Coast Community News 276 by Central Coast Newspapers

22 JANUARY 2021

ISSUE 276

News

Local sculptor, Pete Rush, has been awarded a funded residency deal by Central Coast Council to continue creating sculptures on Central Coast beaches. See page 4

Meals on Wheels volunteer Paula Hardwick was named Central Coast Citizen of the Year at Council’s Australia Day awards ceremony on January 20. See page 6

Out&About

Funding Rush

It was a bittersweet day for staff at the Australian Reptile Park when Hope the wombat left the park to live in the wild at Cedar Creek Wombat Rescue on January 21. See page 17

Health

Ratepayer anger over prospective rate rise Central Coast Council is facing the brunt of ratepayer anger over its plans to institute either a 10 per cent or 15 per cent rate rise from next year. A letter sent to residents in recent weeks seeking community feedback has sparked a flurry of letters to this newspaper and comments online, with ratepayers unhappy about their limited options. The online survey pointed to in the letter allows residents to express support for one of the two rate increase options, but has no provision for people to respond that they don’t want any increase at all, or want a variation of the two options on the table. Some residents are suggesting people should bypass the Council survey and go straight to the IPART website to have their say. IPART will decide on whether or not the Council can impose a rate rise and how much it can be.

Resident David Watts of Terrigal says the rate increase would take 22 years to pay off the Council debt. He says a better idea would be financing a half a billion dollar loan at two per cent per year. That would mean the council would have a $10M interest bill every year. He said the council had $10B in assets and a plan to sell some to meet the financial obligations could be devised. Administrator Dick Persson has defended the need for a rate rise. “As ratepayers you are ‘the shareholders’ of the Council; there is no one else who will or should contribute to fixing the financial mess we’re in,” he said. “Some call on the former councillors to pay - not possible. “The amount vastly exceeds their personal wealth, and secondly, there is no legal path for this to happen. “Others suggest the State Government should pay

because they forced the merger. “As made clear in my 30- day report, the merger had a very minor role in blowing out Council’s budget. “The State Government will not accept responsibility for the financial mess created by the councillors elected and the CEO they appointed. “The ‘turnaround’ plan (acting CEO Rik) Hart and I are putting in place will give a balanced budget next year and deliver small surpluses thereafter to start paying off our debt. “This plan involves cutting costs more than raising revenue. “It avoids closing existing services.” Persson said if IPART approves the increase, when combined with harmonising rates between former Gosford and Wyong, the average rates increase for the former Gosford Council area will be around $7 a week, and former Wyong average rates will decrease by about $3 a week.

Resident Brian Davies of Palmdale said he was like many others who refused to fill out the survey. “It doesn't matter if we put dissenting comments, they'll only count the ticked boxes,” he said. “Whose future are we securing? “The ratepayers didn't get themselves into this mess and yet miraculously it's no one's fault? “I see the rate rise as being like charging the lab rats to subsidise the experimenters. “The state government imposed this massive amalgamation experiment on a whole lot of councils for political reasons and it's been a dismal failure. “It was not imposed on any proven basis and was always expected to take many years before any benefits were achieved. “To add insult to injury the (State) Government has been cost shifting (its) responsibilities to councils so our rates are de

facto taxes to the government as they spend less of the state taxpayer funds. “There seems to be a lot of finger pointing at the suspended elected councillors but as I see it the basic problems existed before they came on the scene. “And they could only work with the financial reports provided to them that did not show the true situation, as demonstrated by several outside investigations into finances not showing any problems. “Admittedly during their time we had COVID, fires, floods and beach erosion to make matters worse but had we had adequate support for amalgamation and the State Government paying (its) share for disaster support then I believe we'd much better off.” Feedback to IPART is open until March 1. The council survey closes at midnight on Friday, January 29. Merilyn Vale and Terry Collins

At the age of just three, Taylah Ross of Point Frederick had her first operation – to remove a plexiform neurofibroma which was growing on the back of her neck... See page 31

Sport

The Western Sydney Wanderers have brought the dream start by the Central Coast Mariners to an end with a thrilling 1-0 defeat of the locals at Central Coast Stadium on Tuesday evening. See page 39

Puzzles page 22

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

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22 JANUARY 2021

CCN

NEWS

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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 Coast Community Pelican Post and the Coast Community 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”, 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. Our content is originated through both our own team of local journalists as well as external

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

24 DECEMBER 2020

15 JANUARY 2021

ISSUE 274 13 JANUARY 2021

News

ISSUE 221

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

More signs of COVID on the Coast

The COVID positive resident, who is in isolation in Western Sydney, visited the Saltwater Bistro at Avoca Beach Hotel on December 20 between 7.40

sewage surveillance program detected traces of the virus at the Kincumber sewage treatment plant, which services multiple suburbs to the south of the region, on December 21. There are currently two confirmed cases in the Central Coast Local Health District, both of whom are being monitored. Central Coast Local Health District has reinforced the importance of physical distancing, good hand hygiene and remaining alert for symptoms, which include a fever, cough, sore/scratchy

throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, and loss of taste or smell. In addition to testing clinics at Gosford and Wyong hospitals, a walk-in COVID-19 testing clinic has been established at the Woy Woy Hospital, next to the kiosk, on Ocean Beach Rd, which will operate every day until Thursday December 24 (inclusive) between 8am and 4.30pm. Residents are reminded that home gatherings are limited to 10 people, with a slight easing of restrictions announced by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian

allowing children under 12 to be excluded from the number count over Christmas (December 24-26 inclusive). Berejiklian reinforced the fact that this is the maximum number allowed, more than one group of 10 visiting at different times of the day is not permitted. On December 27, restrictions revert to a maximum of 10 persons visiting a home, including children. Source: NSW Health website Media release, Dec 23 Central Coast Local Health District

Central Coast Council has taken out another loan – this time for $100M – as it continues to work through mitigation measures for its cash crisis.

CCN

This latest loan sees Council’s total borrowings for the year reach $200M, with a $50M loan taken out with NAB in May to be repaid over 20 years, and another $50M borrowed from an unnamed financial institution in November – a principle and interest loan with

a fixed five-year term amortised over 15 years. The latest loan was approved at an extraordinary meeting on December 18 and is a fixed threeyear loan amortising over 15 years. Details of the loan were discussed in closed session and remain commercial-inconfidence. A Council spokesperson said the loan will assist Council with a positive budget for the next financial year and long term 10-

year financial plan. Council resolved at the December 18 meeting to authorise Administrator Dick Persson and Acting Chief Executive Officer Rik Hart to execute all documents relating to the facility agreement between Council and the financial institution. The Council also resolved that the report should remain confidential in accordance with section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act as it “contains

commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it”. The minutes also say that consideration of the matter in open Council would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest as publication of all tendered amounts would discourage potential tenderers from submitting commercial information in future. Meanwhile, Council continues

its path to financial recovery and sustainability under its business recovery plan, the spokesperson said. Reductions have been made in the capital works program, sales of assets are underway, an employee savings target has been set and a voluntary redundancy program has commenced, as well as notification to IPART for a special rate variation of 15 per cent. CCN report

Bluebottles arrive en masse

22 JANUARY 2021 20 JANUARY 2021

Fires ravaged waste management facilities at either end of the Central Coast on January 10 – the first time both Woy Woy and Buttonderry tips have experienced simultaneous fires.

ISSUE 222

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

News

Health risks of toxic emissions

See page 4

Meals on Wheels volunteer Paula Hardwick was named Central Coast Citizen of the Year at Council’s Australia Day awards ceremony on January 20.

A ban placed on river dams within the Ourimbah Creek and Jilliby Jilliby Creek water sources is just one aspect of water management on the Central Coast being reviewed by the NSW Government.

See page 5

See page 3

Out&About

ISSUE 276

See page 17

Education

It took all night on Sunday, January 10, for 45 firefighters and more than a dozen brigades to bring a blaze under control at Buttonderry Waste Management Facility on Hue Hue Rd, Jilliby.

See page 17

Education

See page 5

In a competition between 666 schools, the Terrigal Primary School debating team, Terrigal Tigers, have been named runnersup in the NSW Premiers Debating Challenge. See page 35

Central Coast Council’s financial woes date back to 2016 A specialist accounting firm that works with councils appears to have shed more light on the cause of Central Coast Council’s financial woes.

Central Coast fishers will soon be bream-ing with excitement, with a Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) recently deployed to ocean waters near Terrigal. See page 40

Puzzles page 22

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

LG Solutions looked at Council’s publicly available and audited financial statements in October 2020 after the Council financial position became public, and said that it had to “pick itself up off the floor after what it found”. “Little did we know when we started the review that we would uncover far more than we bargained for,” the LG

Solutions’ report said. The company held back on publishing its regular industry newsletter and notified its findings to Council, the Department of Local Government and the NSW Audit Office. LG Solutions said that they hadn’t heard back from any of those three organisations or from the council association, Local Government NSW, and therefore, published its findings in early November See page 10 for more

Junior school students at Warnervale’s MacKillop Catholic College will return to school to find a colourful surprise in the form of some new murals. See page 33

A group of Red Cross volunteers from across the State with Lauraine Martinus (3rd from left) personally thanked by Premier Gladys Berejiklian for her dedication to the local community

A Woy Woy resident has been personally thanked by Premier Gladys Berejiklian for her efforts and service during last summer’s bushfires.

Lauraine Martinus, Team Leader of Red Cross Emergency Services Central Coast, was commended on her dedication to the community at a special event held at the NSW Parliament last month. The announcement comes after a group of Red Cross volunteers from across the state received Bushfire

Emergency Citations, which recognise the services of thousands of people who fought the fires and supported communities. The seven volunteers who attended the event were invited to represent 636 Red Cross volunteers and staff across the state who are being awarded the service honour. As a Red Cross Emergency Services volunteer for more than 17 years, Martinus said some of the scenes of last year’s bushfires were devastating.

“Last year I travelled down, with my team members, to the Recovery Centre at Batemans Bay (and) we were able to work with local agencies to provide support to those people affected,” Martinus said. “I helped people register and linked them with support, from clean clothes, to a place to sleep, to financial assistance. “I was able to listen to their stories of what they had been through and offer comfort, reassurance and referrals to other agencies in the area. “A lot of people were

Central Coast Bicycle User Group (CCBUG) will continue its Social Sunday Cycles sessions with a ride to start at Fisherman’s Wharf, Woy Woy, on January 17. See page 17

Health

See page 6

Out&About

See page 3

Out&About

A second win in three days has pushed the Central Coast Mariners to the top of the table after a clinical 2-0 win away against Macarthur FC. See page 40 Central Coast Council Acting CEO, Rik Hart

Council has notified the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) of its intention to apply for a Special Variation (SV) of either a one-off 10 per cent remaining in the rate base for seven years or a one-off 15 per cent, remaining permanently in the rate base, inclusive of the

2021/22 rate peg of 2 per cent. Acting CEO Rik Hart said he understood community concern about paying more rates, but this was needed for Council’s long-term financial security and ongoing service delivery which would benefit everyone. “We have been open with the community about our financial situation and are taking significant steps to help our bottom line – we are selling assets, reducing staff numbers and materials and contracts, reducing the capital works program, looking at fees and

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch is warning Peninsula residents to be aware of the importance of continuing with COVID-safety measures...

Continued page 4

Claims made that Vales Point allowed to pollute at double NSW legal levels

See page 17

Education

See pages 4 & 5

Sport

A Woy Woy cricketer has been named player of the round after an impressive performance at Woongarrah last weekend. See page 40

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford & 3 Amy Close, Wyong - Phone: 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net - www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Central Coast residents have expressed grave concerns about prospective rate rises in the aftermath of the council’s financial blowout. The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) announced it had received 2,700 direct submissions (in December) from concerned residents – the highest number of submissions ever received on a single topic. Residents are invited to have a say on the proposed rate rise for the region which could potentially be as high as 15 per cent. Council has notified (IPART) of its intention to apply for a Special Variation (SV) of either a one-off 10 per cent remaining in the rate base for seven years or a one-off 15 per cent,

remaining permanently in the rate base, inclusive of the 2021/22 rate peg of 2%. With a 10 per cent rise the average residential increase would be $2.13 a week ($111 p.a.) and the average business increase $6.11 a week ($318 p.a.). With a 15 per cent increase the average residential rate rise would be $3.20 a week ($166 p.a.) and the average business rise $9.30 a week ($477 p.a.). Acting CEO Rik Hart said he understood community concern about paying more rates, but this was needed for Council’s long-term financial security and ongoing service delivery which would benefit everyone. “We have been open with the community about our financial situation and are taking

Central Coast Council Acting CEO, Rik Hart

significant steps to help our bottom line – we are selling assets, reducing staff numbers and materials and contracts, reducing the capital works program, looking at fees and

charges and we have been able to secure further loans,” Hart said. “The last thing we want to do is put more burden on our ratepayers. “But if we do not have a substantial increase in our rate income as well, then even harder decisions will need to be made. “For our community that would mean a significant reduction or even elimination of services that they need and rely on us to provide. “Our first priority has to be the repayment of restricted funds, which were unlawfully used, so that does not become a burden for future generations. “This is a conversation our community has to have, and we want to hear from as many residents and ratepayers as possible.

“I urge all community members to keep an open mind, consider the information put before them, and to provide feedback over the coming weeks before Council determines in early February whether or not to formally apply to IPART for a Special Variation.” Information on the options being considered for an SV as well as a survey for ratepayers and residents can be found at yourvoiceourcoast.com Council will consider a report about the Special Variation options, inclusive of community feedback, at its meeting on February 8. IPART will continue to accept submissions until March 1. Source: Media release, Jan 11 Central Coast Council IPART website, Dec 24

Sport Origin Energy is moving ahead with plans to install a battery, the biggest of its type in Australia, at its Eraring coal-fired power station, on the shores of Lake Macquarie.

The BMX track at Duffys Reserve, Terrigal, has been closed for two months while the track is being upgraded by Central Coast Council with funding from the State Government. See page 39

Puzzles page 22

The battery would be used to store 700 megawatts of electricity from any source, including solar, wind, gas, as well as the coal-fuelled turbines, and send that power into the grid when needed. With an estimated investment by Origin of more than a billion

Power station to install country’s biggest storage battery

dollars, the Eraring battery project is currently the largest in Australia, in the move to drive down emissions and transition towards renewables, cleaner systems and more reliable electricity supply. Origin has sought an Expression of Interest to suitably qualified companies to supply and install the large scale battery. A Connection Enquiry has also been lodged with service provider TransGrid to connect the battery to the national grid

via the Eraring substation. Eraring is Australia’s largest power station supplying about a quarter of NSW’s energy needs and is Origin’s only coalfired generator. It is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2032 and this 700-megawatt battery will allow Origin to use existing infrastructure and network connections long after the power station has stopped producing electricity by burning coal. The battery will also support

the NSW energy grid’s transition away from fossil fuels and the entry of new solar and wind projects in coming decades. Origin Executive General Manager, Energy Supply and Operations, Greg Jarvis, said the battery at Eraring supported Origin’s decarbonisation objectives as well as recent NSW energy policy announcements to transition to renewable energy. “A large-scale battery at Eraring will help us better support renewable energy and

maintain reliable supply for customers by having long duration storage ready to despatch into the grid at times when renewable sources are not available,” he said. “It will support Origin’s orderly transition away from coal fired generation by 2032.” Operation of the battery is expected to be established over three stages, with the first being reached by late 2022, and full operation by 2026. Sue Murray

Two years ago, the Mariners launched the Yellow and Navy Foundation, the primary function of which was to provide opportunities and pathways for young players. See page 38

Puzzles page 23

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford & 3 Amy Close, Wyong - Phone: 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net - www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

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

Office: Level 2.01/86-88 Mann Street Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

See page 17

Health

Ratepayer anger over prospective rate rise Dooralong Public School has been abandoned to decline into a derelict state since it was closed in 2011, and there are no clear plans for its future. See page 34

See page 34

Sport

It was a bittersweet day for staff at the Australian Reptile Park when Hope the wombat left the park to live in the wild at Cedar Creek Wombat Rescue on January 21.

See page 17

Billion dollar battery for Eraring Power Station The festive season may be over, but there are still plenty of family fun activities available for the rest of the holidays.

Funding Rush

Vera’s Water Garden is open and ready for play following a contamination issue.

Education

Dr Ben Ewald (left) and Will Belford of Future Sooner

Community angst over prospective rate rises

Maisy Rae

Family run business, The Outlook Riding Academy, is a little different to others, offering guests ponies, parties, and a psychologist.

A smack of bluebottle jellyfish has hit Central Coast beaches over the past week, causing major inconvenience for beachgoers. See page 4 for more

See page 35

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce says a rate rise is “the last thing” the Coast needs, as Central Coast Council invites residents to have their say on a proposed rise of 1015 per cent this year.

Puzzles page 23

elderly residents on the Central Coast to prepare for heatwaves. “It is a pleasure to be able to help people in their time of need,” Martinus said. “That is why I put my hand up last year to provide telephone support to those people staying at quarantine hotels in Sydney.” Martinus commended her fellow volunteers from the Central Coast team who also provided invaluable support and assistance to vulnerable residents.

‘The last thing we need’ - Chamber

Sport

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford & 3 Amy Close, Wyong - Phone: 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net - www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

devastated and feeling totally lost, all they wanted was a chat and some information.” As leader of the Central Coast team, Martinus has led a number of emergency responses over the past year for fires, floods, and COVID-19 related crises. In 2020 alone, Martinus worked in bushfire and flood evacuation centres, made over 400 personal support calls to returning Australians in hotel quarantine, taught primary school preparedness lessons, and delivered gel cooling neckties and messages to

News

Local sculptor, Pete Rush, has been awarded a funded residency deal by Central Coast Council to continue creating sculptures on Central Coast beaches.

Woy Woy volunteer thanked by Premier The word ‘Bangarra’ is the Wiradjuri word meaning ‘to make fire’, and a special performance at The Art House Wyong in February is sure to set hearts and minds alight.

You can experience breathtaking work from four of Australia’s leading surf photographers at Gosford Regional Gallery this summer.

Sport

Spot us another $100M: Council

It took firefighters two hours to contain a fire which broke out at Woy Woy Waste Management Facility on January 10.

See page 3

Out&About

and 8.30pm. Anyone who attended the bistro at the specified time is considered a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until they receive a negative test result. They should then continue to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days and if any symptoms occur, get tested again. The business had a COVIDsafety plan in place and casual contacts are being contacted, with the case having been linked to the Avalon cluster. Meanwhile, the state’s

News

Out&About

See page 3

ISSUE 275

News

ISSUE 005

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Twelve trees have been removed from a Bateau Bay picnic area in Wyrrabalong National Park following their deliberate poisoning.

The Palm Beach to Ettalong and Wagstaffe Ferry will continue to run on schedule despite calls from some residents for a suspension of the service during the Northern Beaches COVID-19 cluster period.

Central Coast residents are being urged to continue being tested for COVID-19 if they have even the mildest symptoms, with a COVID positive Western Sydney resident having visited Avoca Beach on December 20 and virus fragments having been discovered in a sewage treatment plant at Kincumber.

14 JANUARY 2021

News

45 firefighters needed to extinguish Buttonderry blaze

Central Coast Council is facing the brunt of ratepayer anger over its plans to institute either a 10 per cent or 15 per cent rate rise from next year. A letter sent to residents in recent weeks seeking community feedback has sparked a flurry of letters to this newspaper and comments online, with ratepayers unhappy about their limited options. The online survey pointed to in the letter allows residents to express support for one of the two rate increase options, but has no provision for people to respond that they don’t want any increase at all, or want a variation of the two options on the table. Some residents are suggesting people should bypass the Council survey and go straight to the IPART website to have their say. IPART will decide on whether or not the Council can impose a rate rise and how much it can be.

At the age of just three, Taylah Ross of Point Frederick had her first operation – to remove a plexiform neurofibroma which was growing on the back of her neck... See page 31

Sport

The Western Sydney Wanderers have brought the dream start by the Central Coast Mariners to an end with a thrilling 1-0 defeat of the locals at Central Coast Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Merilyn Vale and Terry Collins

See page 39

Puzzles page 22

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

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22 JANUARY 2021

From manufactured housing estate to tourist park – new Bangaloe Stud proposal draws opposition A new proposal for a caravan park development on land formerly occupied by Bangaloe Stud at Kincumber has raised a red flag for members of the Kincumber and Picketts Valley Community Action Group (KPVCAG). Plans for an over 50s manufactured housing estate comprising 202 houses and accompanying buildings on the 24ha site were unanimously rejected by the Central Coast Local Planning Panel last August following a major protest campaign spearheaded by KPVCAG and a recommendation for refusal from Central Coast Council. The $19.7M project, Choice Living Avoca, was refused on a number of grounds, with the panel saying it was inconsistent with the area’s E4 Environmental Living zoning, would have resulted in additional stormwater run-off and increased downstream flooding, would have impacted the ecological values, visual and scenic quality of the area and would have been an

The proposed development site at Kincumber

overdevelopment of the site. The new proposal, lodged by Avoca Land Pty Limited, is for a $9.27M tourist/caravan park comprising 68 sites. Of these, 31 will be used as “long-term” sites and 37 for “short-term” sites. Documents lodged with the application say consent is also sought for: the construction of a recreational area for mini golf, tennis and horse riding; a community centre; an

amenities building; and a manager’s office. The development would also involve internal private roads including the intersection onto Avoca Dr, bulk earthworks/ regrading and retaining and landscaping. “The development is proposed to be used as a tourist park with draw card amenities and recreation facilities,” the documents say. “The site will accommodate

short stay visitors where stays will be limited to 180 days in any 12-month period, and long stay visitors/residents.” The community centre would include a kitchen, bathroom, pool, seating, barbecue area and parking and landscaping would include riparian revegetation, a fenced dog park, bushwalking tracks including a canopy walk, an exercise circuit, a playground and a jumping pillow.

But KPVCAG President Graham Murray says the new proposed development still poses many of the original reasons for earlier refusal. The community had concerns over a range of issues, he said. These include the extent of large scale cut and fill earthworks, with 70,000 cubic metres of earth to be moved on-site and 5,500 cubic metres of fill imported. The proposed de-watering

and filling in of a large dam would place the habitat of local fauna including the endangered Green Golden Bell Frog at risk as well as creating the potential for storm water pollution within the Avoca Lagoon catchment, he said. Residents are also concerned at the potential loss of 210 trees (including 80 threatened species). They question whether or not the proposal meets with the local character of the area, or the intent and integrity of the E4 zoning which is for sensitive low-impact rural development. There is also concern over the proposed widening of a bush trail from Picketts Valley Rd to 4m to allow for entry and exit of vehicles, Murray said. “This will threaten the precious green wildlife corridor with connectivity from Kincumba Mountain to Bouddi National Park,” he said. The full proposal for DA60468/2020 can be viewed on the Council website with final submissions/objections due by February 22. Terry Collins

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NEWS

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Funding Rush From page 1 Local sculptor, Pete Rush, has been awarded a funded residency deal by Central Coast Council to continue creating sculptures on Central Coast beaches. His many works of art, erected during months of social restrictions last year, have been acknowledged for their positive impact on tourism and

the mental health of the community. A Council spokesperson confirmed Rush was identified in August 2020 as a successful applicant for Council’s Creative Art Central 2020 program. “Staff have been working with him to finalise his creative summer program that coincides with the Coast’s peak tourism season,” the spokesperson said.

“The project is part of Council’s Cultural Plan which identifies local artists and helps them deliver community-based projects that promote the Central Coast as a progressive and creative region.” As part of his deal, Rush is required to complete at least three sculptures over the next two months on any beach on the Central Coast. The news couldn’t have come

at a better time for Rush, who has received no financial assistance for the many sculptures he has completed so far. “It got to a point where I thought I would have to go back to work, start paying bills,” Rush said. “But just when I had done what I thought was the last one, they pulled through, which means I can continue.

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“I am very impressed and grateful to the Council. “I understood the pressures the Council had, but through support from the Arts and Culture Worker, Jonathon Gilbert, and some of his colleagues, it was pushed through.” Rush said his official title was Artist in Residence on the Beach. “They (Council) have been so great, and it is all up to me on what I want to do,” he said. His latest creation at Spoon Bay is a tribute to a collie dog called Arlo which is owned by a White Island Volcano survivor. “Stephanie Browitt was on TV, and she was coming home from the hospital after six months with the burns mask to see her dog, Arlo, for his birthday,” he said. “It was the most beautiful footage because you would think, to a dog, Stephanie would be unrecognisable with

the burns mask. “But Arlo recognised her, and he was all over her. “It was just an amazing moment, and it really spoke about the connection between dogs and humans. “I am always looking for animal-themed things for ideas, and I thought it was worth a tribute. “It’s not a portrait of Arlo as such, more a tribute to him. “It’s as much of a collie dog as I could make it. “Collies need white on them to be distinctive, and there is nothing white on the beach I could use. “I did have the dog turning its head to look across the ocean towards New Zealand. “I am sure that the dog knew something was up, that maybe Stephanie was in trouble, so I was trying to capture the moment.” Jacinta Counihan

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Timor-Leste Consul-General visits Gosford The relationship between Australia and the people of Timor-Leste was reinforced when the country’s ConsulGeneral in Sydney paid a visit to Gosford Anglican Church on January 13. Consul—General Luciano Valentim da Conceicao met with Father Rod Bower to thank him for the church’s sustained support of the Timorese people and its opposition to social injustices they have faced since the country was invaded by Indonesia in 1975. Conceicao was accompanied by the Carvarino family of Hamlyn Terrace, who he hopes will be the subject of a documentary on the invasion and its aftermath. It wasn’t until he was an adult that Jorge Carvarino realised the important positions his parents had held in East Timor before the invasion. Brought to Australia at the age of six, along with his brother and sister, Carvarino was raised by his maternal grandparents, who had fled East Timor during the invasion. He eventually discovered that his parents, both high figures in Timorese politics prior to the invasion, were incarcerated

Father Rod Bower at Gosford Anglican Church with Consul-General of Timor-Leste in Sydney Luciano Valentim da Conceicao

and eventually killed by the invading forces. “I didn’t really know much about my family history growing up,” Carvarino said. “Apparently they were both on a hit list and my father was captured by the Indonesian military and later killed,” he said.

“There is still mystery surrounding what happened to my mother following her surrender to the military. “I didn’t really get to know either of my parents.” Carvarino and his brother and sister were brought to Australia in 1983 and grew up in Queensland raised by their

maternal grandparents, who had fled Timor-Leste after the invasion. “A lot of the family history was hidden from us,” he said. The siblings did not find out for many years that they also had a younger brother, who was adopted by an Indonesian general following the invasion.

“In 2009 we got a call saying they had found our younger brother and we have since reconnected via social media,” Carvarino said. “I’m disappointed not to have known much about my parents and their struggles growing up.” Himself highly active in

Timorese politics prior to its independence in 1999 and since, Conceicao is determined to see a documentary on the Carvarino family come to fruition and is trying to interest the ABC. Bower said there had been much upheaval, pain and suffering visited upon the Timorese people. “They are one of our closest neighbours and it is really important for us to be conscious of their experiences.” Bower has always taken a great interest in social justice issues, especially regarding instances of “stolen children”. “This is an issue not just for our own nation, but for one of our closest neighbours, which saw many thousands of children separated from their relatives and culture,” he said. “For me, the meeting brought home the human face of some of the issues faced by TimorLeste.” Bower said he would welcome another visit by the ConsulGeneral, who hopes to return once social restrictions are further eased to address the entire congregation of Gosford Anglican Church. Terry Collins

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Paula Hardwick is Central Meals on Wheels volunteer Paula Hardwick was named Central Coast Citizen of the Year at Council’s Australia Day awards ceremony on January 20.

Citizen of the Year, Paula Hardwick

A volunteer with the organisation for the past 21 years, Hardwick increased her hours during COVID-19 restrictions last year, helping to ensure nutritious meals were delivered to the region’s most vulnerable and providing important social interaction. Passionate about bringing happiness and cheer during a difficult time, Hardwick would often make her deliveries in costume, with clients being greeted by the queen, a teddy bear, a pirate, a clown and a nurse, among others. Twelve exceptional community members were recognised at the awards which Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said recognised Central Coast locals who have contributed positively to many facets of community life. “Each of our nine winners and three highly commended

recipients have enriched our community through their unique achievements and contributions and I am thrilled to congratulate them on this honour,” Vaughan said. “Our Citizen of the Year for 2021, Paula Hardwick epitomises what it means to be an Australian, having committed her time as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels Central Coast for more than 20 years. “When COVID-19 restrictions came into effect last year and Paula’s role as a flight attendant ceased, she increased her commitment to Meals on Wheels and started volunteering several days a week to ensure her clients received nutritional meals and valuable social interaction during a difficult time. “It’s this commitment to going the extra mile to support some of the most vulnerable members of our community that makes Paula a worthy recipient of our 2021 Citizen of the Year Award.” Council Administrator, Dick Persson, said Australia Day honours are a celebration of the diverse and remarkable contributions of extraordinary

Australians. “To be recognised for your outstanding contributions to community life is an exceptional honour of which you should all be very proud,” Persson told recipients. “Australia Day provides an opportunity to reflect on our history, to celebrate rich tapestry of cultures which make up our community and to look to the future. “In doing so, I would like to pay special acknowledgement to the Coast’s Indigenous community, the Darkinjung people, who play a vital role in shaping the future of our region.” Elyssia Gasparotto was named Youth of the Year A former Australian Sporting Representative and champion, Gasparotto has recently completed her academic studies, with a double degree in Aboriginal Professional Practice and Law. She has also successfully fulfilled numerous appointments as an Australian youth representative to

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Coast 2021 Citizen of the Year

The Central Coast Australia Day award winners with Council Adminstrator Dick Persson

the United Nations, including Humanitarian Affairs Peace Ambassador, and contributed to the community as a professional beach and pool lifeguard. Volunteer of the Year joint winners were Mervyn Lane and Pamela Price. After retiring from the NSW Police Force following 40 years of service, Lane became a member of the Terrigal Fifty Plus Leisure and Learning Centre in 2010, holding several committee positions since and

managing over 40 other volunteers, as well as the daily running of the centre and the upkeep and maintenance of the building. Price is the founding member of the Doyalson Squadron of the NSW Australian Air League, a female group providing equal opportunities and experiences for females through the Australian Air League. Paul Lemmon, who continues to perform as an outstanding Masters athlete in the ocean and the pool, was named

Sportsperson of the Year. He is also a coach and mentor within the Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club. Environmental Award winner was Sue Booth, who initiates programs and processes to protect native wildlife and is the wildlife champion of the valleys west of Wyong. Lynn Axford was named Community Service and Activity winner. A member of the Chain Valley Bay Progress Association and 355 Hall Committee for the

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past 33 years, she has organised numerous activities and services within local halls and has organised Jazz in the Park to maintain connection in the community. Highly commended for Community Service and Activity were Patonga Beach, Berkeley Vale and Spencer RFS Brigades. Winner in the Business Connecting Communities category was Kaylene Conway, whose not for profit what’s on website CC365 promotes local events and businesses across

the Central Coast and has become the primary destination for events listings in the region. Sharon Aldrick was named winner in the Arts, Culture and Entertainment category. A well-known local photographer and community arts worker, Aldrick was commissioned in 2020 to take historically important photographs of the Central Coast during the COVID-19 pandemic, to be exhibited this year. She has also dedicated

herself to improving arts and culture opportunities on the Central Coast for the community, as well as mentoring emerging artists and artists with disabilities and has also been working with Central Coast indigenous dance company NAISDA to photographically document the experiences of NAISDA’s talented dancers. Source: Media release, Jan 21 Central Coast Council

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NEWS

Financial recovery process begins In an exclusive interview with Central Coast Newspapers, Central Coast Council Acting CEO, Rik Hart, elaborated on the current state of Council’s financial recovery measures, moves to cut staff numbers and how things are shaping up for the region’s future. While he acknowledged the proposed rate increase of 1015 per cent would be a “major impost” on many families, Hart said it was a necessary move in combatting the Council deficit. “This has been a very challenging time,” Hart, who was appointed to his acting position by Administrator Dick Persson on October 30 last year, said. “It’s been a very difficult time for staff, but I have to say that working with both staff and the unions has been a pleasure. “You might have expected we would run into a lot of resistance, but the unions have been onside and working with us to solve one of our biggest problems, which is that we have too many staff.”

Hart said Council had called on staff to consider voluntary redundancies over the Christmas period and a number had taken up that offer. While Persson is the “public face” of the Council’s interim management team, Hart said he was “working from within” to address Council’s problems and will continue in the role until a new CEO is appointed, which he expects to be some time after Easter. Originally appointed for three months, Persson has applied for a three-month extension of his tenure, which would see him in the Administrator role until the end of April, and Hart said he expected the State Government to be sympathetic to his request, which would see both men continuing with their roles until Council finances are more on track and the new CEO is appointed. “That process is going well,” he said. “Some good people have already applied for the role and the recruitment process is well underway. “The administrator has put together a panel to consider applications.

financial support from the Treasury or TCorp because they are not a lender, so we had to find our own way through. “Part of our agreement with the (private) lenders requires asset sales to clear the restricted funds debt.” Although it is on Central Coast Council’s list of deferred projects, Hart is confident that a regional library will still be delivered in the Gosford town centre. “I know the Administrator is keen to deliver it and because there is funding from State and Federal governments involved as well as local funds, I have some confidence we will be able to do it,” Hart said. Hart said he had not met with any of the suspended councillors but felt they had to “carry the can”. He said he would support Acting CEO Rik Hart financial training for any future “I am on that panel, but the sold and will take their advice councillors and a reduction in ultimate decision will rest with on likely markets,” he said. councillor numbers. Mr Persson.” Hart said the sales were “Someone can promise the Hart said planned asset sales necessary under conditions of worldADVERTISEMENT but unless they should see the Council realise recent loans taken with private understand how to finance and lenders. “tens of millions of dollars”. operate it, the costs come back “We have had some difficulty to bite you,” he said. “We will take advice from a panel of experts to assure we in securing loans,” he said. “Most councillors in my ADVERTISEMENT get a good price for any assets “Council will receive no

experience don’t understand finances.” Hart said 15 councillors was “too many” and he would strongly support a reduction in councillor numbers. Hart said Council’s next budget would be “austere”. “We need to have a budget which matches lender’s expectations so there will be no frills,” he said. “Council can build up again in the future but for now we need to get back to the core (areas) of roads, rates and rubbish. “We have to address the fact this Council spent a lot more than it was earning. “We have needed to borrow money under tight conditions so we must do what needs to be done to see the budget returning a small surplus in 12 months’ time. “It’s a big ask, but we can do it.”

FO To see the full interview, go to our website: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Emma McBride MP u m Source: Video interview, January 19 Central Coast Council, Acting CEO, Rik Hart

MEMBER F

Emma McBride MP MEMBER FOR DOBELL

for our comm Emma Caring McBride MP MEMBER FOR DOBELL ADVERTISEMENT

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Emma loves the Coast. A true local, Emma’s family has been on the Coast for generations - and she went thro school in Wyong and Tuggerah. up

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MATTER?

loves the Coast. A true local, Emma’s family has been on the Coast for generations - and she went through The CoastEmma is her home and she’s working hard to make our community an even better place to live. school in Wyong and Tuggerah.

Emma loves the Coast. A true local, Emma’s family has been on the Coast for generations - and she went through Emma spent 20 years working in health, 10 years as a Pharmacist at Wyong Hospital. school in Wyong and Tuggerah. The Coast is her home and she’s working hard to make our community an even better place to live.

She moved her way up

from a clinical post to deputy director of pharmacy.

The Coast is her home and she’s working community anyears evenasbetter place at toWyong live. Hospital. She moved her way up nd Emmahard spentto20make years our working in health, 10 a Pharmacist

• Defence & She fought to save Wyong Hospital from privatisation and will stand up for pensioners, working families and Emma works tirelessly foredicare the Coast. • M Veterans young people. Emma works tirelessly for the Coast. Emma understands families• are N doing it tough and will do her best toAffairs care for our community by: DIS ships •Protecting Centrelink • Education &funding Medicare and strengthening Guaranteeing TAFE our hospitals and creating new apprenticeshi •Restoring NBNpenalty rates and easing Training Investing in cheaper, on family budgets cleaner renewable energy •pressure Taxation • Congratulatory local schools with $43.7 •Strengthening C hild Support messages million more funding

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from 10 a clinical deputy director of pharmacy. Emma spent 20 years working in health, yearspost as atoPharmacist at Wyong Hospital. She moved her way up from a clinical post to deputy director of pharmacy.

She fought to save Wyong Hospital from privatisation and will stand up for pensioners, working families and

She fought to save Wyong Hospital from and will stand up for pensioners, working families and youngprivatisation people. young people.

Emma understands families are doing it tough and will do her best to care for our community by:

Protecting Medicare and strengthening

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Guaranteeing TAFE funding

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Mail: PO Box 3763 Tuggerah NSW 2259 Mail: PO 3763 Tuggerah Mail: PO BoxBox 3763 Tuggerah NSW 2259 NSW 2259 02 4353 0127 @ emma.mcbride.mp@aph.gov.au @ emma.mcbride.mp@aph.gov.au @ emma.mcbride.mp@aph.gov.au 01270127 ✆ 02 024353 4353 www.facebook.com/mcbrideemma

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Australia Day This Australia Day, we reflect on the challenges of 2020, on the tenacity and heroism of our frontline workers and those in our community who deserve recognition for their outstanding every-day efforts in difficult circumstances. I encourage you to celebrate the people in our community who have embodied our spirit of mateship and lending a hand to fellow Australians. Australia Day is a time when we can all reflect on the shared values of what it means to be Australian regardless of age, cultural background or life story. While we all do our part to ensure our community is safe from COVID-19, it is important that we remain connected and look out for one another this Australia Day. However you choose to celebrate January 26, I wish you a very happy Australia Day.

LUCY WICKS MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR ROBERTSON Level 3, 69 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford NSW 2250 lucy.wicks.mp@aph.gov.au

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22 JANUARY 2021

PAGE 10 22 JANUARY 2021

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Coast Connect Central Coast Council’s weekly news and community information

From Council This week I want to address the frustration and anger felt about a possible rate increase. WHY SHOULD WE HAVE TO PAY is a common theme in letters and emails from ratepayers. As ratepayers you are ‘the shareholders’ of the Council. There is no one else who will or should contribute to fixing the financial mess we’re in. Some call on the former councillors to pay. Not possible. The amount vastly exceeds their personal wealth, and secondly, there is no legal path for this to happen. Others suggest the State Government should pay because they forced the merger. As made clear in my 30day report, the merger had a very minor role in blowing out Council’s budget. The State Government will not accept responsibility for the financial mess created by the councillors elected and the CEO they appointed. The ‘turnaround’ plan Mr Hart and I are putting in place will give a balanced budget next year and deliver small surpluses thereafter to start paying off our debt. This plan involves cutting costs more than raising revenue. It avoids closing existing services. The rate increase proposal is now out for public consultation. If IPART approves the increase, when combined with harmonising rates between former Gosford and Wyong, average rates increase for former Gosford will be around $7.00 a week, and former Wyong average rates will decrease by about $3.00 a week.

Dick Persson AM Administrator, Central Coast Council

Amy Nelmes Bissett named 2021 Australia Day Ambassador

Securing your future with a rate rise

A Central Coast local, Amy is a freelance writer, editor and digital content creator whose work is regularly featured in international publications including Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Refinery 29 and Grazia.

Option 1 Temporary Fix Option – 10% With a 10% increase the average residential increase will be $2.13 a week and the average business increase will be $6.11 a week.

Australia Day Ambassadors are high achieving Australians who provide inspiration and pride to our local community, and there is no doubt that Amy Nelmes Bissett fits this brief.

In September 2020 when COVID-19 restrictions were impacting businesses across the Central Coast, Amy launched the ‘Coasties’ lifestyle magazine and website with an aim to inspire locals to support local. Since then, ‘Coasties’ has introduced the Coasties Card – a membership card which provides special deals and discounts to encourage the community to spend local across eateries, activities, and shopping, as well as beauty and wellness.

In a time when small businesses are struggling, Amy’s work through Coasties magazine has helped drive traffic into almost 400 local businesses, in just over three months! As 2021 Australia Day Ambassador for the Central Coast, Amy will be attending and speaking at local Australia Day celebrations.

Following careful consideration of public safety, Central Coast Council will not be holding any public events or fireworks displays this Australia Day. We encourage community members to keep safety at top of mind when planning Australia Day celebrations this year. This includes following current COVID restrictions, limiting group numbers and avoiding busy public spaces if possible.

Development Applications and Consents Development Applications and Consents can be inspected at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au by searching ‘Development Applications’ or in person at Council offices in Gosford and Wyong 8.30am-5pm weekdays.

Under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2019, submissions on Development Applications are required to be published on our website. Submissions lodged using Council’s DA Submission Form or online portal will have personal contact details and signature redacted. All other submissions will be published in full. Your submission may also be reproduced in full in Council reports or in Court proceedings.

Council has resolved to consider applying to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a rate rise to help with Council’s financial recovery. This process is called a Special Variation (SV) application.

Option 2 Securing Your Future Option – 15% With a 15% increase the average residential increase will be $3.20 a week and the average business increase will be $9.30 a week. Find out what these options mean for you and Council services, and have your say via our online survey. We want to hear from as many ratepayers and residents as possible before 29 January 2021. Find out more at yourvoiceourcoast.com

Council’s financial situation

Council has adopted a Recovery Action Plan that will review all aspects of Council’s operations. For up-to-date information search ‘news’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Council meeting

To find out when the next Council meeting is and to view it online go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ meetings

Be the

first

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at Sign up today .gov.au/ sw centralcoast.n enews

Notice of Exhibition In accordance with the resolution of Council on 30 November 2020, both the draft Gifts and Benefits Policy and draft Lobbying Policy will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days. The draft Gifts and Benefits Policy is a consolidation of the two former Councils’ gift and benefits policies and aligns with Council’s new Code of Conduct to support Council officials in the performance of their duties. The draft Lobbying Policy captures the updated requirements in Council’s new Code of Conduct and attempts to ensure that community expectations are met in relation to the conduct of ethical and transparent lobbying activities of Council officials. The Policy also provides the safeguard to ensure that there is no misunderstanding regarding Council’s adopted position in relation to the engagement of lobbyists. The above draft policies will be exhibited from 12 January to 12 February 2021 at:

• Wyong Office: 2 Hely Street, Wyong • Gosford Office: 49 Mann St, Gosford • Online: yourvoiceourcoast.com Submissions are to be addressed to the Acting Chief Executive Officer by: • Email: ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au • Post: PO Box 20 Wyong NSW 2259 or PO Box 21 Gosford NSW 2250 • Online: yourvoiceourcoast.com (preferred) Submissions will be accepted up until 12 February 2021. Your attention is drawn to the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 which allows for possible access to certain public and personal documentation. Rik Hart Acting Chief Executive Officer

Council Offices 2 Hely St Wyong / 49 Mann St Gosford | 8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday | P 1300 463 954 Sign up for our e-news at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/enews

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NEWS

PAGE 11 22 JANUARY 2021

$136,000 in community grants for 10 local organisations Ten local organisations including sport clubs and not-for-profit groups will receive a share of $136,350 from the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the funding would deliver much-needed improvements to local facilities. “Kincumber Roos Football

Club will receive $30,000 to install a steel-fabricated safety fence at Frost Reserve to prevent balls landing on Avoca Dr and in the adjacent carpark,” Crouch said. “At North Avoca Surf Lifesaving Club, a total of $22,894 is being provided for a new audio visual system so that events and functions can be hosted in the main Club room. “Rain water leakages will be

fixed at Hardys Bay RSL, thanks to $16,357 for guttering repairs and new gutter guards. “The Cerebral Palsy Alliance, based at Erina, is receiving $15,841 to install a ceiling hoist system in the facility’s two therapy rooms, plaster room and bathroom. “Two ‘foul poles’ will soon tower 15 metres over the Central Coast Baseball Park at Hylton Moore Oval, thanks to $12,639 in funding.

“The Three Villages Community Group is receiving $11,798 to purchase and install a drinking water refill station at Jirramba Reserve Playground, Saratoga.” Crouch said other grants included $10,000 to the Empire Bay Public School P&C Association for the installation of cabinetry, counter-tops and an oven with a cook-top and $7,000 for Soul Soup, a notfor-profit organisation feeding

homeless and vulnerable people across the Coast which will use the money to fit out a van with portable kitchen facilities. Clean4Shore, an environmental group based at Macmasters Beach, will benefit from a $6,500 dual axel trailer to transport large items of litter to landfill and $3,321 will enable the Killcare Surf Life Saving Club to install split system air conditioning in the

training room to enable better utilisation of this space. Crouch said he looked forward to seeing how each project benefits our wider community. Applications for the 2021 round of Community Building Partnership program will open soon. Source: Media release, Jan 21 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

State works through ‘complex process’ of taking back local roads Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, has accused NSW Labor of scaremongering over claims that State Government plans to take back 15,000km of rural roads throughout the state could impact local jobs and council funding. Shadow Minister for Rural roads, Mick Veitch, said councils currently receive block funding to maintain certain roads, which allows

them to employ locals to undertake the maintenance. “Information obtained by NSW Labor revealed more than $192M in funding for roads maintenance was distributed to councils in NSW in 2019/20,” Veitch said. Central Coast Council received $4.3M, he said. Veitch said workers deserved certainty and called on the government to prioritise giving councils maintenance contracts to ensure they are

not forced to lay off local workers. “The implementation of this decision by the Liberal and National government should not end in job losses in our regional and rural councils,” he said. “We are in the midst of a global pandemic and every job – whether it be a barista, trades person or roads maintenance worker – is vital. “The maintenance contracts have already gone to tender in

bulk and the Government has refused to guarantee there will be no job losses. “Councils and their employees throughout rural NSW are justifiably concerned about what will happen next.” The NSW Government has committed to reclassify 15,000 kilometres of regional roads to take the burden off councils. But Crouch said the reclassification work is a complex process, requiring thorough consultation with a

range of stakeholders including councils, the freight industry and local communities. “The NSW Government has established an independent panel of experts to oversee the process, drawing on their experience across local and state government, industry and business,” he said. “The Government has specifically requested the panel consider funding implications of any transfers, including working to ensure local road maintenance jobs

continue.” A spokesperson for Central Coast Council said the Council was working with the NSW Government on roads that could be transferred to the State. “A four-year Road Maintenance Council Contract was entered into in July, 2020; therefore Council does not see any impact to local jobs in the short term,” the spokesperson said. Terry Collins

Liesl Tesch MP Member for Gosford

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

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Bendigo Bank recognised for contributions to community Central Coast Bendigo Bank branches have received a big thumbs up from Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch for pumping $1.5M into the Central Coast community over the years. “Local branches have been supporting grassroots community initiatives to assist families experiencing domestic violence, help children and youth in need, fund recreational activities in our community, and services for our older locals to use and enjoy,” Tesch said. “We don’t often hear about banks supporting local community, yet that is exactly what Bendigo Bank achieves, making our Central Coast spirit even stronger.” Tesch said Bendigo Bank’s “profit-with-purpose” model aims to filter profits directly

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch with Michael Bell and the team at East Gosford Bendigo Bank

back into the community, and Australia wide the bank had put over $24M back into communities in the past year. “This funding has been invested in sport and recreation, arts, culture and heritage, the environment, health and research, emergency services, education and research, and building a better Australia from the bottom up through local

investments,” she said. Tesch said branches at East Gosford, Lisarow and Kincumber had made multiple contributions to the region in 2020. “Over the past two years $150,000 has been granted to the domestic violence initiative, Relief Beyond Crisis, which is managed from the Narara Community Centre,” she said.

“Elsie’s Retreat, supported by the Wyoming East Gosford Lionesses, was granted $30,000 to assist in funding necessary Palliative Care equipment for the new ward at Gosford Hospital and Regional Youth Support Services (RYSS) received $50,000 to help secure a long-term tenure and ensure RYSS is accessible to local youth.”

Tesch said Central Coast Kids in Need was granted $15,000 to support local families experiencing the stress of having a sick child. Group CEO for Bendigo Bank at East Gosford, Lisarow and Kincumber, Michael Bell, said the bank had first opened doors at East Gosford 20 years ago as major banks began to desert the region. “We are owned by local shareholders and the charter for a community bank is for profits to go back to the community,” he said. “No more than 20 per cent of profits are paid as a dividend – the balance goes into running the business and back into community.” Bell said the bank regularly sponsored community events such as the Bay to Bay, Cancer Council’s Relay for Life and surf clubs in the region. Meanwhile, Ettalong branch

has recently provided $50,000 to help the Umina Skate Park Precinct upgrades, $34,000 to Peninsula PCYC, $80,000 to Peninsula Men’s Shed and ongoing funding to Brisbane Water Secondary College. Tesch said the new year was the perfect time to reflect on actively giving back to the community. “Bendigo Bank’s funding initiatives and profit-withpurpose model show us just how easy it is for all of us to contribute every day to a better and stronger community,” she said. “We can all put our money where our mouth is and with a simple switch of bank we can (make) a remarkable difference on our community and local quality of life.” Source: Media release, Jan 8 Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch

Help Bob live his dream After receiving a devastating cancer diagnosis only five years after a kidney transplant, Central Coast radio presenter, Bob Peters, is asking fellow Coasties to help him reach his dream of travelling around Australia in a motorhome. A GoFundMe campaign created by his daughter, Bianca Pizzingrilli, aims to raise $100,000 which will go towards the motorhome and any extra expenses. Peters is inspiringly positive and said he has always been able to see the lighter side of life. “Black humour is just fantastic; it has saved me,” Peters said. “Generally, the humour comes out when talking to people; I’ll crack a joke around

my kids, and they will look at me quite shocked, and I will say it is funny, you can laugh. “Humour is the primal go-to for situations like this. “Whenever I am in trouble, I just make fun out of it.” But sadly, the last 15 years have been more challenging than humorous for Peters and his family. When Peters was 45, he fell ill with Polycystic Kidneys disease, requiring him to be on dialysis every second day for 10 years, until he received a kidney transplant. For the next five years, his life went on as normal as he went back onto Triple M radio, pumping out voice overs, riding his Harley and slowly rebuilding his life. However, a few weeks ago, Peters received the news that he was diagnosed with terminal

Renal Cell Cancer with metastasis in the bones. He said it all started when he went to the doctor for back pain. “The story starts with me just thinking I had back pain for over 12 months from just overdoing it in the gym,” Peters said. “I got a new mattress, I went to three different physios - it would feel better for two to three days, but then the pain would come back. “So, when they did the test around my spine, I could not feel it because I was all numb and he said it is a nerve problem, so I had a CT scan, and that’s when we found out. “That’s when I found out that cancer doesn’t give you pain. Before Peters could start treatment, he was required to have a back operation to

ensure his spine stays in place during radiation therapy. “What they thought is that the T12 vertebrates would not stand the pressure from the radiation, so they operated on me and put in two carbon fibre rods in kind of like scaffolding, around the affected vertebrate,” he said. Peters dream to travel Australia comes from his love for motorbikes and being out on the wide-open roads. “During those five years after my transplant, I was living the high life, five years of getting on my motorbike, riding and not feeling things,” he said. “After dialysis, I would feel tired, and I would not want to go anywhere, but having the new kidney just gave me a new lease of life. “I would jump on the Harley, go for a ride, catch up with

mates, and it was just fantastic. “It was also a coping mechanism, being out on the road on the bike, you feel nothing; it is magic. “Whereas when I am at home is when my thoughts can go black. The cost of paying for treatment, medical bills, and living expenses will continue to become harder, which is why he is so grateful to his daughter for organising the campaign. “Bianca just decided to do it; she is such an angel,” he said. “I was kind of embarrassed at the very start. “People may think you are in radio you have lots of money; that is not the case. “I went through a divorce 15 years ago, I paid for all four kids through all their private schooling by myself, all while I was on dialysis full time.

“I never got any monetary assistance from anyone, I just did it all myself.” The campaign has almost reached $20,000, with more than 160 people already donating. “The idea to travel Australia is something that came to me a couple of years after I got the kidney,” Peters said. “I wanted actually to ride around Australia, but I cut it back to a campervan or a motorhome with a trailer on the back with a bike. “It is amazing for me to think that I have affected so many people. People can donate by visiting www.gofundme.com/f/bobsfight-against-renal-cellcancer. Jacinta Counihan

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Charged for not wearing face mask A man has been charged after he was found not wearing a face mask while on a train between Gosford and Woy Woy and allegedly biting a police officer on Saturday. About 3.10pm, officers attached to Brisbane Water Police Transport Command observed the man not wearing a mask while travelling on the southbound train. Police allege that when they asked if the 43-year-old man had a mask and directed him to provide identification he

refused and became aggressive. As police attempted to arrest him, he tried to punch officers before OC spray was deployed. It is alleged the man punched a constable before he was wrestled to the floor and bit the constable twice on his stomach area and finger, causing lacerations and bruising. The man was taken to Gosford Police Station where he was charged with not wearing a fitted face covering on public

Police were told two fiveyear-old boys were sitting on the sand at about 11am when they were approached by an older woman. The woman, described as having short grey hair and wearing pink-coloured clothing and blue shorts, approached the boys, grabbed them by the arms and told them she was

going to take them home with her. The boys managed to break free and told their father, who was nearby. The incident was reported to officers from Brisbane Water Police District,who commenced an investigation. As inquiries continue, police are appealing to anyone who might have been on the beach on Sunday, December 27, and witnessed the incident, to come forward.

transport, failing to comply with a direction, resisting an officer in execution of duty, and assaulting a police officer in execution of duty causing actual bodily harm. The man was granted conditional bail to appear in Woy Woy Local Court on February 11. The constable was taken to Gosford Hospital for treatment and has since been released. Source: Media release, Jan 17 NSW Police Media

The beach was reported to be crowded at the time, and there were unconfirmed reports that there were a number of opportunistic thefts of unattended property by unknown people. Police are also keen to hear of any thefts which could be related. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Source: Media release, Dec 29 NSW Police Media

Two injured at Mangrove Mountain Around 3.15am on January 16, two people were rescued by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter following an accident at Mangrove Mountain. A 47-year-old male and a female in her 40s sustained

multiple injuries. They were treated on scene by NSW paramedics and the Helicopter Critical Care Medical Team, who placed the female in a medically induced coma

ON THE BEAT

PAGE 13 22 JANUARY 2021

Double demerits in force over Australia Day long weekend

Suspicious behaviour on Pearl Beach Police are appealing for information after reports of suspicious behaviour by a woman at Pearl Beach on December 27.

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due to her injuries. Both patients were flown to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition. Source: Email, Jan 16 Westpac Rescue Helicopter service

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch is reminding Central Coast motorists that double demerits will be in force over the Australia Day long weekend. Crouch said the double demerit point period begins at 12.01am on Friday, January 22, and continues until midnight on Tuesday, January 26. “Australia Day is a time when many of us spend time with friends and family, but we must also prioritise safety, follow the road rules and always drive to the conditions,” he said. “Double demerits are in place

for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences, and will be enforced by police. “There will also be an increased police presence on Central Coast roads this long weekend, so I am encouraging local and visiting motorists to take extra care when behind the wheel.” Crouch said motorists who ignore the road rules risk receiving heavy penalties, including loss of licence. “My message to everyone is have a Plan B to get home safely if you’re drinking, put the phone away, keep to the speed limit and always wear

seatbelts,” he said. “There is no excuse for breaking the law and if motorists take risks during the long weekend, they will be hit with heavy penalties. “Learner and provisional drivers should also be aware that they will receive an automatic licence suspension for any speeding offence during the double demerit period. “One death on our local roads is one too many – so please slow down, drive to the conditions, respect other motorists and obey the road rules.” Source: Media release, Jan 20 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Police chase at Terrigal Inquiries are continuing following a police chase at Terrigal on January 15. At about 8.50pm, officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District were conducting patrols of the Erina area when they attempted to stop a Toyota Corolla on Terrigal Dr near Serpentine Road. The driver failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated. Just after 9pm, road spikes were successfully deployed, before the Corolla struck a tree on Milina St. The driver, a 27-year-old woman, was arrested at the scene and taken to Gosford Hospital for observation.

Anyone with information about these incidents should call

Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.com.au Information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

A male passenger fled on foot and despite the assistance of the Dog Unit, he could not be located. During a search of the vehicle, police seized two firearms and weapons including a baton and baseball bat which will undergo

forensic examination. Upon release from hospital, the woman was taken to Gosford Police Station and charged with not stopping during a police pursuit, driving drive recklessly and driving a motor vehicle during a disqualification period. She was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Bail Court on January 16. Inquiries are continuing to locate the passenger. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers. Source: Media release, Jan 16 NSW Police Media

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$2.3M may help with EPA fines

$250 seniors’ travel card offer reopens

It was with great interest I read in your January 15 edition news of a $2.3M Federal Government grant to local recycling company iQ Renew. The Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, said the projects demonstrated the great industry opportunities that came from taking care of the

FORUM environment. But wait a second, isn’t that the same company that the EPA, in defending its record on page 8, gives examples of actions it has taken in 2020? In October it fined iQ Renew $15,000 and issued official cautions to its five directors for exceeding waste limits.

This followed earlier fines of $48,000 in February for alleged offences at two sites in Somersby and another at Wyong. That $2.3M grant will certainly go some way to mitigating the financial pain of those EPA fines. Email, Jan 18 Lyndall Davis, Green Point

We need to elect a real Council As a mere renter I do not pay rates (at least, not directly) but I am appalled by the antics of our Council Administrator as evidenced

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch is encouraging older residents to apply for a Seniors Travel Card

Central Coast seniors are reminded that applications are once more open for the NSW Government’s $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card, which was introduced last year. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the Regional Seniors Travel Card is a $250 prepaid Visa card designed to assist seniors in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW offset the cost of essential travel expenses. “The Central Coast is a vast geographic area and this means travel can be one of the most significant household costs faced by our seniors,” Crouch said. “The Regional Seniors Travel

Card can be used to purchase fuel, use taxi services or travel on NSW TrainLink trains and coaches. “This makes it easier for seniors to access essential services like doctors’ appointments, travel to and from shopping centres, and stay connected with family and friends. “More than 40,000 seniors across the Coast benefitted in 2020 and can receive another Regional Seniors Travel Card in 2021, so I encourage them to apply for this through Service NSW. “The cards also provide a fantastic boost for local businesses like petrol stations and taxi drivers, because they also benefit from the initiative.” Eligible seniors will have a

BRAZEL MOORE

minimum of 12 months to use their Card from the time of activation and have until November 30 to apply for it. To be eligible, seniors must be an age pensioner with a valid Pensioner Concession Card or hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card issued by either the Department of Human Services or Department of Veterans’ Affairs. They must also permanently live in regional NSW outside Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. For more information and to apply, go to: www.service.nsw. gov.au/regionalseniorstravel. Source: Media release, Jan 18 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

FORUM by all the coverage in issue 273 (December 18).

The sooner a real Council is elected the better. Email, Dec 22 Dave Horsfall, North Gosford

Ramps a better option than lifts I saw the proposed upgrades for Point Clare Railway station with a lift. So, years ago it was to be ramps from either end of the station. This would be a lot cheaper

FORUM and easier to manage, so what has happened? Some bureaucrat didn’t like the plan.

Where are all the masks? My wife and myself were in Terrigal on January 4, both diligently wearing face masks, But I was appalled to notice that of the hundreds of people at the beach and in the shops only a very small number (about a dozen) were wearing

masks and there was not one police officer in attendance. So much for the threat for a two hundred dollar fine. I find this an appalling state of affairs. Email, Jan 4 Ray Coleman, Terrigal

These are the people who cause overspending. So, government officials, wake up and listen to the people for a change. Email, Dec 29 Robert Findley, Point Clare

FORUM See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper

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FORUM

It is a never ending saga and it seems nobody will do anything to improve the situation. We don’t want to talk about dogs and their irresponsible owners, dogs roaming on the beaches where dogs are not allowed, dogs in and around the lagoons where they are not allowed, dogs barking 24/7...... and so on. If you approach the dog owners mostly take offence. Some irresponsible dog owners don’t read signs! (they tell me). At times I ask if that’s how they drive! The number of 136,733 dogs

See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper on the Central Coast is astounding. Many countries all over the world have a yearly dog registration which we could call in plain English a dog tax. The amount should depend on the size of the dog and there should also be a pensioner rate. In New Zealand the yearly rate is $200 per dog.

Multiply that amount with the number of dogs and you get into the millions which would be very welcome for the Council, one would think. Another issue is the environmental one. How much pee and how much poo (not being picked up) is washed into the ground and into the ocean and lagoons? I really don’t understand that it should be such a difficult task to implement a new rule regarding dogs. We’ve rules and regulations for practically everything so why is it so? If said rule was introduced, I think the dog population would diminish; there are too many dogs. Email, Jan 20 Inger Terp, North Avoca

How to vote when both options are objectionable? I am objecting to the proposal (re a rate rise) as described in the letter to residents circulated in January 2021. Firstly, I found the letter patronising in the way it presented just two options for rate payers, with so little detail and to say the least confusing in its intent. Above all I object to the proposal to sell Gosford Council building when deamalgamation may be the very best way to solve the problems that have been forced on us by the State Government’s amalgamation of Gosford and Wyong Councils, into an area and population comparable to the ACT, with inadequate funding. Indeed, amalgamation of this

FORUM area was poorly considered, and evidence now points to it being unfeasible. I will accept a rate rise of 15 per cent for the next 12 months to provide a period for detailed options to be presented to and considered by the community. Especially in the light that the current administrator has been forced on the community by the State Government with the suspension of our elected representatives. The community deserves a clear account of what has occurred to date and an analysis of the steps to be considered to remedy the situation. We must have a clear cost benefit account of what

properties could be sold as well as options to cut other costs. Additionally, the feasibility of obtaining further loans at the current extremely low interest rate needs to be explored and factored into any proposal. I was not able to complete the Administrator’s survey as it forced me to vote on either option and, at this stage, I object to both. I refuse to participate in a survey (which) does not acknowledge my protest. If we the community do not stop the current proposed actions, we will forever be controlled by developers waiting in the wings for our demise. Email, Jan 18 Helen Griffiths, Wamberal

FORUM

PAGE 15 22 JANUARY 2021

No taxation without representation

A dog tax to fund Council? Last week’s Coast News article “No Policy on Nuisance Dogs” (CCN275) gave food for thought.

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No taxation without representation is one of the most powerful slogans in history. Yet, here on the Central Coast, an unelected and unaccountable administrator is seeking to impose a 15 per cent rate hike on one of the most deprived communities in NSW. And the only chance the community is given to express a democratic opinion is a sham consultation, during a short holiday period, offering a choice between 15 per cent and 10 per cent - not even an option to respond “neither of the above”. The Council freely admits that the current crisis has been caused by its own financial mismanagement. Yet, none of the Council executives responsible has been sacked for incompetence or otherwise held accountable. Ratepayers and low paid staff are an easier target.

FORUM The only executive known to have left is the former CEO who walked away with a $380,000 pay out from the ratepayers hardly a sacking for incompetence. It beggars belief that the first time these executives … noticed the extent of their mismanagement was the week they suddenly realised they had insufficient funds to make payroll. Yet, we are now asked to provide even more of our hard earned money to this [deleted]. How can they be trusted given their spectacular mismanagement of our money in the past? We’re just throwing good money after bad. Since just before amalgamation there seems to have been a “nose in trough” culture with more and more, higher and higher paid,

executives. Amalgamation should have dramatically reduced their number and cost, but the opposite seems true. When you consider the cost of the new appointments (administrator, interim CEO, etc), plus the previous ones still lurking, plus the pay out to the previous CEO, ratepayers are paying more than ever for these ineffective bureaucrats. The Council consultation is undoubtably a sham, but I’d urge ratepayers to give their opinions direct to IPART on the following link (click on “have your say”)” https://www.ipart. nsw.gov.au/Home/Industries/ Local-Government/Reviews/ Special-Variations-MinimumRates/Special-VariationsMinimum-Rates-2021-22. Executives, not ratepayers and low paid staff, should pay for mismanagement. Email, Jan 15 Kevin Brooks, Kincumber

Let’s all be good sports The recent alleged racist abuse of some of the visiting Indian cricketers by Australians has elicited discussion about how audiences at sporting events should behave towards visiting team members. That debate brings to mind an experience I had at a local A-league game some time back. I had joined the Mariners for a year to lend support to our team and was seated in the

FORUM members stand. One of the opposing team members skilfully scored and so I applauded. The person seated to my left (whom I happened to know in another context) grabbed my hands and said “We don’t do that”. And indeed, it seemed that was the case. I still believe “We should do that”.

Polite applause is the traditional way we can honour brilliance on the sporting field. It is not the same as the enthusiastic clapping and cheering with which we typically greet successes of our own team members. Please Mariners supporters, let the Central Coast be a model, through applause of sporting prowess, whether by members of opposition teams or ours. Email Jan 15 Sonnie Hopkins, Tascott

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KEEP YOURSELF AND OUR COMMUNITY SAFE FROM COVID-19

Stay COVID-safe this summer season! 1

Maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others

Wash your hands well and often

Stay home if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re unwell and get tested as soon as you have any symptoms

When you go out to eat and drink, remember to check-in every time via the Service NSW app

If you have any symptoms, book a COVID-19 test immediately For the Gosford clinic, call 4320 5055 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on weekends For the Erina clinic, call 4302 5252 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays For the Wyong clinic, call 4394 9200 between 9am and 5pm everyday

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 17 22 JANUARY 2021

Day of Hope

Keepers say their farewells to Hope the wombat

It was a bittersweet day for staff at the Australian Reptile Park when Hope the wombat left the park to live in the wild at Cedar Creek Wombat Rescue on January 21. Hope brought joy to millions all over the world at a time when they needed it the most. The tiny wombat arrived at the Australian Reptile Park just

as the pandemic began to reach its peak in Australia, meaning the Central Coast wildlife sanctuary needed to close. In a global naming competition, the winning name was clear after countless entries of the same suggestion, Hope. The tiny marsupial quickly became a viral superstar, with

a video featuring her and Elsa the koala becoming “lockdown buddies” during isolation. The pair spent every day together. Hope is now living in a large enclosure and will eventually be let out into the wild in a safe, fenced habitat. Australian Reptile Park General Manager, Tim Faulkner, said staff missed Hope already.

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“She definitely was a beacon of hope for us during a time where we all needed it, but we know it’s the best decision to return her to the wild and live out her days as a happy wombat,” he said. “Thanks to Hope and her rise to fame, she was a huge help to Australian wildlife. “It is so important for Australians and international

audiences to see just how glorious our native wildlife is – we are faced with the fastest mammal extinction rate in the world and Australian wildlife needs this kind of exposure to help people fall in love wildlife so they can join us by helping protect it. “Hope helped put wombats on the map.” When Hope was still in the

pouch, her mum was hit and killed by a car. A passer-by discovered Hope and delivered her to the Park, where Faulkner became her new “fill-in” family, providing her with the milk she needed and the cuddles she craved. Source: Media release, Jan 2 Australian Reptile Park

Central Coast

CCN

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PAGE 18 22 JANUARY 2021 OUT&ABOUT

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Be a part of the Mardi Gras fun Coastal Twist Festival and Central Coast Pride have been successful with their 2021 entry and theme for the 2021 Mardi Gras Sydney Cricket Ground Parade. With this year’s Mardi Gras being more focussed on costumes, the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus is holding a costume workshop in Gosford on Saturday, January 23, to help prepare. Chair of the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, Juan Iocco, said the costume-making workshop is open to those who would like to create clothing for the event while working alongside the lead designers. “This year’s Mardi Gras

A Coastal Twist costume workshop in Gosford

theme is ‘Rise’, and most locals would have felt the impact of droughts, fires, floods and a global pandemic,” Iocco said. “The 2021 parade will take inspiration from its past and move away from large floats, focusing instead on the outlandish pageantry of vibrant costumes, puppetry and props that made it such a phenomenon in its earliest years. “The Central Coast’s theme is going to be deep-sea creatures rising from the depths.” The Mardi Gras will go ahead in a new form designed to be COVID safe. No floats or commercial trailers will be allowed this year, and numbers will be heavily limited at the event.

Under the SCG’s current COVID exemption, Mardi Gras can have an audience of up to 23,000 people at the live event, but there are hopes to increase this if there is further relaxation of guidelines come March. Sadly general public tickets for the 2021 Mardi Gras Parade are now exhausted, but the parade will be broadcast by SBS so everyone from across Australia and around the world can tune in to be a part of the celebrations from home. To be involved in Coastal Twist, and to register for the workshops, fill out your expression of interest form at coastaltwist.org.au/2021mardi-gras. Jacinta Counihan

Night market for Terrigal lagoon Central Coast-based event business, Everlong Events, and the Lions Club TerrigalWamberal, have partnered together to create the Terrigal Lagoon Night Market on Friday, January 22. The night market, to be held at the Lions Park, will be the first market of its kind at the location, but there are hopes for more in the future. Everlong Events Founder, Bonnie Doolan, said the event, to o,perate from 5-9pm, is free, but they also encourage people

to bring a gold coin donation for the Lions Club. “The market will include a variety of handmade items, gift items, arts, fashion and a food area,” Doolan said. “Bar Botanica will hold a popup restaurant serving local dishes, wines, ales, and Mr Goaty’s gelato.” The Terrigal Lagoon Night Market will also feature live entertainment by JC Entertainment with face painting and glow sticks for the kids. Doolan said she hopes this

will be the first event of a continuing summer market series. “The idea came when the Lions Club Terrigal-Wamberal approached me and asked if I wanted to create a market,” she said. “My husband is from Torquay, and they have a market there called Night Jar. “I wanted to create something similar here on the Coast. “Markets bring together the community, give people something to do, and help out local businesses who have

been struggling because of COVID. “This one will be a trial market to see how we go, but hopefully in the future, we will hold more as we have had a lot of interest.” A cap of 500 people will be implemented due to COVID restrictions, and COVID marshals will be present in addition to mandatory checkins. Information can be found on the Terrigal Lagoon Night Markets Facebook page. Jacinta Counihan

COASTAL DIARY EVENTS ON THE CENTRAL COAST

SATURDAY, JAN 23

program, free 4320 9700

Tuggerah Lakes Art Society: www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au Home Baked Exhibition and Handcraft Market, SUNDAY, JAN 31 The Entrance Community Gallery, 23/01 - 31/01, Central Coast Mariners Ticketed entry v Wellington Phoenix,

SUNDAY, JAN 24 Avoca Beachside Markets, Heazlett Park Foreshore, 9am - 2pm

MONDAY, JAN 25

Central Coast Stadium, Ticketed, 3pm Peninsula Lions Club: Car Boot Sale, Dunban Road Car Park on the cnr of Ocean Beach Road, 7am - 1pm

lle e c n

Over 60’s Healthy and Active online program, SATURDAY, FEB 6 10 week online

GEBC February Luncheon 1pm - 4pm Love Letters, 0458 018 332 Bombers - register now Event with Guest Wildplant Community Woy Woy Little Theatre, for season 2021, Summer Spandex Nursery: Plant sale day, Speaker David Harris, Adelaide St Oval, Tumbi Ticketed, 19/02 - 7/03, SUNDAY, FEB 28 The Entertainment Grounds Be my Valentine, www.trybooking.com CEN Office, Brush Rd, Umbi, 10am - 2pm Gosford, Ticketed, Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, Ourimbah, 9am - 12pm 0438 153 328 12:15pm Ticketed, 8pm Antiques & president@kvbombers.com Collectables, SUNDAY, FEB 7 SATURDAY, FEB 13 Alliance Francaise Mercure Kooindah Handmade on the Coast, conversation group: Waters Resort Wyong, Breakfast with the Woy Woy Waterfront, Peninsula Lions Club: practice your French at 19/02 - 26/02, Birds 2021, Brick Wharf Rd, Car Boot Sale, any level, 10am - 3pm Central Coast Wet9am - 2pm Dunban Road Car Park Ettalong Diggers Club, lands, Pioneer Dairy, on the cnr of Ocean First attendance is free, FRIDAY, FEB 19 SATURDAY, FEB 27 Ticketed - register Beach Road, 10am - 12pm Open day, prior to event, 8am 7am - 1pm 0416 303 804 Coal Ash Public Meeting, Ingenia Lifestyle 43494757 Point Wolstoncroft Sport Sunnylake Shores waterwatch@cen.org.au and Recreation Centre SUNDAY, FEB 14 2 Macleay Recreation Hall, Dr. Halekulani, WEDNESDAY, FEB 10 RSVP to attend, Play AFL with the 10am - 2pm

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

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

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 19 22 JANUARY 2021

Rhythm Hut goes from strength to strength

Rhythm Hut Volunteers

To deal with the influx of much-needed volunteers, the Rhythm Hut is advertising a paid, fulltime, volunteer coordination role, for someone who is organised, a great people manager and has an interest in community arts and music on the Coast. This decision comes after a welcomed rise in bookings and events at the venue over the past few months. This influx in workload and need for volunteers contrasts to six months ago when the Rhythm Hut was struggling to book gigs due to the COVID lockdown. Founder, Rendra Freestone, said volunteers lately have had the opportunity to take on more serious professional type roles in the space. Event coordination, marketing, video content creation, social media, gardening, maintenance, admin and class and workshop

coordination are some of the roles on offer. “Up until now, we have only taken on a few key volunteers, but because of the volume of volunteers we now need a Volunteer Coordinator who can manage that volunteer base,” Freestone said. “Once we were able to accommodate 40 guests, it has been full-on, and there is a lot of fun stuff going here to coordinate. “We are realising we need to open the volunteer roles up to a whole bunch more people. “Instead of having two event coordinators, we need 10 to accommodate the number of gigs coming in, and instead of one social media person, we need five.” At the end of 2020, Freestone said the volunteer base fell apart a little as there was no one dedicated to managing volunteers. “What we realised is volunteers need to be really looked after, nurtured, and

treated well, and if everyone is a volunteer, it can get really tricky to maintain and that is why we are offering this new role,” he said. “The role is full-time, and that person will be the thread between all of the volunteers and the board.” As a business thatwhich runs predominantly on the entertainment industry, the Rhythm Hut was forced to shut for five months through the COVID restriction period, causing a financial struggle. In July 2020, the venue held its first gig after the shutdown and set up a donation-run online streaming service to help pay the artists and operating costs. In October, they then received money from the community funding program, #GreaterCentralCoast, which was put to straight towards rent. Coming through all of those struggles, Freestone said they now have bounced back and are busier than ever but still

Mangrove DISTRICT

MARKETS

NOW AT CORNER GEORGE DOWNES DRIVE and BLOODTREE ROAD • Live Music & pony rides • home style preserves & Food

INDOOR AND ALL WEATHER FRIENDLY

EVERY MONTH ALL WEATHER 8.30am to 3pm 2ND & LAST SUNDAY EACH MONTH

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need more volunteers to sustain the mission of fostering arts and music on the Coast. “Lately we have been booking two to three gigs a week, mostly young local bands which is kind of different for us but great to be making gigs

possible for young locals,” he said. “We still have the bigger acts, but recently our bread and butter have been young local bands who find we are a really simple and accessible venue to work through.”

To register for the full time paid role or as a volunteer coordinator, email Rendra on rendra@me,com or going to the Rhythm Hut Facebook page. Jacinta Counihan

Long Jetty Christian Fellowship Welcomes you to

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE

held at the Country Women’s Association (CWA) Hall 1 Pacific Street, Long Jetty 10.00 am to 11.00 am Followed by a provided morning tea

This temporary venue arrangement meets all specified safety regulations while COVID-19 restrictions prevent our regular Sunday Services at Diggers at The Entrance. Families and individuals of all ages and religious background are welcome. Newly formed in October 2019 we are part of God’s universal church. Our Mission is to proclaim Jesus’ gift of salvation and eternal life and to show his love by helping those in need in our community. Becoming part of our Fellowship family is a happy way to spend Sunday mornings. We welcome you. Enquiries: 0403 019 632 longjettychristianfellowship@gmail.com Like us on Facebook

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Sunday 24 January

Saturday 23 January

Friday 22 January

ABC (C20/21)

PRIME (C61/60)

NINE (C81/80)

6:00 Today [s] 6:00 News Breakfast [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show Summer 9:00 Today Extra Summer [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Rick Stein’s Secret France [s] Series [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 11:00 Judi Dench’s Wild Borneo 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “Girl Happy” (G) (’65) – 1:00 Movie: “Falling In Love” (PG) Adventure [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] Elvis Presley stars as a singer (’84) Stars: Robert De Niro, 1:00 Rock ’N Roll Guns For Hire: on an undercover assignment to Meryl Streep, Harvey Keitel, chaperone the rich and sexy Jane Kaczmarek, George The Story Of The Sidemen (M) Martin, David Clennon, Dianne 2:30 The Ex-PM (M l,s) [s] daughter of a Chicago mob Wiest, Victor Argo, Wiley Earl boss. Stars: Elvis Presley 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 4:00 The Heights (PG) [s] 2:00 Surf Patrol [s] 2:30 Border Security International 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 4:30 Back Roads (PG) [s] (PG) [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 5:00 Escape From The City (PG) [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 6:00 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] (PG) [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 7:30 Country House Hunters 6:30 Anh’s Brush With Fame: Dr Karl Kruszelnicki (PG) [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] Australia: Yarra Valley [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:00 Better Homes: Australia’s Most 8:30 Movie: “Cast Away” (M) (’00) Stars: Chris Noth, Tom Hanks, 7:30 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat [s] Amazing Homes: Vintage Twist Helen Hunt, Lari White, Nick 8:00 Vera: Death Of A Family Man (PG) [s] Searcy, Paul Sanchez, Peter 8:00 Border Security - Australia’s (PG) [s] Front Line (PG) [s] von Berg 9:35 Mystery Road: Silence (M l) [s] 10:25 State Of The Union (PG) [s] 8:30 Movie: “Unknown” (M s,v) (’11) 11:20 Movie: “Transcendence” (M) (’14) Stars: Johnny Depp, Stars: Liam Neeson 10:35 ABC Late News [s] 10:50 Movie: “Run All Night” (MA15+) Rebecca Hall, Morgan Freeman 10:55 Barracuda (M l,s) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 11:50 rage (MA15+) [s] (’15) Stars: Bruce McGill 6:00 Easy Eats [s] 6:00 Home Shopping 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Today [s] 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:00 Today Extra Summer [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 10:00 rage (PG) [s] 12:00 Destination WA [s] 11:00 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 Movie: “Angel Flight Down” 12:30 Animal Embassy (PG) [s] (PG) (’96) Stars: Patricia 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 World’s Greatest Animal Kalember, David Charvet 12:30 Employable Me Australia (M l) Encounters [s] 2:00 Movie: “Joe Versus The 1:30 Agatha Christie’s Ordeal By Volcano” (PG) (’90) Stars: Tom 2:00 Movie: “Rocky IV” (M v) (’85) Innocence (M v) [s] Stars: Sylvester Stallone Hanks, Meg Ryan, Abe Vigoda 2:30 Boyer Lecture: Andrew Forrest 3:00 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat [s] 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens [s] 3:50 Serengeti: Misfortune (PG) [s] 5:00 NINE News: First At Five [s] 5:00 Seven News At 5 [s] 3:30 Dream Gardens: Coffs 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s 5:30 RBT: Mum Was Right (PG) [s] Harbour, NSW [s] 6:00 NINE News Saturday [s] Front Line (PG) [s] 4:00 Ask The Doctor: Gut (PG) [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 4:30 Landline Summer [s] 7:30 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 5:00 Football: A-League: Round 5: 7:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: 8:30 Movie: “First Man” (M l) (’18) Melbourne Stars v Perth Western United v Perth Glory Stars: Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Scorchers *Live* From The *Live* From Geelong [s] Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, MCG [s] – As the race to the 7:00 ABC News [s] Corey Stoll, Patrick Fugit BBL finals hots up, the Stars 7:30 Midsomer Murders: Till Death 11:20 Movie: “Out Of The Furnace” welcome the Scorchers in a Do Us Part (PG) [s] – Barnaby is (MA15+) (’13) Stars: Christian mouth-watering match-up that less than impressed when Bale, Casey Affleck will showcase some of the Sarah drags him to a family 1:15 Destination WA [s] competition’s biggest stars. friend’s wedding. 11:00 Movie: “Blood Father” (MA15+) 1:40 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 9:00 Endeavour: Pylon (M v) [s] 2:05 Home Shopping (’16) Stars: Mel Gibson 10:35 Call The Midwife (PG) [s] 5:30 Wesley Impact [s] 1:00 Home Shopping 11:30 Deep Water (M l,s) [s] 6:00 Easy Eats [s] 6:00 Home Shopping 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Today [s] 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:00Offsiders: Summer Series [s] 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend 10:00 Cybershack (PG) [s] 10:30 The Xtreme Collxtion (PG) [s] (PG) [s] 10:30The World In 2020 [s] 12:00 My Road To Adventure (PG) 11:00 World’s Greatest Natural 11:00Compass (PG) [s] Wonders: Coasts [s] 12:30 Surf Patrol [s] 11:30Songs Of Praise (PG) [s] 12:00 Race Across The World (PG) 1:00 Beach Cops (PG) [s] 12:00ABC News At Noon [s] 2:30 Movie: “Duplicity” (PG) (’09) 12:30Golden Guitar Awards 2021 [s] 1:30 Movie: “The Game Plan” (G) Stars: Clive Owen, Julia (’15) Stars: Dwayne Johnson 2:00 Landline Summer (M) [s] Roberts, Tom Wilkinson, Paul 4:00 Australia’s Amazing Homes: 2:30 War On Waste: The Battle Giamatti, Dan Daily Extreme Homes (PG) [s] Continues (PG) [s] 5:00 Seven News At 5 [s] 5:00 NINE News: First At Five [s] 3:30 Everyone’s A Critic [s] 5:30 Territory Cops (PG) [s] 4:00 Football: W-League: Round 5: 5:30 Sydney Weekender (PG) [s] 6:00 NINE News Sunday [s] Canberra United v Melbourne 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 The Diana Interview: Revenge Victory *Live* From Viking Park 7:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: Of A Princess (PG) [s] Sydney Sixers v Hobart 6:00 Antiques Roadshow [s] 8:30 60 Minutes (PG) [s] 7:00 ABC News Sunday [s] Hurricanes *Live* From The 9:30 Movie: “Flight” (MA15+) (’12) SCG [s] 7:40 Grand Designs - House Of Stars: Denzel Washington, Kelly The Year: Houses That Fit Into 11:00 Movie: “Eraser” (MA15+) (’96) – Reilly, Nadine Velazquez, John A witness protection specialist Their Surroundings (PG) [s] becomes suspicious of his coGoodman, Don Cheadle 8:30 Joanna Lumley’s Unseen 11:50 NINE News Late [s] workers when dealing with a Adventures (PG) [s] 12:20 Young, Dumb And Banged Up case involving high-tech 9:15 Stateless (M l,v) [s] In The Sun (M) [s] weapons. Stars: Arnold Schwar10:10Killing Eve (MA15+) [s] 1:15 Explore [s] 10:55No Offence (M l,d,v) [s] zenegger, James Caani 1:30 Home Shopping 1:30 Home Shopping 11:40Endeavour: Pylon (M v) [s]

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

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

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

TEN (C13)

SBS (C30)

6:00 Farm To Fork [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 6:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 7:00 Headline News [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 1:00 PBS Newshour 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 2:00 America In Color: American Royalty (M) 1:00 I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! (M) [s] 2:55 Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: Noni Hazlehurst (PG) 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:30 Great American Railroad Journeys (PG) 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 5:30 Letters And Numbers (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:30 SBS World News 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 Planet Of Treasures: Latin 7:30 The Living Room [s] – Barry America (PG) (In English/ turns a bathroom from a nonSpanish) functional mess, into a little 8:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: piece of luxury. Daniel Radcliffe (PG) 8:30 The Graham Norton Show 9:40 Hitler’s Supercars (PG) (M l,s) [s] 10:35 SBS World News Late 10:30 The Project (PG) [s] 11:05 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] Countdown (M) 12:30 The Late Show (PG) [s] 11:55 Versailles: The Legacy (M s,v) 1:30 Home Shopping 2:10 Elizabeth At 90 (PG) 5:00 CGTN English News 6:00 Which Car? [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 6:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 7:00 Escape Fishing With ET [s] 1:00 PBS Newshour 7:30 All 4 Adventure [s] 8:30 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures 2:00 Great British Railway Journeys: London Paddington 9:30 Studio 10 Saturday (PG) [s] To Warminster/ Salisbury To 12:00 Beyond The Fire (PG) [s] Castle Carey/ Taunton To 12:30 Left Off The Map [s] Minehead (PG) 1:00 10 Minute Kitchen [s] 3:45 Gourmet Farmer 1:30 Healthy Homes Australia [s] 4:15 Remarkable Places To Eat: 2:00 Jamie And The Nonnas [s] Venice (PG) 3:00 What’s Up Down Under [s] 5:25 Battle Of Crete: Evacuation 3:30 My Market Kitchen [s] 6:30 SBS World News 4:00 Everyday Gourmet With 7:30 Robson Green’s Australian Justine Schofield [s] Adventure: Queensland (PG) 4:30 Farm To Fork [s] 8:30 Movie: “American Gangster” 5:00 10 News First [s] (MA15+) (’07) Stars: Denzel 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] Washington, Russell Crowe, 7:00 Toddlers Behaving (Very) Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin Badly (PG) [s] 8:00 Movie: “The Sapphires” (PG) 11:20 The Twelve (M l,s,v) (In Flemish) (’12) Stars: Jessica Mauboy 10:05 Movie: “Motherhood” (MA15+) 4:00 Great British Railway (’09) Stars: Uma Thurman Journeys: Great Yarmouth To 11:55 NCIS: Los Angeles (M v) [s] Beccles/ Windsor To Didcot 1:00 Home Shopping (PG) 5:00 CGTN English News 6:00 Religious Programs [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 7:30 Fishing Australia [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 8:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 1:00 Speedweek 8:30 My Market Kitchen [s] 2:00 Beach Volleyball: 9:00 Luca’s Key Ingredient [s] Cobram Barooga Classic 9:30 Studio 10 Sunday [s] 12:00 I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out 4:00 Gymnastics: World Challenge Hungary Of Here! (M) [s] 5:30 KGB - The Sword And The 1:30 RV Daily Foodie Trails [s] Shield (In English/ Russian/ 2:00 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Ukrainian) Adventures [s] 6:30 SBS World News 3:00 Farm To Fork [s] 3:30 Taste Of Australia With 7:30 Lost World - Deeper Into The Hayden Quinn [s] Black Sea – Journey To An 4:00 All 4 Adventure [s] Ancient Sea/ Secrets Of Ancient 5:00 10 News First [s] Empires 6:00 WIN News [s] 9:30 Scotland: Rome’s Final 6:30 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] Frontier 7:30 I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out 10:35 Secret Life Of Death: Of Here! (M) [s] Untold Australia (M l) 9:30 The Graham Norton Show 11:35 Police Custody: (M l,s) [s] In Plain Sight (M l) 10:30 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 12:30 How To Lose Weight Well 11:30 Program To Be Advised (PG) 12:30 Home Shopping 3:20 Michael Mosley: Trust Me, 4:30 CBS This Morning [s] I’m A Doctor (PG)

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

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

SOLID BATHROOMS Advert

Builders Licence Number 204179C

PAGE 20 22 JANUARY 2021

LICENSED TRADESMAN AND QUALITY WORK ALL LOCATED ON THE CENTRAL COAST Scotty from Solid Bathrooms is a licensed builder with over 13 years What our clients are saying experience on the Central Coast. Hiring a builder means that all bathroom work

“Thank you, Scott, for your excellent advice and well-priced solution for our new bathroom. “ “Each of your tradespeople who worked on our new bathroom were prompt, polite, tidy and talented.” “I recommend Solid Bathrooms without any hesitation.”

and workmanship is managed by one project manager and is fully insured. In addition, any reconfigurations are easily managed, for example, if a wall needs to be pulled down or a bath removed to have a larger walk in shower, you know the builder can manage this efficiently.

WWW.SOLIDBATHROOMS.COM - PHONE 0401 601 082 FOR A FREE QUOTATION

PRIME (C61/60)

NINE (C81/80)

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Antiques Roadshow [s] 11:00 Gardening Australia [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 Unforgotten (M l) [s] 2:00 The Letdown (M l,s) [s] 2:35 The Ex-PM (M l,s) [s] 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:00 The Heights (PG) [s] 4:30 Back Roads (PG) [s] 5:00 Escape From The City (PG) [s] 6:00 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) [s] 6:30 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 Australian Of The Year 2021 8:30 Australia Remastered: Tasmania [s] 9:25 The Crown And Us: The Story Of The Royals In Australia (PG) 10:25 Tomorrow Tonight (PG) [s] 10:55 ABC Late News [s] 11:15 Harrow (M v) [s] 12:05 No Offence (M l,n) [s] 12:55 rage (MA15+) [s]

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “With This Ring” (M d,s) (’15) Stars: Gabrielle Union 2:00 Surf Patrol [s] 2:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (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 Cricket: Big Bash League: Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Thunder *Live* From Spotless Stadium [s] 11:00 Movie: “Passenger 57” (M v,l) (’92) – Wesley Snipes stars as the one man who can stop a gang of ruthless terrorists aboard a hijacked airliner in this action thriller. Stars: Wesley Snipes, Bruce Payne, Elizabeth Hurley, Tom Sizemore, Alex Datcher, Bruce Greenwood 1:00 Home Shopping

5:30 Today [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 Movie: “The Man In The Moon” (PG) (’91) Stars: Sam Waterston, Tess Harper, Reese Witherspoon, Jason London 3:00 Tipping Point [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 7:30 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: Frontline Workers (PG) [s] 9:00 RBT: Conspiracy Theory/ Don’t Trust Your Friends (PG) [s] 10:00 Boeing’s Killer Plane: What Went Wrong? (PG) [s] 11:00 NINE News Late [s] 11:30 The First 48: Million Dollar Question (M) [s] 12:15 Tipping Point [s] 1:05 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

Tuesday 26 January

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 7:30 WugulOra Morning Ceremony 2021 [s] 8:30 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 Australia Day: Flag Raising And Citizenship Ceremony [s] 10:15 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:00 Gardening Australia [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 Australian Of The Year 2021 2:00 Salute To Australia [s] 2:35 The Ex-PM (M l) [s] 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:00 The Heights (PG) [s] 4:30 Back Roads (PG) [s] 5:00 Escape From The City (PG) [s] 6:00 January 26 (PG) [s] 6:55 Governor-General’s Australia Day Message [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 Australia Day *Live* 2021 [s] 9:30 Australian Made (M l,s) [s] 10:50 ABC Late News [s] 11:10 Glitch (M l,s) [s] 12:05 No Offence (M l,v) [s] 12:55 rage (MA15+) [s]

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “The BBQ” (PG) (’18) Stars: Shane Jacobson 2:00 Surf Patrol [s] 2:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 4:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: Melbourne Renegades v Hobart Hurricanes *Live* From The MCG [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: Melbourne Renegades v Hobart Hurricanes *Live* From The MCG [s] 7:30 Cricket: Big Bash League: Melbourne Stars v Sydney Sixers *Live* From The MCG [s] 11:30 Movie: “Conspiracy Theory” (M v) (’97) Stars: Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart, Cylk Cozart, Steve Kahan 2:30 Home Shopping

6:00 Headline News [s] 5:30 Today [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 Movie: “Now Add Honey” (M l,n) 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] (’15) – Normal life implodes for a 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] suburban family when their pop 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] star cousin comes to stay. Stars: 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] Robyn Butler, Lucy Fry 5:00 10 News First [s] 3:00 Tipping Point [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 7:30 I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out 6:00 NINE News [s] Of Here! (M) [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 7:30 Travel Guides: Byron (PG) [s] 9:30 NCIS: Boom (M v) [s] – The team investigates an explosion 8:30 Movie: “The Castle” (M l) (’97) outside the home of a Navy Stars: Eric Bana, Michael Caton, petty officer and a popular Stephen Curry, Sophie Lee, Bud reality TV star. Tingwell, Tiriel Mora 10.30 NCIS: Los Angeles: Third 10:15 NINE News Late [s] Wheel (M) [s] 10:45 Hamish & Andy’s Gap Year 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] Asia (PG) [s] 11:40 Law & Order: Criminal Intent: 12:30 The Project (PG) [s] 1:30 The Late Show (PG) [s] Probability (M v) [s] 2:30 Home Shopping 12:30 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 4:30 CBS This Morning [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Grand Designs [s] 11:00 Gardening Australia [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 Unforgotten (M) [s] 1:45 Meet The Ferals [s] 2:00 The Letdown (M) [s] 2:30 The Ex-PM [s] 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:00 The Heights (PG) [s] 4:30 Back Roads (PG) [s] 5:00 Escape From The City (PG) [s] 6:00 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) [s] 6:30 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 8:35 Spicks And Specks: 2010s Special (PG) [s] 9:25 QI: Restaurants (M l) [s] 10:00 Adam Hills: The Last Leg [s] 10:40 ABC Late News [s] 10:55 Judi Dench’s Wild Borneo Adventure [s]

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “Jersey Boys” (M l) (’14) Stars: John Lloyd Young, Vincent Piazza, Steve Schirripa 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 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) [s] 7:30 Movie: “Dancing On Thin Ice With Torvill & Dean” (PG) (’20) Stars: Stars: Stephen Fry 9:00 Movie: “Pitch Perfect” (M l,s) (’12) Stars: Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp, Elizabeth Banks 11:20 Billy Connolly & Me: A Celebration (M l) [s] – This special Billy Connolly rewinds his classic stand-up moments, alongside new and unseen performance footage. 12:30 Home Shopping

6:00 Headline News [s] 5:30 Today [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 Program To Be Advised 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 PBS Newshour 1:00 Movie: “One Chance” (PG) (’13) 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 2:00 The Rise Of The Clans 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] Stars: James Corden 3:00 Great British Railway 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] Journeys (PG) 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 3:25 Who Do You Think You Are?: (PG) [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] John Jarratt (PG) 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 4:30 Great American Railroad 6:00 WIN News [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] Journeys (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 Travel Guides: Red Centre 5:30 Letters And Numbers 7:30 I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) [s] Of Here! (M) [s] – One celeb is 6:30 SBS World News 8:30 Movie: “The Dish” (PG) (’00) – the target in a secret mission The heartwarming story of how 7:35 Britain’s Most Historic Towns: that will earn the camp a pasta the historic live television Elizabethan Plymouth lunch reward if they are footage of man’s first moon 8:30 The Last Journey Of The successful. landing were beamed back to Vikings the Earth from a sheep paddock 9:30 Bull: The Head Of The Goat/ 9:30 Vikings: All At Sea (MA15+) in Parkes, NSW in the summer Quid Pro Quo (M) [s] 10:25 SBS World News Late of 1969. Stars: Sam Neill 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 10:55 24 Hours In Emergency (M) 10:30 NINE News Late [s] 12:30 The Project (PG) [s] 11:50 Movie: “Pop Aye” (M l,s) (’17) 11:00 New Amsterdam: 1:30 The Late Show With Stephen Stars: Penpak Sirikul (In Thai) The Karman Line (M mp) [s] Colbert (PG) [s] 1:40 War And Peace (MA15+) 12:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 2:30 Home Shopping 3:25 Pauline Hanson: Please 1:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 4:30 CBS This Morning [s] Explain! (PG)

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Joanna Lumley’s Unseen Adventures (PG) [s] 11:00 Gardening Australia [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 12:55 The Delinquents (M n,s) [s] 2:40 Program To Be Advised 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:00 The Heights (PG) [s] 4:30 Back Roads (PG) [s] 5:00 Escape From The City (PG) [s] 6:00 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) [s] 6:30 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) [s] 8:30 Rick Stein’s Secret France [s] 9:30 Miriam Margolyes Almost Australian: The Lucky Country (M l) [s] 10:30 ABC Late News [s] 10:50 Nolan (PG) [s] 11:50 Wentworth (MA15+) [s] 12:50 Killing Eve (M v) [s]

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “Divine Secrets Of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood” (PG) (’02) Stars: Sandra Bullock, Ellen Burst, Fionnula Flanagan 2:30 Border Security International (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 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) [s] 7:30 Highway Patrol Special: Characters (PG) [s] 8:30 Movie: “Ant-Man” (PG) (’15) Stars: Corey Stoll, Evangeline Lilly, Judy Greer 10:50 Movie: “Hard To Kill” (MA15+) (’90) Stars: Bill Sadler, Steven Seagal, Kelly LeBrock, William Sadler, Frederick Coffin, Bonnie Burroughs, Andrew Bloch 1:00 Home Shopping

6:00 Headline News [s] 5:30 Today [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 1:00 Explore [s] 1:10 Movie: “Wedding Daze” (M s,l) 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] (’07) Stars: Jason Biggs, Isla 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful Fisher, Joe Pantoliano (PG) [s] 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 7:30 I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out 6:00 NINE News [s] Of Here! (M) [s] – Remember 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] flinging yourself around on the 7:30 Great Getaways (PG) [s] old Hills Hoist clothesline when 8:30 Movie: “Crocodile Dundee” (M) you were a kid? (’86) Stars: Paul Hogan, Linda Kozlowski, John Meillon, David 9:00 Law & Order: SVU: Ballad Of Dwight And Irena/ Must Be Held Gulpilil, Ritchie Singer, Maggie Accountable (Part 2) (M) [s] Blinco, Steve Rackman, Gerry 11:00 This Is Us: In The Room (M) [s] Skilton, Terry Gill 12:00 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 10:30 NINE News Late [s] 1:00 The Project (PG) [s] 11:00 World’s Worst Flights: 2:00 The Late Show With Stephen Terrorism (M) [s] Colbert (PG) [s] 11:50 The Horn: The Longest Day (M) 12:40 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 3:00 Home Shopping 1:30 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS This Morning [s]

Monday 25 January

ABC (C20/21)

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)

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

TEN (C13)

PAGE 21 22 JANUARY 2021

Wednesday 27 January

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Thursday 28 January

SBS (C30)

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 Program To Be Advised 2:00 America In Color: 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Hollywood’s Golden Age (M) 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] 2:50 Great British Railway 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] Journeys: Lynton And 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful Lynmouth To Exeter (PG) (PG) [s] 3:25 Who Do You Think You Are?: 5:00 10 News First [s] Charlie Teo 6:00 WIN News [s] 4:25 Great American Railroad 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] Journeys (PG) 7:30 I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out 5:30 Letters And Numbers Of Here! (M) [s] – Today’s trial 6:00 Mastermind Australia is a gag-inducing I’m A Celebrity 6:30 SBS World News Get Me Out Of Here 7:35 The Architecture The international first... Smellovision! Railways Built: Metroland (PG) 9:30 The Montreal Comedy Festival 8:30 The Big Fat Quiz Of (MA15+) [s] Everything (M) 10:30 Hughesy, We Have A Problem 10:45 SBS World News Late (M) [s] 11:15 Hamilton Agent (MA15+) 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] (In Swedish/ English) 12:30 The Project (PG) [s] 12:05 Outlander (MA15+) 1:30 The Late Show With Stephen 2:10 Dead Lucky (M l,v) Colbert (PG) [s] 4:15 Great British Railway 2:30 Home Shopping Journeys (PG)

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 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 6:00 Sunrise Ceremony: NITV 8:00 NITV News Special 9:00 Movie: “Rabbit-Proof Fence” (PG) (’02) Stars: Everlyn Sampi 10:35 Always Was Always Will Be 11:05 Vote Yes For Aborigines 12:00 Sunrise Ceremony 2:00 Archaeology At The Big Dig: Digging Into The Rocks (PG) 2:40 Escalation Sensation 3:15 Who Do You Think You Are?: Australia (PG) 4:20 Great American Railroad Journeys (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Great Continental Railway Journeys 8:30 The Beach (M l) 11:25 SBS World News Late 11:55 The A Word (M l,s) 1:00 The Pier (MA15+) (In Spanish)

5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 The Rise Of The Clans: Brothers At War 3:00 Great Irish Railway Journeys: Killarney To Cobh (PG) 3:25 Who Do You Think You Are?: Justine Clarke (PG) 4:25 Great American Railroad Journeys (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 The World’s Greatest Palaces (PG) 8:30 The Rise Of The Nazis: Night Of The Long Knives (M) 9:35 World On Fire (M) (In English/ French/ German/ Polish) 10:45 SBS World News Late 11:15 24 Hours In Police Custody: Knifed (M l) 12:10 Home Ground (MA15+) (In Norwegian)

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

PAGE 22 22 JANUARY 2021

PUZZLES

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9 Corpulent (5) 10 Extreme surprise (9) 11 Souvenir (5) 12 Inherent (9) 13 Possess (3) 14 Hebrew minor prophet (5) 15 E.g. wine goblets (9) 16 Bush (5) 18 Double birdie (5) 22 Large mass of sliding snow (9) 25 Renounce (5) 27 Open mesh fabric (3) 28 Staff (9) 29 Mistaken (5) 30 Weaken insidiously (9) 31 Passageway (5)

1 Highest singing voice in women (7) 2 Affluence (6) 3 Recent arrival (8) 4 Saw (6) 5 Book end, perhaps (4,4) 6 Exceptional intellect (6) 7 Convince (8) 8 Adhesive label (7) 16 Frenzied rush (8) 17 Single-celled organisms (8) 19 Conceal with decorative paper (4,4) 20 Neither solid nor liquid (7) 21 Abrade (7) 23 Part of a group (6) 24 Followed (6) 26 Cardiff International Airport (6)

27 28

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MISSING LINK Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only. FILL IN THE WORDS N I CER

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 23 22 JANUARY 2021

DOWN IN THE GARDEN: CREATE NEW PLANTS WITH PROPAGATION Seed Saving Such an exciting thing to do because you may end up with plants very different from the parent plant you collected the seeds from in your garden. For most plants, it is best to use healthy, strong plants and collect seed pods as soon as they change colour from whatever is ripe for them (usually green) to a dried brown to black. Place indoors in a full sun position, out of the way of drafts and wait until fully dry. Pods may release on their own or you can gently break open and (again) store seeds in a cool, dry, dark place until you wish to sow.

CUTTINGS It’s not that all plants can’t be reproduced via cuttings, but some methods work better than others with different plants (I’m always happy to answer questions on this via email: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail.com)

Types of Cuttings CHERALYN DARCEY

Propagation is an interesting and rather addictive gardening practice … once you have achieved a few successes. For the botanically minded, there are two types of propagation, the first being ‘sexual’ which is the creation of new plants via parts from two parent plants to create a third new plant. This is probably familiar to most of us as the process of seed creation through pollination. The offspring is a combination of the traits of both parent plants so, just like us humans, will not always be exactly the same as either parent but more likely a combination of the two. The other type of propagation is ‘asexual’ and this is achieved via cuttings, division of plants, grafting, budding and layering of one parent plant and this will produce a clone. The resulting plant is an exact copy of the parent plant in every way although mutations do sometimes occur.

Softwood cuttings are taken from new growth and as the name suggests, they are very soft. They take really well either in water for later transplanting or in cutting and seed raising mixtures but are rather fickle with a low survival rate after striking. Greenwood cuttings are created when the plant stems are a little past the softwood stage and can be recognised by firmer stems. They have a better survival rate into maturity. Semi-ripe cuttings work very well with conifers and most evergreens and are taken once the stems begin to bud. Hard wood cuttings are made well before new growth begins when the plant is in a dormant phase. These cuttings are slower to strike, don’t have as great a rate of striking but once they do take, have an excellent survival rate into maturity. Leaf-bud cuttings are a semi-ripe cutting with a single leaf still attached and these are an economical way of creating an increased number of cuttings, especially from shrubs. Full leaves develop roots from the picked end of the leaf and part leave cuttings will develop roots from the wound created from cutting them up. Root cuttings are created from larger roots of suitable plants during their dormant phase.

Types of Stem Cutting Preparation When obtaining cuttings, most are taken from the stem just below a node. These joints in a ‘nodal cutting’ hold a lot of vascular tissue and so the formation of roots is far more likely. Other methods include ‘heal cutting’ which involves pulling away side shoots so that some of the bark from the main stem comes away with it, ‘wounding’ a cutting by scraping away a section of the bark to expose the inner tissue and ‘callusing’ which is also a form of wounding in which a callus is encouraged to form from a scraped stem.

Root Hormone

SEEDS The trick to successful seed propagation is good seed stock to begin with and sowing as per requirement of the particular plant – simply throwing out a handful of seeds and hoping for the best really won’t cut it. There also needs to be a bit of reality check as not all seeds are likely to germinate and not all seedlings will survive to become mature plants.

Buying Seeds Always check the ‘sow by’ date on the packet and ensure that the seeds can be sown at the time you are thinking of planting them. If you really must have that packet of seeds you have spied on your shopping trip, make sure the ‘sow by’ date still falls within the coming season and keep in a cool, dry, dark place until you are ready to use them. It’s best that once opened, all are used. Follow the directions given on the packet closely for the greatest success as some seeds have very different needs including the requirement to soak before use and sowing depths and mediums will also vary.

To help your baby cutting along, you can apply a root hormone. There are commercial preparations out there but I’m a fan of organic homemade so here’s one of my recipes: 1. Add one generous tablespoon of organic honey to 2 cups of boiling water and stir well – once it drops to room temperature it is ready. 2. Dip cutting end into the mixture and then plant in a seed and cutting soil raising mix. I have also tried dipping hardwood cuttings into Vegemite and had success as well - as strange as it sounds it’s probably the Vitamin B boost that creates the magic!

Cutting and Seed Raising Mediums Many cuttings can be started in a clear jar of water that sits in filtered light while seeds can be put straight into ordinary garden soil or a potting mix. Planting straight into a speciality cutting and seed raising medium however gives the vast majority of plants the best beginning and makes transplanting into your garden or larger pots easier down the track. Propagation mixes need to provide aeration, excellent drainage and support. Although bagged commercial mixtures can be purchased, a good example of a homemade mix is: 2 parts coir peat, 2 parts compost and 1 part course river sand.

BULBS, CORMS, TUBERS and RHIZOMES These are underground compressed stems that hold a

bud within. Many lay dormant between growing seasons until conditions suit their return as a new plant or they simply begin new growth at any time of the year depending on conditions. Tubers can be either Root Tubers, that are formed from sections of root stock or Stem Tubers that, as you would guess, form from sections of modified stems. Most can be separated carefully from the parent plant to create a new plant and some of the bulbs can be encouraged to further divide through chipping sections into separate scales, cutting segments that still contain the basal plate of the bulb or scoring, depending on the plant type.

PROPAGATION EXAMPLES These are not the only way to propagate these plants, but it gives you an idea of how you could start creating your own new plants at your place.

From seeds Most annuals and perennials, Grevillea (Grevillea), Avocado (Persea)

From stem cuttings Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), Geranium (Pelagonium), Wattle (Acacia), Lemon (Citrus limon), Mulberry (Morus), Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica), Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

DIVISION

From leaf cuttings

If you are a fan of Agapanthus (Agapanthus africanus), Dayliy (Hemerocallis spp.) or Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum spp.) then you might already be aware that you can create new delights by easing in-between clumps of your plants and simply lifting out sections for replanting. There are many plants that can be easily divided, and an indication is a clumping form in their growth pattern. Sometimes the clumps may need to be carefully cut with a sharp knife to release.

African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha), Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe)

LAYERING Many plants layer naturally when their stems touch the ground, prompting the stem to develop roots. You can see this in plants like Ivy (Hedera spp.). To copy this process, all you need to do is bend stems down onto the soil and peg down to encourage root formation. For stems that cannot reach the soil, Air Layering can be used where a wound is made in the stem and then it is covered in compost and wrapped in moss. Once roots form in either layering method, the stem is cut from the plant and transplanted.

Division Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii), Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Spoil Layering Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Cosomum), String of Pearls (Senecia rowleyanus), Ivy (Hedra) Air LayeringFig (Ficus), Magnolia (Magnolia), Camellia (Camellia japonica), Rose (Rosa)

ON THE GARDEN GRAPVINE Adults & Kids - Finger Painted Flowers Sat, 16th Jan 10:00am - 12:45pm Exhale Art and Wellness Studio, Unit 7/314-316 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty www. exhaleart.com.au Create Your Own Tree Painting (7yrs to adult). Sun 17th Jan 10am - 2pm The CollaborArtti, Chittaway Bay. Call Kylie or Marie on 0402978647 Central Coast Council School Holiday Workshops Ages 7 to 14 must be accompanied by one adult. Bookings a must: centralcoast.nsw.gov ….The Entrance: Composting Mon 18th Jan 9 10am, Worm Farming Mon 18th Jan 10:30 - 11:30am, Upcycled Terrariums Tue 19th Jan 9 - 10am Gosford: Uncycled Terrariums Tues 19th Jan 9 10am, Insect Hotels Tues 19th Jan 10:30 - 11:30am, Propagation 19th Jan 12 - 1pm THIS WEEK YOU COULD PLANT Brussel sprouts, capsicum, chilli, climbing beans, eggplant, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, mustard greens, okra, pumpkin, radish, rockmelon, rosella, spring onion, squash,sweet corn,watermelon,basil,chives,lemongrass, mint, rosemary, tarragon, amaranth, azaleas, camellias, grevilleas, marigolds, petunias, sunflowers Cheralyn Darcey is a gardening author, community garden coordinator and along with Pete Little, hosts ‘At Home with The Gardening Gang’ 8 - 10am every Saturday on CoastFM963 Send your gardening questions, events and news to: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail.com

PAGE 24 22 JANUARY 2021 OUT&ABOUT

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Locals provide music for RENT

After two months performing at the Sydney Opera House, Matcham local Andrew Worboys is excited to be bringing the show RENT, for which he is Musical Artistic Director, a little closer to home. RENT will play at the Art House at Wyong from February 4. With three other Central Coast locals, Worboys makes up the live band which brings the memorable soundtrack to life. Fellow musos Cypress Bartlett (drums), Konrad Ball (bass) and Nathan Barraclough (guitar) are all from the Coast, along with Assistant Musical Director Dylan Pollard. RENT, has been appearing eight times a week at the Sydney Opera House since

Left to Right, Nathan Barraclough, Konrad Ball, Andrew Worboys and Cypress Bartlett

the end of December and will continue until the beginning of February. Worboys said it had been a full-on few months. "It is eight shows a week, Tuesday to Sunday, two shows on Saturday and two

Kariong Quality Come in and see Jake Forbes and team for all your award winning sausages and quality meat. Try some of our new sausage varieties available every week

Mon - Fri 6.30am - 6.30pm Sat - Sun 6.00am - 4pm

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A Room Made of Leaves

Author: Kate Grenville Publisher: Text Publishing

Much is written about the officers that established the penal colony in Australia, but little is known about their wives. A Room Made of Leaves changes that as it traces the life of Elizabeth Macarthur based on her long lost secret memoirs. (Not her real long lost memoirs which were indeed found at her daughter’s home in England and published in 1914, but a more enticing fictitious set with loose connections to the originals.) In Kate Grenville’s revisionist biography, John Macarthur, a British officer and his wife Elizabeth came out with the second fleet. He is considered a pioneer in the wool industry. But what if he wasn’t the brains behind the operation? We meet Elizabeth when she is growing up in Bridgerule in Devon,

Sunday, so we have Monday off," Worboys said. "It is a pretty rigorous schedule. "The show organisers have two days of turnaround where they bump the show out of the Opera House and then drive it up the road, straight into the Art House, and then three days later we have our first audience in on February 4." Four shows will be held over three days. "We are really looking forward to performing in our own back yard,” Worboys said. "We are so lucky on the Central Coast to actually have a space like that to perform in."

The group formed a tight bond since coming together last year during COVID to play online as The Isolationists. "We had some online concerts to help us survive through the lockdown," Worboys said. "We all kind of worked in that way for a couple of months, having never had actually met, just over the internet, recording music and sending it to each other. "Until finally we were allowed to have more people in a house, so I said to them come over and have jam, and when they did, we all just clicked. "For the next few months, we created these online COVID concerts, and by

extension, I asked if they wanted to come be part of the RENT band because we just worked so well together. "I am so grateful and excited to now be able to play with these generous and talented fellows in RENT, doubly

excited we got to do it at the Sydney Opera House and now here at home on the Coast. "They have quite simply become family. "I am originally from Orange and grew up playing in pub rock bands, so I was a rocker, which is why I love RENT so much because it is a rock musical.” RENT will be the latest hit musical to visit The Art House after 2019's In the Heights and HAIR. It is the only other venue to receive the show from The Sydney Opera House. Shows will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday, February 4, 7.30pm on February 5, and at 2pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, February 6. Jacinta Counihan

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BOOK REVIEW England. Her father is a farmer but died shortly after Elizabeth’s younger sister. Her mother couldn’t handle the farm by herself, so they go to live with her Grandfather. Her Grandfather had a small farm but his passion was sheep and he instilled that passion on a young Elizabeth. Bridie is the daughter of the local pastor and Elizabeth’s childhood friend. When Elizabeth’s mother remarries, a twelve-year-old Elizabeth goes to live with the pastor and his wife. Here she learns what is expected of a young lady, and that it is imperative to keep one’s virtue until marriage, “I was not beautiful, I had no family, no portion. I was not connected to anyone of importance. My sole asset in the world was my maidenhood.” Fast forward ten years and Bridie and Elizabeth are twenty-two. The young women are at risk of being old maids. Bridie comes to the attention of Captain Moriarty. Accompanying Captain Moriarty is Ensign Macarthur: “Mr Macarthur was an ugly cold sort of fellow. There was nothing smiling or pleasant about him. A sullen bottom lip gave him the look

of a petulant child, and he was badly marked by the smallpox.” But he had fire and Elizabeth was drawn to him. Elizabeth forgets what her sole asset is and before long she is showing, so Ensign Macarthur is instructed to marry her. It isn’t a happy marriage. He doesn’t have kind words for Elizabeth and treats her like a piece of furniture. He is a schemer and often gets into arguments with fellow officers. He is also obsessed with getting promoted which will eventually lead to wealth.

The first step in doing this is to head off with the second fleet to the new penal colony of Australia. Elizabeth must make a life for herself and their young son (other children will follow). She will entertain officers in her salon and come to the attention of Mr. Dawes who will, in turn, end up being the love of her life. After much scheming and conniving Macarthur gets acreage in Parramatta. Elizabeth suggests they export wool but he has no interest in that, “My dear wife, your enthusiasm is to be applauded, he said. But let me convince you by means of a little arithmetic. The price of wool is measured in pence, that of mutton in shillings. A difference by a factor of twelve, you see.” But after few years Macarthur comes up with a brilliant idea to export wool. (Yep, the guy’s a genius.) The story transported me back in time. I enjoyed the years when Elizabeth was growing up in England and her friendship with Bridie but there were times, after she arrives in Sydney that didn’t grab my attention so much. There are glimpses of Australia’s rugged and often brutal history of

colonisation. I lost track of all the officers she would entertain in her salon and the different schemes her husband was getting himself into and it made me wonder if this revisionist biography bordered on the dull, how dreary must the original version have been. But, it is quite well written and, as the Conversation review so neatly puts it: “Grenville so convincingly creates Elizabeth’s voice it is easy to forget her opening warning: “Do not believe too quickly!” Kim Reardon The Reluctant Book Critic

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 25 22 JANUARY 2021

Business & Property Sixth level mooted for Terrigal penthouse A Terrigal developer has gone back for another bite of the cherry, attempting to amend an approval from last year to add another storey to a development in the centre of Terrigal. The originally approved maximum building height was 16.38m for five storeys while the extra floor would bring the height up to 19.67m. The applicant already received Council approval in September last year to vary an earlier approval from 2019 to erect a five-storey building in Church St - on land that had been used as a car park. The 2019 DA didn’t comply with height and floor space ratio under the Local Environment Plan as well as being non compliant on eight counts with Development Control Plan and\or the Apartment guidelines but, after vigorous debate, it did get

This diagram shows the proposed amendment

passed by a majority of councillors. The 2020 amendment added car spaces, reduced the floor space and changed the approved category of ground

floor premises from shop to business premises. It also revised the internal layout of levels and apartments. Now, with work on the site

already progressing, the applicant has asked for further amendments. It wants a new Level 6 penthouse, increasing the number of residential units

from 12 (approved) to 13 and consequentially revising the roof plan and enlarging the terraces of the approved Level 5 residential units. The land, at 5-7 Church St,

has an area of 942m2; a frontage to Church St and a rear boundary frontage to Hudson Lne. The application for the amendment says the land is functionally part of Terrigal Town Centre and provides one of the few immediate opportunities for significant redevelopment consistent with the intended function of Church St as one of the principal “mixed use” streets. The application says the development would still be substantially the same as that approved in 2017. It says the proposed penthouse level does not result in any significant additional view loss from neighbouring developments. Residents can have their say on the proposal until February 15. Merilyn Vale

Planning Panel gives green light to Terrigal development The Central Coast Planning Panel has approved construction of a fourstorey residential development in Campbell Cres, Terrigal. The development will comprise 13 units and two levels of basement car parking.

In making its unanimous decision for approval at its December 19 meeting, the panel said it was satisfied that a written request in relation to the contravention of building height had adequately addressed clause 4.6 of the LEP.

“The Panel agrees that the written request demonstrates that compliance with the development standard is unnecessary in the circumstances of the case and there are sufficient environmental planning grounds to justify contravening the development standard,”

the meeting minutes said. “Further, the Panel considers that the proposed development will be in the public interest because it is consistent with the objectives of the height of buildings development standard and the objectives for development within Zone R1

General Residential in which the development is proposed to be carried out.” The development will comprise 13 residential units – two with one bedroom, four with two bedrooms and seven with three bedrooms. A total of 27 carparking

spaces will be provided on two basement levels, including two accessible spaces and four visitor spots. Source: Minutes, Central Coast Planning Panel meeting, Dec 10 Central Coast Council DA tracker DA57766/2019

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Sheridan supports old linen recycling Residents now knowing just what to with their old linen are invited to drop it into the Sheridan store at West Gosford, as the company relaunches its recycling program. Put on hold in early 2020 due to COVID-19 safety and hygiene restrictions, the initiative encourages homeowners to bring in their old linen, towels and quilt covers, from any brand, to be recycled and made into new products. Group General Manager, Sheridan Australia, Paul Gould,

said that while a spike in sales during isolation periods last year was favourable for business,it could be detrimental to the environment if customers were not encouraged to reduce, re-use and recycle in the process. “Sheridan is taking action to ensure Australia’s home decorating habits are more sustainable moving forward,” Gould said. “Every Sheridan Boutique and Outlet store is equipped with a recycling bin, making it easier than ever for customers

to ensure their unwanted products are diverted from landfill. “Bed linen and towels brought into stores are collected by a third party and sent to one of Sheridan’s partner factories to be broken down into recycled materials. “Prior to pausing the program in stores, we had diverted over 25,000kgs of textile waste from landfill. Retail assistant at the West Gosford store, Elizabeth Georgeson, said customers had reacted very positively to

the initiative. “We’ve had a lot of customers returning product to be recycled,” she said. “While we haven’t had it running during COVID, we’ve had a lot of people asking about it both in store and giving us calls asking when it would be returning. “It’s been a very positive experience for us – customers are bringing in everything from towels to quilt covers to be recycled. Terry Collins

Sheridan West Gosford retail assistant Elizabeth Georgeson

Makers and Creators Connecting with the Coast’s Makers and Creators is now easier than ever through a new dedicated digital directory on the Love Central Coast website. Central Coast Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the exciting new digital resource showcases the growing creative enclaves of the Coast. “We are home to a community of talented and forwardthinking individuals and this fantastic new digital directory makes it easier for all of us to discover and engage with their

work,” Vaughan said. “A Maker and Creator is an individual or group who creates something unique to share with our community and visitors. “Connect with a truly diverse range of bespoke small business owners who call the Coast home – from painters and poets to beekeepers and craft beer distillers.” The Makers and Creators microsite on the Love Central Coast website was funded by the NSW Government through $50,000 from the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member

for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the digital microsite would boost the profile of local businesses. “This digital directory will not only help to promote the Central Coast and encourage more tourism for our region, but also make it easier for the community to discover unique and creative ventures taking place,” Crouch said. Council Administrator Dick Persson said the Coast’s growing creative community contributes significantly to the vibrancy and diversity of the region. “Talented individuals are increasingly choosing the

Central Coast as the destination to establish themselves and their business, which makes an invaluable contribution to the region,” Persson said. “Makers and Creators put so much passion into what they do, and Council is thrilled that this invaluable new digital directory will introduce more locals and visitors to their work.” Explore the Makers and Creators of the Central Coast or submit a free listing at lovecentralcoast.com Source: Media release, Jan 18 Central Coast Council

LPP rejects Mt Penang development proposal A proposal for a six-lot subdivision in Mt Penang Parklands at Kariong which would have seen three fast food outlets and vehicle repair premises has been refused by the Central Coast Local Planning Panel The $8.5M proposal would have seen McDonalds, Oporto and Taco Bell outlets on The

Avenue, along with a Bridgestone Tyre outlet plus landscaping which would have included mostly native shrubs, accents, groundcovers and grasses. A Statement of Environmental Effects prepared by the Stevens Group in support of the Development Application said it also sought approval for associated external road works, site works including

earthworks, landscaping and servicing as well as carparking and signage. Following the receipt of dozens of submissions and a recommendation from Central Coast Council for refusal, the Panel voted unanimously at its December 10 meeting to knock back the proposal. It also recommended Council make representations to the

Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation, Transport for NSW, Heritage NSW and other stakeholders encouraging them to prepare a comprehensive strategy that addresses all environmental and planning issues relating to future use of the precinct. The Panel’s reasons for refusal included: the refusal of concurrence to the proposed access driveway by Transport

for NSW; the refusal by the Heritage Council of NSW to grant General Terms of Agreement due to the impact on environmental heritage; and the proposal not being satisfactory with regard to relevant environmental planning instruments, plans and policies. The Panel found the proposal did not conform to the provisions of Gosford Local

Environmental Plan 2014 and Gosford Development Control Plan 2013 and significant issues or impacts had been identified under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Source: Local Planning Panel minutes, Dec 10 Central Coast Council DA tracker

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What I wish I knew before buying my first property Julia NEWBOULD Editor-at-large • Money magazine

1. Pay it down I wish I knew more about the mechanics of paying my home loan faster before I bought my first property. I wish someone sat me down back then and explained how interest rates worked and the benefits of paying more than my minimum monthly mortgage payments. I would have budgeted more towards it.

could and not thinking about taking a loan to include the renovations I wanted to do. In retrospect, the cost of renovations is always going to rise, so once you’ve bitten the bullet to buy the house you may as well get on with as many renovations you can afford early in the piece. If you’re not sure what needs to be done, then put the renovations on hold, but make sure the money is ready for when you are. I had budgeted for a new bathroom as that was a necessity but I couldn’t even paint the house until I had worked extra jobs to afford the paint. Luckily I had family around to actually do the painting!

2. Commit to the reno Before buying my first property I was all about saving what I

3. Find a way in Negative gearing can be a tax-effective way to maximise

There’s a great benefit to knowing early what things to do and what to avoid, the team at Money magazine happily reveal what they wish they knew before they took the plunge into property.

the capital appreciation of a property, as the net loss from the shortfall between rental income and mortgage repayments can be deducted from your taxable income. It also gave me entry into the property market earlier than I would’ve had otherwise. But

it still means you need to find money to plug the difference each month, and that has at times been a serious strain to my cashflow. That said, the current low-rate environment has gone a long way to alleviating this pain and goes to show how important it

is to refinance as rates fall. 5. Understand the interest I wish I knew what the interest on your home loan actually costs you (even at low rates and with a smallish offset). In the first month we were charged interest that equalled

almost two-thirds of our repayments - so initially it seemed we were on a hiding to nothing. Thankfully over the course of three years this has come down significantly because we now pay more than the minimum fortnightly repayment and have boosted the offset.

The uni courses most likely to get you hired after graduation Before you choose what to study, it’s a good idea to look at where the jobs and money are most plentiful. Pharmacy and engineering graduates are most likely to land a job after uni, while only about one in two communications and creative arts students will find employment. The 2020 Graduate Outcomes Survey, which demonstrates the employment outcomes of higher education graduates four months after finishing

their studies, found that students who undertake STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and vocational courses give them a head start in the job market. “COVID-19 has had a major impact on the Australian labour market, including graduate employment outcomes. As could be expected, graduate employment rates have declined between 2019 and 2020,” notes the report. It found that pharmacy graduates had full-time employment

rates of 96.4%, followed by engineering and science and mathematics grads with fulltime employment rates of 87.6% and 81.7% respectively. At the other end of the spectrum, the undergraduate full-time employment rate in serviced-based activities fell sharply in communications, down 7.3% to 52.8%, while creative arts saw a fall of 7.1% to 45.8% cent. While COVID has pushed the unemployment rate to 7%, the median salary for graduates

has increased to $65,000, up from $64,000 in 2019. Graduate dentists raked in the highest salaries $84,000 on average, down from $88,200 last year, while doctors came in second with a median salary of $75,000. Teachers and social workers also fared well, with both earning above $70,000. And despite having the highest employment rate, pharmacy graduates earned the least fresh out the gates, with a

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median salary of $49,600. The survey results come amid a strong push by the federal government to support students in fields that are in high demand. “Australia will need more

science, technology, engineering and mathematics skilled workers to help drive our economic recovery and there will be more jobs that rely on those skills,” federal minister for education Dan Tehan said recently. “The newly created National Priorities and Industry Linkage Fund will drive universities to be more responsive to the needs of Australian businesses and to design education that helps prepare students for the jobs of the future.”

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 29 22 JANUARY 2021

Coming soon: a policy for staff expenses Central Coast Council is working on more than 270 unaddressed recommendations and management actions arising from reviews by the NSW Audit Office, external consultant reviews and Council’s own internal auditor and its internal ombudsman. The internal auditor is suggesting that instead of continuing to conduct business

assurance audits which would simply layer up more management actions to fix broken controls, the internal audit should change emphasis. The change includes deciding on a top five “quick wins” and getting the Executive Leadership Team and unit managers moving on them quickly. One of the Top Five options is a policy for staff expenses. Others are a cash management framework and a process for reporting contracts below

$150,000. Another focus will be deciding on another top five high risk issues and to concentrate on fixing them. These issues include performance management, workforce planning, and systems and process frameworks. This year’s Roads Maintenance (Pothole Management) audit has been moved to next year along with the Property Rates audit.

The internal auditor has also cancelled a COVID-19 remote working control environment audit. Instead, the auditor will facilitate training for directors and managers on controls and how to effectively manage remote working environments. The internal audit said its role would include. assisting with research; engaging with key stakeholders through workshops, insights, advice and support; identifying best

practice and learnings from other organisations’ documentation; and ensuring risks are identified and managed. An audit report said that from the 2019/20 program of seven audits and an associated 116 recommendations, the root cause of the identified control weaknesses could be attributed to one or more of the following: lack of or weak policy/strategic framework; poor workforce planning/management; weak

systems/processes unclear or weak conduct of roles/ responsibilities; lack of or weak management information/ reporting; lack of or weak performance management/ monitoring; poor decision making/record keeping; noncompliance; skills/capabilities shortfall; breakdown/failure of delegations; and lack of or weak asset planning/management. Merilyn Vale

Tighter controls on cat owners Local Government NSW (LGNSW) has voted to advocate for tighter restrictions on cat owners, following amendments to a resolution put to its annual conference late last year by Central Coast Council.

Although Coast councillors were suspended from office on October 30 last year, resolutions put to the conference were still considered. The Coast was one of three councils to submit resolutions about cats.

The Coast wanted the Companion Animals Act changed so that an owner of a cat had to take all reasonable precautions to prevent the cat from escaping from the property on which it was being kept. Hornsby Shire Council wanted

the Act amended to prohibit cats from roaming onto public places and private property. In the end, the Liverpool City Council amendment got the numbers. The resolution that was

adopted stated that LGNSW will advocate for tighter restrictions on cat owners (including that all cats be microchipped and desexed). It called for councils to be funded to provide services so stray cats can be microchipped,

desexed and housed until rehomed and that changes be made to the Companion Animal Act to permit the release of cats under a Trap Neuter Return Program. Merilyn Vale

Concerns over Council’s temporary labour hire policy Ten months after Central Coast councillors first asked for a report on the way the Council was hiring labour, an internal audit has admitted non-compliance with the framework for temporary labour hire. And a number of significant concerns about specific engagements have been referred directly to Council’s internal ombudsman. This is despite a report to the councillors in March, 2020, which provided assurances that Council was adhering to legislative requirements. The revelations are in the December minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee which received a report from the Council’s internal audit into contractors, temporary and contingent labour hire. The Council meeting in March

2020 was provided with a report that stated that prior to and since amalgamation, Council had made considerable progress in adopting a structured and controlled method of engagement and management of temporary personnel. This report shows that further reviews contradicted that advice. “Subsequent to these assurances, this audit has reviewed current practices in managing temporary labour hire in terms of cost, tenure, performance, project planning and volume as well as assessing the adequacy of current policies, procedures, and reporting,” the report stated. “This audit identified that the controls over key risks associated with temporary labour hire are insufficient and require improvement. “In particular, there has been

a lack of ownership of the agency hire framework; and non-compliance with the framework for temporary labour hire.” The audit concluded that Council’s framework for engaging and managing temporary labour was ineffective and did not comply with guidelines, and practices outlined by the Audit Office of NSW. The report goes on to talk about a number of significant concerns around specific engagements. “These engagements were referred directly to the Internal Ombudsman and did not form any further part of our testing,” it says. “These are being investigated separately by the Internal Ombudsman.” Council was approached on Monday, January 18, for more

information but no comment was received prior to deadline A total of 16 recommendations for improvement were made, with 13 rated as high-risk exposures. The report said all recommendations, “in whole or part”, were accepted by management. The report acknowledged that since the start of the audit, management had been undertaking a project to improve systems and processes around the engagement and management of contractors and temporary labour hire and noted that“overall,management appear to be seeking to better understand the full extent of temporary labour hire and panel arrangements for wet plant hire, day labour and traffic control personnel”. It said Council’s financial crisis has led to the termination of many agency and contractor

engagements. Councillor Greg Best first championed the review of Council’s hiring arrangements, asking for a report in March last year and when that report came back in April appearing to show compliance he said he would wait for the audit report. The November minutes of the audit, risk and management committee show Council’s contract management has also been audited. That review identified that the controls over the key risks in contract management were inadequate and required improvement. “This is mainly due to the lack of a complete and approved contract management framework, and consequent inconsistencies in the approach to contract management across Council,” the review said. It said for an enhanced

framework to be effective it would need comprehensive implementation, monitoring and compliance by the directorates. “An approved framework would add clarity regarding roles, responsibilities, processes, expectations, knowledge retention, and confirmation that risks are being considered and addressed,” the report said. “This audit identified that the contracts register, although incomplete and in need of support, contains the best information available on contracts requiring management. “Based on this data Council had approximately 470 contracts (greater than $150K), with a total value of $1,141,444,000 in FY 2018/19.” Merilyn Vale

PAGE 30 22 JANUARY 2021 HEALTH & LIFETSYLE

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Why your vagus nerve is the key to wellbeing

GEORGIA LIENEMANN This is part two in our ‘guide to feeling good’. Essentially, we’re stepping outside of the reductionist ‘diet plus exercise equals health’ paradigm and focusing on left-of-centre hacks to alter our biochemistry, physiology, mood and outlook. Last week we touched on the idea that there’s a whole range of fun pastimes that we can indulge in to help us achieve our health goals from a different angle. Things like rest, pleasure and human connection. This week we’re exploring the role of the vagus nerve, why it’s central to feeling good and how understanding its structure and function opens up even more exciting ways to improve our health. What is the vagus nerve? The vagus nerve is one of the longest nerves in the body and is so named because it wanders like a vagabond from the brain, all over the body, wrapping around every organ along the way. It controls our parasympathetic nervous system and can be thought of as a major highway between our mind and body, sending sensory information to and from the brain. Via the vagus nerve, we’re constantly reacting to various signals in our environment in ways that either relax or alarm the body. This is essentially the precursor to our emotional state, which then triggers our behaviour. The vagus nerve is the reason your hackles rise and stomach turns when you sense a threat and why you feel instantly relaxed when you smell your mother’s cooking. Neglect the vagus nerve at your peril Given that it oversees a vast range of important functions, a poorly functioning vagus nerve has been associated with a long list of conditions, such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, low stress tolerance, brain fog and cognitive impairment including dementia, autoimmune

diseases, digestive disorders and cardiovascular conditions like stroke. The research in this field has been able to validate the importance of the mind-body connection. A few decades ago, the idea that ‘thinking happy thoughts’ could be a genuine health strategy would have seemed laughable. Now the latest science offers a very rational and architectural explanation for why our thoughts, senses and emotions are among the most critical aspects to consider and manage when it comes to looking after our health. In all comes down to vagal tone Vagal tone refers to how well-functioning or ‘toned’ the vagus nerve is. The better our vagal tone, the easier we’re able to get ourselves into a state of calm. There’s effectively a positive feedback loop between good physical and emotional health and strong vagal tone. It goes both ways: taking care of your physical and emotional health helps to tone the vagus nerve and engaging in activities that strengthen the vagus nerve improves our physical and emotional health. Stimulating the vagus nerve Now we get to the fun part. There’s a vast range of enjoyable strategies to improve vagal tone by stimulating the vagus nerve. And anything that stimulates the vagus nerve switches off the destructive yet occasionally useful ‘fight or flight’ response and facilitates a rapid shift into ‘rest and digest’ mode, known as parasympathetic dominance. Remember from last week, we really should be in this state the large majority of the time and yet so few of us actually are. Vagus nerve stimulation has a lengthy list of physiological benefits, including improved digestion, sleep, neural plasticity and memory, and lowering inflammation, blood pressure, insulin resistance and stress hormones.

Accessible zones for stimulation Whilst the vagus nerve wraps around every organ in the body, it also opens into many parts of the face. And therefore, when we talk about stimulating the vagus nerve for improved health and an effective jolt back into parasympathetic dominance, we can do this by accessing it in this region.

improvements in memory, creativity and cognitive function and so much more. In a nutshell, virtually any pastime that makes you feel good is having a significant impact on your health by improving vagal tone. Isn’t that a refreshing way to approach your health regime?! Human connection and feelings of awe

The nerve travels behind the eyeballs and ears, around the throat muscles and vocal cords, along the hard and soft palate in the mouth and into the tongue.

To give some more examples, new research has shown that even micro-moments of rewarding human connection have a stimulating effect on the vagus nerve.

So, things like gargling, chanting, singing, humming, laughter – or even splashing the face with cold water – are effective ways to tone the vagus nerve.

One study concluded that “genuine wholehearted micro-moments of social connectedness between two individuals appeared to instantaneously trigger a parasympathetic response that improved vagal tone for both parties involved”.

Other ways to stimulate the vagus nerve, include things like: • Deep breathing • Meditation and prayer • Yoga, Tai Chi and weight training • Acupuncture • Massage • Good nutrition Many of these practices have multiple mechanisms in terms of improving our health – the truth is, we don’t need to know how or why they work, merely that they do. Singing releases endorphins, oxytocin, dopamine and reduces stress hormones, depression, anxiety and feelings of loneliness. Music has been shown to enhance the immune system, accelerate the metabolism, reduce pain and improve healing and recovery time. We’ve touched on the benefits of laughter in this column before and they’re along similar lines – a radical boost in immunity (thanks to increased Natural Killer cell function),

Another study, that “positive emotions, positive social connections, and physical health influence one another in a self-sustaining upward-spiral dynamic.” Even the feeling of awe has been shown to activate the vagus nerve. When was the last time you could say you were awe-struck? Isn’t it fascinating to discover that anything that inspires a state of awe – and it could be a broad spectrum of stimuli, such as enjoying a good sunrise or a breath-taking piece of art or music – can improve our health via its effect on the vagus nerve? So, for those of you who recently made healthfocused new year’s resolutions that revolved around diet and exercise, you might want to consider tweaking them.

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 31 22 JANUARY 2021

Sunday Undie Sunday At the age of just three, Taylah Ross of Point Frederick had her first operation – to remove a plexiform neurofibroma which was growing on the back of her neck, causing discomfort and a lot of headaches. The 22-year-old suffers from Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and is asking fellow Central Coast residents to support her fundraising efforts through Cupid’s Undie Run—the annual charity run which raises funds for Neurofibromatosis (NF) research. “When I was a baby, my mum first noticed lots of marks on my body while she was bathing me,” Ross said. “She took me to the doctor, who then referred us to a paediatrician. “He suggested a trip to the genetic clinic at Westmead Hospital.” Ross was diagnosed with NF1 and at three had her first operation. “It grew back a few years later and had to be removed again,” she said. Ross says that starting school

This year’s run is going virtual

was hard. “I had learning difficulties that made school and learning even harder. “I had friends during primary school, but I never told anyone about my condition. “When I was 15, I had another plexiform neurofibroma removed from my leg. “I have a lot of café-au-lait marks and many lumps over my body.

“I also suffer from scoliosis, which significantly affects my life and chronic back pain. “A few years ago, they found a tumour at the base of my brain. Taylah said while there was no treatment for the condition, she was hopeful a cure would be found. “I worry a lot about it and I’m not working – I can’t be on my feet for too long,” she said.

The Children’s Tumour Foundation in Australia has been holding the undie run for almost 10 years, raising funds for research into the debilitating condition. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the event is going virtual this year, with free registration open to anyone, anywhere in Australia, until February 14. This year’s Cupid’s Undie Run will start with an online version

of its signature run, before offering up cheeky new challenges each day for two weeks. It kicks off on Valentine’s Day, dubbed by organisers as “Undie Sunday”, as people recreate the Cupid’s Undie Run at home or out on the streets. Lead ambassador for this year’s campaign is speaker, author, filmmaker and body positivist, Taryn Brumfitt.

Her film Embrace and her courses have helped many to learn to love their bodies the way they are. “I’m so excited to be supporting Cupid’s Undie Run,” she said. “Let’s just strip down, have some fun, embrace our bodies as they are, and do some real good at the same time for people living with NF.” Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder which affects one in every 2,500 people and causes tumours to grow on nerves throughout the body, including the brain and spine. It is unpredictable,progressive and there is currently no cure. It can lead to a range of significant health issues including deafness, blindness, paralysis, physical difference, bone abnormalities, cancer, learning difficulties and chronic pain. Sign up to take the challenge or donate at cupidsundierun. com.au and see more of Taylah’s story at https://www. cupidsundierun.com.au/ page/127/meet-taylah Terry Collins

68 medical graduates join CCLHD Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, has welcomed 68 medical graduates to Central Coast Local Health District, part of the 2021 annual intake of intern doctors funded by the NSW Government. Crouch said the new intern doctors would perform a vital role at the frontline of the health system.

“These 68 medical graduates will be based at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals across a range of departments as part of their two-year contract,” he said. “As the proud husband of a nurse at Gosford Hospital I know that the medical workforce is the backbone of our health system. “The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded all of us that having a strong health system in NSW is vital to keeping our

community healthy and safe. “Thank you to each of the 68 intern doctors for choosing a profession that enables them to support our Central Coast community, and I would like wish them every success as they progress their careers.” Crouch said the intern doctors would benefit from training with the Central Coast’s best and most experienced medical professionals. “Over their two years of work, more senior medical staff will

always be on-hand to offer support and guidance to these new graduates,” he said. “At the end of the first year each intern doctor will obtain general registration with the Medical Board of Australia. “The second year then focuses on consolidating professional practice and experience.” Source: Media release, Jan 21 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Some of the 68 new medical graduates who have joined CCLHD

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 33 22 JANUARY 2021

New initiative to offer free eczema school kits A Central Coast man has thrown his support behind a new initiative, through which a grassroots charity is offering every Australian teacher and parent access to a free Eczema School Kit. With one in five children suffering from eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis), Eczema Support Australia has challenged schools to better support students living with the extremely itchy and painful condition, which is often misunderstood and has a huge impact on quality of life. The campaign has resulted in the creation of innovative school kits for educators and parents/carers, with expert advice and strategies designed to help identify potential eczema triggers in the learning environment and simple solutions to prevent and/or care for a child’s outbreak.

Jamie Chesworth, who has lived on the Coast all his life, at Saratoga, Kincumber and now Blackwall, has suffered severely from the condition since he was three years old. He said an initiative such as this would have made a world of difference to his school years. “When I was in school there was nothing like that,” he said. “A bit of support and understanding would have made a big difference. “In primary school you realise you are different and kids can be cruel. “The question I was most often asked was ‘is it contagious?’ “I was constantly embarrassed by the condition and didn’t have the opportunity to play with the other children because there wasn’t much understanding.” It was in his high school

Jamie Chesworth and his partner Lyn Johnstone

years, though, that Chesworth says he could really have used some support. “I was in and out of Royal North Shore Hospital for quite a long time when I was 14-15,”

he said. “There I was, swathed in bandages, and still doing schoolwork, only to be told when I returned to school they would not recognise the work I

had done in hospital. “To have known I was supported by the school, to have the school and students more aware of the condition, would have been great.” These days, Chesworth is still seeing a dermatologist and on medication which keeps his condition 80 per cent under control. “I am able to get through my personal and work life with minimal hassle but more support during those school years would have been wonderful,” he said. Eczema Support Australia Managing Director, Melanie Funk, said support for children with eczema in the Australian school system was minimal despite the negative toll it had on both sufferers and their loved ones. “School-age children with eczema often experience physical, emotional and

educational struggles, which jeopardises their long-term well-being,” Funk said. “The condition can lead to low confidence, absenteeism from school and isolation, while younger children in early learning are also at risk of adverse health and well-being when their needs are not met. “Research shows eczema has a significant negative impact on education, social life and the family, with 20 per cent of children with the condition bullied and many denied basic healthcare and emotional support at school.” The rollout of the kit has been financially backed by the Commonwealth Department of Health. Educators and parents/carers can download the free kit at the www.eczemasupport.org.au/ school-kit, with hard copies available upon request. Terry Collins

Funding to support job placement for young people with mental health illness The Federal Government is investing in innovative strategies to address the barriers preventing young people with mental illness on the Central Coast from finding and keeping a job. Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks said an Individual Placement and Support Program will now be run at the Gosford headspace thanks to the additional government investment. “The program is a tailored approach that can help improve job outcomes for young people with mental illness,” Wicks said. “This is fantastic news for the local community because we

know career assistance handin-hand with clinical support can make a profound difference in the lives of young people and ensure they can reach their full potential.” Minister for Families and Social Services, Anne Ruston, said the Government has committed an additional $45.7M to extend two programs dedicated to helping young people with mental illness join the workforce. The funding will be used to double the number of headspace sites running the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support Program to 50 and to support headspace National to continue the Digital Work and Study

Service. “A job is a game-changer and that is why the government is so focussed on helping people to get into work,” Ruston said. “This program has never been more important given we have seen young people disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in terms of jobs losses which we know can compound the mental health impact so many are feeling as a result of the pandemic.” Professor Patrick McGorry, executive director of Orygen, which runs the program with headspace, welcomed the Government’s commitment to making a real lasting difference in the lives of people who face barriers to work.

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NEWS

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Love your pet – with a portrait In the lead up to Love Your Pet Day in February, a Macmasters local is offering to paint a portrait of your pet to help celebrate your furry friend.

A portrait of pets, Banana and Captain Midnight

Jill Danks’ new love for art and painting only became apparent after she joined Paul Macklin’s art course, finding YOUR way. Danks said she discovered her love for creating Pet Portraits while trying different styles in the course. “I had never done art before, and I would credit all of these skills to Paul for his teaching,”

said. Danks is now selling portraits online, on socials, and through word of mouth. Being an animal lover herself, she said she is happy to paint any pet as long as the owner loves it, “My Cat Rocky is 13, and I love him very much,” she said. “I don’t just paint cats and dogs however. “If someone asked me to paint their guinea pig, bird or any other animal I would. “If they are loved, I’ll paint them.” Jacinta Counihan

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS

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ARTS & CULTURE CENTRAL COAST ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE

Free social French conversation groups, small classes at East Gosford and Bateau Bay Inquiries - Nathalie 0416 303 804 www.afcentralcoast.org.au afcentralcoast@gmail.com

CENTRAL COAST ART SOCIETY

Lectures, demonstrations and discussion. Weekly paint-outs enquiries Tuesday. Phone: 0428 439 180 Workshops: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 9.30 am to 12.30 pm, at Gosford Regional Gallery & Art Centre. Phone: 0409 666 709 Social Meetings 1.30 pm on 4th Wednesday for demonstration 4325 1420

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TUGGERAH LAKES ART SOCIETY

Join us for the fun and enjoyment of art! Attend a weekly art group with mentors, exhibitions, workshops and a monthly members meeting with guests and prizes, held on the 4th Thurs of the month at The Entrance Community Centre 4333 8387 www.tlas.org.au president@tlas.org.au

COMMUNITY GROUPS ABC - “The Friends”

Safeguard ABC’s independence, funding, & standards. Meetings through the year & social mornings Well-known guest speakers 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

Would you like to read, COMMUNITY LEGAL write and share your poetry. CENTRE We hold workshops and create Not for profit service providing anthologies. free legal advice We meet the second Saturday Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm each month. 4353 4988 Wyoming Memorial Community contact@centralcoastclc.org.au Hall. Contact us by email info@centralcoastpoets.com.au

Building has special needs access and toilets Open 7 days 9am – 3pm. Terrigal. 4385 5027 ccmdc@bigpond.com www.ccmdc.org.au

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School Holiday activities, playgroup, multicultural programs, community activities Rooms for Hire 4329 4477 admin@gnnc.com.au

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Hearing loss management Support and educational groups providing practical experience and confidence 4321 0275

CENTRAL COAST ASBESTOS DISEASES SUPPORT GROUP

Support for those suffering with asbestos diseases and Social ballroom dancing for all GOSFORD 50+ LEISURE others interested in asbestos ages, all you need is a desire AND LEARNING CENTRE issues. You are not alone, meet to learn and dance, Mon-Fri with others who can share HANDWEAVERS, no partner required. their experiences. Bring a SPINNERS AND TEXTILE meet every Wed -15 Lorraine Chess, darts, handicraft, indoor bowls, knitting, line dancing, family member or friend. ARTS GUILD Ave Berkeley Vale, 2:00pm origami, painting, pencil 1pm at Ourimbah RSL on forth Spinning and weaving, Anne - 0409 938 345 drawing, scrabble, Wed of each month. patchwork and quilting, felting anneglazier@y7mail.com scrapbooking, sit & sew, table Maree 0419 418 190 and other fibre and fabric tennis, Ukulele crafts, community quilting bees CENTRAL COAST MARINE 4304 7065 DYING WITH DIGNITY - Day and Night Groups DISCOVERY CENTRE Campaigning to give those 4325 4743 The revamped CCMDC is open. suffering unrelievable terminal www.cottagecrafts.net.au Schools and Group bookings or incurable illness the choice welcome by appointment. to receive legal medical or you may ring Clive 0419120347

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Danks said. “He helps pulls out of you what is it inside of you. “And what he pulled out of me was my love for doing Pet Portraits; who would have thought?” The finding YOUR way course is an initial two-day workshop followed by five monthly FYW Small Group Workshops in the studio at Macmasters Beach – either on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday. “His course goes through drawing, colour theory, perspective, and he helps you get a better appreciation for art and train those skills,” Danks

LEARN TO DANCE

assistance to die. Quarterly mtgs, Erina Fair. 0434 426 486

robyncameron@y7mail.com

www.henrykendallcottage.org.au Brisbane Water Historical Society

FELLOWSHIP OF FIRST FLEETERS

bistro lunches. Google our name for our fully informative newsletter. Meet 10am, 3rd Mon each month at Avoca Beach Bowling Club.

avocaprobus@gmail.com For anyone interested in early history. Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. Last Fri 9.30am Point Clare Community Hall Terrigal Uniting Church 2nd Sat 10:30am LIONS CLUB OF WOY WOY 380 Terrigal Dr, Terrigal 4392 1926 4311 6254 Make new friends & have fun 4367 9600 while serving your community www.pcfa.org.au Everglades Country Club 3rd Monday of each month MEALS ON WHEELS 0478 959 895 COASTAL A CAPPELLA Delicious meals delivered free Award winning women’s Join us for a midday meal WOMEN’S GROUPS a cappella chorus. Help with shopping and Music education provided. cooking classes Rehearsals Tuesday 7pm @ 4363 7111 WOMEN’S HEALTH Red Tree Theatre Tuggerah. CENTRES Counselling, therapeutic and PENINSULA LIGHTHOUSE Performance opportunities. Hire us for your next event. social groups, workshops, Mobile counselling service 0412 948 450 domestic violence and abuse supporting ALL people coastalacappella@gmail.com issues. All services provided by suffering from Domestic women for women Violence POLITICAL PARTIES 4324 2533 Counselling services www.cccwhc.com.au Mon, Ettalong Baptist Church, 0417 472 374 CENTRAL COAST GREENS penlighthouse@gmail.com SOROPTIMIST Local, state wide, national and www.peninsulalighthouse.info/ international issues and INTERNATIONAL campaigns BRISBANE WATER Council and parliamentary S.A Making a difference in the lives representation Is Internet porn destroying your of women & girls through 3rd Thur life. awareness, advocacy & action centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au We may be able to help. 2nd Thur 7 pm centralcoastgreens@gmail.com We are a 12 step fellowship Breakers Country Club, like AA. Dover Rd, Wamberal Meets every Sat at 7pm on the LABOR PARTY sibrisbanewater@siswp.org Central Coast www.siswp.org OURIMBAH/ NARARA Contact for further details BRANCH 0473 631 439 Discussion/action community newcastlesagroup@gmail.com Issues – 3 levels of Government DOYALSON WYEE 4323 3890 Function Room, Grange Hotel, SOCCER CLUB Wyoming Football club for the local HENRY KENDALL 7.30pm 1st. Monday community. Juniors from under COTTAGE & 0410 309 494 5 to senior teams. Kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com HISTORICAL MUSEUM Kerry 0410 045 981 Visit our c1838 Cottage & president@doylowolves.com.au Museum with exhibits of early PROBUS CLUBS settlers. School and group bookings. Members & AVOCA BEACH volunteers welcome. Open PROBUS CLUB Wed/Sat/Sun 10.30am with a great social program, 2:30pm. West Gosford guest speakers and optional 4325 2270

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

SERVICE GROUPS

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HISTORY GROUPS

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.

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SCIENCE & EDUCATION

PAGE 35 22 JANUARY 2021

New youth program to focus on building creative skills Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre is set to launch a range of new youth programs developed and implemented by newly appointed Senior Youth Worker Sharon Aldrick. Aldrick will work alongside Manger Colette Baron and Coordinator Leanne Clark to bring the innovative programs to life. She has a wealth of experience working with young people and developing inspiring creative skills development programs. The new programs will be designed with young people and delivered by industry professionals. They will provide opportunities for all young people to be involved in quality low-cost productions that speaks to the community. “We are happy to work with such an experienced and creative youth worker,” Baron said. “The objective is to activate the centre’s youth space and

Sharon Aldrick with Ethan, 16, from Kincumber High School and Gabby, 17, from Central Coast Grammar at the centre

launch it as a safe and supportive space for young people to come and participate in a range of programs. “Our latest programs, starting

in February, are Wayward youth theatre, music song writing and recording, homework club and job ready programs.” Baron said the centre would

also soon kick off monthly events, to be held on the third Friday night of each month. “The initiative has been made possible through funding from

Stronger Countries Community Funding, which has provided the opportunity for us to be a point of contact for young people to engage in programs

that increase their mental health, build confidence, social inclusion, help with study and lead to future education pathways and careers,” she said. “We understand the importance of employing a youth worker specifically to support young people through challenges they can face and having a dedicated space and program helps enormously with gaining the skills, knowledge and confidence to go on and have fulfilling lives, relationships and experiences.” Aldrick said she was delighted to be working at the centre and was keen to launch the new programs in her “new and vital” role. An open day will be held at the centre from 3-6pm on March 5 so community members can pop in and see what programs are on offer. Source: Media release, Jan 20 Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre

Scholarship program for Aboriginal students Local not-for-profit, Central Coast Primary Care, has announced that it is establishing a Scholarship Program for Aboriginal students. The program will provide support to the Central Coast Aboriginal community and aims to improve diversity of the local community services workforce through the creation and ongoing commitment to Aboriginal Student placements. The program provides financial assistance for textbooks and other learning supports for people undertaking studies in community services related fields, along with a commitment to prioritising Aboriginal people when engaging student placements.

Left to Right, CEO Michelle Bradbury, Executive Manager of Mental Health and Community, Zona Gabriel, and Chair of the Reconciliation Action Plan Committee, Joel Smeaton

Central Coast Primary Care’s Board unanimously voted in favour of establishing the program at its November meeting.

Chair of the Board, Peter Coomber, said it was a great opportunity for many in the local community. “[The Scholarship Program]

is a great opportunity for us to give back to the local community,” Coomber said. Central Coast Primary Care will work with Newcastle

University and NSW TAFE to develop application processes for scholarships. Central Coast Primary Care’s Chief Executive Officer,

Michelle Bradbury, said they are working closely with the learning institutions and will release program specifics in the coming months. “Having engaged Aboriginal students for several years, we are proud to be able to expand on this by providing financial support for textbooks and other expenses that students face,” she said. “Our sector will be enriched by the outcomes of the scholarship.” Central Coast Primary Care had committed to running the scholarship program for an initial period of three years. Source Media release, Jan 18 Central Coast Primary Care

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NEWS

PAGE 37 22 JANUARY 2021

New kitchen for Gosford East Lions Club Gosford City East Gosford Lions Club is soon to have a completely renovated kitchen for its community hall, thanks to $25,000 in funding from the December round of 2020 Community Building Partnership funding. Lions Club president Graeme Venn said demolition and removal of the original stove, old range hood and chimney, all of which dated from 1962, had already started and new plastering and painting had been finished where the old range hood was situated. “It was huge, ugly and made so much noise it was hard to hear when working in there.” he said. “The grant covers electrical, plumbing and painting and the Club also contributes in kind services valued at $2,000 from some of its skilled members. “The kitchen floor had been resurfaced some months back and … new benchtops, storage cupboards and cabinet doors should be fitted near the end of January. “We will have a new modern five-burner stove and oven, a

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given us in this difficult time and for the support given to our application by Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch.” Venn said a loan had been provided by the then Gosford Council to Gosford City Lions to build a community hall on Council land at East Gosford

“to create a better facility for use by our local community” and a permanent home for the Lions Club. “The completed hall became the property of the Lions though the land is still Councilowned,” he said.

Avoca Markets return The Avoca Beach Markets will be held this Sunday, January 24, offering a range of food, produce, eco, sustainable and selected handmade stalls. Event Organiser, Brad Cardis, said this market would be featuring some great new local brands which have recently launched on the coast. “This includes To Dot List, which is three local girls, and friends from 104.5 STARFM who have started a great journal for empowering women,” Cardis said. “Six String brewery have some new beers available for the weekend also. “The Avoca Beachside Markets is returning for 2021 with a renewed energy, passion and love for the community. “We are entering our 12th

year and continue to be the Central Coast’s leading monthly free community event supporting local makers, artist, entertainers, and creators. “We will have live local music all weekend from Fairplay entertainment. “There will be lots of local food and produce on the weekend, including Little Creek Cheese, Nurtured Earth Organics, Gluten-Free Donuts, Soul Food Organic products, and international cuisines. “There will be an Aussave Promotional stand where you can get all your information on eco and sustainable products for your home and ways to reduce your energy bills.” Central Coast Newspapers will also be there giving out copies of our latest editions. Jacinta Counihan

“In 2017 Gosford City Lions merged with East Gosford Lions to form the current Lions Club and the hall has since been a wonderful source of income for Lions community projects, the principle charter of all Lions clubs. “During COVID-19 it was

hired regularly due to its size and amenities and its ability to cater for persons with mobility needs.” Source: Email, Jan 7 Gosford City East Gosford Lions Club

PUBLIC NOTICE

On behalf of ADG Architects, RPS are seeking to identify Aboriginal people or groups who may hold cultural knowledge relevant to determining the significance of Aboriginal objects and/or places within the project area. The proposed works to be undertaken at the Gateway Site at 8-16 Watt Street, Gosford, include constructing additional stories on existing buildings and groundworks for proposed basement parking. The purpose of this community consultation with Aboriginal people is to inform an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report (ACHAR). As per HNSW guidelines, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirements for Proponents (2010), responses are to be received before Monday 1 February 2021. If you are an Aboriginal person or groups who may hold cultural knowledge, please forward the relevant contact details by no later than the 1 February 2021 to: Benjamin Slack RPS Group PO Box 120 Unit 2A, 45 Fitzroy Street Carrington NSW 2294 Tel: 02 4940 4200 ben.slack@rpsgroup.com.au In compliance with the HNSW Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirements for Proponents (2010), the contact details for the relevant Project Manager are as follows: Anthony Kelly ADG Architects Gosford NSW 2250 or anthony@adgarchitects.com.au

PAGE 38 22 JANUARY 2021 SPORT

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Glory for Central Coast bowlers

Bowls Central Coast Under 25 Metropolitan Series Winners.

BOWLING Two outstanding wins have marked the calendar of Bowls Central Coast on Sunday, 17 January, with two prestigious accolades being brought back to the Coast. Both the Opens and Under 25 teams won gold in their respective tournaments after strong showings by Central Coast club members from Ettalong all the way up to Lake Munmorah. The Opens side were competing in the John Smith Shield against teams from

Newcastle District (Zone 2), Hunter Region (Zone 6) and Manning District (Zone 11), held at East Cessnock. The Central Coast side consisted of four teams with Bowls Club members from all over the region. Nathan Mallay, Shane White, Zac Robertson and Lee Trethowan, all from Ettalong Memorial, made up Team One. Team Two was Bateau Bay’s Joel Nouws, Terrigal’s Jeff Watson, and Josh Zephyr and Mark Wheatley from Halekulani. Ettalong Memorial’s Bailey Meti, Halekuni’s Shane Gibbin,

Bowls Central Coast John Smith Shield Team members.

and Chayne Edwards and Rod Rewko from Bateau Bay were Team Three. Team Four included Luke Rash and Sean Love from Davistown RSL, Luke O’Grady from The Greens, and Ettalong Memorial’s Shane Starkey. The Shield was set up for each Zone to face up against each other once in three consecutive rounds. The first round saw Central Coast face up against Manning District and Hunter Region against Newcastle, wherein clear wins by Central Coast and Hunter set them up as the two

title contenders. When the two sides faced each other in Round Three, the Central Coast did the greater damage winning the round in 2.5 rinks, securing 9.5 points. In the end, Central Coast earned an overall total of 25 points, four points clear of Manning District in second place. The Under 25’s competed in the U25 Metropolitan Series played at Wyong against Newcastle District, the Greater Western Sydney region (Zone 5) and Sydney North West (Zone 10).

The Metropolitan Series was broken into three rounds, wherein each team would face off against each other in a game of pairs, triples and fours. The Central Coast side consisted of Brandon Stokes and Brandon Meti from Ettalong Memorial in the pairs, Munmorah’s Olivia Crane, Blane and Blaine Cook from Mingara and Halekuni’s Mitch McDonnel in the triples, and Mingara’s Billy White, Munmorah’s Jarred Crane, Gosford City’s Brandon Willimette and Halekulani’s Zac Henley in the fours. An early lead by Newcastle in

the first two rounds against the two Sydney sides shot them up to 10 points. Central Coast drew with Sydney North West in Round One then beat Greater Western Sydney in Round Two, placing them 3 points behind Newcastle. In the end, it came down to the Round Three match-up between Newcastle and the Central Coast and, in a stunning performance, the lads from the Coast pulled out all six points to take the honours. Haakon Barry

Basketball basics for littlies BASKETBALL Children aged between 18 months and five can now hit the courts thanks to Central Coast Basketball’s Minis Program.

Central Coast Basketball Minis Program

FORT DENISON

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

22 FRI

29 FRI

0405 1.40 1026 0.76 1611 1.20 2220 0.64 0302 0.48 0933 1.88 1613 0.29 2209 1.40

The program, to be run at the Breakers Indoor Stadium at Terrigal, will teach children the basic skills of basketball amongst a range of other interactive activities. Each 45-minute session will differ week to week but will tend to include a general warm-up, run and shoot drill, colour and number recognition games, passing practice, bouncing practice, obstacle course and parachute fun. Venue Operations Manager, Amanda Marjanovic, said the

program, launched in July 2019, hopes to teach young children transferrable sports skills in addition to basketball skills. “There are some really funbased activities, things like parachutes and balloon play, but also there is some basketball-specific stuff like shooting, passing, and dribbling,” Marjanovic said. “They break it up in some skill-based activities, things like hand and eye coordination and colour matching. “This is where there is a whole bunch of coloured bean bags laid out, the idea being that they have to collect the bean bags and place them on the colour mat. “It is not always about

TIDE CHART

basketball skills; it is broader than just sport. “Parents need to attend the session, and they can participate if they want, but if the kids are more than happy not to have them involved, that is possible.” Sessions will be held at 10 am every Monday and Friday, starting February 1. Aussie Hoops (NSW Basketball endorsed) and Rising Rebels (a similar program created by Central Coast’s Basketball) are two other programs for children older than five who compete in a domestic competition or are new to basketball. “These sessions are for kids who are learning to play basketball or may already have

some skills but are just wanting to improve their skills to get them up to the representative level,” Marjanovic said. Aussie Hoops sessions are for 5 to 9-year-olds and will be held on Fridays between 4 pm and 5 pm. These will run from February 5-March 26 at the Central Coast Adventist School. Rising Rebels sessions are for 5 to 17-year-olds and will be held on Saturday mornings from 8 am. These will run from February 6-March 27 at the Breakers Indoor Sports Stadium and Lakehaven Recreation Centre. Jacinta Counihan

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

Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

0501 1.45 0555 1.51 0007 0.64 0054 0.61 0138 0.57 0220 0.52 1139 0.72 1243 0.65 0645 1.59 0729 1.67 0811 1.75 0852 1.82 SAT 1723 1.17 SUN 1828 1.19 MON 1334 0.56 TUE 1417 0.48 WED 1456 0.40 THU 1534 0.34 2315 0.65 1922 1.22 2007 1.27 2048 1.31 2129 1.36 0346 0.44 0432 0.43 0520 0.44 0022 1.49 0112 1.51 0205 1.53 1015 1.91 1059 1.90 1143 1.84 0612 0.47 0708 0.51 0812 0.56 SAT 1652 0.26 SUN 1732 0.26 MON 1814 0.28 TUE 1229 1.75 WED 1318 1.62 THU 1415 1.47 2251 1.44 2335 1.47 1857 0.33 1942 0.40 2032 0.47

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 39 22 JANUARY 2021

Mariners 0 – Wanderers 1 A-LEAGUE The Western Sydney Wanderers have brought the dream start by the Central Coast Mariners to an end with a thrilling 1-0 defeat of the locals at Central Coast Stadium on Tuesday evening. The goal that pinched the match for the Wanderers came late in the game after a dynamic contest that swung in momentum throughout the 94 minutes. Both teams went into the game in form, with the Mariners winning their first two games of the season while the Wanderers had started their season with a win, a draw and a loss. Of the past eight matches between these two at Central Coast Stadium, the Mariners have won only one in April 2019. The first half finished goalless with the majority of chances coming for the Mariners who showed plenty of dynamism with the ball. Josh Nisbet consistently

Danny de Silva in attack for the Mariners

found space on the wing while Danny De Silva showed off some several fancy footwork against former teammate, Ziggy Gordon. The Mariners maintained a deep defensive line, allowing the Wanderers possession in their own half.

A perfectly delivered free kick by Wanderers Captain, Graham Dorrens, in the 11th minute found the head of Simon Cox in space in front of goal, who blazed the ball well over the crossbar. Minutes later, Mariners front man Matt Simon had his own

header pushed wide by the Wanderers keeper Another opportunity went begging when Simon again found space but was unable to clear the keeper. Then, in the 60th minute, some brilliant work from Josh Nisbett saw him blast a reflex

5@5

strike into the crossbar. As the game went on however, the Wanderer’s took greater control of possession and their intensity lifted. A shoat at goal by the Wanderers Bruce Kamau was initially blocked by Kye Rowles but then ricocheted into the

path of Nicolai Müller who slotted the ball past a stretching Mark Birighitti for the winning goal Wanderers debutante, Mark Natta, had a standout performance repelling wave after wave of attack from the blue and yellow. The youngster had 99 touches, completed 90 passes at 88 per cent accuracy, two clearances, three interceptions and two blocked shots. Mariners coach, Alen Stajcic was clearly disappointed not to capture another 3 points saying he thought his team created the better opportunities. The result has pushed the Wanderers to the top of the league table with seven points. The Mariners now sit at third behind Macarthur FC with a game in hand on the two teams above. The team will now meet Sydney FC in Sydney on Friday, 22 January. Haakon Barry

CCN

WEEKLY NEWS BRIEF

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PAGE 40 22 JANUARY 2021 SPORT

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Tatarinoff leads National Junior Track Series

Central Coast Cycling Club Cyclists (From L – R): Caleb Abbot, Emma Blume, Ravi Hermkens, Maya Dillon, Nicole Duncan, Liliya Tartarinoff, Sonia Vetsch

CYCLING Round Two of the National Junior Track Series – virtual edition – went ahead on Saturday 16 January, with seven young competitors from the Central Coast Cycling Club making great strides. The event that was originally scheduled to take place in Brisbane reverted to a ‘virtual’ round with the cyclists from all across the country competing

in time trials in their regional velodromes, with times adjusted to account for the known speed variations between each location. For the Central Coast Cycling Club competitors, the races went ahead at Dunc Gray Velodrome in Bass Hill, Sydney. First up in the Series were the timed events: the 2000m Individual Pursuits, the Flying 200m and the 500m Time Trials, followed by the Team

Pursuits and Team Sprints. In the Under 17 Women’s 2000m Individual Pursuit, Liliya Tatarinoff and Nicole Duncan finished fifth and sixth with times of 2:43.33 and 2:43.83. In the Flying 200m however, the same two took out first and second place with times of 0:12.125 and 0:12.456. The tables were turned in the Women’s 500m Time Trial where Nicole pipped Liliya by a margin of less than one second

to take out the event with a time of 0:37.59. At the end of this round of the Series, the overall standings have positioned Liliya at first place in the National Junior Track Series Under 17 Women’s division, with her long-time rival (and friend), Keira Will, from Lidcombe-Auburn Cycling Club, right behind her on equal points. This was Nicole’s first race day in the Series, having

missed round one, although her exceptional effort has launched her up to sixth place and gives her hope of rising higher if she maintains her good form. In the Under 15’s, Caleb Abbott and Ravi Hermkens raced in the Men’s events and Emma Blume and Sonia Vetisch in the Womens. Caleb, Maya and Emma each achieved personal bests on the day.

The Central Coast Cycling Club juniors now continue their weekly cycling at Adcock Park Velodrome in West Gosford, with trainings on Monday afternoons and races on Wednesday evenings, and they encourage all who are interested in track or road racing to head down to support and have a chat with the club coaches. Haakon Barry

Lifesavers in the making LIFESAVING Central Coast Surf Life Saving hosted the Rookie Lifesaver Challenge 2021 at Terrigal Beach on Saturday, 16 January, with many of the northern clubs heading down south to compete.

Terrigal Team Members (From L-R): Mason Holliday, Nate Vaughan, Sam Logan, Zoe Pope, Tarah Bryers, Emma Broadbent

With the scheduled Round Three of the Board and Ski challenge at North Entrance Surf Life postponed due to the heavy swell, the Terrigal competition became the surf lifesaving event of the weekend. Young U13 and U14 Rookie Lifesavers from Soldiers Beach, Toowoon Bay, Shelly Beach and Wamberal Surf Life

Saving Clubs travelled down to Terrigal to form teams of six in a variety of different challenges designed around scenarios that rookies can expect to face whilst on surf patrol. The rookies also participated in theory tests and on flag signals used on patrol duties, all of which sought to test the competitors’ vital lifesaving techniques, knowledge and skills against their peers. The clear Summer’s day brought with it great sport as well as sportsmanship, notably from Joel Wait and Kianna Goy of Shelly Beach Surf Life Saving Club, who helped the Copacabana and Toowoon Bay teams fill up their numbers.

Shelly Beach performed well, coming within a point of the competition winners’ score. However, it was the hosts, Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club, who claimed the highest score. Central Coast Surf Life Saving reported an exceptional display of skills mixed with a good deal of fun. The new year has brought with it a number of lifesaving surf rescues on the Coast already, showing how vital it is for the Clubs to maintain their highest standard of service for the many beach dwellers our midst. Haakon Barry