Coast Community News 291 by Central Coast Newspapers

7 MAY 2021

ISSUE 291

New Indigenous Party opposed to DLALC bushland development

News

The announcement that councillors will remain suspended as a public inquiry into Central Coast Council is launched marks the end of a 30 year career. See pages 4-5

Out&About

Loud bands, bright lights, and big crowds – these were the scenes that made up most of the life of Big Day Out Founder, Ken West. See page 17

Business

The Indigenous Party of Australia, currently in the process of becoming a registered political party, has joined the groundswell of opposition to a development project planned for sensitive land at Kariong. See page 6 Aboriginal Central Coast women Renee Sales and Tracie Howie are opposed to the development

New COVID restrictions to impact Coast A three-day re-tightening of COVID-19 health restrictions came into force on the Central Coast on May 6 following recent cases of community transmission and updated health advice from Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant. The new restrictions came into force at midday on May 6 (enforceable from 5pm) and will remain in place until 12.01am on Monday, May 10 in the Greater Sydney region, which includes the Central Coast. During this period visitors to households will be limited to 20 guests – including children and masks will be compulsory

on public transport and in all public indoor venues, such as retail, theatres, hospitals, aged care facilities and for front-ofhouse hospitality staff (except in a hospitality venue when eating or drinking). Drinking while standing up at indoor venues will not be

allowed, nor will singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship. Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs but will be allowed at weddings with a strong recommendation that no more

than 20 people should be on the dance floor at any one time. Visitors to aged care facilities will be limited to two people. It is also strongly recommended the community avoids mingling in large groups during the specified period and is careful not to put the most vulnerable at risk. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the three-day restrictions would help reduce the risk of a super spreading event. “These measures are proportionate to the risk and will help reduce further cases of community transmission,” Berejiklian said. “To allow our health authorities to do their excellent work it is critical the community

continues to keep their physical distance, get tested with even the mildest of symptoms and importantly continues to use the Service NSW app to check into venues.” Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, urged anyone experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms, even if they are mild, to isolate immediately, get tested and continue to isolate until a negative result is received. “It is also important to remember that even if you have had your first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine you must still come forward for testing if you have any symptoms.” he said. Source: Media release, May 6 NSW Health

Central Coast businesses are reaping the benefits of the State Government’s Dine & Discover NSW initiative, which has seen more than $2M spent in the region so far. See page 27

Sport

Over the weekend of May 1-2, four members of the Central Coast Cycling Club raced in the Goulburn Workers Junior 2 Day Tour, coming away with quality results. 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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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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2250 - Bucketty, Calga, Central Mangrove, East Gosford, Erina, Erina Fair, Glenworth Valley, Gosford, Greengrove, Holgate, Kariong, Kulnura, Lisarow, Lower Mangrove, Mangrove Creek, Mangrove Mountain, Matcham, Mooney Mooney Creek, Mount White, Narara, Niagara Park, North Gosford, Peats Ridge, Point Clare, Point Frederick, Somersby, Springfield, Tascott, Ten Mile Hollow, Upper Mangrove, Wendoree Park, West Gosford, Wyoming 2251 - Avoca Beach, Bensville, Bouddi, Copacabana, Davistown, Green Point, Kincumber, MacMasters Beach, Picketts Valley, Saratoga, Yattalunga 2260 - Forresters Beach, North Avoca, Terrigal, Wamberal

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

23 APRIL 2021

ISSUE 289

Local HERO fuels low-emission future

30 APRIL 2021 28 APRIL 2021

ANZAC

Avoca locals are encouraged to head to Chapman Cres at 10am this Anzac Day to support 97-year-old John Bartlett, who will be doing his own march as he cannot do the one in Sydney.

No PEP11 drilling under this Government – Wicks

News

Over 200 people took to the water at Terrigal Haven on Saturday, April 24, to protest against PEP11. See page 13

Out&About

See pages 12-13

Out&About

Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre and Fixx Events will host a series of drug and alcohol-free music events for youth called MAKE WAY, giving them a safe space to go out and have fun with friends.

Around the Coast, people turned out in droves to commemorate the fallen and the returned in live ANZAC Day marches and ceremonies.

See page 17

Business

See page 3

Morrison said he will allocate $275m to create four more

hydrogen hubs in regional Australia and the other $267m to carbon capture, utilisation, and storage projects, also known as carbon sequestration. Morrison said the development of hydrogen is one of the main elements of energy technology that is essential for Australia's future. "I want Australia and hydrogen technology to be synonymous around the

world," Morrison said. "It is essential we position Australia to succeed by investing now in the technologies that will support our industries into the future, with lower emissions energy that can support Australian jobs." Star Scientific has developed their Hydrogen Energy Release Optimiser (HERO) technology to produce unlimited, affordable, safe and reliable

energy with zero emissions by converting hydrogen and oxygen into heat and water, without degrading the catalyst. Star Scientific Global Group Chairman, Andrew Horvath, said HERO is revolutionary in reducing emissions in the future. "Hydrogen is now, hydrogen will be the future fuel, it's inexhaustible, it will dramatically drop in price, and it will become the base fuel of

the planet." Star Scientific recently won the 2020 Global Energy Awards' Emerging Technology of the Year category. When asked specifically how much of the $500m will go to the Central Coast, the Prime Minister was vague and said it would be allocated 'Australia wide'. Jacinta Counihan

Should the 13 suspended councillors be allowed to return to duties at the end of April until the September election?

YES

90.6%

CCN

8.8%

NO UNSURE

With a decision on the future of Central Coast Council expected to be handed down within days, Local Government Minister, Shelley Hancock, has ruled out a judicial inquiry into the Council’s financial woes. A period of administration was instituted by Hancock last October for a three-month period following revelations of Council’s dire financial situation and was subsequently extended by another three

A proposal under consideration by the Department of Planning for two huge advertising signs at the north side of the Brian McGowan Bridge on the Central Coast Hwy has drawn the ire of nearby residents. See page 29

Sport

Minister rules out ‘judicial’ inquiry months. She suspended the 13 councillors (Councillors Troy Marquart and Rebecca Gale having resigned days earlier) and appointed Administrator Dick Persson. The period of administration ends on April 29, with Hancock to decide on what happens next prior to that date. Hancock said ordering a judicial inquiry, as requested in an e-petition signed by more Continued page 10

The Mariners A-League season hangs in the balance ahead of a crunch match this weekend against rivals Sydney FC (April 24) at Central Coast Stadium. 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

It’s official, a public inquiry is to be held into Central Coast Council and the local government elections slated for September 4 will be postponed until late next year. The decision was announced on April 27 by Local Government Minister, Shelley Hancock, who said that the inquiry will provide an “independent, open, and transparent process to help improve the council’s performance and sustainability”. While the move has been applauded by Administrator, Dick Persson,and Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, not everyone is pleased. Suspended Mayor Lisa Matthews said a public inquiry isn’t the answer that ratepayers have been looking for and Shadow Minister for the Central

Local Government Minister, Shelley Hancoc and Premier Gladys Berejiklian

Coast, David Harris, said he was disappointed that calls for a judicial inquiry, supported by an e-petition bearing more than 20,000 signatures, had been ignored. Minister Hancock said Council’s performance, particularly concerning financial management, had been of “great concern” to the

community. “On behalf of all Central Coast ratepayers, I want to see Council performing in the best interest of the community and this public inquiry will help get to the bottom of the issues which have impacted its performance, resulting in my suspension of councillors and appointment of an Interim

Administrator,” she said. “Any member of the public with concerns about the council can now raise them directly with the Commissioner of the public inquiry.” Roslyn McCulloch, who has three decades of experience in local government and planning law and conducted the 2019

Residents of the Mangrove Mountain community have launched a petition in an effort to stop the proposed sale of the district’s heritage listed Union Church.

Continued page 4

Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, was in Berkeley Vale on April 21, to visit Star Scientific, a company leading the way in developing the global hydrogen energy economy. See page 26

Sport

Sydney FC came back from a two goal deficit against the Mariners at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday... 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

7 MAY 2021 6 MAY 2021

News

Central Coast resident, Nikki Bennett, is now starring in a theatrical tribute for Australian Music legend, Helen Reddy.

The decision was announced on April 27 by Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock, who said the inquiry will provide an “independent, open, and transparent process to help improve the council’s performance and sustainability”. While the move has been applauded by Administrator Dick Persson and Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch, not everyone is pleased.

Suspended Mayor Lisa Matthews said a public inquiry isn’t the answer ratepayers have been looking for and Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris, said he was disappointed that calls for a judicial inquiry, supported by an e-petition bearing more than 20,000 signatures, had been ignored. Minister Hancock said Council’s performance, particularly concerning financial management, had been of “great concern” to the community. “On behalf of all Central Coast ratepayers, I want to see Council performing in the best interest of the community and this public inquiry will help get to the bottom of the issues which have impacted its performance, resulting in my

Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock

suspension of councillors and appointment of an Interim Administrator,” she said. “Any member of the public with concerns about the council can now raise them directly with the Commissioner of the public inquiry.” Roslyn McCulloch, who has three decades of experience in

local government and planning law and conducted the 2019 public inquiry into Balranald Shire Council, has been appointed Commissioner of the inquiry. At the conclusion of the inquiry, she will present a report to the Minister and may make recommendations, including issuing a Performance Improvement Order or dismissing Council. Hancock said the decision means the Coast’s local government election will be postponed until late 2022, with current councillors to remain suspended during the inquiry process. Council Administrator, Dick Persson, said the Minister’s decision to stop the suspended councillors returning on April

The announcement that councillors will remain suspended as a public inquiry into Central Coast Council is launched marks the end of a 30 year career. See pages 4-5

Out&About

Loud bands, bright lights, and big crowds – these were the scenes that made up most of the life of Big Day Out Founder, Ken West.

Locals brought bush to the beach with the planting of over 2,000 trees at Umina Beach on April 21.

See page 19

A Woy Woy veteran has been recognised for his decades of service with a Life Membership award at an Anzac Day service at Ettalong Diggers on April 25. See page 12

Business

The local community has asked to see the Termite Report which Central Coast Council says shows the Norah Head Hall should be demolished.

News

See page 5

Out&About

See page 10

See page 17

See page 18

Health

Business

Bevan Router (3rd from right) and Ian Weekley (3rd from left) and others, at the Brisbane Water Secondary College Woy Woy’s Anzac Service

See page 6

Mixed reactions to announcement of public inquiry It’s official – a public inquiry is to be held into Central Coast Council, the councillors will remain suspended and the local government elections slated for September 4 will be postponed until late next year.

New Indigenous Party opposed to DLALC bushland development

With community angst running high over the proposed sale of council assets on the Peninsula...

Out&About

See page 17

Business

ISSUE 291

ISSUE 013

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS

Bevan Router awarded RSL Australia Life Membership

The (VRA) is celebrating the launch of their first official uniform for members of the organisation... See page 5

See page 8

public inquiry into Balranald Shire Council, has been appointed Commissioner of the inquiry. At the conclusion of the inquiry, she will present a report to the Minister and may make recommendations, including issuing a Performance Improvement Order or dismissing Council. Hancock said the decision means the Coast’s local government election will be postponed until late 2022, with current councillors to remain suspended during the inquiry process. Council Administrator, Dick Persson, said the Minister’s decision to stop the suspended councillors returning on April 29 was “great news for both the community and the Council”.

ISSUE 237

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Community groups fight to save facilities listed for sale

Australian Reptile Park resident icon, Ranger Mick, has hit an incredible milestone, officially marking his 60,000th show performed at the Park.

The community push to cancel the PEP11 permit for offshore drilling has taken a large leap forward, with Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, announcing the project will not go ahead under the Morrison government during last weekend’s Paddle Out protest at Terrigal Beach.

Public inquiry to be held and Council to remain under administration

5 MAY 2021

See pages 6

See page 17

Business

News

Out&About

Seven senior citizens who help to make their communities an inspiring place to live have been acknowledged..

ANZAC Day service at Memorial Park, The Entrance

Central Coast hydrogen R&D company, Star Scientific, hosted Prime Minister Scott Morrison on April 21, where he committed half a billion dollars to hydrogen development and Carbon, Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) in next month's federal budget.

ISSUE 290

ISSUE 236

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Large crowds turn out for live ANZAC Day services

29 was “great news for both the community and the Council”. “My Final Report recommended this course of action as there is still a lot to do before the Council recovers from the disruption of the past three years,” he said. Persson also applauded the appointment of Rik Hart as the new Administrator. Hart acted as CEO until the recent appointment of David Farmer to the position. “The new CEO and new Administrator need to continue the ‘recovery’ without the political distractions which would have inevitably occurred if the councillors had been allowed to return,” he said.

The public now has a threeweek window to have its say on a Central Coast Council proposal to reclassify and rezone land at the Central Coast Stadium on the waterfront at Gosford. See page 25

Sport

After two home games at Central Coast Stadium this week, the Mariners have picked up only one of six potential league points, suffering a draw and then a crushing defeat. See page 40

Continued page 4

Puzzles page 22

New CEO, David Farmer, has his eyes firmly set on the future As the State Government ordered public inquiry delves into the causes of Central Coast Council’s financial crisis, new CEO, David Farmer, has his eyes firmly set on the future. Farmer is determined to achieve his dual goals of making the Council into an organisation for which its staff are proud to work and which is recognised more for its initiatives and policy decisions than the mistakes of the past 6-7 years. Taking up his appointment as CEO on April 12, Farmer is almost a month into his tenure and says he is in it “for the long haul”. He has a difficult job ahead of him. Working alongside Rik Hart,

who will take over from Dick Persson as Administrator on May 13, it will be Farmer’s job to see Council return to a solid financial footing. “I have been in difficult situations similar to this before,” he said. “I have worked at councils under administration at Wollongong for three and a half years and at Ipswich for 12 months, and am familiar with how this will work. “In some ways it is easier working alongside just one person, as opposed to elected councillors, as you don’t have to wonder how the numbers will fall. “Each Administrator is different, but I am confident that I will work well with Rik Hart, he understands both roles.

Central Coast Council CEO, David Farmer

“His will be a more short term focus but I have a long term plan to work first with the Administrator and eventually with elected councillors to make the organisation as sound as possible.” Hart, who acted as CEO from

October 30, when councillors were suspended and the Council was placed under administration until Farmer’s appointment, is already familiar with the workings of the organisation. Farmer said the first priority would be returning the Council’ finances to a healthy state. “It will be a lot of hard work for many people,” he said. Farmer said the road to financial recovery had begun with the loss of around 250 staff members. “Many of the hard decisions have already been made, with most of the staff cuts at management level, and now the organisation has to adapt to operating with fewer people and less resources as it continues to deliver essential services,” he said.

“In the short term, I hope to get this year’s budget working a little better than anticipated and I’d like to see a small surplus to start next year.” Key to achieving this, Farmer said, would be the 15 per cent rate rise yet to be okayed by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), which will hand down its decision some time in May. In the event the rate increase of 13 per cent above the 2 per cent cap is denied, Farmer said there would be some “serious surgery” to services. “With cuts already having made to staff at the upper levels of the organisation, a further wave of staff cuts would impact those who deliver Council’s services,” he said. Continued page 10

Business NSW Central Coast has applauded news that the Federal Government has extended the construction commencement requirement.. See page 26

Sport

The Men’s Over 40 and Over 45 State Championships went ahead in Tamworth from Friday to Sunday, April 30 – May 2... See page 39

Puzzles page 23

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

Peninsula assets on the block Community land across the Peninsula – including green spaces, a retirement community and a sports oval – is set to be reclassified and sold off as part of Central Coast Council’s ‘solution’ to solving its financial woes. The Council first released their ‘assets sales program’ as part of its financial recovery plan at the April 27 Council meeting, with many members of the public unaware of the looming auction. With growing anger in the community, Council swayed on their decision to sell off the assets, and quickly announced a formal community consultation process into the list of sites. Residents have until May 21 to provide feedback, view the location and a description of

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

Fassifern Street in Ettalong Beach will need to be reclassified as a residential zone prior to its sale

the land parcels by visiting yourvoiceourcoast.com. Council Administrator, Dick Persson, agreed with community requests for a community feedback process after an outpouring of community anger, as characterised by the protest

outside the Council’s Chamber in Wyong on April 27. Persson said he regretted his handling of the matter which had caused widespread concern amongst the community. “There is still a need for

Council to raise funds through the sale of surplus or ‘lazy’ assets if we are to pay down the huge debts run up by the suspended Councillors,” Persson said. “This is not a ‘fire sale’ as some are claiming - any properties sold will be at

Aboriginal Central Coast women Renee Sales and Tracie Howie are opposed to the development

market price or better, and the market is very strong at the moment. “I can assure residents that all due diligence is being undertaken in this process. “This includes assessment against the Community Strategic Plan, consultation with the independent Property Advisory Committee and always independent market valuation assessment.” The plan, which required a review of Council’s property assets, then grouped the properties into three categories: operational classified and appropriately zoned land, operational classified land which requires rezoning, and land parcels where Council is seeking reclassification from community to operational land. Continued page 6

Hardy’s Bay RSL Club have received over $16,000 in funding to help reactivate their live music venue after the easing of COVID-19 restrictions... See page 26

Sport

There are encouraging early signs emerging from the Woy Woy Lions in their Premier 1 men’s and women’s teams following big changes. See page 40

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - 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

Central Coast businesses are reaping the benefits of the State Government’s Dine & Discover NSW initiative, which has seen more than $2M spent in the region so far. See page 27

Sport

Over the weekend of May 1-2, four members of the Central Coast Cycling Club raced in the Goulburn Workers Junior 2 Day Tour, coming away with quality results. 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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PAGE 3 7 MAY 2021

New Council CEO says he’s ‘in it for the long haul’ As the State Governmentordered public inquiry delves into the causes of Central Coast Council’s financial crisis, new CEO David Farmer has his eyes firmly set on the future. Farmer is determined to achieve his dual goals of making the Council into an organisation for which its staff are proud to work and which is recognised more for its initiatives and policy decisions than the mistakes of the past within 6-7 years. Taking up his appointment as CEO on April 12, Farmer is almost a month into his tenure and says he is in it “for the long haul”. He has a difficult job ahead of him. Working alongside Rik Hart, who will take over from Dick Persson as Administrator on May 13, it will be Farmer’s job to see Council return to a solid financial footing. “I have been in difficult situations similar to this before,”” he said. “I have worked at councils under administration at Wollongong for three and a half years and at Ipswich for 12 months and am familiar with

how this will work. “In some ways it is easier working alongside just one person (as opposed to elected councillors), as you don’t have to wonder how the numbers will fall. “Each Administrator is different, but I am confident I will work well with Rik Hart – he understands both roles. “His will be a more shortterm focus, but I have a longterm plan to work first with the Administrator and eventually with elected councillors to make the organisation as sound as possible.”

Central Coast Council CEO, David Farmer

Farmer said the first priority would be returning the Council’ finances to a healthy state. “It will be a lot of hard work for many people,” he said. Farmer said the road to financial recovery had already begun with the loss of around 250 staff members. “Many of the hard decisions have already been made, with most of the staff cuts at management level and now the organisation has to adapt to operating with fewer people and less resources as it continues to deliver essential services,” he said.

“In the short term I hope to get this year’s budget working a little better than anticipated and I’d like to see a small surplus to start next year.” Key to achieving this, Farmer said, would be the 15 per cent rate rise yet to be okayed by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), which will hand down its decision some time in May. In the event the rate increase of 13 per cent above the 2 per cent cap is denied, Farmer said there would be some “serious surgery” to services. “With cuts already having

made to staff at the upper levels of the organisation, a further wave of staff cuts would impact those who deliver Council’s services,” he said. This could impact on such things as maintenance of Council assets, mowing of parks and reserves and cuts in the operation of some facilities, he said. A list of Council assets proposed for sale (and reclassification for sale) is open for public consultation until May 21 and Farmer said any proceeds from these sales would go towards paying off

Council’s debt. “Anything already classified as Operational, council can simply sell, but assets classed as Community would need to be reclassified before they could be sold,” he said. This latter group of assets would include such things as parks and reserves. With community angst high over some of the proposed reclassifications, Farmer said there would have to be “good reasons” to remove any from the list. “We are working on selling some community assets to community-based organisations,” he said. Plans are underway to sell land behind the Wyong Council chambers to a non-government organisation and to sell parcels of land to Wyong Golf Club, Wyong Race Club and the Mariners to allow for expansion of their facilities. The father of three adult children, Farmer is currently renting premises with wife Andrea while he awaits the sale of his Brisbane home and has yet to decide where in the region the couple will finally settle. Terry Collins

PAGE 4 7 MAY 2021

NEWS

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End of The announcement that councillors will remain suspended as a public inquiry into Central Coast Council is launched marks the end of a 30 year career in civic life for Councillor Chris Holstein. In an exclusive interview with Coast Community News, Holstein announced he would not stand at the next Council election, slated by Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock for late next year, as he outlined the reasons he felt Council had collapsed and reflected on his decades as a

councillor. Holstein said while he thought not bringing the suspended councillors back was a good move, he felt a public inquiry would accomplish little. “The councillors weren’t going to achieve anything in five months (if returned) but my concern over delaying the next election for more than 12 months is that the community will be without representation for all that time,” he said. “I believe a new Council should be elected this September as planned and perhaps an inquiry could have

been launched sooner to allow for that to happen. “It’s an easy cop-out to blame the councillors for all that has gone wrong, but in my mind, there are five major reasons why we ended up where we did. “Firstly, the previous administration (under Ian Reynolds, following the amalgamation of Gosford and Wyong councils and prior to the election of the new Council) didn’t tackle the big issues. “The Administrator should have realised at that time that $20M from the State

Government wasn’t going to cover the costs of amalgamation of a multi-million dollar council. “Secondly, the State Government underestimated the process of amalgamation and what it would take. “There should have been greater understanding of the costs which would be incurred. “Many amalgamated councils have had difficulties and Local Government is always the scapegoat.” Holstein said the third reason for failure was faults in the management process.

“Senior management and the (former) CEO have borne the brunt of the blame, but there were many systemic failures at all levels of management,” he said. “We have a lot of good staff – some great people – but somewhere something went wrong. “A public inquiry won’t uncover that – it has the potential to embarrass the State Government, the Department of Local Government and the Audit Office and I don’t think anything startling will come of it.”

Holstein said councillors’ attitudes and behaviour was the fourth cause of the problems. “The Ward system favours political parties and too many ratepayers vote along party lines instead of really looking at the candidates themselves,” he said. “The parties need to look at the candidates they are putting up. “The community has to come first, and many councillors gave political reactions which were not community based.

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

From Council Asset sales became ‘THE STORY’ last week. The full list is now available on yourvoiceourcoast.com Once the Minister made it clear the suspended Councillors were not returning, I was able to slow the process down and hold community consultation. I am confident the suspended Councillors would not have agreed to asset sales to pay off some of the massive debt built up during their tenure. It is a sad fact that our financial situation still requires selling of any assets. The final decision will now be made by my successor, the new Administrator, Mr Rik Hart. There is a lot of rubbish being said about the sales program. To clarify: • There is no fire sale. The market is strong and top prices will be achieved. • It is not proposed to sell environmentally sensitive lands. • Some land is being considered for sale to current occupants, like the Salvation Army at Oasis. • If the land adjacent to the racecourse is sold, it will see the expansion of training facilities and the creation of many jobs. The funds will help pay for the clean-up of the heavily degraded adjacent wetlands. The key question is, “Do we need to pay down some of our $560 million debt”? The answer is “Definitely YES”. Please don’t forget why this is happening. Have your say at yourvoiceourcoast.com and let Mr Hart know your reasons for opposing anything on the list. Dick Persson AM Administrator, Central Coast Council

Our 2021/22 Operational Plan now on exhibition

Young talent shines at Discovered grand final!

Our draft 2021-2022 Operational Plan including proposed Fees and Charges is now on exhibition for community feedback.

Now in its ninth year, Discovered is Council’s professional development program and vocal competition for Central Coast singers and singer/ songwriters aged 7 to 24 years.

Every year Council presents a plan of works to the community in line with what they have told us is important to them – the continued delivery of essential services and the maintenance of our community facilities, recreation and open spaces.

The Operational Plan provides residents with an overview of essential services, programs and capital works projects for the year ahead and is exhibited annually for community input.

As part of our plan towards financial recovery, the 2021/22 Operational Plan forecasts Council’s operating income as $666.8M (if IPART determine a 15% Special Rate Variation) from which Council will spend $659.8M on services and operational costs resulting in a modest surplus of $7.0M. This excludes capital grants and contributions, which will be allocated towards the repayment of the restricted reserves debt.

Eleven young Coasties took to the stage for the 2020/21 Discovered grand final at The Hub Youth Entertainment Venue Erina on Friday 23 April for an outstanding showcase of local talent.

19 year old Riley Lovell took out top honours on the evening to become the Central Coast’s 2020/21 Discovery in the Open Division, while 11 year old Charlotte McPhail was the winner of the Kids Division. Read more at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/news

Rates Harmonisation

Did you know residents can calculate their rates using our online rates calculator? Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au and click the calculate your rates icon

It is also proposed that $173.5M will be spent on capital works projects, with a focus on maintaining Council’s existing infrastructure. This includes over 350 capital works projects in 2021-2022, with the draft Operational Plan also including details of capital works projects for the following three years. Our draft plan has taken into consideration our current financial situation and we encourage everyone interested to take a look at the plan and Have Your Say by 26 May 2021 at yourvoiceourcoast.com

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

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

Council meeting

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PAGE 5 7 MAY 2021

an era “There was never compromise and certain councillors acted through self interest and were deliberately disruptive. “The complexity of some motions put forward was not about getting an outcome but about disruption. “Councillors fell into the trap of getting into arguments and taking their eye off the ball. “A Council lost in a sea of self interest is set up for failure.” The fifth and final major reason for the financial collapse was costs incurred by the region experiencing fire, flood, severe coastal erosion and a pandemic within the space of a few short months, he said. “I have experienced all those things in previous years, including the bird flu which virtually closed Mangrove Mountain, but never have we seen all of them in such a short space of time,” Holstein said. “This resulted in an unbelievable cost to the city.” Holstein said it was important new councillors were elected as soon as possible. “Parties have to smarten up (in putting forward candidates); you have to be there 24/7 and

the small issues are just as important as the larger ones,” he said. “It was discouraging when attending briefing sessions to find half the councillors weren’t even there.” Holstein first became involved in civic life 30 years ago when he was instrumental in forming the Narara Creek Restoration Creek Committee after his home in Showground Rd, Gosford, experienced severe flooding multiple times despite its one-in-100-year flooding classification. “We eventually realised that restoring the creek, which was heavily silted, wasn’t viable and the result was a voluntary acquisition program,” he said. The program saw home owners’ land bought by Council; Holstein had his entire house moved to new land at Niagara Park, where it remains the family home today. The experience whetted his taste for becoming more involved in community affairs and he was next embroiled in protests over a plan to install a medical incinerator in Narara Valley.

“I was attending lots of Council meetings and expressing my views and one of the councillors said ‘if you think you can do better, stand for Council’ – so I did,” he said.

First elected in 1991 as an Independent following a selffunded campaign, Holstein has served continuously as a councillor for Gosford Council and then Central Coast Council

– with the only break in this service being a four-year term as the State Member for Gosford after being recruited by the Liberal Party and a short period after his defeat at the state polls in 2015. “I was elected to the newly amalgamated Council shortly after that as an Independent,” he said. “I had had enough with the political parties.” Holstein’s years on Council included six terms as Mayor. He counts among the major things achieved for the community during his tenure: Central Coast Stadium, Niagara Park Stadium, the Peninsula Leisure Centre, the surf club rebuilding program, the enhancement of the COSS system and addressing waste issues on the Coast by the introduction of the three bin system. He is quick to point out he was part of an effective team when all these things were achieved. “I have worked with some truly great councillors over the years, including Tony Sansom, Robert Bell and Lynne Buckholt,” he said.

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“I was working with people who could put politics aside to get things done. “But it’s also the smaller things which stay with me. “I get enjoyment every time I go through the Renwick St roundabout. “I’m very proud of the PCYC at Umina Beach, the Umina parkland near the surf club, the Woy Woy Women’s Health Centre and the East Gosford Family History Society. “For these last two projects we took old buildings and relocated them to become new facilities.” Holstein, who still has family business connections on the Peninsula, turned down an offer from the Liberal Party after he lost the seat of Gosford to run for the seat of Terrigal. “I wasn’t going to abandon the people of Woy Woy,” he said. Holstein will now concentrate his efforts on working part time for Coast Shelter as its Community Connections Officer. Terry Collins

PAGE 6 7 MAY 2021

NEWS

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New Indigenous Party opposed to DLALC bushland development The Indigenous Party of Australia, currently in the process of becoming a registered political party, has joined the groundswell of opposition to a development project planned for sensitive land at Kariong. The Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council (DLALC) proposal for a 70home housing development in

Woy Woy Rd is currently under consideration by the NSW Planning Department, with a campaign spearheaded by Coast Environmental Alliance and some members of the Central Coast’s Indigenous community saying the plans would encroach on culturally significant land. DLALC has questioned the cultural authority and status of some Aboriginal groups in the community, with much of the

controversy centred around the use of the term Guringai in defining Indigenous residents on the Coast. “(Local government) on the Northern Beaches faced a similar dilemma and provided a report clarifying the status of the Guringai,” a statement from DLALC said. “In short the report found that the Guringai in Sydney and the Central Coast were a fiction

and discredited the problematic anthropologist (who coined the name). “Furthermore the ‘Guringai’ made an application for Native Title on lands including on the Central Coast and had to discontinue their application.” Bur Coast Bloodline Custodian, Tracey Howie, a descendent of Traditional Custodian of the Central Coast, Bungaree, said the term

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Guringai was coined by a 19th century linguist, but so were many names of Aboriginal tribes and clans, such as Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi. “We have just as much right to use the name as anyone whose ancestors were described by that name; it’s just a name,” she said. “Our tribal group, known by linguists as ‘Guringai’, is represented by hundreds of other Aboriginal people throughout the Central Coast, Newcastle and Sydney regions. “I was disgusted to see DLALC publicly describing our People as a ‘fiction’. “To say that this is deeply offensive to our Elders would be a vast understatement. “Several Aboriginal groups were described by European linguists as Guringai, with multiple spellings of the name; (DLALC has provided) absolutely no evidence to prove we aren’t the First People of the Central Coast. “Some of the main Aboriginal clans in the Central Coast region are the Garigal, the Wannangini, the Walkaloa and the Wannabe. “To the North our neighbours were the Awabakal, to the South, the Darug, and to the West, the Darkinoong.” The DLALC statement also said the development in question is not adjacent to the Kariong Sacred Lands and imposes no threat at all to any Aboriginal sites. “Darkinjung is seeking to exercise our right to selfdetermination for our community under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 and as the Cultural Authority of the Central Coast we reserve the right to preserve and protect our culture and prosper in postcolonial Australia which are not mutually exclusive,” it said. But Howie said the proposed development was “certainly in the vicinity of Kariong Sacred Lands”. “My ancestors lived and died on this land for thousands of years, and my People consider this part of Kariong, including the land DLALC (wishes) to develop, as sacred,” she said. Howie joined with Coast Environmental Alliance (CEA), the Indigenous Party of Australia and other Traditional Custodians at a rally against the development at Gosford’s The Rhythm Hut on April 24. CEA founder, Jake Cassar, said the land in question also has endangered wetlands, and is listed by the State and

Federal Government as an Area of Regional Koala Significance (ARKS) due to the specific varieties of eucalypts it contains. “In relation to DLALC claiming that there are no cultural sites on the portion of land they are trying to develop, I was told in no uncertain terms by the Department of Primary Industries and Environment (DPIE) that a cultural site was indeed discovered during the investigation into illegal clearing (which took place on the land last uear),” Cassar said. “I have offered to meet with DLALC on several occasions to see if we can find a resolution, but to date my offers have been outright rejected.” Central Coast indigenous woman and member of the Indigenous Party of Australia, Renee Sales, said traditional owners were concerned that sacred lands were at risk. “The problem with this kind of development is that once our traditional beautiful land is destroyed, it cannot be put back,” Sales said. “I have written to Darkinjung Lands Council a number of times but they never reply. “We would be happy to sit and yarn with them to find a solution, but all we get is a wall of silence. “There is plenty of land on the Central Coast that could be developed for housing - land which is already degraded. “We are hoping that at some point the Lands Council will talk to us about this awful proposal “We know that both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people on the Central Coast want to see as much of our bushland preserved as is possible; this issue concerns all Coasties - those who want to keep our black history as well as those who want to preserve the beauty of the Coast.” Indigenous Party of Australia Executive, Lawrence Brookes, called on DLALC to “stop this madness and leave the Kariong Sacred lands alone” at the rally. “The Kariong Sacred lands are of great importance to a number of Indigenous nations,” he said. “They were the meeting place for combined ceremony and for the trading of goods. “Tribes from as far away as Bathurst were believed to have participated. “It was a place of peace, for sorting out differences.” Terry Collins

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PAGE 7 7 MAY 2021

PAGE 8 7 MAY 2021

NEWS

Zero tolerance approach to dog attacks Central Coast Council will develop a Responsible Pet Ownership Policy with a zero tolerance approach to dog attacks to clearly set community expectations of pet owners on the Central Coast. Administrator Dick Persson said that with the Coast having the highest population of dogs in NSW, this was an important community safety issue. “Whilst the overall number of dog attack incidents on the Coast has decreased over the previous four years, given our high rate of dog ownership, dog attacks are still a serious issue for the community and

Council’s community safety staff.” The policy will include a zerotolerance approach for dog attacks with mandatory penalties where an attack has led to the fatality of another dog unless there are extenuating circumstances to be reviewed by an Enforcement Review Panel led by a Council Executive. Council will also write to the State Government seeking a review of the list of dangerous dog breeds. Persson adopted the decisions at the April 27 meeting where he presented an Administrator’s Minute

which explained that 143,000 registered dogs reside within the Local Government area. “For the thirteen rangers that are employed by Council, that’s 11,000 dogs per Community Safety Officer or ranger,” he said. “The Central Coast leads the State for the highest rate of dog attacks in NSW. “Dog attacks are a serious issue facing the community and Council’s Community Safety Section. “A dog attack is defined as an incident where a dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal (other than vermin), whether or

not any injury is caused to the person or animal.” Persson said dog attacks were most likely to involve other dogs followed by attacks on humans; however, human victims also emerged where a person tried to intervene in a dog attack on another animal. He said cats and livestock were also victims of dog attacks. Statistics indicate that, on average, 60 per cent of animal victims sustained either a minor injury or no injury due to a dog attack. There were seven dog deaths in 2019 and five dog deaths in 2020 due to a dog attack.

The most likely place for a dog attack to occur on the Central Coast is on a public road or footpath. Less than 10 per cent of attacks happen in public areas such as beaches and reserves, which are patrolled by rangers. The possible consequences for owners of attacking dogs include a $1320 fine and a Dangerous and Menacing dog order. These orders require owners to comply with control requirements that are enforceable by law. “Community concerns have been raised after a recent dog attack that resulted in the

fatality of a dog named Buddy and serious injuries to his owner,” Persson said. “This matter has deeply disturbed me in terms of the trauma it has caused for Buddy’s owner. “This Administrator’s Minute has the intent of promoting more responsible dog ownership as well as for the Council to take a zero tolerance approach to dog attacks where there is a fatality.” Source: Administrator’s Minute, Council ordinary meeting, Apr 27

Crouch seeks backing of fishers for artificial reef Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, wants to see a new offshore artificial reef created in the region and has set up an online petition to seek funding and support from the NSW Government. “Our coastline boasts some of the most vibrant ocean environments in NSW, and the

ex-HMAS Adelaide is a fantastic example of the remarkable transformation that a single site can have on the surrounding area,” Crouch said. “The ex-HMAS Adelaide site is quite rightly designated a marine reserve, but I want to ensure that local fishers have a similar type of reef to enjoy. “Creating a million-dollar offshore artificial reef would be an amazing tourism driver,

while also providing a benefit to thousands of keen local fishers across a range of ages.” Crouch said fishing is an integral part of the Central Coast’s lifestyle and economy. “We must get the balance right between protecting and conserving our environment for the future, while also ensuring our beaches and waterways remain open to all,” he said. “I’m hoping to gain as much

support as possible from recreational fishers, spearfishers, commercial operators and local residents before presenting this petition to the Agriculture Minister.” For more information, go to: www.adamcrouchmp.com.au/ ArtificialReef. Source: Media release, Apr 29 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Mother’s Day Morning Tea We welcome you to attend our complimentary Morning Tea at Palmdale Lawn Cemetery and Memorial Park this Mother’s Day. Where: Palmdale Lawn Cemetery & Memorial Park, Palmdale Road, Palmdale NSW 2258 When: 8:30am until Noon this Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a particularly special time of year - time to stay emotionally, spiritually and symbolically connected to our loved ones. Visiting a memorial site can offer solace and comfort on family days like these. Our beautiful Palmdale Lawn Cemetery and Memorial Garden offer the perfect setting for ongoing reflection and remembrance.

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PAGE 9 7 MAY 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.

LUCY WICKS MP

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

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PAGE 10 7 MAY 2021

NEWS

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Council fees and charges to rise A local aircraft not being used as a business will see an increase to its landing fees at Warnervale Airport next financial year of 15 cents. A plane up to 700kgs take-off weight will pay $9 per landing or per 20-minute block for circuits. That’s an increase of 15 cents on this year’s $8.85 fee. For most of the Warnervale airport fees, the increase is 1.5 per cent across the board in Central Coast Council’s proposed fees and charges for next financial year. By comparison, cricket practice nets fees per net per hour would go up by 87 cents: from $17.40 to $18.27. That’s an increase of five per cent. For most sporting fees, the increase is five per cent across the board. A fine for sports bodies using a reserve or park without permission has gone up $25 from $500 to $525. In total there are 155 pages of fees and charges attached to the Council’s budget or operational plan for next financial year. The documents are currently

Hiring fees for Laycock St Community Theatre will remain the same

open to the public for comment until May 26. Fees cover everything from childcare to internment rates. It will cost another $8 next year to release a car from impounding; that takes the cost to $360. In contrast, a compliance certificate for a dangerous dog enclosure will go down next year if the draft is adopted. It is now $158 and could drop

back down to $150. Bookings for halls look like being cheaper in some instances while it is proposed that next year the costs for public hiring of Laycock St Community Theatre remain the same as this year. The $550 it cost this year to be a member of Central Coast Stadium is missing from next year’s fees and charges. Monthly reserved parking at

Baker St Carpark, now actually named Gosford City Car Park, is proposed to increase from $120 a month to $195 a month for level one parking. The higher levels jump from $86 to $130. And it’s going to cost more to deal with death: from $460 to $470 for interment costs and a standard bronze plaque goes up by $12 to $322. Lodgement of application to

install a manufactured home on a residential property remains the same at $368. Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate Inspection (private pools) remains the same at $150. Child care fees have gone up but are different for different centres. Application for Minor Vegetation Works Permit (Trees only) for removing up to five

individual trees will cost $220 for two trees or less, plus $110 for each extra tree excluding GST. This is up from $200 and $100 this year. Fee for a Complying Development Certificate, mandatory inspections and issue of the Occupation Certificate has gone up. For example a detached studio now costs $1,800. It is proposed to increase that to $2,015. Biosecurity Inspection – now $150 per hour or part thereof - is proposed to increase to $160. Membership fees have gone up for Wyong and Toukley pools but not for the Woy Woy’s Peninsula Leisure Centre. Food Shops Annual Administration charge will go up with the base rate to be $266, up from $255 this year. Outdoor dining areas now pay an application fee of $376 and that is proposed to increase to $382. To have your say on the proposed fees and charges for next year go to: https://www. yourvoiceourcoast.com/202122_OperationalPlan Merilyn Vale

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NEWS

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Crouch defends Public Inquiry and its terms of reference Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, has hit back at criticisms from the Labor Party over the terms of reference for the recently announced public inquiry into Central Coast Council. Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris, said the terms of reference were an “outrageous attempt” to protect the State Government from any scrutiny as to its contribution to the Council’s financial woes.

“The decision to only scrutinise this debacle post 2017 shows that the Berejiklian Government wants no scrutiny of the Fit for the Future process and the role of the first Administrator,” Harris said. “The whole purpose of an inquiry was to give residents of the Central Coast surety that everything has been scrutinised and that the mistakes of the past will not be repeated; in fact, the Government had the opportunity to use this inquiry to educate the whole Local Government sector.

“NSW Labor has always said that any inquiry should include the Fit for the Future process, the role of the first Administrator during transition, the role of current councillors and staff, and the role of internal and external audit processes. “Only then could residents have confidence that a thorough investigation has occurred. “Everything should be on the table. “Instead we have narrow terms of reference which basically only looks at part of

the whole picture. “The Central Coast community has the right to feel cheated.” But Crouch said the terms of reference were as “open, farreaching and transparent as possible”, so that the independent Commissioner can investigate whatever she sees fit. “The public inquiry will expose who was responsible for Council’s $565M debt and will help to ensure this appalling financial situation is never repeated,”” he said. “At every opportunity, a group

of Labor and Independent councillors voted to conceal the Council’s appalling financial situation from the community and from the NSW Government.” In response to community calls for a judicial inquiry, with an e-petition signed by more than 20,000 residents due to be debated in Parliament on May 6, Crouch said any evidence collected at a judicial inquiry would be inadmissible in a court or to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). “Any evidence collected

through the public inquiry can be used later in a court or at ICAC,” he said. “If a judicial inquiry was held, the councillors would have been allowed to return, but the people who signed the judicial inquiry petition were never told this. “The public inquiry will consist of public hearings where community members, as well as current and former Council staff, can provide evidence to the Commissioner.” Terry Collins

CEN says asset sales put cart before the horse The Community Environment Network (CEN) says selling off community land, including on the Peninsula, is not the best way to address Central Coast Council’s financial woes and is encouraging residents to provide feedback on the proposed list of asset sales before the deadline on May 21. CEN Executive Member Gary Chestnut said the 27 lots of community land proposed for sale include parcels at Ettalong

and Umina and embraces environmental land, open spaces, bush reserves, community carparks and other facilities. “Coast residents were told at the beginning of this period of administration that no environmental assets would be sold and yet this latest list of land sales includes a wetland and bush lots,” Chestnut said. “It includes some of the same community assets that the former Gosford Council was forced to withdraw from reclassification in 2015 as a

result of community push back. “Community land cannot be sold; Council must first reclassify it to operational land, then it can be sold. “This first round of consultation is only the beginning, but it is critical that as many people as possible take the time to give their feedback and explain why they object to the reclassification of community land. “Council has acknowledged that it is legally bound to lodge a Planning Proposal before it can reclassify land from

community to operational so they can be sold and that process can take between 12 and 18 months to complete. “Council is also required to have a public hearing to be convened by an independent facilitator so this will give the community another opportunity to voice its opposition to reclassification of community land.” Chestnut said CEN would support the community’s fight to protect community land. “The sale of community land is not the only option, and it is

certainly not the best option, for reducing Council’s debt,” he said. “The community is right to feel disappointed that Council has been speaking with potential purchasers before it even asked the community for feedback. “This is one of many examples of Council putting the cart before the horse during this administration period. “Central Coast Council knows the importance of green space for amenity and community wellbeing.

“It also knows that every residential estate development is required to have a minimum amount of green space. “As this region’s population grows and as temperatures continue to rise, we will need those green spaces more than ever. Have your say at www. yourvoiceourcoast.com. Source: Media release, May 4 Community Environment Network

Liesl Tesch MP Member for Gosford

Schools and education Community Recognition Awards

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PAGE 13 7 MAY 2021

Calling for a

PUBLIC INQUIRY Into Central Coast Council

Y R I U Q N D I E C I C L N B U U O P N N A



The Councillors were removed by the Local Government Minister last October, and unless a Public Inquiry begins, the Councillors will be allowed to return to their positions on 29 April. I support the petition which is being presented to the NSW Parliament in May, but I am going one step further by directly petitioning the Local Government Minister for a Public Inquiry. A Public Inquiry would expose who was responsible and ensure these terrible mistakes and failings are never repeated. Please support my petition for a Public Inquiry by using the QR code. I will be presenting this to the Local Government Minister in mid-April.

Adam CROUCH mp Member for Terrigal 02 4365 1906 adamcrouchmp

terrigal@parliament.nsw.gov.au adamcrouchmp

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

PAGE 14 7 MAY 2021

FORUM

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Sale of Mt Penang Parklands will be devastating I have never written a letter to the editor before, but I am so shocked and saddened by what is happening on the Central Coast right now that I must speak out. The sale by Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) of 19ha at Mt Penang Parklands, for ‘a new major development’ (CCN April 9) will involve Borg Manufacturing Pty Ltd bulldozing bushland, wildlife habitat, including established trees to build a factory. Adam Crouch seems to think this is a huge win for the Coast. Shame on you Adam. Have you walked up there? Have you seen what an asset this space is for the local community? Kariong residents, do you realise that once Borg have built their factory, you will be visiting the gardens, doing your park runs, sipping your coffee, attending your twilight markets, festivals and walking your dog right next door to a stinking factory? I understand you think this will create jobs; but what price to pay? Central Coast Council’s proposed sale of 7,000 parcels of our community assets, including community halls, bowling clubs,

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

parks and reserves; these are our community’s assets. Do we really want them sold off to pay a debt? Have your say before May 21. The proposed development of sacred Aboriginal land on Woy Woy Rd, for 70 houses; the loss of wildlife habitat and flow on effect, both natural and political, of this development will be devastating and irreversible. The Central Coast is known for its pristine beaches, relaxing green spaces, lush hinterland, indigenous story, and strong community. But if we don’t watch out, if we don’t wake up to what is happening, the things we treasure most (that we haven’t already been wrecked) about our area will be gone. Email, May 5 Lisa Bellamy, Kariong

Waterfront development potential is largely fictitious It’s deja vu all over again. Our Administrator has belatedly discovered the potential of the waterfront (“Possible rezone for Gosford waterfront”, CCN 290) to make Gosford into a world-class destination. To those of us with jaded memories of the glories we have been repeatedly promised for this “community asset” over the years, even including the elusive fast ferry, it seems puzzling that it has taken the Administrator until his last day in office to resurrect this somewhat tarnished relic from the past which, he agreed, had already been the subject of a number of reports (by way of classic understatement).

FORUM The only new thought seems to be to allow for parking along Dane Dr, and the purpose of this proposal is so obscure that one wonders what special interest is being invoked here to justify its mention. One has only to look at the photograph accompanying the article (incidentally, couldn’t CCN, at least, have found an up-to-date view) to see that the“development potential” of the waterfront is largely fictitious. There is a narrow strip of waterfront land, cut off by the Central Coast Hwy from the rest of Gosford and backed by the

Why did the former Administrator live out at Magenta Shores? Why were we paying for this cost and why did Wyong and Gosford only receive $20M (for amalgamation costs)?

FORUM It appears to a lot of people that the State Government lied to us. So, we demand a public inquiry on the amalgamation. The situation is desperate why or what (is) the State Government covering up? Email, Apr 25 Robert Findley, Point Clare

worrying that he should be invoking the image of the ghastly Landings project in support of this latest thought bubble. Perhaps, our Administrator Mark 3, whose remit is not entirely obvious, can clear the air on this matter, when he has settled into office. It might be a thought to add a referendum on the idea to the ballot paper for the next election (replacing the proposal on the number of councillors), thus ensuring a representative view be presented, rather than the highly slanted visions that have been touted up to now. Email, May 2 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

Floating footbridge for North Avoca?

What is the NSW Government hiding? Central Coast Council’s finances are under scrutiny (and) the people ask why didn’t the State Government pay for the full cost of the amalgamation?

ugliest three structures in Gosford - the Tax Office, the Finance Office and the Stadium - so that the only place to go is into the water itself which is owned by the Lands Department. Why should any developer want to tackle the infrastructure problems that would be inherent in such a course of action, when thereisalreadyampledevelopable land in Gosford for any project likely to turn a profit? This is another example of the Administrator meddling in affairs that are not his concern. It is worrying enough that he should be suggesting such an initiative which is outside his area of responsibility but it is doubly

I am trying to ascertain support or comment on a thought I had for a footbridge to join North Avoca to Avoca. I found some photos on the web of a pontoon footbridge in England. I thought of this when I could not walk across the beach to North Avoca during recent openings of the lake. I thought of a location from the end of Tramway Rd on North Avoca side to the aqua activity area on the Avoca side.

FORUM I thought of a pontoon style footbridge as it leaves no permanent impact on the environment. Ihaveinmindcertainadvantages for everyone. I would like to form a group of supporters or interested persons so we could determine the issues for and against. Email, May 5 Geoffrey Cohen, Avoca Beach

Jane Smith

Independent ...working for our community

Do Parliamentary Secretary claims need to be fact checked? Claim from Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast: “A group of 8 Councillors repeatedly concealed the council’s true financial state from the community and the NSW Government by holding confidential meetings” Councillors were informed by the CEO of the true state of Council’s finances on 6 October 2020. • On 12 October there was one item discussed in confidential about the establishment of a Finance Committee. 12 Councillors voted yes to the item being confidential. • On 19 October, 3 matters were considered in confidential - 1 related to staffing and 2 were about Code of Conduct complaints. • On 20 October, Councillors voted to move into a confidential session to receive legal advice about the financial situation. 10 Councillors voted yes. • On 21 October, Councillors voted to discuss the financial update in an open meeting. 11 Councillors voted yes to discussing legal advice in a confidential session. • 2 Councillors resigned on 26 October, abandoning their post. • On 26 October, 3 matters were considered in a confidential session - 1 related to staffing and 2 were about Code of Conduct complaints. 12 Councillors voted yes to the confidential session.

Statement: “The Administrator has discovered that Council’s debt total is $565 million.” Questions still need to be answered. Some key points from the Administrator’s Report (2 Dec 2020): • “A catastrophic error of the amalgamated Council was their failure to understand that the organisation had less than $5m in unrestricted cash at the beginning of amalgamation” and …. Council debt at the time of amalgamation was $317m

Why did the State government force an amalgamation of Wyong and Gosford councils with this amount of debt and so little unrestricted cash? • “...A significant reason for the financial situation the Council now faces is that the Water Fund Externally Restricted Reserves and the Sewer Fund Externally Restricted Reserves were both understated by a total of $129.5m for 2018/2019. This gave the impression that the $129.5m was unrestricted cash .…...This misunderstanding had a major effect on future budgets”. • Approximately $200m of restricted funds were either unlawfully used or used without approval of Council. “Councillors should not be expected to have identified the unlawful and unauthorised use of Restricted Reserves, particularly given they were not identified in reports to Council. nor were they identified in the NSW Auditor General’s audit for the last three financial years.”

How were restricted funds being spent without approval? Which Council staff knew?

Central Coast New Independents

Statement from Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast: “On 20 October 2020, Council announced it couldn’t pay its own staff. The NSW Government immediately provided $6.2 million so that staff could be paid”. In terms of the payroll: On 20 October, Council staff advised that if payroll was processed the following day without approval from the Minister to use the funds in the bank, then this was unlawful. It was now clear that staff had been using restricted funds for some time without authorisation. This had been without Councillors’ knowledge or approval.

Regarding the NSW Government response: On 6 October 2020, the Minister for Local Government had been advised that Council was “in a serous financial situation and faced an immediate and serious liquidity issue”. On that day the Minister announced that she had instructed the Office of Local Government “to appoint an independent financial expert and a Human Resources adviser to ascertain Council’s true position and identify options to address the issues as quickly as possible”. The NSW Government did not deliver on that commitment. During the following fortnight Council wrote to the Minister seeking approval to use money that was held in the bank for the immediate crisis. At that point, Council had over $300m in the bank. It is understood that the NSW Government did not respond. On 14 October, the Mayor wrote to the Minister seeking clarification about the Financial Expert and HR Advisor referenced in the media release (6/10/20). It is understood that the NSW Government did not respond. On 20 October, it was clear that the only way to get a response from the Minister was to advise that the payroll for over 2,000 staff was at risk. The $6.2m was an advance on the annual Financial Assistance Grant provided by the Federal Government.

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

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PAGE 15 7 MAY 2021

PAGE 16 7 MAY 2021

ON THE BEAT

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Motorcyclists and authorities unite on rider safety (and good coffee)

Man charged with reckless wounding A man has been charged with reckless wounding after a teenage boy was allegedly stabbed at Kincumber on April 26.

A Safe Riders community engagement day was held at Kulnura on May 1. Highway Patrol officers from the Central Coast sector and the Traffic Response Group joined Transport for NSW, the Motorcycle Accident Rehabilitation Initiative and the Tuggerah Lakes Police District to conduct the day at Jerry’s Café in George Downes Dr. They engaged with motorcycle enthusiasts to discuss key road safety objectives whilst enjoying great coffee and sharing each other’s passion for motorcycling. The Central Coast Sector is the gateway between the Sydney Metropolitan and

Northern Region Areas. It has numerous roads known to be popular motorcycle riding routes. To date there have been 22 fatal collisions involving motorcyclists across the state. The Central Coast Sector has had one fatal collision involving a motorcycle rider but also several serious injury collisions involving riders and drivers. The Safe Riders program was devised to engage with the Central Coast Community and riders. It includes education and open dialogue with the community on road safety

initiatives to reduce serious injury and fatal collisions. The day saw key stakeholders engage with more than 500 motorcyclists and other road users who were provided with educational material as well as complimentary road safety merchandise for the winter riding season. Police were joined by a number of motorcycle enthusiast clubs including a large contingent of ladies on two wheels representing International Female Rider’s Day. Source: Brisbane Water Police District Facebook page

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At about 1pm emergency services were called to Benelong Cl, following reports a 16-year-old boy had been stabbed to the leg. Police will allege the 16-yearold and a 17-year-old boy attended the location and met with a 19-year-old man before a physical altercation occurred and the older man stabbed the 16-year-old to the thigh.

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.

The teen was treated at the scene before being airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital; he has since recovered and has been released. Detectives from Brisbane

Water Police District commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Following extensive inquiries, detectives arrested a 19-yearold man at a home in Narara on May 5. He was taken to Gosford Police Station and charged with reckless wounding. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Gosford Local Court on Thursday, May 13. Source: Media release, May 5 NSW Police media

Somersby building destroyed in fire Police are appealing for information following a suspicious fire at Somersby on May 1. Emergency services were called to Myoora Rd shortly before 5.30am after smoke was seen coming from a shed. Crews from the Rural Fire Service extinguished the blaze,

but the building was destroyed, along with a heavy tow vehicle and trailer stored inside, with damage estimated at $750,000. Officers from Brisbane Water Police District established a crime scene.

As investigations continue, anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the nearby area or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact Gosford Police or Crime Stoppers. Source: Media release, May 5 NSW Police media

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 17 7 MAY 2021

Big Day Out founder urges Coast to embrace youth arts culture

Loud bands, bright lights, and big crowds – these were the scenes that made up most of the life of Big Day Out Founder, Ken West. Now a resident of the Bouddi peninsula, West wants to see the Coast adopt more of this energy, stating that for “too long the Coast has been about the dying, and needs to be a bit more about the living”. He said the entertainment industry on the Central Coast had been slowly diminishing due to a lack of venues catering for larger artists. “Young people need to be encouraged to live here,” West said. “You have got a city [Sydney] exodus going on, where young people are thinking that living in an apartment in Newtown is not that fun anymore. “The Central Coast needs to embrace and have tolerance of

the youth culture. “It needs at least a really simple, 1200 capacity venue, that you can knock up anywhere; I could build it out of containers in a week. “We have looked at doing performances anywhere from open sandstone quarries where you can have an Opera to the Terrigal skillion. “I really feel there should be a three-day free cultural, music, art and lifestyle event there. “As long as they keep embracing big-budget ideas that don’t happen, none of the low budget ideas will be done. On a bigger picture, West says the Coast really needs to have its own proper arts universitystyle campus. “It would be good to utilise Gosford as an education hub as it would really breathe life into this place; you can’t just rely on retirement homes and

weekenders.” As one of the core founders of the 20 year-long running festival, Big Day Out, West knows the struggles which come with hosting and running large events. Big Day Out came about in 1992 after the American folk punk Violent Femmes announced a tour of Australia. In the beginning, West did everything himself for the artists; from poster designs to managerial roles, acting as an agent, being the record label owner, tour manager, door person and even the driver. By his twenties, he had climbed the ladder and was touring the world with artists as a full-time representative. The festival’s inception saw it hitting four major cities instantly, eventually snowballing to become one of the largest touring music festivals in the world.

“Big Day Out was different to other festivals as it provided a unique platform for bands to come and play next to one another. “It was all about the art, and it was all about the bands,” he said. West said the audiences of thousands of people were not necessarily fans of the bands which meant their attention had to be earned due to the nature of the multiple headliners. “The artists had to work pretty hard,” West said. “You’re going out in front of 50,000 people who aren’t your fans, and they might like you, they might know of you, but you’re trying to win them over.” West spoke about fame being a veneer that people put on – something like a shield. “You see their face change; when somebody says, you’re on in half an hour, all of sudden,

everything changes for them,” he said. His colourful and high paced life led him to find somewhere quiet to live on the Central Coast, although his passion for good venues and music did not dwindle. In 2009, West and some friends opened the local Mexican-inspired event space in Avoca, Rojo Rocket. The venue (now Shady Palms) held the adventurousness and flare of the Big Day Out, and although small, became a pulsing vein in the Central Coasts nightlife. Rojo Rocket closed in 2014, becoming the restaurant Bombini’s until 2020. But now, West believes the venue has regained its thriving, night-time vibe with it being taken over by the owners of Terrigal Bar, Mumbo Jumbos, and turned in Shady Palms. West is closely connected to

the owners and explained how they know their audience and their market well. He said the potential for the venue is clear, and he is eager to see them, and the rest of the Central Coast, expand in the future. Head to coastcommunitynews.com.au for full interview with Ken West. Mooney Mooney photographer Sophie Howarth held a position as one of the official Big Day Out tour photographers from 2004. Her book Peace Love and Brown Rice A Photographic History of the Big Day Out captures her time with the festival. Details at www. sophiehowarthphotography. com. Ellika Dattilo and Jacinta Counihan

PAGE 18 OUT&ABOUT 7 MAY 2021

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Live Theatre is BACK at The Peninsula Theatre

Ladies in Lavender bring life back to Little Theatre When Woy Woy Little Theatre opens its production of Ladies in Lavender at Peninsula Theatre on May 14, it will be especially exciting for Christine Vale of Wyoming.

Woy Woy Little Theatre presents

e now

lin n o k o o b . .. s at se d e Limit

Ladies in Lavender by Shaun McKenna directed by Terry Collins

OPENS 14 May for 10 performances only.

BOOK ONLINE NOW! woywoylt.com

Peninsula Theatre

Cnr Ocean Beach & McMasters Rds, Woy Woy Online bookings only, tickets not available at the door.

Not only is Vale president of the group, but she plays the role of Ursula in Shaun McKenna’s stage adaptation of the 2005 film of the same name, which was in turn adapted from an Edwardianera short story by William J. Locke. “In March last year, Woy Woy Little Theatre had just started rehearsals for Ladies in Lavender and then COVID hit, so we closed the doors at the Peninsula Theatre,” Vale said. “It was nearly a year to the day when we started rehearsals again, and finally this wonderful production is about to come to life on stage. “Right from the time we announced Ladies in Lavender as one of the upcoming productions, our patrons have

been enthusiastic about seeing this touching and also funny play. “For me personally, it is delightful to be back on stage as part of this poignant production, with a fabulous cast and crew under the very experienced direction of Terry Collins. “It is also lovely to play a role that is not manipulative, downtrodden, delusional or drunk – just a real person. “Tickets are booking quickly, and I think for our audiences it will be a real ‘welcome hug’ out of COVID times that will bring both laughter and tears.”” Set in Cornwall circa 1937, the play centres around two elderly spinster sisters, still devastated by the first World War and terrified that another war is on the way. Their quiet life is turned upside down when a young Polish man is shipwrecked off the coast near their home and they take him in during his recuperation.

At first, the handsome Andrea seems to be a welcome addition to the lonely women’s lives, but his presence soon proves unsettling. Dormant passions bubble up in the sisters and sibling rivalry boils over into snippy comments and mutual suspicion. Directed by Terry Collins, the show features a superb cast comprising Vale and Chris Cherry as the sisters, Jake Cain-Roser as the shipwrecked Andrea, Andy Kabanoff as Dr Mead, Darienne Knight as the sisters’ housekeeper Dorcas and Rosemary Parsons as the mysterious Olga. Collins said the play was a beautifully crafted examination of the push and pull of age and youth, of denial and knowing, of desire and gracious acceptance. “I first fell I love with the movie, starring Maggie Smith and Judi Dench, and then when I found out it had been adapted for the stage, I simply had to direct it,” she said. “The play is full of warmth

and humour, but also has gutwrenching moments which will take the audience on emotional roller coaster.” With a stunning set designed by Steve Pembroke complemented by extensive lighting and sound effects, Ladies in Lavender is sure to be an audience pleaser. The production will operate under NSW Health guidelines as a COVID Safe registered organisation. All bookings and payments must be made online. Those unable to complete online bookings should call 4344 4737 and leave a message for a volunteer to call back and assist. Ladies in Lavender will be presented from May 14-30 on Friday and Saturday evenings, with 2pm Sunday matinees and one 2pm Saturday matinee on May 29. Bookings at woywoylt.com. Source: Media release, May 4 Woy Woy Little Theatre

COASTAL DIARY

Book online - woywoylt.com

An Amateur Production BY ARRANGEMENT WITH ORiGiN™ THEATRICAL, ON BEHALF OF SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD.

EVENTS ON THE CENTRAL COAST

FRIDAY, MAY 7

com.au We Care Connect Mother’s Day High Tea, The Beachie, Toukley, Ticketed, 11:30am

Memorial Park, Palmdale Road, 8:30am - 12pm 4362 1203 palmdalegroup.com.au Music in Motion – NXTGEN Project,

Queen – Bohemian Laycock Street Community Central Coast Potters Rhapsody, Autumn Exhibition and Laycock Street Community Theatre, Ticketed, 7pm Theatre, Ticketed, 8pm ceramics sale:

A Drop in the Ocean, Gosford Regional SATURDAY, MAY 8 Gallery, 7 - 19/5, 9:30am - 4pm www.ccpotters.org

THURSDAY, MAY 13

MONDAY, MAY 10

SATURDAY, MAY 15 Swift Parrot bird survey walk, Sutton Reserve, Bateau Bay, bookings required, 9am - 12pm 4349 4756

A CDP Kids production: Magic Beach, www.cen.org.au/events The Art House Theatre, Ticketed, 10, 11 & 12//05, FRIDAY, MAY 14 Multiple sessions

d WEDNESDAY, MAY 12 e l l e

anc

Ladies in Lavender,

May8s Concert - Fund Woy Woy Little Theatre GEBC May Luncheon Event Raiser for Flood - Cnr McMasters and with Guest Speaker David Victims, Ocean Beach Road, Farmer, West Gosford RSL, Ticketed, 14 - 30/5, The Parkview Room, Ticketed, 5pm - 11pm Central Coast Leagues Multiple sessions 4323 2311 Club, Ticketed, www.trybooking.com

Ingenia Lifestyle Sunnylake Shores: The First Lakeside SUNDAY, MAY 9 Homes Release, 2 Macleay Dr, HalekuMothers Day lani, 10am - 1pm Morning Tea, RSVP 0458 018 332 Palmdale Lawn liveinsunnylakeshores.

Cemetery &

12:15pm - 2pm

Liza Meets Bassey starring Monique Montez - Morning Melodies May 2021, Laycock Street Community Theatre, Ticketed, 11am

Echoes of Pink Floyd 2021, Laycock Street Community Theatre, Ticketed, 8pm 4323 3233

www.centralcoast.nsw.gov. au/theatres Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Open Day, 10am - 2pm, to find your nearest event visit www. fire.nsw.gov.au/openday Lisarow Country Fair, Lisarow Public School, 9am - 3pm Forest Aliveness Experience, Narara Ecovillage, Ticketed, 7:30am - 5pm

Terrigal Antique & Vintage Fair, Lions Community Hall, TUESDAY, MAY 18 Gosford, 15 &16/5, Sat - 8am - 4pm Grace Under Pressure, Sun - 9am - 3pm The Art House Studio, Ticketed, 18 & 19/05, Multiple sessions

THURSDAY, MAY 20

Melinda Schneider: a farewell to Doris, Laycock Street Community Theatre, Ticketed, 7:30pm 4323 3233

bookings required for yes votes for cen.org.au/events voluntary assisted dying bill in NSW, SATURDAY, JUN 19 Kendall’s, Central Coast League’s Club, 10am, non-members welcome 0434 426 486 centralcoast@dwdnsw. org.au

SATURDAY, MAY 22 Elizabeth Bay bird walk and talk, Munmorah State conservation area, Elizabeth Bay Park, bookings required, 8:30am - 10:30pm 4349 4757 www.cen.org.au/events Central Coast Airshow, Central Coast Airport, Ticketed, 9am - 5pm

Y NSW Youth Careers Expo, Lake Haven Shopping Centre, Free, 10am - 4pm SATURDAY, MAY 29

FRIDAY, MAY 21 Dying With Dignity Central Coast - its time

COSS Connections fungi foray, Katandra reserve, 10am - 1pm

Tom Burlinson in Swing That Music, The Art House Theatre, Ticketed, 8pm www.thearthousewyong. com.au/whats-on

SATURDAY, JUN 26 Mingara Orchid Club Fair and Show, Mingara Recreation Club, Free entry, 26 - 27/6, 9am - 3pm 5 Lands Walk, MacMasters Beach, Copacabana, Avoca Beach, North Avoca and Terrigal register online

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

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

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 19

ThursGAY nights at Lyons Den The launch of a new queer social night out hit Gosford with a bang last week with the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus’s ThursGAY event on April 29. The Ettalong-based entertainment organisation has partnered with the Lyons Den to help put on the monthly show which presents a free night of live DJs, music and drag performances. And it was a busy one! With guests spilling out onto the streets and tables full, the Lyons Den roared to life with a variety of performers hitting the stage, including DJ Delinquent Disposition, Jack Williams, Tom Bones, and MIDAS. Creative Director of Naughty Noodle, Glitta Supernova, said she was surprised at the turnout. “It’s safe to say Gosford came alive with live music, dancing and performance art … Lyons Den reported it as their busiest night on record since opening!” Supernova said. “I don’t think our first night could have been better than this … we had more people arrive that we could accommodate. “It was definitely one of those heart opening experiences the community desperately needs a regular social space as these kinds of safe spaces

“I NEVER THOUGHT I’D BE HOMELESS.” More people are now facing homelessness than ever before.

Visit salvationarmy.org.au or scan the QR code

provide a sense of belonging, a place to be yourself, and build community. “It was a very special event, and it was evident by the joy bouncing off the walls and onto the impromptu dance floor, and the cheers of support for our wonderful performers.” Supernova said patrons raved about the night and were excited to come back this month when ThursGAY lights up the Den on May 27. For locals who have an idea or completed works and want to perform at the monthly event, the Naughty Noodle can be contacted at thursgay@ naughtynoodle.com.au Maisy Rae

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ABC (C20/21)

Sunday 9 May

Saturday 8 May

Friday 7 May

6:00 9:00 9:55 11:00

PRIME (C61/60)

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Q&A [s] Trump Takes On The World [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 Back Roads (PG) [s] 1:30 That Pacific Sports Show [s] 2:00 Doctor Foster (M l,s) [s] 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:00 Think Tank (PG) [s] 4:55 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) [s] 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 6:00 The Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 Gardening Australia [s] 8:30 Vera: Home (M v) [s] 10:00 Keeping Faith (M v,l) [s] 11:05 ABC Late News [s] 11:20 The Vaccine [s] 11:35 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering (PG) [s] 12:05 You Can’t Ask That: Ex-Football Players (PG) [s] 12:35 rage (MA15+) [s] 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:00 rage (PG) [s] 11:00 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 12:30 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces [s] 1:20 Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds [s] 2:30 Love On The Spectrum (PG) 3:30 Anh’s Brush With Fame: Ian Thorpe (PG) [s] 3:55 Ask The Doctor: Antibiotics (PG) [s] 4:30 Landline [s] 5:00 Football: A-League: Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC *Live* From McDonald Jones Stadium [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 The Durrells (PG) [s] 8:20 Finding Alice (M l) [s] 9:10 Wakefield (M l,d) [s] 10:05 The Split (PG) [s] 11:05 Dark Money (M) [s] 12:05 rage Guest Programmer (MA15+) [s] 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 9:00 Insiders [s] 10:00 Offsiders [s] 10:30 The World This Week [s] 11:00 Compass (PG) [s] 11:30 Songs Of Praise [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 12:30 Landline [s] 1:30 Gardening Australia [s] 2:30 Australia Remastered [s] 3:35 Restoration Australia [s] 4:30 Back Roads [s] 5:00 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow [s] 6:30 Compass (PG) [s] 7:00 ABC News Sunday [s] 7:40 Spicks And Specks [s] 8:30 Wakefield (M l,d) [s] 9:30 Smother (M) [s] 10:15 Top Of The Lake (M l,n) [s] 11:15 Keeping Faith (M l,v) [s] 12:20 Dark Money (M) [s] 1:15 Rake: (M l,d) [s] 2:15 rage (MA15+) 3:55 Top Of The Lake (M l,s) [s]

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

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

10:55 1:00 6:00 7:00 10:00 12:00 1:30 4:30 5:00 5:30 6:00 7:00 11:00 12:00

2:00 6:00 7:00 10:00 12:00 1:00 1:30 3:00 3:30 4:00 5:00 5:30 6:00 7:00 8:45 10:05 11:10 12:10 1:30

NINE (C81/80)

TEN (C13)

SBS (C30)

6:00 Today [s] 6:00 Headline News [s] 5:30 Sunrise [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 1:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 2:05 Seven Morning News [s] 1:00 The Living Room [s] 3:00 Movie: “Jesse Stone: Thin Ice” 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 3:30 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] (M v) (’09) Stars: Tom Selleck 1:00 Movie: “The Giver” (M) (’14) 2:30 Everyday Gourmet With House Of Wellness [s] Stars: Jeff Bridges, Meryl 4:00 Justine Schofield [s] The Chase UK [s] Streep, Brenton Thwaites, 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] Alexander Skarsgård 3:00 Tipping Point [s] 3:30 My Market Kitchen [s] The Chase Australia [s] 5:05 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] Seven News [s] 5:30 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful Better Homes And Gardens 6:00 (PG) [s] [s] – Joh and Karen take in the 6:00 NINE News [s] 6:30 5:00 10 News First [s] sights at Echuca-Moama, riding 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 7:35 the famous paddle steamers. 7:30 NRL: Parramatta Eels v Sydney 6:00 WIN News [s] Movie: “The Bounty Hunter” Roosters *Live* From Bankwest 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Living Room [s] – The (M s,v,l) (’10) – A down on his Stadium [s] 8:30 Living Room celebrates luck bounty hunter is assigned 9:50 NRL: Golden Point [s] Mother’s Day by finishing a to track down his bail jumping 10:35 Movie: “American Assassin” 9:20 dream kitchen for the Brooks ex-wife. The pair continually (MA15+) (’17) Stars: Dylan 10:15 family. one up each other until they O’Brien, Charlotte Vega, 8:30 The Graham Norton Show find themselves on the run for Christopher Bomford, Chris 11:10 (M l,s) [s] their lives. Stars: Jennifer Webster, Shahid Ahmed, Buster 11:40 9:30 Program To Be Advised Aniston, Gerard Butler, Jason Reeves, Nick Cavaliere 11:00 WIN’s All Australian News [s] Sudeikis, Christine Baranski 12:40 New Amsterdam: 12:45 Sabbath (M mp) [s] 12:00 The Project (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised 3:40 1:30 Home Shopping 1:00 The Late Show (PG) [s] Home Shopping 5:30 6:00 Which Car? [s] 6:00 Easy Eats [s] Home Shopping 1:00 6:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 7:00 Weekend Today [s] Weekend Sunrise [s] 2:00 7:00 Escape Fishing With ET [s] 10:00 Today Extra - Saturday [s] The Morning Show 12:00 Award Winning Tasmania [s] 7:30 4X4 Adventures [s] Weekend [s] 3:30 8:30 All 4 Adventure [s] 12:30 Our State On A Plate [s] Program To Be Advised 9:30 Studio 10 Saturday (PG) [s] 1:00 Desert Vet [s] AFL: Round 8: GWS v 4:35 12:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] Essendon *Live* From Giants 2:00 The Pet Rescuers (PG) [s] 5:35 12:30 Everyday Gourmet With 2:30 The Garden Gurus [s] Stadium [s] Justine Schofield [s] 3:00 Netball: Giants v Magpies Motorway Patrol (PG) [s] 6:30 1:00 My Market Kitchen [s] *Live* From Ken Rosewall Seven News At 5 [s] 1:30 Program To Be Advised 7:35 Arena, Sydney [s] Border Security - Australia’s 2:30 Taste Of Australia [s] 5:00 NINE News: First At Five [s] Front Line (PG) [s] 3:00 What’s Up Down Under [s] 8:30 5:30 Getaway (PG) [s] Seven News [s] 3:30 Program To Be Advised 6:00 NINE News Saturday [s] AFL: Round 8: Melbourne v 4:30 Living On The Coast [s] Sydney *Live* From The MCG 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 9:25 Repco Supercars Highlights 7:30 Space Invaders (PG) [s] 6:00 Advancing Australia [s] 8:30 Movie: “Mission: Impossible 2021: The Bend Supersprint 10:20 Fallout” (M v) (’18) – Ethan Hunt 6:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] Highlights - Day 1 [s] 7:00 The Dog House (PG) [s] and his IMF team, along with Movie: “The Pawn” (M v,l) (’98) 8:00 The Savoy: The Savoy At 12:05 some familiar allies, race – Lieutenant Ray Harlan returns Christmas (PG) [s] against time after a mission home to escape his past and 1:45 gone wrong. Stars: Tom Cruise 9:00 Ambulance UK (M) [s] find solace with his family. But 11:20 Movie: “The Eagle” (M v) (’11) 10:10 999: What’s Your Emergency? 2:35 what he encounters is quite (M) [s] 3:45 Stars: Channing Tatum, István different. Stars: Greg Evigan, 4:45 Gö, Bence Gerö, Denis O’Hare 11:10 NCIS: Sangre (M) [s] Tony Lo Bianco, Rob Stewart 12:00 Home Shopping 1:30 The Pet Rescuers (PG) [s] Home Shopping 6:00 Religious Programs [s] 5:30 6:00 Easy Eats [s] Home Shopping 7:30 Fishing Australia [s] 7:00 7:00 Weekend Today [s] Weekend Sunrise [s] 8:00 Pooches At Play [s] 10:00 Sports Sunday (PG) [s] The Morning Show 7:30 11:00 Sunday Footy Show (PG) [s] 8:30 Freshly Picked [s] Weekend (PG) [s] 1:00 1:00 Netball: Suncorp Super Netball: 9:00 Australia By Design [s] House Of Wellness (PG) [s] 3:00 Vixens v Lightning *Live* From 9:30 Studio 10 Sunday [s] Kochie’s Business Builders John Cain Arena 12:00 Advancing Australia [s] Program To Be Advised 3:00 NRL: St George Illawarra 12:30 Vax Live: Concert To Reunite 3:30 Highway Cops (PG) [s] The World *Live* [s] Dragons v CanterburyBorder Patrol (PG) [s] 4:30 1:40 Program To Be Advised Bankstown Bulldogs *Live* Better Homes And Gardens From Netstrata Jubilee Stadium 3:50 Everyday Gourmet With Seven News At 5 [s] 5:30 Justine Schofield [s] 6:00 NINE News Sunday [s] Sydney Weekender (PG) [s] 7:00 Lego Masters Australia (PG) 4:00 Fishing Australia [s] Seven News [s] 6:30 4:30 Taste Of Australia With [s] – In the first of two Big Brother (M) [s] 7:30 Hayden Quinn [s] challenges, teams are required Crime Investigation Australia: to build a vehicle that can race 5:00 10 News First [s] Most Infamous: The Predator down a purpose-built track. 6:00 WIN News [s] Leonard John Fraser 8:50 60 Minutes (PG) [s] 6:30 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 10:30 (MA15+) [s] 9:50 NINE News Late [s] 7:30 MasterChef Australia (PG) [s] The Real Manhunter: The 9:10 FBI: Most Wanted: 11:15 10:20 Australian Crime Stories: Disappearance Of Maureen Criminal Justice (M) [s] Attack On Police HQ (M) [s] Hale (M v) [s] 10:00 FBI: Most Wanted: 11:20 Shallow Grave: The Blacklist: Katarina The Lives Of Others (M) [s] Lost In The Wild (MA15+) [s] Rostova: Conclusion (M v) [s] 12:10 The First 48: Teardrops/ Almost 11:10 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 12:25 Repco Supercars: 2:30 12:00 Home Shopping Home (M v) [s] Highlights Day 2 [s] 4:30 CBS This Morning [s] 1:00 The Xtreme CollXtion [s] Home Shopping

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

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

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

Worldwatch PBS Newshour Nazi Megastructures (PG) NITV News: Nula The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) Michael Mosley - Queen Victoria’s Slum: The Fledgling Welfare System (PG) Jeopardy! (PG) Letters And Numbers Mastermind Australia SBS World News Hunting Egypt’s Lost Treasures: Curse Of The Afterlife (M) London: 2,000 Years Of History (PG) Patriot Brains (M) 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (PG) SBS World News Late Amy Winehouse: Back To Black (M l,s) Mr Mercedes (M) Alex Polizzi The Fixer (PG) Worldwatch PBS Newshour Gymnastics: Artistic World Cup Bulgaria Nigella: The Cook Who Made Me Planet Expedition (PG) Hunting Nazi Treasure: Stealing Italy (M) SBS World News World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys: Canada (M) Britain’s Most Historic Towns: Regency Cheltenham (PG) Britain’s Most Historic Towns: Victorian Belfast (PG) Movie: “Swimming With Men” (M l) (’18) Stars: Rob Brydon Movie: “Love And Friendship” (PG) (’16) Stars: Morfydd Clark Restaurant SOS (PG) Alex Polizzi The Fixer (PG) Vice Guide To Film (MA15+) Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize Worldwatch Cycling: Giro D’italia Highlights 2021 Stage 1 Worldwatch Speedweek Cycling: NRS Cycling Highlights 2021 Cycling: Liege-Bastogne-Liege Mens Race Highlights True Evil - The Making Of A Nazi: Goebbels (PG) Cycling: Giro D’italia Highlights 2021 Stage 1 SBS World News The Virus That Shook The World (M) (In English/ French/ Mandarin) See What You Made Me Do (M) 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) – The hybrid game show is hosted by Jimmy Carr. How ’Mad’ Are You? (M) Restaurant SOS: Lilu (PG)

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

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PAGE 20 7 MAY 2021

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Monday 10 May

ABC (C20/21)

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

Wednesday 12 May

Tuesday 11 May

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

Thursday 13 May

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

PRIME (C61/60)

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Landline [s] Magical Land Of Oz [s] ABC News At Noon [s] The Durrells (PG) [s] Agatha Raisin (PG) [s] First Nation Farmers [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] The Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 (PG) [s] Australian Story (PG) [s] Four Corners (PG) [s] Media Watch (PG) [s] Greta Thunberg: A Year To Change The World (PG) [s] ABC Late News [s] Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds (PG) [s] Trump Takes On The World (M s) [s]

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

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Four Corners (PG) [s] First Nation Farmers [s] Antiques Roadshow [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Finding Alice (M l) [s] Parliament Question Time [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] The Drum [s] ABC News [s] Budget 2021: The Treasurer’s Speech [s] Budget 2021: ABC News Special With Leigh Sales [s] Budget 2021: Reaction and Analysis With David Speers [s] The Business: Budget Special ABC Late News [s] Q&A (M l,s) [s] Parliament Question Time [s] At Home Alone Together (M l)

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

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Gardening Australia [s] Miriam’s Big American Adventure (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] National Press Club Address Media Watch [s] Parliament Question Time [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] The Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 (PG) [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] The Weekly (PG) [s] You Can’t Ask That (M s) [s] QI: Roaming (M) [s] The Set [s] ABC Late News [s] Four Corners (PG) [s] Media Watch (PG) [s] Parliament Question Time [s]

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 9:15

10:15 11:15 12:30 6:00 9:00 11:30 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30

9:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:30

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 Australian Story [s] 12:00 Barrie Cassidy’s One Plus One [s] Greta Thunberg: A Year To 2:00 Change The World (PG) [s] 3:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 4:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 5:00 The Weekly (PG) [s] Parliament Question Time [s] 6:00 7:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 8:30 Think Tank (PG) [s] Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] The Drum [s] Sammy J [s] ABC News [s] Budget 2021 [s] 7.30 [s] 9:30 Q&A [s] Program To Be Advised 10:30 ABC Late News [s] Employable Me Australia (M l) 11:00 Insert Name Here: Xmas (M) 12:00

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

NINE (C81/80)

5:30 Today [s] Sunrise [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] The Morning Show (PG) [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Story Of A Girl” (M s) 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] (’17) Stars: Sarah Grey, Kevin 1:00 Explore [s] 1:10 Lego Masters Australia (PG) Bacon, Sosie Bacon, Tyler 3:00 Tipping Point [s] Johnston, Maddie Phillips Autopsy USA: Steve Jobs (M) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] The Chase UK [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] Seven News At 4 [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] The Chase Australia [s] 7:30 Lego Masters Australia (PG) Seven News [s] 8:50 Law & Order: Organized Home And Away (PG) [s] Crime: An Inferior Product (M) Big Brother (M) [s] 9-1-1: Parenthood (M) [s] – The 9:50 100% Footy (M) [s] – Phil Gould, Paul Gallen, James 118 responds to calls dealing Bracey and more debate the with parents and their children, biggest issues in Rugby League including a disastrous birthday alongside the games most party thrown by a mommy influential figures. blogger; Athena and Michael 10:50 NINE News Late [s] talk to May about her past 11:20 The Arrangement: suicide attempt. The Ex (M l,s) [s] S.W.A.T.: Bad Faith (M) [s] 12:05 Tipping Point [s] The Latest Seven News [s] Station 19: Born To Run (M) [s] 1:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping Home Shopping Sunrise [s] The Morning Show (PG) [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Lies In Plain Sight” (PG) (’10) Stars: Chad Michael Murray, Ethan McAllister, Martha Higareda, Rosie Perez Autopsy USA: John Denver (M) [s] The Chase UK [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia [s] Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] Big Brother (M) [s] The Good Doctor: Dr. Ted (M) [s] – Shaun struggles with his role as Lea’s partner after complications arise with the pregnancy and his instincts as a medical professional kick in. Seven News: Budget Special [s] Station 19: Poor Wandering One (M l) [s] Home Shopping

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

TEN (C13)

6:00 Headline News [s] 5:30 Today [s] Sunrise [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] The Morning Show [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] Seven Morning News [s] 1:00 MasterChef Australia (PG) [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 1:00 Explore [s] Program To Be Advised 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Autopsy USA: Corey Haim (M) 1:10 Driving Test (PG) [s] 1:40 Lego Masters Australia (PG) 3:30 My Market Kitchen [s] The Chase UK [s] 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 3:00 Tipping Point [s] Seven News At 4 [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] The Chase Australia [s] (PG) [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] Seven News [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] Big Brother (M) [s] – Keep 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 Travel Guides: Vietnam/ your friends close and your Cambodia (PG) [s] – Our Travel 7:30 MasterChef Australia (PG) [s] enemies closer is the name of 8:30 The Battle For Britney: Fans, Guides are embarking on a the game for one determined Cash And A Conservatorship luxury river cruise down the housemate. A monumental Mekong River from Cambodia to blindside unfolds when they (M) [s] – Discover the truth Southern Vietnam. finally get their shot at revenge. behind the conservatorship that 8:30 Doctor Doctor (PG) [s] How To Look Good Naked Britney Spears has been held 9:30 New Amsterdam: (M) [s] under for the last thirteen years. Pressure Drop (M) [s] Reckoning: Paul The Apostle 9:30 Bull: Forfeiture (M) [s] 10:30 NINE News Late [s] (MA15+) [s] 10:30 The Project (PG) [s] 11:00 The Enemy Within (M) [s] The Latest Seven News [s] 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] Murder In The Outback: The 11:50 The First 48 (M v) [s] 12:30 The Late Show With Stephen Falconio & Lees Mystery (M) [s] 12:40 Tipping Point [s] Colbert (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping Home Shopping 1:30 Home Shopping Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Relative Chaos” (M s) (’06) Stars: Christopher Gorham, Nicholas Brendon Autopsy USA i (M) [s] The Chase UK [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia [s] Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] Ramsay’s 24 Hours To Hell And Back: Trolley Stop Cafe (MA15+) [s] – An investigation at the Trolley Stop Cafe, a classic Cajun-inspired New Orleans restaurant, reveals an absentee owner is to blame for the restaurant staff’s lack of communication and discipline. The Clown And The Candyman (M) [s] The Latest Seven News [s] The Front Bar (M) [s] Zumbo’s Just Desserts [s]

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

5:30 Today [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 Doctor Doctor (PG) [s] 2:00 Desperate Housewives (M) [s] 3:00 Tipping Point [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 7:30 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: Sports Stars (PG) [s] – The original Who Wants To Be A Millionaire is back with a series of prime time special episodes. Tonight, Australia’s best sport stars battle it out in a quest to win one million dollars for their chosen charity. 9:10 Emergency (M) [s] 10:10 Kings Cross ER (PG) [s] 11:10 NINE News Late [s] 11:40 The Equalizer: Lifeline (M) [s] 12:35 Manifest (M) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

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

SBS (C30)

6:00 Headline News [s] 5:30 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 7:00 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 MasterChef Australia (PG) [s] 7:30 2:40 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:00 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:00 3:30 My Market Kitchen [s] 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 3:35 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 4:05 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 5:05 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 5:30 7:30 MasterChef Australia (PG) [s] 6:00 – It’s Meet The Masters Week. 6:30 This opportunity gives the 7:35 contestants up-close insights into the skills of the best culinary 8:30 masters in Australia. 9:25 8:40 Have You Been Paying Attention? (M s,l,n) [s] 10:20 9:40 Program To Be Advised 10:50 11:10 The Project (PG) [s] 11:45 12:10 The Late Show (PG) [s] 1:00 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS This Morning [s] 1:25

6:00 Headline News [s] 5:30 Today [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 1:00 MasterChef Australia (PG) [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 2:10 Entertainment Tonight [s] 1:00 Garden Gurus Moments [s] 2:30 Everyday Gourmet With 1:10 Getaway [s] Justine Schofield [s] 1:40 Lego Masters Australia (PG) 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:00 Tipping Point [s] 3:30 My Market Kitchen [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 6:00 NINE News [s] (PG) [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 7:30 Lego Masters Australia (PG) 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 8:50 Movie: “Central Intelligence” 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] (M v,l,s) (’16) – After he reconnects with an awkward pal 7:30 MasterChef Australia (PG) [s] 9:00 How To Say Married (M) [s] from high school through 9:30 NCIS: Bears And Cubs (M v) [s] Facebook, a mild mannered 10:30 NCIS: Los Angeles: Signs Of accountant is lured into the world of international espionage. Change (M v) [s] Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] Hart 12:30 The Project (PG) [s] 11:00 NINE News Late [s] 1:30 The Late Show With Stephen 11:30 Emergence: No Outlet (M v) [s] Colbert (PG) [s] 12:30 Tipping Point [s] 2:30 Home Shopping 1:30 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS This Morning [s]

PAGE 21 7 MAY 2021

Worldwatch Cycling: Giro D’italia Highlights 2021 Stage 2 Worldwatch Pompeii’s Final Hours (PG) Great British Railway Journeys (PG) The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) Cycling: Giro D’italia Highlights 2021 Stage 2 Jeopardy! (PG) Letters And Numbers Mastermind Australia SBS World News Secrets Of The Tower Of London (PG) Secret Scotland: Orkney (PG) 24 Hours In Emergency: The Show Must Go On (M) SBS World News Late Darklands (MA15+) Agatha Christie’s Criminal Games: The Pale Horse (M s) (In French) Years And Years (M l,s)

5:30 Worldwatch 7:00 Cycling: Giro D’italia Highlights 2021 Stage 3 7:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 1:55 Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 2:30 Living Black (PG) 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Cycling: Giro D’italia Highlights 2021 Stage 3 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: Kurt Fearnley (PG) 8:30 Insight: Intimate Terrorism (M) 9:30 Dateline 10:00 The Feed 10:30 SBS World News Late 11:00 The Point 12:00 Taken Down (MA15+) 1:00 Blinded (MA15+) (In Swedish) 2:40 Restaurant SOS (PG) 5:00 5:15 5:30 7:00 7:30 1:00 2:00 2:30 3:30 4:00 5:05 5:30 6:00 6:30 7:35 8:30 9:30 10:25 11:00 11:55

France 24 Feature News NHK World English News Worldwatch Cycling: Giro D’italia Highlights 2021 Stage 4 Worldwatch PBS Newshour Dateline Insight (M) The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) Cycling: Giro D’italia Highlights 2021 Stage 4 Jeopardy! (PG) Letters And Numbers Mastermind Australia SBS World News Tony Robinson’s History Of Britain: Edwardians (PG) See What You Made Me Do (M) Deadwater Fell (MA15+) SBS World News Late Stella Blomkvist (MA15+) (In Icelandic) Blood (M l)

6:00 Headline News [s] 5:00 France 24 Feature News 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 MasterChef Australia (PG) [s] 7:00 Cycling: Giro D’italia Highlights 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2021 Stage 5 2:30 Everyday Gourmet With 7:30 Worldwatch Justine Schofield [s] 1:00 PBS Newshour 3:30 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 2:05 Pompeii’s Final Hours: New 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] Evidence (PG) 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 3:00 The Perfect Serve (PG) (PG) [s] 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 5:00 10 News First [s] (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 4:00 Cycling: Giro D’italia Highlights 7:30 MasterChef Australia (PG) [s] 2021 Stage 5 8:40 Law & Order: SVU: In The Year 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) We All Fell Down (M) [s] 5:30 Letters And Numbers 9:40 Law & Order: SVU: Solving For 6:00 Mastermind Australia The Unknown (M) [s] 6:30 SBS World News 10:40 This Is Us: The Music And The 7:35 World’s Greatest Bridges: The Mirror (M) [s] Millau Viaduct (PG) 11:40 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 8:30 Michael Mosley: Trust Me, I’m 12:40 The Project (PG) [s] A Doctor (PG) 1:40 The Late Show With Stephen 9:25 The Handmaid’s Tale (MA15+) Colbert (PG) [s] 10:20 SBS World News Late 2:30 Home Shopping 10:50 The Sleepers (M l,n) (In Czech/ 4:30 CBS This Morning [s] English)

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

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

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

PAGE 22 7 MAY 2021 1

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BOOK REVIEW

CCN

The Push: Mother. Daughter. Angel. Monster?

Author: Ashley Audrain Publisher: Penguin

Blyth is standing outside looking into a house to observe the family inside. The family consists of a father, a mother and two children, one a girl and the other a young boy. It is Christmas time. It sounds like Blythe often stares into this particular house to observe the occupants. We find out that the girl inside the house is her daughter, their daughter. And Blyth is writing this down, so you know her side of the story. Blyth is from a line of damaged women and fractured families. First there is her grandmother, Etta. Etta made the mistake of falling in love with Louis, a doctor’s son, but her father wanted Etta to marry a man of the land. Louis loved Etta so much that he gave

up his dream of becoming a doctor and put the money he had saved for medical school in a jar to start a college fund for their children. He was selfless. Unfortunately, Louis was not made for the land. Etta gave birth to Ceclia, Blyth’s mother. At first, Etta wasn’t able to care for the infant Ceclia because she was too deep into depression, so that task was left to Etta’s mother. But Etta eventually met Henry and he adored Ceclia, “she tried hard to be the woman she was expected to be. A good wife. A good mother. Everything seemed like it would be just fine.” It wasn’t. Ceclia grew up with little love from her mother. She learned to be quiet so she wouldn’t draw Etta’s ire. Henry was losing control of the situation and asked his sister to move in the help out, as it became clear, “Etta was slipping away.” Ceclia spent a lot of time in the library

with the dream of becoming a poet. When Cecilia turns 18 and she moves to the city and because she is attractive draws the eye of several young men. She gets pregnant, “as quickly as she found the city, she lost it”. She didn’t want to be a mother, she felt trapped. And Blythe grows up in a house where her mother doesn’t know how to love her

Blythe had a troubled childhood but thought things would turn around when she met Fox, while they were both attending College. Life was good until she gave birth to Violet. Blythe wasn’t the doting mother that Fox expected her to be and Violet was a difficult infant. There was a lack of connection. “I felt like the only mother in the world ... who looked down at her daughter and thought, Please go away.” Blythe thinks there is something wrong with Violet. Fox thinks there is something wrong with Blythe. But then Sam is born, and he is a sweet boy and easy infant, and Blythe finds the connection that was lacking with Violet But tragedy happens and Blyth cannot cope. How can a mother have these feelings about her own child? And how can she tell anyone without looking like a monster. I thought this was a powerful book with

PAGE 23 7 MAY 2021

some strong characters. The tone was tense and dark and the subject matter was difficult to read about at times. The back stories about Etta and Ceclia were especially interesting. Blythe could be a bit much at times, but heck, look where she came from. Kim Reardon The Reluctant Book Critic

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS

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ARTS & CULTURE CENTRAL COAST ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE

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

anneglazier@y7mail.com

HANDWEAVERS, SPINNERS AND TEXTILE ARTS GUILD

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

CENTRAL COAST WATERCOLOUR SOCIETY

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

TUGGERAH LAKES ART SOCIETY

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

CENTRAL COAST POETS INC

Art society for artists painting in watercolour Workshops, beginners classes and paint outs Details on our website 0435 466 526

ccwsinc@gmail.com www.centralcoastwatercolour. com.au

COMMUNITY GROUPS ABC - “The Friends”

Safeguard ABC’s independence, funding, & standards. Meetings through the year & social mornings Well-known guest speakers 0400 213 514 www.fabcnsw.org.au

CENTRAL COAST CARAVANNERS

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

COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRE

Not for profit service providing free legal advice Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm 4353 4988

Would you like to read, contact@centralcoastclc.org.au write and share your poetry. We hold workshops and create LEARN TO DANCE anthologies. Social ballroom dancing for all We meet the second Saturday ages, all you need is a desire each month. to learn and dance, Wyoming Memorial Community no partner required. Hall. Contact us by email meet every Wed -Tuggerah info@centralcoastpoets.com.au community hall, 2:00pm or you may ring Clive Anne - 0409 938 345 0419120347

GOSFORD 50+ LEISURE AND LEARNING CENTRE

CENTRAL COAST MARINE Mon-Fri DISCOVERY CENTRE Chess, darts, handicraft, indoor The revamped CCMDC is open. Schools and Group bookings welcome by appointment. Building has special needs access and toilets Open 7 days 9am – 3pm. Terrigal. 4385 5027 ccmdc@bigpond.com www.ccmdc.org.au

TERRIGAL WAMBERAL RSL SUB-BRANCH

Pension and welfare officers available to assist with DVA compensation claims and benefits Breakers Country Club Wed & Fri 10am – Midday Meet 2nd Sat 10am 4384 2661

Terrigal-WamberalSB@rslnsw. org.au.

U3A CENTRAL COAST

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

www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au

VOLUNTEERING CENTRAL COAST

Refer potential volunteers to community organisations & provide support to them. Training to volunteers and managers of volunteers Info sessions held regularly. 4329 7122

bowls, knitting, line dancing, origami, painting, pencil drawing, scrabble, scrapbooking, sit & sew, table tennis, Ukulele 4304 7065

GOSFORD-NARARA NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

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

HEALTH GROUPS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

- Someone cares. Wed-Thurs-Fri - 12.30pm, Progress Hall Henry Parry & Wells Street East Gosford

BETTER HEARING AUSTRALIA

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

CENTRAL COAST ASBESTOS DISEASES SUPPORT GROUP

0434 426 486

robyncameron@y7mail.com

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Last Fri 9.30am Terrigal Uniting Church 380 Terrigal Dr, Terrigal 4367 9600 www.pcfa.org.au

MEALS ON WHEELS

Delicious meals delivered free Join us for a midday meal Help with shopping and cooking classes 4363 7111

S.A

Is Internet porn destroying your life. We may be able to help. We are a 12 step fellowship like AA. Meets every Sat at 7pm on the Central Coast Contact for further details 0473 631 439

newcastlesagroup@gmail.com

HISTORY GROUPS HENRY KENDALL COTTAGE & HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Visit our c1838 Cottage & Museum with exhibits of early settlers. School and group bookings. Members & volunteers welcome. Open Wed/Sat/Sun 10.30am 2:30pm. West Gosford 4325 2270

Support for those suffering with asbestos diseases and www.henrykendallcottage.org.au others interested in asbestos Brisbane Water Historical Society recruit@volcc.org.au issues. You are not alone, meet with others who can share FELLOWSHIP OF their experiences. Bring a KINCUMBER MENS SHED FIRST FLEETERS family member or friend. Kincumber mens shed in For anyone interested in early 1pm at Ourimbah RSL on association with Kincumber history. fourth Wed of each month. Uniting Church op shop. Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. Maree 0419 418 190 Selling tools, machinery, Point Clare Community Hall clothing, books and household 2nd Sat 10:30am items. on the first Saturday of DYING WITH DIGNITY 4392 1926, 4311 6254 each month 8am - 12pm Campaigning to give those 4369 7222 suffering unrelievable terminal or incurable illness the choice sparkes2251@outlook.com to receive legal medical COASTAL A CAPPELLA assistance to die. COMMUNITY CENTRES Award winning women’s Quarterly mtgs, Erina Fair.

MUSIC

a cappella chorus. Music education provided. Rehearsals Tuesday 7pm @ Red Tree Theatre Tuggerah. Performance opportunities. Hire us for your next event. 0412 948 450 coastalacappella@gmail.com

SOUNDWAVES CHORUS Male singers wanted No experience required, rehearsals 7pm Mondays at Parkview room Central Coast Leagues Club 0431 225 489

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

LABOR PARTY OURIMBAH/ NARARA BRANCH

Discussion/action community Issues – 3 levels of Government Function Room, Grange Hotel, Wyoming 7.30pm 1st. Monday 0410 309 494

Tuesday each month. Enjoy a wide variety of Guest Speakers, Social outing and activities with Friendship Fellowship and Fun. 0407934003

SERVICE GROUPS LIONS CLUB OF WOY WOY Make new friends & have fun while serving your community Everglades Country Club 3rd Monday of each month 0478 959 895

WOMEN’S GROUPS WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTRES

Counselling, therapeutic and social groups, workshops, domestic violence and abuse issues. All services provided by women for women 4324 2533 www.cccwhc.com.au

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL BRISBANE WATER

Making a difference in the lives of women & girls through awareness, advocacy & action 2nd Thur 7 pm Breakers Country Club, Dover Rd, Wamberal

kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com

sibrisbanewater@siswp.org www.siswp.org

PROBUS CLUBS

SPORT

AVOCA BEACH PROBUS CLUB

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

PROBUS CLUB OF KARIONG

Meets at Everglades Country Club Woy Woy, at 10am 3rd

DOYALSON WYEE SOCCER CLUB

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

KOWAKAN AIKIDO

Kids from 7yrs and adults, Fri and Sun, East Gosford Scout Hall. See website for details 0411 725 823

www.kowakanaikidocentralcoast. com

If you would like your Community Organisation listed here call us on 4325 7369 or see www.coastcommunitynews.com.au CCN

Entries in the Not For Profit Community Organisations Directory are free. However, we require each organisation to subscribe to each newspaper to ensure that someone from that organisation keeps their entry up to date. Subscription rates $75 for 25 editions.

PAGE 24 OUT&ABOUT 7 MAY 2021

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DOWN IN THE GARDEN: THE LANGUAGE OF HOUSEPLANTS How to Have Thriving Plants

CHERALYN DARCEY

While it may be common knowledge that red roses mean love, yellow friendship and that lilies indicate comfort during times of grief, did you know that not just floristry flowers, but all plants have individual meanings? For example, the popular Fiddle-leaf Fig says “I understand” and to say “I love you”, gift the beautiful Flaming Katy or, obviously, Heartleaf. This week let’s explore the meanings and energies of the botanical world so that you can select your next houseplant based on the meanings attributed it. Place it in your home or workplace to boost the vibe you are looking for or say it with plants when making your next gift to a friend loved one, maybe mum. Much like ‘The Language of Flowers’, these meanings are based on ‘The Doctrine of Signatures’, an ancient memory aid used in herbal medicine, aromatherapy and flower-based therapies to understand the properties of a plant based on its appearance, characteristics and environment. The people of the Victoria era throughout Europe used this ‘plant language’ to convey secret messages to each other during a period of social modesty and homes were adorned with floristry that spoke volumes about the gatherings and the hostess. The Language of Houseplants Today This list shares with you a selection of pot plants that are popular today, easily obtained and for the most part, on the easier side to maintain. All make good gifts and to ensure your message is understood, you might like to include the meaning of your houseplant on your gift card. “I love you”, “Thanks for being my friend” Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum) - desire, delay, bind, capture, obtain, prosperity. Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) friendship, grounding, resilience, advancement, reinforcement, stability. Heart Leaf (Philodendron hederaceum) - love, happiness, passion, growth, devotion, appreciation. “I’m sorry”, “I wish you calm” Air Plant (Tillandsias spp.) - acceptance, calm, mindfulness, clarity, communication, adaptation, ending obsession. Fiddle-leaf Fig (Ficus lyrate) - harmony, balance, understanding, relationships, partnerships, quiet. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) - peace, dedication, cleansing, purification, healing, balance. “Get well”, “Stay safe”

Instead of saying this with flowers, you could try plants. One of these would also help in workplaces connected with healing. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) - survival, comfort during grief, restoration, renewal, regeneration, healing. Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) eternity, purification, calm, clarity, protection. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) - intention, flexibility, creativity, technology, truth, healing, strength. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) mindfulness, protection, creativity, healing, independence. “You can do this!”, “Let’s start again”, “I wish you success” Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum) inspiration, new ideas, beginnings, youth, inspiration, argument and stress reduction. Bamboo Palm (Rhapis excelsa) - determination, direction, decision, willpower, progress, action, success, movement. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) - change, move, education, development, transformation, revision. Elephant’s Ears (Alocasia x amazonica) opportunity, freedom, fortune, rebirth, destiny, growth. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum) direction, protection, expression, purpose, selfknowledge, sensitivity. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) - focus, study, restoration, action, exuberance, interest. “Be careful” “I’m here for you”, “I understand” Begonia (Begonia spp.) - transition, warning, creativity, removal of negativity, endings. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) - positivity, wellness, breath, self-respect, protection, preservation. English Ivy (Hedera helix) - connection, fidelity, fertility, protection, tenacity, immortality. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.) communication, compassion, shield, consciousness, peacefulness, sensuality. “Good luck” Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) - luck, abundance, truth, protection, direction. Chain of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) - Devotion, love, wishes, luck, fertility, home & family blessing, romantic commitments. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) - luck, abundance, finances, contentment, accomplishment,

independence. “I’m proud of you”, “Congratulations” Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) - pride, work, longevity, pride, self-respect, protection. Fruit Salad Plant (Monstera deliciosa) - growth, opportunity, expansion, honour, action, plans. Golden Cane Palm (Dypsis lutescens) - victory, alignment, strength, abundance, reward, success. Birthday Month Houseplants Just as there are Birthstones and Birth Flowers, so there are Birth Houseplants. These are a few of the better-known ones and would make the perfect gift for anyone born during that month. January: Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum), Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.) February: Desert Rose (Adenium obesum), Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) March: Staghorn Fern (Platycerium spp.), Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) April: Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller), Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) May: Jade Plant (Crassula ovata), Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) June: Fiddle-leaf Fig (Ficus lyrate), Heart Leaf (Philodendron hederaceum) July: Fruit Salad Plant (Monstera deliciosa), Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) August: Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior), Tail Flower (Anthurium andraeanum) September: African Violet (Saintpaulias spp.), Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) October: Air Plant (Tillandsias spp.), Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum) November: Begonia (Begonia spp.), English Ivy (Hedera helix) December: Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera truncate), Elephant’s Ears (Alocasia x amazonica) Most of the houseplants that find an early grave are unfortunately those which are gifted by wellmeaning friends and often purchased simply because they are in flower and look pretty but, they are sometimes not suitable for the environments they are going into. When you are giving a plant to another person, take into account their level of gardening expertise, the time they have available and the lighting of their home or workplace. Mention these to the person you are purchasing your plant from and they will be able to better direct you to a houseplant that will live happily with the environment and person they are being gifted to.

To set you on the path of keeping plant you may have been gifted happy you need to give them the environment that best matches their origins and to do this light, temperature, water and food requirements need to be met. Diseases and pests also will be something to watch for and attend to. A Few Common Care Problems that you can easily fix include revising position, watering and feeding. Light related care issues: Thin, straggly growth can mean not enough light while too much light will cause leaf drop. Wilting, yellow or burnt foliage can indicate overheating of plant or too much light. Temperature related care issues: If the temperature is too high it can cause wilting and small leaves, while too low yellow foliage, bud drop, deformed leaves, fast and uneven growth all indicate temperature is not right being either too high or low. Watering related problems: Leaf drop, and leaf curl are all indications that your plant is getting too much are not enough water. Usual red leaf colouring, bud drop and flowers not forming will mean underwatering while corky patches or rotting roots mean that the plant is getting too much water, or the pot is sitting in water in its saucer and it’s not suitable for it. Fertiliser issues: new leaves are yellow with green veins indicates low iron. Pale leaves, slow growth and few or no flowers usually means under feeding. Small leaves with yellow edges or bottom leaves have yellow/brown edges can show a phosphorus deficiency. TIME TO GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY It’s a good time to take hardwood cuttings and if any of your perennial herbs are looking well past their prime for the season, cut them right back to ground level. Some of the plants you can get into the garden at the moment includes Asian greens, artichoke, asparagus, broad beans, brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, cauliflower, mid and late season onions, peas, spinach, silverbeet, turnips, leek, alyssum, carnation, columbine, lupin, pansy, polyanthus, primrose, wallflower. AROUND THE COAST THIS WEEK Curious Creators, a Central Coast Collective have a couple of events on this weekend at their Pop-Up Activation at Parkhouse & Kibble in Gosford that would be of interest to the botanical inclined. Plant Talk by Harry’s Complete Gardens. A talk on how gardening can strengthen a community & how plants changed Harry’s life. 10 - 11am Saturday 8th May. This is followed by a Plant Sale until 5pm. Mother’s Day Dried Flower Crown Workshop. Learn how to make your own stylish crown made from dried flowers and recycled materials. 11am - 12pm Sunday 9th May. Both of these workshops are held at Parkhouse & Kibble, 124 Donnison St, Gosford. Bookings are a must: curiouscreators.com.au

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

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 25 7 MAY 2021

Business & Property Built for Women program to expand the trades talent pool Business NSW Central Coast says a new State Government initiative to support women entering trades will help expand the region’s talent pool for those businesses seeking young workers. “Skills shortages in manufacturing, construction and engineering continue to plague business on the Central Coast with 30 per cent of businesses reporting skills shortages in the March Business NSW Business Conditions Survey,” Regional Director, Paula Martin, said. “A focus to increase the proportion of women in trades expands the local talent pool

for businesses seeking young workers and helps those hardest hit through the pandemic transition into new careers. “COVID-19 affected young workers aged between 15 and 24 the most with this cohort finding it more difficult to find new jobs. “The timing is right for a career in trades, especially for young women who have had their employment affected by ongoing restrictions in tourism, hospitality and events. “A career in trades may offer lifelong skills and the opportunity to start a business. “The Central Coast is home to nearly 4,000 small businesses

in manufacturing and construction and thanks to our proximity to Sydney and Newcastle the demand for services in these sectors exceeds supply. The Government is set to support 3,000 training places for women in trades to help boost female representation in construction, manufacturing, engineering, transport and logistics. The fee-free Built For Women training program will target women aged 16-24, female jobseekers, women at risk of unemployment and women in receipt of Commonwealth benefits. Women currently represent

8.9 per cent of all current learners in trades and just 2.1 per cent of all learners studying a trade in the building and construction industry. Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Geoff Lee, said the program would help boost numbers of women working on building sites. “The Built For Women program is about attracting women to rewarding careers in trades industries that are experiencing skills shortages,” Lee said. For more information visit education.nsw.gov.au/skillsnsw/built-for-women or call 132 811. Terry Collins

Local juice company gets boost from Regional Job Fund Eastcoast Beverages is set to upgrade its facilities at Kulnura with help from the NSW Government’s Regional Job Creation Fund.

East Coast Beverages is set to upgrade its facilities

BRAZEL MOORE

FAMILY

LAWYERS

Do you need advice on:

your legal rights after separation ...

getting plenty of time with your children ...

how to get time with your grandchildren ...

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Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said a $2.39M transformation of the Eastcoast Beverages factory would be partially funded with $360,000 from the NSW Government. “Fresh fruit juice products will be manufactured at a massively increased scale, with this factory upgrade enabling it to double output and create 18 new, local jobs,” Crouch said. “The funding will be utilised to replace and upgrade existing infrastructure and machinery

with modern technology to increase production and reduce wastage. “The funding will also allow Eastcoast Beverages to introduce modernised methods of producing juice and beverage products into the current blending, storage and packaging processes in the Kulnura factory. “Eastcoast Beverages is aiming to ensure its business practices remain up-to-date and competitive on a national level, continuing to produce fantastic fruit juices now and into the future.” Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the $100M Regional Job Creation Fund will create at least 5,000 new direct jobs in regional NSW by helping

businesses expand their production lines and provide incentives for relocation to the bush. “Setting businesses up for success means they can attract new customers, which means more people in work and earning a wage that they will spend in local shops, supporting local retail workers as well as their suppliers,” Barilaro said. Applications from eligible businesses under the Regional Job Creation Fund close on Friday, May 14, or when funding is fully allocated. For more information, go to: investregionalnsw.com/ RJCFund. Source: Media release, May 4 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

891 691 FREE FAMILY LAW FREECALL4324- 1800 7699 131-133 Donnison Street Gosford SEMINAR brazelmoorelawyers.com.au present options available to you so that you are not overwhelmed by the process.

Michelle’s presentation will cover property settlement, residence of children, defacto relationships, mediation and early settlement options so that you can consider your situation and plan where to from here, especially if you find yourself in the Family Court system. The Seminar will be presented 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 next.

18 May 2021, from 6.45pm to 8.00pm at Gosford RSL Club - Call 4324 7699 to reserve your spot

PAGE 26 7 MAY 2021

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$2M in Dine & Discover vouchers spent on Coast so far Central Coast businesses are reaping the benefits of the State Government’s Dine & Discover NSW initiative, which has seen more than $2M spent in the region so far. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said a total of 84,683 vouchers, each worth $25, have already been redeemed at local businesses since the initiative launched in March. “Dine & Discover NSW vouchers have been live on the Central Coast for just five weeks, and in this short space of time, we’ve seen $2,117,075 spent at local businesses,” Crouch said. “A total of 147,480 local residents have registered for the Dine & Discover NSW initiative, while 422 local businesses are currently signed up to accept the $25 vouchers as an alternative form of payment.” Avoca Beach Picture Theatre has had 1,533 Dine & Discover NSW vouchers presented so far, which equates to a $38,325 boost, Crouch said. “To see people flooding back to the movies is a great

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, with Beth and Norman Hunter at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre

boost for a business that did it so tough during the pandemic’s darkest days,” he said. “The motion picture and sound record activities industry is the second biggest beneficiary of Dine & Discover NSW vouchers across the State.” Theatre owner Norman Hunter said the vouchers have been a wonderful encouragement to patrons, signalling that it is OK to resume activities which were

off-limits during 2020. Bellyfish Café owner, Mitch Jury, said he was a little unsure of the voucher program at first but is now witnessing the benefits. “Now that the word is out there and the public is using it, and the staff know how to use it, it has been very good,” Jury said. “I think it’s great to see people getting out and trying new places. “It is hard to know exactly if it’s brought more customers

in… but I am going to say yes as we have seen a large number of vouchers being used. “Whether they were coming to us already or chose to use their vouchers with us is hard to tell, but I think overall it has been a great initiative.” Adrian Evans is the Licensee at the Settlers Tavern in West Gosford and said the vouchers have helped bring new people to the venue. “It has been pretty popular,” Evans said.

“I think we were one of the first pubs to do it in the area, so the first weekend we got crammed with people coming in. “I have noticed there have been a lot of people who have not been here before, so I think it is working in the way of getting people out and trying out different places.” Owner of The Lucky Bee at Hardy’s Bay, Rupert Noffs, said the Dine & Discover program had brought new guests to the restaurant.

“We have had people who wouldn’t normally visit come to our café for a Bánh Mì and coffee, or a curry and cocktail for dinner,” Noffs said. “The government has very kindly paid for our guest’s cocktails, and I think that’s definitely needed after the year we’ve all had. “There’s been no issues at all because our point-of-sale system and gift vouchers are already app-based, so the Dine & Discover is user friendly. “We’ve had many messages asking if we accept the vouchers, so it’s obviously been an extremely successful government incentive to get people spending.” The two $25 dine vouchers and two $25 discover vouchers will be valid until June 30. NSW residents can apply online to receive their vouchers through the latest version of the Service NSW app and website. A non-digital solution is now available at Service NSW Centres for customers who don’t have a smartphone. Jacinta Counihan

WSP wins contract for design of CC Highway upgrade The 3.8km Central Coast Hwy upgrade between Wamberal and Bateau Bay is another step closer, with a contract awarded to develop the concept design on May 4. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said engaging WSP Australia Pty Ltd to develop

the design to upgrade the road is a significant step towards driving better journeys on the Central Coast. “The NSW Government’s $387M investment in widening the highway to two lanes in both directions between Wamberal and Bateau Bay will improve travel time and safety for the

26,500 motorists who use this stretch of road daily,” Toole said. “The upgrade will also improve economic growth and productivity, particularly during busy holiday periods, and delivers on our commitment to build a safer, stronger regional NSW.” Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam

Crouch said the development of concept designs follows the community consultation process in late 2020 and geotechnical work in March, 2021. “Upgrading this section of Central Coast Hwy will be long and challenging, but it is incredibly important for local residents and we are not going to shy away from the

hard work,” Crouch said. The second stage of the concept design is expected to be open for community consultation next year, along with the environmental assessment, allowing local residents to provide further feedback as the project progresses. A concept design and environmental assessment

for the Tumbi Road intersection, which is being fast-tracked, is expected to be open for community consultation later this year. For more information, go to: nswroads.work/cch. Source: Media release, May 4 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

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CREATING FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Five ways to boost your home loan borrowing power WITH

affect your serviceability, which is why it’s best to start applying for the loan when you have passed probation.

Julia NEWBOULD Editor-at-large • Money magazine With property prices soaring, knowing how to improve your home loan serviceability can be the difference between getting the keys or being shown the door. Lenders essentially make a business investment every time they hand money to home buyers. As such, they need to work out whether you’re a safe bet, and they do this by assessing your home loan serviceability. The serviceability is calculated by combining all of your income, such as salary, rental income and interest from investments, and then taking away your expenses and other repayments, including your mortgage. “As part of the process of determining your serviceability, lenders will calculate your mortgage at 2.5% higher than

the market rate to ensure that if there is a shift you will still be able to comfortably pay back your repayment,” says Brodie Haupt, CEO and co-founder of Aussie digital lending and payments provider WLTH. “This is a safety net that they build into the calculations to protect themselves, but it is also to assist the consumer to ensure that they are not in a position where they will be unable to make their repayments if there is a shift in interest rates throughout the life of the loan.” Not all your income is treated equally in calculating your loan serviceability. And not all rental income is treated equally – typically only 80% will be calculated. But 100% of your salary will go into the calculation. “The reason for this is that they need to consider that the

3. Pay off BNPL debts Buy now, pay later transactions often show up on a credit check, and generally this will have a similar effect to credit cards that demonstrate when you are overextending yourself. Pay all of these debts off before applying for a loan.

property won’t always be tenanted, so the borrower won’t be able to depend on the full rental return to cover their mortgage repayments,” says Haupt. The same goes for income from shares “due to the fluctuations in the market and the risk that shares could also depreciate in value”. The good news is that home loan serviceability isn’t a static

condition you’re lumped with – there are ways you can improve it and thereby improve your chance of securing a loan at a good rate from a wide amount of products. Here are five things Haupt recommends to improve your loan serviceability. 1. Reduce credit limits Even if you don’t owe any-

thing on your credit card, your limit will still be considered as potential debt when lenders are assessing your position. 2. Aim for stable employment Being self-employed or a contractor can be viewed as a risk by some institutions. If you are in a new job and still in your probation period, this can also

4. Rein in spending Before buying a home, it is important to budget and save, not only for your deposit but to also demonstrate your spending habits to the lender. 5. Pick the right lender Know what you want and always shop around. Take advantage of comparison sites, read up on different lenders and institutions, and know exactly the kind of products you want to get access to. M DAVID THORNTON

Millions to be worse off when tax offset ends About 10 million Aussies will have less disposable income next financial year, with the low and middle income tax offset (LMITO) due to wind up on June 30. According to research commissioned by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, and undertaken by the Bankwest Curtin Economics Research Centre, 3.4 million people will be $1080 worse off while a further 7 million will have less takehome pay.

The net loss is the result of the LMITO coming to an end this financial year. The LMITO provides an offset of up to $255 for those earning $37,000 or less; $255 (plus 7.5% of the portion of your taxable income that exceeds $37,000) for those earning $37,001-$48,000; $1080 for those earning $48,001$90,000; and $1080 (minus 3% of the portion of your taxable income that exceeds $90,000) for those earning $90,001$126,000. The LMITO had been extend-

ed to the 2020-2021 financial year as part of the federal government’s decision to accelerate the start of stage two tax cuts. The stage two cuts also included lifting the low income tax offset (LITO) from $455 to $700, raising the upper threshold for the 19% tax bracket from $37,000 to $45,000, changing the 32.5% tax bracket from $37,001-$90,000 to $45,001$120,000 and raising the lower threshold for the 37% tax bracket from $90,001 to $120,001. The extension of the tax offset

overlapped with the introduction of the phase two income tax cuts. So in a way, that overlap could also be viewed as a one-year tax increase rather than a tax cut next year. “They brought forward proposed tax cuts due to the Covid-19 pandemic to July 1, 2020 and effectively it was going to replace the low income tax offset and low to medium income tax offset,” says Adrian Raftery, from the accounting and tax service Mr Taxman. “So it’s essentially a $1080

bonus this year, rather than people losing it next year.” Aussies pulling in $80,000 a year will be left with a net income of $63,013 this year, but next year will only take home $61,933, according to Bankwest Curtin Economics Research Centre. It will lift again to $62,808 in financial year 2024-25 with the introduction of stage three tax cuts. This stands in contrast to people earning $250,000, who will pay $9075 less in tax than they did this year.

The end of the LMITO will be felt most by women because they are more likely to earn less than $126,000 annually. “The withdrawal of the low and middle income tax offset from 2021-22 will disproportionately affect women, who will face an average increase in taxes paid of $502 per year from 2021-22 to 2023-24, relative to 202021,” say Rebecca Cassells and Alan Duncan, both from the Bankwest Curtin Economics Research Centre.

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 29 7 MAY 2021

Coast business nominated for What’s On 4 Kids awards Central Coast children’s event entertainment business, Storybook Party Co, has been nominated for three categories in the Australian 2021 What’s On 4 Kids Awards. The kids’ party venue and mobile character entertainment business was nominated for the following categories: Australia’s Best Children’s Entertainers, Australia’s Best Kids Party Venue, and Australia’s Best New Kids Party/Activity Business. Owner of Storybook Party Co, Karla Jacob, said it was an honour to be nominated in the nationwide competition despite only being open for a year. “I don’t think I will ever be able to fully put into words how much being nominated means to us,” Jacob said. “These awards recognise the best of the best, and to be nominated is just an absolute privilege. “As the owner, I was motivated to start the company after returning from working at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, as an entertainment cast member. “While there was a number of

Kids’ entertainment business, Storybook Party Co

existing party companies, I aimed to create a character experience that was truly immersive. “In January, 2021, after just one year of business as mobile character performers, we were fortunate enough to open our very own Kids’s Party Venue at Charmhaven.” What’s On 4 Kids Awards celebrates the best of the best in children’s activities, classes, family events and party entertainers across Australia. Like many businesses

worldwide, Storybook Party Co was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing restrictions. Jacob said they had been open for only four months and had several parties booked when the lockdown was put into place. “At this point, I decided we had two options - we could close and not know when or if we could reopen, or we could continue to spread an extra touch of magic to children’s lives in a very unprecedented and confusing

time,” she said. “Thus, the idea of Virtual Zoom Parties and Personalised Video Messages was born. “During COVID, we provided over 600 video messages and virtual parties to children not only locally but across the globe with video messages being sent to countries such as the UK, USA, New Zealand and Indonesia. “These video messages also allowed us to provide work to our team of performers in a time that severely impacted the

entertainment industry.” The moment the restrictions lifted, they immediately started attending birthday parties all across the Central Coast and bringing a sense of normality back to children’s lives. “Whilst our performers were going out to these parties, I started to devise a business plan to create our own party venue where we could provide absolutely everything from catering to decor and entertainment,” Jacob said.

“I invested every dollar of profit back into the business, and by December 2020, on the EXACT one-year anniversary of our opening, I was getting the keys to start renovating our very own venue, which opened in late January. “Now business is busier than ever, and we host dozens of mobile parties and venue parties every weekend. “We are so busy that we have now even opened up Friday afternoon bookings to accommodate the requests.” This year marks 10 years of the What’s On 4 Kids Awards ceremony. CEO of the What’s On 4 Kids Awards, Elise Easdown, said winning awards gives the industry recognition and leads to more business for the nominees through family interest. All nominations are judged by an independent professional panel. The People’s Choice winners will be decided through community voting. The awards will be held on June 12. Jacinta Counihan

Homebuilder commencement period extended by 12 months Business NSW Central Coast has applauded the Federal Government’s decision to extend the construction commencement requirement for the HomeBuilder program from six months to 18 months for all existing applicants. Regional Director, Paula Martin, said the news was especially welcome as the Central Coast faces delays in construction builds and a shortage of workers locally. “According to the March

Business NSW Business Conditions Report, skills shortages and changing trading conditions continue to be the biggest business challenges faced on the Central Coast,” Martin said. “Increased activity in both housing and commercial projects outside the region is a contributing factor to the availability of trades locally. “As we see house prices increase up to 68 per cent in some coastal suburbs of the Central Coast it is important that local housing projects are

given as much time as possible to proceed so locals have a good chance at entering the local housing market.” More than 121,000 Australians have applied for the grant which is expected to support around $30B of residential construction projects. The program was specifically designed to protect tradies’ jobs and catalyse economic activity in the construction industry in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The extension will only apply

to existing applicants and provide an additional 12 months to commence construction from the date that the building contract was signed. All applicants who signed contracts during the HomeBuilder eligibility period between June 4, 2020, and March 31, 2021, will have this extension applied to them. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the HomeBuilder program has been a key part of the Government’s National Economic Recovery Plan.

“Extending the construction commencement requirement will smooth out the HomeBuilder construction pipeline, support jobs in the construction sector, and ensure that existing applicants facing difficulties in starting construction on their new builds and renovations are not denied a HomeBuilder grant due to circumstances outside their control,” he said. Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Housing, and Minister for Homelessness, Social and Community Housing, Michael Sukkar, said the high take-up of HomeBuilder has shown that

it has achieved its goal of encouraging those who had pulled back from undertaking a new build, or substantial rebuild, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, to enter the market. Applications closed on the April 14, but applicants have until April 30 to submit all supporting documentation (such as invoices for work done, and proof that construction has started) to their State or Territory Revenue Office. Terry Collins

PAGE 30 7 MAY 2021

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Charity golf day supports perimenopause awareness Breakers Country Club at Wamberal will host a Charity Golf Day for ladies on Friday, May 14, to raise money for the Debbie Gaunt Foundation, an Iris Foundation-supported initiative. Ladies of all ages can enter as teams of four and play an 18-hole round of golf at either 7.30am or 12.30pm, with lunch, raffles, and auctions included throughout the day. Team entry into the event costs $240 and needs to be registered before May 13. Those wanting to show their support without participating in golf can come for lunch at a cost of $40. The Debbie Gaunt Foundation

was created to build awareness about perimenopause, an often-challenging life event that can have devastating impacts on a woman’s physical and mental health. Founder, Craig Gaunt, became aware of this knowledge gap after losing his wife Debbie to suicide in 2019. According to the Iris Foundation, perimenopause is a transitional time during which a woman’s body prepares for the end of the reproductive years. It typically occurs in midlife, though some women notice changes as early as in their 30s. Common indicators of perimenopause include; fluctuating levels of estrogen;

irregular menstrual periods and decreased fertility; hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue and sleep disturbance; development of mood swings, irritability or depression; and changes in sexual function (such as lower sex drive or vaginal dryness). A woman who has not menstruated for 12 consecutive months is said to have reached menopause. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the highest rate of suicide among women in 2018 was the 40-44 age group, followed by the 50-54 age range. The hormonal shifts of perimenopause should be considered among the risk factors for suicide amongst

middle-aged women, alongside social factors such as divorce and relationship breakdown, impending retirement, financial instability and family responsibilities. Perimenopause can exacerbate the symptoms of existing mood disorders such as anxiety and depression or cause previous illness to recur. Perimenopausal depression can also affect women with no history of poor mental health. As in pregnancy and following childbirth, the enormous hormonal shifts experienced during perimenopause can trigger psychosis in some women. All money raised through the Charity Gold Day at Breakers will go towards raising a further

$24,500 to assist finalisation of the midlife module of a comprehensive online course for doctors about women’s health at the Monash Alfred Psychiatric Research Centre in Melbourne. The module will address perimenopausal depression, menopause and hormone replacement therapy, complex trauma disorder in perimenopause and family violence. The Debbie Gaunt Foundation is auspiced by the Iris Foundation and supports its efforts to reduce the risk of suicide on the NSW Central Coast. Tickets can be found at www. breakerscc.com or 43842661.

Debbie Gaunt

Source: Media release, May 3 Breakers Country Club & Iris Foundation

Seniors recognised for community service Seven Central Coast senior citizens have been acknowledged with a NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Award. The seniors, who help to make their communities an inspiring place in which to live, received their accolades at a Thank You Morning Tea. The recipients were: Donald Anderson, who volunteers at a number of community events and as a Rural Fire Service member; Hazel Atkinson, who provides transport for elderly people to and from doctors’ appointments; Ray Crawley, who coordinates all Men’s Sheds on the Central Coast; Sydney Fabri, who helps other seniors get online; Eric Flood, who visits, supports and cares for widows and children of deceased veterans; Jennifer Hartich, who performs a variety of acts of kindness towards

and celebrations which took place across the state as part of this year’s NSW Seniors Festival. Minister for Seniors, Geoff Lee, said the Festival and Awards highlight the important role seniors play in the community. “This annual Festival is about celebrating the positive impact of older people in our families and society,” Lee said. “NSW has an ageing population and our vision is to create a state where residents experience the benefits of living longer, while being able to contribute, be included and actively participate in their communities.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, with the seven awardees

animals, the environment and community members; and John Quigley, who maintains gardens for less mobile seniors. “I want to congratulate and thank each of the seven

recipients for their lifelong contributions, remarkable skills and extensive knowledge which continues to benefit the Central Coast community,” Parliamentary Secretary for the

Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said. “Each recipient of a Local Achievement Award was carefully selected from a list of high-calibre nominees, and

(they) highlight the diverse ways seniors support their families and the wider community.” The Local Achievement Awards are one of many events

Source: Media release, Apr 23 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

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Orgasmic birth: the ultimate perk of homebirth respectful intimacy. As you can imagine, this is the default setting, in a planned homebirth, which is why the chances of experiencing this phenomenon are much higher. Under these circumstances, a woman is more easily able to reach a deep state of relaxation and the exact contractions that many experience as painful can become pleasurable. How to prepare for an orgasmic birth

GEORGIA LIENEMANN Following on from last week’s piece on the safety of homebirth and the primary advantages of birthing at home such as lowered intervention and risk of complications, this week I’m elaborating on some of the lesser known benefits of homebirth. There’s a much greater chance of having not only a positive birth experience at home, but one that is profoundly pleasurable – even orgasmic! Stay with me, we’ll get to that part shortly. The significant impact of care providers According to surveys conducted in homebirth forums of women who have experienced births in both a hospital and home setting, there is an overwhelming consensus that homebirth is a more enjoyable experience – not just for the birthing woman but for her partner and other family members as well, who are generally fully included in every step of the process, if they so choose. Women routinely report that they felt more respected and empowered, as homebirth offers a more woman-centred approach. With the jaw-dropping statistics highlighted in the recently released film ‘Birth Time’, that 1 in 3 Australian women describe their birth as ‘traumatic’ and that 1 in 10 birthing women experience PTSD as a result of their birth experiences, respect and

empowerment shouldn’t be considered insignificant benefits when it comes to birth! Studies have shown that the strongest predictor of developing birth-related PTSD is related to a woman’s treatment by their care providers (usually a lack of support, or perceived lack of control and involvement in decision-making). This is precisely why the close, supportive relationship that develops between midwife and mother-to-be within the ‘continuity of care’ model is so important, which as we touched on last week, is automatically accessed when families opt for homebirth. Birthing at home also allows women to avoid exposure to unnecessary procedures and outdated hospital policies, such as continuous fetal monitoring – a practice which still takes place in hospitals despite not being supported by the literature. The optimal setting is where a woman feels safest When it comes to birth, we seem to overlook the fact that we are mammalian creatures and that all mammals escape to quiet spaces that guarantee safety and complete privacy for the mother. Babies usually arrive in the quiet early morning hours, cloaked in darkness, for this reason. Animal studies show that any disturbance to this safety and privacy interferes with the

process of labour by disrupting the labour hormones. This explains why it’s such a common occurrence for a woman’s labour to slow or stall completely upon arriving at the hospital. Any form of disturbance, even the panicked or rushed demeanour of an inconsiderate caregiver, can increase a woman’s stress hormones. This diverts the much-needed blood away from both the baby and the actively working muscles of the uterus (resulting in less productive contractions) and into our limbs as we prepare to ‘fight or flee’. Therefore, maintaining the birthing woman’s feelings of calm and safety, allows for the sophisticated dance of labour hormones to unfold, facilitating not only a smoother and safer birth experience, but a less painful one. The fear-tension-pain cycle Grantley Dick-Read, the renowned British Obstetrician and pioneer in childbirth education throughout the 50’s and 60’s was the first to propose that women who were deeply relaxed during their labour would experience minimal pain – or none at all. He developed the feartension-pain cycle to highlight how our thoughts and emotions influence the perception and intensity of pain. When the birthing woman is in a fearful state, she tenses up and her contractions become

more painful, which generates more fear, tension and subsequently more pain. Less pain, more pleasure When a woman can deeply relax, nature’s cocktail of potent pain and stress relieving hormones and endorphins, is primed to flourish. Oxytocin, widely known as the ‘love hormone’, is released during any type of intimacy: kissing,cuddling,breastfeeding any other type of skin-to-skin contact. During birth it provides us with natural pain relief and an efficient labour. In the final throes of labour, a woman has a huge surge in this hormone, which switches on the brain’s pleasure and reward centres and helps to facilitate the bond with her new baby. Most birth interventions and especially induction (which is the administration of synthetic oxytocin) inhibit the production of natural oxytocin and all of the wonderful effects that it can offer during labour and birth. Orgasmic birth In 2008, I stumbled across a screening of the multi-award winning film ‘Orgasmic Birth: the best-kept secret’ whilst living in Manhattan. It proposed a fascinating concept – that if undertaken with a different mindset, birth could not only be a pleasurable experience, but in fact, an orgasmic one. To say I was incredulous at the time

was a huge understatement! However, after adopting the subsequently released book by the same name as one of my bibles during birth preparation and going on to experience what I now know was a (rather mind-blowing) cervical orgasm as my first child entered the world, I know firsthand that this idea isn’t as farfetched as it initially appears. Although actual numbers are likely much higher due to the topic of orgasmic birth experiences being somewhat taboo, a 2013 study revealed that about 0.3 per cent of women experience this phenomenon. What’s going on here? If we think about it logically, birth and sex involve all the same anatomical organs, the same physiological processes (lubrication, softening and opening of these organs) and the exact same cocktail of hormones in full swing, if – and only if – the conditions are conducive to a more relaxed, sensual experience. When aiming for an orgasmic or ecstatic birth experience, the best advice I ever received was to ‘replicate the exact conditions conducive to reaching orgasm’. We all have our kinks, but I daresay that bright lights and strangers closely observing you in the bedroom wouldn’t be high on your list. For most, the ultimate relaxants are those we mentioned earlier: a setting of absolute privacy, safety and

Regardless of whether you’re intending to birth at home, in a birth centre or hospital, I believe it’s possible to create the conditions for an orgasmic birth to unfold. My first recommendation would be to attend Calmbirth and / or Hypnobirthing courses as early in the pregnancy as possible to enable a deeper understanding of the physiology of birth. This type of knowledge is extremely empowering. Yoga and meditation throughout the pregnancy are also extremely useful additions to your toolbox. However, by far the most important element of preparation – and this is why I’ve become such an unashamedly vocal advocate of what’s possible – is to undo any negative cultural programming by exposing yourself to a barrage of positive birth stories. This helps to counter the lifetime of fear-based messaging that we’ve likely internalised that if left unchecked, will subconsciously influence our own physiology during the birth process, whether we like it or not. I’d hazard a guess that I’d read and watched around a hundred of them during the nine months and by the end had replaced any residual fear with genuine excitement. A quick search for ‘homebirth’ in YouTube will yield a neverending stream of inspiring content. Good luck and happy watching.

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 33 7 MAY 2021

New maternity ward welcomes its first baby Gosford Private Hospital has opened a brand new, state-of-the-art maternity ward and welcomed its first baby, Indiana, in the early hours of Tuesday, April 27. Kurt and Cassandra were the first parents to use the Central Coast’s only private dedicated maternity unit. The new unit contains three spacious birthing units including immersion baths, monsoon showers and partner accommodation. Maternity Unit Manager, Robyn Gasperotto, said the facility had been purpose-built with women in mind. “Every step of the way through the design of this build, we engaged with our customers,” Gasperotto said. “When taking on board all of

their feedback, we know that women want mobility, and they want to be upright and active in labour. “For that reason, we have provided large birthing spaces with a home-like environment. “There are soft furnishings in the rooms, lamps and lounges, a water immersion pool… everything exists in the room in terms of medical equipment, but it is hidden from sight. “It looks like a natural birthing environment. “We celebrate women’s ability with birth. “Everything we need is still here in the hospital, but it’s just not in your face.” Christine Crichton was the midwife who delivered the baby girl, Indiana, and said even though the unit had been designed for women, it still

accommodated the partners’ needs. “We are catering for the dads much better ... they have lovely pull-down beds in all the rooms with a really nice sized mattress,” she said.

GPs to administer COVID vaccine to over-50s from May 17 Central Coast residents over the age of 50 became eligible for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on May 3 at the Erina Respiratory Clinic. The region’s GPs will have the capacity to administer the vaccine to patients over 50 from May 17. Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said that of the 99 GPs across the Central Coast, 72 are eligible to administer the vaccinations.

“Residents across the Central Coast are asking when they can get their COVID-19 vaccination,” Wicks said, “From May 3 more people in our community are able to get a safe, free vaccination, if they choose to do so.” David McLeod, Executive Manager of Primary Health & Community, said that since opening the Erina Respiratory Clinic on March 23 Coast & Country Primary Care (CCPC) has administered 4,500 first dose vaccinations.

“Our Erina clinic has capacity to vaccinate over 1,000 patients a week,” McLeod said. “From Monday May 3, Australians aged 50 years and older who are currently under Phase 2a will be able to receive their vaccination at our site. “The easiest way to make a booking is to visit CCPC.com. au and follow the vaccination booking link. Source: Media release, May 3 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks

“Previously, the mattress was really skinny and not comfortable. “The dads get meals as well. “All the birthing units are spacious, and they all have really lovely bathtubs.

“We have a couple of private assessment rooms for women to come in for monitoring as well.” Crichton has been a practising midwife since 1978 and has been at Gosford Private Hospital for 18 years. Over this period, she has seen women and their partners have become more involved in the birthing process. “Previously, they didn’t know why they were being induced or anything like that,” she said. “But now women come in with a bit of a ‘wish list’ and they are more involved in the journey of the birth. “They have more of a voice.” Gasperotto said the facility offers women continuity of care, allowing them to stay in the hospital five to six days postnatal.

“We know women feel safe in a room with the right people around them…knowing their carer, their specialist obstetrician, and also having previously met their midwife,” she said. “They really become part of our family here at Gosford Private, and we are providing them a space for them to birth in with expert care.” The unit, on level 2, has a Neonatal Special Care Nursery (takes babies from 32 weeks), 12 plush postnatal suites including pull-down Murphy Beds, and parents have access to a team of 12 Obstetric, Paediatric and Neonatology specialists. The official opening of the ward was on Thursday, May 6. Jacinta Counihan

Meals on Wheels offers broader support services

One Direct Connect, trading as Meals on Wheels Central Coast, has established a phone support service, which clients can call to discuss an array of issues, in a move designed to enable older people to live independent and selfdetermined lives.

The Meals on Wheels Central Coast Community Support Service is free and will be accessible to all clients from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. “The past year or so has seen an increase in the need for support for the older members of our community, and we have put this program together so we can further assist our clients,” Meals on Wheels Central Coast CEO, Dennis Taylor, said.

“All clients will have the opportunity to call and be linked with a service that provides experience in the area required. “This could include things such as social support, mental health, advocacy, elder abuse, and rights and responsibilities in the aged care sector. “Whilst our volunteers already perform wellness checks at each meal delivery, we are now also able to offer further support with this specialised directional referral service. “A friendly voice on the end of the phone can sometimes make all the difference, and we are pleased to be able to offer high quality support and care to enable people to exercise choice and control.” The service will be manned

Is your sleep as good as it should be? For over a decade, Pacific Sleep has been your local provider for sleep health solutions on the Central Coast. Proudly independent, we offer ongoing care and support with all major brands of sleep equipment. We won’t sleep until you get the sleep you deserve! Contact Pacific Sleep today for: • Home sleep testing • CPAP trials and rental • CPAP or BiPAP equipment and support • Home oxygen therapy solutions, including AIRVO ™ Conveniently located at North Gosford Private Hospital Specialist Centre and at the heart of Toukley shopping district.

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by a trained officer talking to clients and referring them to the appropriate resource. It is the latest in a string of services offered by the organisation, including meal delivery (delivering more than 16,000 meals coast-wide each month), social support, welfare checks, and community restaurants. The Community Support Service is available to all clients of Meals on Wheels Central Coast and One Direct Connect Ltd (NDIS and Home Care Package). To access the Telephone Support Service, clients can contact 4357 8400. Source: Media release, May 5 Meals on Wheels

PAGE 34 7 MAY 2021

EDUCATION & SCIENCE

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Schools help celebrate ANZAC Day

Coast kids set to walk to school

Youth across the Central Coast showed respect to those who served by holding ANZAC Day services at school or attending public dawn services.

Narara Public School held a service during school hours and laid a school wreath on April 22 to honour those who had fallen. The school captains also attended a service at the Ourimbah RSL on April 25. Students from Kincumber High proudly represented their school by attending the dawn service at Avoca Beach. Members of the Terrigal High School leadership team attended the dawn service at Terrigal, and the captains spoke at a ceremony at

Breakers RSL at 11am. The Gosford High School leadership team ran a service for the whole school on April 28. Teachers congratulated the following students for their participation in the ceremony; Elwin Yang, who was the cadet

who stood vigil, Lilliana Davis, who sang a wonderful version of the national anthem; Jackson Hood, who performed the Last Post on trumpet; and Jaden Bridgland who played Reveille also on trumpet. Lest we forget.

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Terrigal, Wyoming, and Woodport Public School will all be taking part in this year’s National Walk Safely to School Day on May 14. Assistant Principal at Woodport Public School, David Day, said they participate in thr initiative every year. “We will be encouraging parents to hold the hand of children under 10 and walk to school,” Day said. “Our school is on a busy road, so we do have a lot of kids catching buses and coming through kiss and drop. “But we still have a lot of kids who walk to school when they can. “The day also gives the teachers an opportunity to hold classes on road safety.” The annual event raises awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking (especially to and from school) can provide for the long-term well-being of our children. Apart from the physical benefits, regular walking also has a favourable impact on their cognitive and academic performance. The day also encourages

primary school aged children to build walking into their daily routine, by walking to and from school every day. To celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the event, participants are encouraged to host a free healthy breakfast on the day in conjunction with their local supermarket or greengrocer. NSW Olympians Ben Mates, Steph Magiros, and dual Olympian, Peter Hadfield, will be lending their support as Ambassadors and will be getting out and walking with kids to promote health and fitness. “I’m delighted to be an Ambassador for Walk Safely to School Day,” Hadfield said. “Fitness and well-being have always been an integral part of my life and it concerns me greatly that a quarter of Australian children are either overweight or obese. “Regular exercise for school kids and their parents provides significant benefits and I would encourage as many families and schools (as possible) to not only participate in the Walk Safely to School Day but to continue to exercise on a regular basis.” Chairman and CEO of the Pedestrian Council of Australia,

Harold Scruby, said physical inactivity is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases that can affect children at different stages of their life, including mental illness, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. “Primary school aged children across Australia – it’s time to get walking,” Scruby said. “One in four children in Australia is overweight or obese, and it is expected that numbers will reach one in three by next year. “We really need teachers, parents, carers and the community at large to get behind this event and its objectives; the best exercise for all of us is regular walking. “Children require at least 60 minutes huff and puff physical activity every day. “We should encourage them to include walking at the beginning, during and end of each day – if you can’t walk all the way, use public transport and get off the bus, train, tram or ferry a few stops earlier and walk the rest of the way to school.” Jacinta Counihan Source: Media release, Apr 27 National Walk Safely to School Day

HAVE YOUR SAY!

Central Coast Council is currently considering installing parking metres at beaches and popular tourist spots to earn some revenue from visitors to recoup some of the costs of maintaining those tourist spots. Ratepayers will not have to pay to park.

Readers are invited to vote on the following three questions:

1. D o you agree with the installation of parking metres if ratepayers don’t have to pay?

2. Seeing that tenants don’t pay rates but their landlord does, should tenants have to pay for parking to contribute to costs? 3. S hould landlords who receive permits have to pass these on to tenants? A simple yes or no to each question is all that is required.

HOW TO CAST YOUR VOTE!

BY MAIL – send to: Councillor Return Survey, PO Box 1056 Gosford NSW 2250 and on the back of the envelope write yes or no three times. BY EMAIL – Send to survey@centralcoastnews.net simply saying yes or no three times.

WEB - Go to coastcommunitynews.com.au or use the QR Code to the right Voting closes COB Monday, May 17.

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Twelve schools receive funding to improve visibility of school zone markings Twelve schools on the Central Coast are set to receive essential maintenance work to improve the visibility of school zone markings. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the work would improve safety for all road users. “Drivers as well as pedestrians have a responsibility to be cautious when travelling through a school zone, particularly at the beginning and end of each school day,” Crouch said. “These school zone road

markings are in addition to triangular ‘dragon’s teeth’ road markings, school zone signs and flashing lights which the NSW Government has installed at every school in NSW. “Young children aren’t always capable of judging how fast a car is travelling, which is why we must do everything possible to ensure motorists slow down around schools.” Crouch said Transport for NSW crews would be working over the next four weeks, which includes multiple school zone sites at some schools. “Work will be carried out between 6pm and 5am from Sunday through to Friday, with

The ATO’s Career Kickstart program provides an opportunity for high school graduates who have successfully completed their year 12 studies within the last year to get a job at the ATO office in Georgiana Tce. ATO Assistant Commissioner Alison Stott said the program is all about opening up career pathways for young people who want to learn new skills in a professional and supportive environment, earn a good income, gain valuable work experience, build professional capabilities and work practices. “This new program really rounds out our suite of entry-

level employment programs, along with our award-winning Graduate program, our Evergreen Indigenous program, our University Partnership Employment program and our Opening Doors program,” Stott said. Formal training and professional development will be provided by the ATO as part of the program, and successful candidates will earn a competitive starting salary. “As we know, Uni is not for everyone. “And some school leavers who are keen for tertiary study like to take a break in-between school and uni, so we think our program will appeal to both of these groups who are looking to get a foot in the door.” Stott noted the ATO is a large, diverse, and dispersed organisation with many different potential career pathways. “There are around 19,000

PAGE 35 7 MAY 2021

lane closures and a 40km/h speed limit in place during these hours of work,” he said. Work is expected to be complete by the end of May, weather permitting. Schools to receive the news markings are Brisbane Water Secondary College, Coast Christian School at Bensville and Copacabana, Empire Bay, Erina Heights, Ettalong, Point Clare, Pretty Beach, Umina, Wamberal and Woy Woy South Public Schools. Source: Media release, May 5 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Local school leavers invited to kickstart their career at the ATO The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is launching a new recruitment program designed to give Gosford area school leavers an opportunity to get their foot in the door and gain valuable skills.

EDUCATION & SCIENCE Schools celebrate Mothers’ Day

employees at the ATO, with more than 400 working out of our Gosford office alone. “Some people may be surprised to know we’re not all accountants. “We also have opportunities in everything from IT to human resources, through to marketing and communication, and customer service.” Applications for the 2021 Career Kickstart program open on May 18 and close on June 2. Successful applicants will work full-time, on a nonongoing basis for 12 months, commencing in August 2021 in an administration-type role. More information, including eligibility requirements and how to apply for the program is available on the ATO website ato.gov.au/careerkickstart. Source: Media release, May 5 Australian Taxation Office

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Schools across the Central Coast are doing their part to make mum feel extra special this Mothers’ Day by holding gift stalls, raffles, and evening morning teas. On Tuesday, May 4, the Chertsey P&C Association held a stall selling gifts ranging from $2 to $10. Kids could also take a polaroid photo using a custom-made backdrop, a thoughtful gift

which is sure to make mum feel loved. Across town at Erina High School, Price Attack Erina Fair has donated two beauty and hair care hampers valued up to $100 to the students of Year 12 to be put in a raffle. Mums and carers at Gosford East Public School have been invited to a Mothers’ Day assembly on May 7, where they will share morning tea with their children under the COLA

(tea and coffee included of course). And Kariong Public School will also join in the Mothers’ Day breakfast fun, serving up a continental breakfast from 7.45 am on May 7 for all the mothers, aunties, grandmothers, and nans. CCN wishes all the mums on the Central Coast the best Mothers’ Day yet. Jacinta Counihan

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PAGE 36 CLASSIFIEDS 7 MAY 2021

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HOCKEY

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SPORT PAGE 37 7 MAY 2021

Central Coast Masters shine at State Championships “Going forward, we’re hoping to build on these results with some of the guys in the 45’s team also eligible to play in the 50’s championships in five weeks in Grafton. “What we have now in the Over 45’s side we can build upon with some of the younger guys coming through to strengthen for next year. “The ultimate aim is encouraging more of the Masters players that are eligible to come away and

The Men’s Over 40 and Over 45 State Championships were held in Tamworth from Friday to Sunday, April 30 – May 2, with a Central Coast representative side competing in both divisions and coming away with one podium placement. The Over 40’s team had an undefeated run ending in the final against Sydney, earning for them the silver medal, while the Over 45’s team finished third in their pool draw after two wins, a loss and a draw. For the Over 40’s, an exemplary pool stage run saw

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enjoy a weekend of friendship, catching up with people from all across NSW and playing competitive hockey at our age.” With the 2021 season now well underway across NSW and Australia, and Central Coast Hockey still hosting games for all ages at their newly renovated park in Wyong, the region can still look ahead to plenty of Hockey action to occur.

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Orange again in the SemiFinal, a game they won 2-0. The dominant performance came at a cost for the team, who had to cope with a large number of minor injuries over the championships and call on players in the Over 45’s team in order to make up the numbers. In the Grand-Final, Central Coast faced Sydney and fell to their opposition 3-0. In the eyes of the Central Coast Men’s Masters Coordinator, Kevin Beaton, who also decided to step up and play over the championships, it was the strength of the team’s defence that was crucial in reaching the final. “The commitment we brought to our defence and the support we showed each other was fantastic throughout the whole tournament,” he said. “Quite a few of us hadn’t played together before, but overall everyone dug deep and played for each other. “It was a great effort to go away with a group of guys and play the way we did. “Our goalkeeper, Mick Tweedie, had an absolute blinder in the final and a really good tournament all weekend. “Having Mick behind us, we certainly knew we were in good

stead.” Beaton was not the only one to note the performance of Tweedie, for he has now been selected in the NSW State Over 40’s Division One team, along with his Central Coast team mate, Mark Graham, in Division Two. Meanwhile, the Over 45’s team were unfortunate to miss out on a finals run after remaining undefeated in their first three matches. Firstly, the team beat New England 1-0, then drew 0-0 with Illawarra, before beating Metro South West 3-0. However, the team’s 1-0 loss to Northern Inland in their final pool stage game cancelled out their chances of reaching the Semi-Final. Despite this, Justin Wicks was recognised for his efforts on the field by being selected in the Over NSW State Over 45’s Division Two team, and Trevor Gardner also performed well to be chosen in the Division Three side. With a lot to be proud of over the weekend championships, Beaton and Central Coast Masters Hockey can look forward to maintaining the momentum in their upcoming events.

IN MEMORIAM

Keith ‘Smokey’ Dawson 14.2.1948 - 2.5.2021 Formerly of Davistown. Beloved husband, father, grandad and friend. Quietly consistent and generous of spirit.

HORNERY,

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Margaret Ann (Ann) nee Morris

Passed away 23/3/2021 Late of East Gosford Beloved wife of Ted (deceased) and adored mother of Megan. Dearly loved sister of Wilma, Noela, Neville (deceased), John (deceased) and Pam and loved by their families.

Aged 81 years Forever in our hearts Family and friends are warmly invited to attend the funeral service for Ann on Wednesday 7th April, 2021 at Erina Chapel 376 The Entrance Rd, Erina Heights commencing at 11:30am then proceed to Point Clare Cemetery, Coolarn Ave, Point Clare for a graveside service.

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Our typical Live-in Carer has 3+ years’ experience looking after High Care clients, providing one-on-one care for older clients in their own Sydney based home - mostly around Mosman, the Northern Beaches, the North Shore Line, Hornsby and surrounds. You will live and care for your client @3-4 days a week and provide social support & companionship. You will need to assist clients with showering, dressing, hygiene, cooking, etc. You may need to transport your client to appointments, shopping using your own car. Plus alot of benefits working for Daughterly Care! WHAT’S NEXT? Please call Vera Hannan on (02) 9970-7333 to discuss whether a Live-in Carer role is right for you. Alternatively, email your resume to recruitment@daughterlycare.com.au www.daughterlycare.com.au

CASUAL SUPPORT WORKERS (AGED CARE) • MULTIPLE POSITIONS AVAILABLE! • ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE IN THIS CASUAL ROLE • BASED IN NORTHERN SYDNEY FOCUS CONNECT IS LOOKING FOR CASUAL SUPPORT WORKERS TO BECOME PART OF OUR RAPIDLY GROWING AGED CARE TEAM. WE ARE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT DELIVERING PERSON CENTRED SERVICES, ARE FLEXIBLE, CARING AND HAVE GOOD INTERPERSONAL SKILLS.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA: • CERTIFICATE III IN AGED CARE, INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT OR EQUIVALENT. • CURRENT AND VALID DRIVER’S LICENCE AND ACCESS TO A FULLY INSURED VEHICLE. • CURRENT AND VALID FIRST AID CERTIFICATE. • CLEARED NATIONAL CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK. • DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS WORKING WITH AGED, DISABLED OR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA AND UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUES THEY FACE. • DEMONSTRATED CAPACITY TO ENGAGE PEOPLE FROM CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS. • GOOD VERBAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS. • PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY TO WORK IN AUSTRALIA IS REQUIRED. • THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY. • PROBLEM SOLVING AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT SKILLS. • DEMONSTRATED RELIABILITY, FLEXIBILITY AND A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE CARING FOR FAMILY AND RELATIVES, WITH NO FORMAL QUALIFICATIONS, AND YOU ARE WILLING TO BE TRAINED WITH FOCUS CONNECT, YOU ARE INVITED TO APPLY AS WELL. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ROLE AND A COPY OF THE POSITION DESCRIPTION PLEASE CONTACT JACQUELINE LOBO ON

02 4324 1533

(02) 4627 1188 OR EMAIL JACQUELINELOBO@FOCUSCONNECT.ORG.AU.

PAGE 38 7 MAY 2021

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Warriors hold off Cowboys’ late surge to record fourth win

RUGBY LEAGUE It was a perfect start for the NZ Warriors, who managed to post 18 points unmatched in the opening

quarter of their match against the North Queensland Cowboys. The first chance came from an early attack that brought the

FORT DENISON

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

0516 1.57 1142 0.54 1759 1.52

0355 0.52 0952 1.37 1524 0.66 2155 1.78

FRI

ball out wide to the Warriors’ Ben Murdoch-Masila. The Second Rower marched the ball up to the 10 metre mark before being tackled. In the next phase, the ball was swung back the other way where an offload from Adam Pompey reached Josh Curran who took it over the line. However, a video referee check found the ball to have been fumbled just over the line. The missed chance was a catalyst for the New Zealand team to be clinical from that point on.. Halfback Kodi Nikorima scored the first try of the match shortly after in the 7th minute. It began with a well-executed dummy to slide in between the Cowboy defensive line and set up for a dash into the corner. The Warriors strength came from their ability to advance up the field ball in hand and keep the Cowboys on the back foot, utilising offloads to great effect in keeping the play alive. One advance saw the Warriors advance 71 metres setting up their second try. Nikorima’s pass to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck opened up the Cowboy defence leaving the Warriors captain spoilt for

choice with three team members lining up to receive the ball. It was Rocco Berry on the inside who Tuivasa-Sheck linked with, giving to the Centre his first try in the NRL. Only two minutes lat6er, the third try came for the crushing Kiwis, this time by MurdochMasila. From the half way mark, Nikorima again showed his agility by slicing in between Jordan McLean and Ben Condon for the Cowboys to bring his team into downfield space. He picked out Walsh with a delayed pass, who cut back inside and freed up his arms to offload to Murdoch-Masila. The Second Rower made up for his earlier fumble with a simple grounding beneath the posts that led to an 18 point lead. The Cowboys continued to struggle to put together consistent phase play, unable to complete a set of six in the attacking quarter. The opening try finally came for the Queenslanders before half time through Reece Robson after a weighty dummy by the Hooker within lunging reach of the try line left Jazz

TIDE CHART

Tevunga red-faced.. The Warriors however, scored again in the dying moments, courtesy of Adam Pompey, to bring their lead back out to 20 points. The second half brought hope for the Cowboys early through a 47th minute try for Murray Taulagi. It came from Scott Drinkwater’s grubber into the dead ball area, which spiked up on the right bounce to find the hands of Taulagi steaming just ahead of Edward Kosi. Another try for the Cowboys then brought them right back into the game only minutes later. A cut out pass by Valentine Holmes to Taulagi allowed him to get around Kosi and then find the inside pass back to Drinkwater. The successful conversion brought the Cowboys back to within 8 points of the Warriors and marked a shift in momentum. For the next ten minutes, the teams remained in a midfield deadlock with neither able to add to their tally. A chance for Walsh to feed Wayde Egan the ball for a simple run in try was foiled by

a slip and a concussion hit on Muirdoch-Masila. This was immediately followed by another try for the Cowboys to bring them within a try of taking the lead. Some quick passing down the line brought the ball to Drinkwater, who drew in Kosi from the wing and opened up the space for Taulagi.who ran in to make the score 24 - 20. The tiring Warriors had ten minutes to hold off the come back from the Queenslanders, who kept pushing hard on the try line. Another grubber from Drinkwater almost resulted in a try and Queensland’s next attack brought Taulagi over the line, but the final pass was called forward. After a long five minutes of try line defence, the Warriors were finally able to clear the ball after being rewarded a penalty. and held on to record a hard-fought win. The win was much needed for the Warriors who now advance up to seventh place with four wins and four losses. Their next challenge will be against the Manly Sea Eagles away on Sunday, May 9. CCN

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

Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

0000 0.68 0045 0.63 0125 0.58 0202 0.55 0239 0.52 0316 0.51 0601 1.55 0642 1.53 0719 1.51 0757 1.48 0834 1.44 0913 1.41 SAT 1217 0.53 SUN 1249 0.53 MON 1320 0.54 TUE 1349 0.56 WED 1419 0.58 THU 1450 0.62 1836 1.59 1911 1.66 1943 1.71 2015 1.76 2046 1.78 2119 1.79 0435 0.54 0519 0.58 0608 0.61 0000 1.66 0056 1.62 0158 1.61 1033 1.32 1117 1.28 1207 1.25 0702 0.62 0800 0.61 0858 0.58 SAT 1600 0.71 SUN 1640 0.75 MON 1726 0.80 TUE 1303 1.24 WED 1407 1.26 THU 1512 1.33 2232 1.75 2314 1.71 1822 0.83 1929 0.84 2043 0.81

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

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SPORT PAGE 39 7 MAY 2021

Local state cyclists gain accolades in Goulburn CYCLING Over the weekend of May 1-2, four members of the Central Coast Cycling Club raced in the Goulburn Workers Junior 2 Day Tour, coming away with quality results against competitors from across the Eastern Australian States and South Australia. In the Under 17’s, Nicole Duncan, Maya Dillon and Liliya Tatarinoff, as well as Sonia Vetisch in the Under 15’s, all cyclist who recently made the NSW Track team, flew the flag for the Central Coast. Over the two days, there were four races: a Prologue, two Road Races and a Time Trial, all accumulating into an overall General Classification score. In the Prologue, Nicole came second with a total time of 8:17.91, seven minutes behind

first place Lauren Bates from Canberra Cycling Club. Despite winning Sector One of the Prologue, Liliya came sixth overall with a total time of 9:02.01. Maya was not far behind in eighth place, and Sonia also came eighth in the 15’s. The first road race is where Nicole shined, coming away with the win in 2:03:52 hours, with Liliya just behind her by less than two seconds. Maya finished five minutes later with a time of 2:08:57 and Sonia finished fifth with 56:42 in her race. Nicole’s good form continued into the second day of races, firstly with a fourth placement in the Time Trial after getting off her bike twice to fix her chain. Liliya was again behind her in sixth place, Maya in 11th and Sonia in sixth. In the final Road Race, Nicole

had another podium placement, this tome coming second behind Belinda Bailey of Bendigo and District Cycling Club. Liliya just missed out on the podium with a fourth placement and Maya came tenth. Sonia earned her best result of the weekend in her race when she finished third in her Under 15 race, missing out on the lead by one second. Overall, the highest achiever at the event was Nicole, who finished third in the general classification. Both Liliya and Sonia finished sixth in their ager groups and Maya came in placed tenth. The results are favourable for the young cyclists who still are preparing for the National Series to be held in Queensland this July. Haakon Barry

Humpback Highway Watch Ronny Ling and his Central Coast Dolphin Project and Central Coast Newspapers have combined to bring you a regular Humpback Highway report in each edition of this newspaper.

We have had pods of both inshore bottlenose and common dolphins spotted from Norah Head over the past week, unfortunately no confirmed whale sightings. There was an unconfirmed sighting of two whales from Foresters Beach early last week, with bottlenose and common dolphins sighted at Terrigal and Copacabana Seals have been sighted at Box Head, along with bottlenose dolphins. The seal colony at Barenjoey, where most of our seal visitors come from, is holding at 9 seals, with the number expected to rise over the next few weeks If you are lucky enough to spot a whale, seal or dolphin, please text or call the Project on 0490 401 969 or email centralcoastdolphins@gmail.com

Mariners’ attack found wanting against A-League bottom dwellers FOOTBALL A lacklustre 1-1 draw between the Mariners and Melbourne Victory on Sunday evening, May 2, has maintained the home side’s fragile position at 2nd on the league table. The defeat to the lowlyranked Victory on Wednesday, April 28, was another shock to the system for Mariners fans after a 0-4 drubbing at the hands of the Brisbane Roar four days earlier and follows 16 consecutive losses at AAMI Park. The Mariners opened the scoring early once again

courtesy of front man Matt Simon, who found space in front of goal to head in a pinpoint cross from Stefan Nigro. The Mariners maintained this lead throughout the remainder of the first half but rarely threatened. A missed a chance to build on their lead in the 30th minute when an Alou Kuol strike was saved by the Victory keeper. At the start of the second half, a disallowed goal against Rudy Gestede for Victory prevent the home side levelling the scores but it took just another ten minutes for Callum McManaman to curl the ball

past the outstretched reach of Mariners keeper, Mark Birighitti to even things up. With the scores locked at one goal apiece throughout the remainder of the 90 minutes, an opportunity came to Daniel Bouman to retake the lead in injury time, but his header had too much weight and flew past the post. A subsequent corner for Victory brought them a final opportunity but a diving save from Birighitti preventing Jacob Butterfield from stealing the game. For the Mariners, the point has pushed them ahead of Sydney FC who suffered a loss

Fund Raiser for Flood Victims

to Western Sydney Wanderers the day before. Nonetheless, their position is fragile, with Adelaide and Western United and Brisbane Roar all within reach of overtaking them if they were to win the games they have in hand. The Mariners will now travel up to Brisbane to face the Roar who are still hot from their smashing win at Central Coast Stadium just a week ago. Let’s hope there is still something left for Season 2021 in their goal-scoring kitbag. CCN

Saturday May 8 Join us for a concert for our May8s ue 6 hours d 6 different acts over d lefun l e plus lots of and 19 frivolity c n d i a All proceeds C to go toCflood ovvictim friends s, on Oxley Island n o o i t rict te to t s re da ced w n e u n nno a be West Gosford RSL 5PM to 11PM $20 includes entry, free CD & Trad&Now Magazine Book via www.tradandnow.com search for May8s tickets and pay through Paypal. You can also buy tickets over the counter at Gosford RSL Club or by calling the club on (02) 4323 2311 Performers include BluesAngels, Dr Goodvibe, TreetH, Frohlich Brothers, Rare Treats and The Settlers

Newspapers Central Coast

CCN

Sponsored by Trad&Now, Central Coast Newspapers and West Gosford RSL

PAGE 40 SPORT 7 MAY 2021

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Kariong tops Premier One ladder RUGBY UNION An exciting Round Four draw between the Kariong Wanderers and Hornsby has provided the Central Coast side one more point atop the Swietelsky Premier One league table, pushing them two points ahead of the Ourimbah Razorbacks. The 26 – 26 draw at Mark Taylor Oval on Saturday, May 1, was neck and neck for the entirety of the 80 minutes and was only tied up with the last play of the game. The opening try of the game went the way of the Wanderers after only two minutes, but Hornsby responded quickly

CCN

with their own five pointer to bring the scores back to one try apiece. The first half continued in this fashion, with both sides claiming the lead only to have it snatched back by their opposition. It was Hornsby who found themselves ahead at half time after coming from behind to score a late try and bring the score to 19-12. The high intensity competition continued in the second half, with both teams earning their respective periods of attack and then falling back into defence. First, Kariong locked up the scores at 19 – 19, and they remained deadlocked for a

long period of time. The late lead came back for Hornsby through a converted try with ten minutes left in the game, and it looked like they would secure their first home win of the season. But Kariong were not to be undone, finishing the match with several close attacks at the try line that finally yielded a try in the very last play of the game. Mitch Clay was successful with the conversion, bringing the end game score to 26 – 26. The draw may have been the most appropriate ending for two teams who have shown themselves to be well and truly in the running for the end of season title.

It has also pushed Kariong to 14 points on the table, with the Razorbacks behind them on 12 and Hornsby just 4 points away on 8. Earlier in the day, Hornsby found victory in the Women Ten’s and Premier Two games, whereas Kariong won in the President’s Cup. Meanwhile at Slade Park, The Lakes came away with their first win of the season in a crushing 57 – 28 defeat of the Woy Woy Lions. It was Woy Woy who opened the scoring in this match and soon found themselves ahead by 14 – 7. However, The Lakes stuck to their strong set piece and gained pressure through the

middle of the pitch with classy efforts from their backs. Over the course of the first half, they gradually took back control of the match and cemented a half time lead of 26 – 14 before extending their lead through the second half. The final game of the round was played at Heazlett Park, where Avoca Beach put an end to the Razorbacks’ undefeated streak in 2021 with a 31 – 24 point win. Avoca opened up the scoring with two penalty goals to Sam Evans. The Razorbacks were quick to respond and scored the first try in the match to reduce the lead to 6-5.

However, Avoca Beach regained the ascendancy and take out the match to enter the top four on the table with nine points. Round Five promises to be a cracker in the Premier One league, with Terrigal returning from two byes in a row to play in a local derby against Avoca Beach, Hornsby hosting the Razorbacks in another chance to secure their season opening win, and The Lakes travelling to play Warnervale the inaugural Moroney Acreman Cup.

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Source: Match Report, Apr 25 Larry Thomson, CCRU

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