Coast Community News 281 by Central Coast Newspapers

26 FEBRUARY 2021

ISSUE 281

News

Jemma lets it go

Aged care nurses and supporters protested in Gosford on February 24 to highlight the need for staffing ratios... See page 5

Out&About

Macmasters Beach artist and author, Nina Angelo, is currently showcasing her artwork series, Show & Tell, at Like Minds café at Avoca Beach. See page 19

The Coast’s own Jemma Rix is starring as Elsa in the hit musical Frozen at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre.

Education

See page 17

Online petition for judicial inquiry into Council reaches target An e-petition calling for a judicial inquiry into Central Coast Council has reached its target of 20,000 signatures and will now be debated in State Parliament. At 2pm on February 25, the number of signatures had reached 21,141, a day short of the petition’s February 26 deadline. Organised by two residents, Susan Greene and Marianne Hamilton, the petition asks the State Government to hold a judicial inquiry into the financial crisis facing Council, which has seen it argue it needs a rate rise of 15 per cent on top of rate harmonisation. It needed to attract 20,000 signatures by February 26 to ensure it is debated in Parliament and in less than three weeks achieved its target.

Petition organisers Susan Greene and Marianne Hamilton Photo: Merilyn Vale

The petition calls for an inquiry into how the financial crisis happened, who is responsible and what reforms are needed to the Local Government Act to protect the community in the future. It also asks what impact the amalgamation had on the problems and if councillors and senior staff were negligent in their duty to properly manage

the Council and whether they have been dealt with appropriately. The petition also requests the Minister for Local Government delay any application by the Council to IPART for a Special Rate Variation and any decision on the sale of Council assets until residents can consider the findings of the judicial inquiry and its recommendations.

Greene said she and Hamilton were thrilled at the community’s response. “It’s such an important thing to find out what’s been going on with our Council,” she said. “The message from the Administrator that we are so called shareholders and we are responsible for the debt of this Council - I think that really

shocked people. “And if that’s the case maybe Council shouldn’t be allowed to have debt.” Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, congratulated the women for their work in putting the petition together. “I think the Central Coast community has spoken very clearly about what they not happy with in regard to Council,” he said. “I welcome this petition. “I met with Susan and Marianne and encouraged them to do it; I think it’s a great opportunity to show what the Central Coast feels about this.” You can still add your name to, the petition at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/ la/Pages/epetitions-list.aspx

Terry Collins

See page 39

See page 35

Sport

Central Coast Crusaders’ small forward, Matthew Kenyon, has played a key role in the Australian Boomers win over New Zealand in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifier.

Puzzles page 22

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

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26 FEBRUARY 2021

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NEWS

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

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

12 FEBRUARY 2021

ISSUE 279

19 FEBRUARY 2021 17 FEBRUARY 2021

News

Electrical Trades Union (ETU) delegates rallied at Gosford racecourse on February 11 calling on Ausgrid to stop cutting Central Coast jobs.

Central Coast students can now apply for the 2021 Y NSW Youth Parliament program, designed to empower youth interested in politics.

Central Coast Council decided at its February 8 meeting to formally apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a 15 percent rate rise.

See page 4

Out&About

24 FEBRUARY 2021

News

It’s opening!!

News

26 FEBRUARY 2021

ISSUE 280

ISSUE 226

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Outrigger Canoe regatta at Point Wolstoncroft

ISSUE 227

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Molly Picklum wins her first World Surf League pro series

The Rhythm Hut’s drumming classes are back, with the year’s first six-week program kicking off on February 23.

CCN

Albanese was joined by MPs from all along the coastline, including Member for Dobell Emma McBride, along with representatives of the Save Our Coast Group and Surfrider Foundation Australia and dozens of residents concerned at the possible effects of drilling 5km off Central Coast beaches. Albanese told the crowd PEP11 had the potential to the entire coastline from Sydney to Port Stephens. Not only would any drilling impact the way of life on the Central Coast, but it would also have an economic effect on the fishing industry and tourism, which he said was a “vital employer” on the Coast. “(Drilling) would be a disaster even if things went well, but if they didn’t it could be potentially catastrophic,” he said. Albanese said the Labor Party was not opposed to oil and gas exploration in appropriate areas but drilling along the coastline was “just not on”.

He said the Federal Government needed to ensure an application for renewal of the licence was denied. McBride said renewing the licence would pose a huge threat to the Coast’s environment, economy and very way of life. “Critically, this decision won’t be made locally, it won’t be made on the Central Coast, it will be made by two Ministers who don’t live in the area – the Federal Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, Keith Pitt, and the NSW Deputy Premier, John Barilaro,” she said in Parliament on February 2. “Nearly 2,000 local people have already contacted me, calling on the Ministers to stop PEP11 and to save our coast. “It’s not just locals who will be impacted by PEP11. “In 2019, 1.94 million people visited the Coast, adding $692M to our local economy, and in the pandemic recovery, tourism should be boosted, not threatened by risky proposals like PEP11.” Save our Coast representative Tim Heffernan said that the Federal Government must now act to cancel PEP11, which “doesn’t make any sense”, once and for all.

“Save Our Coast has been leading the campaign with the community for a number of years to stop seismic testing and drilling off the most populated coastline in NSW, which is also a major whale migratory route,” he said. “Tens of thousands of people from the Central Coast and beyond have joined actions, signed petitions and contacted their local MPs. “We are opposed to the project because the risk to our precious marine environment, tourism sector and coastal lifestyle far outweighs any benefits, especially in a time when the entire world is moving away from fossil fuels and transitioning toward renewables.” Surfrider Foundation Australia National Campaign Director Damien Cole said while gas exploration was the main thrust of PEP11, there was also the potential for oil exploration. “This could lead to oil slicks which could destroy everything we’ve ever known” he said. After months of refusing to make a public stand on the issue, Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks announced on February 5 that she would oppose extension of the PEP11 licence.

“Extending the PEP11 permit is a decision for the Joint Authority,” she said. “The first step in this process is for the NSW Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, to make a recommendation on extending the PEP11 permit. “The second step is for the Federal Minister for Resources, Keith Pitt, to do the same. “I am urging the NSW Government to listen to the concerns of the Central Coast community and say no to extending the PEP11 permit. “I stand with my community in raising these serious concerns about the potential impacts of PEP-11 on our ocean. “Regardless of the NSW Government’s decision, I will be advocating for the Commonwealth to say no to the decision to extend the PEP11 permit. A spokesperson for Deputy Premier John Barilaro confirmed he will recommend refusal of the extension of the licence. “In 2017, the NSW government’s position was to refuse further applications to extend the life of PEP 11 – that position has not changed,” the spokesperson said. Minister for Resources Keith

The Makai Lakes Outrigger Canoe Club have reformed their team spirit in 2021 ahead of their inaugural regatta at Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation Centre on Saturday, March 6.

See page 17

Federal Labor Leader Anthony Albanese discusses PEP11 with concerned residents at Terrigal Beach

With the PEP11 permit for offshore gas drilling up for renewal on February 12, Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese joined fellow Labor MPs and community activists at Terrigal on February 5 to call for its cancellation.

Pitt said he was yet to receive any formal submission or advice from the NSW Minister. “The National Offshore Titles Administrator (NOPTA) will provide advice to assist with my decision,” Pitt said. “Any exploration project or petroleum activity will require approval from the independent expert offshore regulator, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA). “I will carefully consider all relevant information before making my decision.” CEO of BPH Energy, David Breeze, is one of the license holders of the PEP11 title. When asked why $9M was raised by the company even though the decision to extend the licence is still pending, Breeze said he was “certainly committed to continue with the project”. Under section 265A (1) of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (OPGGS Act), the permit continues to be in force until the Joint Authority makes a decision on the current suspension and extension application. Terry Collins

Business

See page 38

Youngsters can now enjoy Storytime in person with the Toukley and Tuggerah libraries bringing back Storytime sessions every Tuesday and Thursday.

A free community event on the day will feature musical presentations by local artists, Aboriginal cultural performances and workshops, food trucks, a discovery trail, face painting and a reptile show.

See page 17 Makai Lakes Outrigger Canoe Club team members at the Pittwater Regatta Photo: Michelle Strang

Despite its financial woes, Central Coast Council is forging ahead with plans for the Gosford Regional Library and is set to lodge a development application... See page 26

Sport

Central Coast mogul skier, Matt Graham, has found himself ranked number one on the International Ski Federation’s (FIS) World Cup standings after back-to-back podium placements in events held in Deer Valley, USA. See page 40

Puzzles page 22

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

Central Coast Labor MPs took on Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, when NSW Parliament resumed in February, demanding answers to why the region has been ignored in the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.

The Labor MPs David Harris (Wyong), Yasmin Catley (Swansea), David Mehan (The Entrance) and Liesl Tesch (Gosford) say that despite the Central Coast region suffering $163.3M of economic damage in the wake of last Summer’s destructive bushfires, the region did not receive a cent from the bushfire fund. Impact assessment data and maps released by the NSW Government show that 40 buildings and 144 rural landholders were impacted by the bushfires. “Instead of distributing

Wyong MP David Harris during Question Time in State Parliament

money from the $177M Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund on the basis of genuine need, the Deputy Premier John Barilaro, and the Berejiklian Government, allocated the vast bulk of the funding to seats held by the

Government, while Labor seats across the Central Coast received nothing,” said Shadow Minister for Central Coast, Wyong MP David Harris. Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, who is responsible for bushfire recovery, faced a

Parliamentary Inquiry on February 8, which was originally to investigate funding allocations to councils under the Stronger Communities Program but then expanded to include the bushfire fund. It is understood that Barilaro

Two of the Australia Reptile Park’s koalas, Elsa and her sister Anna, were probably the most loved animals in Australia on Valentine’s Day... See page 17

Business

The first event in the World Surf League’s (WSL) 2021 Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series came to its conclusion on Friday, February 19, with Shelly Beach resident and newly risen young gun, Molly Picklum, taking out first place.

See story page 4

Health

Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund overlooks the Central Coast

The revamped Leagues Club Field is set to open on February 27

Exclusive

was asked to explain the government maps; which show the worst hit areas in terms of economic impact ($750M) from the fires are Coalitionheld seats on the South Coast; yet other areas such as the Central Coast, which also suffered extensive economic damage, did not receive any financial help. Three council areas with a total $300M economic impact, according to government data, did not receive any funding and, in contrast, another council with an estimated $16M impact, received $40M in funding. “Our communities simply got nothing,” Harris said. “The fires didn’t discriminate on the basis of politics when they roared through our communities and I’m shocked that the recovery effort does. Continued page 4

Sacked CEO sets the record straight

Swansea MP, Yasmin Catley, is calling for a review of the NSW Government’s “rigid” bus pass policy ... See page 33

Sport

Northern Power Cricket Club has raised over $20,000 toward the Kelly McGrath Foundation at their annual Pink Stumps Day on Sunday, February 7 See page 40

Puzzles page 23

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

News

Woy Woy is mourning one of its favourite sons with the passing on February 21 of former Gosford City Council Deputy Mayor Keith Whitfield at the age of 83.

In an exclusive interview with Coast News, former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy, has accepted responsibility for his actions, says he has been denied “natural justice” and has added his voice to calls for a full inquiry into Council’s financial collapse.

Murphy, who has been blamed by Administrator Dick Persson for presiding over the Council’s financial losses, says he blew the whistle as soon as the problem was uncovered. He says it was thanks to COVID-19 that consultants found the cash flow problem that highlighted the fact restricted funds were being used for operational purposes. Murphy has added his voice to those calling for an inquiry

Former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy

in the Council’s finances. He says that because the impact has been so farreaching, it is important to understand in detail the why and how it could happen.

He said he has been denied natural justice to correct the record before the administrator published his 30-day report. He tells his side of the story about claims he refused to meet the administrator.

Murphy arrived at Central Coast Council on July 2, 2018, to find the organisation had been without a chief financial officer for almost 12 months. Within six months, Murphy, the fourth CEO in two years,

organised a review of the books to check the Council was financially stable. He hired PWC, one of Australia’s “big four” consultancies, which gave the Council the green light when the report was delivered in July, 2019. “Apart from some improvements to asset management planning and better strategic alignment, there were no real surprises,” Murphy said. The report stated that in the short term (0-3 years) there was “low financial risk”. The new Chief Financial Officer was given the report and two key tasks; to improve the budget process and develop a robust long-term financial strategy. Continued page 12

See page 25

Sport

BMX riders will soon be able to rip around on a new track as upgrades speed towards completion at the Terrigal Recreation Precinct. 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

Labor MPs strengthen their call for an Inquiry into Council problems The four Labor MPs on the Central Coast have individually given notice in State Parliament that they will each be putting Motions at the next sitting of Parliament in March calling for an independent inquiry into the financial collapse of Central Coast Council. The MPs David Harris, Yasmin Catley, David Mehan and Liesl Tesch want Local Government Minister, Shelley Hancock, to establish an inquiry to examine the financial position of the former Wyong and Gosford Councils pre-merger, factors post-merger and the role of councillors and the executive. Harris said that we now know why the financial difficulties

happened, but now it is about the structural weaknesses of Council and the problems that it has faced since amalgamation. Catley said the “triple whammy” of service cuts, staff layoffs and rate increases showed that there was a structural problem underpinning the Liberals’ decision to amalgamate the two councils. Administrator, Dick Persson, has previously said that amalgamation costs were not one of the major contributing factors to Council’s financial difficulties. Harris said that one of the causes is because Central Coast is one of the largest councils in the state and the only Council in the Illawarra,

Sydney and Hunter that operates water and sewerage in-house. “A lot of the cost over run and the debt is actually related to water and sewerage,” he said. “If you separate the figures for water and sewerage instead of combining them with general operations, it actually paints quite a different picture. “Most of the $317M debt that was carried over was water and sewerage debt. “The water and sewer should be set up as a separate business. “It can still be within Council, but the financials and assets would be separate, like it used to be under the Joint Water Authority,” Harris said. He said that Wyong used to

have its water department and Gosford had its own, and there was a Joint Water Authority, but when they merged the councils, they brought it all under one roof. “I’ve written to the Administrator asking some questions about how the water and sewerage fits in with the puzzle because if you go through the financials when they had the overrun it was all water related, such as $1.3M added for a generator at Mooney and the Mardi to Warnervale water pipeline, which were included in the general Council figures. “They are very major projects, but they’re water and sewerage related, and other councils don’t have those costs in their

Sue Murray

See page 5

Out&About

Macmasters Beach artist and author, Nina Angelo, is currently showcasing her artwork series, Show & Tell, at Like Minds café at Avoca Beach.

A small group of residents gathered outside the Ettalong Centrelink on February 12 as it prepared to close its doors for the last time

The Aboriginal story of the Wyong area and Tuggerah Lakes is being told in a huge mural by artist Jodie Freeman at the historic Alison Homestead.

See page 19

The Coast’s own Jemma Rix is starring as Elsa in the hit musical Frozen at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre.

See page 12

Woy Woy resident, Brendan Abbott, has been awarded second prize in the Australia-wide aerial photography competition, SkyStock, for his image of a rare moment in nature near Avoca Beach.

See page 17

Health

Business

Education

See page 17

Online petition for judicial inquiry into Council reaches target

Brendan Abbott’s award winning shot

Council concedes Peninsula rates could rise by 42 per cent books because Sydney Water and Hunter Water do that. “This isn’t saying that it should be privatised or anything like that, but the general Council accounts and the water and sewerage accounts should be split so that the residents can actually see the two separate operations. “The Administrator in his report said that Council’s bank account took a hit because of the IPART decision on water and sewerage, a loss to Council of $39M. “Water should pay for itself, so that it’s not a $39M hit to general revenue, and the charges for water should cover that,” Harris said.

Aged care nurses and supporters protested in Gosford on February 24 to highlight the need for staffing ratios...

See page 12

See page 39 Avoca Beach Picture Theatre has managed to navigate its way through COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions, but with JobKeeper set to cease at the end of March...

News

Jemma lets it go

News

Out&About

Two years after the project was first announced and following a construction phase of more than 12 months, the revamped Leagues Club Field in Gosford is set to officially open on February 27.

ISSUE 281

ISSUE 008

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS

Award for Woy Woy photographer

See page 8

Out&About

Decision looms for PEP11 extension

25 FEBRUARY 2021

In an exclusive interview with Central Coast Newspapers, former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy, while accepting responsibility for his actions, says he has been denied “natural justice”...

See page 8

Out&About

See page 8

News

Bateau Bay resident Ben Brown is one of two peer support workers involved with a new... See page 33

Sport

Charlie Hunter, is setting new heights for Australian middle distance running in the US, he has set three new Australian records. See page 40

Puzzles page 23

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

Peninsula ratepayers could end up paying 42 per cent more in rates on average from next year if IPART approves a 15 per cent rate rise. The added increase comes from the harmonisation of rates between the former Gosford and Wyong council areas. Calculations on how much some residents would pay with the proposed 15 per cent rate rise increased to 42 per cent for some ratepayers, Central Coast Council has conceded, if you include harmonisation. The Council has adjusted the figures by which average rate bills will increase or decrease in its submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

There are still winners: former Wyong residents will pay less than they are now, albeit the average reduction has gone down to $2 a week, from $3 a week. But residents of the former Gosford Council area have done the sums and worked out the increase for some areas is actually more like 42 per cent. Council agrees and says it is a difficult message to get across when there are two steps involved. Step one is the harmonisation of rates between the two former council areas and step two is the 15 per cent rise, if approved. Step one will mean that on average, Wyong ratepayers will pay an average of 20 per cent less on land valued at 43 per

cent less than Gosford land. For former Gosford area ratepayers, step one sees them paying an extra 25 per cent on average on land valued 43 per cent higher than Wyong land. Then the 15 per cent rate rise will be added, if IPART agrees. So, Gosford area ratepayers, including Peninsula residents, will pay on average about 4042 per cent more. Wyong residents will pay on average about 10 per cent less than they do now. Council’s Acting Director of Corporate Affairs, Natalia Cowley, explained the system when she was interviewed by Scott Levi on ABC radio last week. One caller said the figures Council had submitted to IPART showed the percentages.

“I think most (former) Gosford ratepayers, like myself, will be shocked and horrified to learn they are actually being slugged with a massive 42 per cent rate hike rather than the 10 per cent or 15 per cent numbers they heard during the consultation,” the caller said. He accused Administrator Dick Persson of being economical with the truth in not providing the real percentage increases during the consultation. He said Persson hid behind sound bites like $7 a week but even that was inaccurate. “The figures he has lodged with IPART show the average Gosford increase to be significantly more than that at over $420 per year,” he said. Cowley said the caller was

completely correct. She agreed the $7 a week cited was actually more than $8 a week. She explained that rates had been legally frozen since amalgamation and legally had to be harmonised this year. Cowley said IPART wanted the Council’s Special Rate Variation (SRV) calculations, not the blended figures of the rate harmonisation with the rate rise, even though the Council’s numbers had to include both. “We just have not blended the two processes,” she said. The caller responded that he didn’t believe the Council was being transparent. Merilyn Vale

In an exclusive interview with Central Coast Newspapers, former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy gives his perspective. See page 26

Sport

Killcare SLSC is reminding community members of the importance of surf safety, respecting ocean conditions, and swimming in between the flags. See page 39

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

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

An e-petition calling for a judicial inquiry into Central Coast Council has reached its target of 20,000 signatures and will now be debated in State Parliament. At 2pm on February 25, the number of signatures had reached 21,141, a day short of the petition’s February 26 deadline. Organised by two residents, Susan Greene and Marianne Hamilton, the petition asks the State Government to hold a judicial inquiry into the financial crisis facing Council, which has seen it argue it needs a rate rise of 15 per cent on top of rate harmonisation. It needed to attract 20,000 signatures by February 26 to ensure it is debated in Parliament and in less than three weeks achieved its target.

Petition organisers Susan Greene and Marianne Hamilton Photo: Merilyn Vale

Sport

Central Coast Crusaders’ small forward, Matthew Kenyon, has played a key role in the Australian Boomers win over New Zealand in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifier. See page 39

Puzzles page 22

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

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26 FEBRUARY 2021

Council concedes some rate rises could be more than 40 per cent Central Coast Council has conceded that rates for former Gosford Council area residents could rise by as much as 42 per cent in real terms if the proposed 15 per cent rise is approved by IPART, with residents claiming they could go even higher for owners of rural properties. The increase comes after factoring in the harmonisation of rates between the former Gosford and Wyong council areas. There are still winners: former Wyong residents will pay less than they are now, albeit the average reduction has gone down to $2 a week, from $3 a week. But residents of the former Gosford Council area have done the sums and worked out the increase for some areas is actually more like 42 per cent. Council agrees and says it is a difficult message to get across when there are two steps involved. Step one is the harmonisation of rates between the two former council areas and step two is the 15 per cent rise, if approved. Step one will mean that on

average, Wyong ratepayers will pay an average of 20 per cent less on land valued at 43 per cent less than Gosford land. For former Gosford area ratepayers, step one sees them paying an extra 25 per cent on average on land valued 43 per cent higher than Wyong land. Then the 15 per cent rate rise will be added, if IPART agrees. So, Gosford area ratepayers will pay on average about 4042 per cent more. Wyong residents will pay on average about 10 per cent less than they do now. Council’s Acting Director of Corporate Affairs, Natalia Cowley, explained the system when she was interviewed by Scott Levi on ABC radio last week. One caller said the figures Council had submitted to IPART showed the percentages. “I think most (former) Gosford ratepayers, like myself, will be shocked and horrified to learn they are actually being slugged with a massive 42 per cent rate hike rather than the 10 per cent or 15 per cent numbers they heard during the consultation,” the caller said. He accused Administrator Dick Persson of being

Acting Director of Corporate Affairs, Natalia Cowley

economical with the truth in not providing the real percentage increases during the consultation. He said Persson hid behind

sound bites like $7 a week but even that was inaccurate. “The figures he has lodged with IPART show the average Gosford increase to be

significantly more than that at over $420 per year,” he said. Cowley said the caller was completely correct. She agreed the $7 a week cited was actually more than $8 a week. She explained that rates had been frozen since amalgamation and legally had to be harmonised this year. “We just have not blended the two processes,” she said. Meanwhile, Somersby resident, Gordon Monro, says the much publicised rate rise is an “absolute deception” for the Gosford business and farming communities. Monro says the average farm rates in the former Gosford area will rise from $1359 to $2123, or 56.2 per cent. And Wyong residents will benefit by paying a whopping 37per cent less for a predominantly rural lifestyle. He is basing his percentages on the figures Council sent him in the ratepayers’ letter. “These proposed rate rises may even be considerably higher with the recent average land value rises determined by the Valuer General which are used to set the individual property rates,” Monro said.

“It has been reported that Wyong Council had a significant rate rise in past years and that it is time for Gosford to catch up. “That may sound like a good argument, but that rate rise in Wyong prompted significant road improvements. “Gosford residents have paid the price of lower rates in disastrously poor roadworks. “All you need to do is take a look around some of the Gosford roads; Debenham Rd to the Somersby industrial area, Wisemans Ferry Rd, George Downs Dr, The Scenic Rd to Macmasters Beach and the un-kerbed areas on the Peninsula to name a few.” Monro said it was inconceivable that the Wyong rates should fall and the Gosford business and farmland areas should bear the brunt of the rises. “And if Gosford residents think that they may get better roads and services as a result of the proposed catch-up rate rises, then they should continue to look in the sky for the flying pigs,” he said. Merilyn Vale and Terry Collins

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26 FEBRUARY 2021

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The Central Coast is mourning one of its favourite sons with the passing on February 21 of former Gosford City Council Deputy Mayor Keith Whitfield at the age of 83.

The late Keith Whitfield

Mr Whitfield worked at Woy Woy post office from 1965 until he retired, serving as a postman and postal clerk. Daughter Louise Whitfield said he was affectionately known as “Speedy” and was well known by this name at his favourite watering hole, The Bayview Hotel. He served as an alderman for

Vale Keith Whitfield

the former Gosford Shire Council from 1977-1980 and then as a councillor on the newly proclaimed Gosford City Council from 1980-1991. Mr Whitfield was Deputy Mayor from 1984-1987 and in 1990. He was an avid historian and environmentalist and counted some of his significant achievements on Council as saving Riley’s Island from development and saving the old Woy Woy Council Chambers from demolition. The building is now home to Woy Woy Library. Louise Whitfield said her

father was well read on many topics and well as being an avid writer. “He had a diverse knowledge and often spoke with humorous repartee,” she said. “He wrote regularly to local and Sydney newspapers, using these mediums to offer his opinion and wit on a vast range of topics.” Mr Whitfield also worked voluntarily as an announcer on two local radio stations - Radio Five-O Plus and Lake Macquarie Community Radio. He dabbled in amateur acting and performed for Woy Woy Little Theatre as well as other

community acting groups. He also acted in several commercial advertisements including as Santa Claus for an ad for the post office. “He was a gregarious man with a fun nature,” Louise Whitfield said. “These included dressing up in a gorilla suit to attend a Council meeting and to surprise his wife, who worked in a local jewellery shop. “He will be well missed by his family and his community and the world will be a duller place without him.” Central Coast Council Administrator, Dick Persson,

paid tribute to Mr Whitfield at the Council meeting on February 24. “On behalf of Council, we send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends,” Persson said. Mr Whitfield is survived by his wife of 62 years Joan, as well as three daughters, one niece, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren with a fifth on the way. His funeral will be held at St Luke’s Anglican Church, Woy Woy, at 12.30pm on March 5. Terry Collins

Community Environment Network WILDPLANT COMMUNITY NURSERY ON SATURDAY 6 MARCH Our popular plant sales are back for 2021 and will continue to be held on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 12pm. Our next sale day is: Saturday 6 MARCH 9am to 12pm CEN Office, Brush Rd, Ourimbah Native plants are inexpensive (starting at $3), help conquer climate change, create habitat for local birds and animals and encourage outdoor activity.

Come along to our plant sale at the CEN Office, Ourimbah, buy a few local native plants and chat about local environment issues. We have a range of local native plants available including ground covers and herbs, shrubs and trees, bush food, bird attracting, native bee attracting, frog friendly and screen plants. Cash and EFTPOS accepted.

COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT NETWORK ANNUAL FORUM 'THE FUTURE IS LOCAL' OURIMBAH CAMPUS UON SUNDAY, 21 March 2021 How can we face the challenges of a changing world together? The 2021 CEN Forum is a chance to collaborate and build community resilience. Come along on Sunday, March 21, to reconnect, protect and regenerate relationships with each other and the environment. Everyone is welcome – CEN members,

supporters and the broader community. This is a COVID-friendly event so it is essential to register via the following link https://cen.

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY Join Central Coast Waterwatch at Mackenzie Reserve, Budgewoi, for a Clean Up Australia Day event. Participate in an AUSMAP microplastics sampling along Budgewoi Creek or join in the clean up on Dunkey Island, Lake Munmorah. When: Sunday 7th March 9am-11am Where: Mackenzie Reserve. Meet at the sand area at Mackenzie Reserve, near the footbridge. Look out for the Waterwatch

flags!! Morning tea at conclusion. Please visit www.cen.org.au/events to register. This event is supported by Central Coast Council through a community development grant.

HAWKESBURY RIVER HISTORY AND HERITAGE CRUISE Do you live in the Hawkesbury River Catchment Area? Join us on a Hawkesbury River History and Heritage Cruise to celebrate the launch of our ‘Local Streams, Local Communities’ project on Monday 22nd March 2021. While cruising and pausing at various historic sites along wondrous waterways, listen to the live commentary and view the fascinating AV presentation of graphics, site & historic photos, animations, videos

of operating models and other works by awarded historian, Peter A Rea. Most of the sites we will visit are very difficult if not impossible to access other than by water. To register your interest to attend the event, please email waterwatch@cen.org.au The ‘Local Streams, Local Communities’ project is a joint project between Central Coast Waterwatch, The Community Environment Network, Streamwatch and Greater Sydney Landcare.

org.au/events/cen-calendar in advance. Cost is a flat $10 and lunch is provided. Discussions will include: • What is health in a changing world? • Youth – what about them? • Renewable energy. • Ecotourism. • Save the soil; save the earth. • Wetlands and their ecosystems. Session hosts and discussion panel members will include CEN Chair Hale Adasal, and Deputy Chair John Asquith, Richard Weller

from Climate Future, De Brierly Newton from Nature Conservation Council, Tim Selwyn from Girra Girra Aboriginal Experiences, Collette Barron from Whale Dreamers Festival and CEN life-member Mike Campbell. A lunch-time soapbox will give local orators the opportunity to get burning issues out in the open or story telling may be more your pace. The forum will commence from 9:00am for a

9:30am start and conclude at 4:10pm.

FROG SPOTTING NIGHT When: Friday 5th March 2021 Time: 7pm- 8:30pm Where: Wadalba, Exact address will be given on registration Cost: FREE includes refreshments Please visit www.cen.org.au/events to register. • What frog is it? Learn about different types of frogs found on the Central Coast.

• How to establish or modify a garden pond for local frog species • Visit a frog habitat after dark to find frogs and learn how to identify different frogs from their calls! • It’ll be toad-ally ribbiting! This event is supported by Central Coast Council through a community development grant

GREENTEAM INFORMATION PICNIC Do you live in or near Somersby or Mangrove mountain on a semi-rural property and have 0.5ha or more of native bushland? Are you interested in forming a ‘Greenteam’ Landcare group in your area with other like-minded locals to tackle weeds together on each other’s properties? Come along and find out what support we can offer When: Thurdsay,18th March, 10-11.30am Where: Mangrove Mountain Hall, Wisemans Ferry Rd, Mangrove Mountain Cost: FREE * Scrumptious morning tea provided This is a great opportunity to connect with

your

neighbours

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build

land

management knowledge and skills. For more information contact: Nicole Heta Project Officer Community Environment Network P: 4349 4756 E: nicole.heta@cen.org.au This Project, Landcare-Central Coast, is

From our Chair Air-Water-Earth-Community is the theme of our CEN Forum planned for 21 March 2021 at University of Newcastle, Ourimbah Campus. In 2021 we face the extraordinary challenge of a world transforming, reflected in both the climate and community around us. Our annual CEN Forum, open to CEN members, supporters and our community, aims to bring us together in panel discussions to collaborate and create opportunities to build our community’s resilience in protecting, reconnecting and regenerating relationships with one another and our natural environment. We are inviting all members of CEN, member groups and wider members of our community to join us in panel discussions over the course of the day. The topics covered will include: Youth - What about them?; Renewable Energy - to breathe or not to breathe, that is the question; Ecotourism and the local Economy; Save the Soil save the earth (the role our soils and earth play in building our resilience to climate change); and Wetlands and their ecosystems. There will also be an opportunity to attend a warm data lab which I will be facilitating. This is a group process enabling new responses to our complex problems. An opportunity to have your say and storytelling, one of the most important skills we can have in this important time of change, will be included. Our panel members are all esteemed members of our community within their fields. CEN has the wonderful opportunity to host a platform for discussion and ways members of our community can have informed conversations and get involved. Our annual CEN forums are always informative and inspirational. Join us, won’t you?

supported by Greater Sydney Local Land Services

Hale Adasal CEN Chairwoman

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

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www.cen.org.au Ph: 4349 4756

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NEWS

PAGE 5

26 FEBRUARY 2021

Aged care nurses call for more government help Aged care nurses and supporters protested in Gosford on February 24 to highlight the need for staffing ratios and greater transparency of government funding linked to care. Retired nurse of 48 years, Debbie Lang, was at the protest and said she hoped the report coming out on February 26 by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety will bring change. “For too long, aged care has had issues addressed with a Band-Aid,” Lang said. “Currently, some facilities have beds of up to 170 people, and they have one registered nurse on duty - that is not good enough. “People in aged care really require quality care, constant supervision and oversight, and they need to get appropriate care when their condition declines.” The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) is calling for legal minimum staffing and a mix of skills in the workplace; transparency and accountability for government funding;

Aged care nurses and supporters protesting in Gosford

mandatory ongoing skills development, paid for by the employer; and more government funding linked to direct care and staff wages. “COVID has highlighted a lot of issues in aged care, as to how well educated the staff

are,” Lang said. “The majority of staff have not been continually educated and upgraded to a level that is adequate for what they need to provide care for the residents. “There needs to be always

that level of qualification involved around age care. “The team looking after people in aged care, PSA, AIN’s, enrolled nurses, it needs to be a team effort.” NSWNMA Acting General

Secretary, Judith Kiejda, said the government could no longer ignore aged care. “The Morrison Government must act now to mandate staffing ratios, this isn’t just a national emergency – it’s life

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and death,” Kiejda said. “Aged care nurses have been on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We urgently need sufficient staffing levels and skills mix, to cope with the intensified demand and workloads. “The tragedies we saw in NSW and Victorian nursing homes during the pandemic last year clearly show why aged care providers must be legally required to have minimum staffing and skills mix. “Aged care has suffered from chronic and widespread understaffing and a lack of transparency in how government funding is spent. “The Royal Commission has proven how desperate the situation is in aged care. “Regardless of the outcome, the government can’t ignore the need for better staffing and greater transparency around funding linked to care.” The NSWNMA said the Morrison Government cannot continue to stall on its responsibility to urgently fix the aged care sector. Jacinta Counihan

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26 FEBRUARY 2021

NEWS

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Revetment wall for Macmasters Beach

The crew at Macmasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club is delighted that the State Government has given a $320,700 grant to Central Coast Council to build a revetment wall at the popular beach. The club’s Director Administration, David White, said the wall would be extremely important in the medium to long term. “We have been working with Council for a few years now (on the matter) and are delighted that the State Government is going to provide the funds,” White said. “A revetment wall at Macs is identified as high priority in the Coastal Management Plan but it needs to have the appropriate environmental and planning approvals.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, with John Evans from Macmasters Beach SLSC

“Council has commissioned environmental consultants to do assessments as a precursor to approval of the works. “The clubhouse is very close to the ocean and the soil that it sits on is fragile; it is very

susceptible to erosion. “It is particularly vulnerable to large seas during high tides. “We had an occurrence four years ago where we lost a lot of the bank.” Parliamentary Secretary for

the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the revetment wall would cover a 110 metre stretch of the beach in front of the club. “This section of the coastline is rich in Aboriginal history and

the revetment wall will have a dual purpose of protecting the multi-million-dollar community-owned Surf Club, while also providing long-term protection to an Aboriginal burial site,” Crouch said.

“The project has been designed by Central Coast Council in a way that accommodates the existing surf break, secures the future of the Surf Club and provides permanent protection of local Aboriginal heritage. “I congratulate Council for receiving $320,700 as an outcome of its certified Coastal Zone Management Plan, and I look forward to the NSW Government supporting future funding applications that the Council submits.” Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock, said the NSW Government was committed to supporting councils and communities manage unique coastal assets now and into the future. Terry Collins

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

From Council The success or otherwise of any Council depends on several key factors. One is the role of the Chief Executive Officer [or the General Manager]. This person operates under the Local Government Act as the link and buffer between the elected body and the organisation. Prior to 1994, the Mayor was the CEO. In 1994, most states reformed their legislation to change that, making it clear the new position of General Manager [replacing the old Town Clerk] ran the organisation. The CEO reports to the elected body which has the role of setting policy, priorities, the annual budget and governing risk. In my view this separation was not operating effectively after the merger. This led to the organisation falling way short in many respects, particularly in terms of leadership. This has been a major factor in bringing about the financial disaster we are now having to fix, and the loss of confidence in the council generally. Having terminated the former CEO, I am now well advanced with the recruitment of his replacement. I am only interviewing people with a proven track record of success in a large council. I will be making an announcement very soon. If any of the three short-listed candidates had been at the helm, we would not have today’s problems. Dick Persson AM Administrator, Central Coast Council

One year on from the storms that impacted us all

February 2020 saw significant rain and abnormally high tides impact residents right across the region.

Teams from SES, NSW Fire & Rescue, RFS and Council assisted with clean-up in flood affected and storm damaged areas.

We focused on making areas safe by clearing debris from roads, footpaths, public spaces, lakes and coastal foreshores, as well as disinfecting all public toilets, sport ground amenities, public buildings, playgrounds and barbeque areas in flood affected areas. We; • distributed 100 food hampers to people in need (working with community outreach) • collected 5,791 tonnes of storm waste • cleared 2,663 tonnes of wrack from foreshores • inspected more than 2,400 trees with the majority requiring removal (responding to over 800 customer requests for storm damaged public trees) • collected over 1,200 tonnes of kelp and debris from beaches • provided free kerbside collections through February • opened facilities for people experiencing power outages: • Leisure Centres and Pools for showers • Libraries for people to recharge phones and other devices and use the computers or Wi-Fi. Umina Beach Library also helped fill flasks of hot water. To read more about our emergency responses, search ‘community bulletin’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

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.

Current Actions

Floods - We are working with the Bureau of Meteorology and the State Emergency Service on several initiatives to manage flood risk including land use planning controls; infrastructure planning; entrance management; adaptation planning for foreshore suburbs; flood awareness education; and emergency management planning. Have Your Say - We are seeking community input into three Floodplain Risk Management Plans and studies - for the Northern Lakes, Woy Woy, and Davistown and Empire Bay catchments. yourvoiceourcoast.com/floodplain Dredging update - Dredging of The Entrance Channel was completed last year - ahead of the busy tourist season and nesting Little Terns - with approximately 25,000 cubic metres of sand removed from the channel. Dredging triggers continue to be monitored. Ettalong seawall – upgrade works to strengthen the seawall have been completed. Further works to make rock bags and place them along areas of the wall impacted by erosion will be carried out later this month. Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au to find out more.

Council meeting

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

Council’s financial situation

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

Be the

first

to know!

at Sign up today .gov.au/ sw .n st centralcoa enews

Council Offices 2 Hely St Wyong / 49 Mann St Gosford | 8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday | P 1300 463 954 NEXT ISSUE Don’t miss the next issue. Sign up for our e-news at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/enews

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PAGE 7

26 FEBRUARY 2021

Central Coast Medical School and Research Institute Opens Mid-2021 Around 550 student places for medical and allied health students administered by the University of Newcastle. $85 million project jointly funded by the Federal and NSW State Governments and the University of Newcastle at Gosford Hospital.

Creating hundreds of local jobs in the heart of Gosford.

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26 FEBRUARY 2021

NEWS

New Coast Shelter CEO pushes for more social housing Coast Shelter’s new CEO Michael Starr is a man on a mission. Starr took the helm early this year and is determined to agitate for more social and transitional housing options for the most vulnerable people in the region. A Coast resident for several years, Starr is seeking to leverage his experience in early intervention services for young people, social enterprises, employment and family accommodation services. “In the youth specialist sector, I have worked across Australia in communities of high need and disadvantage; communities where people were experiencing long-term unemployment, intergenerational welfare dependency, poor general health and or diagnosed mental health conditions, homelessness, family domestic violence and high incarceration rates.” Starr said he wants to tackle the issues impacting the lives of people on the Central Coast. “Things like access to affordable and social housing so people can live safe, stable

Coast Shelter CEO, Michael Starr

lives; providing safe housing to women and children escaping domestic and family violence; and further investment in our Social Enterprise transitional employment programs to enable paid jobs for people before transitioning to open employment,” he said. Starr said demand for social and affordable housing on the Central Coast is significant at the moment and only expected to rise further. “All stakeholders in our

community need to come together and create a sustainable plan on how everyone can have access to affordable and sustainable housing now and into the future,” he said. “Leaders need to start the conversations, strategies and planning now.” Starr said one of the hidden impacts for the most vulnerable in our community has been increased isolation and social disconnection which can have

negative impact for people experiencing family violence, homelessness or living with mental health issues. “Throughout 2020 our Community Centre and Restaurant at Gosford saw continued need for take away meals, assistance with housing and clothing and support to access health services,” he said. “The Centre provided over 1,100 people with access to basic services like showers,

laundry facilities and haircuts. “Unfortunately our youth, men and women’s accommodation services all have wait lists and we are receiving more referrals every day. “A contributing factor to this is the lack of affordable, suitable transitional accommodation available on the Central Coast. “I am encouraged though by the lower numbers being reported of people experiencing

street homelessness on the Central Coast in the 2021 State Government Street Count initiative.” Starr said many people on the Central Coast will need to rebuild and reset their lives in 2021 due to COVID-19. “In 2021 I see great opportunities to collaborate with local organisations for greater social impact. “We plan to work much more closely with our local Indigenous community and listen to what they tell us about issues impacting local people and how we can co-design services to further meet cultural, family and individual needs. “Coast Shelter has close to 250 volunteers serving and helping others on a daily basis in our Community Centre, Restaurant and other programs like the Driver Mentor program helping young people get a drivers licence. “Our volunteers are a diverse group from across the Central Coast and reflect the generosity of our community’ we are incredibly fortunate and grateful to have them work alongside us.” Terry Collins

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Terrigal boardwalk nears completion The Terrigal boardwalk project is nearing completion with finishing touches now underway. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the installation of hardwood decking boards along the entire length of the 277m boardwalk had now been finished. “Over the next month, LED lighting will be installed within the hardwood handrail, electrical work will be undertaken, a hardwood bench will be installed at the viewing

platform and concreting will connect the boardwalk to the existing footpath at The Haven,” Crouch said. “Every part of the boardwalk has been designed to complement the natural environment and will be composed of materials that can withstand the elements to ensure its longevity into the future.” Crouch said the boardwalk would significantly improve access between The Esplanade and The Haven, particularly for parents with prams, people

with a disability and the elderly who struggle to walk up the existing steep pathway. “Thanks to an additional $250,000 from the NSW Government the project has also included a renovation of the adjacent rock pool, which includes new foundations and walls, a new disabilityaccessible ramp and a new pathway to link the rock pool with the boardwalk,” he said. “The boardwalk, viewing platform and rock pool will be a major tourism drawcard, helping to give nearby

businesses and the local economy a year-round boost. “A boardwalk at Terrigal has been talked about for decades and I am thrilled that construction is nearing completion.” The project is jointly funded with $2.98M from the NSW Government’s Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund and $2.9M from Central Coast Council. Source: Media release, Feb 22 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Community feedback on Point Clare Station invited Residents have until March 3 to provide feedback on proposed accessibility and safety upgrades at Point Clare Station. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the proposed upgrade includes two new lifts and familyfriendly amenities to ensure it can meet the needs of train customers both now and into

the future. “This multi-million-dollar upgrade will involve Point Clare station becoming more accessible to people with a disability, limited mobility, parents and carers with prams and customers with luggage,” Crouch said. “I am inviting the community to have their say on the proposal to ensure the NSW Government delivers a station that is used

by people of all ages and abilities. “I’m please this upgrade is now a step closer because I know it will make a real difference to locals once complete, as well as create approximately 50 local jobs in engineering, design, construction and administration.” Features of the proposed upgrade include: two new lifts

connecting each platform to the street level and commuter car parks as well as new stairs, pathways and ramps; new accessible parking spaces and kiss and ride spaces; upgrades to the bus stop waiting area’ a new family accessible toilet and a new unisex ambulant toilet; and improvements to lighting, power, wayfinding and CCTV. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul

Toole, said the upgrade was being delivered as part of the Transport Access Program, in which the NSW Government has invested more than $2B since 2011. “Upgrades like this ensure that stations have the amenities to support growth in public transport, and build upon our vision to make public transport a first choice for everyone living in the regions,” Toole said.

Feedback can be provided until Wednesday, March 3 by emailing projects@transport. nsw.gov.au or online at www. transport.nsw.gov.au/ pointclare. Pending planning approval, construction is set to get underway by mid year. Source: Media release, Feb 19 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Liesl Tesch MP Member for Gosford

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PAGE 12 26 FEBRUARY 2021

NEWS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Bushfire funding controversy catches alight Confusion reigns over just how much bushfire relief funding came to the Central Coast following last year’s devastating fire season. Central Coast Labor MPs took on Premier Gladys Berejiklian in Parliament recently, claiming the region was ignored in Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund allocations. Member for Wyong and NSW Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris, Member for

The Entrance, David Mehan, and Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, say that despite the Central Coast region suffering $163.3M of economic damage in the wake of last summer’s fires, the region did not receive a cent from the bushfire fund. Tesch was suspended for 24 hours on February 9 for disruptive behaviour after pressing the Premier on the issue during the first Question Time of the year. Impact assessment data and maps released by the NSW

Government show that 40 buildings and 144 rural landholders were impacted by the bushfires and an overall total of economic impact across the Central Coast region was $163.3M. “Instead of distributing money from the $177M Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund on the basis of genuine need, the Berejiklian Government allocated the vast bulk of the funding to seats held by the Government, while Labor seats across the

Vale Kevin Parish Central Coast commuters lost one of their greatest champions when Kevin Parish died on February 19 at the age of 89. One of the founding members of the Central Coast Commuters Association, Mr Parish served as its president until very recently and also as Chair of the Commuter Council of NSW. Born on July 22, 1931, Mr Parish grew up in the small town of Herons Creek in NSW. He developed his love of trains when he was 12 years old and used to commute by train from Herons Creek to Taree to attend high school.

He completed technician training with Post Master General (now Telstra) in Sydney where he met and married his wife Marie Day. Mr Parish worked tirelessly for many years to improve conditions for Central Coast

commuters and among other things is credited for is achieving better services and timetables. Mr Parish was also a dedicated volunteer with the St Vincent de Paul Society and an active member of the Labor Party and in 2005 was awarded an OAM for his services to the community. He is survived by his six children,10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. His funeral will take place on Friday, March 5, at 1.30pm at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, East Gosford. Terry Collins

Central Coast received nothing,” Harris said. Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, who is responsible for bushfire recovery, faced a Parliamentary Inquiry on February 8, which was originally to investigate funding allocations to councils under the Stronger Communities Program but then expanded to include the bushfire fund. It is understood Barilaro was asked to explain the government maps, which show the worst hit areas in terms of economic impact ($750M) from the fires are Coalition-held seats on the South Coast; yet other areas such as the Central Coast, which also suffered extensive economic damage, did not receive any financial help. Three council areas with a total $300M economic impact, according to Government data, did not receive any funding and, in contrast, another council with an estimated $16M impact, received $40M in funding. “Our communities simply got nothing,” Harris said. The Entrance MP, David Mehan, said politics should never come before bushfire recovery. “The Central Coast was devastated and desperately needed funding yet our electorates missed out because of the (political) Party we support, he

said. Berejiklian said in Parliament that the NSW Government had invested and would continue to invest in communities that were desperately recovering from bushfires. “I appreciate that every community wants immediate attention…forthosecommunities that wish to apply for further funding or present their case, those opportunities are ongoing and available,” she said. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the region received almost $25.5M in funding assistance, although the percentage of this money which came from the State Government is unclear, with the funds allocated from a joint State-Federal initiative. The Labor MPs say none of it was from the State Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, set up to aid the social and economic recovery of communities affected by bushfire in regional Local Government Areas. “Recovery is not only an individual journey, but a whole-ofcommunity journey and that’s why funding has been made available to families, businesses and the local council,” Crouch said. “Council has received $200,000

for local recovery projects including the Front Yard Fridays and Buy Local campaigns so that we can rebuild not just physical infrastructure,but also community wellbeing.” Crouch said support provided to the Coast community has included more than $500,000 in grants for bushfire-affected small businesses and primary producers; $9,000 in council rate rebates; 16,695 people received disaster recovery payments totalling $20M; almost $3.4M in child payments and $1.3M in oneoff grants to Central Coast Council. He said $4.4B in state and federal funding had gone to the NSW bushfire response, recovery and preparedness efforts including clean-up of properties destroyed or damaged; grants for small businesses and primary producers; case management support for bushfire-affected individuals and families; financial support for local councils to cleanup and repair road, bridges and dispose of bushfire debris and grants to support local community and industry recovery. Applications for a further $250M of bushfire recovery support from the NSW Government are now being assessed. Sue Murray and Terry Collins

Jane Smith

Jane Smith Independent Independent ...working for for our ...working ourcommunity community

Statepay government must pay fair share to Central Coast and residents and ratepayers State governmentThe must its fair share to its Central Coast residents ratepayers

Some of the NSW Government impact on Council budgets

The NSWamalgamated Government Gosford amalgamated Gosford and The NSW Government and Wyong Councils Wyong in May 2016. At noortime there y 2016. At no time hadCouncils there been a referendum poll had of our a referendum or pollto of merge. our community to ask if unity to ask if been we wanted our Councils The former we wanted our Councils tosupport merge. The former In Wyong g Council had voted in October 2015 to a merger. Council had voted October 2015 to support a merger. were Best, Eaton, Taylor, Troy in and Webster—against were favour were Best, Eaton, Taylor, Troy and Webster— m, Greenwald,InMatthews and Vincent. Gosford Council put up were more Graham, of a fight.Greenwald, A number ofMatthews Gosford and against illors claimed that they had been “bullied and coerced”, Vincent. vely told to “amalgamate or else”. Gosford Council Gosford Council put up more of a fight.reluctantly A number of rted the merger in November 2015. Voting favour Gosford Councillors claimed thatinthey had were been “bullied on, Doyle, Bowles, Burke, Ward, Bocking McKinna. Against and coerced”, effectively told and to “amalgamate or else”. McFadyen, Scott and Morris. Gosford Council reluctantly supported the merger in By October 2020 the failures the Council were clear. November 2015.ofVoting in favourmergers were Strickson, Doyle, ding to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 20 amalgamated councils Bowles, Burke, Ward, Bocking and McKinna. Against were d the State were losing $1.03 billion in three years and ratepayers McFadyen, Scott and Morris. hikes in rates and cuts in services. By October 2020 the failures of the Council mergers The State government has taken a combative stance to Central were clear. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 20 Council since the September 2017 election rather than working councils the State were losing $1.03 oratively with amalgamated Council to deliver foraround the community. billion obvious in three years and ratepayers facing hikes in rates This has been most in planning. The State government and cutsinin2018 services. uced a Gosford SEPP which removed planning powers The State government takenlimits a combative stance to Council and removed height and floorhas space from large sites Central Coastthe Council sinceofthe Septembercontributions 2017 election ford CBD. It also reduced amount developer

Cost of amalgamation

Council media release (8/10/2020) significant and ongoing impacts, estimate could be in excess of $100M

Gosford CBD SEPP

Reduction in developer contributions to Council from 4% to 1%. In Oct 2018, the NSW Department of Planning valued the 3% decrease at approx. $190M

Local Planning Panel

The LPP was established by NSW government to take decision making away from Council. In May 2020, in a staff report to Council, it was estimated that the cost burden to Council for the operation of the Panel is in the order to $400,000 per annum

$ 400,000 per annum

Emergency works – Wamberal Beach / North Entrance

July 2020 coastal erosion event - State government issued a direction requiring Council to construct emergency toe protection works. In Feb 2021, the total cost was estimated at $2.866M. The NSW government has reimbursed $992,501 thus far. (Ref Council report—3 Feb 2021)

$ 1.894 M

Biodiversity Offsetting

NSW government payments to offset environmental impacts at Kangy Angy and Lisarow wetland. The Development Application for Kangy Angy was approved in 2017, construction completed in 2020—still no payments for biodiversity offsets.

Cost shifting

Council media release (8/10/2020) estimate $45M or more per annum

rather than working collaboratively with Council to deliver for the community. This has been most obvious in planning. The State government introduced a Gosford SEPP in 2018 which

removed planning with powers from Council and removed paid to Council 2 percent of the contributions height floorState spacegovernment limits from large sites. This in Gosford goingand to the instead CBD. It also reduced the amount of developer contributions increased the burden on Council’s budgets. paid to Council with percent ofintroduced the contributions going to In 2020, the2 Minister a Local the State government instead This increasedthat the again burden Planning Panel, with little .justification, onremoved Council’splanning budgets. powers from the community and its at introduced a cost to Council. In Council, 2020, theagain Minister a Local Planning Panel, The Central Coast suffered a $163 million from with little justification, that again removed planning powers the 2019-20 summer but did not from the community andbushfires its Council, again at a received cost to a single cent of financial help from the NSW Council. Government’s Bushfire Locala Economic Recovery The Central Coast suffered $163 million from the Fund. The Statebushfires government has 2019-20 summer but did notadmitted received that a single “pork barrelling” onethe ofNSW its tools. This hasBushfire been to cent of financial help is from Government’s the detriment of the Central Coast. Local Economic Recovery Fund. The State government has The State government has failed to properly admitted that “pork barrelling” is one of its tools. This has fund its Council amalgamations resulting in been to the detriment of the Central Coast. significant costs being imposed on the Central Coast The State government has failed to properly fund its community - the residents and ratepayers. These Council amalgamations in financial significantsituation. costs being have contributed to resulting Council’s imposedI support on the Central Coast - the residents the call forcommunity a public inquiry into and ratepayers. These have contributed to cause. Council’s Council’s financial situation and the root financialI support situation. the call for a referendum on the I support the call for a public inquiry into Council’s amalgamation. financialI support situation and thethe callroot forcause. the NSW Government to I support thethe callCouncil for a referendum on the amalgamation. reimburse for the full cost of amalgamation. I support the call for the NSW Government to reimburse the Council for the full cost of amalgamation.

ommunity Cabinet meeting (Oct 2019) - Tumbi Umbi NSW Community Cabinet meeting (Oct 2019) - Tumbi Umbi

ral Coast New Independents

$ 100 M

Up to $ 190 M

TOTAL

UNDISCLOSED

$ 45 M > $337 M

Views in my these own and not represent Disclaimer - ViewsDisclaimer expressed- in theseexpressed articles are ownarticles and doare notmy represent thedo views of Council the views of Council For more information or to subscribe to my eNews – www.ccnewindependents.com

Central Coast New Independents

For more information or to subscribe to my eNews www.ccnewindependents.com

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Lucy Wicks is as bad as the Central Coast Council WHERE IS THE Performing Arts Centre? New Commuter Parking Lot?

THAT SHE PROMISED. The Liberal Party even think the Central Coast is in Greater Sydney…

We need someone new who is going to put the Coast first.

Authorised by Senator Deborah O’Neill, Suite 312, 4 Illya Ave, Erina, NSW 2250

PAGE 13 26 FEBRUARY 2021

PAGE 14 26 FEBRUARY 2021

ON THE BEAT

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Man charged over possession of drugs and a firearm

Police dog aids in arrest Police Dog Apache is being praised for assisting police to locate a wanted man living in bushland in a makeshift camp at Mount Elliot following reports of obscene exposure. The police search followed a report from a 33-year-old woman on February 21. The woman reported that at about 9am that day, she noticed a man on the same path when she was walking towards the St Johns Lookout at Mount Elliot within Katandra Reserve. He overtook the woman and a short time later it is alleged he pulled down his pants and exposed himself. The woman sought help from nearby walkers and contacted police who started an investigation. Officers from Brisbane Water Police District, with the

assistance of the Police Dog Unit, attended the reserve on February 23 and spoke with a 50-year-old man at a makeshift campsite. He was arrested and taken to Gosford Police Station where he was charged with carrying out a sexual act with another without consent and wilful and obscene exposure in or near a public place or school. The man was refused bail and appeared in Gosford Local Court on February 23 where he was granted bail to reappear on April 15. Investigations are continuing and anyone with information should contact Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Source: Media release, Feb 24 Police Dog Unit, NSW Police

A man has been charged after a firearm and drugs were located during a vehicle stop on the Central Coast on February 11. Shortly before 2am, officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District were patrolling the West Gosford area, when they stopped a Subaru Impreza on Moore St, due to the manner of driving. Police spoke with the driver – a 19-year-old Woy Woy man – and his male passenger. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, police allegedly located a loaded firearm underneath the driver’s seat, along with cannabis, MDMA and cash. The driver was arrested and taken to Gosford Police Station

Anyone with information about these incidents should call

Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

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

where he was charged with nine offences, including offences relating to the supply and possession of a prohibited drug and various firearm-related offences. He was refused bail to appear at Gosford Local Court the same day. Source: Media release, Feb 11 NSW Police media

Internet connection scams Gosford Erina Business Chamber has issued a warning regarding a renewed scam relating to internet and landline connections which is targeting businesses and

residences on the Central Coast. The call, from a pre-recorded computer states: “This is X from the national broadband network, we have been trying to get in touch with you.

However, we are going to disconnect your landline and internet connection within 24 hours as the NBN is now available within your locality. For uninterrupted services please press 1 to get yourself

connected to a technician”. NBN Co has said it does not make automated calls to advise of disconnections to a service and that it does not sell phone or internet services directly to the public.

It is important to verify who you are speaking to. Never share personal information or financial details if you are unsure of the identity of the person you are speaking with. End the conversation and contact your telephone service provider. Where you receive repeated unwelcomed calls from the same number, your telephone service provider may be able to help you. Report all unwelcomed calls

to your service provider noting the time, date, duration and content of the calls. The chamber said this is a known and reported scam listed on the website of the Telecommunication Industry Ombudsman. For further details visit https:// www.tio.com.au/reportsupdates/robocall-scamabout-disconnection-yourlandline-and-internet-service Source: Media release, Feb 18 Gosford Erina Business Chamber

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PAGE 15 26 FEBRUARY 2021

LETTER TO THE CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY

As a ratepayer myself, I am furious at Central Coast Council’s financial situation. I do not support the proposed rate rise. It’s outrageous that our community might be forced to pay for the mistakes and failures of a group of Councillors and Council senior staff. The Administrator has made progress in exposing the cause of Council’s debt totalling $565 million. However I believe that further investigations will be required to ensure a sustainable financial situation can be restored. Over the past couple of weeks, I have raised concerns about Council on the floor of Parliament five times. I will continue to ensure the Central Coast community’s concerns are heard loud and clear.

Adam Crouch MP Member for Terrigal

Adam CROUCH mp Member for Terrigal 02 4365 1906 adamcrouchmp

terrigal@parliament.nsw.gov.au adamcrouchmp

adamcrouchmp.com.au

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

PAGE 16 26 FEBRUARY 2021

FORUM

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Welcome to Gosford … do you like our twee pseudo-Aboriginal decorations and our glorious Finance Building Adam Crouch must be funning us when he boasts about the Leagues Club Field, that delivering “more than 20,000 square metres of (open space) … is a fantastic result” for the citizens of the Central Coast (CCN 280). Perhaps he didn’t notice that the open space has already been there for decades and hasn’t been costing us a penny. However, what has happened now is that we have spent $10M to change a plain, multi-

FORUM use space into a chi-chi piece of landscape construction, complete with twee pseudoAboriginal decorations, whose exact purpose is unclear. One outstanding result is that we now have a full frontal view of the ugliest building in Gosford - the Finance Office building - which anyone crossing the McGowan Bridge will now be able to see in all its gory (I’d say glory, but it is actually a bloody mess).

Does anyone believe that this was the highest-priority $10M work that was required in Gosford? Can anyone explain how this piece of ego-building nonsense was allowed to proceed? What benefit is it to the vast majority of Central Coast residents? Let us hope that, if there is another $10M in small change floating about, it is put to better use than this pointless exercise. Email, Feb 22 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

Is the Administrator from a different planet? Can someone help me understand why in the midst of a financial crisis the (Central Coast Council) Administrator is planning to spend approximately $28M building a regional library? Its’ not only the cost of building the library, but the cost to run it and the huge salaries of those professionals who will work there. The region already has numerous libraries, halls and

FORUM venues for the public to meet. In case anyone hadn’t noticed, most people now access information online from their homes or the local libraries that already exist. The Administrator is talking about raising rates by 15 per cent, while spending on unnecessary infrastructure, but can’t get the rubbish picked up on the street or weeds removed from public land.

As a ratepayer I feel these people who run our institutions come from a different planet and we, the shareholders, have no say in the running of the Council. The recent survey on the rate increase is a great example. The way the survey was structured only allowed for the outcome they wanted. Come on guys, you can do better. Email, Feb 20 Garry Clifford, Glenning Valley

Don’t forget who pays your salaries After reading a lot about the payments made to the public service, the majority of citizens are wondering where do they think they get their salaries from (the rate- or tax-payer)? In this country they are the most overpaid salaries in the world; the people are asking why? Meanwhile the politicians are giving themselves pay increases that are not justified.

FORUM Like so many others I am wondering, why do they do it? Just to get rich at our expense? I fear a rebellion against this horrific crime against the people who they rely on to vote for them. I read the former CEO of our Council’s response to the finance problem (of Central Coast council).

FREECALL - 1800 891 691 4324 7699

131-133 Donnison Street Gosford brazelmoorelawyers.com.au

Maybe the fault is the State Government’s for not paying for the whole of the cost of amalgamation, again without consulting the people. The $20M was not enough; from what I have observed (costs) would have been well over $60M, so where does the State Government think (that would come) from? Again, from the ratepayer. Email, Feb 19 Robert Findley, Point Clare

Another vote for a judicial enquiry There is nothing like an increase in rates to stir up the silent majority, including myself.

FORUM

Over 10,000 did the online survey, another 15,000 are signing an e-petition and social media is abuzz. Administrator Dick Persson and his new management team are pursuing the legal solution to this financial crisis. However, I believe there are fundamental principles that are being swept under the carpet, and which should be investigated. The NSW Auditor General, the Office of Local Government and past Administrators, CEOs and CFOs have all had skin in the game. They all knew something was wrong with the CCC’s official financial statements but they didn’t dig deep enough until it was too late. In a nutshell, it appears that

See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper Council’s financial staff didn’t present the correct totals in past financial statements (pre amalgamation). This resulted in the official bottom line showing $129.5M more than the real figure. This mistake was carried over in the following years and Council’s new management probably didn’t realise the problem until March, 2020, when the Auditor General started asking difficult questions. According to the Auditor

General’s report, the illegal spending of restricted funds goes back to Gosford Council in 2001. Can someone please explain what was happening? On top of these mistakes, Council’s management went on a uncontrolled spending spree, increased staff numbers and amalgamation expenses were not properly budgeted from the beginning. Most of the councillors appear to have been blind to what was happening until the Council could no longer pay wages ($6.2M). Whilst Mr Persson has done a great job in getting the Council back on track, it appears that ratepayers do not have the full picture. We need a judicial inquiry to make the cohort of public servants accountable. Email, Feb 19 Graham Hankin, Chittaway Point

Gary Murphy more believable than the Administrator? In reply to “CEO Sets amalgamation caused by the Record Straight” I, like Government? FORUM NSWThisState many other residents whole mess is left to the thought that the Council problems were caused by Gary Murphy whereas they obviously were not.

To Gary Murphy I apologise but I believed what the Administrator said - that was a big mistake as I still don’t know where the money went; even though audits have taken place we have not been given all the facts. Certainly Mr. Murphy has detailed time frames etc and in very plain language. I, like many others, firmly believe these problems were exacerbated by the amalgamation of both Central Coast councils. I believe of the 20 NSW state council amalgamations only

one was successful. If there is a referendum it must include Council deamalgamation. The area is far too big for one council and councillors to travel from Lake Macquarie to the Hawkesbury River, especially if fewer councillors are to be elected. All of the councillors are also being blamed but whatever happened to the board of directors being accountable for this debacle? Mr. Murphy mentions various audits being taken before the problem was found. Again why didn’t the directors (who are no doubt paid the big bucks) ask more questions and also the state auditor prior to the debacle called

ratepayers who are expected to agree and pay higher rates, Email, Feb 21 Tony Farina Kariong

From the editor Please note that when submitting a letter for our Forum pages, either in hard copy or via email, we require your full name and suburb. Letters which do not include this information will not be considered for publication. Editor

FREE SEMINAR Challenging Wills Seminar

Experienced down-to-earth help and advice throughout the Central Coast This free public seminar is being given by Brazel Moore Lawyers to help people understand what to expect, so they know where they stand in: • Challenging a Will; or • Defending a Will from Challenge The theme is to educate people about the options and choices available to them if they have been

left out of a Will - or if you want to leave someone out of your Will - alerting you to the pitfalls and procedures in dealing with Challenging Wills and how you should best deal with challenges. Mr Geoff Brazel, Solicitor will present the seminar on Challenging Wills to help you through the maze of legal regulation

The seminar will be presenting in a friendly relaxed atmosphere and there will be plenty of time for your questions. You’ll be helped a lot in understanding the system and will then be able to confidently consider what steps you need to take to properly consider challenges to Wills.

WHEN: 9 March 2021 TIME: 6.45pm to 8.00pm WHERE: Mingara Recreation Club HOW: Call 4324 7699 to reserve your spot now!

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 17 26 FEBRUARY 2021

Our Jemma stars in Frozen

Coastie Jemma Rix as Elsa in Frozen

Coastie, Jemma Rix, stars as Elsa in the hit Broadway musical production, Frozen, which is appearing in the Capitol Theatre until May 23. Frozen is considered to be one of the most technically advanced productions ever mounted in Australia with a total cast of 38, an incredible 440 costumes, and 65 tonnes of scenery and automation. Rix originally started in theatre when she was 21 and

has since been in many shows, including the hit show Wicked. She said her first professional theatre job was with Universal Studios in Japan. “Talent and luck must coincide for success,” Rix said. “I was fortunate to be doing a rock ‘n’ roll show in Japan, and they were building this theme park, Island of Oz. “They asked me to audition for Wicked because they heard my voice and thought (it) would really match Elphaba’s style, so

I did that for the rest of my contract. “Then what ended up happening was when I move back to Australia, they were doing the actual auditions for Wicked.” Rix said got a role in the production because she was experienced in singing the song Defying Gravity. “They trusted that I could do it, which was when I landed my first proper gig in Australia in musical theatre for the standby

of Elphaba, so that was huge. “That was kind of how I got into the world of musical theatre. “Then I earned my way by doing lots of Wicked shows; I did 1200 Elphaba shows, I got to travel around the world doing it, which is pretty amazing.” Frozen opened on December 1 and will run until May 23. All costumes are handmade in Sydney by a 70-person team engaged in bringing the opulent

Monthly market for East Gosford From March 20, East Gosford will host a monthly market on the third Saturday of every month on the grounds of the St Patricks Catholic Primary School. The market has been organised by BROWSE Events Founder Joanne Giles, who also runs the markets at Long Jetty and Terrigal Giles said she is excited to expand into East Gosford. “There’s been a lot of

stallholder demand and a lot of people asking me about possibly starting up in Gosford,” Giles said. “Father Greg Skulski from the St Patrick’s Parish contacted me around the same time to see if I’d be interested in doing a monthly community market there; it’s crazy how it all happened. “I said, let’s give it ago, so we went to the Council, completed the DA, and it just came through.” The market will include up to

100 stalls which Giles said she wants to complement the local shops. “We would like to focus on hot and cold foods stalls and produce like local veggies and fruits,” she said. “We will also have some nice artesian stores like fashion and craft. “We want the focus to be more on local produce and food and somewhere for people to hang out in that area. “We love the feel of East

Gosford; it’s like a village for the locals, which is really great for a market.” “The East Gosford markets follow the ‘shop local’ mindset that has become popular since COVID. “I feel like there’s a need for support for these small businesses. “It was terrible for everybody, but everyone slowly starting to get back out there.” Jacinta Counhian

setting of Arendelle to life. Elsa’s ice dress alone took one person 60 days to sew on 14,000 beads and crystals, and three months to make the dress from start to finish. The custom embroidery on Anna’s gown in the coronation scene takes over 100 hours to create and is done entirely by hand. Rix said one of her biggest theatrical influences had been Idina Menzel, who sang Let it Go in the movie Frozen.

“I’ve kind of followed her path again in that sense,” Rix said. “I feel connected with Elsa because I feel connected with anything Idina does. “It is full-on to play such a famous role and (have such a famous) song to sing. “I still get incredibly nervous. “I never thought in my wildest dreams that this is where I would be.” Jacinta Counihan

PAGE 18 26 FEBRUARY 2021 OUT&ABOUT

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New Netflix series films on Central Coast Residents of Macmasters Beach and Kincumber were hoping for a glimpse of film and TV star Toni Colette as Netflix filmed its new television series Pieces of Her at various Central Coast locations over the past week.

The film crew sets up at Frost Reserve Photo: Jayden Morgan

The production began filming scenes at Macmasters Beach on February 20, with the crew also setting up camp at Kincumber’s Frost Reserve on February 21. Both shoots are expected to end on Sunday, February 28. The reserve at Lakeside Drive

in MacMasters Beach will also be used for a one-day shoot on February 26. Filming moves on to the Peninsula on February 27 with a six-day shoot at Ettalong Beach’s Lemongrove Netball Courts. On March 1, crews will move to Ocean Beach’s WL Lloyd Reserve for a three-day shoot set near Ocean Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. Umina’s Margarita Daze has also been booked out for a three-day shoot starting from Monday, March 1 between 7am and 6pm.

Some residents were provided notice of the filming details this month with a letter from the production’s location manager. The new series is an eightpart American thriller drama. With notable Australian star Toni Colette at the helm, the series is set to follow the story of Andrea (Colette) who is caught up in a mass shooting at a local diner with her mother Laura. She witnesses Laura violently dispose of the shooter and soon after, video footage of the incident becomes a viral hit, exposing Laura’s identity to her

past enemies. Andrea is forced to escape and whilst on that journey, attempts to piece together the real truths her mother had fought so hard to conceal. Local budding actors also had their chance to be in the show after a casting call was put out for paid extras earlier this month. The series is based on the eponymous 2018 novel by Karin Slaughter and will also feature Lord of the Rings’ David Wenham and Moulin Rouge’s Richard Roxburgh. Maisy Rae

Photographer takes second in comp Brendan Abbott has been awarded second prize in the Australian wide aerial photography competition, SkyStock, for his image of a rare moment in nature near Avoca Beach. The photograph, part of the Nature and Environment theme, is a bird’s-eye-view shot of a school of salmon circling a grey nurse shark near the shallows of the beach. His photo was one of five winners selected from 10,000 entries. Abbott said he took the photo

at the end of last year when there seemed to be many large groups of salmon in the area. “I was actually going out to surf that morning, but it was pretty flat, so I pulled my Mavic 2 Pro out of the car to do a beach run, Abbott said. “I found this large bait ball of Australian salmon and followed it for a while. “Then, from what appeared to be out of nowhere, this shark glided in from the deep, and I tracked it for about 20 minutes. “I’ve always wanted to film a shark around a bait ball and lucked onto this on this particular

day. “I didn’t end up surfing that day either.” Abbott had lived on the Central Coast for three years now and said his love for drones stems from when he was young. “I’ve been into remotecontrolled planes ever since I’ve been about 10, so pretty much my whole life,” he said. “Before this, I was in Cronulla in a commercial drone business for five years. “I was shooting high-end boats, real estate inspections, and also live streaming events.

“Then I got into drones and cinematography. “I do a bit of everything; I just shoot anything that catches my eye. “I love doing it.” Guest judges were from a range of leading drone and aerial businesses, which also donated to the prize pool. Abbott received $200 cash and two copies of the Pippa and Dronie book; one he gave to his daughter and the other he donated to her school. Jacinta Counihan

A A

C n

Brendan Abbott’s award winning photo

COASTAL DIARY EVENTS ON THE CENTRAL COAST

FRIDAY, FEB 26

Register online CBWN: International and Recreation Centre, cleanup.org.au Women’s Kanangra Dr, Gwandalan, Troubadour Folk Club Day Breakfast, 9am 3pm, Grand opening, Ticketed, Mercure Waters, Registrations essential MONDAY, MAR 8 Everglades Club Woy Woy, TUESDAY, MAR 2 7 9am, Ticketed event International Women’s Day SUNDAY, MAR 7 Central Coast Mariners V Public exhibition: Luncheon, Coal Ash Public Meeting, Northern Lakes FloodMacarthur FC, The Rise Twilight: Point Wolstoncroft Sport plain Risk Management Pullman Magenta Shores Central Coast Stadium, Resort, Magenta, Open day, and Recreation Centre 7pm Study and Plan, 12 - 2pm Recreation Hall, RSVP to Wood Glen Blue Haven Community attend, Ocean Beach Meditation, Retirement Village, Hall, 4 - 7pm 1pm - 4pm SATURDAY, MAR 6 Ocean Beach Umina 4:30pm - 6:30pm yourvoiceourcoast.com/ Knife in the Boot: OBSLC if raining, RSVP - rsvp.therise.com.au northern-lakes-floodplain International Women’s 6:20am - 7:30am Phoenix Collective SUNDAY, FEB 28 or call 02 4365 6800 Day Expo: Women in Tango Quartet, WEDNESDAY, MAR 3 Art Exhibition & Artisan International Women’s Day Greenway Chapel, SATURDAY, FEB 27 Markets, Celebration Breakfast, Green Point, Public exhibition: The Entrance Gallery, The Entertainment Grounds Ticketed, 2:30pm Bouddi Coastal Run, Northern Lakes FloodFree, 10am - 4pm Gosford, Ticketed, www.trybooking.com Killcare Beach, plain Risk Management Exhibition runs till the 17th 7am Register online, Peninsula Lions Club: Study and Plan, Live streaming of the “All 6am - 6pm Sydney Symphony CCCWHC celebrates Car Boot Sale, Halekulani Community About Women” event from Orchestra: Andrew Haveron Women #Choose to Hall, 4 - 7pm the Sydney Opera House, Chemical clean out, Dunban Road Car Park Performs Bach, Challenge, yourvoiceourcoast.com/ on the cnr of Ocean Red Tree Theatre Tuggerah Council’s Long Jetty The Art House Wyong, Community Women’s northern-lakes-floodplain Free - Booking required, Beach Road, Depot Ticketed, 7pm Health Centre / The Red 10:45am - 4:30pm 7am - 1pm Morris Place, Bateau Tree Theatre Tuggerah, FRIDAY, MAR 5 Multi Sports Festival, free/booking required, Bay,27 - 28/02, Clean Up Australia Day, Avoca Beachside Markets, Point Wolstoncroft Sport 10am - 2pm 9am - 3:30pm Heazlett Park Foreshore, 9am - 2pm

WEDNESDAY, MAR 10

SATURDAY, MAR 20

Creating Collaborative Flavours by The Sea, Housing Solutions- Focus Terrigal Memorial on Older Women: Forum, Foreshore, The Red Tree Theatre 10am - 10pm Tuggerah, Ticketed, 9am - 2pm SATURDAY, MAR 27 Tribute: Olivia Newton-John, Laycock Street Community Theatre, Ticketed, 11am

SATURDAY, MAR 13

Central Coast Mariners V Melbourne Victory, Central Coast Stadium, 7pm

SUNDAY, MAR 28 Have you serviced your

Rayon Riot III - International inflatable lifejacket? Women’s Day Cabaret, Register for a TransNaughty Noodle Fun Haus, port for NSW inflatable Ticketed, 8pm

SUNDAY, MAR 14 Central Coast Mariners V Perth Glory, Central Coast Stadium, 4pm

lifejacket self-service clinic, Deerubbin Reserve Boat Ramp, Mooney Mooney, 10am, 11am & 12pm

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 19 26 FEBRUARY 2021

Don’t miss Nina’s Show & Tell at Avoca

Macmasters beach artist and author, Nina Angelo

Macmasters Beach artist and author, Nina Angelo, is currently showcasing her artwork series, Show & Tell, at Like Minds café at Avoca Beach. The series of art follows her journey of healing, from hearing her parents’ stories of surviving the Holocaust to recovering from Stage 4 lymphoma. Angelo said she will be at Like

Minds over the next two weeks as an artist in residence, spending her time painting and engaging with the community. “With this series, as I put all the artwork together into chronological order, which they weren’t before, I realised it told a story from one to the other,” Angelo said. “That’s why I called it Show & Tell. “At the showcase, I’ll be

reading my book and talking about how so many people are going through a traumatic time now, how that comes about, and how we can heal.” Angelo self published her first memoir, Don’t Cry, Dance, in 2019. The story is about her parents meeting in Auschwitz and surviving the Holocaust and it is also Angelo’s own story. “Since I started writing my

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book, which is about generational trauma and my family who died in the Holocaust, I didn’t realise, but I became ill,” she said. “I started visually expressing my every day; what was happening, things that were affecting me. “I did it intuitively; I didn’t question it, I didn’t change a line, I didn’t throw a thing away. “I didn’t do it to do an

exhibition, but I did it for myself. “But when I came through this lymphoma, I knew I should get out there and speak about these things.” Angelo is also a motivational speaker and has held various events and workshops, contributing to the arts and cultural life on the Central Coast for over 40 years. She was awarded an OAM in the 2009 Queen’s Birthday

Honour’s list for Service to the arts and the Central Coast Community. “I am doing (the show) at Like Minds because I’m not one to put things in the gallery, I am about community,” she said. “I want to thank all of the community who helped me through my healing and who were there for me.” Jacinta Counihan

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Sunday 28 February

Saturday 27 February

Friday 26 February

ABC (C20/21)

PRIME (C61/60)

NINE (C81/80)

6:00 6:00 News Breakfast [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 9:00 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Q&A [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 11:30 11:00 The Pacific: In The Wake Of 12:00 Movie: “My Father Must Die” 12:00 (aka Killing Daddy) (M v) (’14) 1:00 Captain Cook With Sam Neill (PG) [s] Stars: Elizabeth Gillies 1:30 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 2:00 House Of Wellness [s] 3:00 4:00 1:00 Back Roads (PG) [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 5:00 1:30 Outback Ringer (PG) [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 6:00 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 2:00 Rake (M l) [s] 7:00 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:30 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 4:00 The Heights (PG) [s] 4:30 Silvia’s Italian Table (PG) [s] 8:30 Movie: “John Wick: Chapter 3” 8:30 5:00 Restoration Australia [s] (MA15+) (’19) – John Wick is on the run after killing a member of 6:00 The Drum [s] the international assassins’ 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 Gardening Australia [s] guild, and with a $14 million 8:30 Vera: Dark Road (M v) [s] price tag on his head, he is the 10:00 Mum: Wednesday (M) [s] target of hit men and women 10:30 State Of The Union: everywhere. Stars: Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry Call The Midwife (M l) [s] 11:30 Movie: “300: Rise Of An 11:00 10:45 ABC Late News [s] 11:00 The Vaccine (PG) [s] Empire” (MA15+) (’14) Stars: Hans Matheson, David 11:15 The Weekly (PG) [s] Wenham, Eva Green 1:00 11:45 Aftertaste (M) [s] 1:30 12:15 rage (MA15+) [s] 1:00 Home Shopping 6:00 6:00 Home Shopping 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend 10:00 10:00 rage (PG) [s] 12:00 12:00 Motor Racing: 2021 Repco 11:00 rage Retro Month (PG) [s] Supercars Championship: Mt 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] Panorama 500 - Day 1 *Live* [s] 2:00 12:30 Sleeping Beauty [s] 2:30 5:00 Seven News At 5 [s] 2:40 Royal Wives Of Windsor: 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s A Royal Marriage [s] 3:30 Front Line (PG) [s] 3:30 Dream Gardens [s] 4:30 6:00 Seven News [s] 4:00 Ask The Doctor (PG) [s] 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s 5:00 4:30 Landline [s] 5:30 Front Line (PG) [s] 5:00 Football: A-League: Western 6:00 Sydney Wanderers v Adelaide 7:30 Movie: “Guardians Of The Galaxy” (PG) (’14) – A group of 7:00 United *Live* From Parramatta 7:30 intergalactic criminals are Stadium [s] forced to work together to stop 7:00 ABC News [s] 8:30 a fanatical warrior from taking 7:30 Death In Paradise (PG) [s] – control of the universe. Stars: Jack faces a life-changing James Gunn, Chris Pratt decision whilst investigating the murder of a man found dead in 10:00 Movie: “Clash Of The Titans” 10:50 (M v) (’01) Stars: Mark a boat off the Saint Marie coast. Wahlberg, Tim Rot 8:30 Call The Midwife (PG) [s] 1:00 9:30 Harrow: Damnant Quod Non 12:00 Motor Racing: 2021 Repco Supercars Championship: Intellegunt (M v) [s] 2:00 Bathurst 500: Highlights [s] 10:25 Apple Tree Yard (MA15+) [s] 5:30 1:00 Home Shopping 11:20 Press: Pure (M l,s) [s] 6:00 6:00 Home Shopping 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend 10:00 9:00 Insiders [s] 11:00 (PG) [s] 10:00 Offsiders [s] 12:00 12:00 Motor Racing: 2021 Repco 10:30 The World This Week [s] Supercars Championship: Mt 11:00 Compass (PG) [s] Panorama 500 - Day 2 *Live* [s] 2:00 11:30 Songs Of Praise (PG) [s] 5:00 Seven News At 5 [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 5:30 Sydney Weekender (PG) [s] 12:30 Landline [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 1:30 Gardening Australia [s] 2:30 Australia Remastered (PG) [s] 7:00 Holey Moley Australia: Celebrity Special (PG) [s] 3:30 The Mix [s] 4:00 Football: W-League: Round 10: 8:30 Movie: “Venom” (M) (’18) Stars: 4:00 Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Melbourne Victory v Canberra 5:00 Riz Ahmed, Scott Haze, Reid United *Live* From Epping 5:30 Scott, Jenny Slate, Melora Stadium [s] 6:00 Walters, Woody Harrelson 6:00 Antiques Roadshow [s] 7:00 11:00 World’s Deadliest: 7:00 ABC News Sunday [s] 8:40 Days Out (PG) [s] 7:40 Grand Designs NZ [s] 9:40 11:45 Surveillance Oz: Dashcam 8:30 Harrow (M v) [s] 10:10 (PG) [s] 9:25 Silent Witness (M l,s,v) [s] 12:15 Motor Racing: 2021 Repco 10:25 Killing Eve (MA15+) [s] 12:00 Supercars Championship: 11:10 Line Of Duty (M v) [s] Bathurst 500: Day 2 Highlights 12:10 Wentworth (MA15+) [s] 1:00 1:30 Home Shopping 1:00 rage (MA15+) 1:30 4:10 Wentworth (MA15+) [s]

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

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

TEN (C13)

SBS (C30)

Today [s] 6:00 Headline News [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News Today Extra [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 5:30 Worldwatch NINE’s Morning News [s] Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 1:00 PBS Newshour Driving Test: Hai (PG) [s] 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:00 Destination Flavour China (In English/ Mandarin) Married At First Sight (M) [s] 2:30 My Market Kitchen [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Tipping Point [s] 2:05 Beasts And The Pharaohs NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 3:30 Everyday Gourmet With (PG) Justine Schofield [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 3:00 NITV News: Nula NINE News [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful A Current Affair (PG) [s] Noni Hazlehurst (PG) Escape To The Chateau (PG) (PG) [s] 4:30 Great British Railway Movie: “Notting Hill” (M) (’99) – 5:00 10 News First [s] Journeys (PG) 6:00 WIN News [s] William, a British bookseller, 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) meets and falls in love with 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 5:35 Letters And Numbers 7:30 The Living Room [s] Anna, a high-profile American 6:00 Mastermind Australia 8:30 The Graham Norton Show actress. However, their 6:30 SBS World News (M l,s) [s] relationship goes through many 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are problems due to their different 9:30 Hughesy, We Have A Problem UK?: Paul Merton (PG) social statuses. Stars: Julia (M l) [s] 8:30 Who Do You Think You Are Roberts, Hugh Grant 10:30 Just For Laughs (M) [s] UK?: Sharon Osbourne (PG) 11:00 The Project (PG) [s] Movie: “In Good Company” 9:35 My Grandparents War (PG) (PG) (’04) Stars: Dennis Quaid, 12:00 The Late Show With Stephen 10:30 SBS World News Late Topher Grace Colbert (PG) [s] 11:00 Whitney (M l) 12:30 Home Shopping Surfing Australia TV [s] 1:10 The Looming Tower (M l,s,v) Home Shopping (In English/ Arabic) 5:00 CGTN English News 6:00 Which Car? [s] Easy Eats [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 6:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] Weekend Today [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 7:00 Escape Fishing With ET [s] Today Extra [s] 1:00 PBS Newshour Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman 7:30 4X4 Adventures [s] & Ironwoman Series *Live* [s] 8:30 The Offroad Adventure Show 2:00 Figure Skating: ISU European Figure Skating Austria 9:30 Studio 10 Saturday (PG) [s] My Way [s] 3:30 Black Hole: Universe’s 12:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] Witness To Disaster: Greatest Mystery Black Hole 12:30 Destination Dessert [s] California Mudslide (PG) [s] Hunters 1:00 10 Minute Kitchen [s] Serengeti: Rebirth (PG) [s] 4:40 Lost Viking Army (PG) 1:30 Places We Go [s] The Garden Gurus [s] 5:35 Hitler Youth (PG) 2:00 Three Blue Ducks [s] NINE News: First At Five [s] (In English/ German) 2:30 Australia By Design [s] Getaway (PG) [s] 6:30 SBS World News 3:00 What’s Up Down Under [s] NINE News Saturday [s] 7:30 Going Places With Ernie 3:30 My Market Kitchen [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Dingo (PG) 4:00 Everyday Gourmet With Space Invaders: Julie And 8:00 King Arthur’s Britain: Truth Justine Schofield [s] Peter (PG) [s] Unearthed King Arthur’s Lost 4:30 Farm To Fork [s] Movie: “Yesterday” (M l) (’19) Kingdom (M) 5:00 10 News First [s] Stars: Himesh Patel, Lily 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 9:10 Movie: “Monty Python And The James, Sophia Di Martino 7:00 Three Blue Ducks [s] Holy Grail” (PG) (’75) Stars: Movie: “Taking Woodstock” 7:30 Program To Be Advised John Cleese, Eric Idle (MA15+) (’09) Stars: Henry 9:00 Ambulance UK (M) [s] 10:45 Movie: “The Broken Circle Goodman, Edward Hibbert 11:20 Inside The Children’s Breakdown” (MA15+) (’12) Witness To Disaster: Hospital (PG) [s] Stars: Johan Heldenbergh California Mudslide (PG) [s] 12:00 Program To Be Advised (In Flemish/ Danish/ English) Home Shopping 1:00 Home Shopping 12:45 War Of The Worlds (M l) Wesley Impact [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 6:00 Religious Programs [s] Easy Eats [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 7:30 Fishing Australia [s] Weekend Today [s] 5:30 Worldwatch The Xtreme CollXtion (PG) [s] 8:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 8:30 Places We Go [s] 1:00 Speedweek AFL: Women’s Footy (PG) [s] 3:00 Bushfire Animal Rescue (PG) Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman 9:00 Luca’s Key Ingredient [s] 9:30 Studio 10 Sunday [s] 4:00 Great British Railway & Ironwoman Series (PG) [s] 12:00 All 4 Adventure [s] Journeys: Movie: “Zeus And Roxanne” Faversham To Dorking (PG) 1:00 The Offroad Adventure Show (G) (’97) Stars: Steve 4:35 Sportswoman: Guttenberg, Kathleen Quinlan, 2:00 Three Blue Ducks [s] 2:30 Freshly Picked With Simon Ash Barty/ Serena Williams Arnold Vosloo, Miko Hughes, Toohey [s] 4:35 Hitler Youth (PG) Majandra Delfino, Dawn 3:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] (In English/ German) McMillan, Jessica Howell 3:30 Roads Less Travelled (PG) [s] 6:30 SBS World News David Attenborough’s 7:30 Searching For Cleopatra (PG) Dynasties: Painted Wolf (PG) 4:00 Program To Be Advised 5:00 10 News First [s] 9:10 The Queen And The Coup NINE News: First At Five [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] (PG) Territory Cops (PG) [s] 6:30 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 10:05 Country Town Pride: NINE News Sunday [s] Untold Australia (M l) 7:30 The Amazing Race Australia Married At First Sight (M) [s] (M) [s] 11:05 24 Hours In Police Custody: 60 Minutes (PG) [s] Code Of Silence (M l,v) 9:00 FBI: Most Wanted: NINE News Late [s] Caesar (M) 12:00 Michael Mosley: A History Of The Piketon Family Murders 10:00 FBI: Most Wanted: Surgery: Into The Brain (PG) (M) [s] 1:00 Michael Mosley: A History Of Invisible (M) [s] Young, Dumb And Banged Up Surgery: Bleeding Hearts (PG) 11:00 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] In The Sun (MA15+) [s] 12:00 Home Shopping 2:00 Michael Mosley: A History Of My Way (PG) [s] Surgery: Spare Parts (PG) 4:30 CBS This Morning [s] Home Shopping

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

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

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

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

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Thursday 4 March

Wednesday 3 March

Tuesday 2 March

Monday 1 March

ABC (C20/21)

PRIME (C61/60)

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Landline [s] 11:00 Grand Designs NZ [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 Death In Paradise (M v) [s] 2:00 Rake (M l,v) [s] 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:00 The Heights (PG) [s] 4:30 Silvia’s Italian Table (PG) [s] 5:00 Restoration Australia (PG) [s] 6:00 The Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] 8:00 Australian Story [s] 8:30 Four Corners [s] 9:15 Media Watch [s] 9:35 The Pacific: In The Wake Of Captain Cook With Sam Neill (PG) [s] 10:25 You Can’t Ask That (M l) [s] 10:55 ABC Late News [s] 11:30 Catalyst (PG) [s] 12:25 Wentworth (MA15+) [s] 1:15 rage (MA15+) [s] 3:40 Wentworth (MA15+) [s]

6:00 10:00 11:30 12:00

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

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Four Corners [s] Antiques Roadshow [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Call The Midwife (M) [s] Poldark (M v) [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] The Heights (PG) [s] Silvia’s Italian Table (PG) [s] Restoration Australia (PG) [s] The Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 (PG) [s] Foreign Correspondent [s] Catalyst: Mission To Mars: Human [s] Australia Remastered (PG) [s] QI: Parts (M) [s] ABC Late News [s] Q&A (M l,s) [s] Wentworth (MA15+) [s] rage (MA15+) [s] Wentworth (MA15+) [s] The Drum [s] 7.30 (PG) [s]

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

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Foreign Correspondent [s] Stan Grant’s One Plus One [s] Aussie Inventions That Changed The World ABC News At Noon [s] National Press Club Address Media Watch [s] Rake (M v) [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] Great Expectations (PG) [s] Silvia’s Italian Table (PG) [s] Restoration Australia [s] The Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 (PG) [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] The Weekly (PG) [s] Aftertaste [s] Why Are You Like This: Hey Rich Baby (MA15+) [s] Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M) Staged (MA15+) [s] ABC Late News [s] Four Corners [s]

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

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Australian Story [s] Program To Be Advised Australia Remastered [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] The Weekly With Charlie Pickering (PG) [s] Rake (M v) [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] Antiques Roadshow [s] Restoration Australia [s] The Drum [s] Sammy J [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 (PG) [s] Back Roads [s] Q&A [s] Kurt Fearnley’s One Plus One Aussie Inventions That Changed The World (PG) [s] ABC Late News [s] Prince Harry’s Story: Four Royal Weddings (PG) [s] Wentworth (MA15+) [s]

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

9:30 10:25 10:55 11:30 12:35 1:20 3:40 4:30 5:30 6:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 12:30 1:35 1:55 3:00 4:00 4:30 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:40 11:05 11:35 6:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:05 12:00 1:00 1:30 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 6:55 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:35 10:05 10:55 11:30 12:15

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

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

10:00 11:00 11:30 12:30

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

2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30

8:30 10:30 11:00 12:00

2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 8:30

9:45 10:45 11:15 12:30

NINE (C81/80)

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

TEN (C13)

PAGE 21 26 FEBRUARY 2021

SBS (C30)

5:30 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “Romeo Killer: The 1:00 Chris Porco Story” (M v) (’13) 1:30 Stars: Eric McCormack 3:00 Gold Coast Medical (PG) [s] 4:00 The Chase UK [s] 5:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 6:00 The Chase Australia [s] 7:00 Seven News [s] 7:30 Home And Away (PG) [s] 9:00 Holey Moley Australia: Kids Special (PG) [s] 10:00 9-1-1: Buck Begins (M) [s] – The 118 race to save the lives of workers trapped in a fivealarm factory fire. Maddie reveals a painful family secret that causes Buck to confront his childhood. 11:00 The Rookie: Control (M) [s] 11:30 The Latest Seven News [s] 12:15 Station 19: 1:05 Last Day On Earth (M) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Ellen (PG) [s] Getaway [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Tipping Point [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Under Investigation: High Country Mystery (PG) [s] Australian Crime Stories: The Dark Side (M) [s] – We examine the damning evidence that reveals, frame-by-frame, the cold-hearted planning and execution of a young, naive wannabe gangster. NINE News Late [s] The First 48 (M) [s] Tipping Point [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] 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 2:00 Meghan Markle Escaping The 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] Crown (M l) 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 2:50 Great British Railway 3:30 Everyday Gourmet With Journeys(PG) Justine Schofield [s] 3:25 Who Do You Think You Are?: 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] Charlie Teo (PG) 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 4:30 Great British Railway (PG) [s] Journeys (PG) 5:00 10 News First [s] 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 6:00 WIN News [s] 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 6:00 Mastermind Australia 7:30 The Amazing Race Australia 6:30 SBS World News (M) [s] 7:35 The Architecture The 8:30 Hughesy, We Have A Problem Railways Built: Swindon (PG) (M) [s] 8:30 24 Hours In Emergency: 9:30 The Graham Norton Show Circle Of Life (M) (M l,s) [s] 9:25 The Story Of The Songs: 10:30 The Project (PG) [s] Eric Clapton (M) 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 10:20 SBS World News Late 12:30 The Late Show With Stephen 10:50 Outlander (MA15+) Colbert (PG) [s] 11:50 Berlin Station (M l,v) 1:30 Home Shopping 2:40 Stephen Hawking - A Brief 4:30 CBS This Morning [s] History Of Mine (M)

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

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Ellen (PG) [s] The Garden Gurus [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Tipping Point [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Framing Britney Spears (M) [s] – Her rise was a global phenomenon. Her downfall was a cruel national sport. People close to Britney Spears and lawyers tied to her conservatorship now reassess her career. NINE News Late [s] Labour Of Love: Crazy, Stupid, Bear (M) [s] Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Cold Comfort (PG) [s] Explore [s]

6:00 Headline News [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 My Market Kitchen [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Amazing Race Australia (M) [s] 8:30 NCIS: Fragments (M v) [s] 9:30 NCIS: Los Angeles: Can’t Take My Eyes Off You (M) [s] 10:30 The Project (PG) [s] 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 12:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS This Morning [s]

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Destination Flavour China (In English/ Mandarin) 2:15 Charles And Diana: The Truth Behind Their Wedding (PG) 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: Natalie Imbruglia (PG) 4:30 Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Great Australian Railway Journeys Hill 8:40 24 Hours In Emergencys (M) 9:35 Michael Portillo’s Abandoned Britain: Plastic Surgery Pioneers - Cambridge Military Hospital (PG) 10:30 SBS World News Late 11:00 The Pier (MA15+) (In Spanish) 11:55 Borgen (M l,s) (In Danish)

5:30 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “A Daughter’s Revenge” 12:00 (M v) (’18) Stars: Jessica Sipos 1:00 1:30 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] Ambulance - Code Red (PG) 7:30 9:00 [s] – A motorcyclist is thrown head first from his bike and critical care paramedic Pete Edwards and Midlands Air Ambulance Trauma Team are despatched to give lifesaving treatment. The Pembrokeshire Murders 10:00 (M v,l) [s] The Latest Seven News [s] 11:00 Criminal Confessions: She 11:30 Never Came Home (MA15+) [s] Robbie Coltrane’s Critical 12:15 Evidence (M) [s] 1:05

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Ellen (PG) [s] Driving Test (PG) [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Tipping Point [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Amazing Grace: Midwife (M) [s] – Grace Creswell’s world is turned upside down when the daughter she gave up for adoption seventeen years ago arrives at her hospital, unannounced and pregnant. New Amsterdam: The New Normal (M) [s] NINE News Late [s] Chicago Med: Just A River In Egypt (MA15+) [s] Tipping Point [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s]

6:00 Headline News [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 My Market Kitchen [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Cube (PG) [s] 8:30 Bull: The Ground Beneath Their Feet (M) [s] 9:30 Bull: Jury Duty (M) [s] 10:30 The Project (PG) [s] 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 12:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS This Morning [s]

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

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Destination Flavour China (In English/ Mandarin) 2:40 Royal Family: Scandals And Shame (PG) 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: John Jarratt (PG) 4:30 Great British Railway Journeys 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Britain’s Most Historic Towns: Stuart Stirling (PG) 8:30 Michael Palin: Travels Of A Lifetime (PG) 9:20 Vikings: The Last Act (MA15+) 10:20 Romulus (MA15+) (In Old Latin) 11:15 SBS World News Late 11:45 The Night Manager (M s) 12:45 Movie: “White God” (MA15+) (’14) (In Hungarian)

5:30 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Poseidon” (M v) (’06) 12:00 Stars: Josh Lucas, Kurt Russell, 1:00 1:30 Jacinda Barrett 3:00 Criminal Confessions: 4:00 Carlsbad (M l,v) [s] 5:00 The Chase UK [s] 6:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 7:00 The Chase Australia [s] 7:30 Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] Wife Swap Australia: Aravidis And Lange Families (PG) [s] – A super strict mum who runs her house like the military and a 8:30 carefree mum of eleven chaotic children swap lives, turning their 9:30 families’ worlds upside down. Whose parenting style is best? 10:30 11:00 Busted In Bangkok (M) [s] The Latest Seven News [s] Celebrity Obsessed: Christina 11:50 Grimmie (MA15+) [s] 12:40 Home Shopping

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Ellen (PG) [s] Destination WA [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Tipping Point [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo (PG) [s] – Introducing the beautiful Nala, an Australian Sea-Lion born at Taronga ten years ago. The Equalizer: Judgement Day (M) [s] Murder For Hire: The Other Woman (M l,v) [s] NINE News Late [s] Manifest: Fasten Your Seatbelts (M) [s] New Amsterdam: Righteous Right Hand (M) [s] Tipping Point [s]

6:00 Headline News [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 My Market Kitchen [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Everyday Gourmet [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 8:00 Territory Cops (PG) [s] 8:30 Gogglebox (M) [s] 9:30 Law & Order: SVU: The Long Arm Of The Witness (M) [s] 10:30 Law & Order: SVU: Redemption In Her Corner (M) 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 12:30 The Project (PG) [s] 1:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 2:30 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS This Morning [s]

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

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show (PG) [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “The Preacher’s Sin” (M v) (’15) Stars: JR Bourn, Allie Gonino, Tara SpencerNair, Tori Barban, Demi Oliver, Bill Lake, Stephanie La Rochelle Gold Coast Medical (PG) [s] The Chase UK [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia [s] Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] Highway Patrol Special: Blatant Busts (PG) [s] The Good Doctor: Fault (M) [s] The Resident: Home Before Dark (M) [s] The Latest Seven News [s] Station 19: Weather The Storm (M l) [s] Splitting Up Together: Star Of Milo (PG) [s] Home Shopping

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

10:30 11:30 12:00 12:50

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

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

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

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

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Destination Flavour China (In English/ Mandarin) 2:15 Royal Family: Scandals And Shame (PG) 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: Justine Clarke (PG) 4:30 Great British Railway Journeys: Swanwick To Brownsea Island (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 The World’s Greatest Palaces (PG) 8:30 Shadowplay (M) (In English/ German) 10:30 SBS World News Late 11:00 24 Hours In Police Custody: Murder In The Woods (Part 2) (M l) 11:55 The Good Fight (M l)

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: HOW TO EAT FLOWERS (AND GROW THEM) to late summer. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) This traditionally medicinal flower with fantastic skin-healing properties is also a culinary hero as a natural food dye. It has a mild aromatic flavour and works well in almost any form of cookery. Plant from spring through to autumn in a moist, rich soil in a sunny position. Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) People have been writing about the joys of eating carnations since writing began! They have a peppery taste and make amazing pickles, drink additives and desserts. Plant in spring through to autumn in a full sun position with a free-draining soil. Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) CHERALYN DARCEY

Our attraction to flowers is not frivolous or fanciful, it is a survival instinct that without, we would have probably perished. As hunters and gathers, ancient people needed to not only be able to recognise food and medicine sources but also be able to read the signs that indicated the coming fruits and vegetables. If you could recognise apple blossom, you would know apples would surely follow and to see a field of sunflowers one year would tell you that this place would again provide all that these sunny blossoms share to create oils, food and textile materials. Most historical investigation will result in the conclusion that people have always consumed flowers and references can be found in most ancient imagery and texts to support this. The use of flowers as food as well as medicine is well noted in Ancient Chinese and Indian cultures and references have been found throughout the Americas as well. Edible flowers are mentioned in Ancient Egyptian texts, the Bible and frescoes uncovered that date back to 1500BCE on the island of Santorini. The Ancient Greeks grew many flowers for culinary purposes including carnation, poppy and lotus and the Ancient Romans too had a great affection for the cultivation of edible blossoms. They had an almost obsession with roses and carnations with both being used as a flavouring and colouring agent as well as food. Calendula, a flower we today regard more for its medicinal qualities was extensively eaten by the Romans and is the original colouring agent for butters and chesses. Indigenous Australians have long used the blooms in culinary ways as well as other parts of native plants. These days with the rise of farm to plate interest and a focus on what can be grown at home for our own cooking explorations, edible flowers of all types are popping up everywhere yet again. Apple (Malus domestica) These tiny delicate flowers do have an apple flavour to them and work very well in any place you would use apples. Perfect in drinks, sweets, baking and salads. You will need to find a variety that prefers our warmer climate and suggestions include ‘Sundowner’, ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Fuji’. Borage (Borago officinalis) They taste like fresh cucumbers and make a refreshing tea but can also be added to just about any dish or drink to add a delightful splash of blue with their brilliant royal to sapphire blossoms. It is an annual that requires a very sunny spot, most soils and should be planted in spring through

You might be more familiar with this flower as a medicinal herb tea, but it can also work well in salads and stir-fries. The blossoms are sweeter with an almost honey flavour when young and become bitter when older so keep that in mind when harvesting and cooking. You will probably find the flower of this weed growing in your garden but if not, grow your own from seed in the patches of your garden that have poor soil and sad conditions. Day Lily (Hemerocallis spp.) Here is a plant that offers up yummy tiny tubers that taste just like potatoes as well as delicious flowers with a sweetly cucumber taste. The blossoms are best served in salads and other raw recipes but can be lightly cooked. They are also very good for you with high levels of carotene and Vit C. Day lilies are relatively easy to grow being happy with full sun to part shade and a well fertilised soil. You can plant year-round. Lavender (Lavandula spp.) Best with stronger and bitter flavours like dark chocolate or drinks such as wines and spirits, this is a flower that also alienates a few with its strong sweet perfume flavour. The mistake most gardeners make is overwatering lavender – they are a Mediterranean plant and likes full sun, the best drainage you can ensure and light feeding. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) I love these in egg dishes and on sandwiches and wraps. They have zingy pepper flavour that also works well with stir-fries and salads while looking so bright and inviting. Plant by seed in autumn and you will find that they are also a wonderful addition to vegetable gardens as pollinators. Soak seeds overnight before planting in full sun in most soils. Rosella/Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) There are more than a few different types of what we in Australia call native ‘Rosella’ and even though they confusingly all have the same botanical name, (Hibiscus sabdariffa) at least they are all edible. Some are referred to as ‘Wild Hibiscus’. The dark red calyx of the flower can be used to create jams and syrups and can be candied or persevered in a sugar syrup as well. The flavour of the calyx is berry-like and can be used best in drinks and sweet dishes while the flowers do well in salads. Grows easily from plant cuttings or seed in late spring through to early summer and needs full sun. Roses (Rose spp.) Most people have a love/hate relationship with rose flavoured foods.

They are the base of Turkish Delight, and give an exotic aroma and taste to desserts, drinks and sauces. Sugared rose petals are also a pretty decoration for confections and baking. The trick to using roses is to separate the petals and trim away the white base end of each petal as it has an undesirable flavour. Roses need full sun, at least six hours a day, in a wind-sheltered position with rich well-draining soil. Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo var. giromontiina) With flowers that mildly taste like their yummy vegetables, these blossoms are one of the most popular of the edible flower bunch. They are delicious stuffed with anything you can imagine but are particularly good filled with cheese-based recipes and then fried or baked. They also make wonderful additions to stir-fries and Mexican cuisine. Plant in spring after the risk of frost has well and truly past. They need a compost-rich soil that is free-draining and full sun. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) Brighten up your next salad with sunflower petals and you will also find they work very well in breads and other baked goods. Their flavour is mildly earthy and reminiscent of leafy greens. Plant seeds from late winter through until late spring but I have personally had success planting year-round on the Central Coast and in Sydney. They need full sun, a moisture-retentive soil and if you are growing taller varieties, a stake for each. Violet (Viola spp.) Popular as a sugared decoration for baked goods, violets can be tossed into salads, desserts and drinks to add colour and sweet flavour. Plant in autumn and late summer in a semi-shade but bright spot, in a rich moist soil. They are mostly annuals but all easily self-seed. There are many more flowers that are edible but be sure to research their safety before use and never harvest in parks and along roadsides as chemicals could be used for weed control. It’s important to note that you should remove all non-petal parts of most flowers before use such as the stem, sepal, pistil and stamen. These parts are not usually toxic in edible flowers, but they can be irritants or have unpleasantly bitter flavours. ON THE GARDEN GRAPVINE The COASTFM Gardening Gang, Live Broadcast, Leagues Club Park, Gosford Sat. 27th Feb. 8 10am

Come and say hello to Pete Little and Cheralyn Darcey as they present their popular gardening show ‘At Home with Gardening Gang’ live from the public opening of the new Gosford City Park. They will be near the stage area or tune in COASTFM96.3. Small Space Gardening with The Gardening Gang, East Gosford Community Park, Sat. 27th Feb. 11am - 12:30pm. Pete Little and Cheralyn Darcey visit this lovely community garden and Cheralyn will be chatting about gardening in smaller spaces, courtyards, on balconies and even verges. Meet the team at GUST (Grow Urban Shade Trees), Sunday 28th Feb between 11-1pm Sydney 2000 Park Sydney Road, Umina. Celebrating the 500th tree planted (well done team!) Find out how you can grow shade trees on your verge and have a chat about the best trees for your area and verge and how to plant them. THIS WEEK YOU COULD PLANT Asian greens, dwarf beans, beetroot, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, chicory, cress, lettuce, mustard greens, parsnips, climbing peas, potato tubers, radish, rhubarb, salsify, shallots, spring onions, silverbeet, spinach, swede, turnip, calendula, cornflower, delphinium, dianthus, everlasting daisy, forget-me-not, foxglove, godetia, gypsophila, honesty, larkspur, nigella, statice, chives, coriander, garlic, marjoram, oregano, parsley DOWN IN THE GARDEN MAIL Gary writes: “Bugs are taking over my garden, but I do not want to use chemicals. Any tips Cheralyn?” Well Gary, next week in this column I’ll be sharing Organic Pest Control methods but to get you started here’s an all-rounder recipe for you: 6 unpeeled cloves garlic 3 whole hot chillies ½ cup of chopped tomato plant leaves 500ml water ½ teaspoon liquid soap Blend all except soap in a blender and then mix in soap, strain into a spray bottle. Test on a leaf first and watch for adverse reaction over 24hours. If not noticed, spray all over plant when plant is not stressed and in the cooler evening. Use only as needed, no more than once every few weeks. 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 Coast FM. Send your gardening questions, events and news to: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail.com

PAGE 24 26 FEBRUARY 2021 OUT&ABOUT

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YIPA is calling all young performers Director of Youth In Performing Art, Gary Jackson, is calling for performers aged 12 to 21 to audition for YIPA’s 30thyear of concerts.

YIPA dancer, Layla Gerrish

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also showcase the talent on the Central Coast. “For auditions, we look at anything - we have had jugglers, mind readers and magicians, as well as vocalists, bands, instrumentalists, and of course dances and dramas. “We are happy to look at anything.” March 21 is set aside for dance auditions, and March 27 and 28 is set aside for vocals, drama, instruments and anything else that might come along.

The YIPA audition team will also be visiting Central Coast high schools and dance, and music studios until April 1 for auditions. The 2021 Youth In Performing Arts Concerts will be held from May 19-22. Further information and an audition form can be obtained by visiting Youth In Performing Arts on Facebook or by visiting www.centralcoast.nsw.gov. au/theatres/get-involved/ youth-performingarts-yipa. Jacinta Counihan

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS

ARTS & CULTURE

www.cottagecrafts.net.au

CENTRAL COAST ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE

TUGGERAH LAKES ART SOCIETY

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

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Auditions will start on March 8 and go on until April 1. Those selected will be given a chance to perform to a large audience in Laycock Street Community Theatre in May. With no concerts held in 2020 due to COVID-19, Jackson said this would be one of the first opportunities in a while for

young performers from across the Central Coast to showcase their talent. “It is allowing the young performers of the Central Coast to perform on a professional stage, under the guidance of people with experience in the performing arts,” Jackson said. “So many kids go around and do a bit of busking here and there, but to step up to the next level and perform on a professional stage is huge. “We just want to give them that opportunity to do that and

drawing, scrabble, CENTRAL COAST MARINE scrapbooking, sit & sew, table DISCOVERY CENTRE

Wed of each month. Maree 0419 418 190

www.henrykendallcottage.org.au Brisbane Water Historical Society

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.

tennis, Ukulele The revamped CCMDC is open. 4304 7065 FELLOWSHIP OF DYING WITH DIGNITY Schools and Group bookings Campaigning to give those FIRST FLEETERS Join us for the fun and welcome by appointment. suffering unrelievable terminal For anyone interested in early enjoyment of art! Building has special needs GOSFORD-NARARA or incurable illness the choice history. Attend a weekly art group with access and toilets NEIGHBOURHOOD to receive legal medical Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. mentors, exhibitions, Open 7 days 9am – 3pm. CENTRE avocaprobus@gmail.com assistance to die. Point Clare Community Hall workshops and a monthly Terrigal. School Holiday activities, Quarterly mtgs, Erina Fair. 2nd Sat 10:30am members meeting with guests 4385 5027 playgroup, multicultural 0434 426 486 4392 1926 4311 6254 ccmdc@bigpond.com and prizes, held on the 4th programs, community activities robyncameron@y7mail.com www.ccmdc.org.au Thurs of the month at The Rooms for Hire Entrance Community Centre LIONS CLUB OF WOY WOY 4329 4477 4333 8387 Make new friends & have fun PROSTATE CANCER TERRIGAL WAMBERAL admin@gnnc.com.au www.tlas.org.au COASTAL A CAPPELLA while serving your community SUPPORT GROUP RSL SUB-BRANCH president@tlas.org.au Everglades Country Club Award winning women’s Last Fri 9.30am Pension and welfare officers 3rd Monday of each month a cappella chorus. Terrigal Uniting Church available to assist with DVA COMMUNITY GROUPS 0478 959 895 Music education provided. 380 Terrigal Dr, Terrigal compensation claims and ALCOHOLICS Rehearsals Tuesday 7pm @ 4367 9600 benefits ABC - “The Friends” ANONYMOUS Red Tree Theatre Tuggerah. WOMEN’S GROUPS www.pcfa.org.au Breakers Country Club Safeguard ABC’s - Someone cares. Performance opportunities. Wed & Fri 10am – Midday independence, funding, & Thurs - 12.30pm, Progress Hall Hire us for your next event. Meet 2nd Sat 10am WOMEN’S HEALTH standards. Meetings through MEALS ON WHEELS Henry Parry & Wells 0412 948 450 4384 2661 the year & social mornings Delicious meals delivered free CENTRES Street East Gosford coastalacappella@gmail.com Terrigal-WamberalSB@rslnsw. Well-known guest speakers Join us for a midday meal Counselling, therapeutic and org.au. 0400 213 514 Help with shopping and social groups, workshops, POLITICAL PARTIES AL - ANON FAMILY www.fabcnsw.org.au cooking classes domestic violence and abuse GROUPS HEALTH 4363 7111 issues. All services provided by U3A CENTRAL COAST We offer hope and friendship women for women CENTRAL COAST Enjoy a diverse range of CENTRAL COAST GREENS for people affected by 4324 2533 courses and activities for Local, state wide, national and CARAVANNERS S.A someone else’s drinking. www.cccwhc.com.au seniors. Keep your mind active international issues and 3rd Sun - Jan to Nov Is Internet porn destroying your Al-anon family groups and make new friends. campaigns Trips Away, Social Outings, life. meet weekly, please contact 0408 704 701 Council and parliamentary SOROPTIMIST friendship with like minded We may be able to help. 1300 252 666 www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au representation folk We are a 12 step fellowship INTERNATIONAL al-anon.org.au 3rd Thur Geoff 0447 882 150 like AA. BRISBANE WATER Meets every Sat at 7pm on the centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au Making a difference in the lives VOLUNTEERING BETTER HEARING centralcoastgreens@gmail.com Central Coast of women & girls through CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY LEGAL AUSTRALIA Contact for further details awareness, advocacy & action Refer potential volunteers to CENTRE Hearing loss management LABOR PARTY 2nd Thur 7 pm 0473 631 439 community organisations & Not for profit service providing Support and educational newcastlesagroup@gmail.com OURIMBAH/ NARARA Breakers Country Club, provide support to them. free legal advice groups providing practical Dover Rd, Wamberal Training to volunteers and BRANCH Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm experience and confidence 4323 3890 sibrisbanewater@siswp.org managers of volunteers Info Discussion/action community 4353 4988 4321 0275 www.siswp.org sessions held regularly. Issues – 3 levels of contact@centralcoastclc.org.au HENRY KENDALL 4329 7122 Government CENTRAL COAST recruit@volcc.org.au COTTAGE & Function Room, Grange Hotel, LEARN TO DANCE ASBESTOS DISEASES Wyoming Social ballroom dancing for all HISTORICAL MUSEUM SUPPORT GROUP COMMUNITY CENTRES 7.30pm 1st. Monday ages, all you need is a desire Visit our c1838 Cottage & DOYALSON WYEE Support for those suffering 0410 309 494 to learn and dance, Museum with exhibits of early SOCCER CLUB with asbestos diseases and Kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com no partner required. settlers. School and group GOSFORD 50+ LEISURE others interested in asbestos Football club for the local meet every Wed -15 Lorraine bookings. Members & AND LEARNING CENTRE issues. You are not alone, meet community. Juniors from under Ave Berkeley Vale, 2:00pm volunteers welcome. Open PROBUS CLUBS Mon-Fri 5 to senior teams. with others who can share Anne - 0409 938 345 Wed/Sat/Sun 10.30am Chess, darts, handicraft, indoor Kerry 0410 045 981 their experiences. Bring a anneglazier@y7mail.com 2:30pm. West Gosford president@doylowolves.com.au bowls, knitting, line dancing, family member or friend. AVOCA BEACH 4325 2270 origami, painting, pencil 1pm at Ourimbah RSL on forth

SERVICE GROUPS

MUSIC

HEALTH GROUPS

HISTORY GROUPS

SPORT

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 25 26 FEBRUARY 2021

Business & Property Coast businesses sign up for Dine & Discover The NSW Government’s Dine & Discover program is set to start rolling out on the Central Coast in the next couple of weeks, with the second phase of the pilot program having launched with residents of the Sydney CBD, Northern Beaches Bega Valley. The Lucky Bee restaurant at Hardys Bay is one of the over 70 other businesses that have already signed up for the voucher program. The Lucky Bee owner, Rupert Noffs, said he signed up because it will help stimulate the economy and get people spending. “After living and owning a restaurant in NYC for a couple of years, the difference between the Australian and American government is vast,” Noffs said. “Small businesses had, and have, no support over there. “The only companies

surviving are fast food chains and banks. “Watching our friends’ businesses close was so sad, “You put your blood, sweat and tears into opening and operating your business, and it’s tough enough.” Hoffs said during COVID they, along with many others, had to think of new ways to survive and keep staff employed. “We opened our café, named Plan Bee, and operated as a takeaway and delivery service,” he said. “It’s sink or swim - so we will welcome anyone who has a $25 voucher to spend with us, and we thank the Federal government for their support.” The owner of Gosford restaurant Baker Street, Chef Daniel, also signed up for the program saying the two $25 vouchers to be spent at eateries is just the beginning. “I think it is a great way for businesses to generate some

The Lucky Bee Chef, Matty Bennett, and owner, Rupert Noffs (right) Photo: HUNTERhunter

amazing experiences for customers without the customer being worried about spending the money,” Chef Daniel said.

“It is basically about raising the customer’s confidence enough to get customers to come to the restaurants, and then the restaurants can market around that voucher.

“If they think they’ve got $75 to spend and they go out, they will think ‘okay, I have $75 to come out to dinner, but I’ve got $25, so it means I’m only spending $50, “This gives them that confidence to say, ‘you know what, I will go out because I’ve already saved $25 by doing that’.” Director of the Australian Reptile Park, Tim Faulkner, said The Park couldn’t wait to get on board with the new Dine & Discover voucher program. “The tourism sector has taken a hit this last year, first bushfires then COVID-19,” Faulkner said. “This support from the government will be a great boost for not only our business but the economy as well.” Business NSW Regional Director, Paula Martin, said businesses in the hospitality, entertainment and tourism sectors were still being encouraged to register.

“This was a popular announcement from last year’s State Budget, and it’s important Central Coast businesses in tourism, hospitality and entertainment register now to be ready to benefit from the expected lift in customers when our turn comes,” Martin said. “There will be two distinct categories of the voucher, ensuring as many businesses as possible can benefit from the program. “Two vouchers can be used for eating in at restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs from Monday to Thursday, excluding public holidays. “The remaining two vouchers are to be used for entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues and are available seven days a week, excluding public holidays.” Jacinta Counihan

Panel to rule on Saratoga Telstra tower A development application for a Telstra tower at 138 and 140 Davistown Rd, Saratoga, went to the Local Planning Panel this week but a decision won’t be known until next week. The local community reaction included a petition and 58

submissions to Council against and three supportive of the facility which would see a 26.8m pole and associated infrastructure added to the site, The Council has recommended approval despite the height being 80 per cent above guidelines for development in the area.

Other objections included the visual impact and increased electromagnetic energy. The Council report said the maximum Environmental Electromagnetic Energy (EME) level was calculated to be 10.16 per cent of the maximum 100 per cent of the public exposure limit.

“This is an increase of 1.2 per cent of the maximum public exposure limit when compared to the facility which currently exists and remains to be significantly below the limit,” the report said. “The report has been reviewed by Council’s Environmental Health Officer

who is in support of the application subject to relevant conditioning.” Some of the current telecommunications equipment on the site would be removed to make way for the tower. The aim of the proposal is to

provide improved Telstra coverage to the Saratoga and Davistown areas as increased congestion and service issues have been identified, the report to the planning panel stated. Merilyn Vale

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Another Terrigal Drive boarding house on public exhibition A 12-room boarding house proposed for 75 Terrigal Dr, Terrigal, is open for public exhibition only days after the Local Planning Panel approved a seven-room boarding house at 59 Terrigal Dr.

An architectural rendering of the proposed development Photo: ADG Architects

The Panel approved the DA for the latter at its February 4 meeting, subject to various conditions including an amendment to the landscape plan to provide additional native trees at least 3m tall along the side and rear of the building. Despite attracting 68 public submissions during its first exhibition period and 17 from a second exhibition period the

development application, which had been scaled back from nine units, was deemed by the Panel to be satisfactory in regard to relevant environmental planning policies, plans and policies. Submissions had raised concerns raised regarding privacy impacts on neighbours, acoustic impacts, the bulk and scale of the development, waste issues and economic impacts on nearby property values, but the Panel voted unanimously to endorse a Central Coast council, recommendation for approval. The latest proposal is on the corner of Raymond Tce. The site is occupied by a splitlevel home which is to be partly

demolished with subsequent alterations and additions. It would result in a floor space ratio of 0.537:1 or 7.4 per cent above the standard. The applicant says this will ensure a more viable development and higher standard of affordable housing compared to that which would otherwise be provided should strict adherence to the Local Environment Plan standard be applied. “The proposal is an efficient use of the land which delivers social, economic and environmental benefits to the local community,” the applicant says. The maximum population

would be 19 lodgers (7 x double rooms and 5 single rooms) with ground floor parking for six cars. The applicant says it is a high quality modest sized boarding house that will provide substantial benefits to the local community particularly for those over 55 and for people with disabilities who live locally and who want to downsize and reside close to their families and established social networks. Public comment is open until March 19. Find the development application (DA) on council’s DA Tracker: 60794/2021. Merilyn Vale and Terry Collins

Strata laws under review Thousands of Central Coast residents are being encouraged to have their say on how laws can be changed to better support people living or working in strata schemes. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the NSW Government is reviewing the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 and

Strata Schemes Management Act 2015. “There are now 4,388 strata schemes on the Central Coast and many thousands of local residents live in these apartments and townhouses,” Crouch said. “Our region is expected to grow by 95,250 people between 2016 and 2041, which means the number of strata schemes across the

Coast will also grow very quickly. “The NSW Government is seeking input to ensure the laws covering strata living can be relevant and up-to-date. “In particular, we know more needs to be done to ensure that apartment buildings are wellmaintained and free of building defects over their lifetime, so that owners aren’t out-ofpocket by tens of thousands of

dollars. “The current review seeks to address this.” Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson, said feedback was also being sought on a new digital Strata Portal that will capture mandatory information for each strata building in NSW and make it available to the regulator to ensure compliance with fire and other important safety

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requirements. “Strata schemes are integral to supporting NSW’s growing population and housing boom,” Anderson said. “As more and more people choose to call NSW home, strata living holds the key to encouraging growing cities and urban development which is why this review is so important to ensure we make strata living more appealing.”

The NSW Government is accepting submissions until Sunday, March 7 at: www. haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/ strata-statutory-review-2020. Consultation on pets in strata will continue until Wednesday, April 7. Source: Media release, Feb 11 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

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Lift off at Social Enterprise Launch Pad Residents who have an idea for a business venture which will make a difference to the community are invited to attend an information session for Central Coast Council’s Social Enterprise Launch Pad Program. Lyndi Leggett, founder of The Scuba Gym at Woy Woy, was one of the participants in last year’s social enterprise program and runs unique underwater therapy sessions for people living with a disability. “I definitely benefited from the connections I made from the program, and the tutors provided superb advice,” Leggett said. “I am still working with some of them in a mentoring capacity as I continue to grow this

business. “I would definitely recommend this program to social entrepreneurs that are committed to getting results.” Central Coast Council’s Director of Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the annual program supports the development of innovative new enterprise models within the region and helps to turn community focused business ideas into a reality. “The free program, which has been running since 2012, provides a step-by-step guide to research, plan, seek funding (for) and establish a social enterprise that benefits our community – whether it be social, environmental or creative,” Vaughan said. “This year’s development

program will be delivered in a partnership between Council, Business Centre and Community Compass as a series of workshops and oneon-one mentoring sessions from April to July. “I encourage interested locals to register for the information session in March and see what’s possible.” The Social Enterprise Launch Pad Information Session will be run online on Wednesday, March 10. To register, email Gregory. Combes@centralcoast.nsw. gov.au before March 5. For more information search social enterprise at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au Source: Media release, Feb 18 Central Coast Council

Scuba Gym, Woy Woy

Finance advice businesses merge From the beginning of March, Coastal Advice Group (CAG) will merge with Money Tree Financial Group to form one of the largest financial advice businesses on the Central Coast. Three businesses currently make up CAG: Central Coast Financial Planning Group (CCFPG), Newcastle Financial Planning Group (NFPG), and Sydney Wealth Advisors (SWA). CEO of CAG, Daniel Brown, said merging the two advice businesses will allow them to bring more value to their clients and improve the quality of services available to the Central Coast.

“This acquisition increases the scale of and depth of experience in our advice team, which will allow us to bring better services, greater support and more resources to our collective clients,” Brown said. “The growth of our team means we are able to pair our clients with an adviser who has similar passions, experience and expertise in the areas of advice they require support, resulting in greater success for all our clients.” Managing Director of Money Tree Financial Group, Mark Peters, has worked in the financial industry for 30 years and is excited about uniting with CAG which he said will

bring more value to his existing client base. “We are thrilled to join a team of extremely experienced advisers and be a part of such a highly motivated team like that at Coastal Advice Group. “I am confident that joining forces will allow us to achieve even greater outcomes for our clients, and our entire team is looking forward to having more resources to support us and our valued clients.” CAG was recently awarded Practice of the Year by licensee, RI Advice Group. CCFPG also received the 2020 Central Coast Local Business Award for the most Outstanding Professional

Service Business. Originally from the Central Coast, Brown said he is passionate about bringing better financial solutions to people on the Central Coast. “We are excited about the fresh perspective and new ideas Mark and the Money Tree team can bring to the table as we continue to evolve and grow as a business,” he said. “The connections and friendships we have forged with our clients pushes us to continually excel in the value we deliver.” Source Media release, Feb 18 Central Coast Financial Planning Group

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Julia NEWBOULD Editor-at-large • Money magazine When it comes to personal finance, there is usually a cost. In some cases it’s the cost of doing nothing. For example, a 2020 survey showed people continue to buy brands they distrust as long as they personally gain from the relationship – whether that’s because of loyalty, status or inertia.

People know they can get cheaper loans or better returns elsewhere, but they stay with their provider through inertia or a perception that it’s too difficult to change. And they are not totally wrong, particularly with mortgages. While brokers can help you find a better mortgage, there are forms to complete and information to provide. You may need to change direct debits and or credit card limits – it can be hard work.

Start by checking how much you’re paying. That will help you decide whether it’s time to look elsewhere. According to Mortgage Choice, apathy is increasing, with fewer Australians knowing their rate in 2020 compared with previous research (61.5% in 2018 and 71% in 2016). In fact, only 46.5% of respondents knew their interest rate. AMP research from late 2020 found almost half of all Australians are feeling financial stress, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic. Mortgage Choice chief executive Susan Mitchell says research shows Australians are more focused than ever on their finances, yet many are complacent about their biggest expense and potentially biggest saving. “In the past year alone, the cash rate has dropped by 0.65% and many lenders are

open to negotiating on rate reductions,” she says. “Let’s say your principal and interest rate is 3.99%, and shopping around with the help of a mortgage broker enables

you to drop by 0.5% to 3.49%. On a 30-year home loan of $600,000, the savings could be around $170 a month.” Homeowners aged 30 to 39 were the most likely to not

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it every couple of years. Only 41.9% checked it annually. This is a good time to think about your financial habits, and checking your mortgage could be a good habit to pick up. M

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much they estimate is held in accounts held by lost members and they must transfer the unclaimed super money to the tax office. This money remains in the ATO’s superannuation holding account until the fund member reclaims it. Money in this account receives interest equivalent to the inflation rate. Are you inactive?

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 29 26 FEBRUARY 2021

$25,000 on offer to hotels for energy upgrades Small and medium sized hotels across the Central Coast are being supported by the Federal Government to lower their power bills so they can invest in their businesses and employ more Australians. Through the Government’s $10.2M Hotel Energy Uplift Program, hotels, motels and serviced apartment complexes

with up to 99 rooms will be able to access grants of up to $25,000 for energy-saving projects, with at least 400 grants on offer. The initiative is aimed at reducing energy costs for hotel operators and supporting the creation of local jobs, including for electricians, carpenters, engineers, and plumbers. Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the grants would

help hotels across the Central Coast to reduce their energy bills through such upgrades as; air conditioning or refrigeration; installing energy efficient lighting; and investing in monitoring systems to better manage their energy use. “Energy costs are one of the biggest overheads for publicans and hotel owners and these grants will reduce these operating

costs and help them reinvest in their business during this critical time,” Wicks said. Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor, said the launch comes at an important time, as the tourism and accommodation sector looks to get back on its feet. “The hotel industry has been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Taylor said.

“With 80 per cent of small to medium hotels located in regional Australia, these grants will provide a significant boost to our regions. “The upgrade projects will provide genuine and lasting energy savings and will have a positive flow-on effect for jobs and small businesses.” The Hotel Energy Uplift Program was announced in the 2020-21

BudgetaspartoftheGovernment’s $1.9B investment in new energy technologies. Applications are now open and will close on April 1 (or earlier if funding is exhausted). To view the program guidelines, visit: business.gov.au. Source: Media release, Feb 24 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks

Council debt reduced by $107M Central Coast Council’s total actual debt is now down to $458M, it has been revealed. Administrator, Dick Persson, had forecasted a $565M debt in his 30 day report last December but Chief Financial Officer Natalia Cowley said the debt was now $458M. The question was raised by a resident during the open forum at Council’s meeting on February 23. Persson asked Cowley to answer the question and she also tabled two reports updating him on the Business Recovery Plan and the Council’s second quarter financial statements. Her report explained that the Financial Tactical Team which

had been convened to deal with the financial crisis that became public last October would be discontinued and its work of finding financial savings would continue on a business-as-usual (BAU) basis. This meant the tabled report would be the final one to be provided to Council on progress against the Business Recovery Plan. The jobs still to do on the BAU list included reviewing developer contribution plans and model expenditure prediction with a view to minimise expenditure from general revenue as well as addressing all recommendations made in the Developer Contribution Audit and ensuring a clear strategy.

Work would also continue on reviewing historical spending to identify funds that may have been expended from incorrect sources such as developer contributioneligible projects that had been funded from general revenue. Council would also create a property (land) register including details on the use and return on property and assess the holding costs of all non-income producing assets and the current and future needs or strategy including community expectations for maintaining the property. Work was continuing on the forensic report. Persson said community budget savings were continuing to be made, with essential

infrastructure and services continuing to be delivered. “Good news is all our hard work to find savings and rein in spending is working with the deficit reduced by $7.7M (for the second quarter),” he said. “We are also recovering faster than expected from COVID with an extra $3.3M in income from fees and charges from our holiday parks, leisure centres, pools and child care centres. “This is in addition to a reduction of $4.4M in operational expenditure, with reduction of materials, contracts and other expenses as a result of stringent expenditure control. “The capital works program has been reduced by $53.3M to

$170M a year with priority given to essential services and delivering projects over several years. “However, despite all this great work, Council’s projected financial position at June 30, 2021 will still be unsatisfactory with a current forecasted loss of $107.4M. “So the hard work will continue to find the savings and deliver a balanced budget for next financial year. “Hopefully we do get a Special Variation from IPART so that we can pay back restricted funds and deliver the services our community needs and values.” Overall performance against the Operational Plan actions and

targets shows that out of the 108 actions/targets, three have been completed, 67 are on track, five have not commenced, and 33 are either selayed, on hold or have been closed. A number of these have been impacted by the financial situation. Further information on Council’s Financial Situation, including details of Council’s Business Recovery Plan and Special Variation application to IPART can be found at by searching news at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

dollars).” Murphy said the Council had spent in the order of $50M, some $20Mm less than forecast, on the IT system by the time he was sacked in November last year. “This investment stood us in good stead to allow us to deploy 1100 staff remotely within about 48 hours in March, 2020, when COVID-19 hit,” he said. “The majority of the policy and process harmonisation has been completed with the main outstanding issues being the rating system harmonisation

(due July 2021) and the comprehensive Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plans,” he said. Administrator, Dick Persson, who took over from the suspended councillors in November last year, said in his 30 day interim report that the expenditure on new IT and financial systems and infrastructure had cost $50M once-off and $8M recurrent and that the Government had provided $10M.

Source: Central Coast Council meeting, Feb 23 Media release, Feb 23 Central Coast Council

Amalgamation costs The cost of implementing an IT system for a proposed new Central Coast Council was $70M back in 2015. The former Wyong and Gosford councils prior to merger identified that to bring their IT systems up to an acceptable standard would cost in the order of $70M, according to former CEO Gary Murphy. He joined the Council in July 2018, two years after the almagamation of Gosford and Wyong councils. Murphy says he was surprised

during his incoming briefings that he could not get a definitive answer on the progress of the merger process and how much it had cost. “The reporting systems were inadequate and it was not possible to get an accurate indication of basic data like the number of staff employed and the basis of the employment, let alone cash management and financial reports,” he said. “In November, 2018, it was identified that there were more than 800,000 known

spreadsheets in the organization. “This was but one indicator of how staff were creating workarounds as a result of inadequate systems.” A Project Management Office had been established for the merger process, but it was disbanded in late 2017 before he arrived, and he was told the uncompleted projects were to be carried out as part of businessas-usual activities. “I set up a project office within the Office of the CEO to resume this work and we reported

progress to the Council in July, 2020,” Murphy said. “At that stage we estimated that the net cost of amalgamation was in the order of $40M with significant more costs to come, potentially another $60M, taking the cost to around $100M. “To provide some context, an independent report commissioned by the former Wyong and Gosford councils prior to merger identified that to bring their IT systems up to an acceptable standard would cost in the order of $70M (in 2015

Merilyn Vale

Lodge Morning Star

What do you know about us? Lodge Morning Star has been inextricably linked to the Central Coast community since 1922. The Peninsula’s very own lodge will be celebrating its centenary in 2022 and as part of the celebrations we are producing a book detailing the fascinating history of our lodge. We have plenty of masonic information to include, but we really want to highlight the many interesting, funny, heart-warming and sometimes strange stories you may have about our lodge.

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We also want to hear from organisations and individuals that we have helped or who have partnered with us over the years in our ongoing mission to improve the Central Coast community.

If you have, or know of, any stories, memorabilia or details related to our lodge, please get in touch with us. And if you’re interested in receiving a copy of the finished book, let us know.

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 31 26 FEBRUARY 2021

Self-advocacy service for people with a disability expands to the Coast A new advocacy service to support people with intellectual disability has opened in Gosford and is looking for people who would like to join its programs. The not-for-profit organisation Self Advocacy has been helping people with disability speak up for themselves and support one another in Sydney since 1986. It has spread its services to the Blue Mountains, and now the Central Coast, with two programs on offer; Peer Support and New Leaders. The Gosford support team comprises qualified high school teacher Yvonne BerryPorter and Ben Brown, who lives with disability including cerebral palsy. They make a good team. Berry-Porter said the services are completely free and are aimed at helping people realise that disability does not disqualify them for living the best life they can live,” BerryPorter said.

“We can also work with other disability services to provide self advocacy skills training to the people they support. “The Peer Support program provides topical discussion sessions led by the participants themselves. “If they want to discuss a particular issue, they can put that up as a topic.” Brown said the sessions provided a safe space where people can feel free to speak in an environment where they feel supported by others with similar issues. “We can offer support from Gosford or at other locations across the Central Coast,” he said. Video conferencing will also play a big part in the programs, for the benefit of people who have trouble travelling or are isolating because of COVID-19. “As a Coastie with a disability myself, these programs have been of tremendous personal benefit; they have improved my confidence and independence,” Brown said.

Self Advocacy support officers Yvonne Berry-Porter and Ben Brown at the Gosford office

“We like to think that we offer more than just training; our programs are ongoing and the focus is on long-term support for our participants with disability.

“The topics we cover are flexible and Peer Support groups are led by people with disability. “We encourage people who

are part of our programs to reach out and help each other, strengthening connection in their local community and giving them a voice of their own.” Topics which are covered in the Peer Support sessions include how to give and receive support from their peers with intellectual disability. Berry-Porter said the New Leaders sessions were more structured, but again topics are chosen by participants with disability themselves. “These sessions aim to enable people with intellectual disability to become advocates not just for themselves, but for others in the community,” she said. “They will help participants develop an action plan and give them guidance on such subjects as good leadership, public speaking, planning, team-leading and people skills. “We also plan to have inspiring guest speakers involved in some of the sessions.”

The Peer Support and New Leaders sessions are held on alternate weeks through a mix of in-house and video conference participation with flexible options and complete accessibility for all, regardless of disability and any physical limitations. Self Advocacy Sydney (SAS) was established in 1986 by and for people with intellectual disability with the vision that “people with intellectual disability will be valued members of the community, have their voices heard and rights supported”. Founder Robert Strike has presented at the United Nations (New York) on the rights of people with intellectual disability. Self Advocacy is completely free to people with disability and funded through the Department of Social Services (DSS). For more information call 0401 150 048. Terry Collins

New nurses and midwives for Coast More than 100 new nursing and midwifery graduates are set to launch their careers on the Coast. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said 99 registered nurses and six midwives would join the ranks at Central Coast Local Health District.

Crouch said obtaining qualifications in nursing and midwifery provides many opportunities. “Around the clock, 365 days a year, our nurses and midwives are on the front line of the NSW public health system,” he said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded all of us that nurses, midwives, doctors,

allied health professionals and other health staff play a critical role in keeping our community safe and well. “Being the very proud husband of a nurse has given me a unique insight into the dedication of these staff. Working as a health care professional is more than a job, it’s a vocation.”

District Director of Nursing and Midwifery at the Central Coast Local Health District, Lynne Bickerstaff, said the new graduates will take part in 12-month programs which provide support during their transition from student to practitioner. “New nurses will work across Wyong, Gosford and Woy Woy Hospitals in clinical areas

including paediatrics, surgery, medicine, aged care, mental health, critical care and rehabilitation,” she said. “Our new midwives will work across different areas in maternity services at Gosford Hospital.” More than 2,500 graduate nurses and midwives will start work at about 130 public

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hospitals and health services in NSW this week. More than 54,000 nurses and midwives currently work in the NSW public health system, an increase of 24.7 per cent since 2011. Source: Media release, Feb 23 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

PAGE 32 26 FEBRUARY 2021 HEALTH & LIFETSYLE

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The untold benefits of seasonal eating

GEORGIA LIENEMANN

s we move into Autumn, I thought it might be nice to take this, my second favourite seasonal transition of the year (nothing beats Winter to Spring!), as an opportunity to explore the untold benefits of seasonal eating. Once upon a time, I had no idea where my food came from, other than knowing the location of the supermarket and the shelf I found it on. The concept of seasonal eating was merely a romantic notion that conjured up visions of pumpkin or apple pie in Autumn. When I started on my journey to get closer to the source of where my food came from, I had no way to fathom the transformation that lay ahead. It’s been life-changing, let me tell you! Seasonal and local eating has become one of the most important pieces of health advice that I can offer people. It’s central to everything I teach about food and nutrition. If you were to focus solely on this one idea, striving to eat seasonally, sourcing from local producers, it has the power to transform not only your health, but your lifestyle and mindset as well. If you’re new to the idea, all this probably seems exaggerated or farfetched, however if you talk to anyone who has mastered seasonal eating (and in the interest of full transparency, it can take years of baby steps to get there), I assure you they’ll speak the same language. There’s a beautiful metamorphosis that invariably takes place. So, what’s all the fuss about? And why would you want to spend years expanding your awareness and honing your skills in this area? The benefits of seasonal eating Let’s talk about some of the more immediate and tangible benefits of eating seasonally and locally. And remember, this process is more a rekindling of forgotten wisdom than a new trend. Prior to the development of such efficient global transportation systems, eating this way was the norm! 1. Cost: There are huge savings to be had by

focusing on foods that are in season, right where you are. Think about it, there’s less transportation and storage in the equation because when food is in season, suppliers will generally be purchasing locally to save on their own costs. There’s a huge mark-up on foods purchased out of season, often because they’re hauled in from a different state or country. With seasonal produce, the opposite is true and very there’s often a glut of certain fruit and vegetables that are marked down even further to move the produce. When you master the art of buying seasonal foods in bulk and transforming them in to jams and pickles to be eaten later, you can drastically reduce your food bill! 2. Nutrition: Seasonal produce is far, far superior from a nutritional standpoint for several key reasons. First, it naturally ripens in the sun rather than being picked prematurely. This alone results in a radically different nutritional profile. Secondly, freshness dictates the level of phytonutrients and antioxidant activity. Vegetables like broccoli and kale, which I assume many of us are striving to consume solely for health reasons, have often lost around half of their antioxidants within two to three days of harvest, making the supermarket vegetables pretty worthless in terms of phytonutrients (most have been stored for three to six weeks and some are in cold storage for up to twelve months)!

3. Flavour: When you go to the store and pick up a nice orange out of season in the warmer months or a tomato in Winter, you often can’t see the difference, but you can certainly taste it. And flavour is one of the key indicators of freshness and therefore, nutrition. Your taste buds are genetically engineered to detect nutritional complexity. 4. Nutritional requirements: Trouble always abounds when we underestimate the sophisticated genius that is Mother Nature. Eating seasonally is a great way to provide our bodies with optimal nutrition all year round – by design. Citrus, with its ample vitamin C, is the perfect fruit to be eating throughout flu season and Summer fruits like berries are packed with phytonutrients that specifically protect against sun damage. 5. Diversity and creativity: Another great perk of eating seasonally is that you often find yourself exposed to a wider selection of foods. This tends to have you cooking out of your comfort zone and exposes you to dishes you may not have discovered otherwise. Long term, you learn so much about regional cuisines and have a much greater repertoire of recipes. There are also significant health benefits to eating a diverse range of fresh produce, especially for those wanting to improve gut health.

6. Food miles: The average Australian food basket travels over 70,000 kilometres to reach us. Opting for seasonal, local produce is by far the most environmentally friendly way to eat. It’s not only less transport, but less storage and refrigeration, as well. 7. Community: Nothing beats the satisfaction of dealing directly with the people responsible for nourishing you – to know by name the people who grow your food. And it works both ways. By supporting local farmers, you also give them the opportunity to relate to the people they’re growing for. Having spoken to many small-scale farmers, this is without doubt the most rewarding part of their job! Building community is extremely beneficial for mental health and general wellbeing – a missing link for many people, as loneliness is now a modern epidemic in our seemingly hyperconnected world. Truly connecting with other like-minded folk is one of the highlights of shopping directly at markets, co-ops and the farmgate. 8. Food system: There’s a huge social and economic impact on small-scale farmers when we opt for out of season produce shipped from afar. By choosing to buy predominantly from local farmers either directly, or via a market or co-op, we’re supporting local families and our local economy. The industrial food system is riddled with flaws and idiosyncracies that negatively affect virtually every link in the chain. Many large-scale farmers who supply the big supermarkets are forced to take shortcuts at the expense of food quality and consumer health. Shopping locally is a way to create a more robust local food system which benefits the soil, the animals, the farmers and of course the consumers. Having a thriving local food system requires a bit of a commitment to seasonal eating and most people have no idea where to start. Next week I’ll be expanding on some simple ideas to help get you started.

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New Family Connect and Support Program Central Coast parents are benefitting from a new program providing improved early intervention support and practical assistance to help prevent family issues from escalating. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the new Family Connect and Support program would be delivered by The Benevolent Society to the region. “This program offers a single point of contact with which families can engage, offering a range of practical assistance, advice and information that can help them break the cycle of disadvantage and provide a safe home for children,” Crouch said. “Experience shows that when families are provided with the support they need at the earliest possible time, we can more appropriately address

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, with some of the members of The Benovolent Society

any issues and help keep families together.” The Family Connect and Support program involves increased outreach to schools and hospitals, with a focus on Aboriginal families, families with children aged zero to five, and children and young people

affected by mental illness. Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Gareth Ward, said the program aligns with the NSW Government’s commitment to reduce the number of children and young people entering outof-home care.

“The new program streamlines existing services and support with the aim of helping families to build better relationships, improve general health and wellbeing, and live independently in secure housing,” Ward said. The Benevolent Society’s

Manager of Child, Youth and Family Services, Melissa Brown, said Family Connect and Support has been modelled on the Family Referral Service, which had been delivered to the Central Coast for 12 years. “We are excited about bringing new elements of

support to families on the Coast via the new program. “This includes Family Group Conferencing, which brings family members together with one of our impartial facilitators to decide and plan for the safety and wellbeing of their children. “We focus on early intervention, providing support as soon as challenges are presenting to stop them from escalating to crisis point. “We encourage families needing extra support to call our experienced team to access the support and assistance they need.” For more information, go to: www.facs.nsw.gov.au/ families/support-programs/ all-families/family-connectand-support. Source: Media release, Feb 19 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Calls for a plan to improve regional indigenous health outcomes NSW Labor is calling for the State Government to detail its plan to improve health outcomes for Indigenous people living in rural and regional NSW, with Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Member for Wyong, David Harris, saying he is concerned worrying statistics will get worse. Shadow Minister for Health, Ryan Park, said there were more than 700 submissions to the Parliamentary Inquiry into rural and regional health, with many detailing the dire situation faced by First Nations people.

“What these submissions are highlighting is that for people in rural, regional and remote NSW there is an increasing burden of chronic disease, particularly in Aboriginal communities which experience higher rates of illness, hospitalisation and death,” Park said. “It is clear that First Nations people are being left behind by this Government.” Harris said the latest report from the United Nations showed Indigenous people in Australia were dying up to 20 years earlier than their nonIndigenous counterparts. “The further you get from major centres in NSW the worse your health outcomes

are, particularly chronic disease for Aboriginal people,” he said. Harris said statistics showed, among other things: the average annual perinatal mortality rate for Aboriginal children (0-4 yrs) was 45 per cent higher than for nonAboriginal children (20092013); smoking during pregnancy occurs in 53 per cent of Aboriginal mothers compared to 17 per cent of non-Aboriginal (2012-2016); and NSW Health has struggled to fill vacant Aboriginal Health Officer roles. The Parliamentary Inquiry will begin public hearings from March 19, with several

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expected to be held in rural and regional NSW. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the NSW Government was committed to closing the gap in health outcome disparity between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. “Progress is being made on closing the gap in childhood vaccination coverage between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children, improving participation in cancer screening, and increasing early commencement of antenatal care for Aboriginal mothers,” he said. Crouch said in addition,

smoking rates among pregnant Aboriginal mothers have declined from 52.2 per cent in 2011, to 43.2 per cent in 2019. “Since 2014-15, the NSW Government has increased direct funding to Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services by $8.8M,” he said. “In 2020-21, direct funding of $28M was provided towards Aboriginal Community Controlled Health and healthrelated organisations to deliver culturally safe and tailored health services. “This includes the support of healthy lifestyles, prevention and management of chronic disease, oral health services and support for drug and

alcohol prevention and treatment.” Crouch said NSW Health investment in 2020-21 included $7M for the Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Service, which aims to improve the health of Aboriginal women during pregnancy and decrease perinatal morbidity and mortality for Aboriginal babies. “Improving access to health care requires a coordinated effort between State and Federal Governments, NSW Health, local health districts, specialty health networks, clinicians, patients and local communities,” he said. Terry Collins

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School roofs to spur work for local tradies Central Coast schools are set to benefit from a $60M State Government-funded program to replace and repair roofs at regional schools. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the Roof Replacement Program forms part of the Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan. “Construction work at local schools will provide vital work for local tradies and building companies,” Crouch said. “The economic stimulus directly associated with this $60M infrastructure spend will be great news for local communities across NSW, including the Central Coast. “Wherever possible, local contractors and suppliers will be engaged to ensure that the positive impact of this stimulus is maximised.” Crouch said schools with the highest need would receive priority for roof replacements and repairs.

New running track for Narara PS Students at Narara Public School have been enjoying their new running track, thanks to a $26,000 grant from the NSW Government.

“Schools do not need to apply to take part in this program as decisions will be based on priority and community benefits,” he said. “The Department of Education is already assessing a number of schools across the Central Coast region. “During the summer school holidays, Erina High School’s N Block underwent a $261,000 revamp which included new roofing, gutters, downpipes and associated fittings.”

Crouch said the Government was investing $6.7B over four years to deliver more than 190 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. “This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.” Source: Media release, Feb 23 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

The money is part of the Government’s Community Building Partnership program. President of the P&C association at Narara Valley Public School, Tiffany Smedes, applied for the grant. “It was something the school had wanted for years,” Smedes said. “It is something fun for the kids.” The five-lane track extends 50 metres down the school’s side and backs onto a sandpit - perfect for long jump events. Member for The Entrance, David Mehan, was at the school on Wednesday, February 24, for the official opening. The NSW Community Building Partnership program awards grants to be used for community infrastructure projects. Narara Public School’s new running track

Jacinta Counihan

Homeschooling families thrive During COVID-19 restrictions, home education became the new norm; but for many Central Coast families, homeschooling was something that, as a family, they had already adopted. Vivienne Fox from Avoca Beach has homeschooled her five children for their entire education, and she wants to let other parents know there is a support network for them if they decide to do the same. To stay connected with other homeschooling families, Fox joined the Facebook page, Central Coast Home Educators CCHomeed Community.

She said her children have now moved on to further education at TAFE and University, in IT, Science, Media and Communications, Hospitality Management, and Theology, and Employment. “We are a very active, diverse community and have over 1000 member families,” Fox said. “We provide lots of support and have a wide range of activities each week. “New home school families are welcome.” Fox said before COVID, many parents were nervous and unaware of how to homeschool, but the closing of school

Vivienne’s children (Ellie, Olivia and Amelia) with some of the Solar Buddy kits assembled by homeschool students on the Central Coast

required them to try it. “It is not for everyone and every family, but when people were forced into home education, they realised it is a great idea,” Fox said.

“A lot of people have stayed since COVID.” Fox is also a volunteer with the Home Education Association. “Home education allows

families to learn together, tailoring a program to follow children’s learning styles and interests,” she said. “The Coast is a paradise for home education, with a great community and so many natural resources and educational opportunities, such as the Reptile Park, theatres and the Art Gallery, and an enjoyable train ride from Sydney opportunities museums, the Opera House and more.” Working with the Home Education Association, Fox said an activity the children have been doing together has been the Solar Buddy program.

The Solar Buddy Kits enables students to put together a solar light and write a letter to a student living in energy poverty. “53 Solar Buddy kits have been assembled during February by our local homeschool community,” she said. Go to Vivienne Fox’s Facebook page, Central Coast Home Educators CCHomeed Community, or contact the Home Education Association helpline on 1300729991. Jacinta Counihan

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Raw Challenge a team-building exercise

To encourage teamwork and cohesion, Year 9 Advisor at Central Coast Sports College, Richard Moolman, took his students to complete the Raw Challenge to see how they went up against mud, obstacles and slides. Moolman said the day was a great team-building exercise where new and existing students could exceed their comfort zones, do something different, and have fun together.

“The one we did was a 5km course, which is a shortened version of the main course,” Moolman said. “The idea was you were not allowed to move onto the next obstacle until your last member had finished the current one. “In the beginning, the keen students would run off, finish the obstacle, and then stand at the end having a chat, but then also get frustrated they couldn’t move on. “As we went along, they sort of realised that you’re only as

strong as your weakest link. “On the course, we spoke about it, and I asked how we could do it faster and how we could improve it; they were coming up with those answers. “By the end, you could see the whole dynamic of each obstacle then change. “They all loved the slide, but for them, the hardest bit was the monkey bars, simply because they were metal bars and it started raining.” Jacinta Counihan

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Cultural Tutors share knowledge at NAISDA

Photos: Lisa Haymes

NAISDA Dance College has begun its 2021 training year by welcoming Cultural Tutors, Dujon Niue from Moa Island in the Torres Strait, Jeanette Fabila, and Stuart McMinn from Gawura Cultural Immersions NSW. They have been invited to teach and share their song, dance and cultural practice with the College’s new cohort of Developing Artists. The week-long residency was facilitated by NAISDA Head of Cultural Practice, Jo Clancy,

Head of Dance, Deon Hastie, and Cultural Trainer, Casey Natty. Clancy said the program was a great opportunity for students to connect with their ancestors. “NAISDA’s Cultural Residency Program offers a unique opportunity for our young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to build cultural knowledge and connection by learning firsthand from Elders and knowledge holders,” Clancy said. Niue has come full circle in

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– for young students, this opens your mind, boosts your interest and deepens your understanding of yourself and others.” NAISDA’s long-standing Cultural Residency Program has been developed and delivered in close partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for over four decades. It is an integral part the College’s Songlines Philosophy of maintaining the integrity and longevity of cultural practice to be passed to the next generation

of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and artistic leaders As part of the program, NAISDA students will travel to Moa later in the academic year to be welcomed by the community, gaining deeper insight by living with families and connecting with the Country where the songs, dances and stories originate. Cultural Tutor, Jeanette Fabila, reflected on the importance of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students connecting through

cultural practice. “You need to keep looking for your connection and really take that on,” Fabila said. “Educate yourself, and then educate others. “Dig deep to find out who you truly are through your culture – this will give you the strength to speak up about our Indigenous needs and the respect our cultures and peoples deserve.” Source Media release, Feb 18 NAISDA Dance College

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his NAISDA lifecycle, having studied at the Dance College in the early 1980s before going on to become a founding member of AIDT - The Company. Niue said he uses his own song and dance compositions to share knowledge and culture with the next generation. “That’s the real reason I create and why I’m here for the sixth time,” Niue said. “NAISDA immerses students in a broad range of cultures, connecting with Cultural Tutors who come down to teach traditional songs and dances

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have been zero fatalities since the development of the antivenom in 1981,” Meney said. “Summer is funnel web season, so now is the time people will be seeing funnel webs more and more. “We need to public to assist us with bringing funnel web spiders to the Australian Reptile Park. “If you are an adult and feel safe to do so, please catch the funnel webs using a big glass jar and keeping your hands away from the spider; coax the spider into the jar and bring it to us or one of our drop-off points – you will literally be helping us save lives. “We have videos on our website, Facebook page and YouTube channel showing people how to safely catch funnel web spiders and the list for drop off points can be found on our website.” Meney said it is also important Australians know the correct first aid treatment for a funnel web spider bite, as this can be what ultimately saves the victim’s life.

“Stay as calm as possible and apply the correct first aid, which is a pressure immobilisation bandage and get to hospital as fast as you possibly can,” he said. Funnel web spiders are milked every day at the Australian Reptile Park where visitors can see the milking

process firsthand. This raw venom is then sent to Seqirus in Melbourne where it is turned into lifesaving antivenom. Source Media release, Feb 19 Australian Reptile Park

PUBLIC NOTICE PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION IN NORTH GOSFORD

Site Address: 43 Algwen Road NORTH GOSFORD NSW 2250 Site No: 30469, RFNSA No: 2250014 The proposed installation will involve the following:  The removal of Ten (10) panel antennas  The installation of Three (3) new panel antennas;  The reconfiguration and relocation of existing technologies and addition of new technologies for 3G/4G/5G systems;  The removal and replacement of Remote Radio Units (RRU’s) to be installed on the existing structure; and  The installation of ancillary equipment. 1. The proposed installation is deemed to be Low-impact Facilities pursuant to the Telecommunications (Lowimpact Facilities) Determination 2018 ("The Determination") based on the descriptions above. Consent from council is not required in this instance. 2. The proposed infrastructure will be in compliance with the ACMA EMR regulatory arrangements. 3. This consultation is undertaken in accordance with the requirements of Section 7 of the Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code C564:2020. 4. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Community.Consultation@kordia.com.au or Kordia Solutions, Unit 1D/400 Nudgee Rd, Hendra QLD 4011 by 5pm Friday, 12th March 2021.

PAGE 38 26 FEBRUARY 2021

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Central Coast SLSC selects NSW Interbranch team SURF LIFESAVING Central Coast Surf Life Saving have selected their 2021 Representative team to face off against the other regions of NSW in the Interbranch Championships, to be held at Shelly Beach in late March. The team comprises forty athletes, from Under 12’s up to Opens, who come from 10 different surf lifesaving clubs from around the Central Coast and with varying levels of experience competing in this annual fixture. Each were chosen due to excellence in surf skills and performances over the many surf sports competitions so far this season on the Coast. “This season we have chosen a team which is well balanced with experience along with some rising stars, creating a very competitive team,” said Manager of Representative Teams, Chris Jones. Opens competitors, Ella Beere from Avoca and Hayden Smith from Terrigal, will both bring many years of experience in surf lifesaving as team captains.

The team together for their first training session on Saturday, 20 February.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to have been selected for this year’s Central Coast Interbranch team, a.k.a. the Sand Crabs,” reported Beere. “We have always had a special culture and it will be rewarding to get to lead such a talented and energetic group of young athletes.” Smith also commented on the honour of representing his home after 32 years as a lifesaver.

“To be a captain for the team is a huge honour and I’m looking forward to giving my best efforts not only in the competition but in my leadership of the team.” In the Under 14’s, Bree Josling of Avoca and Jacob Falconner of Ocean Beach will represent the junior divisions as captains, and both commented on what they hope to bring to the role. “Being provided the opportunity to encourage and

mentor our younger athletes is an amazing opportunity,” said Bree. “I am looking forward to giving 100 per cent and encouraging my teammates to do their very best and have a ton of fun!” “It will be a top way to end a very different surf season.” Avoca Beach SLSC have contributed 10 athletes to the team, from the older, experience

hardened to the new young guns. Byron Benson joins the team for the fourth year running in the Under 15’s and will have his father, Damian Benson, leading him in the position of Head Coach. This is Damian’s ninth time coaching the Interbranch team, but after taking a few years out of the position, this is his first time coaching Bryon.

As well as showing years of experience, the team includes some new rising stars eager for their success at the regional level to lead into further success in the State competition. In the Under 12’s, two Avoca newcomers are Ciara Williams and Will Tebb, both of whom are excited to make new friends within the Central Coast wide team and do their best for their home region. For Assistant Beach Coach, David Smith of Shelly Beach, the Interbranch represents a great opportunity to showcase the talent of the Central Coast region surf lifesaving clubs and the quality of his home club who will host the event. “We’ve had a brief training session where our sand team showed great promise. “Last year, the interbranch squad gained a record number of points in the sand events and we believe this team is up to the task of keeping up the trend.” The Interbranch is scheduled for the 27-28 March. Source: Surf Life Saving Central Coast, various interviews and media releases between 15-22 February.

Calls for submissions into Mountain Bike Feasibility Study MOUNTAIN BIKING Central Coast Council is looking for community feedback on the contentious subject of mountain biking across the region, with consultation on its Mountain Bike Feasibility Study discussion paper open until March 22. The issue has attracted heated debate in recent months between avid mountain bike riders and environmentalists who claim the practice can be damaging to bushland. Council’s Unit Manager Environmental Management, Luke Sulkowski, said with participation in mountain bike riding as both a sport and a

recreational activity increasing, it was important to plan ahead in a sustainable way. “There is currently no strategic framework for managing the rapidly increasing demand for mountain biking across the Central Coast,” Sulkowski said. “As the demand for the sport increases, Council needs to have a way to balance the requirement of the sport with environmental and heritage protections for our natural areas. “By identifying the role that Council’s natural reserves may play in the provision of mountain biking experiences across the Central Coast, we will be better able to protect

FORT DENISON

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

0.50 26 0202 0829 1.83 27 FRI

FRI

1507 0.30 2105 1.45 0209 1.42 0827 0.72 1416 1.23 2021 0.68

areas of high conservation and heritage value, minimise the building of unauthorised trail construction and maximise the

safe use of Council reserves by all visitors.” Council Administrator, Dick Persson, said it was important

TIDE CHART

for the community to engage in the discussion with respect. “We recognise there are different views within the community on how to respond to the demand for mountain biking on the Central Coast,” Persson said. “However, our research shows there are also some areas of agreement – for example 95 per cent of survey respondents supported mountain biking continuing in areas where it is currently allowed. “Our survey also showed that 87 per cent were concerned about the lack of authorised trails for mountain biking and 75 per cent about the lack of clarity regarding which trails

Source: Media release, Feb 24 Central Coast Council

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

Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

0420 0.33 0045 1.68 0247 0.42 0332 0.36 0511 0.34 0604 0.37 0912 1.90 0955 1.92 1040 1.89 1126 1.81 1215 1.68 0702 0.43 SAT 1545 0.25 SUN 1623 0.22 MON 1703 0.23 TUE 1744 0.28 WED 1826 0.36 THU 1307 1.53 2145 1.53 2228 1.60 2311 1.65 2357 1.68 1911 0.46 0239 1.64 0503 1.64 0132 0.55 0348 1.63 0611 1.68 0038 0.62 0924 0.55 1047 0.55 1203 0.51 1305 0.45 0709 1.73 0758 1.77 SAT 1519 1.25 SUN 1645 1.20 MON 1805 1.23 TUE 1906 1.30 WED 1354 0.40 THU 1435 0.36 2333 0.68 2035 1.44 2104 0.65 2219 0.70 1954 1.38

are authorised. “I strongly encourage all members of our community interested in this topic to review the discussion paper and watch the information video before completing our survey.” In addition to the discussion paper and information video, community members are invited to submit a question regarding the discussion paper online though Council’s Your Voice Our Coast platform or register to talk to staff at a virtual drop in session. Details: yourvoiceourcoast. com/mtb

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

SPORT PAGE 39

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26 FEBRUARY 2021

Kenyon pivotal in Boomers win

Action shot of Matthew Kenyon on the ball

BASKETBALL Central Coast Crusaders’ small forward, Matthew Kenyon, has played a key role in the Australian Boomers win over New Zealand in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifier. The Australian Boomers came away with a convincing 81-52 point win over the Tall Blacks in the qualifier match

played in Cairns on Saturday, February 20. Kenyon, from Avoca Beach, scored six points and earned 10 rebounds with two assists. The Boomers got off to a strong start with Reyne Smith scoring a three-pointer within the first minute, and from this starting point they did not give up their lead. Nonetheless, the Tall Blacks maintained a persistent trail throughout the first three

quarters, not falling behind by more than 15 points. A third quarter three pointer by Tall Black, Jonathan Janssen brought his team’s deficit to its smallest margin since the opening quarter, causing Boomers head coach, Adam Caporn, to call a timeout with score balanced at 39-44. From here, the Boomers reestablished a cushioned lead, going into the final quarter break with a 12 point lead of

Golf Day Cup Challenge Central Coast Basketball has partnered with Breakers Indoor Sports Stadium to run its annual Golf Day Cup Challenge on March 12, aimed at allowing sponsors, businesses, and players the chance to network. Venue Operations Manager, Amanda Marjanovic, said the day is designed to allow the players, coaching staff, and sponsors to come together in a

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fun and inclusive environment. “It’s the perfect way for our entire Central Coast Basketball community to network prior to the commencement of the Basketball NSW Waratah League,” Marjanovic said. The day provides attendees with the opportunity to enjoy a full golf day experience, including 18 holes of golf, breakfast, a two-course lunch and a beverage package. Sponsors can buy the Hole

Sponsorship package for $660 for four people, including the naming rights of one-hole, full golf day experience for four people, which includes breakfast, lunch, a beverage package, and awards. It also comes with an advertising package such as social media posts. Jacinta Counihan

43-55. In the final period, the Boomers maintained their lead and slowly added to it, pushing themselves ahead into an impervious position. In the end, the Tall Blacks were unable to equal the Boomers’ third quarter score, a testament to the fitness and

composure of the young Australian team. There was a lot at stake for the two trans-Tasman teams, with the game counting towards qualification for the FIBA Asia Cup to be held in Indonesia this August, and then in turn reaching the qualifying phase of the 2023 FIBA

Basketball World Cup. The Boomers win has levelled out Group C of the qualifiers, with both Australia and New Zealand now sitting on 5 points after three games, with Australia leading due to points for and against difference. Haakon Barry

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Ridiculous

FOOTBALL The A-League perpetuated a legacy of VAR-dictated results and rewarded dives in a farcical game between the Central Coast Mariners and Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium. After being dominated by the Mariners throughout much of the game, Adelaide was gifted a 3-2 win despite having just one clear shot on goal in the whole match. All three Adelaide goals were penalties. The first two came from what appeared to be dives by United players, while the third came via an intervention by the VAR for a hand ball in the 80th minute after a United player struck the ball into Kye Rowles at point blank range inside the box. At the time, the Mariners were about to take a free kick of their own at the other end of the field after Kuol was deliberately fouled in front of

goal. The loss brings the Mariners’ three game winning streak to an end. Despite their poor form this year, Adelaide went into the game having lost only one of their last 10 A-League games against the Mariners. For Mariners defender, Jack Clisby, the game also had special significance, being his 150th game for the Central Coast. In the 15th minute, the lead came to the Mariners off the back of a defensive mishap by Jordan Elsey with a soft back pass to the keeper that gifted Daniel De Silva a one-on-one single touch shot at goal. Delianov tried desperately to close the space, but the sleight, outside-foot touch by De Silva spun the ball on its axis and curled it slowly into the net. The next big game moment came in the 32nd minute, with a penalty against Mariners defender, Ruon Tongyik after an apparent dive an Adelaide

Dive No.1

player. The penalty was upheld after a VAR check. Adelaide’s Tomi Juric stood up to do the damage and slid the ball into the bottom corner. The Mariners had two more shots on goal prior to half time, including one near miss by Mariners captain, Oliver Bozanic. The second half continued in similar fashion with Adelaide growing in confidence but most of the chances at goal coming from the Mariners. A yellow card for Stefan Nigro in the 62nd minute was immediately preceded by the Mariners scoring their second goal. It was a goal no ordinary human being had a right to score. But super-sub Kuol is no ordinary human being. After Matt Simon caught the hosts napping and fired a throw-in to Kuol advancing into the box, the star striker was immediately challenged by

Elsey on his inside, with Delianov looking to have the narrow goal opening well and truly covered. But the magic right boot of Kuol curled the ball around Elsey, past the glove of Delianov, grazed the inside of the post and nestled it safely into the back of the net. The goal brought Kuol back to the top of the goal scoring tally this season with six. The host’s rallied however and it was Adelaide captain Stefan Mauk who earning United’s second penalty, once again seeming to have come down without contact in the box. Once again, the VAR bizarrely upheld the decision, suggesting the players’ arms had momentarily crossed. Juric then made the Mariners pay, sending Birighitti the wrong way before netting the ball in the back right corner. In the 78th minute, a kerfuffle of swinging legs (and arms as it turns out) was seen in the

Dive No.2

Mariners’ defensive box as Adelaide peppered the goal. Upon clearing the ball, Kuol broke free at the other end, ending in a free kick after a reckless challenge by United’s George Timotheou. But the visitors didn’t get a chance to capitalise. For the third time, and some two minutes after the event, the VAR check resulted in Adelaide being awarded their third penalty back at the other end of the field. The video showed the ball catching Kye Rowles’ hand at point blank range off a strike by Paciifique Niyongabire. International football rules state that, even if a handball is not deliberate, it is still a penalty if the player has raised their arm to make their “playing silhouette” larger. The rules also say however, that if a player is falling and the ball touches their hand/arm but it has not been extended to make their silhouette larger, it is not an offence.

While angles can be deceptive, slow motion replays suggest Rowles hand was in front of his own face. For the third time, Juric found the back of the net to give Adelaide their first lead of the night with five minutes left. Deep in penalty time, the Mariners created a final opportunity to equalise with a missed header by Bozanic directly in front. Even keeper Birighittileft his goal to join his team-mates in attack for the final minute, but to no avail. Referee, Daniel Elder, signed off his night by awarding a red card to Kye Rowles for some ill-conceived words after the whistle. The Mariners were left bemused after another highquality performance. Rowles will miss the Mariners’ next match against Perth Glory, scheduled at HBF Park on Tuesday, 2nd March.

Has Kye Rowles enlarged his playing silhouette

CCN