Coast Community News 277 by Central Coast Newspapers

29 JANUARY 2021

ISSUE 277

News

Record crowds hit our beaches

Nine Central Coast residents have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours List (two posthumously). See pages 10-12

Out&About

One of the Australian Reptile Park’s kangaroo joeys got into the Aussie spirit by taking her first hops just days before Australia Day. See page 17

More than 200,000 people flocked to Central Coast beaches over the Australia Day long weekend, as authorities dealt with 168 rescues, a prank drowning at Terrigal, parking havoc and jet ski chaos at Ettalong.

Business

Full story page 5 Photo: Surf Life Saving NSW

Avoca Beach - Australia Day

Council meeting deferred to February 3 A large number of residents is expected to protest a proposed 10-15 per cent rate increase outside Gosford Chambers at an extraordinary Central Coast Council meeting on February 3. Ratepayers were set to stage a protest on January 27, before the meeting was cancelled at the request of Administrator Dick Persson for family reasons and the February 3 meeting scheduled. There will be an Open Forum and a Public Forum and people can still register to speak in accordance with the usual guidelines and timeframes. People are required to register through the Council website to attend so attendance numbers can be managed in accordance

with Council’s COVID safe plan. Meanwhile, Council has extended the deadline for its survey on the proposed rate rise and added an option where residents can opt for no rate rise above the IPART peg. But residents say the survey still has limited options, with many choosing to lodge submissions direct with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). Residents can now complete the survey until February 1. Acting CEO Rik Hart said he was closely monitoring the community sentiment as it was critical that voices were heard. “Our very early and preliminary survey results are giving a strong indication that ratepayers feel restricted in their opportunity to express their views about the option of

Acting CEO Rik Hart

no rate rise at all,” Hart said. “We have looked at less than 10 per cent of the survey responses, as there is a lot of data to process with over 3,300 surveys completed. “More than half the respondents in this small sample don’t want any rate rise … and we are certainly seeing some similar commentary in

letters to my office and the Administrator’s Office. “I can totally understand this viewpoint. “However, I need to make it clear that no rate rise is not a viable option. “Council needs a rate rise to repay the restricted funds spent on community infrastructure and services and to deliver a level of service to the community that ensures our assets and essential services are maintained. “I urge all community members to keep an open mind, consider the information put before them, and to provide their feedback before February 1. “We are committed to capturing as much community feedback as we can in order for the Council to consider whether

or not to formally apply to IPART for a Special Variation of the rates.” 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 rise 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. Information on the options being considered for a Special Variation as well as a survey for ratepayers and residents can be found at https://www. yourvoiceourcoast.com/allprojects/securing-your-futurerate-rise

One of Gosford longestrunning law firms, Brazel Moore Lawyers, is celebrating 40 years of practice, after being established in 1981 by Geoff Brazel and Peter Moore. See page 25

Sport

Central Coast Cycling Club’s Brendan Buhagiar has taken out first place in the Grade B division of the Australia Day Graded Scratch Road Race on Tuesday, January 26. See page 40

Terry Collins

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

PAGE 2

29 JANUARY 2021

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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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15 JANUARY 2021

ISSUE 275

News

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

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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

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

See page 17

Education

See pages 4 & 5

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

“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

See page 34

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.

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

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

See page 17

Health

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

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

29 JANUARY 2021 28 JANUARY 2021

Full story, page 6

Legal action has started against Wyong Race Club amid claims that it has breached obligations under the Trust over the Wyong Showground land. The showground has been used jointly by community groups for more than 100 years, but over recent years, the Wyong Race Club Board has evicted community groups such as Wyong Poultry Club, Wyong Rescue Squad, Wyong Lions Club, Wyong Pigeon Club and closed the gates to all other community groups and activities. After 24 months of unsuccessful representations to bring Wyong Race Club representatives to the discussion table, the community groups have resolved to commence legal proceedings against the club,

its directors, auditors and legal advisors. The community groups are being represented by advocacy enterprise, Albert Warner Pty Ltd, whose spokesman, Mark Hoddinott, said the showground site is, and always has been, community land with many users and uses, including Wyong Race Club. “For more than a century, the Wyong Showgrounds were a joint community facility used by dozens and dozens of groups. “However, upon the arrival of the Administrator in 2014, under the direction of NSW Racing, and the appointment of a new Board, the showgrounds have been quarantined for horse racing use only,” Hoddinott said. See page 4 for more

News

Record crowds hit our beaches

News

Nine Central Coast residents have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours List (two posthumously).

Two Peninsula residents have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours List (one posthumously).

See pages 10-12

See page 10

Out&About

See page 10

Vandalism and theft at The Entrance Sensory Garden took a cruel turn a week ago when a woman discovered a memorial to her late husband had been stolen.

ISSUE 277

ISSUE 006

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

The Great Wall of Ettalong

News

Wyong Race Club accused of theft from the community

Ratepayer anger over prospective rate rise

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

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

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.

Billion dollar battery for Eraring Power Station

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.

Four northern suburbs people have been awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours List 2021 for their outstanding community service and achievements.

See page 6

Education

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

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.

News

Out&About

See page 3

See page 4 for more

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,

ISSUE 223

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Garden marred by vandals

Out&About

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

Central Coast residents have expressed grave concerns about prospective rate rises in the aftermath of the council’s financial blowout.

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

Community angst over prospective rate rises

27 JANUARY 2021

See page 4

Out&About

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

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.

A dancer from Umina Beach led a performance at a Sydney festival this month to help celebrate the stories of First People.

Blue Bay’s Paula Hardwick has been crowned the Central Coast Citizen of the Year. See page 12

See page 17

Out&About

Health

One of the Australian Reptile Park’s kangaroo joeys got into the Aussie spirit by taking her first hops just days before Australia Day. See page 17

Business

Full story page 5 The Helado team and the newly constructed wall

Celebrity conservationist, Marc Jacewicz, will host a Clean Up Australia session at Bateau Bay Beach.

A 3-metre high timber wall has been constructed in front of a popular set of shops in The Rocks Arcade at Ettalong Beach, leaving local businesses and community members

scratching their heads. Owner of Helado Cafe, Chris Perkins, said they had no knowledge of the construction until they discovered the newly built wall outside their café on January 20.

“I don’t know what the idea behind the wall was, we have always stayed within our lease,” Perkins said. “When you walk down the street, the café has kind of become invisible and (it) has

also limited the amount of seating I can place there because it’s encroaching into our space a little bit.” The Memorial Ave arcade was purchased by a developer with plans to demolish half of

the site, making space for a five-storey hotel equipped with function facilities, a roof-top terrace bar and swimming pool. Continued page 4

See page 17

Sport

Woy Woy’s own spider man A Woy Woy resident has made national news after discovering a new species of spider in Western Australia last month. Adam Fletcher, an electrician and keen photographer, identified the Maratus Fletcheri spider during a three-week expedition through the southern parts of the wildflower state. And on December 17, the new species was named after Fletcher and described by

An upset win for the Central Coast Mariners away from home against Sydney FC on Friday, January 22 has skyrocketed them back to the top of the A-League. See page 40

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

Julianne Waldock at the Western Australian Museum. Fletcher said he has always had a love for photography and spiders. “After years searching for and photographing these little beauties, my good friend Michael Doe and I became friends with Michael Duncan, an entomologist from Western Sydney University,” Fletcher said. “After many weekend trips away searching for different

Photo: Adam Fletcher

species of Peacock spiders, we decided to form a not-for-profit group called Project Maratus. “We wanted to put them out in the world so everyone could see what they were, and we tried to do as much research as we could ... where they are found, what habitat. “After five or six years of doing it, we’d already found a few new species that had been given other names by people who wrote the paper. Continued page 4

Photo: Surf Life Saving NSW

Avoca Beach - Australia Day

Council meeting deferred to February 3 More than 800 people were tested for COVID-19 in just six days at a pop-up testing clinic established at Woy Woy Hospital in the lead-up to Christmas. See page 31

Sport

The 2020/2021 Newcastle Permanent Junior Ironperson Series came to its conclusion on Saturday, January 23 at Ocean Beac See page 35

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

A large number of residents is expected to protest a proposed 10-15 per cent rate increase outside Gosford Chambers at an extraordinary Central Coast Council meeting on February 3. Ratepayers were set to stage a protest on January 27, before the meeting was cancelled at the request of Administrator Dick Persson for family reasons and the February 3 meeting scheduled. There will be an Open Forum and a Public Forum and people can still register to speak in accordance with the usual guidelines and timeframes. People are required to register through the Council website to attend so attendance numbers can be managed in accordance

Acting CEO Rik Hart

One of Gosford longestrunning law firms, Brazel Moore Lawyers, is celebrating 40 years of practice, after being established in 1981 by Geoff Brazel and Peter Moore. See page 25

Sport

Central Coast Cycling Club’s Brendan Buhagiar has taken out first place in the Grade B division of the Australia Day Graded Scratch Road Race on Tuesday, January 26. See page 40

Terry Collins

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

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

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29 JANUARY 2021

Leagues Club Field revamp almost complete

The revamp of Leagues Club Field at Gosford has reached the final stages of construction, with its tidal terrace feature about to undergo a period of thorough testing.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the tidal terrace is the first of its kind for recreational use in Australia. “Leagues Club Field is set to deliver something really special for our Central Coast community, with this water play space something Australia has never seen before,” Crouch said. “As the tide in Brisbane

The tidal terrace, part of the NSW Government’s $10M transformation of the field, will bring Brisbane Water onto the site for the first time since the land was reclaimed in the early 1900s.

Water rises and falls, so will the water in Leagues Club Field, creating a shallow splash pool or sandy play area depending on the time of day. “It’s a remarkable engineering feat, and I thank the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) for working with landscape architects to think outside the box and take advantage of Gosford’s

A L L- I N C L U S I V E H O L I D AY PA C K A G E • T R AV E L A N Y T I M E

natural assets.” Water quality has undergone significant testing, and an automated underground gate will control the amount of water entering the tidal terrace, maintaining a safe depth of 30cm. Other features like pumps, rain gauges and filters will create a clean and safe play area. Crouch said sandstone “islands” had been crafted in

the water, modelled on rock carvings from the nearby Bulgandry Aboriginal art site. “At the centre of the tidal terrace is a circular gathering space which is surrounded by art poles decorated by local Aboriginal artist Gavi Duncan and adorned with the handprints of students from Chertsey Primary School,” Crouch said. “The tidal terrace is more than a play area.

“It will be the cultural heart of Leagues Club Field and provide a unique space for people to gather, perform and celebrate.” Essential testing of the tidal terrace will continue for several weeks to ensure the correct capture of tidal flow during all weather conditions. Source Media Release Jan 27 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

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29 JANUARY 2021

NEWS

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New clinical intervention centre opens A new clinical intervention centre at the Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre at Kariong is set to drive down rates of re-offending and support detainees to make positive life choices.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, and Minister Gareth Ward outside the new facility

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, joined Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Gareth Ward, to open the new centre on January 25. Ward said the $2.7M facility would be a one-stop-shop for specialist, therapeutic treatment to help address offending behaviour. “This new clinic will enable

better, more effective intervention in a safe, secure and purpose-built environment,” he said. “We are focused on improving community safety and reducing reoffending while at the same time strengthening our centres across NSW by improving security infrastructure, policy and practice. “Investments in facilities like this provide our staff with the tools they need to give detainees the best chance of rehabilitation.” The clinic consists of six intervention rooms for individual and small group counselling sessions, and one

large room to facilitate offencefocused group intervention. Psychologists, caseworkers, a speech pathologist and an occupational therapist will work at the centre, providing opportunities for more coordinated therapeutic counselling and casework. Crouch said the clinic would assist staff in the important role they play in turning young lives around. “This state-of-the-art facility features controlled internet capabilities, allowing for virtual visits with community officers, outside agencies and families,” he said. “When young people enter

custody, we need to do everything possible to make sure they never return. “I am proud this new facility is based on the Central Coast and is one of the ways the NSW Government is reducing recidivism by connecting young offenders to the support they need.” The State Government is investing $6.8M this financial year to strengthen security and infrastructure in the State’s six youth justice centres. Source: Media release, Jan 25 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

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

From Council This is my 9th year as a Council Administrator. I served 6 years at Warringah Council from 2003, followed by 12 months at Port Macquarie Hastings Council. I returned to the Northern beaches in 2016 to oversee the merger of Manly, Warringah and Pittwater Councils. Replacing an elected Council brings certain challenges, but by far the best part of the job is the amazing window you get into a ‘new’ community. Administrators carry out the official duties of the Mayor and Councillors. You meet with community groups and individuals, most of whom are playing important roles in making their community a better place, whether it be through our many sporting associations, through organisations delivering community services or through environmental improvement like Bush Care. Last week I attended the Australia Day Award presentations at the Art House Theatre and had the pleasure of meeting many of the 62 award nominees before announcing the Central Coast Council Citizen of the Year, Ms Paula Hardwick. Every nominee was asked to stand while a short summary outlining their service was read out. The depth of their contributions was truly inspiring. These people are the best of the best. Their tireless service makes a huge difference to individuals doing it tough, and to the broader community in general. On behalf of all Central Coast residents, thank you. Happy Australia Day. Dick Persson AM Administrator, Central Coast Council

Still time to have your say on a rate rise

Help secure the future of the Coast and have your say about a proposed rate rise for the Central Coast. Council has been open with the community about our current financial situation - which is due to spending more money than we had coming in, both before and after amalgamation. The money came from restricted funds. The money was not lost rather, it was spent on infrastructure and services that directly benefited the community. In 2019-20 $242M was spent on a capital works, delivering 1,383 projects including a new pipeline between Mardi and Warnervale, resurfacing of 107km of roads, drainage infrastructure and upgrade to wharves, parks, playgrounds and sporting fields. Council are taking significant steps to help our bottom line – we are selling assets, reducing staff numbers, materials and contracts, reducing the capital works program, looking at fees and charges and in addition secured further loans. These decisions alone are not enough for us to be financially stable into the future and that is why we are asking for your help and support for a rate rise.

While we understand many in our community do not want a rate rise, this is not a viable option. Council needs a rate rise to repay the restricted funds spent on community infrastructure and services and to deliver a level of service to the community that ensures our assets and essential services are maintained. Council resolved to consider two options - a ten percent rate rise and a fifteen percent rate rise (both including the rate peg of 2%) How much you pay will vary on where you live and the value of your land. The current average rates are $1,194 per year (former Wyong Shire LGA) and $1,015 per year (former Gosford LGA). With either

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.

proposed rate rise, the rates would still be less than surrounding regions such as Newcastle ($1,582 per year), Cessnock ($1,261 per year) and Lake Macquarie ($1,494 per year).

We want to hear from you. Please fill out our survey and have your say at yourvoiceourcoast.com by 1 February. If you don’t have internet access you can visit one of our Libraries or Administration Buildings, or call us during business hours on 1300 463 954 and we will assist you to complete the survey. Be assured, the written feedback you provide in the survey or to us directly will be counted and reported to IPART, including feedback that states a lack of support for a special variation.

Remember: School is back this week

Council meeting

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

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29 JANUARY 2021

Record crowds hit our beaches From page 1 More than 200,000 people flocked to Central Coast beaches over the Australia Day long weekend, as authorities dealt with 168 rescues, a prank drowning at Terrigal, parking havoc and jet ski chaos at Ettalong. Director of Surf Life Saving Central Coast, Simon Cusack, said approximately 218,500 people were recorded to have attended the 15 patrol beaches across in the region on January 23, 24 and 26. “Numbers are well and truly up in comparison to previous years,” Cusack said. “Across all the beaches, there were 168 rescues, 325 first aids and just over 11,500 preventive actions.” On Australia Day alone, 104,000 people were at the region’s beaches, more than a quarter (27 per cent) of the 387,000 attending all the beaches across NSW on the day. Beaches such as Terrigal, The Entrance, Killcare, and Ettalong were just some which dealt with large crowds, as people tried to escape the soaring

temperatures. At Terrigal Beach, lifeguards were thrown into action early in the day with the lagoon having to be closed just before 10am following a sewer overflow. The lagoon remained closed as we went to press with Central Coast Council advising crews had contained the overflow and were working quickly to remediate the issue. Terrigal was disturbed a second time when three police cars, three ambulances and one fire engine were called to attend a prank drowning. “The first reports were of an unconscious male face down in

the lagoon,” Cusack said. “A roving patrol from Terrigal was sent to the location, and they were faced with a difficult situation with a group of teenagers who appeared to be intoxicated, and the person in question (also) appearing to be intoxicated. “He ended up standing up and staggering away to the shore with his mates and said he was ‘just joking’. “But we have to take everything seriously because we never know when it is real.” There were reports of a brawl at Soldiers Beach, but Cusack said the situation was dealt

with quickly. “There were lots of jet skis at Ettalong as expected and lots of boating traffic movement in and out of the channel, which is typical for this time of the year and a public holiday,” he said. “One partially sunk jet ski was located by one of our roving patrol jet skis. “We alerted Maritime, and they attended and towed the sinking jet ski back to Ettalong boat ramp.” Cusack said the influx of beach-goers was “definitely related to COVID-19” and fully expected.

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“We knew accommodation was fairly booked during the holidays,” he said. “For example the caravan park at Umina Beach was fully booked out for the six weeks of the school holidays.” Caravan parks at Shelly Beach and Norah Head were also known to be fully booked, he said. “Plus you have the people who travel up from Sydney for the day.” Suspended Councillor, Bruce McLachlan, witnessed firsthand the chaos caused by the crowds. “Normally Blue Bay Beach is

quiet, but it was as crowded as I’ve seen it in my 30 years of local residence,” McLachlan said. “Parking was at a premium with many people having to park blocks away. “Is it time to start considering metered parking for nonCentral Coast residents?” Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said Australia Day was a big test for our lifeguards. “Firstly, I wanted to give a huge shout out to our amazing volunteer surf lifesavers,” Crouch said. “Huge surf, hot weather; it was the perfect day to enjoy Australia Day ... with the weather changes, we had a lot of people on the beaches and (the lifesavers) did a great job. “What I would say to people visiting the Central Coast is you need to respect the great work our volunteer surf lifesavers do to keep you safe on our beaches. “Beaches can be very dangerous, alcohol and water do not mix, and they need to be mindful of that.” Jacinta Counihan

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Councillors’ suspension extended by three months The suspension of Central Coast councillors has been extended for a further three months, with Administrator Dick Persson set to continue holding the reins until the end of April.

Administrator Dick Persson will continue to run Central Coast Council until April 29

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the decision followed a request from Persson for more time so he can continue to develop and implement a comprehensive recovery strategy to address the financial crisis facing Central Coast Council.

“The interim administrator’s 30-day report alone made a compelling case for more time to address the significant financial issues and dysfunction plaguing the council,” Hancock said. “There is no doubt that he needs more time to develop and implement his recovery strategy to restore stability and address the significant reputational, financial and organisational issues. “In particular, Mr Persson is focusing on recruiting a new

general manager and putting a new budget in place for next financial year. “Mr Persson and acting general manager Rik Hart have done an outstanding job to date and I thank them for their efforts in these very challenging circumstances.” Under the Local Government Act, the Minister can extend the period of suspension for up to three months if she believes it is necessary to restore the proper or effective functioning of the Council.

As required by law, notice has been served on the Council advising of the intention to extend the period of suspension. The current three-month suspension period expires on January 29. The order to formally extend suspension until April 29 will be published in the Government Gazette. Source: Media release, Jan 25 Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock

Government review of senior council staff wages The NSW Government is currently undertaking a review of general manager and senior staff contracts within councils to ensure value for money for ratepayers. Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock,has confirmed

that in 2020 she requested the Office of Local Government to undertake the review. “Hard-earned ratepayer dollars ought to be spent on local infrastructure and services and not on overinflated salaries of senior management,” she said.

“Given independent arbitrators set the remuneration of senior public servants, Ministers and Members of Parliament, as well as Mayors and councillors,the government is strongly considering mandating salaries of general managers to be set

independently of elected councillors. “Councils should be remunerating general managers in line with their duties, skills and experience as well as community expectations.” A spokesperson for Minister

Hancock said the Office of Local Government would issue further information about the review in the next month. Central Coast Council Administrator, Dick Persson, said he couldn’t comment because it was a matter for the Office of Local Government

which was running the review, and he was awaiting the outcome of that review once finalised. The review is due to be finalised in the first half of 2021. Sue Murray

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29 JANUARY 2021

Ratepayers deserve a public apology: Best Suspended Central Coast Independent Councillor Greg Best says the least Council should do if reinstated on April 29 is to show some contrition and unanimously vote for a public apology for the “$565M financial train wreck” it is responsible for. In an exclusive interview with Coast Community News, Best said political infighting in Council Chambers and chronic mismanagement of amalgamation opportunities underpinned the Council’s failure. “I make no apology for whistleblowing on this debacle and given the chance I would do it again,” he said. “My open letter (to Local government Minister Shelley Hancock) of September 2020, triggered the then CEO Gary Murphy to report the true financial situation, which ultimately led to the Minister suspending the Council on October 30 and appointing Dick Persson as Administrator.” Best said Persson was clearly the person in the hot seat, a man of action with a strong

track record for his efforts in bringing together the Northern Beaches Council. “I empathise with Mr Persson and Acting CEO Rik Hart for their efforts as I too, have sought to improve the financial management of this Council and called on councillors to stop spending like drunken sailors. “Whilst I do not fully agree with the Administrator’s path of austerity, I soberly remind the community that these men are desperately seeking to assist us in a very bad situation. “At the end of the day, they are only here because of the total financial incompetence of the Council. “Council suggesting that it did not know of the looming financial disaster after voting for the past three years for budget losses, now eclipsing $232M, is a disgrace and there should be more than an apology, there should be an investigation.” Best said he had put 85 motions to the Council since its election in 2017 following the amalgamation of the former Gosford and Wyong Councils, many of them relating to financial concerns.

Greg Best

“However, most of them were trivialised, and voted down along party lines,” he said. As an Independent, Best said political division had to be one of the major failings of the Council. He said of his 25 years representing his community, the past three years following the amalgamation were by far the most difficult. “The Amalgamation, managed well, should have delivered us significant savings through efficiencies of scale,”

he said. “We had the opportunity to become one of the most powerful regional councils in the state, not unlike the Hunter, and this has been squandered by political infighting.” Best said education was the best tool in preparing elected councillors for their term in office. “We need to bring people together early in the Council term and bring them up to speed with all of the Council speak and acronyms,

knowledge them up around the idiosyncrasies that is Council,” he said. “You might not agree with someone, you might not even like them, however you shouldn’t just ignore them. “I think the Councillors will return on April 29h – that’s in keeping with the Local Government Act – and I will seek to move for an unconditional apology to our ratepayers and for Council to engage in an independent investigation into the loss of $232M of its money. “No stone should be left unturned; this money did not just disappear.” Best said one of the major issues on which he was constantly shouted down was the proposed Cultural Centre in Gosford, which was to have incorporated a performing arts centre and a regional library. “This $171M project. plus 20 per cent contingency, was to cost $205M,” he said. “It had no serious business plan, no anchor tenants and it was a sea of debt with Council looking to borrow a further $100M to commence construction.”

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The project was eventually abandoned with multi-million dollar design and planning losses as Council instead decided to proceed with planning a Regional Library, which Best thinks will never see the light of day. “Clearly the elephant in the room is the blowout of our middle bureaucracy with staffing levels somewhere between 500 and 700 above what we needed,” Best said. “This has cost the ratepayers $50-70M a year over the past three years with wages now eclipsing some $200M per annum.” The proposed 10-15 per cent rate rise was not a satisfactory solution to the Council’s financial woes, he said. “Ratepayers simply cannot afford to be slugged even harder,” he said. Best urged residents and ratepayers to vote politics out of Council at the September 4 local government elections.” Source: Audio interview, Jan 27 and media statement, Jan 28 Suspended Councillor Greg Best

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NEWS

Community preselection process moves away from major parties Voters in the Federal electorates of Dobell and Robertson will be the first in Australia to take part in a trial of a community preselection process The Sensible Centre wants to roll-out all around Australia. The Sensible Centre is a movement claiming to represent “the 80 percent of us in the sensible centre of Australian life”, who don’t see themselves as especially left or right, and who don’t necessarily want to vote for, or are fed up with, the major political parties. They want to run “community” candidates in all 151 lower house seats at the 2022 federal election and they want to give Australian politics a good shake-up – starting right here on the Central Coast in March. Spokesman for the Centre, Vern Hughes, said they began by bringing together a broad range of people to try and change the direction and address all the cynical and negative views towards our politicians and governments. “The large political parties are very hard to reform, the smaller parties are very stuck in their own ways, Independents

Vern Hughes

can sometimes break through but mostly face a lot of obstacles,” he said. Hughes said our political system is “basically stuffed”; it’s polarised, it doesn’t reform things, it doesn’t change things, and it seems the major parties are more interested in matters that help them win the next election. “The question is: what can we do about that?” he said. “We decided to hold a preselection process where community members selected a representative to stand as their candidate. “Our aim is to find the voices of the people who are normally

David Abrahams

not politically active, who are mostly left out of political deliberations anyway, and try and find a way to get as many voices as we can to select a local representative.” Hughes said they were searching out true community leaders at the grass roots level, people who are genuinely representative of the community. “This is a return to our roots in Australian democracy, before parties of career politicians captured the process and set up themselves as its gatekeepers,” he said. “Our parliaments and governments are now made up

of the wrong sort of people “The other factor is that one instead of people with track of those seats is held by the records as problem solvers, Labor Party and the other by innovators, community builders the Liberals and we wanted and entrepreneurs. one of each because we want “We now have people in to focus on change across the parliament who have only ever board, we don’t want to just done one thing, politics, and focus on Liberal-held seats or these people cannot solve our Labor-held seats. problems.” “We’ve got a group of people Hughes said the Central in the area working on the Coast electorates of Dobell and logistics and then we’ll have a Robertson were chosen for the public process of inviting the trial run of community pre- community to participate, a Town Hall question selection because here there including ADVERTISEMENT were strong communities and and answer style meeting, before a community member is strong local identities. “We’ve got some good selected.” Hughes said this was a community people on the Coast ADVERTISEMENT community-run, transparent who want to lead it,” he said.

process, open to everyone except people who are current or recent members of the Liberal, Labor, National or The Greens parties. David Abrahams is one of the team working to get the community pre-selections up and running. “I am honoured to be asked to run these first pre-selections for the community, particularly the fact that these Central Coast Federal seats will be the first in the county,” he said. “I stood as an Independent candidate for the seat of Robertson in 2019 and this was an incredible experience and a big insight into how our elections work. “I will not be running as a candidate myself, though I am keen to make sure that we get this process right. “This is a real chance for the community to be truly involved in the pre-selection of candidates and I expect this process will help the Central Coast with some much-needed political discussion which is something that has been largely absent from the region for a decade or more.”

Emma McBride MP u m

MEMBER FO Sue Murray

Emma McBride MP MEMBER FOR DOBELL

for our comm Emma Caring McBride MP MEMBER FOR DOBELL ADVERTISEMENT

thr ough

Caring for our community DO YOU HELP WITH A Caring for ourNEED community

Emma loves the Coast. A true local, Emma’s family has been on the Coast for generations - and she went throug 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 apprenticeships •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

Emma works tirelessly the Coast. • Cfor OVID-19

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

Protecting Medicare and strengthening our hospitals our hospitals

Guaranteeing TAFE funding

Guaranteeing TAFE funding and creating new apprenticeships and creating new apprenticeships

Restoring penaltyInvesting rates and easing Investing in cheaper, Restoring penalty rates and easing in cheaper, pressure on family budgets cleaner renewable energy pressure on family budgets cleaner renewable energy Strengthening local schools with $43.7 Strengthening local schools with $43.7 million more funding million more funding

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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Authorised by Emma McBride, MP, ALP, Suite 204, 1 Bryant Drive, Tuggerah NSW 2259.

Authorised by Emma McBride, ALP, 204/1 Bryant Drive, Tuggerah NSW 2259

Authorised by Emma McBride, MP, ALP, Suite 204, 1 Bryant Drive, Tuggerah NSW 2259.

Authorised by Emma McBride, MP, ALP, Suite 204, 1 Bryant Drive, Tuggerah NSW

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29 JANUARY 2021

NORTHCONNEX DELIVERED The $3 billion NorthConnex mega-project will be a game changer for Central Coast motorists. Reducing travel times by up to 15 minutes each way

Allowing drivers to avoid 21 sets of traffic lights along Pennant Hills Road

Busting congestion so you spend less time in traffic

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PAGE 10 29 JANUARY 2021

NEWS

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Nine locals recognised in Australia Day Honours Nine Central Coast residents have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours List (two posthumously). Alfred Britton of Narara received an OAM for service to conservation and the environment and Patricia Grace Fortier of Lisarow was also honoured with an OAM for service to youth through Scouts, and to the community. Dr Denise Chasmar Fleming of Pearl Beach was awarded an AM for her work in a variety of

leadership roles which aimed to provide support and career assistance to women and the late Geoffrey William Melville, formerly of Empire Bay, was awarded a posthumous OAM for service to the community through a range of roles. Central Coast Town Crier Stephen Clarke was recognised with an OAM for service to the community of the Central Coast. Also recognised were; Barbara Try of Tuggerawong for service to the creative arts,

particularly to lapidary; Philip Heaton of Budgewoi for service to coastal landcare conservation; and the late Kevin Pearce of Wyong for service to the community of Wyong through a range of roles. Glen Howe of Kariong received the Australian Fire Service medal. Governor-General David Hurley announced 845 recipients nationwide on January 26. “The individuals we celebrate

today come from all parts of our great nation and have served the community in almost every way conceivable,” he said. “They’re diverse and unique but there are some common characteristics, including selflessness, commitment and dedication. “Recipients have not put their hand up to be recognised. “Most would consider the achievements that they are being recognised for to be ordinary or just what they do. “Over the past 12 months we

have seen outstanding examples of achievement and service to the community … and I encourage Australians to look to the Order of Australia as a means of acknowledging the important work of their peers. “The Order of Australia belongs to all Australians and my strong message to the community is that if you know someone that is worthy, take the time to nominate them. “It is a wonderful way to recognise and celebrate achievement, service and

contribution to the community. “The sum of these contributions speaks to our nation’s greatest strength – its people.” Nominations can be made at www.gg.gov.au See full profiles of Denise Chasmar and the late Geoffrey Melville in this week’s Pelican Post and profiles of Barbara Try, Philip Heaton and the late Kevin Pearce in this week’s Coast Community Chronicle. Terry Collins

OAM for Town Crier Central Coast Town Crier Stephen Clarke has been honoured with an Order of Australia Medal in the Australia Day Honours List for his service to the region through a range community roles. “I feel pretty special, it was a lovely surprise,” Clarke said. “It’s been a real honour to represent the Central Coast and Australia at national and international Town Crier events and competitions.” Clarke was trained as a Town Crier by the official Sydney

Town Crier, Graham Keating, and became the Gosford City Council Town Crier in 1990. “As Town Crier I lead street parades, do citizenship ceremonies, host and MC special events, and also greet VIPs when they come to the Central Coast,” Clarke said. “It’s my job to sound a fanfare on the bugle when VIPs arrive, ring the bell then read of proclamation of welcome.” Clarke is a member of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Australian Town Criers, currently holding the

Membership Officer role, and was Chaplain from 2003 to 2005, President 2007-2010 and then again from 2013 to 2016. He has been Champion of Champions Crier in the Australian National Town Criers Championships in 2012, 2013, 2016, 2018 and 2019. In 2005 Clarke took third place in the World Town Crying Championships. Other roles have included Governor and Member of St Philip’s Christian College Foundation Board member

since 2015 and Principal’s Advisory Council Member in Gosford since 2010. He has been a Church Elder since 2008 at House of Praise Christian Church, West Gosford, and taken on roles as Head of Creative Team 2008-2109 and Facilitator of the Divorce Recovery Program since 2008. At Good News Church (now Hope Unlimited Church) at Umina Beach he had been a Church Elder and music director from 1995 to 2008. Other community roles held by Clarke include judge of the

Youth of the Year at Wyoming East Gosford Centennial Lions Club in 2011; Minstrel to the City of Coffs Harbour in 1990; member of the NSW Justices Association since 1984 and NSW Justice of the Peace since 1984. Clarke has been awarded the former Gosford City Council Australia Day Award in 2003 and again in 2007, a Centenary Medal in 2001 and a Gosford Council Community Service Award in 1997. Sue Murray

Stephen Clarke, OAM

Jane Smith

Independent ...working for our community

Change to Advisory Committee reports will mean out of sight, out of mind At the time of amalgamation in 2016, Gosford and Wyong Council had a total of 23 Advisory and Trust Committees. At his second meeting, the Administrator at that time (Mr. Reynolds) resolved to dissolve those committees of Council. This was seen by many as a move to shut the doors to the community and remove Council business from scrutiny. When elected Councillors were back in place, we began the process of re-establishing Advisory Committees. At the most basic level, these committees are an important two-way communication channel. Committee members provide information to Council and are expected to share information from meetings with their networks. The role of Advisory Committees is to advise Council and staff. Committee members contribute a range of skills, knowledge and experience that Council staff and Councillors may not possess. They include business people, professionals, scientists, academics, government agencies, community advocates and resident groups. They participate on a voluntary basis. Central Coast Council currently has 17 Advisory Committees in areas including tourism, economic development, heritage, status of women, natural resource management, COSS, companion animals, playspaces and town centres.

The minutes of the Advisory Committees are currently reported to Council. This is an important part of providing advice to Council, as is their role. Even when there is no specific recommendation to Council, the minutes reflect the discussions and priorities of the committee and Council staff. On 27 April 2020, Council staff submitted a report that recommended that the minutes of Advisory Committees no longer be reported to Council unless a decision was required. Councillors voted unanimously to reject the recommendation.

Only 2.5% of the world’s water is freshwater - and less than 1% of this is usable. Wetlands provide most of it. We use more water than the earth can replenish. Unsustainable development, population growth, urbanisation and consumption have devastated wetlands. Nearly 90% of the world’s wetlands have been lost since 1700s. #restorewetlands Source: www.worldwetlandsday.org

On 27 January 2021, a report to the current Administrator (Mr.Persson) recommends that minutes for Advisory Committees no longer be reported to Council unless a decision is required. Instead, a list of meetings would be tabled with links to the minutes. Of course, this sounds good in theory however it undermines the intent and role of the Advisory Committees in providing advice to the governing body of Council. The minutes will no longer be tabled as part of the Business Paper of Council - and inevitably, at some point in the future, minutes will be removed from websites and links will no longer work. This move by the current Council undermines and de-values the contribution of committee members. It also, once again, appears to remove the business of Council from scrutiny.

Porters Creek Wetland • Largest freshwater wetland on the Central Coast • 168 species of plants • Macroinvertebrates from 70 families • 62 bird species including 9 migratory species • 25 mammal species including 7 species of bats. • Improves water quality in Tuggerah Lakes • Council owned land

Since Sept, 2017 • Over 6 resolutions of Council supporting protection of Porters Creek wetland • More than 3 meetings between Council staff and Councillors • Recommended for protection by the Coasts & Catchments Tuggerah Lakes Advisory Committee • At least 2 Councillor site visits • Agreements for protection drafted Still no protection in place for Porters Creek Wetland

Disclaimer - Views expressed in these articles are my own and do not represent the views of Council

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PAGE 11 29 JANUARY 2021

Looking after our environment Narara resident, Alfred John Britton, has received a Medal of an Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to conservation and the environment. He has been recognised for co-founding the Friends of Strickland State Forest group, his multiple animal care volunteer roles, his contribution to research assignments, his time as an ecology supervisor, and his continual involvement with conservation community groups. Yet, despite his great achievements, Britton was humble when congratulated on the award. “I am not really sure why I got the award,” he said. “I have worked with a lot of people in the volunteer scene, and we have had probably 200 to 300 volunteers from the time I have worked with Friends with Strickland State Forest. “We have had overseas students helping out and the amount of work that has been done there, it has really been a joint effort by the community.” Britton said his interest in

Alfred John Britton, OAM

wildlife conservation and environmental protection all started when he used to be fascinated with birds’ eggs as a child. “We grew up in behind the shopping centre at Gorokan, and there was a little swamp … it was full of birds, bandicoots, possums, black ducks nesting gin the trees, so we spent a lot of time down there in the swamp,” he said.

Over his 47-year career with the NSW Forestry Corporation, Britton worked in harvesting supervision, timber standard improvement treatment, firefighting, and his dream job of ecology. “If any research projects came up, they asked for volunteers who lived locally to be involved, and I was silly enough to put my hand up,” he said.

“I did five years of research on bellbirds which died back in Dooralong with Dr Christine Stone.” One of his most notable contributions was co-founding the Friends of Strickland State Forest group with Geoff Curtis in 1998. The group helps to protect the habitat and vegetation in the forest.

“My kids and I did a bit of work up in Strickland on the walking trails prior to the group being formed,” he said. “There was a lot of Lantana and privet infestation that came up from the old research station so with the Friends of Strickland State Forest Group we did a lot of removal of noxious weeds, and that group has now been going on for around 22 years.

“There was a fair bit of research I was involved in as well. “They were going to do research on how logging affected the Eastern Pygmy Possums down in Eden, run by Dr Brad Law. “But I said to him why would you go down there when there were heaps of them up on Strickland State Forest, so he did his research there. “It took five years, two years prior to logging, and then another two years after logging, and (they) found out that logging didn’t really affect them all that much, which is a good outcome. “I have been involved in the translocation of the Pygmy Possum from Strickland State Forest down to North Head [Manly] where they are trying to introduce small mammals.” Britton still volunteers with the Friends of Strickland State Forest, is an active member of the Narara Creek Catchment Bush Care Group and a volunteer guide for Coastal Open Spaces Space System. Jacinta Counihan

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Serving our youth through Scouts Lisarow resident, Tricia Fortier, has received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to youth through Scouts and the community. Fortier said she was surprised to hear she had won the award most notably for her 30 years volunteering with Scouts Australia. “When I first got the email, I thought, is this for real?” she said. “I work with so many different people who do lots of volunteer work, so it was certainly quite humbling. “I’m honoured to receive this award and congratulations to the other recipients.” Fortier has had many leadership roles with Scouts, including Assistant Region Commissioner for Operations, Region Leader in Development and District Leader for Special Projects.

“The reason I entered was my son was in Scouts and I was in the committee, and they were looking for more leaders,” he said. “It has kept me busy, we are always learning, and it is enjoyable working with our youth. “Scouts is a wonderful program. “It doesn’t matter how scholastically (able) the kids are; it is for everyone, and there is always something the children can do. “We have both male and female in scouting. “It is a great social program where they learn lots of outdoor skills. “It allows them to try lots of things and get some training in at the same time. “[I love] working with the youth and seeing how they progress as they are the adults of the future.”

Fortier is now retired but uses her nursing background to volunteer for Ronald McDonald Family Room at Gosford Hospital. She has also been a speaker for the Humour Foundation with the Clown Doctors. “I work with many different people and not just in the work that I do with Scouts,” she said. “Part of what I do is work alongside the wonderful people here on the Central Coast who support and help with fundraising. “There are a lot of wonderful people out there. “I am very proud to be a Coastie, and I like to be part of the community. “I like to help people, and I like to be able to do things, especially where there is a need.” Jacinta Counihan Tricia Fortier, OAM

Honoured for 42 years’ service to RFS Glen Howe of Kariong was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal in the Australia Day Honours List for his service to the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) over a 42-year career. Howe joined the Kariong RFS Brigade in 1978, progressing through the ranks from Deputy Captain in 1983, to Senior Deputy Captain in 1987, and Captain in 1991. He was also elected to the position of Group Captain in 1993 – a position he still holds today. Howe said receiving the medal was a huge honour and a complete surprise. “It’s an honour to receive an award like that to recognise my years of service ... and for my fellow firies to nominate me, it’s lovely to know there are

Glen Howe

people out there who have respect for the work,” Howe said. “To look after the community and to be a part of a great voluntary service and one that’s recognised around the world is a real honour. “I’m happy with what I have achieved as a volunteer.” Howe has assisted in numerous major bushfires through his career, mostly in an operational command role, including during last summer’s bushfire season. He led the forward operational response for the Three Mile fire to protect the communities of Kulnura, Mangrove Mountain and Spencer, commanding the field operations for 11 of the first 14 days – the most critical time of the fire safety response. Howe said it was a very tough

time on the job. “It was the most challenging season I’ve ever had,” he said. “Spending those days in command was a real challenge – the responsibility to make sure the firies got home to their families, and to make sure they were doing the best job they could.” As a member of the District Senior Management Team for 27 years, Howe has continued to assist in the direction of local government amalgamations, and the annual district program of training and hazard reduction burns. Howe also has taken a number of strike teams on outof-area deployments for fires, floods and storms across the state. Maisy Rae

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Two people charged in relation to Pickett’s Valley Home invasion Police are appealing for public assistance as they continue to investigate an alleged home invasion on the Central Coast where a man was seriously assaulted last year. Police have been told about 3am on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, three males approached a home on Country View Close, Picketts Valley, and allegedly attempted to steal two motorbikes from a shipping container located on the property. One of the residents – a 49-year-old man – was awoken by the noise and confronted the men before being assaulted by the group.

Anyone with information about these incidents should call

Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

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The three men fled the scene in a vehicle a short time later, as the 49-year-old grabbed the keys to his vehicle and attempted to follow the group. The man received several facial injuries which later required sutures at Gosford Hospital.

Police attached to Brisbane Water Police District were notified and commenced an investigation into the incident. Following extensive inquiries, two people – a 30-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman – have been charged in relation to the incident; they remain before the courts. As police continue their investigation, they are urging anyone who may have information which could assist investigators to contact Gosford Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Source: Media release, Jan 25 NSW Police Media

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Central Coast. Wudtichai Uanpromma, known by most as Noom, aged 44, was last seen in the vicinity of Mangrove Mountain and Peats Ridge on Thursday, August 30, 2020. He was reported missing to Brisbane Water Police in early September and officers have been conducting inquiries into his whereabouts since. Police have concerns for his welfare as he has no known relatives in Australia, and his

Fire and Rescue NSW crews rescued a miniature pony from a sticky situation on January 24. Crews responded to reports that the pony, Hooty, was stuck upside down on his back in a trench at a property on Coorara Rd, Lisarow.

Firefighters came up with an extrication plan and requested a specialist Tech Rescue crew along with assistance from local Rural Fire crews and the Volunteer Rescue Association. Crews worked to dig a V

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shape in the surrounding dirt. Then with the help of a tractor, the four-year-old mini pony, Hooty, was carefully released. A vet was also on the scene to check and assess the pony.

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friends and family in Thailand have not heard from him. He is described as being of Asian appearance, between 165cm and 170cm tall, with a thin build, unshaven and with black hair. Anyone who may have seen Noom or may know of his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Source: Media release, Jan 25 NSW Police Media

This man has been missing since August last year

Police vehicle rammed

The driver and sole occupant of the police car, a male senior constable, sustained head and rib injuries; however, he was able to exit the car. He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Gosford Hospital.

Hooty was checked by a vet following the rescue

PAGE 13 29 JANUARY 2021

Search continues for man missing since August

A driver has been arrested after allegedly ramming a police vehicle and injuring an officer during a pursuit on the Central Coast on Monday morning, January 25.

Pony rescued

ON THE BEAT

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The Holden driver stopped on Maidens Brush Rd and fled on foot. Additional police responded and commenced a search of the surrounding area. With assistance from the Dog Unit, a 41-year-old Umina man was found hiding inside another vehicle on Pecan St just before 6.15am. He was taken to Gosford Hospital under police guard for mandatory testing before being taken to Gosford Police Station

and subsequently charged with seven offences including: driving a motor vehicle during disqualification period; not stopping a vehicle when directed to do so; not stopping and driving recklessly during a police pursuit; and using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention. He was refused bail to appear at Gosford Local on January 25. Source: Email, Jan 25 NSW Police Media

More than 45km/h over speed limit Officers from Brisbane Water Highway Patrol detected a 75-year-old man travelling at 134km/h in a 70km/h zone at Somersby on January 27. The officers were conducting speed enforcement on the

Pacific Hwy when they checked the speed of an orange BMW sedan. They issued the driver, who had a single female passenger in the vehicle at the time, a

penalty notice for exceeding the speed limit by more the 45km/h and suspended his licence on the spot for a period of six months. Source: Brisbane Water Police District Facebook page

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FORUM

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Rates rise unacceptable while council executives remain Whilst ratepayers can understand Administrator Dick Persson’s explanations for the need for ratepayers to pay more in via rate increases to cover Central Coast Council debt, our minds boggle at the thought that the same incompetent executives and senior managers that put us into a financial mess are still employed in the same roles except one, the CEO Gary Murphy.

FORUM I agree with Mr Kevin Brooks‘ opinion (Forum, Jan 22) but incompetent executives can’t realistically pay all the debt. And the same financially incompetent buffoons will be in charge again. Hence, I believe all ratepayers would rather see a few more incompetent heads roll or pushed aside from decision making before there is yet another rate increase.

Surely the current Administrator can find all the culprits that led to our debt, not just the CEO. This current rate increase will only allow the same incompetent people to mismanage our money, again, and again. What’s next in five years? Another big rate increase to cover future mismanagement? Email, Jan 27 Hernán Ratto, Tascott ratepayer

Something doesn’t smell right I wonder when, or perhaps if, the ratepayers of the Central Coast will be told the full story of what went wrong? How did Central Coast Council end up in such enormous debt? We are being asked to pay an extra 15 per cent on our rates when my bank term deposit does not even earn 1 per cent. Was Central Coast Council still trading while insolvent? The Council could not pay staff. so I am guessing they

FORUM were insolvent. Mr Hart stated that the restricted funds were unlawfully used and yet the former CEO gets a full payout. Should the suspended councillors have asked more questions? I was surprised to learn that a councillor is not allowed to approach and question staff so they have to rely on what they

are told by the CEO and department heads. So, what went wrong? How was the Council allowed to accrue such massive debts over the past 3 years? We were told amalgamation was at least in part a response to financial mismanagement, even suggestions of fraud. Well here we are again, and it still does not smell quite right. Email, Jan 20 Denise Allen, Lisarow

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Hardly shareholders … just unhappy customers I refer to the article in Coast Community News issue 276, where Central Coast Administrator, Dick Persson states under the heading “Financial recovery process begins”, that :as ratepayers you are shareholders of the Council”. A shareholder is a person, company, or institution that owns at least one share of a company’s stock, which is known as equity. Because shareholders are essentially owners in a company, they reap the benefits of a business’s success. These rewards come in the form of financial profits distributed as dividends. Shareholders also have a voting right at the AGM. We have lived on the Central Coast in the Gosford LGA for 29 years and have never received a dividend or had the right to vote at an AGM, so what is being stated is ludicrous. On the other hand, a stakeholder is a party that has an interest in a company and can either affect or be affected by the business. The primary stakeholders in a typical corporation are its investors, employees, customers, and suppliers. However, with the increasing attention on corporate social responsibility, the concept has

FORUM See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper been extended to include communities, governments, and trade associations. As ratepayers, we are customers (stakeholders) of the Council. (In return) for paying our rates, (we) expect the Council to provide the services we are paying for under the ratepayer agreement and within budget. As stakeholders we do not have voting rights at an AGM, nor do not we receive dividends when the organisation is profitable. As ratepayers the only input we have into the governance of the Council is when we vote in the councillors - they are the only representatives of the stakeholders and are, or should be, together with the CEO and CFO, fully responsible for the financial wellbeing of the Council. The current financial position of Central Coast Council is not a result of any improprieties of

its stakeholders but brought about by bad management and governance. The worst offender of all has walked away with a $380,000 severance pay as a reward for his mismanagement - no explanation can possibly justify that. Proposing to increase the rates by either 10 or 15 per cent without any other option as proposed in a letter received from Rick Hart who, like Mr Persson, is a fly-in fly-out and will not be subject to the increase, is not appealing and lacks imagination. Along with many other Central Coast Council ratepayers, I vote NO to any increase and suggest Mr Persson and Mr Hart put their heads together and come up with a more innovative strategy. This should include seeking compensation from the NSW Minister for Local Government who forced the amalgamation of the Wyong and Gosford councils to form Central Coast Council and the auditors who provided inaccurate financial advice. I am also concerned about the secrecy surrounding the loans that Mr Persson has acquired and would like to understand what equity and voting rights he has given to the lender(s). Email, Jan 27 Dennis Silvers, Narara

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What’s the point of planning controls that don’t need to be adhered to? Tout change, tout c’est la meme chose.

FORUM

The ink isn’t even dry on our brand-spanking-new Development Control Plan, and approval has been given to a non-conforming development at Terrigal on the grounds that “compliance with the development standard is unnecessary” (Planning Panel gives green light to Terrigal development, CCN 276). What is the purpose of development standards that don’t have to be adhered to or that, at least, are only enforced against individual ratepayers and never against developers? Either they are standards or they are not; if they are, let everyone observe them and, if they are not, let us dispense

with the farcical pretence that the Development Control Plan is anything but a bureaucratic device to fund an unnecessary Council department. Of course, everyone in the planning profession knows that the standards of the Development Control Plan are nothing but a series of arbitrary numbers, based on no evidence or research, and cobbled together as a clerically convenient way of reconciling the two original Wyong and Gosford Plans, without the necessity for any thought or the raising of any inconvenient questions. The whole structure is internally inconsistent, and

standards are frequently contradictory: several of the provisions are contrary to any common sense, but developers seem to have no problem in having them waived, so they only serve to inconvenience ordinary citizens, which is, perhaps, their purpose. In any debate, there is not a single provision of the Development Control Plan that any Council servant could rationally defend. It would be enlightening to see a cost/benefit analysis of the land-use control system, as it is practised in NSW. I suspect that this is something that the Planning Department won’t be rushing to commission. Email, Jan 25 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

Australia Day … is it? May I ask that you read this letter in its entirety before proceeding to judgement. Firstly, all four of my grandparents were of British Caucasian origin, so I am Caucasian. This statement is intended to indicate my viewpoint on the following issue; the celebration of Australia Day. January 26: To indigenous persons this date can represent the beginning of dispossession, discrimination, violence and denigration. How can they be expected to celebrate this date and all it represents? January 1, 1901: When Australian states and territories united to form a Commonwealth;

FORUM note, indigenous persons were not included in any census. May 26, 1967: I believe a referendum decided indigenous persons be recognised and included in the census. May 26, 2017: The Uluru Statement from the Heart: The statement was not accepted by the Federal Government, in effect rejected. At the moment there is no date that can be accepted by all Australians. Perhaps a suitable date will occur in the future. May I suggest the date when the Uluru Statement is accepted and acted upon by the Federal

Government? Note, I have not included any immigrants because they have come here by choice; an entirely different situation to the indigenous population, who were already (by initial occupation) in possession of this land for tens of thousands of years, before the arrival of the British. Last point: The alteration of the National Anthem in replacing the phrase “young and free” by “one and free” in effect remains a totally meaningless gesture until all indigenous persons and others are truly recognised and treated as equals. Email, Jan 26 Colin Hodgson, Mount Elliot

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FORUM

PAGE 15 29 JANUARY 2021

Come clean or risk business confidence in council So, fellow Central Coast ratepayers, this seems to be where we are at right now. The Government-appointed Administrator and his appointed Acting CEO do not think the currently suspended councillors should be sacked. It would appear that these two worthy souls have failed to realise the depth of the problem that they have been appointed to fix and more disturbingly, their combined business acumen cannot see much further than perhaps sacking the wrong people and raising rates. Our suspended councillors do not think they should be sacked either, including Labor Mayor Lisa Matthews who is reported

FORUM as saying they “were always advised by CEO and staff and didn’t do anything wrong” which rather confirms what many of us have questioned for some time – just who was running the Central Coast Council? Of course, we are already acutely aware of the ex-CEO and his handsome payout. Who decided that on our behalf? Under the circumstances it seems that the ratepayers of the Central Coast can now reasonably ask for the Administrator or his Acting CEO to publish in the local papers a full list of senior management/ director staff currently still

employed by Council together with their appointment, salary and responsibilities, along with the list of staff terminations in Council’s staff reduction process, their previous positions and the rationale behind their particular sackings/terminations. Refusal to provide this sort of information to the taxpayers who are footing the bill for all this may well trigger a timely alert for said taxpayers and the abundance of business brains that appear to be alive and well among the local community if they feel our Council problems are not being adequately and appropriately addressed. Email, Jan 27 Margaret Black, Koolewong

Throwing good money after bad Communication seeking to make rate payers and our community implicitly guilty by association of unlawful activity and appalling financial management reflects poorly on Central Coast Council. In a letter to ratepayers (January 7, 2021) titled Securing your future. acting CEO, Rik Hart, asserted that; “We have a legal obligation to reimburse the restricted funds that were unlawfully accessed to bring forward projects and infrastructure that has undoubtably benefitted the community.” I have the following questions (for Mr Hart): Who is We? I would have thought it was Council that had

FORUM the legal obligation; if so, then say it. If the activity was unlawful, then will the matter be handed over to the NSW Police and people prosecuted? In his interim report, Administrator Dick Persson wrote that both the previous CFO, Craig Norman, and CEO, Gary Murphy, were aware of this unlawful use of funds. Why does it matter that the unlawfully accessed money was spent on projects that “undoubtably benefitted the community” when the funds were unlawfully obtained? It’s like saying “Your Honour, I robbed the bank to buy the

homeless lady a house”. Breaking the law is breaking the law. What were these communitybenefitting projects? Can you name them please and outline exactly how they have benefitted the community. Can Council provide an ironclad guarantee that this unlawful accessing of funds will not occur again? Until we have the answer to some of these and many other questions around the misuse of funds and massive debt run up by Council, I am not inclined to endorse a rate rise that may simply be throwing good money after bad. Email, Jan 23 Claire Braund, Terrigal

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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 29 JANUARY 2021

Tim Tam takes those first hops

One of the Australian Reptile Park’s kangaroo joeys got into the Aussie spirit by taking her first hops just days before Australia Day. With the first hops being so

close to the day, keepers could not resist calling the joey after the iconic Australian icon, the Tim Tam biscuit. Although small, Tim Tam has already stolen the hearts of visitors and keepers, seemingly wobbly on her tiny little feet

and learning to explore the park. The joey is sticking closely to her mum’s side but will presumably begin to venture further away as she gets confident. Park General Manager, Tim

Faulkner, said getting out of the pouch is a big step for new joeys. “I love when we start to see kangaroo joeys begin to pop out of the pouch, and we’ve seen a few others popping their heads out of pouches over the

past few weeks,” Faulkner said. “It’s always so exciting when they take the great big leap from Mum’s pouch, and what a time to do it – just in time for Australia Day.” The joey is a part of The

Australian Reptile Park’s kangaroo mob which visitors to the Park can interact with and hand-feed. Source: Media release, Jan 25 Australian Reptile Park

Woy Woy Little Theatre is back … live After a year in darkness, the lights are finally back on at the Peninsula Theatre as Woy Woy Little Theatre (WWLT) gets set to welcome patrons back in midFebruary.

WWLT president, Christine Vale, at Peninsula Theatre

Like many live theatre groups, WWLT had to shut the theatre doors in March 2020 when COVID 19 restrictions came into place. But president Christine Vale said the group hadn’t remained idle. “Members were keen to stay connected in some ‘theatrical’ way, so Zoom play readings were set up,” Vale said. “This gave members and friends an opportunity to

perform short plays through a virtual environment.” But after nine months of absence from the stage, Vale said WWLT decided to take the plunge and open the doors to the Peninsula Theatre again earlier this month. “This has taken careful planning to be COVID-safe and we have been working very cooperatively with Central Coast Council, the owner of the theatre,” she said. “So, the doors of the theatre finally opened at the beginning of January for auditions for the first production of the year with a great roll-up of enthusiastic actors. “Rehearsals are now underway for the first

production of the year - Love Letters by AR Gurney. “This play was selected because it is what is called a ‘two-hander’; that is there are only two people in the cast, so it’s a COVID-safe toe in the water for WWLT. “It has been performed by many famous actors over the years, including recently by Sally Field and Brian Cranston as a COVID-safe virtual production. “For the WWLT production, because so many talented people from the Coast auditioned, it was decided to have two casts to perform alternately.” Love Letters will open on Friday, February 19, for 10

performances over three weekends. Bookings are essential and now open on the Woy Woy Little Theatre website. “Two other plays that were postponed from last year will be performed later this year,” Vale said. “These are Ladies in Lavender and Ben Hur (with chariots!). “WWLT is also actively involved in supporting ARTFULL WOMEN. “This exciting communityarts project is being spearheaded by Brenda Logan and will culminate in performances at the Peninsula Theatre in September,” Vale said. Terry Collins

PAGE 18 29 JANUARY 2021 OUT&ABOUT Music at the Rhythm Hut is back in full swing with the venue lining up performances from various local, national, and international acts over the next few months. On Sunday, January 31, the 5 Lands band will be hitting the stage, joined by venue owner, Rendra Freestone. Freestone said the music collective used to play at the Skillion in Terrigal for the finale performance of the awardwinning 5 lands walk. “It was like jazz-funk world journey music,” Freestone said. “These days, it’s some of the hottest musos from Sydney, Central Coast, and Newcastle coming together monthly to make magic in one of the cosiest family-friendly venues on the Coast.” On Friday, February 6, the venue will be hosting the reggae, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, Afro Moses. Originally from Ghana, Afro

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Rhythm Hut in full swing

Moses became popular when he was a teenager, producing number one songs which have a blend of Afrobeats, reggae, funk, jazz, raga, salsa, percussion, traditional African drums, and vocals. He was given the nickname “The African James Brown” for his funky music and dance style which was popular at the time. Soon after he rose to fame in Ghana, Afro Moses was noticed by one of Bob Marley’s tour managers, and he has been touring the world ever since. “We’re so excited to still be welcoming acts of this international calibre to grace our stage after so much uncertainty in recent times due to COVID,” Freestone said. “Afro Moses, one of the mosthigh energy performers coming out of Ghana, West Africa, will be paying respect to reggae legend Bob Marley to commemorate his birth.” Jacinta Counihan

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Vivid artworks to go on show A series of creative, vivid artworks created by Central Coast Art Society members will be showcased at the Gosford Regional Gallery across nine days in February. Starting on February 19, the Summer Exhibition will include a range of paintings, original handmade jewellery, and cards. The featured artist for the summer exhibition, Lorraine Best, has donated her watercolour painting, Waratah, to the raffle. Central Coast Art Society President, Judith Hoste, said they chose her artwork because it was done on Yupo paper, which is quite different. “Painting on this medium can cause the paint to run which can give the painting a different

Lorraine Best’s watercolour painting titled Waratah

look,” Hoste said. Best has exhibited in many galleries throughout NSW and has paintings in private collections both in Australia

and overseas. The inspiration behind Waratah comes from the Australian landscape and daily experiences.

Hoste said awards would also be given out to the winners of three categories. “The first category is Open, meaning for any medium and subject, and is sponsored by Central Coast Picture Framing,” she said. “The second category is Work on Paper, which includes all paintings using watercolour, pastels, drawing, and inks, and is sponsored by Gwynneth Boyce. “The last category is Small Paintings and is sponsored by Rainbow’s End Jewellers.” Hoste said some of the members had been encouraged to enter paintings without a frame, giving people the choice to choose their framing. Jacinta Counihan

COASTAL DIARY EVENTS ON THE CENTRAL COAST

SUNDAY, JAN 31 Central Coast Mariners v Wellington Phoenix, Central Coast Stadium, Ticketed, 3pm SATURDAY, FEB 6

SATURDAY, FEB 13 Breakfast with the Birds 2021, Central Coast Wetlands, Pioneer Dairy, Ticketed - register prior to event, 8am 43494757 waterwatch@cen.org.au

Wildplant Community Nursery: Plant sale day, WEDNESDAY, FEB 10 CEN Office, Brush Rd, Ourimbah, 9am - 12pm GEBC February Luncheon

Open day, Ingenia Lifestyle Sunnylake Shores 2 Macleay Dr. Halekulani, 10am - 2pm 0458 018 332

president@kvbombers.com Antiques & Alliance Francaise Collectables, conversation group: Handmade on the Coast, Mercure Kooindah Woy Woy Waterfront, practice your French at Waters Resort Wyong, Brick Wharf Rd, any level, 19/02 - 26/02, 9am - 2pm Ettalong Diggers Club, 10am - 3pm First attendance is free, FRIDAY, FEB 19 SATURDAY, FEB 27 10am - 12pm 0416 303 804

SUNDAY, FEB 14 Play AFL with the

Event with Guest Bombers - register now Love Letters, Speaker Lawrie McKinna, SUNDAY, FEB 7 for season 2021, Summer Spandex Woy Woy Little Theatre, The new Marquee - Central Adelaide St Oval, Tumbi Ticketed, 19/02 - 7/03, Be my Valentine, Coast Stadium, Ticketed, Pink Stumps Day, Umbi, 10am - 2pm Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, www.trybooking.com 12:15pm Toukley’s Harry Moore Ticketed, 8pm 0438 153 328

Oval, 10am

Bouddi Coastal Run, Bouddi National Park, Beach Drive, Putty Beach, 6am - 6pm Te Ika Nui Outrigger Club Regatta Event, Patonga Beach & Terrigal Haven, 6:30am - 5pm

Troubadour Folk Club Grand opening, Everglades Club Woy Woy, Ticketed event Coal Ash Public Meeting, Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation Centre Recreation Hall, RSVP to attend, 1pm - 4pm

SUNDAY, FEB 28

Peninsula Lions Club: Car Boot Sale, Dunban Road Car Park on the cnr of Ocean Beach Road, 7am - 1pm TUESDAY, MAR 3 World Surf League Central Coast Pro, Avoca Beach, MacMasters Beach, Copacabana Beach, Shelly Beach, North Shelly Beach and Soldiers Beach, 6am - 5pm

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 29 JANUARY 2021

Time capsule to be interred in Leagues Club Park Central Coast Kids Day Out (CCKDO) has extended the deadline for contributions to its exciting Time Capsule project until February 9, giving Coasties the chance to be part of the region’s history. “The Time Capsule was an idea that was created out of the fact that Central Coast Kids Day Out was regretfully cancelled as an annual event last year, for the first time in 21 years, due to the COVID pandemic,” the committee said. “While that was so very disappointing, we undertook a number of activities and projects, smaller in number than the regular KDO but nonetheless equally as exciting

and we believe helpful and important. “As part of our endeavours, we are undertaking the Time Capsule community project.” The capsule is to be interred at the official opening of the revamped Leagues Club Park early this year and will be dug up in 2070. The committee is inviting families to contribute to the Time Capsule by way of written recollections (which can be as short as a couple of sentences), poems, drawings, paintings (no larger than A4 size) and photographs. “Owing to the dimensions of the capsule, the contributions will need to be flat and no larger than A4, and, given we cannot be sure of the technology

that will be available in 2070, we will be reliant on graphic contributions,” the committee said. Especially welcome are thoughts on the impacts of COVID-19. “Just imagine what the community and the world will be like in 2070 and how they will love to read all about what happened in 2020,” the committee said. Post contributions to the CCKDO Facebook page, visit www.cckdo.org, email to themarkets@cckdo.org, or post to PO Box 933, Gosford NSW 2250 Source: Media release, Jan 22 Central Coast Kids Day Out

Libraries back in business A variety of helpful services are now available to residents on the Central Coast as libraries open their doors for the new year. Starting on February 1, the book delivery service, Bookmobile, will be operating, ensuring those who live in nursing homes and who cannot easily access the library can still access reading materials. While Central Coast libraries are open to the public, events and talks will continue to be streamlined online. In conversation with Andrew Pippos is one of the upcoming online events to be held via zoom, which will feature Pippos talking about his new book, Lucky. The saga, inspired by his own family life, is about the role of the Greek-Australian café within modern Australian identity, and how it is increasingly documented in popular culture and history

Judith Wallace (left) and Robyn Edmonds-King review contributions already received

Long Jetty Christian Fellowship Welcomes you to

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE Andrew Pippos Photo: Wes Nel

books alike. Booking for this event, to be held on February 17, can be made through the Central Coast Council website. Central Coast Libraries offer eBooks, eAudiobooks and download music online for free, and it is possible to browse the free online research

databases, access family history databases or find reading recommendations. All libraries run under strict COVID-safe guidelines, which includes compulsory mask wearing, QR code sign in, and social distancing requirements. Jacinta Counihan

Mangrove DISTRICT

MARKETS

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

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

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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

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ABC (C20/21)

PRIME (C61/60)

Sunday 31 January

Saturday 30 January

Friday 29 January

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Rick Stein’s Secret France [s] 11:00 Judi Dench’s Wild Borneo Adventure [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 Unforgotten (M l) [s] 2:10 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: Anthony Field (PG) [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat [s] 8:05 Vera: Changing Tides (PG) [s] 9:35 Mystery Road: The Waterhole (M l) [s] 10:25 State Of The Union (M) [s] 10:55 Barracuda (M l,s) [s] 11:55 rage (MA15+) [s] 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:00 rage (PG) [s] 11:00 rage Guest Programmer (PG) [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 12:30 Australia Day 2021 *Replay* 2:30 Making Child Prodigies [s] 3:00 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat [s] 3:30 Dream Gardens: Erskineville, NSW [s] 4:00 Ask The Doctor: Cold And Flu (PG) [s] 4:30 Landline Summer: All About Bees [s] 5:00 Football: A-League: Round 6: Western United FC v Melbourne Victory *Live* From AAMI Park 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 Midsomer Murders: Send In The Clowns (PG) [s] 9:00 Endeavour: Apollo (M v) [s] 10:30 Call The Midwife (PG) [s] 11:30 Deep Water (M l,s) [s] 12:20 rage Guest Programmer (MA15+) [s] 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 9:00 Offsiders [s] 10:30 The World This Week [s] 11:00 Compass (PG) [s] 11:30 Songs Of Praise (PG) [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 12:30 Landline Summer [s] 1:00 Everyone’s A Critic [s] 1:30 Wild Australia (PG) [s] 2:30 War On Waste: Turning The Tide (PG) [s] 3:30 The Mix [s] 4:00 Football: W-League: Round 6: Melbourne City v Brisbane Roar *Live* From AAMI Park [s] 6:00 Antiques Roadshow [s] 7:00 ABC News Sunday [s] 7:40 Grand Designs - House Of The Year: Down To Earth (PG) 8:30 Joanna Lumley’s Unseen Adventures (PG) [s] 9:15 Stateless (M l,v) [s] 10:15 Killing Eve (MA15+) [s] 11:00 Wentworth (MA15+) [s] 11:45 Endeavour: Apollo (M v) [s]

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

NINE (C81/80)

6:00 Today [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 9:00 Today Extra Summer [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 12:00 Movie: “Harum Scarum” (G) (’65) Stars: Elvis Presley, Mary 1:00 Animal Embassy: Aditlo Jorge Ann Mobley, Michael Ansara 1:30 Tennis: A Day At The Drive 2:00 Surf Patrol [s] *Live* From Memorial Drive Tennis Centre, Adelaide [s] 2:30 Border Security International 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] (PG) [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 7:30 Tennis: A Day At The Drive 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] *Live* From Memorial Drive Tennis Centre, Adelaide [s] 7:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: 11:00 Movie: “The Nice Guys” Eliminator: 4th v 5th *Live* From TBA [s] (MA15+) (’16) – In 1970s Los 11:00 Movie: “Se7en” (MA15+) (’95) – Angeles, a mismatched pair of private eyes investigate a Two detectives, a rookie and a missing girl and the mysterious veteran, hunt a serial killer who death of a porn star. Stars: Ryan uses the seven deadly sins as Gosling, Russell Crowe, his motives. Stars: Morgan Freeman, Andrew Kevin Angourie Rice, Matt Bomer, Kim Basinger, Margaret Qualley, Walker, Daniel Zacapa, Brad Yaya DaCosta Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, John Cassini, Bob Mack 1:00 Cybershack (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 1:30 Home Shopping 6:00 Easy Eats [s] 6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Today [s] 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show - Weekend 10:00 Today Extra Summer [s] 12:00 Destination WA [s] 12:00 Surf Patrol [s] 12:30 Animal Embassy (PG) [s] 12:30 Beach Cops (PG) [s] 1:00 Award Winning Tasmania: 1:00 Movie: “Miracle” (PG) (’04) Huon Valley [s] Stars: Kurt Russell, Patricia 1:30 Explore [s] Clarkson, Noah Emmerich 1:40 Movie: “House Arrest” (PG) 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens (’96) Stars: Jamie Lee Curtis, 5:00 Seven News At 5 [s] Jennifer Love Hewitt 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s 3:50 Serengeti: Exodus (PG) [s] Front Line (PG) [s] 5:00 NINE News: First At Five [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 5:30 RBT: Mum Was Right (PG) [s] 7:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: Qualifier: 1st v 2nd *Live* From 6:00 NINE News Saturday [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] TBA [s] 11:00 Movie: “Drive Angry” (MA15+) 7:30 2021 Sounds Better Together (PG) [s] (’11) – A vengeful father escapes from hell and chases 10:00 Movie: “Crocodile Dundee II” (PG) (’88) Stars: Paul Hogan, after the men who killed his Linda Kozlowski, John Meillon daughter and kidnapped his granddaughter. Stars: Amber 12:10 Movie: “License To Wed” (M s) (’07) Stars: Robin Williams Heard, Billy Burke, Nicolas 1:55 Explore [s] Cage, William Fichtner, Todd 2:05 Home Shopping Farmer, Christa Campbell 5:30 Wesley Impact [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 6:00 Easy Eats [s] 6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Today [s] 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend 10:00 The Xtreme Collxtion (PG) [s] 10:30 Peaking (PG) [s] (PG) [s] 11:00 Melbourne Summer Series 12:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] *Live* [s] 1:30 Movie: “Pleasantville” (PG) (’98) Stars: Reese Witherspoon, 5:30 Territory Cops (PG) [s] 6:00 NINE News Sunday [s] Tobey Maguire, Joan Allen 4:00 Australia’s Amazing Homes: 7:00 Married At First Sight: Grand Reunion (MA15+) [s] – The Vintage Twist (PG) [s] most memorable brides and 5:00 Seven News At 5 [s] grooms from past seasons of 5:30 Sydney Weekender (PG) [s] MAFS come together for a huge 6:00 Seven News [s] dinner party that will see old 7:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: 3rd flames reunited and old feuds v Winner Of The Eliminator reignited. Featuring Martha, *Live* From TBA [s] – There will Cyrell, Jess, Ines, Troy, Dean be no second chances when and Tracey. this season’s third placed team 8:45 60 Minutes (PG) [s] takes on the winner of The 9:45 Seduced By Evil (M) [s] Eliminator in a sudden-death 10:15 NINE News Late [s] final where both teams will throw everything at each other. 11:45 Killer On The Line: Darlene Gentry (M v) [s] 11:00 World’s Most Shocking Emergency Calls (MA15+) [s] 12:35 Young, Dumb And Banged Up In The Sun (M) [s] 12:00 Medical Emergency (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 12:30 Home Shopping

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 Headline News [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Living Room [s] – For years the Doyles have been busy fostering children, raising their own three girls, and running a charity. Barry wants to transform their backyard into an entertaining oasis for the entire family. 8:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) 10:30 The Project (PG) [s] 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 12:30 The Late Show (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 6:00 Which Car? [s] 6:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 7:00 Escape Fishing With ET [s] 7:30 All 4 Adventure [s] 8:30 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures 9:30 Studio 10 Saturday (PG) [s] 12:00 Beyond The Fire (PG) [s] 12:30 Left Off The Map [s] 1:00 10 Minute Kitchen [s] 1:30 Jamie And The Nonnas [s] 2:30 Australia By Design [s] 3:00 What’s Up Down Under [s] 3:30 My Market Kitchen [s] 4:00 Everyday Gourmet [s] 4:30 Farm To Fork [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 7:00 Toddlers Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) [s] 8:00 Movie: “The Girl On The Train” (M v,s,n) (’16) Stars: Emily Blunt, Justin Theroux 10:15 Movie: “The Children Act” (PG) (’17) Stars: Emma Thompson 12:20 Home Shopping 6:00 Religious Programs [s] 7:30 Fishing Australia [s] 8:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 8:30 My Market Kitchen [s] 9:00 Luca’s Key Ingredient [s] 9:30 Studio 10 Sunday [s] 12:00 Program To Be Advised 1:30 Taste Of Australia [s] 2:00 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures 3:00 RV Daily Foodie Trails [s] 3:30 Farm To Fork [s] 4:00 All 4 Adventure [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:30 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 7:30 I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! (M) [s] – After weeks in the jungle, one celebrity will be crowned King or Queen of the jungle for 2021! 9:00 The Graham Norton Show (M l,s) [s] 10:00 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 11:00 Bull (M) [s] 12:00 Home Shopping

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: A Queen Betrayed 3:00 NITV News: Nula 2021 3:25 Who Do You Think You Are?: Todd McKenney (PG) 4:30 Great American Railroad Journeys (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Planet Of Treasures: Africa (PG) 8:30 Who Do You Think You Are UK?: Naomie Harris (PG) 9:35 V E Day - Minute By Minute (PG) 10:30 SBS World News Late 11:00 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M) 11:50 Twin (M l,v) (In Norwegian) 3:25 Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Great Irish Railway Journeys (PG) 3:45 Gourmet Farmer 4:20 Remarkable Places To Eat 5:30 KGB: The Sword And The Shield (In English/ Russian/ Ukrainian) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo: Whitsundays (PG) 8:00 Michael Portillo’s Abandoned Britain (PG) 9:00 Movie: “Once Upon A Time In America” (MA15+) (’84) Stars: Robert De Niro, James Woods 1:00 Movie: “Sweet Country” (MA15+) (’17) Stars: Bryan Brown, Luka Magdeline Cole 3:00 White Right: Meeting The Enemy (MA15+) 4:00 Peter Kuruvita’s Coastal Kitchen 5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch – Deutsche Welle English News 6:00 France 24 English News 6:30 Al Jazeera English News 7:30 Italian News 8:10 Filipino News 8:40 French News 9:30 Greek News 10:30 German News 11:00 Spanish News 11:30 Turkish News 12:00 Arabic News 12:30 ABC America: World News Tonight 1:00 Speedweek 3:00 Gymnastics: World Challenge Hungary 5:00 Travel Man: Rome 5:30 KGB - The Sword And The Shield (In English/ Russian/ Ukrainian) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Einstein And Hawking: Masters Of Our Universe 9:20 Trump’s American Carnage (M) 10:20 Bamay

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)

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PAGE 20 29 JANUARY 2021

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TEN (C13)

SBS (C30)

5:30 Today [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 11:30 Tennis: ATP Cup Tennis *Live* 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “Tiny House Of Terror” 4:30 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] (M v) (’17) – After the tragic 6:00 NINE News [s] disappearance and presumed 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] death of her tech mogul husband, a woman decides to 7:30 Married At First Sight: Grand Reunion (Part 2) (M) [s] move to a rustic and cosy tiny house. However, she soon feels 9:00 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: Celebrity Special that she’s being watched. Stars: (Part 1) (PG) [s] – The original Francia Raisa Who Wants To Be A Millionaire 2:00 Gold Coast Medical (PG) [s] is back with a series of prime 3:00 The Chase UK [s] time specials. Tonight 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] Australia’s favourite celebrities 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] battle it out in a quest to win one 6:00 Seven News [s] million dollars for their chosen 7:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] charity. Hosted by Eddie 7:30 Holey Moley Australia (PG) [s] McGuire. 9:00 9-1-1: The New Abnormal (M) 10:00 The Rookie: Follow Up Day (M) 10:15 NINE News Late [s] 11:00 World’s Deadliest Weather: 10:45 Children Who Kill (M l) [s] 11:45 The First 48: Deadly Secret/ Caught On Camera (M) [s] Behind Closed Doors (M) [s] 12:00 Robbie Coltrane’s Critical Evidence: The Saturday Night 1:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping Strangler: Joe Kappen (M) [s]

6:00 Headline News [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:00 Great British Railway 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] Journeys (PG) 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 2:30 Pompeii’s Final Hours: 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] New Evidence (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 3:25 Who Do You Think You Are?: 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful Ernie Dingo (PG) [s] 4:25 Great American Railroad 5:00 10 News First [s] Journeys: Southport To 6:00 WIN News [s] Leyland (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 5:00 Letters And Numbers 7:30 The Amazing Race Australia 5:30 Jeopardy! (PG) (M) [s] 5:55 Mastermind Australia 9:00 Movie: “Peppermint” (MA15+) 6:25 SBS World News (’18) Stars: Jennifer Garner, 7:35 The Architecture The John Gallagher Jr., John Ortiz, Railways Built: St. Pancras Juan Pablo Raba, Annie (PG) Ilonzeh, Jeff Hephner 8:30 24 Hours In Emergency: 11:00 WIN’s All Australian News [s] In Love And War (M) 12:00 The Project (PG) [s] 9:25 The Story Of The Songs: 1:00 The Late Show With Stephen Madonna (M) Colbert (PG) [s] 10:30 SBS World News Late 2:00 Home Shopping 11:00 Hamilton Agent (MA15+) 4:30 CBS This Morning [s] (In Swedish/ English)

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Four Corners [s] 10:45 Bee Cause: Purple Hive [s] 11:00 Gardening Australia [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 Unforgotten (M l,s,v) [s] 2:00 Parliament Question Time [s] 3:10 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 The Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] 8:00 Foreign Correspondent [s] 8:30 Designing A Legacy [s] 9:30 Program To Be Advised 10:30 ABC Late News [s] 11:05 Glitch (M l,s) [s] 12:00 Wentworth (MA15+) [s] 12:55 Parliament Question Time [s] 2:00 rage (MA15+) [s] 3:10 Wentworth (MA15+) [s] 4:30 The Drum [s] 5:30 7.30 (PG) [s]

5:30 Today [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 11:30 Tennis: ATP Cup Tennis *Live* 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 4:30 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 12:00 Program To Be Advised 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 1:30 Surf Patrol [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 2:00 Gold Coast Medical (PG) [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 7:30 Travel Guides: 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] Whitsundays (PG) [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 8:30 Who Wants To Be A 6:00 Seven News [s] Millionaire: Celebrity Special 7:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] (Part 2) (PG) [s] 7:30 Holey Moley Australia (PG) [s] 9:45 Murder, Lies & Alibis: The 9:00 The Good Doctor: Frontline Bank Job (M) [s] – The full (Part 1) (M) [s] – Shaun treats a untold story of Australia’s patient who has an illness that is not only unpredictable in greatest bank robber who brought Sydney to a standstill in nature, but also unlike anything January 1984. The ‘Mexican he or the team has seen before. 10:00 The Resident: standoff’ involved 100 heavily A Wedding, A Funeral (M) [s] armed police and a car chase 11:00 Station 19: No Recovery (M) [s] which captivated the nation on – Lives hang in the balance as live TV. the members of Station 19 11:00 NINE News Late [s] continue to fight a raging 11:30 Hamish & Andy’s Gap Year inferno inside a skyscraper. Asia (PG) [s] 12:00 Black-ish: All Groan Up (M) [s] 12:30 Tipping Point (PG) [s]

6:00 Headline News [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 Program To Be Advised 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:00 Great British Railway 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Journeys (PG) 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] 2:30 Pompeii’s Final Hours: 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] New Evidence 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 3:25 Who Do You Think You Are?: (PG) [s] Patti Newton (PG) 5:00 10 News First [s] 4:25 Great American Railroad 6:00 WIN News [s] Journeys: Haworth To 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] Huddersfield (PG) 7:30 The Amazing Race Australia 5:05 Letters And Numbers (M) [s] 5:30 Jeopardy! (PG) 9:00 NCIS: Sunburn (M v) [s] – 6:00 Mastermind Australia McGee and his wife Delilah’s 6:30 SBS World News Bahamian vacation turns into a 7:30 Great Continental Railway high-stakes mission. Journeys 10.00 NCIS: Los Angeles: 8:35 24 Hours In Emergency: Love Kills (M) [s] Pressure Point (M) 11:00 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 9:30 Travel Man’s Greatest Trips: 12:00 The Project (PG) [s] Mind Body And Soul (PG) 1:00 The Late Show (PG) [s] 10:25 SBS World News Late 2:00 Home Shopping 10:55 The A Word (M l,s) 4:30 CBS This Morning [s] 12:00 The Pier (MA15+) (In Spanish)

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Foreign Correspondent [s] 10:30 Stan Grant’s One Plus One [s] 11:00 Grand Designs [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 12:30 National Press Club Address 1:35 Media Watch [s] 2:00 Parliament Question Time [s] 3:10 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 The Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 8:30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering (PG) [s] 9:00 Aftertaste [s] 9:30 QI: Rubbish (PG) [s] 10:00 Program To Be Advised 10:45 ABC Late News [s] 11:15 Four Corners [s] 12:00 Media Watch [s] 12:20 Wentworth (MA15+) [s]

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Program To Be Advised 1:30 Surf Patrol [s] 2:00 Gold Coast Medical (PG) [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] 7:30 Holey Moley Australia (PG) [s] 9:00 Movie: “Captain America: The First Avenger” (M v) (’15) – Steve Rogers, a rejected military soldier transforms into Captain America after taking a dose of a “Super-Soldier serum”. But being Captain America comes at a price. Stars: Chris Evans, Sebastian Stan, Hayley Atwell 11:30 Surveillance Oz: Dashcam (PG) [s] 12:00 Code Black: La Familia (M) [s] 1:00 Home Shopping

5:30 Today [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 11:30 Tennis: ATP Cup Tennis *Live* 4:30 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 Travel Guides: Tasmania (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Top End Wedding” (M l) (’19) – Lauren and Ned are engaged, they are in love, and they have just ten days to find Lauren’s mother who has gone AWOL somewhere in the remote far north of Australia, reunite her parents and pull off their dream wedding. Stars: Brooklyn Doomadgee, Helena Johnson, Dan Collins, Antonio Tipiloura, Miranda Tapsel 10:30 NINE News Late [s] 11:00 New Amsterdam: Righteous Right Hand (M mp) [s] 12:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 1:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

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 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:00 Where Are You Really From? 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 2:30 Pompeii’s Final Hours: 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] New Evidence (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 3:25 Who Do You Think You Are?: 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful Natalie Imbruglia (PG) (PG) [s] 4:30 Great American Railroad 5:00 10 News First [s] Journeys (PG) 6:00 WIN News [s] 5:05 Letters And Numbers 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 5:35 Jeopardy! (PG) 7:30 The Amazing Race Australia 6:00 Mastermind Australia (M) [s] – Seeking help from the 6:30 SBS World News locals for an iconic outback 7:35 Britain’s Most Historic Towns 8:30 The Last Journey Of The challenge - the dunny derby, Vikings their newfound friends must take their place on the ‘throne’ 9:30 Vikings: The Final Straw (MA15+) for a race across town. 9:00 Bull: Flesh And Blood (M) [s] 10:20 SBS World News Late 10:55 24 Hours In Emergency: 10:00 Bull: Missing (M) [s] Someone To Come Home (M) 11:00 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 11:50 Movie: “1987: When The Day 12:00 The Project (PG) [s] Comes” (M) (’17) Stars: Kim 1:00 The Late Show With Stephen Tae-ri (In Korean) Colbert (PG) [s]

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Joanna Lumley’s Unseen Adventures (PG) [s] 11:00 Designing A Legacy [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 1:30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering (PG) [s] 2:00 Parliament Question Time [s] 3:10 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 The Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] 8:00 Back Roads: Cobar, NSW [s] 8:30 Q&A [s] 9:35 Program To Be Advised 10:35 ABC Late News [s] 11:05 Program To Be Advised 12:05 Wentworth (M l,v) [s] 12:50 Parliament Question Time [s] 1:55 Killing Eve: Still Got It (M v) [s] 2:40 rage (MA15+) [s]

5:30 Today [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “The Wrong Teacher” 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] (M) (’18) Stars: Jessica Morris, 1:00 Movie: “Hope Springs” (M s) (’12) Stars: Tommy Lee Jones, Jason-Shane Scott, Philip Meryl Streep, Steve Carell, McElroy, Eric Roberts, Vivica A Elisabeth Shue, Jean Smart, Fox, Dominique Swain, Akari Ben Rappaport, Marin Ireland, Endo, Ciarra Carter Mimi Rogers 2:00 Gold Coast Medical (PG) [s] 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 7:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] 7:30 Tennis: ATP Cup Tennis *Live* 7:30 Cricket: Big Bash League: Challenger: Teams TBC *Live* 11:30 NINE News Late [s] 12:00 The Horn: The Smallest Price From TBA [s] – A spot in the (M) [s] – Following the perilous BBL 10 Final will be up for grabs work of Air Zermatt, an alpine when the loser of The Qualifier search and rescue team that plays the winner of The operates on the peaks of Knockout in a sudden-death Switzerland’s Matterhorn match that’s bound to be a mountain. thriller. 1:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 11:00 Program To Be Advised 1:30 Home Shopping 12:30 Home Shopping

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 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:00 Destination Flavour China 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Bitesize 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] 2:15 Where Are You Really From? 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] (PG) 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 2:45 Rome Unpacked (PG) (PG) [s] 3:55 Who Do You Think You Are 5:00 10 News First [s] UK? (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 5:05 Letters And Numbers 7:30 Ambulance Australia (M) [s] 5:35 Jeopardy! (PG) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU: Remember 6:00 Mastermind Australia Me In Quarantine (M) [s] 6:30 SBS World News 9:30 Law & Order: SVU: She Paints 7:35 The World’s Greatest Palaces For Vengeance (M v) [s] (PG) 10:30 This Is Us: There (M) [s] – 8:30 Michael Mosley: Truth About Kevin embarks on a stressful Sleep (M) road trip; Jack and young Kevin 9:35 World On Fire (M) (In English/ go to a football training camp. French/ German/ Polish) 11:30 The Project (PG) [s] ] 10:45 SBS World News Late 12:30 The Late Show With Stephen 11:15 24 Hours In Police Custody: Colbert (PG) [s] Smuggled (M l) 1:30 Home Shopping 12:10 Home Ground (M) 4:30 CBS This Morning [s] (In Norwegian)

Monday 1 February

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] 12:30 National Press Club Address 1:45 Meet The Ferals [s] 2:00 Unforgotten (M l,v) [s] 2:45 First Nation Farmers [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 The Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] 8:00 Stan Grant’s One Plus One [s] 8:30 Four Corners [s] 9:15 Media Watch [s] 9:35 The Pacific: In The Wake Of Captain Cook With Sam Neill: Endeavour And Tahiti (PG) [s] 10:25 You Can’t Ask That (M) [s] 10:55 ABC Late News [s] 11:30 Harrow: Pater Familias (M) [s] 12:20 Wentworth (MA15+) [s]

Tuesday 2 February

NINE (C81/80)

Wednesday 3 February

PRIME (C61/60)

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Thursday 4 February

ABC (C20/21)

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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)

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

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

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

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DOWN IN THE GARDEN: PLANTS TO WORK WITH This will not only help them live but also should provide a bit of dramatic spotlighting to feature your new green friends. Low light plant suggestions: Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum) will grow in filtered light to shade and can handle the top few centimetres drying out – in the Language of Plants, they are thought to build prosperity and block unwanted visitors. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) is a shady lady as well and only needs watering once a week and thought to help stimulate new ideas and encourage communication.

MY PLANTS SOMETIMES NEED TO BE INDEPENDENT

CHERALYN DARCEY

Indoor plants can make us healthy, happy, calm, more focused and breathe a little easier – science has proved it – but can you just plonk any old plant anywhere? Interest has returned to sharing our living spaces with potted plants and it’s not so hard once we know where that fun fern or juicy succulent came from. Then it’s just a matter of matching their homeland environment with our own. The secret is, there is no such thing as an ‘indoor’ plant, just ones that usually live in the understories of forests and jungles, the shadier side of life on rocky outcrops and ones who are simply really good at adaptation. While it’s relatively easy to care for our green friends in our loungerooms and patios, it can be a different situation for the plants in our workspaces. Weekends away, busy work commitments, no time to water and feed yourself let alone the plants, sets

Are you just forgetful or do you really have to go away on work trips still? Ok, no judging, let me share a few tips. There are self-watering pots and devices available to do the work for you and slow-release fertilisers to feed your plant buddies as well. Just don’t forget to use them! Also, stick a ‘plant meeting’ in your diary once a week to check in on each of your plants, give them a review and make sure they are doing ok. Low maintenance plant suggestions: Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is almost indestructible – it adapts, half dies and revives but if you treat it nicely this plant will love you back and it is said that this plant brings good work ethics and increases productivity. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) can handle just about whatever you can dish up and still look amazing – low light is also no problem for this stunner either, which is said to increase security and smooth negotiations.

THIS PLACE IS HOTTER THAN ME It’s not just that a workspace is too hot, because I’m going to assume you are not going to torture yourself all day. The problem for your plants is that if it’s really hot you are going to flick on the air-con, the fans, open up the doors and probably have more important things to do, like self-survival than noticing the wilting palm in the corner. All of the ways you try to cool yourself will not be taken as well by the plants. Most do not like dry cold air blasted at them. Heat tolerant plants: Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) prefers things on the warmer and humid side so make some mist, mist mist! In winter they can survive with a drink every few weeks. They boost interest and help those learning. Succulents and Cacti are both warmth lovers and enjoy light so don’t keep these babies in the corner and don’t overwater as this is the usual cause of death. Most will bring longevity and ingenuity.

ARE WE OUTSIDE YET?

OUR WORKSPACE HAS THE LIGHTING OF A DUNGEON

Do you work in a greenhouse or a space with similar lighting? You need to be honest here because there is a big difference between ‘full sun’ and ‘streaming, lightfiltered rooms’ in the plant kingdom. If your amazing light is because your walls are basically glass, then you have to be super careful with plant placement. A plant sitting next to a full sun window all day is like sticking it in your oven. The reflected heat and magnified light aren’t good for most. Light loving plants: Swiss Cheese Vine (Monstera obliqua) likes to be in the light and makes a lovely desk plant on a trellis or even left to run along surfaces. It can help boost opportunities and helps others see your point of view. Wax Plant (Hoya spp.) can be trained to climb up or along a support or left to cascade over an edge and do not need much water preferring things on the dry side. This plant brings with it protection and prosperity.

Maybe it’s your preferred office décor or situation, or maybe you are selling medieval video games or clothing – that cool, but not so much for most plants. You will need to find plants that can survive and hopefully thrive in these low light conditions or place a few strategic grow lights over them.

Seriously, a lot of food stores are cold for a reason, to keep the produce fresh. This can be wonderful for some plants but not for those that can trace their family tree back to the jungle! Chilled environments also usually have dry air.

up most workplace plant collections for a slow and sad death. This can also be the case for home office plants as they can become unnoticed in super busy times. Eateries and retail spaces can also benefit from a greening-up – not only are plants an instant décor items that are ‘on trend’, they will purify the air and help relax and delight your customers. While you must ensure that your indoor environment matches your plant’s needs, there are also meanings and energies that many cultures across the world attribute to plants which may just help us face whatever 2021 has in store for us.

IT’S PRETTY CHILLED AT OUR PLACE

If your workspace is just a touch on the cooler side, then you can try standing pots on trays filled with pebbles that are kept moist. Another trick is to group plants together to recreate a little microclimate that naturally increases the humidity and air temperature or to create a light misting. Cooler area plant suggestions: Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) does need bright light, but it can live happily in cooler temperatures and the added bonus it that it can stay alive for weeks without watering. Jade Plant brings luck and financial gains. Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginate) is a ‘false palm’ meaning it looks like a palm but is not one and this leaves us with the palm feel but a plant that can tolerate cooler spaces. This plant will help heal relationships.

HOME IS WHERE MY WORK IS All of the above will of course suit your homework space but you also have the additional benefit of being able to move your plants more easily at home. Don’t be afraid of giving them a new position in other parts of your place if things just don’t seem to be working out. This is an oldie but a goodie: when it is raining, take them on a field trip! Sit them outside to enjoy a refreshing shower of pure rainwater. It will clean the foliage, give them a boost in natural goodness and make them happy. Lots of plants are toxic to both humans and pets so my suggestions for home offices are of the more people and pet-friendly kind. Safer home office plants: Radiator Plant (Peperomia spp.) suits a desk but will tolerate a bit of shade – they are very easy to grow with a huge number of beautiful varieties available. This plant brings with it the ability to see the facts and truth. Spider Plants (Chlorophytum colosum) are enjoying a big comeback from their 1970s heyday and why not? They are also very easy to propagate from their ‘jumping spiders’ and are said they boost mindfulness.

WHAT GOES WITH MY DESK? I’ve noticed that most plants live (and quickly die) on work desks and reception counters. Sure, that orchid in flower is divine, but it’s not going to like the fluctuating temperatures of a hairdressing

salon doorway or your softly lit consulting room desk. Other considerations are the size you can comfortably work with as no one wants to be hidden in a fernery looking for their pen, or maybe you do! Water needs and an area to water should be thought through as some plants love a big, long regular immersion so you will need a sink or area to do that as no one wants seeping water next to computers and papers. If you work with others, take care that your plants are low on the allergy scale and a good rule of thumb is to not have flowering plants as the pollen is usually what causes these problems for some people. Desk and countertop suggestions: Painted-leaf Begonia (Begonia rex) are great substitutes for flowers with their pretty colours, but they will need to be watered with rain or distilled water. These plants boost creative thinking and set a firm boundary. Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.) are the perfect desk mates because there are no pots of dirt or saucers of water to tip onto your electronics. They do need good airflow, just like you, and bring calm and peacefulness.

ON THE GARDEN GRAPVINE Woy Woy Produce Swap 10 - 11am Woy Woy Community Garden, 85 - 87 Moana Street Woy Woy. Home gardeners bring your excess food to share with other growers. facebook.com/ WoyWoyPeninsulaCommunityGarden Grace Springs Farm - Morning Chores Tours, cuddle chicks, collect eggs, sit on a tractor, pat cows and experience life on a beautiful chemical free working farm on the NSW Central Coast 0425258699 to bookbv 1 THIS WEEK YOU COULD PLANT beans (dwarf and running), beetroot, burdock, carrot, chives, cucumber, marrow, salsify, turnip, boronia, cineraria, cleome, cyclamen, forget-me-not, lobelia, lupin, marigold, pansy, primula, stock, verbena, zinnia 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 CoastFM96.3 a live home and gardening lifestyle radio show: www.coastfmgardeninggang. com. Send your gardening questions, events and news to: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail.com

PAGE 24 29 JANUARY 2021 OUT&ABOUT

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Breathtaking exhibitions to open at gallery

Banksia, spinulosa and Southern Emu Wren by Nicole Berlach

Yalour Island Antarctica by Ken Knight

A breathtaking showcase of an individual’s five day journey traversing the Antarctic circle will be the next exhibit to be featured at Gosford Regional Gallery. The exhibit, Ken Knight: Antarctica, will start on February 6 and go until March 21 and will consist of 75 paintings inspired by the “elemental and sacred”

continent of Antarctica. On display as well at the gallery on February 6 will be Sojourn, a collection of natural history illustrations by Nicole Berlach, and woven sculptural forms work by Lissa-Jane de Sailles. This exhibition aims to represent and celebrate the diverse world of semipermanent homes created by vulnerable and endangered

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Wow, No Thank You Author: Samantha Irby Publisher: Faber & Faber

“I have been stuck with a smelly, actively decaying body that I never asked for,” Irby writes, “and am constantly on the receiving end of confusing, overwhelming messages for how to properly care for and feed it.” There’s a little taste of Wow, No Thank You. This title came to my attention when I was Googling best books of 2020. It showed up on a few different forums and seemed to get solid reviews, so purchased a copy. Samantha Irby is known for her blog, bitches gotta eat, which I hadn’t heard of. She also published a previous best seller, Meaty, which I hadn’t heard of. Sometimes I think I live under a rock

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Australian birds. Meanwhile, the exhibit It seems to come in waves will end on January 31. Central Coast Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the exhibitions on offer over the next six months will showcase the works of leading Australian artists including Ryan Heywood, Spencer Hornby, Reed Plummer, Luke Shadbolt, Ken

Knight and Angela Valamanesh. “The Central Coast has truly become a hub for art and culture, and I’d encourage locals and visitors to lock-in time to explore the incredible exhibitions we have planned,” Vaughan said. “Even if heading to the art gallery isn’t usually your cup of tea, the diversity of the pieces that will be showcased this year means there really is

something for everybody. “When you head to Gosford Regional Gallery you will also be able to explore our Foyer Gallery which showcases the work of local artists and of course take a wander through the serene Edogawa Commemorative Garden.” Council Administrator, Dick Persson, said he particularly encouraged visitors to the Coast to explore what the

gallery has to offer. “The Central Coast is best known for spectacular beaches and bushwalks, but the region has come into its own as a cultural epicentre and the exhibitions on offer at Gosford Regional Gallery this year are a testament to this,” Persson said. Source Media release, Jan 20 Central Coast Council

BOOK REVIEW … or I am middle aged … or are they basically the same thing. Wow, No Thank You is a collection of essays about Samantha’s life, growing up poor, suffering with Crohn’s disease, dating, moving from Chicago to the burbs with her wife, and turning 40. She talks about her life with selfdeprecation – as one who is selfdeprecating, I felt simpatico. Some essays are outrageously funny, some are embarrassingly cringeworthy and some parts were, well, just long. Some chapters were more enjoyable than others, for instance I could completely relate to “a guide to simple home repairs”. As someone who has lived in units for over 30 years, I find home ownership daunting. As Samantha points out “Over the last couple years I have had to learn to live in a house, and that is one of the hardest and most boring things I’ve ever had to do. There’s a lot of basic shit I absolutely DO NOT KNOW

as I uncomfortably mascaraed through life in the body of a human adult and the brain of one of the aliens from Earth Girls Are Easy.” Then there is “body negativity” which goes from hair to skin to hands, feet and everything in between, to this Samantha says, “Loving yourself is a full-time job with shitty benefits. I’m

calling in sick.” There was a very long chapter where she describes her playlists, I mostly skipped it because I hadn’t heard of most of the artists because as Samantha says, “The closer I creep toward the precipice of forty, the more time I spend listening to the same songs I listened to in high school…” (and none of these were songs I listened to in high school). If you are offended by bad language, I would give this book a miss. The F bomb is used a lot (a couple hundred times). After reading this I found myself referring to my girlfriends as “bitches”. And while some of them are, I was using it as a term of endearment. And if things like diarrhea and disease offend, then I would also give this a miss. I like a good toilet joke as much as the next person, but it did go on a little bit too much, but hey the bitch has digestive issues.

However, if quotes like, “After my shower, I use Neutrogena body oil, because you can get a giant bottle super cheap at Target and it smells like rich people. My shower smells like mould, but I ignore it!” make you laugh out loud like it does me, then add this to your reading list. Kim Reardon The Reluctant Book Critic

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 25 29 JANUARY 2021

Business & Property Law firm celebrates 40 years

Geoff Brazel (centre) with the team

One of Gosford longestrunning law firms, Brazel Moore Lawyers, is celebrating 40 years of practice, after being established in 1981 by Geoff Brazel and Peter Moore. In the beginning, Brazel and Moore were the only two people in the firm. Brazel said the two got to know each other during evening lectures at Sydney

University, where from 1974 to 1978, they both studied law part-time. “It is quite amazing when you look back,” Brazel said. “When Peter and I kicked off, we did not employ any staff. “We did our own typing and answering the phones for the first two years until that got beyond us, and we employed our first member of staff. “Our second member of staff, who we employed not long after that, is still with us, so she

has been with us for 37 years.” Brazel said they “took a giant leap” in 1986 when they purchased their first computer. “We also purchased a word processing program at the time, and in those days, Word Perfect was the big program that everyone used,” he said. “We had one machine, so we used to take turns ‘processing’, as it was called. “I remember the guy who sold it to us said that the 256MB was more memory than you

will ever need. “So, we bought that, and the word processing program, which cost us around $22,000. “That was quite a big outlay at the time back in 1986.” In those early days, if both Brazel and Moore were both in Court, they would put a sign on the door to let clients know when they would be back. Brazel said Gosford is now a different place than it used to be.

“It was a smaller place than it is now, we actually had a retail centre in the middle of Gosford before Erina Fair became a thing,” he said. “The old courthouse, which is now the Conservatorium of Music,was the main courthouse for the district court, and a local court sat in the building across the road on the corner of Mann St and Georgiana Tce. “It was quite different then, and we only had one magistrate who used to do a circuit

between Gosford, Woy Woy and Wyong. “These days there are three separate courts, Wyong has two magistrates, and Gosford has two.” In 2020, Moore retired from the practice, and now Brazel continues to lead a team of six solicitors, five paralegals and 13 support staff, and deals with over 15 areas of practice. Jacinta Counihan

McKinna to Chair RDA Former Gosford Mayor Lawrie McKinna is set to become Chair of Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDACC).

Former Gosford Mayor Lawrie McKinna has been appointed Chair of Regional Development Australia Central Coast

McKinna said he was committed to supporting the organisation to grow the Central Coast as a strong, viable and sustainable economic centre. “As a resident of the Coast and an active member of our local community, I am passionate about growing the opportunities for economic development here in our region. “RDA Central Coast … has successfully partnered with all regional stakeholders to drive economic development in our region and provide critical

intelligence back to all levels of government about the key issues impacting our local community. “Regional partnerships such as the recent MOU developed between RDACC, the University of Newcastle and Central Coast Industry Connect have been a huge boost in achieving our goal of growing our local industries, creating new jobs and building sustainable regional business competitiveness. “Collaboration between RDACC and our Central Coast Federal and State MPs has resulted in over $750M in infrastructure funding for essential enabling infrastructure works and in excess of $30M of National Stronger Regions Funding

being secured by the region. The appointment was formally announced by Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, Nola Marino, who said McKinna would lead RDACC under a refreshed national RDA Charter which focuses on creating jobs and economic growth by driving investment and local procurement opportunities. “I look forward to working with Mr McKinna and the RDA Central Coast members and staff over the coming years and encourage the community to reach out to their RDA to discuss how it can help business succeed,” Marino said. In addition to his position as RDACC Chair, McKinna is the

General Manager of the Newcastle Jets and previously held the positions of founding Manager and then Director of Football for the Central Coast Mariners. RDACC is part of a national network of committees dedicated to growing strong and economically viable regional communities. It builds effective partnerships between government, business and the community to provide strategic and targeted responses to economic, environmental and social issues affecting the Central Coast. Source: Media release, Jan 11 Regional Development Australia Central Coast

PAGE 26 29 JANUARY 2021

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Plan to process DAs more quickly Central Coast Council processes more development applications (DAs) than any other local authority in NSW. Last financial year more than 3,150 applications were considered, having a value of more than $825M. Now the plan is to process these DAs faster than ever. A report going to Council’s first meeting of the year, which will be held on February 3, outlines a draft new process. If adopted, it would apply to all development applications submitted to Council, including modifications and determination reviews. Determination reviews are where an applicant asks the Council to have a second

look at its decision. The draft policy aims to assist in reducing development assessment turnaround times and to provide certainty to the community on Council’s approach to the assessment of Development Applications, the report states. The draft policy recommends pre-lodgement meetings with Council and a Council commitment to provide clear and consistent advice. The new process will not entertain multiple, involved or lengthy requests for further information. Instead, the applicant will get a determination on what’s lodged; and Council will not hold or defer DA’s but rather it will reject incomplete

or poor quality DAs. If another agency such as the Fire Service or Roads Department requests further information and it is going to take more than 3-4 weeks to respond, Council will request the applicant withdraw the DA. The Administrator will consider the new processes at the February 3 meeting. If he supports the draft policy, it will go on 28 days’ exhibition for public comment. Our councillors decided at their last meeting before they got suspended in October last year to investigate measures to fast track DA assessments to reduce turnaround times. It was to be a “tradie-led” recovery from COVID-19 and

the motion was put forward by now-suspended Cr Bruce McLachlan. At that meeting Environment and Planning Director Scott Cox said there were efficiencies that could be gained but the planning system was complex. He was replying to questions from nowsuspended Cr Greg Best. Cox said one of the faults of the team had been to work with developers for a long period of time to get matters to a point where they could be recommended for approval. He said refusal (of DAs) could allow them to focus on the better applications. He said there had been a lot of development applications in the Gosford CBD which if

refused would have lost the bonus provisions from the Gosford LEP. Subdivisions up in the north were job creators, he said. It wasn’t just the sale of the land, it was the house that came next and then the furniture sales after that. He said a lot of sites on the Coast were challenging sites whether (the challenges) be flood or threatened species. He said the Coast was quite unique with many of its challenges. Recently the NSW Department of Planning Industry and Environment released a Planning System Acceleration Program and part of that was to support councils and planning panels in fast-tracking assessment for Development

Applications. Central Coast Council DAs are assessed by Council staff and a report handed on to the relevant authority for determination. DAs are determined by the Regional Planning Panel, or the Local Planning Panel or by Council staff, depending on their size, sensitivity and cost. Some state significant developments are determined by the State Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Independent Planning Commission. If the policy is adopted, the Council commits to reviewing it every two years. Merilyn Vale

Insurance pricing small business out of the market Business NSW Central Coast has backed calls from Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, for a revamp of regulations surrounding insurance for businesses. Carnell has called on the Federal Government to implement the recommendations in her Insurance Inquiry, saying too many small businesses are being forced to close their doors because they can’t get public liability insurance. She says the government needs to take urgent action to ensure small businesses can access essential insurance products such as public liability. “Throughout the course of our inquiry, hundreds of small businesses told my office they face closure if insurance remains unavailable to them,” Carnell said. “Small businesses have told us they have either been denied insurance outright or their premiums have as much as tripled in a few years, effectively pricing them out of the market. “Our Insurance Inquiry has made recommendations addressing the lack of availability of public liability insurance, which is in large part attributable to the unlimited nature of injury claims and the potential for large damages to be awarded.

“Our report recommends Australia follow the lead of New Zealand, which has applied statutory caps on liability for personal injury. “The government should also implement the Productivity Commission’s recommendation to roll out a no-fault National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS) to cover lifetime care for catastrophic injuries. “It’s been nine years since the Productivity Commission released its Report into Disability Care and Support and yet the NIIS is still under consideration, much to the detriment of the small business sector. “Ultimately, the risk environment for public liability litigation can only change through government intervention and the current

framework of fault-based injury compensation creates uncontrollable risks for insurers and small businesses.” Business NSW Central Coast Regional Director, Paula Martin, said it had been concerning to see how many businesses without appropriate insurance have been unable to trade when hit by recent disasters. “The experience of 2020 highlights how important it is for business to get proper advice by insurance specialists to minimise the impact on their business if disaster strikes,” she said. “We surveyed almost 2,000 small businesses and found that 70% of business owners believed they could be doing more to reduce costs of insurance. “Over a third of business owners find it complex and

struggle to keep up with the administrative side of insurance policies, which is why Business Australia partnered with AON to help business ensure they are properly protected. “With 62 per cent of small business yet to take out adequate cover, the new referral service will simplify the insurance review and help to find the right insurance for business. “The next few years for business will continue to be volatile and fragile, so a review of the insurance regulatory environment to make insurance more affordable at both a State and Federal level is vital to reduce business costs and remove unnecessary barriers to our economic recovery.” Terry Collins

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Consolidating your super isn’t complicated but it is important Julia NEWBOULD Editor-at-large • Money magazine Superannuation accounts should not make for a collector’s pastime. Multiple accounts mean multiple sets of fees, multiple sets of paperwork, multiple performance metrics to keep track of, and overlapping insurance cover. Only under some circumstances does it make sense to hold more than one account, such as the need for specific insurance or distinctly different investment strategies. Super shouldn’t be a set and forget proposition, so don’t view consolidation as a chore. Rather, view it as a reason to engage with it. “Take an interest in it, after all, it is an asset and it is yours,” says Colin Lewis from Fitzpatricks Private Wealth.

Before consolidating, decide which fund[s] you’re going to cull and which you’ll keep. “Ignore the name of the investment option, and look at the asset allocation - how much you’re exposed to Australian shares, international shares and fixed interest - and understand if you’re comfortable with that level of investment for that long term holding, which is what superannuation is,” says Peter Campbell from Merideon Wealth Strategies. It’s also worth doing the same kind of exercise for insurance. Most Australians have default insurance. So it’s important to know what you’re actually covered for. Once you know which fund you’re going to keep and which you aren’t, it’s time to consolidate. And for that, the MyGov

portal is the place to do it. Once logged in, do a search for lost super via the Manage my super tab. You can also call the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) automated super search line on 13 28 65. You’ll need your personal details, including tax file

number, contact details, fund details you’re aware of, and previous details such as former name, addresses and employment. If you do find some lost super, fill out a Searching for lost and unclaimed super form and post it to the ATO. Once you’ve put all your

details into MyGov it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4. 1. Log into MyGov 2. Go to the ‘Super’ tab. see details of all your super accounts, including any you have forgotten about 3. Choose the fund[s] you want to close down (called

the ‘transferring fund’) and the fund you want to consolidate into, the ‘receiving fund.’ 4. Hit confirm. It shoudl take about three business days. The money you’ve saved on fees will now contribute to compounding returns, which, after all, is reason we have super.

respective membership makes you eligible. Negotiate on insurance. While it’s convenient to accept the original insurance offer from your car hire company, you might find a cheaper deal

elsewhere through a third-party insurer. Or you might already be covered by your travel insurance or credit card. Alternatively, there’s no harm in asking for a discount. A question to ask is how

many kilometres you’re allowed to travel during your hire period. Most of the time it’s unlimited but it’s always good to check. Book early. If you want a specific model or vehicle size, book as soon as you can.

Questions to ask when you hire a car Before Covid-19, Australia’s $1 billion car hire industry was in a period of growth as increased travel and positive business confidence encouraged demand. With borders slowly opening and travellers already allowed to holiday mostly within their own states and territories, as well as businesses beginning to reopen their doors, car hire is again becoming a viable choice of transport. Before you take the leap

and decide to hire a car, there are several things you need to know or ask your car hire company. Here are a few: Car hire companies generally require drivers aged 21 and over to have a full driver’s licence. If you’re aged between 21 and 25 you’re likely to pay a premium on top of the regular daily rate. Prices aren’t fixed. What you’re charged to hire a hatchback in mid-January will likely be different from what you’re charged in mid-May. And prices

will vary from company to company, as well as location – for example, you may be charged a premium to pick up and deliver your hire car at an airport. Membership discounts. Your insurer, super fund, union and credit card provider are just some of the services that provide discounts when it comes to car hire. If it’s not obvious on the car hire company’s website, don’t be afraid to ask them which discounts and promotions they’re currently offering and whether your

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 29 29 JANUARY 2021

Concrete pouring on 41-home social housing development Concrete began pouring on January 27 on a $15.3M social housing development which will deliver 41 new homes in the heart of Gosford. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the project, at 56-58 Beane St, would deliver a seven-storey, architecturally-designed building that will support as many as 77 jobs during construction. “It’s exciting to see this vacant lot being transformed into new, fit-for-purpose homes to protect local people in need,” Crouch said. “Once complete, the project will comprise 21 one-bedroom and 20 two-bedroom units with secure basement parking, located close to vital community services like schools, public transport and Gosford Hospital. “It’s about delivering housing in areas where there are wraparound services. “At least 60 per cent of the workers are local and the company undertaking the work, Mono Constructions, is also committed to ensuring 20 per cent of all skilled

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, and Mono Constructions Director, Christopher Moujalli, at the concrete pouring

tradespeople on-site will be apprentices. “The majority of workers on the site are from the Central Coast, which means they don’t have to travel down the M1 every day to work in Sydney.” The development was part of a $4.7B package announced by the NSW Government last

June where fast-tracked assessment was given to projects that are driving economic activity and stimulating the state’s recovery from COVID-19. Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, said she welcomed the latest milestone being reached on

another housing redevelopment project that is generating solid outcomes at a critical time. “Our investment in social housing revitalisation throughout NSW is supporting a roof over the heads of people and families who need social housing, while backing the construction sector to help

boost our economy’s recovery from COVID-19,” Pavey said. Mono Constructions Director, Christopher Moujalli, said his company was engaging with the talent and knowledge of local trades, contractors and manufacturers in delivering the 41 new homes. The project is part of the NSW

Government’s Future Directions for Social Housing, a plan to build more and better social housing that blends in with local communities. Source: Media release, Jan 27 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Change to availability of advisory committee meeting records Meeting Records of Central Coast Council advisory committees will no longer be included as attachments to Council Reports unless specifically required. Links to the Meeting Records on Council’s website will instead be included in Council reports. The new plan overturns an April 27, 2020, direction that saw councillors re-affirm that advisory committee minutes would continue to come to the

Council meetings. At that April meeting, staff had suggested they need not come to the meetings if there were no recommendations that needed action but Councillor Jane Smith wanted them tabled so the minutes were in the public domain and easily accessed. Her motion was adopted unanimously. But now, a Council report to the first meeting of 2021, to be held on January 27, says the

process has been “further refined” to ensure “suitable use” of Council’s resources. Staff will prepare a Council report every second month to note meeting records from advisory group and committee meetings held in the preceding two months. “This timing allows for the meeting records to be approved and circulated, and the associated one Council Report to be drafted which will reduce the number of Council reports

overall while not impacting content,” the report says. “If a meeting record includes a recommendation to Council and requires further commentary from the Convenor as the subject matter expert, a separate Council report will be submitted from the relevant directorate.” The new system is in operation already for this first meeting, with links to a number of committee minutes and with a recommendation to

Administrator Dick Persson that he receive the report on some of the meetings held in November and December 2020. They included the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee; Town Centre Advisory Committee;Water Management Advisory Committee; Status of Women Advisory Group; Terrigal Water Quality SubCommittee and the Employment and Economic Development Committee.

However, Catchments and Coast Committee meetings held for Brisbane Water and Gosford Lagoons on November 24, 2020 and for Tuggerah Lakes on December 9, 2020, as well as a Tourism Advisory Committee meeting in December, include recommendations to Council and will be reported separately to provide further commentary, the Council said. No time frame was given. Merilyn Vale

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 31 29 JANUARY 2021

Vaccine rollout takes shape The provisional approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has been welcomed by Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks and Business NSW Central Coast. Wicks said the news will increase confidence in the vaccine. “This is an important moment for the people across the Central Coast and for the whole of Australia,” Wicks said. “The approval of the Pfizer/ BioNTech vaccine comes after rigorous and independent assessment by the TGA, which shows it meets Australian standards for safety, quality and efficacy,” she said. Business NSW Central Coast also welcomed the approval and said it would help to boost business confidence in the region. “As the Central Coast continues to face a fragile and

volatile business environment caused by the virus, a wellplanned roll out of the vaccine will help business plan appropriately for the return of their employees to the workplace and provide customers with a level of confidence that should increase trade,” Regional Director Paula Martin said. A priority group of Australians are expected to now receive their first dose of the vaccine as soon as it can be received from Pfizer and the necessary checks are undertaken by the TGA, prior to its distribution. The vaccine will be provided free to Australians, with a priority group expected to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in late February and early March. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the TGA approval was an important step in the fight against COVID-19. “I welcome the TGA’s approval of the Pfizer vaccine, with our own Australian experts finding it is safe, effective and of a high

standard,” Morrison said. “Australians should take confidence in the thorough and careful approach taken by our world-class safety regulator. “Our priority has always been to keep Australians safe and protect lives and livelihoods. “Today’s approval is another big step forward for our community, particularly in the protection of our most vulnerable people.” Minister for Health Greg Hunt said he believed TGA’s processes were the best in the world. “This approval and the upcoming roll out of the vaccine will play an important part in our ability to manage the pandemic in 2021,” Hunt said, “Australia’s vaccination program has been based on the medical advice from the medical expert panel led by Professor Brendan Murphy. “As a result, we are in the fortunate position of having secured 140 million doses of vaccine, one of the highest per capita rates in the world.

The Government continues to work with Pfizer on the final date of delivery of vaccines, noting that Pfizer has experienced some temporary production delays from its European manufacturing plant as it ramps up production to meet extraordinary global demand. In Australia the vaccine will be rolled out in five phases over the coming months and, over time, will involve more than 1,000 vaccination administration sites. The Australian Government, states and territories,regulators and the health and medical sectors are working together to finalise arrangements under the Australian Vaccination Strategy and detailed roll out plans. First to be vaccinated will include aged care and disability care residents and workers, frontline health care workers, and quarantine and border workers. Terry Collins

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for use in Australia

Health info for multilingual communities Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, has hit back at claims that the State Government is not doing enough to ensure vital COVID-19 health information reaches multilingual communities. NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay is calling for a COVID-19 co-ordinating committee, saying the Government is failing in its multicultural

messaging. “For the second time in a week, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard issued a directive to unnamed multicultural community leaders to convey important COVID-related messages,” McKay said. “This is not good enough; the Minister has issued a vague directive to community leaders instead of working directly with them to make sure this vital information gets through.

“There is no coordinated strategy to identify leaders to encourage testing in culturally diverse parts of the state.” NSW Labor has been calling for the establishment of a COVID-19 coordinating committee since August, to bridge the gap between the Government and multicultural communities during the pandemic. “A dedicated COVID-19 Coordinating Committee is

important, because health messages are best received when they come from trusted organisations and diverse community leaders,” McKay said. But Crouch said the Government is providing multilingual resources and multilingual public communications to ensure everyone in NSW, including culturally and linguistically diverse communities, receive

up-to-date COVID-19 information. “As the pandemic has evolved, so has the NSW Government’s work to better communicate COVID-19 information,” he said. “Broad public awareness campaigns commenced in February, 2020, with more than half of the campaign media budget in February and March 2020 focused on audiences who speak a language other

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than English. “Since April 2020, Service NSW has led a coordinated approach to COVID-19 public communications. “I strongly encourage our Central Coast community to continue checking the NSW Government website for confirmed case details, locations and COVID-19 restrictions. Terry Collins

PAGE 32 29 JANUARY 2021 HEALTH & LIFETSYLE

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Breathing and Sleep - two keys for wellbeing

GEORGIA LIENEMANN This week in our ‘guide to feeling good’ series, we’re talking to my good friend, holistic Dentist Dr Vijaya Molloy. She is the owner and Principal Dentist of Vitality Dental Tuggerah which she established with the aim of providing the Central Coast Community with exceptional dental experiences. Vijaya has trained across many areas of Dentistry including Orthodontics, Implants, Sleep Apnoea, Acupuncture, Cosmetic Dentistry and Nutrition and is passionate about taking a whole-body approach to dental care. Breathing and Sleep by Dr Vijaya Molloy The pursuit of wellness is a common theme in many people’s lives. I think we’d all agree our mental wellbeing is elevated when we have the physical and mental capacity to pursue our lives to the fullest, whatever that personal definition may be. Within my practice I encounter a number of people that have spent many years battling with chronic exhaustion. In these patients, often their breathing and sleep have not been checked. In my opinion the two go hand in hand. BREATHING One of the routine questions I ask my patients is whether they breathe through their nose or mouth. Sometimes people do not know, or they may breathe through their nose during the day and their mouth at night. A clue that you are mouth breathing is waking with a dry mouth or needing to drink through the night. My personal favourite phrase is ‘the nose is for breathing, the mouth is for eating.’ Why the nose is better Nose breathing is more of an effort than mouth breathing which means we are less likely to over breathe or potentially hyperventilate. The ability of the red blood cells to effectively release oxygen into the bloodstream relies on the correct concentration of Carbon Dioxide in the blood stream, this is known as the Bohr Effect. When we overbreathe, we are less likely to achieve this critical Carbon Dioxide concentration which results in less bioavailable oxygen. The result

is ongoing fatigue both physically and mentally. Our Nervous System We have two nervous systems, the sympathetic and parasympathetic. These systems are mutually exclusive, which means they cannot work together. The role of the sympathetic system was primally responsible for helping us deal with imminent threat such as running away from wild animals and coping with famine and should only be active for short bursts of time. We experience a ‘fight or flight’ response. Our blood vessels dilate, heart rate and breathing increases and we get a surge of adrenalin. The body cannot continue to produce adrenalin over a long period of time so eventually cortisol (stress hormone) takes over. When we are ‘sympathetically activated’, the main focus of our brain is to keep our body alive, we are essentially living in ‘survival mode.’ This means that our digestive ability will be impaired, rational thought and reasoning becomes difficult and weight loss is almost impossible. It is also very difficult for women to conceive during periods of extreme stress as the body interprets the increased cortisol as a signal that the conditions are unsafe for procreation. Mouth breathers live in a perpetual state of sympathetic activation. Our parasympathetic system is responsible for unconscious processes such as digesting food, regulating blood sugar and maintaining our sleep quality. When the sympathetic system is constantly ‘on’, the parasympathetic system doesn’t get a chance to perform and our health suffers. SLEEP Chronic Mouth breathing impairs the quality of our sleep. Children and Sleep In my clinic I often see children with a diagnosis of ADHD, learning difficulties, or restless, erratic sleep. In many cases these behaviour patterns are symptoms of an underlying sleep disorder. Sleep disorders may range in severity from laboured breathing to actually stopping breathing, this is sleep apnoea. Children with a sleep disorder or sleep apnoea will often wet the bed past 4 years old and mostly breathe through their mouths. They may also experience reflux and regularly

complain of stomach aches. They might have been a poor sleeper from birth. Unlike adults who become slow and sluggish when they are overtired, a child will show signs of hyperactivity. Other symptoms are unprovoked aggression and emotional outbursts. Untreated sleep disordered breathing will impact every aspect of a child’s life, from their academic performance to personal interactions, physical and emotional development. Crowded teeth and a narrow palate are also common problems. The ideal facial rest position for both children and adults is to have the tongue resting against the roof of the mouth (the hard palate), lips lightly held together and breathing through the nose. In a young child the pressure of the tongue helps develop the palate to a shape that neatly accommodates all the teeth and encourages the development of symmetrical facial proportions. Mouth breathers usually have a narrow palate, crowded teeth and a long face shape. Adults Along with the cognitive and emotional symptoms previously mentioned, an adult that snores regularly has a higher risk of heart disease, stroke and dementia. Causes In children, sleep disordered breathing or sleep apnoea is usually the result of enlarged adenoids, tonsils or food or environmental intolerances. Adults don’t usually have adenoids but a deviated nasal septum and enlarged turbinates may be a problem. Excessive weight can be a problem too. Treatment A common trend circulating the net is taping the mouth to force nasal breathing. (Medical micropore tape, not duct tape!) I have mixed feelings about this approach. If someone has a physical blockage in their nasal passages, I see no benefit in trying to force them to nasal breathe. The tape can however be useful in retraining someone with a clear nose under the guidance of a trained oral myologist or dentist. I notice that some children and adults breathe and sleep better after I have expanded their palate. This is because the expansion also creates space in the nasal passages and facilitates easier breathing.

DR VIJAYA MOLLOY Children and adults with sleep disordered breathing may require surgical treatment with an ENT. In some people eliminating certain food groups may help. Gluten and Dairy are the most common culprits. Sleep studies are useful in both adults and children in establishing the severity of the sleep disorder. Even after surgery sleep apnoea may still be present as there can also be a blockage in the throat. In this case a CPAP machine or dental device to position the lower jaw forward can be used at night. The benefits of a good night’s sleep can be life changing. Once the nose is clear, breath training may be needed as it’s hard to suddenly switch to nasal breathing after years of using your mouth. Nasal breathing requires a lot more effort which can make the transition challenging. Feel Good Tips 1. With the fast pace of life today most of us don’t breathe to our full potential. I recommend finding at least three one minute intervals throughout the day to focus on your breath. Inhale deep into your stomach for 5 breathes, hold for 6 counts and exhale for 8. It is important that the exhalation is longer than the inhalation. Repeat several times and notice how much more grounded and relaxed you feel. This little exercise helps us ‘turn on’ the parasympathetic nervous system. 2. It’s a mantra that is often repeated, but I will say it again; limit your screen time. Screen time especially in the couple of hours before bed sends neurological messages that affect our sleep quality. Summary Be mindful of your breathing and the quality of your sleep. If you feel you could use help with either consult a medical professional you can trust. An ENT who is mindful of the effects of mouth breathing is a good place to start. To find out more about Dr Molloy’s wholebody approach to dental care, head to www. vitalitydentaltuggerah.com.au or listen to her

podcast, Mind Body Mouth.

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 33 29 JANUARY 2021

Warning to look after your teeth The Australian Dental Association (ADA) is urging Central Coast residents to make oral health a priority, with latest NSW Health figures showing there were more than 470 hospitalisations for the removal and restoration of teeth caused by tooth decay in the Local Health District in 2018-19. There were also about 8,700 adults waiting for public dental treatment in the region, the statistics show. ADA NSW President, Dr Kathleen Matthews, said increasing numbers of older Australians were suffering from dental problems. “About 60 per cent of Australians aged 65 and over are suffering from either

moderate or severe periodontitis – gum disease – according to the latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data,” Matthews said. “This worrying statistic underlines how neglecting your oral health when you are younger can lead to big problems later in life. “Gum disease is no joke. “It can cause extensive tooth loss and contribute to other conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. “It may also require regular and potentially expensive visits to the dentist to address bad breath, bleeding gums and can seriously affect your quality of life. “We know that in NSW, for example, about one in five

children aged 15 and under haven’t visited a dentist in the last year. “This underlines how oral health is being neglected from a young age by many people, which may lead to severe problems later in life. “As well as visiting the dentist for a check-up at least once a year, there are some simple things you can do to protect your oral health. “This includes brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, minimizing sugary treats, and drinking tap water instead of sugary drinks. “No-one wants to look in the mirror when they are older and see they have neglected their teeth and gums. “Make 2021 the year when you take extra good care of

your oral health from now on.” Matthews also reminded patients that it is safe to visit the dentist during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “Australian dentists have some of the best infection prevention control measures in the world,” she said. “Dentists are also carrying out extra protocols at this time to ensure patient safety. “This includes screening patients beforehand, social distancing, using PPE, hand rub and pre-procedural mouthwash. “Patients can also contact their dentist beforehand to discuss and address any concerns they may have.” Source: Media release, Jan 18 Australian Dental Association

Central Coast residents are being urged to look after their oral health

Nominate now for Stroke Awards Central Coast residents are being encouraged to nominate for the 2021 Stroke Awards, which recognise individuals in the community who make the future brighter for people impacted by stroke. Stroke Foundation Executive Director Stroke Services, Lisa Murphy, said the Stroke Awards were open to survivors of stroke, carers, volunteers, fundraisers, health professionals and researchers.

“There are so many inspirational people in our community who are doing amazing things to enhance and demonstrate there is life after stroke,” Murphy said. “The Stroke Awards provide us with an opportunity to honour these individuals and their efforts.” Murphy said this year’s awards were an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the stroke community in the challenging environment

resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “Many in our community were isolated for months, which led some to new creative pursuits and others to explore different approaches to rehabilitation, advocacy and raising funds,” she said. “These endeavours deserve to be recognised.” A stroke strikes the brain and can change lives in an instant. It is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of

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industries including writing, photography, music and fine art; Fundraiser of the Year Award, recognising a fundraiser who has gone above and beyond to help raise awareness and funds for stroke in Australia; Courage Award, recognising the courage and hope shown by survivors of stroke and their carers in facing stroke recovery; Volunteer of the Year Award, for outstanding volunteers whose dedicated service has made a significant difference; and

President’s Achievement Award, which recognises exceptional individuals who have made a significant contribution. Nominations close on Friday, February 12, 2021, with winners to be announced at Stroke Foundation’s Stroke Awards ceremony in Melbourne in May. Source: Media release, Dec 16 Stroke Foundation

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disability. There are more than 445,000 people with stroke living in our community. Go to the Stroke Foundation website to nominate people in the following categories: Improving Life after Stroke Award, for those who voluntarily dedicate their time to improving the care and support of survivors of stroke in the community; Creative Award, celebrating a survivor of stroke’s contribution to creative

Be hearing healthy with Audika *Free hearing health checks available to adults aged 26 years and older. Reference: 1. Calculated by Audika using data from the Hearing Care Industry Association, Hearing for Life - The value of hearing services for vulnerable Australians, 2020 report as well as data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

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SCIENCE & EDUCATION

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New round of youth scholarships opens The Federal Government has released more Gosford region specific youth scholarships, with applications opening on January 29. Part 2 of Round 3 of the Commonwealth Scholarships Program for Young Australians will be open for applications until March 12. Gosford Regional Scholarship Co-ordinator,

CCN 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

publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au

CENTRAL COAST POETS INC

Would you like to read, write and share your poetry. We hold workshops and create anthologies. We meet the second Saturday each month. Wyoming Memorial Community Hall. Contact us by email info@centralcoastpoets.com.au

or you may ring Clive 0419120347

HANDWEAVERS, SPINNERS AND TEXTILE ARTS GUILD

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

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Zoe Goddard, said the latest scholarship round was “an amazing opportunity for our youth”. “The Government has told us this will more than likely be the last lot of scholarships released for our Gosford region, so I want to make sure I give them all away,” Goddard said. Applicants must be aged 15-24 to apply for a scholarship of up to $5000

per year. They must be studying a Cert 111, Cert 1V, Diploma or Advanced Diploma course and reside in or around the Gosford Region. “The funds not only help pay for course fees,” Goddard said. “There is also a 20-day work placement/internship component which is organised with a suitable

employer and the scholar gets paid $3000 on top of their scholarship monies. “The funding can also cover such things as technical items, student amenities, laptops and electricity. “Anyone doing a traineeship or apprenticeship will not be eligible.” Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks said the $8.2M Commonwealth Scholarships

Program for Young Australians will provide up to 400 scholarships in selected regions, including Gosford. “The scholarships offer a life-changing opportunity to study a VET qualification and complete an internship,” Wicks said. “The Morrison Government is committed to ensuring young Australians can upskill and reskill to secure a job.

“I would encourage anyone in our community aged 1524 years to check eligibility and consider applying.” For more details on applying email zoe.goddard@ busyatwork.com.au. Source: Media release, Jan 21 Gosford Reginal Scholarship Co-ordinator, Zoe Goddard Media statement, Jan 25 Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS 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

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

GOSFORD-NARARA NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

School Holiday activities, playgroup, multicultural programs, community activities Rooms for Hire 4329 4477

or incurable illness the choice to receive legal medical assistance to die. Quarterly mtgs, Erina Fair. 0434 426 486 robyncameron@y7mail.com

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Wed/Sat/Sun 10.30am 2:30pm. West Gosford 4325 2270

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AVOCA BEACH PROBUS CLUB

with a great social program, guest speakers and optional bistro lunches. Google our name for our fully informative newsletter. Meet 10am, 3rd Mon each month at Avoca Beach Bowling Club.

For anyone interested in early avocaprobus@gmail.com history. Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. Point Clare Community Hall Pension and welfare officers 2nd Sat 10:30am available to assist with DVA 4392 1926 4311 6254 compensation claims and www.pcfa.org.au LIONS CLUB OF WOY WOY ALCOHOLICS benefits Make new friends & have fun ANONYMOUS Breakers Country Club while serving your community MEALS ON WHEELS Someone cares. Wed & Fri 10am – Midday Everglades Country Club Thurs - 12.30pm, Progress Hall Delicious meals delivered free Meet 2nd Sat 10am 3rd Monday of each month COASTAL A CAPPELLA Join us for a midday meal Henry Parry & Wells 4384 2661 0478 959 895 Award winning women’s Help with shopping and Street East Gosford Terrigal-WamberalSB@rslnsw. a cappella chorus. cooking classes org.au. Music education provided. 4363 7111 WOMEN’S GROUPS AL - ANON FAMILY Rehearsals Tuesday 7pm @ GROUPS HEALTH Red Tree Theatre Tuggerah. U3A CENTRAL COAST WOMEN’S HEALTH We offer hope and friendship PENINSULA LIGHTHOUSE Performance opportunities. Enjoy a diverse range of Mobile counselling service CENTRES for people affected by Hire us for your next event. courses and activities for supporting ALL people Counselling, therapeutic and someone else’s drinking. 0412 948 450 seniors. Keep your mind active suffering from Domestic social groups, workshops, Al-anon family groups coastalacappella@gmail.com and make new friends. Violence domestic violence and abuse meet weekly, please contact 0408 704 701 Counselling services POLITICAL PARTIES issues. All services provided by 1300 252 666 www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au Mon, Ettalong Baptist Church, women for women al-anon.org.au 0417 472 374 4324 2533

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Local, state wide, national and international issues and Refer potential volunteers to SOROPTIMIST Hearing loss management S.A campaigns community organisations & INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY LEGAL Support and educational Is Internet porn destroying your Council and parliamentary provide support to them. BRISBANE WATER CENTRE groups providing practical life. representation Training to volunteers and Making a difference in the lives Not for profit service providing experience and confidence We may be able to help. 3rd Thur managers of volunteers Info of women & girls through free legal advice 4321 0275 We are a 12 step fellowship centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au sessions held regularly. awareness, advocacy & action Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm like AA. centralcoastgreens@gmail.com 4329 7122 2nd Thur 7 pm 4353 4988 CENTRAL COAST Meets every Sat at 7pm on the recruit@volcc.org.au Breakers Country Club, contact@centralcoastclc.org.au ASBESTOS DISEASES Central Coast LABOR PARTY Dover Rd, Wamberal Contact for further details COMMUNITY CENTRES SUPPORT GROUP OURIMBAH/ NARARA sibrisbanewater@siswp.org LEARN TO DANCE Support for those suffering 0473 631 439 www.siswp.org BRANCH Social ballroom dancing for all with asbestos diseases and newcastlesagroup@gmail.com Discussion/action community ages, all you need is a desire GOSFORD 50+ LEISURE others interested in asbestos Issues – 3 levels of to learn and dance, AND LEARNING CENTRE issues. You are not alone, meet 4323 3890 Government no partner required. Mon-Fri with others who can share Function Room, Grange Hotel, meet every Wed -15 Lorraine Chess, darts, handicraft, indoor DOYALSON WYEE their experiences. Bring a HENRY KENDALL Wyoming Ave Berkeley Vale, 2:00pm bowls, knitting, line dancing, family member or friend. SOCCER CLUB COTTAGE & 7.30pm 1st. Monday Anne - 0409 938 345 origami, painting, pencil 1pm at Ourimbah RSL on forth Football club for the local anneglazier@y7mail.com 0410 309 494 HISTORICAL MUSEUM drawing, scrabble, Wed of each month. community. Juniors from under Kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com Visit our c1838 Cottage & scrapbooking, sit & sew, table Maree 0419 418 190 5 to senior teams. CENTRAL COAST MARINE Museum with exhibits of early tennis, Ukulele Kerry 0410 045 981 settlers. School and group DISCOVERY CENTRE 4304 7065 PROBUS CLUBS president@doylowolves.com.au DYING WITH DIGNITY bookings. Members & The revamped CCMDC is open. Campaigning to give those volunteers welcome. Open Schools and Group bookings suffering unrelievable terminal

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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.

Copa tree vandalism Central Coast Council is investigating the vandalising of a number of trees at Copacabana. Community activist Joy Cooper raised the alarm when she noted the damaged trees on the Copacabana Beach sand dunes, near the intersection of Del Rio Dr and Del Monte Pl. “A number of large branches of a Norfolk Island Pine have been broken off and a number of banksias have been lopped with the branches left in the bush,” Cooper said. “Some of the banksias have been chain-sawed with the diameter of the branches being 30cm or more. “It appears the perpetrators may have undertaken this

environmental vandalism for the benefit of views.” Cooper said she had written to Council asking for a large banner be erected seeking any information which may assist the prosecution of those responsible. “A strong message needs to be given to these environmental vandals,” she said. “Also, I asked that the banner, or sign, be kept in place until the vegetation returns to the condition it was in before the damage occurred.” A spokesperson for Central Coast Council said the incident was being investigated by Council’s compliance section, with the outcome to be advised. Terry Collins

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NEWS PAGE 35 29 JANUARY 2021

Majority vote for jobs closer to home A total of 132 ideas were posted to the State Government’s Planning for the Economic Future of the Central Coast website. Public comments closed at 8am on January 25 and are now being assessed. Ideas included suggestions for Graduation Groves where graduating students plant trees; a light rail link from Gosford train station to the beaches; transport links on Brisbane Water and a petrol station on the water for easy access to refilling boat fuel tanks. The State Government asked for community feedback on six initial areas of interest that it said could help stimulate the economy and create local jobs on the Central Coast. The first idea was to locate a university campus in Gosford city centre to bring greater learning opportunities to the region, stimulate the economy and create local jobs. The second idea was to expand health services in Gosford to support the Central

A majority of people voted for jobs closer to home, obviously fed up with the daily commute out of area

Coast’s growing population and generate local jobs. The third idea was to facilitate faster transport connections to and from regional centres to foster economic growth and new jobs on the Coast. The three final ideas were to Increase the amount of serviced industrial lands on the Central Coast to support and expand industries such as food technology and advanced manufacturing; streamline planning processes to help remove barriers, such as uncertainty and wait times, for

5@5

businesses looking to locate on the Central Coast; and to establish a high-speed internet network to attract new, diverse businesses to the Central Coast and remove any existing barriers for growth related to digital connectivity. Some commenters said the focus was too concentrated on the southern end of the region. A quick poll on the page attracted 269 voters. They were given four choices and asked to pick which one was key to the coast’s economic future.

More jobs closer to home attracted 35 per cent of the vote; followed by attracting new business on 23 per cent, only one per cent more than better transport connectivity on 22 per cent; education and training opportunities on 16 per cent. Better connectivity attracted only four per cent of the votes. The Government says the final report will be tabled this year. Merilyn Vale

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WEEKLY NEWS BRIEF

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

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NEWS

PAGE 37 29 JANUARY 2021

Staff recommends against Junkastic Park-style tip shop With the possible permanent closure of Kincumber tip on the agenda at the February 3 meeting, Council staff have said a return of a tip shop like Junkastic Park is not recommended at the site. This is despite the fact that the vision outlined in the Central Coast Waste Resource Recovery Strategy to promote the Coast as a creative environment for developing a “local circular economy” includes a tip shop somewhere on the Coast as an option. The Strategy gives an example of the circular economy: In 2018-19, Council started a mattress recycling program allowing residents to include mattresses in their booked kerbside pick-up (free), or drop them off at the tip (fee charged). More than 22,000 mattresses were recycled in 12 months. The mattresses are deconstructed and components such as metal, foam, wood, plastic and textile flocking are recycled. The metals go into new train wheels, the foam becomes

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carpet underlay and the remaining components are used as biofuel. The Strategy explains that nearly 25,000 tonnes of bulky waste was generated in 2018/19. “With a recovery rate of 17 per cent (4,300 tonnes), there is significant scope to improve performance,” the Strategy states, and it identifies a range of options to lift the bar, including a tip shop, hire shop and/or repair shop to give new life to unwanted products.

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Long term residents will remember Junkastic Park, a tip shop which used to operate at Kincumber tip. It was established in the 1990s on a portion of the Kincumber tip operating under a license arrangement and closed in 2003. “There is a high level of

community support for an outlet to resell or hire out second-hand goods in order to provide another life for valuable products and reduce demand for new products, together with their associated supply chain impacts,” the Strategy says. “In addition to drop-off at a second hand goods shop, there

is considerable recyclable material in kerbside bulky waste that could be salvaged for recovery.” The Strategy says a tip shop could include a repair room to undertake minor repairs, and potentially conduct education workshops to engage and reskill the community.

It could also consider introducing a bookable pick-up service to collect reusable products, in tandem with any reuse shop. The strategy, adopted in September 2020, gives the Council up to three years to assess options on the viability of a tip shop. But the report to the February 3 meeting, the first meeting for this year after the January 27 meeting was cancelled, says the establishment of a tip shop at Kincumber is not recommended at this time. “This action would require capital works funding for the construction of appropriate infrastructure and there are practical difficulties and inefficiencies with operating such a facility separately to an active waste disposal or transfer facility, where items can be recovered onsite for repair and/or repurposing,” the report says. Merilyn Vale

Reopening of Kincumber tip looks unlikely The reopening of Kincumber tip is looking unlikely, with Central Coast Council staff pushing for the site to become a place where soil and gravel produced as part of its service delivery can be stockpiled and reused. A report to go to the Council meeting on February 3 explains that the tip could become a soil and aggregate resource recovery facility for Council material. Council wants to keep the tip closed while it works on a business plan for the new idea. The report said Council internally produces an estimated 90,000 tonnes of soils and gravels. Examples include solid and aggregates excavated from road and open space, construction projects and materials from Council’s general maintenance activities including street sweepings, road patching, and drain maintenance. Often these materials are required to be stockpiled and analytically tested to determine their resource recovery classification prior to legal reuse. Council needs a processing area where different materials can be sorted, tested and stockpiled for reuse on Council projects and residual material removed off site for disposal. Council depots don’t have the space needed.

Staff seem to think the tip, which was closed as part of Council’s response to COVID-19 restrictions, is perfect for what they need. It lists the advantages as: increased efficiency across Council’s operations; reduction in material being landfilled and associated cost savings, including reduction in NSW Waste Levy; and reduced demands on virgin natural resources through reuse of material. The existing infrastructure, including sealed roads, weighbridge, security, hardstand areas and individual bays would work for the proposal. Council estimated the capital costs to establish the required infrastructure on an alternative site would be $2M-3M. Council says it would retain the strategic value of the site for future waste management needs such as a temporary waste storage area following natural disasters. It could also consecutively undertake the remediation of the site long term for the development, for example, of a recreational park in the future. The report says that, as a result of closing the tip in March last year, Council has saved money through reduced employee costs, materials and contracts. To re-open, Council would need to recruit staff and renew a range of external contracts, which have since expired.

This would include a tender for the daily transport of waste to Council’s other waste facilities. Since 2009, there has been no onsite disposal and limited waste sorting at Kincumber, with all waste reloaded and transported on a daily basis to Council’s Woy Woy tip. In September, 2020, the Council called for a report on the future of Kincumber tip or, in the case of its permanent closure, viable alternative uses including a brief report on the future opportunities for a tip shop recycling centre to operate from the Kincumber or other appropriate sites. The tip was initially acquired by Council as a quarry in 1958

and in 1977 it became a tip. In the 1990s a tip shop known as Junkastic Park was established on a portion of the site operating under a license arrangement and it closed in 2003. The land is subject to potential contamination from its past use as a landfill which limits any activities on the site. Leachate and landfill gas collections are in place and the site undergoes quarterly monitoring in accord with its Environmental Protection Licence. Long term remediation works would be required prior to allowing any public access. Merilyn Vale

PUBLIC NOTICE

TENDER Tenders are called for the license of the Uniform Logo (production & sell), for the school year commencing 1 May 2021 and for a term of FIVE (5) years. Annual school enrolments will be approximately 1023 General enquiries and requests for a Tender Information Package should be referred to: Linda Dowling School Administrative Manager Kincumber-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au 02 4369 1555 Tenders must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Confidential - School Uniform Tender” and sent to: The Principal Kincumber High School 24 Bungoona Road KINCUMBER NSW 2251 Tenders close at 3pm on 26 February 2021 All applicants must make themselves familiar with the proposed Uniform Logo (production & sell) Licence agreement.

PAGE 38 29 JANUARY 2021 SPORT & NEWS

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Wildcats take out T20 grand final CRICKET The Warnervale Wildcats have overpowered TerrigalMatcham to win the 2020/21 Everything Sports T20 Grand Final on Tuesday (Jan 26). Batting first, Warnervale set a score of 4/147 before Terrigal lost their last wicket with 116 runs on the board and one over left in their innings. Starting at 4:15pm at Tuggerah Regional Sporting Complex, the Wildcats took to the bat as a fierce wind began blowing across the pitch. While an early catch by Joshua Toohey off James Kennedy’s took out opening batsman, Mitch McNeilly in the third over, Warnervale found consistency through Chris Sheppeard, who partnered with Simon Keen for 28 runs, then Tony Cornwell for 36 runs, and finally an unbeaten 40 run partnership with Scott Atkinson to close out the innings.

Another wicket taken by Warnervale, with Terrigal Batsmen walking

Sheppeard’s 58 runs not out, off 49 balls allowed Warnervale to take to the field with a strong score to defend. For Terrigal, there was early promise with Joshua Toohey posting 37 runs off 41 balls before being caught by Sheppeard off Karan Katli. After this, there was a lack of fluency from the Bellbirds with the bat with two wickets, Simon Keen and Hunter Jackson-Sullivan, both falling to Kaine Harmsworth. In the end, it was Warnervale who lifted the Shield. The Jay Lenton Medal for Man of the Match went to Chris Sheppeard for his matchwinning knock. For the Bellbirds, the team’s thoughts will now turn to their upcoming One Day and Two Day competitions, with their first game against Northern Power commencing on Saturday, January 30. Haakon Barry

Concerns over student face mask mandate While Central Coast families have been busily getting ready for the start of a new school year, high schoolers are being reminded that this year a face mask is a back to school essential. In accord with the COVID-19 Mandatory Face Coverings Public Health Order, all students over the age of 12 who travel to and from school via public or chartered/private transport must mask up on buses and trains, as well as at train stations and bus stops, but according to Central Coast Council of P&Cs President, Sharryn Brownlee, the new rule is making some local families nervous. It comes as the Department of Education, Transport for NSW and local bus services remain silent on issues surrounding compliance and policing of the new rule, with parents now

concerned a forgotten or broken mask could lead to their child being stranded. “Here on the Coast the start of a new school year is always a stressful time for families who rely on public transport because the region lacks

FORT DENISON

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

0.48 29 0302 0933 1.88 30 FRI

FRI

1613 0.29 2209 1.40 0305 1.56 0926 0.59 1522 1.34 2130 0.54

dedicated school bus services,” Brownlee said. “A lot of local services are mixed with the public, especially around Lake Haven and the Peninsula, and that’s always been a cause for concern for parents and

schools, especially at the beginning of the year when services are notoriously overcrowded. “In fairness to the bus companies, this overcrowding only occurs because they can’t know the numbers of new bus

TIDE CHART

faring students ahead of time, but now this new mask rule is exacerbating the issue. “There’s real concern on how this rule is going to be policed and what the repercussions will look like. “Parents want to know how this will work and who’s going to be policing whether or not a child on a bus is 12 or not. “There are also a lot of questions emerging around what’ll happen if a student loses their mask or if their mask is damaged. “The big one is whether or not they’ll still be able to get to or home from school if something does happen, but right now there’s no real advice about this issue. “My current understanding is that the Department of Education will be issuing advice to schools, with the schools then responsible for disseminating it to their

Dilon Luke

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

Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

0520 0.44 0346 0.44 0432 0.43 0022 1.49 0205 1.53 0112 1.51 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 2032 0.47 2335 1.47 1857 0.33 1942 0.40 0410 1.60 0516 1.66 0621 1.73 0042 0.55 0137 0.51 0228 0.47 1048 0.57 1208 0.51 1315 0.43 0719 1.80 0812 1.86 0859 1.88 SAT 1642 1.26 SUN 1801 1.25 MON 1909 1.28 TUE 1410 0.35 WED 1457 0.30 THU 1539 0.28 2233 0.58 2340 0.58 2004 1.33 2052 1.38 2135 1.42

families, but I don’t know that for certain and the lack of firm direction on this matter is worrying given kids will be back on buses this week.” Adding another layer of complexity to the issue is the fact that students don’t have to wear masks at school, meaning many families may not think to equip their high schooler with a face mask at all. The fact that students under the age of 12 can also travel on the same bus services without needing to wear a mask is also confusing parents and Brownlee said clarification from the key players involved would be needed to defuse tensions. “Families want clear and concise information about the duty of care surrounding students and face masks on public transport,” Brownlee said.

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 29 JANUARY 2021

Umina SLSC shines in final round of Junior Ironperson Series

Photos: Tom Simpson of CC SLSC

IRONPERSON The 2020/2021 Newcastle Permanent Junior Ironperson Series came to its conclusion on Saturday, January 23 at Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club, with clubs from all over the Coast competing for gold. The Series lasted over three rounds, with over 240 registered athletes between U10-U17 years competing with

more in the U19/Opens and 30 plus years. Points were tallied based on ending position across the Series, making up an overall total to decide on each division’s winners. In the final round of the series, Ocean Beach produced small conditions that tested the fitness of all competitors. Among the local clubs, it was Umina Surf Life Saving Club

who stood out with multiple wins across the age groups. In the Female U11s, Umina’s Amber-Skye Stevenson finished off the Series with a perfect score having won all three rounds. Later in the Female U14s, there was nothing to separate the two Umina competitors Sienna Scahill and Hannah Stevenson on the overall points board, with Hannah winning on the day and Sienna finishing

second. Hannah went into the round a point behind her fellow club member Sienna, who had maintained her lead after a Round One win. Archie Rayner of Umina won overall in the Male U15s, maintaining his strong lead after a win and second place in Round One and Two, but it was Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club’s Jett Green who won Round Three.

The next race was the Female U17s, which was won by Umina’s Poppi Lever both on the day and overall. In the second last race of the day, the Female 30 years plus, Jenni Darwin earned Umina its last medal with her first race day win and the overall lead on total points. As well as being a hotly contested sport series, the Newcastle Ironperson is also a chance to support emerging

lifesavers by testing their skills across a number of physical challenges. All the races were hard fought by competitors of all ages and was a testament to the Central Coast’s overall dedication to maintaining the highest standard of Surf Lifesaver.

went on to win the Singles in final competition against Mingara’s Blayne Cook, 21-6. Bailey went on to claim the 2021 Junior Grand Slam in his final year in the junior division, after winning in the Fours, Pairs and Singles. This exceptional effort was recognised by Bailey’s club at the Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club’s 2020 Presentation Day, held on Saturday, January 23. The Bowls Central Coast Secretary, Doug Rose, presented Bailey with the Zone 15 2020 Under 18 Bowler of the Year Award. With Bailey turning 18 later in the year, he has only a few

months left to compete in the juniors, although he already has much to be proud of at Ettalong Bowling. Bailey has won four Singles, four Pairs and four Fours Championships, Bowler of the Year three times, in 2013, 2019 and 2020, and two Grand Slams, in 2016 and now 2021. As well as Bailey, Philip Westcott was awarded at the Presentation Day as the 2020 Bowler of the Year, and the 2020 Most Improved award went to Gary Eggleton.

Source: CC SLSC Media Release and Results Table.

Meti rules the green LAWN BOWLS A busy week of Bowls at Ettalong Bowling Club has concluded after some outstanding performances from competitors all across the Coast, but most notably from Ettalong Club itself. Ettalong hosted three major events in the Central Coast (Zone 15) Junior Championships. On Tuesday, January 19, was the Junior Pairs, where the contest for gold came down to the Ettalong duo Brendan Stokes and Bailey Meti verses Munmorah’s Olivia Crane and Canton Beach’s Reegan

Peterson. The greens were reported to have been particularly tricky that afternoon with a constant wind sweeping through. In the end, the Ettalong bowlers took the championship with a score of 20-4 after 15 ends. The following day, Billy Waite and Blayne Cook of Mingara Bowling Club, as well as Brendan Stokes and Bailey Meti of Ettalong won the 2021 championship after defeating fellow Coasties Olivia Crane and Josh Smith of Munmorah, Terrigal Bowling Club’s Sam Griffiths and Gosford Bowling Club’s Brandon Willmette.

(L-R) Pairs winners, Bailey Meti and Brendan Stokes

While both teams played exceptionally well, team Meti proved too good to beat on the day with a final score of 22-4. The winning four are now

through to the State Championships which will be held in Warilla in July. Two days later, Bailey Meti

Source: Zone 15 Bowls Central Coast website: http://www. bowlscentralcoast.org.au/

PAGE 40 29 JANUARY 2021 SPORT

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Coast cyclists shine in Australia Day Road Race ‘Cycling’. Members from Central Coast Cycling Club at the conclusion of the racing. L-R: Simone Champion, Peter Terry, Yoni Hodgetts, John Hodgetts, Tim Groves, Guy Page, Adam Kimberley, Andy Hellmich, Rusty Garstrang, Paul Craft

CYCLING Central Coast Cycling Club’s Brendan Buhagiar has taken out first place in the Grade B division of the Australia Day Graded Scratch Road Race on Tuesday, January 26. The event was hosted by Newcastle Cycling Club at the Hunter Economic Zone 12km racing circuit.

It featured cyclists from a number of different clubs from around New South Wales, competing in five different grades from A to E, over distances ranging from 70km to 40km based on grade. Five other Central Coast cyclist also placed within the top four from Grades B – E. Central Coast Cycling Club captain, Andy Hellmich finished fourth in the B Grade, Pete

Davis finished fourth in Grade D, and Yoni Hodgetts, Matthew Hingerty and Russel Garstang finished second, third and fourth in the E Grade. Dan Calloway raced in the A Grade but missed out on finishing in a top four spot. This was Dan’s introduction to A Grade racing in the Graded Scratch after a number of previous wins in the B Grade, and he was racing against

cyclist who compete on a national level. Hellmich said that it was in the B Grade that Central Coast had the most competitors, where the club members worked together to get as many high placements as possible. “Although cycling is an individual sport, we are always working together as a team,” said Andy.

“We always make sure that, if there is an attack, we have someone there at its sharp end making it difficult for the other club’s cyclists. “In the B Grade, there was no successful breakaways after lots of attempts until it all came together in the last lap. “Our club members Jessica Mitchell and Adam Kimberley made sure that no one else from the other clubs got away

while I was able to lead out Brendan Buhagiar for the win. “It’s always good being part of a team and giving your team member a hand in winning.” Many of the riders will now back up in this Sunday’s race at West Head, hosted by Manly Warringah Cycling Club. Haakon Barry

Dare to believe: Mariners beat Sydney FC 2-0 FOOTBALL

The Mariners now take on Wellington Phoenix at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday, January 31. Changes have been made to upcoming fixtures in line with amendments made to match weeks five through nine of the A-League.

An upset win for the Central Coast Mariners away from home against Sydney FC on Friday, January 22 has sky-rocketed them back to the top of the A-League. Despite the Mariner’s early run of good form, they headed into the oldest rivalry in the A-League with the weight of history against them, with Sydney having won all but one of their last 17 games. Nonetheless, the blue and yellow took charge of the match and suppressed their hosts throughout the first half, maintaining their more disciplined defensive structure of the 2021 season. At times, it came down again to the secure handling of Mark Birighitti in goal, who made five crucial saves in the first half alone, one at point blank range in the 14th minute. The first big chance for the Mariners came in the 43rd minute from a Danny De Silva free kick that ended in a stunning bicycle kick from debutante Daniel Bouman. Neither was too much for Sydney keeper, Andrew

Redmayne, on that occasion. But that changed in the 54th minute with a combination of good fortune and strong pressure after a break by Bouman and a carefully crafted cross in search of Matt Simon instead found a loose foot of Sydney defender Ben Warland which skewed it passed the gloves of Redmayne. This marked a shift in the momentum of the game, with Sydney unable to get a shot on goal. In the 75th minute, the challenge for the hosts doubled

when Alou Kuol scored his second goal of the season. It started in the back line off an aggressive defensive move by Ruon Tongyik who fed Josh Nisbet into space. A one-two move between Nisbet and Jordan Smylie was thwarted by the Sydney defensive line, but they were unable to clear the ball further than Kuol who was lurking on the edge of the penalty area. The number 29 side-footed the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the goal. Kuol went looking for another

goal a few minutes later with a dazzling 70m run against a Sydney team forced into pressing higher up the field, but he couldn’t get it past Redmayne. The game opened up with Sydney launching long, hopeful balls into threatening areas, forcing a number of saves and corners out of the Mariners defence, but they were unable to crack the code. End result: 2-0 to the Mariners. The win sent the Mariners back to the top of the table with

a two-point lead over the second place Western Sydney Wanderers, although both Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City have a game in hand. Regardless of this, a healthy 5-1 goal ratio for the Mariners has earned them the highest goal difference at this stage of the season. Last year’s player of the season, Mark Birighitti now has three clean sheets in four games while the suffocating defence of Tongyik and Kye Rowles has been noticed across the League.

Following Friday’s clash with Sydney, the Mariners next game will still be against Wellington Phoenix at Central Coast Stadium on Sunday, 31st January, but the team will then stay at home to face Melbourne City on Wednesday, 3rd February at the same venue. The following weekend they will host Western United at Central Coast Stadium in match week seven, with two away matches then following against Wellington Phoenix in Wollongong and Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium. The scheduled clash with Macarthur FC on Monday, 22nd February has been postponed. After four wooden spoons in five year, do we dare to believe? Haakon Barry