Olivier, 10:10 NINE News Special: 9:05 Stateless: Run Sofie Run (M l) 9:10 Movie: “Die Hard: With A Emergency? (MA15+) [s] Edward Fox COVID-19 [s] Vengeance” (M v,l) (’95) Stars: 10:00 Call The Midwife (M) [s] 11:55 Locked Up Abroad (M l,v) 10:40 Movie: “Get Shorty” (MA15+) 10:30 Blue Bloods (M) [s] Bruce Willis, Jeremy Irons 11:00 Silent Witness (M v) [s] 11:30 Bull (M v) [s] 4:30 Great British Railway (’95) Stars: John Travolta 11:50 Surveillance Oz (PG) [s] 12:00 rage Guest Programmer 1:30 Home Shopping Journeys (PG) 12:40 Cold Case (M) [s] 12:30 Home Shopping (MA15+) [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 6:00 World’s Greatest Man Made 6:00 Religious Programs [s] 6:00 Home Shopping 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 7:30 Fishing Australia [s] Wonders (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 8:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 7:00 Weekend Today [s] 10:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 9:00 Insiders [s] 12:30 ABC World News Tonight 8:30 Three Veg And Meat [s] 12:00 House Of Wellness (PG) [s] 10:00 Sports Sunday (PG) [s] 10:00 Offsiders [s] With David Muir 1:00 Habitus House Of The Year [s] 11:00 Sunday Footy Show (PG) [s] 9:00 Taste Of Australia With 10:30 The World This Week [s] Hayden Quinn [s] 1:00 Mediterranean From Above 12:00 AFL: Women’s Footy (PG) [s] 1:30 Rebel Wilson’s Pooch 11:00 Compass (PG) [s] 9:30 Studio 10 Sunday (PG) [s] 2:50 ISU Grand Prix Of Figure 1:00 The Truth About Fat [s] Perfect (PG) [s] 11:30 Program To Be Advised Skating: Torino, Italy 2:00 Movie: “Speechless” (PG) (’94) 12:00 The Living Room (PG) [s] 3:00 Coastwatch (PG) [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 Dancing With The Stars (PG) 4:50 Great British Railway Stars: Geena Davis 3:30 Dog Patrol (PG) [s] 12:30 Landline [s] Journeys (PG) 3:00 All 4 Adventure (PG) [s] [s] 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens 4:00 The Secret Life Of The Zoo 1:30 Gardening Australia [s] 4:00 Which Car (PG) [s] 5:30 The Last B-24 (PG) (PG) [s] 5:00 Seven News At 5 [s] 2:30 The Farthest (PG) [s] 6:30 SBS World News 4:30 RPM [s] 5:00 NINE News: First At Five [s] 5:30 Sydney Weekender [s] 4:30 The Mix [s] 7:30 Secrets Of Our Cities (PG) 5:30 RBT: She Loves Me Not (PG) 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 5:00 Antiques Roadshow [s] 8:30 North America With Simon 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 6:00 NINE News Sunday [s] 7:00 The Latest Seven News [s] 6:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] Reeve 7:00 Married At First Sight (M) [s] – 6:30 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 8:00 Seven News: Ben Cousins 6:30 Compass: Perfect Match [s] 7:30 Dancing With The Stars (PG) 9:40 Contagion (PG) 8:30 60 Minutes (PG) [s] Coming Clean [s] 7:00 ABC News Sunday [s] 9:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) 10:40 Cocaine - Living With The 9:30 The Good Doctor (M) [s] – San 9:30 NINE News Special: 7:40 Grand Designs NZ (PG) [s] 10:30 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] Cartels (M) COVID-19 [s] Jose is rocked by an earth8:30 Stateless (M l,v) [s] (In English/ Spanish) 11:30 Hughesy, We Have A Problem quake that puts the staff on high 10:00 Confessions Of A Serial 9:25 Shetland (M d) [s] 11:35 Agatha Christie’s Criminal (M) [s] – Hughesy, Luke Killer (M v) [s] alert as they race to assess the 10:25 Line Of Duty (M v) [s] Games: Mrs McGinty’s Dead McGregor, Fiona O’Loughlin, 11:00 See No Evil: Stalking Carl (M) damage. 11:30 Doc Martin (PG) [s] (M v) (In French) Sam Taunton and Felicity Ward 11:50 Killision Course (M) [s] 12:15 Call The Midwife (M) [s] 10:30 The Resident: tackle the first world problems 1:15 Great American Railroad 12:40 Cold Case: True Calling (M) [s] Peking Duck Day (M) [s] 1:15 Grantchester (M v) [s] Journeys (PG) we just can’t seem to solve. 1:30 The Garden Gurus [s] 11:30 The Resident: 2:50 rage (MA15+) [s] 3:30 Ride Upon The Storm (M l,v) 12:30 Home Shopping 2:00 Home Shopping Out For Blood (M) [s] 4:00 Antiques Roadshow [s] (In Danish) 2:30 Skippy - The Bush Kangaroo 4:30 CBS - This Morning [s] 12:30 Home Shopping 5:00 Insiders [s] 6:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 1:30 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:10 6:00 7:00 7:30

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)

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

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

Wednesday 1 April

Tuesday 31 March

Monday 30 March

ABC (C20/21)

6:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:10 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:15 9:35 10:40 11:10 12:45 2:25 3:25 3:55 4:30 5:30 6:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 1:45 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:10 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 10:15 11:15 11:45 12:50 2:25 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:30 6:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 1:30 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:10 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:35 10:05 10:35 11:05 11:55 12:10 3:30

Thursday 2 April

6:00 9:00 10:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:10 6:00 6:55 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:20 10:55 11:25 12:25 1:25 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:25

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Antiques Roadshow [s] Grand Designs NZ (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Landline [s] Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (M v) [s] Antiques Roadshow [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] Grand Designs [s] The Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] Australian Story [s] Four Corners [s] Media Watch (PG) [s] Q&A [s] ABC Late News [s] Revelation (MA15+) [s] Grantchester (M v) [s] Antiques Roadshow [s] Compass (PG) [s] Catalyst [s] The Drum [s] One Plus One [s] News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Gardening Australia [s] Grand Designs (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Four Corners [s] Media Watch (PG) [s] Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (M v) [s] Escape From The City [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] Grand Designs (PG) [s] The Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] Foreign Correspondent [s] Revelation (M) [s] Fake Or Fortune? [s] ABC Late News [s] Q&A [s] Grantchester (M v) [s] rage (MA15+) [s] Compass [s] Catalyst [s] The Drum [s] One Plus One [s] News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Gardening Australia [s] Grand Designs [s] ABC News At Noon [s] National Press Club Address The Breakfast Couch [s] Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (M v) [s] Escape From The City [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] Grand Designs [s] The Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] Shaun Micallef’s MAD AS HELL (M) [s] You Can’t Ask That (M) [s] Planet America (PG) [s] Would I Lie To You? (PG) [s] ABC Late News [s] Four Corners [s] Media Watch (PG) [s] rage (MA15+) [s] Compass [s] News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Grand Designs [s] ABC News At Noon [s] How To Build A Time Machine [s] Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (M v) [s] Escape From The City [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] Grand Designs [s] The Drum [s] Sammy J [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] The Heights (PG) [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) Whiteley (M l,s) [s] ABC Late News [s] Informer (M l,v) [s] Shetland (M d) [s] rage (MA15+) [s] Compass [s] Catalyst [s] The Drum [s] Sammy J [s]

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

PRIME (C61/60)

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

10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 6:00 9:00 11:30 12:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:30

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

2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:30 6:00 9:00 11:30 12:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 8:00 9:30

12:00 1:00

NINE (C81/80)

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TEN (C13)

PAGE 17 27 MARCH 2020

SBS (C30)

5:30 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “Her Husband’s 1:00 Betrayal” (M v) (’13) Stars: 1:30 Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, 3:00 Shawn Roberts The Daily Edition [s] 4:00 5:00 The Chase UK (PG) [s] 6:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 7:00 The Chase Australia [s] 7:30 Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] Mrs Brown’s Boys (PG) [s] 9-1-1: Athena Begins (M v) [s] – When a murder weapon from a 9:00 case close to Athena in the early ’90s resurfaces, flash10:00 backs to 1989 show how 11:00 Athena joined the LAPD and became a police officer. 11:50 The Latest Seven News [s] God Friended Me: 12:40 The Atheist Papers (PG) [s] 1:30 Talking Footy (M) [s] 4:00 Home Shopping

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Ellen (PG) [s] Getaway (PG) [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] – The remaining couples make their final vows to decide whether or not they want to be together after the experiment. Botched: Magical Mystery Breasts (M mp,n) [s] 100% Footy (M) [s] Lethal Weapon: Born To Run (MA15+) [s] In Defence Of: Jodi Arias (M) [s] Straight Forward (M) [s] Home Shopping Ellen (PG) [s]

6:00 Headline News [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 Australian Survivor - All 2:00 Eight Days That Made Stars (PG) [s] Rome (M s) 2:10 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:50 Alex Polizzi The Fixer 2:30 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 4:00 Great British Railway 3:30 My Market Kitchen [s] Journeys (PG) 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 4:30 The Supervet (PG) 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 5:30 Letters And Numbers (PG) [s] 6:00 Mastermind Australia 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 SBS World News 6:00 WIN News [s] 7:30 Planet Expedition: 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] Bhutan White Water (PG) 7:30 Australian Survivor: All Stars 8:30 Michael Mosley: (M) [s] – Three become two in Addicted To Painkillers? (M) an epic showdown of endurance 9:30 Michael Mosley: A History Of and strength in the final Surgery Into The Brain (M) challenge. 10:30 SBS World News Late 10:00 Hughesy, We Have A Problem 11:00 The Rivals - Aussie Rules (M) [s] (PG) 11:00 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 11:30 The Last Wave (MA15+) 12:00 The Project (PG) [s] (In French) 1:00 The Late Show (PG) [s] 12:35 Sunshine: Find Your Man (M l) 2:00 Home Shopping 1:35 Borgen (M) (In Danish) 4:30 CBS - This Morning [s] 3:55 24 Hours In Emergency (M l)

5:30 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “The Grim Sleeper” 1:00 (M v) (’14) Stars: Macy Gray 1:30 The Daily Edition (PG) [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] Border Security - Australia’s 7:30 9:00 Front Line (PG) [s] Movie: “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” (M v) (’16) – When Major Susan Turner is arrested for treason, ex-investigator Jack 10:00 11:00 Reacher undertakes the challenging task to prove her 11:50 innocence and ends up 12:40 exposing a shocking conspiracy. Stars: Tom Cruise 1:30 2:00 The Latest Seven News [s] Grey’s Anatomy: Nothing Left 2:30 3:00 To Cling To (M) [s] 4:00 Home Shopping

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Ellen (PG) [s] Kevin Can Wait: The Owl (PG) Married At First Sight (M) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Paramedics (M) [s] – Leonard and Nat are called to a road accident that leaves a driver trapped. Kings Cross ER (PG) [s] Chicago Med: Play By My Rules (MA15+) [s] The Bad Seed (M v,l,s) [s] Tipping Point [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Home Shopping Skippy - The Bush Kangaroo Home Shopping Ellen (PG) [s]

6:00 Headline News [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Program To Be Advised 1:30 Program To Be Advised 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 My Market Kitchen [s] 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 How Clean Is Your House? (PG) [s] 8:30 NCIS: Schooled (M v) [s] 9:30 NCIS: Los Angeles: Answers (M v) [s] 10:30 NCIS: Los Angeles: Cac Tu Nhan (M v) [s] 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 12:30 The Project (PG) [s] 1:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 2:30 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS - This Morning [s]

5:30 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “The Wrong Crush” 1:00 (M d,v) (’17) – A high school track star with a troubled past meets a new admirer who has 1:30 3:00 recently transferred to the school. Stars: Victoria Konefal 4:00 5:00 The Daily Edition (PG) [s] 6:00 The Chase UK [s] 7:00 Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia [s] 7:30 Seven News [s] 9:00 The Latest Seven News [s] Highway Patrol: The Cops Tell All (PG) [s] Police Code Zero: Officer Under Attack (PG) [s] The Front Bar (M) [s] 10:00 Autopsy USA: Lou Reed (MA15+) [s] 11:00 The Real O’Neals: The Real 11:50 Third Wheel/ The Real Brother’s 12:40 Keeper (M) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 2:00

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Ellen (PG) [s] Kevin Can Wait: The Kevin Crown Affair (PG) [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Doctor Doctor (M) [s] – Hugh tries to teach Matt how to succeed at modern dating. Hayley discovers a surprising new talent. Tara's PTSD has a devastating impact on her work. New Amsterdam: The Island (M) [s] Don’t Tell The Doctor (M) [s] Westside (MA15+) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Home Shopping

6:00 Headline News [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 Ambulance Australia (PG) [s] 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 My Market Kitchen [s] 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 8:30 Bull: Flesh And Blood (M v) [s] – Bull assists in the murder trial defense of an old friend. 9:30 Bull: Survival Instincts (M v) [s] 10:30 Elementary: The Further Adventures (M) [s] 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 12:30 The Project (PG) [s] 1:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 2:00 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS - This Morning [s]

Sunrise [s] 5:30 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 9:00 Seven Morning News [s] 11:30 Movie: “The Wrong Roommate” 12:00 (M v) (’16) Stars: Eric Roberts, 1:00 Jessica Morris, Vivica A Fox 1:30 The Daily Edition (PG) [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 The Latest Seven News [s] 7:30 Rebel Wilson’s Pooch Perfect (PG) [s] Movie: “Blended” (M s) (’14) – 9:45 After a bad blind date, two 10:45 single parents must co-exist 11:45 after they each sign up separately for a fabulous family vacation with their kids. Stars: Adam Sandler, Bella Thorne, Drew Barrymore, Terry Crews, Jessica Lowe, Emma Fuhrmann 12:40 Scandal: Mercy (M) [s] 1:05 Home Shopping 2:00

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Ellen (PG) [s] Doctor Doctor (M) [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] NRL: Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs *Live* From AAMI Park, Melbourne [s] Golden Point (M) [s] Taken: Opsec (M v,d) [s] Jury Speaks: George Zimmerman (MA15+) [s] – Exploring the trial that set off the Black Lives Matter movement when George Zimmerman was found not guilty of seconddegree murder. My Way [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Home Shopping

6:00 Headline News [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 Dancing With The Stars (PG) 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 My Market Kitchen [s] 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 Ambulance Australia (PG) [s] 8:30 Gogglebox (M) [s] – Australia’s favourite Goggleboxers are back to sort through the best and worst TV shows. 9:30 Program To Be Advised 10:30 Blue Bloods: Bones To Pick (M) [s] 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 12:30 The Project (PG) [s] 1:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 2:30 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS - This Morning [s]

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

5:00 5:15 5:30 1:00 2:00

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Eight Days That Made Rome: The Rebirth Of Rome (M s,v) 2:55 Journey Through Armenia (PG) (In English/ Armenian) 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: Peter Rowsthorn (PG) 4:40 Great Continental Railway Journeys (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Great Canadian Railway Journeys (PG) 8:35 Insight (PG) 9:35 Dateline 10:05 The Feed 10:35 SBS World News Late 11:05 The Twelve (M l,s,v) (In Flemish) 12:05 The Son (MA15+) 1:50 Knightfall (MA15+) 3:30 24 Hours In Emergency (M) 5:00 5:15 5:30 1:00 2:00

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Inside Westminster: The Houses Of Parliament (M) 2:55 Dateline 3:25 Insight (PG) 4:25 Great Continental Railway Journeys (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Tony Robinson’s History Of Britain: Georgians 8:30 Dublin Murders (MA15+) 9:35 Project Blue Book: Curse Of The Skinwalker (M) 10:30 SBS World News Late 11:00 Homeland: Threnody (MA15+) 12:00 Movie: “Redoutable” (MA15+) (’17) Stars: Louis Garrel, Stacy Martin, Bérénice Bejo (In French) 2:00 Roots (MA15+) 3:55 24 Hours In Emergency (M) 5:00 5:15 5:30 1:00 2:00 3:00

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Over The Black Dot Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 3:35 Super Tunnel: Building Giants 4:25 Great Continental Railway Journeys (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Secrets Of The Tower Of London 8:30 Secrets Of Britain: Secrets Of Scotland Yard (PG) 9:30 24 Hours In Emergency: Shelter From The Storm (PG) 10:25 SBS World News Late 10:55 Deep State: A Dead Man’s Machine (M l,v) 12:00 Fargo: The House Of Special Purpose (MA15+) 1:00 The Young Pope (M s) 3:10 Tin Star (MA15+)

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

PAGE 18 27 MARCH 2020 CCN

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NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS

ARTS & CULTURE ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE

Free social French conversation groups. Small classes at East Gosford & Bateau Bay Renee 0435 028 416 www.afcentralcoast.org.au afcentralcoast@gmail.com

50+ SINGLE & SOCIAL GROUP

WILDLIFE ARC

Fun & friendship Monthly progam of dinner, dancing, scrabble, cards, Tenpin etc.

Rescue and care for injured and orphan native animals. 24hr/day, 7days/week. Meet 3rd Sun Wyoming Community Centre, Maidens Brush Rd Wyoming 10am 4325 0666

SUNDAY LUNCH BUNCH

WINE APPRECIATION CLUB

0437 699 366 0407 003 214

Singles over 55 Luncheons 1st & 3rd Sun 0418 772 569 (after 2pm)

TERRIGAL 50+ LEISURE & LEARNING CENTRE

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

WYOMING COMMUNITY CENTRE

AL - ANON FAMILY GROUPS HEALTH

We offer hope and friendship for people affected by someone else’s drinking. Al-anon family groups meet weekly, please contact 1300 252 666 al-anon.org.au

HISTORY GROUPS

Central Coast Leagues Club Community support, Zumba, CENTRAL COAST FAMILY 2nd Wed HISTORY SOCIETY book club, community garden, Taste and be educated on wine facility hire, fine assistance, Tue to Fri 9.30am - 2.30pm Lectures, demonstrations and by various wineries. First Sat 9.30 - noon discussion. volunteer opportunity, CDAT & CCLC INDOOR BOWLS Purchases not mandatory Thur 7pm - 9pm Weekly paint-outs Tues OSHC/Vacation Care Mon - Ladies Social Keith - 0420 722 529 Other times by appointment. 4349 5860 for locations 4323 7483 Wed Night & Sat - Mixed Social Fraser - 0416 831 088 4324 5164 accounts@gosfordcommunity.org.au Workshops 4363 1156 Tuition given www.centralcoastfhs.org.au www.gosfordcommunity.org.au 9.30am 1st & 3rd Wed Level 2, Central Coast admin@centralcoasths.org.au LEARN TO DANCE Meetings 1.30pm 4th Wed Leagues Club Social ballroom dancing for all Gosford City Arts Centre. 4334 3800 BRISBANE WATER ages, all you need is a desire 4325 1420 to learn and dance, publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au HISTORICAL SOCIETY ALCOHOLICS GOSFORD NORTH no partner required. • Coach tours • school ANONYMOUS PROBUS CLUB meet every Tues - St Luke’s educational tours • annual HANDWEAVERS, Mon, Wed & Fri, 4th Tues, Grange Hotel, Anglican Church, 7pm street stalls • participation in 12.30pm - Someone cares, SPINNERS AND TEXTILE Wyoming 10am & 15 Lorraine Ave History Heritage Week Anglican Church ARTS GUILD 4322 5560 Berkeley Vale, 2:30pm Margaret Pearce 4325 2270 3 Mann St Gosford Spinning and weaving, Anne - 0409 938 345 4323 3890 patchwork and quilting, felting anneglazier@y7mail.com GOSFORD AND DISTRICT FELLOWSHIP OF and other fibre and fabric ORCHID SOCIETY FIRST FLEETERS BETTER HEARING crafts, community quilting bees NAVAL ASSOCIATION OF Persons interested in Orchids For anyone interested in early - Day and Night Groups AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA CENTRAL and their culture history. 4325 4743 Hearing loss management COAST SUB-SECTION 4th Wed, 7.30pm Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. www.cottagecrafts.net.au Support and educational Meets on the 2nd Sat of each Kincumber School of Arts, Point Clare Community Hall groups providing practical month at Gosford RSL - 10am, Tora Ave, Kincumber 2nd Sat 10:30am experience and confidence THE MAKERS STUDIO new memebrs most welcome, 0405 669 707 4392 1926 4311 6254 4321 0275 Creative workspace for print gosfordorchidsociety@yahoo.com.au serving or ex ran, rn and other making, screen printing, textile commonwealth navies. and fibre arts. Introductory PROSTATE CANCER 0400 103 765 SENIORS’ COMPUTER classes & workshops brucesmith59@bigpond.com SUPPORT GROUP CLUB Thurs 10am-4pm BRISBANE WATER BRASS Last Fri 9.30am Non-profit club to help 0414 220 855 Brass Band entertainment for COMMUNITY CENTRES Terrigal Uniting Church www.themakersstudio.org.au members master computers, the community playing all 380 Terrigal Dr, Terrigal tablets, phones and keep up types of popular music 4367 9600 GOSFORD 50+ LEISURE with grand children Wed 8pm -10pm TOUKLEY DISTRICT ART www.pcfa.org.au Friendly Volunteer Helpers AND LEARNING CENTRE 0419 274 012 SOCIETY scccc@internode.on.net Mon-Fri Painting, drawing groups and DYING WITH DIGNITY Google scccckincumber Chess, darts, handicraft, indoor classes, demonstarations and COASTAL A CAPPELLA 4307 9421 C ampaigning to give those bowls, knitting, line dancing, workshops. Dynamic award winning suffering unrelievable terminal origami, painting, pencil 7 days 10am-4pm, Cafe women’s a cappella chorus to incurable illness the choice drawing, scrabble, TERRIGAL WAMBERAL Tues-Drawing group 10am Music eduction provided scrapbooking, sit & sew, table to receive legal medical help to RSL SUB-BRANCH Wed - Painting group 9:30am Performance opportunities die. Erina Fair. tennis, Ukulele Pension and welfare officers 4392 4666 Hire us for your next event. 02 4369 8053 4304 7065 available to assist with DVA toukleyartgallery@gmail.com 0412 948 450 j2@heelstone.com.au compensation claims and www.toukleyartgallery.com.au coastalacappella@gmail.com GOSFORD-NARARA benefits COMMUNITY GROUPS MEALS ON WHEELS Breakers Country Club NEIGHBOURHOOD SOUNDWAVES Delicious meals delivered free Wed & Fri 10am – Midday CENTRE A cappella harmony for men ABC - “The Friends” Join us for a midday meal Meet 2nd Sat 10am School Holiday activities, Mon 7.00 to 9.30pm Safeguard ABC’s Help with shopping and 4384 2661 playgroup, multicultural Central Coast Leagues Club, independence, funding, & cooking classes Terrigal-WamberalSB@rslnsw. programs, community activities Dane Drive, Gosford standards. Meetings through 4363 7111 org.au. Rooms for Hire Max 4324 3631 the year & social mornings 4329 4477 Kieran 4324 1977 Well-known guest speakers

CENTRAL COAST ART SOCIETY

HEALTH GROUPS

MUSIC

0400 213 514

www.fabcnsw.org.au

CENTRAL COAST CARAVANNERS

3rd Sun - Jan to Nov Trips Away, Social Outings, friendship with like minded folk Geoff 0447 882 150

COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRE

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

U3A CENTRAL COAST

Enjoy a diverse range of courses and activities for seniors. Keep your mind active and make new friends. 0408 704 701

admin@gnnc.com.au

POINT CLARE COMMUNITY HALL

CANCER INFORMATION & SUPPORT SOCIETY

SYMPHONY CENTRAL COAST

POLITICAL PARTIES CENTRAL COAST GREENS Local, state wide, national and international issues and campaigns Council and parliamentary representation 3rd Thur centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au centralcoastgreens@gmail.com

LABOR PARTY OURIMBAH/ NARARA BRANCH

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

PUBLIC SPEAKING BLUE GUM FLAT TOASTMASTERS

Develop confidence by improving your speaking skills. 1st & 3rd Mon 7.15-9.30pm Ourimbah RSL 4362 7227

SERVICE GROUPS

CENTRAL COAST

recruit@volcc.org.au

www.gosfordcommunity.org.au

cisscentralcoast@bigpond.com

KARIONG NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

PENINSULA LIGHTHOUSE

Early childhood clinic, free family law advice, active playgroup, computer classes, OOSH services, fitness classes, arts & crafts, over 50’s friendship group, youth group, & social groups. 4340 1724

Mobile counselling service supporting ALL people suffering from Domestic Violence Counselling services Mon, Ettalong Baptist Church, 0417 472 374 penlighthouse@gmail.com www.peninsulalighthouse.info/

TEMPO TERRIFIC CONCERT BAND

Plays popular music for community events. Adult members play wind, brass and percussion 0405 619 980 www.tempoterrific.com

Traditional Karate & self defence for teens & adults No contracts, cheap rates Wamberal - Mon 6.30pm Kincumber - Thurs 7.15pm 0417 697 096 www.centralcoastgojukaikarate.com.au

CENTRAL COAST SOARING CLUB INC

Gliding Club, Learn to fly, Instruction FREE to members 14 and up Bloodtree Rd, Mangrove Mountain Thur, Sat, Sun 0412 164 082 0414 635 047 www.ccsoaring.com.au

SPIRITUALITY IN THE PUB

Ecumenical & interfaith speakers forum & Q&A. 1st Tues March to October 2nd Tues November 7.30 to 9pm Grange Hotel, Wyoming 4365 9197

WOMEN’S GROUPS WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTRES

Counselling, therapeutic and INNER WHEEL CLUBS social groups, workshops, Women working together to make a difference and improve domestic violence and abuse issues. All services provided by lives while making new women for women friends. 4324 2533 Social outings and community www.cccwhc.com.au involvment. Wyong 3rd Wed 6.30pm SOROPTIMIST Terrigal 3rd Mon 12 noon Gosford North 2nd Wed 7pm INTERNATIONAL 0417 480 549 BRISBANE WATER 0407 008 555 Making a difference in the lives of women & girls through LIONS CLUB OF WOY WOY awareness, advocacy & action Make new friends & have fun 2nd Thur 7 pm while serving your community Breakers Country Club, 3rd Mon Dover Rd, Wamberal Woy Woy Leagues Club sibrisbanewater@@siswp.org 0478 959 895 www.siswp.org

ROTARY CLUB OF GOSFORD

Supporting local & overseas communities. Share fellowship & fun. Gosford Golf Club 6pm Thurs 0414 777 748 www.gosfordrotary.org.au

Promoting prevention, self-help ROTARY CLUB OF and freedom of choice in Community Orchestra GOSFORD NORTH therapies. Community garden, paygroup, Rehearsals Wed 7.30 - 9.45pm Active community minded club. Henry Kendall Gardens craft & exercise groups Erina Many projects focussed on Summer 3rd Mon - 7pm, www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au Function or meeting room hire info@sympnonycentralcoast.com assisting youth Winter 3rd Sat 2pm 4323 7483 Graham Black - 0410 509 071 0410 696 458 accounts@gosfordcommunity.org.au VOLUNTEERING Refer potential volunteers to community organisations & provide support to them. Training to volunteers and managers of volunteers Info sessions held regularly. 4329 7122

CENTRAL COAST GOJU-KAI KARATE

SPORT DOYALSON WYEE SOCCER CLUB

Football club for the local community. Juniors from under 5 to senior teams. Kerry 0410 045 981 president@doylowolves.com.au

grahamblack@outlook.com.au

SPECIAL INTEREST CCLC BRIDGE CLUB

Duplicate Bridge, partner not required. Central Coast Leagues Club 12.30pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri. Sat 1.30pm, Wed 7.15pm 4325 9854

www.cclcbridgeclub.asn.au cclcbridgeclub@westnet.com.au

wwww.knc.net.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. Subscription rates $75 for 25 editions.

CCN

American Marriage

BOOK REVIEW

Author: Tayari Jones Publisher: Random House Australia

Tayari Jones was sitting in a mall when she overheard a young couple arguing. The woman said, “Roy, you know you wouldn’t have waited on me for seven years”. Roy’s response was, “This wouldn’t have happened to you in the first place.” It was this conversation that lead her to write American Marriage. Roy was born in Eloe, Louisana, the son of Big Roy and Olive. They are a close, loving family - Big Roy worked at Buck’s Sporting Goods while Olive worked at a café, “We had what we needed and nothing more … and nothing less, my mama would have said”. Eloe is a small town with little opportunity for a young black man like Roy, who is quick to depart “exactly

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Kim Reardon

seventy-one hours after graduating high school – I would have left sooner, but the Trailways didn’t stop through Eloe every day.” Roy attends Morehouse College in Atlanta were he becomes friends with Andre who introduces him to his childhood friend Celestial. Celestial is the daughter of Franklin Davenport, who invented a compound that prevents orange juice from separating, which he sold to Minute Maid and is now a rich man.

She is a budding young artist with a promising career. When the young couple meet again later at a chance encounter in New York, they fall for each other and get married. Andre is their best man. The newlyweds are the embodiment of the American Dream – the young executive and artist on the brink of an exciting career. When they take a trip back to Eloe one weekend, they decide to stay in a

hotel instead of Roy’s family home – a decision that will change the course of their lives. While at the hotel Roy is wrongly arrested for raping a woman and sentenced to 12 years in a Louisiana prison. Celestial knows he is innocent and retains her Uncle Banks as Roy’s attorney but, despite their efforts. Celestial visits Roy and they write to each other,but despite her commitment and her independence, stresses appear and Celestial slowly becomes bereft and alone … and grows closer to Andre. When Uncle Banks eventually managed to get Roy’s conviction quashed after five years, he is released and ready to pick up where he left off. But it isn’t so easy for Celestial. American Marriage is a stirring love story that explores the power of love and separation and the minds of three people at once bound and separated by forces beyond their control. Ultimately it explores the essence of, well … marriage. Tayari Jones cleverly pokes at the foundations of their marriage even before Roy’s conviction – quarrels

REVIEWS PAGE 19 27 MARCH 2020

over secrets, Roy’s flirtations, having children and their very different socioeconomic backgrounds. The unresolved questions about why the raped woman falsely blames Roy and how he can be so easily and wrongly convicted creates a gnawing sense of instability, or what the Guardian has called a “sinkhole at the centre of the novel.” The book was winner of the 2019 Women’s Prize for Fiction and the reviews have been positive. I enjoyed reading it and became engaged with each of the characters as they developed throughout the years, warts and all. The book takes turns telling the story from each of Roy, Celestial and eventually Andre’s point of view, giving the reader a well-rounded perspective of how each of the characters feel and think and, without which, it would be easy to point blame. But there are no villains here – just people trying to deal with changing circumstances and get on with living. Kim Reardon The Reluctant Book Critic

MOVIE REVIEW

CCN

The Letter for the King (Netflix)

Creator: William Davies, FilmWave Starring: Amir Wilson, Ruby Ashbourne Serkis, Thaddea Graham

With all Central Coast cinemas and theatres closed and many parents keeping their children at home and (hopefully) out of the reach of the COVID-19 virus, it seemed fitting to turn our critical eye to the list of young adult Netflix newbies. I quickly passed over “Pandemic” and instead went for “The Letter for the King”, a six-part coming of age adventure series inspired by the Dutch novel De brief voor de Koning (Tonke Dragt). It has been described as a familyfriendly, junior Game of Thrones. It has all the same faux-medieval trappings – tunics, mead, lavish jewels, heavily walled citadels set amidst snow-capped mountains – but the plot is simpler and the violence heavily sanitised. A young knight contends with ancient prophecies, magical powers and fickle companions as he sets out

on an epic quest to save his medieval kingdom. Sound good? Well it gets even better, if not less predictable (who wants to reinvent a perfectly good genre anyway?). At the beginning of the first episode we hear of prophecy about a hero rising up against darkness. Two kingdoms in the north, Unauwen and Dagonaut, wage war against a less civilised one to the south Eviellan. Tiuri (Amir Wilson), the stepson of a great knight, adopted from the land of Eviellan, faces deep prejudice and racism. In the midst of his knighthood qualifications, Tiuri aids a dying

knight, who entrusts him with a secret letter that must be urgently delivered to the king. Bound by his own personal honor, Tiuri sets off on his quest, and in the process partners up with street-savvy Lavinia (Ruby Ashbourne Serkis), the daughter of a mayor from an impoverished town, who dreams of leaving her tiny village. A clash of ideals develops between the noble, quick-to-trust Tiuri and savvy, cynical Lavinia, who initially turns him in to corrupt nobles for a reward. Eventually however, the two become entwined in their quest and a growing mystery of Tiuri’s past and the voice in his head.

On their trail are Tiuri’s former knighthood class including the cocky Jussipo (Jonah Lees), chivalrous Foldo (Jack Barton), cunning Iona (Thaddea Graham), and snivelling Arman (Islam Bouakkaz), with Jussipo’s younger brother also tagging along. What neither they, nor the people of Unauwen and Dagonaut know, is that the young Prince Viridian of Unauwen is busy massacring the Shamans of Eviellan. What happens in Eviellan stays in Eviellan. That is, until Viridian brings to the power he has taken from the Shamans to his kingdom, an evil essence known as “The Darkness”. It is only then do we discover whether

Tiuri’s oddities are just the quirks of a young Eviellan, or whether he possesses the power and the courage to stand up to The Darkness. There series runs over six episodes: - Storm Clouds Gather - Isn’t She a Sweetheart? - At the End of the World - Danger Knights - Spiral - When the Blood Moon Rises. While The Letter for the King has generally not received great reviews, it does not make any pronouncements of greatness either. It’s a light but engaging coming of age tale that relies on the thrill of the quest, the gawky likability of its protagonists, a backdrop of court politics and betrayal and the requisite amount of swordplay and horsechases through forests to successfully engage its audience. It cleverly leaves the big questions unanswered until the final episode. But perhaps the most important unanswered question is whether there is a Series 2? While many of the loose ends are tied up in the final episode of Season 1, it does leave a hint of more story to tell, more mysteries to unfold, like where do those voices in Tiuri’s head come from. Let’s just hope the Coronavirus threat has passed well before we find out. Ross Barry

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PAGE 20 27 MARCH 2020

OUT&ABOUT

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OUT&ABOUT

IN NEED OF SOCIAL DISTANCING? Beaches open - But no Life Guards

Central Coast beaches remain open, but the familiar red and yellow flags will not go up for the rest of the season, in response to the evolving situation with coronavirus. Surf Life Saving Central Coast said Central Coast Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving volunteer patrols

would stop setting the flags at the 15 patrolled beach locations in the region from March 25. Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Gary Murphy, said the decision responded to Federal and State Government calls to do more to ensure compliance with the regulations around physical distancing and banning outdoor gatherings of

500 or more people. “Unfortunately, the swim between the flags message is encouraging people to congregate in close proximity,” Murphy said. “Our job right now is ensuring that we play our part in managing as best we can the spread of coronavirus and protecting the health and wellbeing of our staff and

community. “Lifeguards’ and volunteer lifesavers’ job is not crowd control and social group management. “Their important roles of keeping children, families and all beachgoers safe at the patrolled beach areas is being compromised during these unprecedented times.” Surf Life Saving Central

Coast Chief Executive Officer, Jon Harkness, said: “We know that this decision may seem counter intuitive as we approach the Easter long weekend break and potentially longer school holiday period. “But these are not ordinary times and they require us to take all the precautions we can to keep our staff and the general public safe.

“We are asking everyone to be sensible and follow the regulations about public gatherings and physical distancing. “We will be back in late September to raise the red and yellow flags for a new beach patrol season.” Source: Media release, Mar 25 Central Coast Council

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 21 27 MARCH 2020

Business & Property Australian based call centre gives telco an important advantage Australian telecommunications companies are under severe strain. Many people are being asked to work from home to help avoid spreading the coronavirus to clients and co-workers. This dramatic shift is placing huge demands for support from call centres, but many of those are now located overseas and are experiencing their own virus related problems. Yet, one company, MATE, is doubling down on their local Australian support team to help customers on the Central Coast and across NSW. MATE, an Australian owned and operated telco, that started servicing the Central Coast in 2019, last year made the commitment from day one to

keep all customer services onshore. They operate their main call centre from Western Sydney and now in the homes of their employees. Across the Telco industry, many customers have taken to social media to complain about their network service disruptions, and to note that they have been unable to speak to customer service representatives after many hours of waiting on hold. Whilst global shutdowns are becoming a daily reality across many industries, the telecommunications industry is at significant risk of being hit hard with call centre shutdowns in areas such as the Philippines, where many offices have already closed, and workers

have been asked to self-isolate. “As our call centre HQ is located in Australia, it’s much easier for us to manage any changes when it comes to the location of our call centre operations. “Our team is able to be set up at home with a MATE connection, and we are able to keep all of our staff’s positions secure as they move locations and continue to provide support to our customers,” says Mark Fazio, CEO of MATE. MATE started sponsoring the Central Coast Mariners this season and has been promoting their services on the Central Coast across many channels, including this publication. Source: Media statements, Mar 26 Interview: Mark Fazio, MATE

Banks’ decision to freeze loan repayments for small businesses welcomed Business NSW Regional Director Central Coast, Paula Martin, says moves by the banks to freeze loan repayments for small businesses will be a great relief to many Coast businesses suffering rapid loss of sales as a result of the coronavirus. “This is a great move, and something business owners across the country will be thankful for,” Martin said. “While we may have been critical at times of the banks in

the past, it is clear that we are all in this together and any help is appreciated. “It’s also encouraging to see that the banks have acted swiftly and decisively, with most new arrangements able to be put in place by Monday, March 23. “What’s important now is that businesses receive proper advice about what to do, that’s why Business NSW is advocating for provision of vouchers for small business owners to spend with their accountant or financial advisor

to get that crucial advice. “There are micro businesses and sole traders who don’t pay any payroll tax who are feeling left out of the conversation at present, so providing them a voucher to get tailored financial advice is the right thing to do. “The capability is there through the Service NSW website where a system similar to the Active Kids Rebate could be established and administered quickly. “What we also know is that whenever this pandemic ends,

Adam CROUCH MP Member for Terrigal

Working for you 4365 1906

terrigal@parliament.nsw.gov.au

AdamCrouchMP

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

adamcrouchmp

www.GarethWardMP.com.au

businesses will recover, planes will land, and tourists and customers will start spending again. “It’s vital that the right advice is given to businesses being inundated with a number of different offerings from all levels of Government, so that they are in the best possible position to survive the current crisis, retain their staff and be in a position to recover quickly.” Source: Media release, Mar 20 Business NSW Central Coast, Paula Martin

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& PROPERTY

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Draft budget on public exhibition but doesn’t include coronavirus Central Coast Council has forecast a deficit of $32.5M next financial year in its operational plan for 202021, but has recognised that significant adjustments may need to be made in the wake of the coronavirus. It has budgeted in a 2.6 per cent rate rise. The draft operational plan, or budget, for next year was presented to the extraordinary council meeting on March 23, where it was explained that it was developed prior to the “realisation of the impacts” of the virus. It proposed that Council would receive operational revenue of $551.6M and spend $584.1M on essential services. “This results in an operating deficit before capital grants and contributions of $32.5M,” the report to council said. The plan lists every project and initiative that council plans to deliver in the 12 months from July. It also includes all fees and charges, such as those for playing fields, community halls and child care centres. Staff had recommended that councillors vote to endorse the draft and put it out on public exhibition for residents to comment on. But Deputy Mayor, Jane Smith, added three amendments to recognise the impacts of the coronavirus. “Staff are going to need to look at what those potential impacts are going to be on the

situation next year, and recognising that, we may have to make some significant adjustments to our operational plan when it comes back to us,” Cr Smith said. “And I think it’s important to flag that with the community. “That we put this out on exhibition, (and) in four weeks’ time, when it comes back to us, we will have a clearer picture

Carters Rd, Lake Munmorah, and $380,000 for a pathway so that elderly residents of Parktrees Village will be able to get to the local shops and doctors. She said residents had shown her letters from 15 years ago that said they would never get a pathway, so she was really pleased with what the leadership team had achieved

A council spokesperson said the spending was focused on providing services in areas important to the community and on improving asset management. The $32.5M deficit was more than was forecast from this year’s operational plan’s long term financial forecast of $16M for 2020-21. Council said this was due to

regulated by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal determination, so, like expenditure aimed at meeting backlogs, there was very little discretionary spending. “Expenditure is also constrained by capital grant funding requirements as the funding is generally for specific projects with clear outcomes which Council needs to deliver,”

The report said that “as a direct result of the NSW Valuer General’s revaluation, properties with large increases in land value will experience rate increases well above the IPART approved rate pegging increase of 2.6 per cent. “As Council’s total rates income can only increase by the IPART approved 2.6 per cent, other ratepayers will see increases of less than 2.6 per cent and many will see rate decreases.” Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Operational Plan would ensure Council continued to deliver to the community in line with its feedback as outlined in Council’s 10-year Community Strategic Plan. “We are committed to continuing to put in place the infrastructure and projects that the community expects,” she said. The 2020-21 Operational Plan will be on public exhibition from Tuesday, March 31 to Monday, April 27, and public submissions can be made during this time. These submissions and the final plan will be presented to Council for adoption at an ordinary meeting in June. Members of the community will be able to view it and provide feedback online at yourvoiceourcoast.com.

“...as a direct result of the NSW Valuer General’s revaluation, properties with large increases in land value will experience rate increases well above the IPART approved rate pegging increase of 2.6 per cent” of what next year might look like.” Cr Smith also added a clause that would extend council’s hardship provisions and would stop it pursuing any recovery action while it reassessed the situation. Cr Smith also wanted to get a clearer picture of what assistance residents would be able to access through the State and Federal Governments and where council sat in that assistance. Cr Jillian Hogan said casual workers were really suffering and she thanked Cr Smith for her amendments. She then spoke about the contents of the plan, saying that she was really pleased to see $630,000 for a car park in

with this project. Highlights of the capital works program for 2020-21 financial year include: $79.1M in roads, transport and drainage projects; $60.2M in water and sewerage projects; $15.4M for the redevelopment of Adcock Park; $3.9M for the Colongra sporting facility development; $1.4M for Lake Munmorah Recreation facility development; $1.4M for Toukley Town Centre: Toukley Village Green upgrade; $1.3M for improvements to Central Coast Stadium; and, $1.3M for regional playspace development - Sun Valley Park, Green Point. The draft Operational Plan 2020-21 is the third and final year of implementation for the three year delivery program.

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changes in the operating environment plus a focus on continuing to improve service delivery and customer service whilst delivering projects in line with the Community Strategic Plan. The report said that strategies put in place in recent years were aimed at ensuring that expenditure was focused on renewal and upgrade projects to reduce the asset backlog. It noted that in some areas, such as buildings and facilities, the current spend was in the range of 1.2 per cent to 1.5 per cent of the gross replacement cost, with a view to reaching the recommended 2.0 per cent spend over time. It said capital expenditure within the Water, Sewer and Drainage area was highly

the report said. Council proposed a budget of $248.3M on capital works, targeted at renewal and upgrade to existing assets, with over 71.3 per cent ($177.1M) of the proposed capital spend focussed on renewal and upgrading of existing assets. “This allocation allows Council to maintain and renew existing assets and to address the asset backlog,” the report said. Council is required to use the most current land values when calculating ordinary and special rates. The latest values provided by the Valuer General have a base date of July 1, 2019, and these new valuations replace those from July 1, 2016.

Source: Agenda Item 3.3 Central Coast Extraordinary meeting, Mar 23. Media release, Mar 23 Central Coast Council

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 23 27 MARCH 2020

Landlords asked to be flexible with commercial rents The Gosford Erina Business Chamber is calling for flexibility to be applied to business when it comes to commercial rents across the Central Coast. Chamber President, Rod Dever, said the action would help save small to medium business operations that are doing it tough due to restrictions and business declines directly related to the coronavirus. “COVID-19 has and will continue to impact on business viability across the region,” Dever said. “Whilst the government and big bank lenders are offering flexibility on many repayments, now is the time for landlords to show support of business to their tenants, in order to keep business on the Central Coast open. “Their direct support could

influence the decision for a business to remain in operation or force it to close and cease operations. “Business is experiencing an unprecedented downturn to a level never seen. “Landlords who can make rental concessions would benefit in the long run by keeping their existing tenants in place. “This would be assisting them to be better positioned to survive the current decline and come back to full operation in the future. “Where a business is forced to close, the service they offered in the local market could be lost. “The cost of attracting new tenants is estimated to be five times greater than working to retain an existing established tenant, so overall it may be in

landlords’ better interests longer term to work with their existing tenants on a tailored support package. “Landlords have the cost of attracting new tenants, which usually includes rent free periods for fit out and set up, in addition to advertising and legal fees.” Dever said the move would also generate a stronger relationship between tenants and landlords. “Business operators are also encouraged to talk with their landlords to keep them up to date on impacts to their business,” he said. “Communication between the tenant and landlords will be key in this process.” Source: Media release, Mar 23 Gosford Erina Business Chamber, Rod Dever

‘In Good Company’ campaign launch Gosford/Erina Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with three other chambers on the Central Coast, is set to launch a buy local campaign to boost small to medium business. The campaign is part of the broader, regional “In Good Company” program designed to highlight the benefits of doing business locally. To be called Bigger Backyard, the buy local campaign will be a significant regional economic recovery program. The four Central Coast Chambers of Commerce – Peninsula, The Entrance, Wyong and Gosford/Erina, in partnership with NSW Business Chamber, have all committed to the regional business

Rod Dever

recovery project which is set to be launched in early May. The Gosford Erina Business Chamber (GEBC) has also

urged the local business community still able to trade in the wake of the Coronavirus shutdown to take a “level

headed” approach moving forward. GEBC President, Rod Dever, said businesses needed to stay alert to what was happening and keep up to date with the rapidly evolving situation. “We all need to remain up to date with current information and to take steps to ensure that our teams are as briefed and prepared they can be. “This is to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our staff, families, customers and the wider community and to reduce the level spread of COVID-19 and in some cases, the panic that is emerging. As the Coast creeps increasingly closer to a complete lockdown, Dever said the GEBC would continue to provide relevant updates to the

business community but urged them to be proactive in the individual fight to get ahead of the curve. “The Federal Government has announced a multi-billion dollar stimulus package with a range of supports for businesses and employees,” Dever said. “We are also asking landlords to offer flexibility on rents where a business is experiencing a financial downturn or cease of trade. “This is not asking for free rent,just a level of understanding with their tenants where a demonstrated hardship may be existing,” he said. “We understand that some businesses are taking the process of supply and demand to a level that has not before

been seen locally. “We urge you to consider the longer-term damage that could be done to your business reputation in these actions, as some customers may choose to not return to you on principal. “We do not condone these actions. “These actions will only drive away loyal customers and are counterproductive for business. Dever urge business operators to have a commonsense approach to these sorts of things and think ethically. Source: Press release, Mar 23 Rod Dever, Gosford and Erina Business Chamber Media statement, Mar 26 Wyong Chamber of Commerce, Matt Lusted

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Gosford Private Hospital still open for normal business Gosford Private Hospital has assured patients that it’s business as usual as staff adopt new Coronavirus safety measures into day to day operations. The hospital is a part of the Healthe Care Group along with Brisbane Waters Private at Woy Woy and Tuggerah Lakes Private at Kanwal. Healthe Care Central Coast Regional Manager, Matt Kelly, has affirmed all three hospitals’

commitment to patient centred care moving forward. “We love supporting our community and we’re committed to overcoming the challenges of Coronavirus, but to do this, it’s important our community continues to support us, and access our hospitals for their healthcare needs,” Kelly said. “We continue to treat privately insured patients as our priority, but we’re also supporting our doctors and public hospital to

meet community needs in these unprecedented times,” he said. “We’re actively working with the Central Coast Local Health District to relieve patient load, while also rallying the support of the public and government,” Kelly said. Source: Press release, Mar 23 Haydn Murray, Healthe Care Australia

Healthe Care Central Coast Regional Manager, Matt Kelly

Panic buying affecting the disabled and their carers Member for Dobell and Shadow Assistant Minister for Carers, Emma McBride, has joined Shadow Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten, in calling on the Federal Government to act swiftly to meet the needs of those living with a disability and their carers through the COVID-19 pandemic. Shorten said members of the disability sector were reporting shortages of products important for the health and wellbeing of people with disability. “Panic buying of devices needed for peg feeding and other essential disability equipment such as continence pads, catheters, gloves and medicines has overwhelmed suppliers,” he said. “I am requesting that the Federal Government take

Emma McBride

steps so demand is met for provisions that are vital to people living with disability during this crisis.” McBride said carers were on the front line of the coronavirus response and needed proper support. “The government needs to protect the financial security of

carers if they become unwell or are unable to work,” she said. “Creating a register for informal carers could address shortfalls in care if individual carers become unwell.” Shorten said he would meet with Government Ministers in coming days to discuss “these and other proposals”. “Given the vulnerability of NDIS participants and their carers, the government needs to act now,” he said. “Labor hopes the government will take seriously our recommendations and move to implement as many as possible, as soon as possible.” Source: Media release, Mar 20 Member for Dobell and Shadow Assistant Minister for Carers, Emma McBride, and Shadow Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten

Respect and take on social distancing and hygiene measures - Wicks It is essential that Coast residents “respect and take on” social distancing and hygiene measures as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, says Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks. Wicks said following the protocols could not only protect residents, but also those close to them, from the spread of the virus. “The virus will not be stopped if people continue to go about their day to day lives and not take on these protocols,” she said. “It is our aim, as the Federal Government, to keep as many people (as possible) safe throughout our community. “That means, if you or someone else in your family is unwell, it is essential that you stay at home.

Lucy Wicks

“If your symptoms are consistent with those of coronavirus, contact the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 020 080 or visit australia.gov.au and go through the symptom tracker.” Wicks said shopping centres, petrol stations, health facilities and convenience stores were

taking the new protocols on board and setting out markings to further reiterate the 1.5 metre gap to help their customers. “The responsibility is on each individual for their own actions and behaviours,” she said. “The test, hardships and sacrifices that will be placed on all of us will undoubtedly break our hearts on many occasions in the months ahead. “We, as a community, must come together and pledge to each other across the Central Coast that this coronavirus will not break our spirit and as a community we will attempt to break the curve together.” Source: Media release, Mar 24 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks

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EC Secretariat, Greg Donaghue, said education ministers met on March 20 to decide the fate of the standardised testing, as schools and governments around the country stare down the pandemic. Scheduled to take place from mid-May, Donaghue said ministers made the decision to abandon the testing this year

following expert advice and to boost wellbeing. “The decision to not proceed with NAPLAN in 2020 has been taken to assist school leaders, teachers and support staff to focus on the wellbeing of students and continuity of education, including potential online and remote learning. “Further, the impact of responses to the COVID-19 virus may affect the delivery of NAPLAN testing, including the operation of centralised marking centres and the implications for nationally comparable data if an insufficient number of students are available to do the test.

“The decision to not proceed with NAPLAN in 2020 also means that the scheduled testing of the NAPLAN Online platform, known as the Coordinated Practice Test (CPT), will not proceed,” Donaghue said. The decision came days before NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, confirmed that schools would be transitioning to online learning, with current advice to keep children home where possible. Source: Media statement, Mar 20 Greg Donaghue, Education Council Reporter: Dilon Luke

school in 2020. “This action provides schools with the flexibility they need to support their students in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak,” Prof Shergold said. He added that the Board would be making more updates to Principals about how this delegation of authority will work. The NESA COVID-19 Response Committee is aware of and will urgently provide advice on the following issues: work placements for VET students; students working on a group drama, dance or music performance; and, students

Jackson Hood, Dane Broadley and Jayden Bridgland all had their heads shaved in front of an audience of their peers, to raise funds and awareness for people living with blood cancer. Principal, Michael Smith, congratulated the trio for taking on the challenge and thestudents who donated to their campaign. Source: Website, Mar 11 Michael Smith, Gosford High School

The boys with their new hair dos

Avni selected to attend

completing projects and major works. Prof Shergold said the situation faced by schools was unprecedented and that the Board recognises above all else that the health, safety and welfare of students and teachers is paramount. “Decisions and advice will be based on the principles of fairness and equity that have always underpinned the internationally recognised HSC credential,” Prof Shergold said. Source: Press release, Mar 24 NESA Media

Kincumber High School’s Ella Avni has been chosen to attend the 25th National Schools Constitutional Convention.

However, she just doesn’t know when that’ll be, thanks to the Coronavirus. Avni was one of just 30 students chosen out of 800 applicants from across Australia, to attend the three day convention at the Museum of Australian Democracy, at Old Parliament House, Canberra. It was scheduled to take place from March 17 to 19, but event organiser, National Curriculum Services (NCS),

INT CH

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NESA Chairman, Professor Peter Shergold, made the announcement on March 24 after the NSW Government’s announcement that schools would be transitioning from onsite to distance education the day before. This made for a tense 24 hours for Year 12 students and their families, with the government’s announcement not giving much detail about what this meant for the class of 2020. Prof Shergold’s assurance that the exams would proceed also came with a NESA commitment to provide clear and regular advice to the community about the HSC as the COVID-19 outbreak continues. To this end, the Board has established a COVID-19 Response Committee to address developing issues as a matter of urgency. Prof Shergold had three key messages for current HSC students: “We know you are worried. “While we recognise we are facing an unprecedented situation, we want to assure you that you will be able to get a HSC certificate this year, and that the certificate will facilitate access to university, further education and employment, as it has for students over the past 50 years. “Keep learning, do your

assessments as advised by your school, make progress on your major projects where you can and, most importantly, look after yourself, whether you are at school or at home. “Reach out to family, friends and your teachers if you need to. “If you get sick, your school and NESA have provisions to ensure you are not disadvantaged,” he said. Effective immediately, NESA is giving Principals or system authorities the power to make decisions about the number and weighting of HSC formal assessment tasks for their

27 MARCH 2020

A trio of Year 10 students from Gosford High School took part in the World’s Greatest Shave on March 11.

Higher School Certificate is going ahead in 2020 The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Board has confirmed that the Higher School Certificate (HSC) is going ahead in 2020.

EDUCATION PAGE 27

Students take part in World’s Greatest Shave

NAPLAN 2020 scrapped This year’s NAPLAN testing has been scrapped, as the Education Council (EC) moves to ease some of the pressure on teachers, students and the wider education sector in wake of the Coronavirus.

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postponed the event in light of the developing COVID-19 situation. A spokesperson for NCS said the organisation was working to ensure that the Convention could go ahead at a later date, but could not confirm at this time when that would be or if it would take place at the same venue. Source: Press release, Feb 26 Nancy Mai, National Curriculum Services Interview, Mar 19 Nancy Mai, National Curriculum Services Reporter: Dilon Luke

PAGE 28 27 MARCH 2020

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 29 27 MARCH 2020

Woy Woy Philosophers Society Missive #13: Spinoza’s Taxonomy of Knowledge … and dunny roll

“I’d like to see the bloody virus get through that!”

Record breaking swim by Taylem Barnard Central Coast Grammar School could have uncovered a future Olympian, following a record breaking swim by student, Taylem Barnard. At the school’s recent swimming carnival, Taylem swam the fastest 50m freestyle ever recorded by a female competitor in the school’s history. Her time of 27.40 was faster than the previous record held

by Skye Bloffwitch in the same age category, and it was faster than Anna Windsor’s, who has held the record in the 16 year age group since 1992. Windsor went on to become an Olympian, with the school community ecstatic to see Taylem add such a milestone to her career record. Source: Website, Mar 9 Bill Low, Central Coast Grammar School

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It may not have been Robbo’s best idea ever, to meet in the empty Gosford Leagues carpark, but after we’d arranged all five of our Toyota Hiluxes into circular formation (just like General Custer), we really did feel quite invincible. No one was more excited to be outdoors than Boof’s new brown foxy who just barked and barked. “Nice new foxy, I didn’t know they came in brown?” we said. We all bumped elbows, which was apparently the acceptable alternative to handshaking now, but it all felt like a conspiracy to me – I mean why was the government encouraging us to cough into our elbows one minute and then touch each other with those very same elbows the next? “I’m sorry guys, but I’m in Iso,” Robbo continued. “I made a sortie to the supa for some sannie but a magpie festered me with Old Rona.” It took a while to work out what Robbo was talking about but then it became clear – an elderly lady hoarder had tackled him to the ground in Aldi to get the last tub of hand sanitiser, coughing in his face in the process. “It’s killing me, Joffa, and it’s only been three days.” “It’s not going to kill you Robbo, it’s just a bad strain of flu and it only kills people who drink Corona.” “I’m not talking about the virus – I’m talking about being couped up in the house with my wife and kids. We’ve breached our monthly data limit and its only day 3.” Poor Robbo – his marriage counsellor, with who he had become very close, had closed her doors in the shutdown. It was hard to hear each other, sitting there in our utes so far apart – indeed, we couldn’t even see Robbo behind all the toilet roll he’d apparently just found and had now packed out his dual-cab with. “What’s with all the dunny roll Robbo?” asked Thommo. “Where have you guys been? Don’t you know there’s a toilet paper apocalypse goin’ on.” “I don’t understand it,” said Thommo. “Why’s everyone fighting over dunny roll, but not over food? Surely, if you run out of food, you won’t need toilet paper?” “You’re missing the point Thommo,” said Robbo. “It’s only throughs acts of wild, emotional hysteria that one can reach their full intellectual potential. And frankly mate, if you’re dumb enough to prioritize food over toilet paper, don’t come asking to use my loo when the apocalypse hits.” “Why don’t you just use something else?” asked Johnno. “You know, like Kale or something – my wife stores loads of it in the house and it even tastes like sh!*?” “We don’t have toilet paper or Kale,” said I. “So we’re using the garden hose to serve as a bidet - we’ve always wanted to be just like condescending French people, and I have to say there’s nothing more natural relaxing than a burst of water across a potentially contaminated backside, even if I do have to run outside with no pants on to use it.” Everyone went quiet and I realized at that moment that I was no longer thinking but speaking aloud. “Well, anyway, every cloud has a silver lining,” I offered, changing the subject. “Just look at old Baruch Spinoza – he had all that time on his hands too, back then in the dark ages … and he came up with the spark for The Enlightenment.” The others needed no elaboration. Spinoza, the “Epicurean materialist”, had dismissed Descartes notion of mind-body dualism and argued that everything that exists in Nature is comprised of one substance, one reality, and that there was only one set of rules governing it all.

In short, God and Nature were the same thing. “Then where does knowledge come from?” asked Johnno who, as a good Christian, believed in this higher source. And so began a discussion about Spinoza and his three types of knowledge. There was the first type – ‘opinion’. “Opinion is knowledge – knowledge that we’ve gained through experience,” said I. “Opinions are like arseholes,” said Robbo. “Everyone’s got one, and they nearly always stink!” “That’s true my learned friend,” said I. “Opinion was seen by Spinoza as dangerous, something that is passive and lacks rationality, something that can be confused, or manipulated.” Then, there was the second type of knowledge – ‘reason’. This type of knowledge came by applying one’s mind to a matter – applying rational thought, you know, cause and effect. “Exactly,” said Thommo. “It even said I’d be overcome with rationalism on my astrology page in the New Idea this week.” Finally, there was the third type of knowledge – ‘intuition’. “What is that all about?” asked Thommo. “Well, Spinoza said that while rational men are conscious of their desires, they are completely unaware of the causes from which they come. And so, while the understanding of cause and effect is not beyond human reason, the human grasp of the infinitely complex whole is limited by science and, ergo, inadequate for discovering the highest level of truth.” “A level of truth that is only known by God,” said Johnno with a big, religious grin on his face. “Intuition, Spinoza says, joins together the essence of God with the essence of the individual – it is the only type of knowledge that gives true satisfaction.” You guys don’t know nothin’ about satisfaction,” said Boof, who always liked to chime in late to a discussion. “I ran outa dunny roll two days ago, and that’s why my new brown foxy is actually my old white foxy.” Joffa

PAGE 30 27 MARCH 2020 SPORT

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Here Come the Townies: The Early History of Gosford Rugby League One of the positive aspects of the COVID-19 Lockdown is the opportunities it provides to reflect on long forgotten times and the spirit of our forebears who faced similar challenges a whole century ago. We hope you enjoy this extract from Andrew Stark. No sooner had hostilities on northern battlefields met their ultimate and merciful cessation, than a horrific influenza pandemic did begin its pneumonic sweep across the globe. The beleaguered peoples of the world simply couldn’t take a trick, for the Spanish flu of 1918/19 is claimed to have killed more people than the war it so cruelly followed. Australia’s mortality rate inverted this trend. However, a death toll of ten thousand left an already grieving nation wondering just what calamity may befall it next. The epidemiology suggests that during the final stages of this deadly disease, the infection did deny a patient’s lungs any oxygen, causing the victim to turn blue, purple or black before their ultimate expiration. The impact upon the Brisbane Water district was thankfully milder than in many other, less fortunate, regions. The illness contributed to a dozen local deaths during the winter of 1919. Gosford Football Club (GFC) President and popular Mann Street pharmacist, Stan Eggins, was run off his feet during the height of the infection and he was directly involved in issuing public health advice to a somewhat panicked populace. His preventative tips for staving off the flu reached as far and wide as Queensland’s Maryborough Chronicle. A sage newspaper item appeared in which the Gosford chemist advised the public to: “Take every other morning for an adult, ten drops of pure rectified spirits of turps in a spoonful of fresh milk.” One can only speculate as to whether it was Eggins’ turps flavoured milk which spared the good folk of Gosford the very worst of the disease. What is known however, is that despite the seriousness of a raging pandemic, the local chemist did dutifully shut his

Here Come the Townies by Andrew Stark (Front Cover)

drug dispensary between one and six each Saturday afternoon to attend Gosford football matches. The 1919 season presents as a watershed year in the history of Gosford football. For the very first time, the GFC did compete in a locally sanctioned competition and had a smidgen of luck fallen their way, the team may well have ended the season clutching the trophy. The silverware had been donated by the proprietor of Erina’s Woodport Sawmill, Mr Alexander Charles Frew, whose shiny cup was to be presented to the team finishing ahead of the pack after the series of home and away fixtures was complete. A separate League Trophy competition was also constructed, and was to be played at the conclusion of the Frew Cup. The League Trophies were individual medals given to players of the winning team. A two-week knockout series was fought out by the top four teams; the rankings determined by the completed Frew Cup competition ladder. The structure of the season

FORT DENISON

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

27 FRI

FRI

0454 0.50 1101 1.53 1702 0.51 2319 1.62 0435 1.59 1130 0.54 1740 1.29 2315 0.70

28 SAT

SAT

has a clear correlation to today’s home and away rounds which are followed by a semifinal series. In 1919, the minor premiers were deemed to have won the competition, while the winners of the ensuing challenge series were crowned the knockout champions. The weighted importance of these two competitions was a direct inversion of the contemporary emphasis. Winning the first past the post, minor premiership, was the major achievement in 1919, as it is today in most World football (soccer) competitions. The knockout series which followed, and which led to a season’s grand final, was deemed to be of lesser importance.

The Gosford Football Club was quick to set in place the founding principle of rugby league. During the Club’s pre-season meeting, held in early May, it was decided that a weekly levy of one shilling was to be imposed upon each member, creating an in-house insurance scheme from which injured players would subsequently be supported. A further item of business struck a most progressive tone, as players were informed that a system of regular training is to be introduced under the direction of the selection committee. Gosford’s 1919 season would become a tale of two distinct halves. At the midpoint of their Frew Cup campaign, Gosford boasted just the single win from their opening five games. Their lone success being an 11-5 victory against competition easy beats Yarramalong, who would become so disheartened by their early efforts, that they forfeited the entire second half of the season. In complete contrast to their pre-July fare, Gosford became the form team of late winter and remained undefeated throughout the return fixtures. An 8-0 win against the previously undefeated Wyong, was followed by victories over Erina 5-3, Ourimbah 20-2, and a final, comprehensive 15-0 away win over the eventual premiers, Jilliby. Peace Day did push the second last round of the football

season back a week, as celebrations overtook Gosford and the entire nation on July 19th. Decorated floats colourfully wended their down Mann Street en route to an afternoon of activities in the park. The local school children put together a series of exhibits symbolising Peace, Prosperity and the British Empire, and a full three minutes of silence was observed to solemnly commemorate those who had fallen during the war. Two days before Peace Day, the Jilliby team had been rocked by the news that one of their players, 25-year-old Richard Sheldon, had lost his battle with influenza. Sheldon was a recently returned serviceman who’d relocated to the district to try his hand at farming and was one of three local influenza deaths recorded on the same day. On the weekend prior to Sheldon’s passing, the Jilliby team had struggled so greatly with an outbreak of the infection within their ranks, that their scheduled fixture against Erina needed to be postponed until later in the season. Wearing the royal blue jerseys made famous by Newtown in the Sydney premiership, Jilliby would become the Cinderella story of 1919. The small-town team was crowned champions of the district despite Jilliby never having previously possessed a football team. The physically lightweight thirteen from the Dooralong

Valley could just as easily have been denied their triumph however, as they were controversially allowed to keep first-round competition points accrued from an 11-5 win over Erina. It was a game in which W&DRFL delegates found that Jilliby had played a man in defiance of rule 21. While no direct detail is given as to what this rule may have consisted of, an official sanction was in place that required any team found to have breached the rule, be required to automatically forfeit any points they may have accrued from said game. The 1919 season was the first in which local players were required to be registered. All club secretaries had been instructed to make available a full list of their registered players prior to kick-off. One strongly suspects that Jilliby had played an unregistered player during this first-round victory over Erina, hence the rule 21 breach. A late May meeting of the competition’s executive committee somewhat benevolently decided to allow Jilliby to keep their points. With half a dozen members of the Smith family in their side, the athletically agile Jilliby team carried forth to claim the Trophy Cup medals, defeating Wyong 3-2 in the final. Extract taken from: Here Come The Townies: The Early History Of Gosford Rugby League by Andrew Stark © 2020 (Available from Lulu Publishing) https://tinyurl.com/thk568p

<INSERT TOWNIES P5, CAPTION= The 1919 Trophy was donated by sawmillers, Alexander and Ellen Frew> Six teams entered the 1919 Frew Cup, which was once again played under the auspices of the Wyong & District Rugby Football League (W&DRFL).

The Champion Jilliby team of 1919

TIDE CHART

0533 0.52 0616 0.56 1138 1.45 1217 1.37 SUN 1733 0.56 1806 0.62 MON 2354 1.62 0543 1.69 0019 0.58 1228 0.43 0541 1.79 1837 1.41 SUN 1217 0.33 MON 1827 1.54

0033 1.59 0704 0.61 1302 1.29 1845 0.69 0016 0.46 0634 1.87 1304 0.25 1914 1.67

31 TUE

TUE

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

Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

0119 1.56 0215 1.54 0322 1.54 0800 0.65 0909 0.66 1023 0.62 WED THU 1357 1.23 1506 1.19 1628 1.21 1933 0.75 2040 0.78 2200 0.77 0111 0.35 0203 0.27 0257 0.24 0725 1.91 0816 1.89 0907 1.82 1348 0.21 WED 1431 0.22 THU 1515 0.27 2000 1.79 2045 1.87 2132 1.92

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

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SPORT PAGE 31 27 MARCH 2020

Jordan Murray brace a bright light in 10th straight loss In the first Hyundai A-League match behind closed doors on March 20, the Mariners were defeated 4-2 by Melbourne City in the sides’ second meeting of the season. Having suffered a 3-1 defeat in Melbourne to City earlier in the season, the Mariners made two alterations to the side who went down to Brisbane last weekend. Tommy Oar returned to the starting eleven alongside Joshua Nisbet, at the expense of Milan Ðuric, who began on the bench, and Daniel DeSilva, who was absent through injury. The match began at a frantic pace, with three goals in the opening ten minutes seeing the hosts take the lead, and then, almost as suddenly, fall behind. Jack Clisby’s whipped ball from the sideline found Jordan Murray with space to run through on Thomas Glover’s goal. Some acute control and precise finishing saw Murray net his third of the season and second against City, after scoring in their previous meeting. The visitors replied almost immediately, striking back through Jamie Maclaren. Minutes later, City took the lead when Susaeta ghosted at

the back post to head home a cross from Melbourne’s Craig Noone. The second half began like the first, with a goal after three minutes, Jamie MacLaren grabbing his second of the match to give Melbourne a 3-1 lead. Some sloppy Mariners’ defending allowed MacLaren an opportunity for a third, but a desperate save from Birighitti denied MacLaren his hat-trick.

Birighitti then produced another stunning save to deny Florin Berenguer-Bohrer a fourth. The Mariners then resurrected some hope with a second goal to Jordan Murray, following a well worked cross from Chris Harold, which saw Murray get above his taller defender to put away the header. The Mariners brief glimmer of hope was soon extinguished however, when Jamie

MacLaren latched onto a ricocheted ball, looping it into the net for a hat-trick. Maclaren’s triple lifts him to 18 goals, above Sydney FC star Adam Le Fondre, into first place in the battle for the Golden Boot. The win lifts second-placed City to within seven points of leaders Sydney, while the Mariners slumped to a 10thstraight loss. Jordan Murray’s double was

a silver lining for the Mariners, who have otherwise had little to celebrate this year. The 24-year-signed up with the Mariners in August, 2018, and scored three goals in his debut campaign in Gosford. He has now scored four goals in 2019/20 for the Yellow and Navy. “There’s so much potential left in Muzza [Murray],” said Coach Alen Stajcic. “He’s got a lot of weapons

under his belt and he’s still a raw A-League player, only having come from the NPL just over a year ago. “He was brought here to be a goal-scorer and I’m really happy for him that he got a couple today.” Source: Central Coast Mariners website Reporter: Ross Barry

A-League season postponed Football Federation Australia (FFA) announced on Tuesday, March 24, that it has postponed the final rounds of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 Season, effectively immediately. The decision is the latest in a series of measures introduced by FFA in response to the

ongoing spread of COVID-19 and comes with the unanimous support of all A-League clubs. FFA will review the situation over the coming weeks with a further formal status assessment now scheduled for April 22. The goal at this stage is to reschedule games as soon as

it is reasonably possible to do so, in order to complete the season. The decision reflects the stringent social distancing measures that have now been introduced by Government, the introduction of State border restrictions within Australia, and the implementation of the highest levels of border

restrictions for New Zealand. FFA CEO James Johnson said: “Our priority is to ensure the safety of both the football community and the community at large – as each passing day raises additional concerns for the safety of both, it is imperative that we follow the lead of Governments at National and State level and take the

necessary precautionary and proactive measures and in doing so play our part.” “As the largest club-based participation sport with nearly two million participants, we have a clear and obvious duty to play our part in doing whatever we can to support the efforts to slow down the spread of COVID-19,” Johnson said.

FFA will continue to monitor the situation in consultation with the National COVID-19 Working Committee and provide updates as they become available. Source: Media Release, Mar 24 Football federation Australia

PAGE 32 27 MARCH 2020 SPORT

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10th straight loss

In the first Hyundai A-League match behind closed doors on March 20, the Mariners were defeated 4-2. See page 31

Here Come the Townies

TOKYO 2020 21 After weeks of speculation by the sporting world, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that the 2020 Olympics, due to start in July, will be postponed for up to one year. The President of IOC, Thomas Bach, President of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, Mori Yoshiro, and the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, held a joint conference call on Wednesday morning to make the announcement. They expressed their joint concern about the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and said

that, based on the latest information provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo would be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020, but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes and the international community. The decision is a symbolic one â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Olympic Games and the iconic Olympic Flame has always been a beacon of hope to the world during troubled times. The postponement reflects both the concern over the spread of the virus and the worldwide restrictions on

public gatherings. But it also recognises the fact that it is no longer possible for athletes to continue their training and preparation for the Olympics, including due to the cancellation of major national selection events. In Australia, the closure of gyms, swimming pools and other public sporting amenities earlier this week has also brought many training schedules to a halt. It was reported in national media that Australia, Canada and Britain had already advised the IOC that they were withdrawing from the Games

and that the decision by the IOC came in response to these and many more countries pulling out. The postponement will be a mixed blessing for as many as a dozen local athletes, such as high jumper Nicola McDermott, sprint canoeist Riley Fitzsimmons and sailor Tom Slingsby, who had either already qualified or were seeking qualification for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s games. IOC member, Dick Pound, said that stakeholders, from the organising committee, to athletes to broadcasters and sporting federations, would all need to be consulted before a

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plan for a 2021 Summer Games could be established. World Athletics said on Monday that they would be willing to move their 2021 world championships, scheduled for August 6 to 15 in Eugene, Oregon, to clear a path for a 2021 Olympics. While the modern Olympics were cancelled during war years in 1916, 1940 and 1944, and had suffered from Cold War boycotts of the Moscow and Los Angeles games, never in its 124 year history have the Olympics been postponed.

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Reporter: Ross Barry

No sooner had hostilities on northern battlefields met their ultimate and merciful cessation, than a horrific influenza pandemic did begin its pneumonic sweep across the globe See page 38

COVID-19 Cancellations

Central Coast Grammar School could have uncovered a future Olympian, following a record breaking swim by student, Taylem Barnard. See page 29

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