Coast Community News 312 by Central Coast Newspapers

1 OCTOBER 2021

ISSUE 312

News

Bodhi loves the big blue trucks

The Wamberal Beach Save Our Sand group has welcomed opposition to a seawall as a solution to the beach’s ongoing erosion issues . See page 10

Business

With hundreds, if not thousands of Central Coast businesses impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns, many have neglected keeping their emergency response plans up to date.

For Cleanaway driver, Mick Skillicorn, a highlight of his working week is the regular Wednesday round at Kariong.

Health

See page 27

See page 6 Bodhi Bennett greets the Cleanaway truck every Wednesday morning

Water rates could rise 34 per cent Residents of the former Gosford Council LGA still reeling from rates rises of up to 42 per cent which came into effect on July 1 could also face a 34 per cent hike in their water rates next year, if a Central Coast Council submission to IPART (The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal) is successful. As IPART reviews the maximum prices that Central Coast Council can charge for its water, wastewater, stormwater and other waterrelated services from July 1, 2022, Council has also

determined to push for the 15 per cent general rate rise, which came into effect from July 1 for three years to be extended for a 10-year period (see separate story, page five). Council submitted its pricing proposal on water rates on September 10 and on September 28 IPART released its Issues Paper seeking community feedback. IPART Chair, Carmel Donnelly, said IPART would assess whether the price changes proposed by the Council represented good value for money for customers and were affordable. “The Council has proposed

prices that would increase typical household bills by about 34 per cent in the first year, and then by inflation after that,” she said. “The Council’s submission says the proposed price increase will ensure it could provide water services that meet its customers’ expectations now and into the future. “This includes good quality drinking water, and reliable water supply, wastewater, stormwater and other water services.” Council’s last proposal for water rates variation, in 2018/19, was refused.

“IPART did not find enough work had gone into the proposal to justify the prices Council was seeking,” Donnelly said. “We found then that Council had consistently underspent in a number of areas and made suggestions on how it could improve its data analysis.” Donnelly stressed that community feedback would form an important part of IPART’s assessment process. “We want to make sure people are asked to pay the minimum required for safe services to be provided,” she said.

Donnelly said on average, Central Coast residents pay the lowest water rates in NSW but that would not drive IPART’s decision. “We will be looking at what an efficient water utility should charge to provide the expected quality,” she said. “It is very important for residents to know that IPART will be undertaking a very thorough review. “We are especially keen to hear from residents what they expect and what is happening now with water services. See page 12

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, is calling for more staff at Gosford Hospital‘s Emergency Department. See page 31

Sport

Players and teams from across the Central Coast have been recognised for their efforts on the AFL field at Hunter Central Coast AFL’s 2021 Elliot Davey Awards. See page 40

Puzzles page 18

It all starts with spirit spiritsuper.com.au Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Read the PDS at spiritsuper.com.au before making a decision.

coastcommunitynews.com.au - 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net

PAGE 2 1 OCTOBER 2021 CCN

NEWS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

ABOUT US

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

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS would like to offer three lucky readers the chance to win a copy of The Shadow House, a novel written by Central Coast author, Anna Downes.

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

The Shadow House is the newly released novel from the Central Coast’s own international bestselling thriller writer Anna Downes, author of The Safe Place. Another bolt of accumulated tension, The Shadow House is a gripping thriller about working your way through fear towards hope and optimism. Set in rural New South Wales, with an incredibly vivid sense of place, it follows single mum Alex as she flees an abusive relationship and seeks sanctuary in a rural

DO YOU WANT TO SEND US A STORY? CCN welcomes contributions from all members of the community, including citizen reports, media releases and letters to the Editor. All contributions should be emailed to editorial@centralcoastnews.net CCN reserves the right to use, or not use, any material sent to us in our publications and to validate, amend, update, expand or reduce information at our sole discretion and in accordance with our editorial standards.

ecovillage with her teenage son and baby daughter. Pine Ridge is idyllic: the offgrid lifestyle and remote location are perfect, and the community is welcoming – mostly. Charmed by its magnetic founder, Kit, and the natural beauty of the former farmland, Alex settles easily into her new home. But her arrival at Pine Ridge disturbs barely submerged secrets, and

DO YOU WANT TO ADVERTISE? All requests for advertising should be directed to manager@centralcoastnews.net. Advertising rates are impacted by three key things: – the size of the advertisement, e.g. a half-page or a one-quarter page; the number of editions that the advertisement runs; and the number of newspapers (one, two or three) in which the advertisement is run. CCN offers significant discounts for advertisements that run over multiple editions and across multiple newspapers –

Letters to the Editor will generally be published in their original but possibly edited form, while other published material sent to us may vary from its original form. Material that is offensive, defamatory or overtly political will not be published. We may publish promotional information based on our assessment of the level of genuine news content, and any material used which is clearly advertorial in nature, will be marked as such.

Next Edition: Coast Community News 313

she’s shaken by a series of eerily familiar events that seem to be connected to the abandoned farmhouse on the hill. Alex realises that, in escaping her own shadowy past, she may have stumbled into someone else’s. And this time, there may be nowhere to run. For your chance to win, write your full name, address, email and daytime telephone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to Coast Community News The Shadow House Competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250, before 5pm on Oct 13. The winners of the Sonata competition were Bronwyn Cowley of Ourimbah, Ellena Bailey of Point Frederick and Susan Cantley.

Deadline: October 6

see www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/ aboutus/advertisingrates We also offer discounts for not-for-profit organisations and other community groups. Advertisers are invited to talk to us about becoming a DIGITAL PARTNER, which provides exclusive opportunities to promote your product, services or events on our digital platform as well. If you would like to be a DIGITAL PARTNER please call us on 0428 138 109 or email us at keeper@centralcoastnews.net

Publication date: October 8

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 - Editor: Jackie Pearson, Design & Production: Justin Stanley, Lucillia Eljuga Journalists: Terry Collins, Sue Murray, Maisy Rae, Harry Mulholland, Skaie Hull, Merilyn Vale, Hayley McMahon, Haakon Barry. Head of Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff ISSN 1839-9045 - Print Post Approved - PP100001843 - Printed by Spotpress Marrickville Voice of the Peninsula 24 SEPTEMBER 2021 22 SEPTEMBER 2021

ISSUE 257

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

News

Anti-vax rally quashed by police About 150 anti-vaxxers scattered when police converged on Memorial Park at The Entrance last Saturday to break up their rally which was in breach of the Public Health Orders. See page 16

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

News

Community loves home markets

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has completed more than 640ha of hazard reduction burning over the past week in the Central Coast Hunter region. See page 5

Rotary Brisbane Water has been donating old mobile phones and laptops to Ettalong-based charity The Peninsula Lighthouse to assist those fleeing domestic violence. See page 8

Out&About

Health

Following the soaring success of their idea to bring a virtual market to Bouddi during lockdown, a Killcare duo has set their sights on expanding the initiative Coast-wide.

The CWA’s Umina Beach branch has put the call out for ‘urgent’ action on social and affordable housing options in NSW through a new ‘sleep out’ campaign. See page 14

Health

CCLHD says there are no COVID-positive confirmed cases at Wyong Hospital at present, however, there are a number of COVID patients at Gosford Hospital, some who have transferred there from out of the area. Last Thursday, September 16, a woman in her 20s died at Gosford Hospital after

CCN

contracting COVID-19. She had an underlying medical condition and was not vaccinated. NSW Health said she was a resident of a Life Without Barriers group home for the disabled in Wyong, where she acquired her infection. “We are deeply saddened about the death of a young woman we provide support to and share our sincere condolences to her family and friends at their considerable loss,” said a spokesperson for Life Without Barriers. “Our priority is offering our support and care to her family

and providing assistance they need at this difficult time.” It was the second COVIDrelated death within a week as the coronavirus now appears to have a grip on the Central Coast and, other than hospital patients, there are about 200 people who are self-isolating at home and receiving care from the Health District. Health authorities remain particularly concerned about the spread of the virus throughout the northern suburbs. There are 73 positive cases still under investigation to determine the source.

In the past week, from Wednesday, September 15, there have been another 156 new cases with 83 linked to known cases and only 42 already in self-isolation. The number of cases in the past week has jumped from 278 to 434 (as at September 21). Health authorities are expecting that the spike in local COVID cases will also mean that the number of hospitalisations will increase over the next few weeks. A spokesperson for Central Coast LHD said strict plans and protocols were in place for staff who cared for patients with

COVID-19, including treating them in separate areas with separate staff where possible to minimise the risk of transmission, including in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). “COVID preparedness modelling released by NSW Health has indicated that the demand on hospitals will be at its highest in October. “Hospitals and staff in NSW are among the best placed in the world to manage the ongoing challenges of this pandemic, but we acknowledge the Delta variant is placing a strain on the system. Continued page 4

Black Dog Institute is asking people to unite in a time of lockdown and separation to put One Foot Forward by walking 20, 40, 60 or 100km during October. See page 31

Sport

The Central Coast MTB Trail Alliance is calling on Central Coast Council to take positive steps to provide sustainable offroad cycling infrastructure in the region. See page 39

Puzzles page 23

The use – perhaps unlawful – of internal and external restricted funds is expected to be one of the issues examined by the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council’s financial affairs when Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch begins hearings next week. One of the Public Inquiry’s tasks is to investigate whether councillors “kept under review the performance of the council, including that council spending was responsible and sustainable by aligning general revenue and expenses” which should include resolving how $175M or more of restricted funds were spent in contravention of the Local Government Act.

One the eve of the inquiry Administrator Rik Hart said internally restricted funds were still being spent to keep the Council afloat but that the expenditure was now lawful and fund balances, as shown in monthly investment reports, were improving. Since the councillors were suspended 11 months ago $60 million of public assets have been put up for sale, rates are up 13 per cent, harmonisation means some rates are up more than 40 per cent, hundreds of Council employees have lost their jobs and services have been cut. Council has warned more cuts may be needed unless IPART permits a permanent 3 per cent rate increase and

higher water and sewer rates. The Council has borrowed $150M, on undisclosed commercial terms, in addition to its already substantial debt. Despite all the measures listed above, the Council is still relying on internally restricted funds to pay costs, including payroll, almost a year after the suspension of Councillors. According to Hart the NSW Office of Local Government gave Council permission to continue to use restricted funds up to a cap of $175M when Council was placed in administration last year. Local Government Minister, Shelley Hancock, did not give the elected Councillors permission to use externally restricted funds when they

sought her assistance having learned that restricted funds had been spent without their knowledge or permission or that of the Minister. Interim Administrator Dick Persson initially highlighted the alleged unlawful use of restricted funds as a major reason for the suspension of Councillors but later claimed it was the Council’s big budget deficits that were more of a problem. CCN asked the Minister for Local Government and Office of Local Government for confirmation of the $175M cap arrangement and received the following statement: “The Minister has not received any application from Central Coast Council seeking approval to

borrow externally restricted funds.” When asked on August 30 if Council could cover costs and pay staff without using restricted funds, Administrator Hart answered “No”. “That is what you see in the investment report, we are still negative, but we are on an approved payment plan.” Hart clarified this statement on September 22 when he said the balances of external restricted funds were “correct and proper” – repatriated using some of the $150M bank borrowings – so permission from the Minister was not required. See page 4

A virtual trek will be held from October 16 to December 4 to support veterans facing financial hardship as well as encouraging families in lockdown to get outside and be active. See page 27

Sport

The Central Coast MTB Trail Alliance is calling on Council to take positive steps to provide sustainable off-road cycling infrastructure in the region. See page 31

Puzzles page 18

ISSUE 258

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

News

Detailed design work on plans to upgrade intersections on Manns Rd at West Gosford and Narara is nearing completion, with construction set to begin early in 2023. See page 7

The Watch Officer at Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes received a call from a distressed vessel out on the lake on Saturday, September 25.

Out&About

Residents have until December 20 to make a submission on the recently released Planning Proposal for Mooney Mooney and Peat Island.

Some current and former senior staff of Central Coast Council and its predecessor councils, Gosford City Council and Wyong Shire Council, have been summonsed to appear at the Public Inquiry next week. Administrator Rik Hart has confirmed he has received a summons, along with former Interim Administrator Dick Persson, CFO Natalia Cowley and CEO David Farmer. The Commissioner will also hear from members of Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee and from several members of the public. The suspended councillors have received emails explaining the areas of interest the Commissioner would like them to address when they front the inquiry. These include: the availability

and adequacy of financial information and their reactions to the 2017/2018 budget and their understanding of the unrestricted cash position referred to in investment reports and why it was removed from October 2019. She also wants to discuss the costs of the proposed regional performing arts centre and the decision to break the Warnervale Airport contract. Other topics include the selection of the general manager; infrastructure backlog and spending on capital works; knowledge of staff matters including workforce numbers and costs, effect of wage freeze, staff culture; and the behaviour in and effectiveness of the Council meetings. A spokesperson for the Office of the Public Inquiry said witnesses may be permitted to

See page 8

Out&About

A short film produced by a team of University of Newcastle students has earned international recognition at Hollywood’s IndieX film awards, taking out wins in three categories. See page 18

See page 3

make an oral address, subject to the nature and content of any written submission they have made. The Commissioner will ask questions of witnesses and evidence will be given under oath. The length of time of each person’s appearance will vary according to the nature of evidence being given. This will be the Coast’s first glimpse of the Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch who the Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock appointed in April of this year, six months after she suspended the councillors. Under the State Government Act, the Minister had to re-instate the councillors or hold a public inquiry. The public meetings start at 10am on Monday, September 27, and are expected to run daily

for a couple of weeks. Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the public hearings will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and live streamed on the Office of Local Government YouTube channel. The public will be able to view the proceedings via a desktop or laptop computer, smart phone or tablet. Next week will be a big week in local government affairs on the Coast. The third Council meeting for this month will be held on September 28. The first ordinary Council meeting saw the Administrator agree to change the addresses of more than 500 riverfront homes. He also agreed to the first $300,000 to be spent from the $5M earmarked for a masterplan for Warnervale Airport.

The team from television show Better Homes and Gardens visited the Coast on September 23 to film an episode on Central Coast artist Peter Rush.

Health

The second meeting was an extra -ordinary meeting where the Administrator agreed to send a report to IPART (the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal) asking permission to charge residents more money for water, sewerage and stormwater. IPART will publish the Council request so residents will be able to see how large an increase Council proposes. The Administrator wouldn’t say. He said the rules meant IPART had to make the report public. IPART says it will make the report public on or before September 28. Merilyn Vale

Council still using restricted funds See page 6

Business

The stage is set for a five-star precinct at Bushells Ridge to become a major tourism destination for the Central Coast, including a world class motorsport circuit.

Councillors and staff summonsed to appear at Inquiry

Solving restricted funds mystery a challenge for Inquiry

District Health says hospitals ready for COVID surge

1 OCTOBER 2021 29 SEPTEMBER 2021

International tourism precinct planned for Bushells Ridge

DELTA OUTBREAK CASES EXCEED 500 - See page 4

See page 13

Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) says it is well-prepared for the anticipated demand on hospitals because of increasing COVID-19 patients, expected to hit a peak in October.

News

Three-month Peat Island consultation begins

Out&About

Home cooks can now get a taste of the top 10 dishes by executive chef, Craig Etches, as voted by his dining clientele at Glengara retirement community in Tumbi Umbi. See page 17

ISSUE 311

ISSUE 028

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Sport

With this week’s announcement of the A-League 2021-22 fixtures, Central Coast Mariners have confirmed that they are yet to finalise a venue hire agreement with Central Coast Stadium. See page 39

Puzzles page 19

IPART is reviewing the maximum prices that Council can charge for its water, wastewater, stormwater and other water-related services. Council submitted its pricing proposal on September 10 and

on September 28 IPART released its Issues Paper seeking community feedback. IPART Chair, Carmel Donnelly, said IPART would assess whether the price changes proposed by the Council represented good value for money for customers and were affordable. “The Council has proposed prices that would increase typical household bills by about 34 per cent in the first year, and then by inflation after that,” she said. “The Council’s submission

says the proposed price increase will ensure it could provide water services that meet its customers’ expectations now and into the future. “This includes good quality drinking water, and reliable water supply, wastewater, stormwater and other water services.” Council’s last proposal for a rise in water rates, in 2018/19, was refused. “IPART did not find enough work had gone into the proposal to justify the prices Council was

News

ISSUE 312

seeking,” Donnelly said. “We found then that Council had consistently underspent in a number of areas and made suggestions on how it could improve its data analysis.” Donnelly stressed that community feedback would form an important part of IPART’s assessment process. “We want to make sure people are asked to pay the minimum required for safe services to be provided,” she said. Donnelly said on average, Central Coast residents pay the

See page 21

Sunday

03 r

Octobe

Clocks move forward Sunday morning Don’t forget to change your clocks this weekend. Daylight saving begins in NSW on Sunday, October 3, when clocks are moved forward for one hour at 2am.

Puzzles page 19

spiritsuper.com.au

The Wamberal Beach Save Our Sand group has welcomed opposition to a seawall as a solution to the beach’s ongoing erosion issues .

A local mental health charity has launched their annual mental health campaign to help raise awareness about good mental health and wellness.

See page 10

Business

With hundreds, if not thousands of Central Coast businesses impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns, many have neglected keeping their emergency response plans up to date.

A development application to construct a two-storey residential flat building in Booker Bay has recently finished its exhibition and residents are not happy.

An online art show to be presented by the Bouddi Society from October 2-12 will feature works inspired by nature from over 20 artists.

Health

See page 13

See page 21

For Cleanaway driver, Mick Skillicorn, a highlight of his working week is the regular Wednesday round at Kariong.

Health

See page 27

See page 6

Finalists have been announced in the 2021 Central Coast Business Awards from a pool of about 100 entries across 10 different categories.

It all starts with spirit

News

Bodhi loves the big blue trucks

Tribunal wants to hear from residents about water rates

IPART promises ‘thorough review’ of request for 34 per cent water rates hike Ratepayers could face a hike of 34 per cent in their water rates from July 1 next year if a proposal from Central Coast Council is accepted by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

ISSUE 029

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Artists exhibit Bouddi inspired works

See page 13

See page 5 A Scrunchies for Dementia campaign to raise money for the Dementia Australia Research Foundation through the virtual My Walk & Jog challenge has been championed by Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch. See page 31

30 SEPTEMBER 2021

Peninsula residents still reeling from rates rises of up to 42 per cent which came into effect on July 1 could also face a 34 per cent hike in their water rates next year, if a Central Coast Council submission to IPART (The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal) is successful. IPART is reviewing the maximum prices that Central Coast Council can charge for its water, wastewater, stormwater and other water-related services from July 1, 2022. Council submitted its pricing proposal on September 10 and on September 28 IPART released its Issues Paper seeking community feedback. IPART Chair, Carmel Donnelly,

said IPART would assess whether the price changes proposed by the Council represented good value for money for customers and were affordable. “The Council has proposed prices that would increase typical household bills by about 34 per cent in the first year, and then by inflation after that,” she said. “The Council’s submission says the proposed price increase will ensure it could provide water services that meet its customers’ expectations now and into the future. “This includes good quality drinking water, and reliable water supply, wastewater, stormwater and other water services.”

Council’s last proposal for water rates variation, in 2018/19, was refused. “IPART did not find enough work had gone into the proposal to justify the prices Council was seeking,” Donnelly said. “We found then that Council had consistently underspent in a number of areas and made suggestions on how it could improve its data analysis.” Donnelly stressed that community feedback would form an important part of IPART’s assessment process. “We want to make sure people are asked to pay the minimum required for safe services to be provided,” she said. Donnelly said on average, Central Coast residents pay the

lowest water rates in NSW but that would not drive IPART’s decision. “We will be looking at what an efficient water utility should charge to provide the expected quality,” she said. “It is very important for residents to know that IPART will be undertaking a very thorough review. “We are especially keen to hear from residents what they expect and what is happening now with water services. “We have already heard concerns about water quality and about Council’s management and efficiency surrounding infrastructure maintenance. “We want to hear about any leakages or overflows and will

balance the views of the community with the need for efficient services. “Affordability will also be taken into account. “These are tough times with uncertainty and economic difficulties surrounding COVID-19 and we are also aware of the recent movement in residential rates. “We will look at affordability and what is a fair ask. “Also, Council is not proposing any sort of gradual introduction for a rise and we are interested in hearing the reaction to that.” Donnelly said the proposal would attract expert independent and in-house analysis. Continued page 6

Bodhi Bennett greets the Cleanaway truck every Wednesday morning

For those stuck at home during lockdown, or business owners that have seen their incomes disappear, it’s easy to get a little pent-up. See page 27

Sunday

03 r

Octobe

Clocks move forward Sunday morning Don’t forget to change your clocks this weekend. Daylight saving begins in NSW on Sunday, October 3, when clocks are moved forward for one hour at 2am.

Puzzles page 18

It all starts with spirit

Office: Level 1.01/86-88 Mann Street Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, is calling for more staff at Gosford Hospital‘s Emergency Department. See page 31

Sport

Players and teams from across the Central Coast have been recognised for their efforts on the AFL field at Hunter Central Coast AFL’s 2021 Elliot Davey Awards. See page 40

Puzzles page 18

spiritsuper.com.au

Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Read the PDS at spiritsuper.com.au before making a decision.

coastcommunitynews.com.au - 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net

As IPART reviews the maximum prices that Central Coast Council can charge for its water, wastewater, stormwater and other waterrelated services from July 1, 2022, Council has also

It all starts with spirit

spiritsuper.com.au

coastcommunitynews.com.au - 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net

/centralcoastnewspapers

/CoastNewspapers

2021 OFFICIAL

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Expert says seawall will destroy beach The Wamberal Beach Save Our Sand (SOS) group has welcomed opposition to a seawall as a solution to the beach’s ongoing erosion issues by University of Sydney Professor Andrew S. Short. Short, who was also a member of the NSW Coastal Council from 2011-2018, issued a statement on September 21 saying building a seawall in today’s climate, with sea level rising and storms predicted to increase in severity and erosion, was not a viable option. “It is at best an expensive short-term stopgap that will ultimately destroy the public beach,” he said. “I therefore strongly oppose any seawall at Wamberal Beach, favouring buyback as the preferred option, followed by massive nourishment.” Short said erosion of the beach had been happening for decades with three houses lost to the sea in 1978 and houses undermined in more recent years. “Recent research by Geoscience Australia (indicates) that since 1988 Wamberal Beach has receded at a rate of 0.2 to 0.3m each

One of the seawall options being considered by Central Coast Council

year, or 2-3m every 10 years and (is) likely to recede 2030m over the next 100 years,” he said. “Whist the major erosion episodes are associated with severe storm events, this ongoing recession means that each future event will erode the beach and dune further and further inland. “In this situation the occupation of the back beach and foredune by houses is unsustainable.

“The houses are located within what is called the active beach zone, that is, that part of the beach that erodes during storm events then slowly recovers. “With the beach receding it also means that each erosion event will extend further inland than previous events, while each recovery event will not be as wide as previously, as the whole beach systems slowly moves inland.” Short said such a hazardous

location should never have been subdivided, and anyone who purchased there post1978 should have been well aware that the foredune is “a very erosion-prone and extremely hazardous location”. A seawall, he said, might protect waterfront houses but would degrade the public amenity and make the beach far more hazardous during storms. He said massive beach nourishment would help

protect the houses as well as helping to maintain the beach into the future but voluntary buyback of the properties would allow restoration of the natural foredune and return Wamberal Beach to a more natural looking system. A coastal geomorphologist and an expert on erosion and coastal processes, Short studied all of Australia’s 11,000 of beaches over a 15-year period. He has published 11 books

NEWS

PAGE 3 1 OCTOBER 2021

and over 200 scientific publications and reports and his contribution to coastal science and beach safety earned him an Order of Australia Medal in 2010. A spokesperson for Wamberal Beach SOS, which has a membership of 3,500, said Short’s opposition to a seawall was welcome news for the group, which claims community concerns about the beach continue to be ignored by Central Coast Council. “Since the July storms in 2020, meaningful community consultation from Council has been completely absent,” the spokesperson said. “The current survey and prior consultation activities have provided limited scope for community members to voice meaningful debate and opinion. “Wamberal Beach SOS calls on the Council and State Government to listen to the authoritative independent advice and abide by the legislation, to ensure any destructive impacts that this wall may have on the beach do not occur.” Source: Media release, Sep 27 Wamberal Beach SOS

INTRODUCING THE LAKEFRONT HOMES

JETTY RELEASE

Get a new outlook on life with a brand-new lakefront home. Perched above the foreshore this exclusive release of homes offers expansive views across Lake Munmorah. A great investment and next step for any downsizer looking to join a friendly community of like-minded people.

NOW SELLING STAGE 1 JETTY RELEASE FROM $589,000*. Enjoy the Ingenia difference of a clear ﬁ nancial model with no surprises; pay no exit fees or stamp duty and keep 100% of any capital gains.

View this vibrant community today with Jenni on 0458 018 332 or find out more at liveinsunnylakeshores.com.au 2 MACLEAY DR, HALEKULANI *Price is based on owning your home and leasing the land. Pricing is correct at the time of print and subject to change without notice.

PAGE 4 1 OCTOBER 2021

NEWS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Activist questions $150,000 random reference group Community activist Joy Cooper has slammed Central Coast Council’s decision to continue to push for a seven-year extension of the 15 per cent rates rise introduced in July this year for a fixed three-year period. Council is agitating for the rise, which comprises the two per cent cap set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) and a 13 per cent Special Rate Variation (SRV), to be extended for seven years. Cooper addressed Council prior to its September 28 meeting, criticising the

projected $150,000 expenditure on community consultation over the push for SRV extension and the lack of detail on a proposed Community Reference Group which would inform service cuts if the SRV extension is refused. Cooper said any community consultation would give “exactly the same result” as when the community was consulted prior to the original application for a 15 per cent rise. “Last time you consulted the community about a proposed Special Rate Variation, you were told, in no uncertain terms, that we, the people, did not want one,” she said.

“We believe the failure of the Central Coast Council has been politicised and those that are truly responsible for the mess will not be held to account. “The proposal to form a randomly-selected Community Reference Group to assist the process of either getting a Special Rate Variation or cutting services if you fail, is very light on detail. “How many people? “How will they be ‘randomly selected’? “Will a random selection result in the group being representative of the demographics and psychographics of the Central

Coast Community? “How, exactly, will the $150,000 be spent? “Is there a project plan with a budget that we could see? “I understand that IPART places a great deal of emphasis, perhaps too much, on how a Council asking for a Special Rate Variation has indeed engaged with its community. “It is more about the process than the substance or the outcome.” Cooper criticised technological bungling of public access to sessions of the Public Inquiry into Council’s financial woes earlier this week and said despite promises the

amalgamated Central Coast Council would gain access to enormous amounts of funding, Council now found itself in administration and in debt, with residents facing another round of rate and water rate increases. “Reports released by local government experts in recent days indicate that there was no need for Central Coast Council to run off to commercial banks to get out of their cashflow problems last year,” she said. “As a result of the actions of this administration, Central Coast Council finds itself in more debt and more costly debt than it had before.

“What will a randomly selected community reference group tell you that you don’t already know? “If you want to know what the community really thinks, add some questions to your quarter two rates notice or at least a link that people can go to, to comment. “The best and fairest consultation is when everyone gets a say. “It may not tick IPART’s consultation boxes but it will certainly tell you what the residents of the Central Coast really think about your Special Rate Variation.” Terry Collins

Community Environment Network EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - BUSHFIRE RECOVERY LANDCARE GREEN TEAMS- TACKLING WEEDS AND RESTORING HABITAT TOGETHER Do you live on the Central Coast on a semi-rural property and have 0.5ha or more of native bushland? Do you want to assist in conserving and restoring habitat connectivity after the last devastating bushfires? Are you interested in forming a ‘Green team’ Landcare group in your area with other like-minded locals to tackle weeds together on each other’s properties and plant local species of flora? Expressions of interest needed: Get in touch with us to find out what support we can offer or to find a Green team near you.

Once your Green team is established, we can provide ongoing support including: bush regenerator to guide the group at each working bee session; Green team Landcare diary; help with planning and managing the weeds in your bushland. This is a great opportunity to connect with your neighbours and build land management knowledge and skills. For more information contact: Ben Davis-MacAndrew, Project Officer, P: 0422 709 620 or E: ben.macandrew@cen.org.au This Project, Post Bushfire Landcare Green teams, is supported by Landcare NSW.

ONLINE NURSERY HELPING YOU GO WILD Thank you to everyone who has supported our online wildplant nursery – we are delighted you have decided to use lockdown as a time to go wild in the garden. We are also looking forward to resuming our monthly wildplant sales but, once again, due to lockdown, we will not be able to have our usual face-to-face sale on the first Saturday of October – hopefully November!

Meanwhile, there’s no need to wait for freedom day to start transforming your garden into a native wonderland with species that are endemic to this region – attract birds, bees and enjoy the flowers and the trees. Visit the nursery section of the CEN website and start shopping! cen.org.au/projects/nursery/buy-plants-online

CLIMATE FUTURE TO LAUNCH COMMUNITY PLAN Our Climate Future campaign continues its COUNTDOWN TO COP26 on facebook. Visit our facebook page @ climatefuturecentralcoast to take part in our Countdown to Glasgow – the UN’s next meeting of leaders that is being billed as one of the most important diplomatic meetings in human history. The Climate Future reference committee has also been putting together a Community Plan which will be officially launched on Monday, October 4. Visit our Climate Future web page at https://cen.org.au/central-coast-

campaigns/climate-future to register so you can attend our launch zoom and to find out how to access your copy of the Community Plan. We also have a plan for Council and a plan for town planners in the works.

COSS CONNECTION WORKSHOPS COMING UP

October 13 Wednesday, 10am-12.30pm Seed collection and propagation workshop, Plant Identification, Seed collecting, Seed cleaning and storage, Propagation. October 29 Friday, 10am-12.30pm Aboriginal Cultural Burning Talk and Walk, Narara - An introduction to managing fire on your property the Aboriginal way with Den Barber from Yarrabin Cultural Connections. November 3 Wednesday, 10am-12pm Riparian Restoration Planting workshop, Pat’s property, Copacabana

November 11 Thursday, 6.30-9pm Nocturnal Safari, Narara Come along on an adventure and discover the animals of the night with Tom Covell from Hooked on Nature. Cost: FREE, includes scrumptious morning tea Bookings essential: For more information go to www.cen.org.au/events, phone 4349 4756 or email nicole.heta@cen.org.au – Registrants will be informed of any date changes or COVID restrictions

From the Chair The Coastal Open Space System (COSS) is a network of reserves supporting native vegetation that are managed by the Council for environmental and community values.

Spanning 2,573 hectares, the primary purpose of the COSS is to maintain areas of native vegetation, habitat for native animals and a visual landscape that defines the character of the southeastern corner of our Local Government Area. The hills from Macmasters Ridge, Kincumber Mountain, Rumbalara Reserve, Mount Elliot and the wetland areas around Brisbane Water and Erina Creek are all owned by Council and preserve the most environmentally sensitive areas from development. The reservation of the land in the COSS also has the effects of protecting Aboriginal cultural sites and nonAboriginal heritage items as well as local water catchments and geological formations. The retention of native vegetation provides a green backdrop to many of the urban areas in the city and ensures that most of the residents of the former Gosford LGA live in the vicinity of natural environments. We are calling for support from the community to expand the Coastal Open Space System into the former Wyoming LGA. This would prevent future selling of “natural assets” by the Council and ensure the environmental longevity of the area. Without the Coastal Open Space System, the local community could very well see the destruction of its natural history as key areas of environmental significance will remain unprotected

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

Support CEN - Become a member - Volunteer - Make a donation

www.cen.org.au Ph: 4349 4756

Gary Chestnut

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

NEWS

PAGE 5 1 OCTOBER 2021

Council asks community to support rate rise extension Central Coast Council will continue to push for a seven-year extension of the 15 per cent general rates rise, which came into effect on July 1 for a threeyear capped period. Council determined at its meeting on September 28 to commence the next stage of community consultation in its bid to see the Special Rate Variation (SRV) of 13 per cent, on top of IPART’s cap of 2 per cent, continue over a 10-year period. Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said two years of heavy losses and overspending had left Council having to restructure its business and budget to produce a surplus to repay a $150M debt over the next 10 years. “We cannot forget, loans of $150M were provided to Council in 2020 based on Council’s financial recovery plan which included sale of assets, reduction in costs of $50M, capping infrastructure spending and a rate increase of 13 per cent plus rate peg for 10 years in order to repay the

loans,” Hart said. “In less than three years’ time we will be facing an average annual income loss of $25.8M over the next seven years and this means we will be forced to reduce or cease many services. “There has been major restructuring of Council and Council is on track to achieve the $50M in cost savings including productivity gains. “Together with the recent rate increase, Council is budgeting for a small surplus this financial year. “Our current plan is working, and Council is on track to be able to continue to service its community. “However, we face falling off an income cliff if the current level of rates is not maintained beyond June 2024. “As it currently stands, if the Special Variation is not extended, in two years ratepayers will be given a 13 per cent reduction in their general rate component of the Council bill and Council will need to adjust its cost structures by a further $25.8M annually on average

to cope with that reduction. “I believe the community values the services it receives from Council, however Council cannot maintain its level of services, or increase them, and repay its debt, if it suffers a large reduction of income. “We are proposing to make an application to IPART to maintain the current level of rates for a further seven years, consistent with what we asked for from IPART earlier this year.” Hart said ultimately the community will have a major say in whether the application is successful, but they need to understand what the implications of a reduction in Council income would mean on the services that people use daily. “Council will produce two long-term financial plans, one showing income at the current rate structure, the second showing the loss of $25.8M on average from year three onwards,” he said. “We will undertake community consultation so the community can provide input

to whether they would prefer to continue to pay the current level of rates or receive a reduction and see a dramatic fall off in services. “I cannot make cuts that will endanger public safety, break the law or harm the environment. “As a result, many of the services that are most likely to be targeted for reductions would be those that support community life such as culture, sports, community services and economic development. “Additionally, the ability to partner with other levels of government to construct new facilities and extend services will be greatly reduced.” Council will seek community feedback over the next few months before it determines early next year whether to formally apply to IPART for a SRV extension. Information on how residents can participate in community consultation can be found at yourvoiceourcoast.com. Terry Collins Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart

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

From Council In less than three years’ we will be facing an average annual income loss of $25.8million over the next seven years resulting in reducing or ceasing many services.

We are proposing to make an application to IPART to maintain the current level of rates for a further seven years, consistent with what we asked from IPART earlier this year.

There has been major restructuring and Council is on track to achieve the $50million in cost savings including productivity gains. Council is budgeting for a small surplus this financial year. However, we face falling off an income cliff if the current level of rates is not maintained.

If the SV is not extended, in two years ratepayers will be given a 13 percent reduction in their general rate component and Council will need to adjust its cost structures by a further $25.8million annually on average to cope with that reduction. The community will have a major say in whether this application is successful.

We will undertake consultation so the community can provide input to whether they would prefer to continue to pay the current level of rates or receive a reduction and see a dramatic fall off in services. Rik Hart - Administrator, Central Coast Council

COVID-safe summer plans in place for beach season

the beach looks crowded, consider coming back at another time or relaxing in a non-beach setting. Here’s a few ideas to help you enjoy other natural settings: • go for a walk or run in your local park • ride a bike along a cycleway • take your dog for a walk around your neighbourhood • kick a ball at a sportsground • head bush to hike on a nature trail or to visit a scenic spot. Search ‘recreation’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or visit lovecentralcoast.com if you are looking for other ideas on things to do.

What if the beach is crowded? We are encouraging beachgoers to exercise at quieter beaches or look to alternative locations. If

Council meeting

The Central Coast beach season has now started. Flags up on 15 beaches will be from 9am-5pm, with Surf Life Saving patrolling on weekends and public holidays, and Council lifeguards patrolling during the week unless the beach is closed due to dangerous conditions. Search ‘beach’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au for the latest open/closed status of Council patrolled beaches throughout the week. For further information about weekend beach conditions, visit beachsafe.org.au Keeping our community safe We have COVID-safe summer plans in place to manage beach crowds and potential beach closures. We have been working closely with NSW Health, Central Coast Health, the Local Emergency Operations Controller and other Councils to ensure a consistent and compliant approach to this year’s season across NSW in line with the latest Public Health Orders. We are also working with local police to monitor behaviour and penalties for not following restrictions are enforceable by police. This will continue throughout the season as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve.

Find out when the next meeting is and watch it online centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/meetings

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

PAGE 6 1 OCTOBER 2021

NEWS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Pro surfer comes face-to-face with great white at Macs Local surfing personality, Amee Donohoe, has had a harrowing close encounter with a great white pointer off the point at MacMasters Beach this week

Amee Donohoe with David Abrahams at MacMasters beach where she witnessed the great white shark

Donohoe, a past professional surfer and founder of the Central Coast Surf Academy, was surfing off the point on Monday after lunch “for another little paddle” when she and a fellow surfer witnessed what they described as a sizeable great white shark, that breeched, teeth bared only

metres from where they were. Amee has surfed some of the world’s biggest waves, however the former Hawaiian Triple Crown star puts this experience down as one of her most exhilarating. “It’s such a unique experience that one of the few people that have seen a great white shark so up close,” said Amee. “It’s a phenomenal experience to see though of course it’s also quite intimidating.” Amee and the fellow surfer turned for rocks and cultured

up onto the rock shelf, cutting up her legs and feet. “The adrenaline was going a million miles and hour.. I didn’t feel anything.” Amee’s GP, a local surfer herself, gave her some sage advice to heal the trauma; grab a box of chocolate and eat it while replaying the drama. Donohoe is committed to getting back on her board as soon as the injuries have healed. She remains a shark lover despite the scare.

Having lived and surfed in and around the Central Coast for over 30 years she’s seen a few grey suits (sharks), though said they’re part of and parcel of surfing life. She said all surfers know the risks, though after this, she thinks more of her family and children. See the full video interview with Amee at the video-news section of the CCN website.

Bodhi loves the big blue trucks For Cleanaway driver, Mick Skillicorn, a highlight of his working week is the regular Wednesday round at Kariong. Each week, Skillicorn is greeted by two-year-old Bodhi Bennett, resplendent in his very own Cleanaway uniform, complete with attached truck. Bodhi’s Mum, Belle Bennett, said the little boy had first become intrigued by the weekly garbage collection at the age of 10 months. “I think it’s fair to say he’s

obsessed,” Bennett said. “We have a balcony and every Wednesday he pulls up his table and chair and eats breakfast as he waits for the garbage truck to arrive. “He used to go to day care on Wednesdays, but since lockdown began, he has been there looking out for the truck every week. “It’s just something he has always been really interested in. “Of course there are two pick-ups every week.

“The (fortnightly yellow and green) bin collections are done at different times but Mick does the red bin collection every Wednesday between 11:15am and 11:50am, so Bodhi knows just when to look out for him. “He definitely has a connection with Mick.” Bodhi sometimes waits three hours for the truck to arrive so he can wave to Mick as he passes by. Each week when he sees the truck approach Bodhi alerts his mother, who is deaf.

“He tells me in Auslan that the truck is approaching,” Bennett said. “This year we had a garbage truck themed birthday party for him. “It was during lockdown so it was just the family, but I made him his own little outfit, complete with a truck which actually opens at the back so he can put garbage in it. “He absolutely loves it.” Skillicorn, a 22 year veteran of the waste industry, including three years with Cleanaway,

looks forward to his weekly distanced greeting from Bodhi. “It’s all very cute,” he said. “The first time I saw him dressed up I thought wow, how good is this? “I have two boys; they’re grown up. “I just love to see the customers and the joy that going around emptying the bins brings to the kids. “I suppose it’s like Christmas every week to them.” Terry Collins

Memorial Sites Available at Greenway Chapel & Memorial Gardens

Located in a picturesque, woodland location, Greenway Chapel and Memorial Gardens are a conveniently located and stunning venue. The chapel is fitted with audio-visual facilities and spacious seating, with livestreaming available for services. Enquire with the friendly team about prepaid memorial sites in the stunning gardens today.

02 4369 2013

palmdalegroup.com.au

David Abrahams and Skaie Hull

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

NEWS

PAGE 7 1 OCTOBER 2021

Parliament doesn’t need to wait for Minister to quash PEP11 Community group Save Our Coast has obtained legal advice that the Federal Parliament has the power to enact a law to cancel the Petroleum Exploration Permit (PEP11) for offshore drilling. Environmental groups and concerned residents continue to wait for a decision from Federal Resources Minister Keith Pitt on the extension of the permit which expired in February. Save Our Coast said it obtained the advice from the Environmental Defender’s Office (EDO), a community legal centre specialising in environmental law, which the group has engaged since early 2018. “Contrary to some public comments, the advice confirms that the Commonwealth Parliament can enact a Bill to end PEP11 (which will be presented by Independent MP Zali Steggall) and that the legislation can prevent future permits being granted for the PEP11 area,” Save Our Coast said. “PEP11 covers 4,500 square kilometres of ocean from Manly to Newcastle designated for

An anti PEP11 rally held at Terrigal earlier this year, attended by Labor Leader Anthony Albanese

fossil fuel exploration and drilling which has been fiercely contested by communities.” A request by Bounty Oil and Gas to extend the lease and to allow drilling still has not been decided by the Joint Authority, which in this instance consists of Pitt and NSW Minister for Environment and Energy, Matt Kean. NSW Deputy Premier, John

Barilaro, has publicly confirmed his opposition to the permit, along with State and Federal MPs of all political persuasions, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese. But the other member of the Joint Authority, Resources Minister Pitt, has thus far refused to rule out extending the permit.

“Massive community opposition has seen tens of thousands of community members express outrage at the project,” Save Our Coast, which collected 87,000 signatures on petitions opposing PEP 11, said. Save Our Coast founder, Natasha Deen, said a continuation of PEP11 risks catastrophic harm to the

ecosystem, climate, and coastal way of life and sets a dangerous precedent for oil and gas industrialisation of the east coast of Australia. “Despite the permit expiring six months ago, Minister Pitt has not yet cancelled PEP11, with apparent disregard to placing communities under continuing stress and uncertainty in what are already

extremely stressful and uncertain times,” Dean said. “Now we are reassured that Parliament can make this decision for him, should he continue to delay.” “Save Our Coast is … delighted at the EDO’s advice that parliament can indeed cancel the flawed and dangerous plan that is PEP11. “We are grateful for historic bipartisan support from MPs, which we could not have achieved without an incredible outpouring of community support, and now ask MPs to take the final step to represent their communities by supporting the Bill to end PEP11.” Save Our Coast’s Northern Beaches convenor and environmental lawyer, Kristyn Glanville, said some MPs from the Liberal and Labor parties had indicated concerns that the proposed bill was unconstitutional or would expose the government to litigation. “This advice confirms there is a sound legal footing for the Bill to be passed,” she said. Source: Media release, Sep 29 Save Our Coast

Central Coast, it's time to talk water, sewer and stormwater prices. Did you know your water, sewer and stormwater drainage prices are set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART)? Central Coast Council has recently lodged their water, sewer and stormwater drainage pricing proposal to IPART, and in response to this, IPART has released an Issues Paper highlighting their key issues. The community are invited to have their say on the pricing proposal and the Issues Paper. For more information, including instructions on how to make a formal submission to IPART, visit yourvoiceourcoast.com

yourvoiceourcoast.com

PAGE 8 1 OCTOBER 2021

NEWS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Public Inquiry suspended due to technology failure The long-awaited hearings for the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council early this week were a bungled exercise in technology. Technical difficulties meant the livestream to Youtube on Monday, September 27, was not public, a fact Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch was unaware of as she opened proceedings. The link to the Youtube channel was missing from the Local Government page and didn’t work even when it became public.

Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch

The hearings were adjourned on Monday afternoon and again on Tuesday as the difficulties continued. It was subsequently announced that hearings would not resume until October 5. MPs and residents alike expressed their frustrations, with Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris, labelling the exercise a sham. The Commissioner’s opening remarks were made public by transcript on Tuesday. McCulloch outlined the terms

of reference for the inquiry, saying it could only make recommendations to Local Government Minister, Shelley Hancock, which were nonbinding. She said she had declined to make the 104 submissions public for legal reasons as some included untested assertions. “Interested parties may, on application, see the submissions, with the exception of those whose authors requested anonymity,” she said.

A total of 50 people are scheduled to give evidence at the hearings over 13 sitting days, after which there would be a “short period of time” for submissions in reply to be made, McCulloch said. A report will then be delivered to the Local Government Minister who will table it before both houses of Parliament. After that, the Minister will decide a course of action. “That action could be the dismissal of the Council, or the termination of the suspension of the Council, or, in either case,

the issue of a performance improvement order which may include the appointment of a financial controller,” McCullough said. “I can assure the public and the Councillors that I am coming to this inquiry with an open mind and a clear purpose to make findings of relevant facts to enable appropriate recommendations to be made to the Minister, having regard to the terms of reference.” Merilyn Vale

“It became an ‘us and them’, Wyong versus Gosford” – Lisa Matthews Suspended Mayor Lisa Matthews covered a lot of territory when she was the first witness to be questioned at the not-sopublic hearings on Monday, with a transcript of her interview released on Tuesday. Matthews spoke about the cost of the merger of the former Gosford and Wyong councils, the relationship between councillors and staff and how she sometimes wished CEO Gary Murphy would stand up to the councillors. “Sometimes you need a

general manager to actually say, ‘Stop, councillors. You’re carrying on like buffoons. This is what you need to be doing’,” she said. “At times – sometimes I really felt like we needed somebody to crack a whip somewhere and it just didn’t happen.” She said Murphy did all he could when the financial situation was disclosed and he took full responsibility. “I believe his staff let him down and, again, he’s a softy,” Matthews said. “I think that went against him.

“You know, the fact that he trusted people that are paid well (audio dropout) he inherited, as did we, I guess, let him down, let us all down.” Matthews was asked how well the workforce worked together following the merge. “I think it definitely did become an ‘us and them’ Wyong versus Gosford,” she said. “You know, for a long time a Wyong ratepayer couldn’t go into Gosford and, you know, do their business and then the staff there would get upset because people were angry

with them because they couldn’t do their job. “I think, yes, there was a lot of ‘us and them’ and I still think there’s a lot of ‘us and them’.” Matthews said the processes didn’t run as smoothly as hoped and the IT was causing lots of problems, including the inability of staff to generate reports. The Commissioner asked her about a line item being removed from reports from October 2019. Matthews said she didn’t notice it at the time but was very aware of it now.

“That’s because the figure went to zero, but, again, I’d say that there was no resolution of Council to do that,” she said. “Council did not authorise it, so somebody within somewhere, whether it be the accounting package or an individual, had to have changed it.” When asked about the culture of the Council, Matthews said that from the get-go,Councillors were pretty much told that their level of interaction with staff was at the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) level and they were not to have access to anybody

beyond the ELT. “Unless you are the fly on the wall, you don’t really know what’s happening,” Matthews said. “You hear Chinese whispers, of course, but, you know, my role, and it was very clearly spelt out to me – you’re not to speak to the staff. “For ages, I kept … questioning that….because it would save time and energy if I could pick up the phone to a manager and ask them the question, because they are, in

Caring for our community • • • •

COVID-19 Medicare NDIS Centrelink

• • • •

NBN Veterans’ Affairs Jobs & Training Congratulatory Messages

204/1 Bryant Drive PO Box 3763 Tuggerah NSW 2259

02 4353 0127

I Emma.McBride.MP@aph.gov.au I emmamcbride.com.au

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

Continued page 10

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

PAGE 9 1 OCTOBER 2021

CENTRAL COAST VACCINE ROLLOUT There are currently 110 vaccination providers in the Central Coast LGA, including: Over 70 general practices and 44 pharmacies. A Commonwealth Vaccination Clinic and one Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. All Australians aged 12 and over are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

To make your booking today, please scan this QR code or visit australia.gov.au

LUCY WICKS MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR ROBERTSON

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

lucywicksmp.com

Authorised by Lucy Wicks MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Level 3, 69 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford NSW 2250.

4322 2400

LucyWicksMP

PAGE 10 1 OCTOBER 2021

NEWS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Last Wyong Mayor asks to cross-examine first Coast Mayor The last Mayor of Wyong, Doug Eaton, was hopeful of cross examining the first Mayor of Central Coast Council, Jane Smith, when the first day of hearings unfolded on Monday. Eaton was there to represent his client, suspended Councillor Greg Best. Eaton requested leave on behalf of his client to crossexamine Smith about the recruitment and performance of Gary Murphy who became Chief Executive Officer of

Council in June 2018. Eaton said that as Smith was the Mayor at the time, he thought she was uniquely qualified to give evidence. Smith was the Coast’s first Mayor but had become Deputy Mayor by the time the Councillors were suspended in October 2020. Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch said since this was an administrative inquiry there were no parties contesting a matter but she would defer Eaton’s application until she had heard Smith’s evidence.

Suspended Mayor Lisa Matthews

“But I’m not presently minded to allow cross-examination,” she said. “You would have to persuade me that it would be of benefit to the inquiry to have Ms Smith cross-examined. “You can stay and listen and then we will hear from you once she has concluded her evidence.” Smith gave less than an hour’s evidence before the Commissioner became aware that the livestream was not working and that the Public Inquiry was taking place

without the public. She adjourned until later in the day but the technical difficulties were still unsolved. She then asked both Eaton and Smith’s legal representative, named as Mr Williams, if they could return with their clients on Tuesday at 9am to resume. “Madam Commissioner, with respect, if you are not going to allow us to cross-examine, there is no point in me attending and causing my client to expend further money on a futile endeavour,” Eaton said.

The commissioner replied: “I haven’t made a final decision. I invited you to stay until Ms Smith’s evidence was concluded.” The inquiry is tasked with discovering if the Councillors met their obligations under the Local Government Act or whether their decisions since 2017 contributed to the financial position which the council now finds itself in.

From page 8

really don’t know that unless you’re hearing the Chinese whispers.” After the questioning concluded, Matthews was asked if she wanted to add anything. She expanded on the ELT and their relationship with the councillors. She said in March 2020 a report was handed down about the relationship and what struck here was that there was no relationship. “The report actually said that there was a lack of trust between the two

parties,” she said. “But, it happened in March 2020 and by October, of course, we were gone, and then from March 2020 we had (the issues of) COVID (and) coastal erosion. “So we got the report, which was great, but we never got an opportunity to deal with some of the issues in that report.” Matthew said relationships were guarded and a successful Council needed to be a team. “We were not one team,” she said. Matthews told the Commissioner she had not lodged a submission for

essence, the ones who had their finger on the pulse, they are the ones who do the majority of the day-to-day stuff. “They would have the answers.” Matthews said she had heard that staff felt threatened by a Wyong takeover. “You know, I live and work in this community,” she said. “There’s lots of Council staff that live in my street so, you know, it’s hard not to hear that. “But at a Councillor level, you

Merilyn Vale Suspended Deputy Mayor Jane Smith

“personal reasons”. “It’s been a really tough time for me personally,” she said. “It has had an effect on my mental health; not only my mental health, but also on my family. “I was really worried about backlash, and I – yes – I chose not to submit something, and obviously I would be available to answer questions to the best of my ability and knowledge if I needed to (be).” Matthews said she had been subject to death threats, bullying and harassment. Merilyn Vale

Liesl Tesch MP Member for Gosford

Schools and education Community Recognition Awards

Anniversary & birthday messages Fair Trading Hospitals and health Main roads

Police and Emergency Services Public housing

Trains and public transport

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

How can I help?

20 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy NSW 2256

Gosford@parliament.nsw.gov.au (02) 4342 4122 Peninsula News - half page - Aug 20.indd 1

30/10/2020 10:20:13 AM

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

THE ENTRANCE ELECTORATE The boundaries of The Entrance electorate will change at the 2023 state election. The change is minor and has resulted in all of Berkeley Vale being included in The Entrance electorate. Below is a list of all suburbs within The Entrance electorate. • Bateau Bay

• Magenta

• Toowoon Bay

• Berkeley Vale

• Mount Elliot

• Tuggerah

• Blue Bay

• Narara (part only)

• Tumbi Umbi

• Fountaindale

• Niagara Park

• Wyoming

• Glenning Valley

• Ourimbah

• Postcodes:

• Kangy Angy

• Shelly Beach

2250, 2258,

• Killarney Vale

• Somersby (part only)

2259, 2261

• Lisarow

• The Entrance

• Long Jetty

• The Entrance North

DAVID MEHAN MP MEMBER FOR THE ENTRANCE Office: 24 The Entrance Road, The Entrance NSW 2261 Phone: 4334 1012 Email: theentrance@parliament.nsw.gov.au Authorised by David Mehan MP, 24 The Entrance Rd, The Entrance NSW 2261 funded using parliamentary entitlements.

PAGE 11 1 OCTOBER 2021

PAGE 12 1 OCTOBER 2021

NEWS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Water rates could rise 34 per cent From page 1 “We have already heard concerns about water quality and about Council’s management and efficiency surrounding infrastructure maintenance. “We want to hear about any leakages or overflows and will balance the views of the community with the need for efficient services. “Affordability will also be taken into account. “These are tough times with uncertainty and economic difficulties surrounding COVID-19 and we are also aware of the recent movement in residential rates. “We will look at affordability and what is a fair ask. “Also, Council is not proposing any sort of gradual introduction for a rise and we are interested in hearing the reaction to that.” Donnelly said the proposal would attract expert independent and in-house analysis. Keeping the cost of water rates low was the number one concern of residents in a survey

conducted for the Central Coast earlier this year. Improving the quality of drinking water was the second most important improvement to residents. Council is hoping to claw back about $39M plus inflation that was lost in the 2019

decision, with its water and sewerage business expecting a loss of $11M this financial year. Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader, said Council’s current pricing model is not financially sustainable. “As they currently stand, our

rates for water, sewerage and stormwater drainage are the lowest in NSW,” Loader said. “If we continue along with these current prices, we will not have sufficient funds to provide the community with what they need and deserve, which is a safe, clean and reliable water supply and an

effective sewer and drainage system that does not harm the environment. “What we are proposing is returning our prices for these services similar to 2018-19 levels, with an allowance for subsequent inflation.” Donnelly encouraged

customers and the community to make submissions to the review, complete the Have Your Say survey and participate in IPART’s online public hearing on October 26. IPART will consider all comments made through submissions, survey responses, and at the public hearing before releasing a draft report seeking further community feedback in early March 2022. Central Coast Council is the only council in NSW that is also a Water Supply Authority and for which IPART sets maximum prices. Submissions to the Issues Paper and responses to the Have Your Say survey can be made via IPART’s website and are due by November 1. The Issues Paper, the Council’s pricing proposal, and information on how to register for the upcoming public hearing are also available on IPART’s website. IPART will set new prices to apply from July 1, 2022. Terry Collins and Sue Murray

No regional travel as COVID cases remain high Central Coast residents have a clearer idea of the path out of lockdown, with October 11 expected to be the day when restrictions are eased as the state records a 70 per cent double vaccination rate. While doubly vaccinated Coasties will experience a brace of new freedoms, they will still not be able to travel to other parts of regional NSW, with daily COVID-19 numbers still too high. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said growing case numbers on the Central Coast

and in the Illawarra had NSW Health considering them two of the most concerning areas in the state. “If our case numbers decline and vaccination rates continue to rise between now and October 11, I will absolutely advocate for this health decision to be reconsidered,” Crouch said. Once 70 per cent double vaccination rates are achieved a number of freedoms will come into play for those who have had two vaccinations. Up to five visitors will be allowed in a home, hospitality and retail (including hairdressers and nail salons)

will reopen with restrictions, sporting facilities and outdoor recreation facilities will once again be open along with gyms and indoor recreation facilities, again under strict COVID rules. Once the 80 per cent mark is reached (expected to be around October 25), up to 10 visitors will be allowed in a home and 20 will be allowed at outdoor gatherings, community sport will reopen and cinemas and theatres will once again operate under COVID safe protocols. Those without a double vaccination will have to wait a little longer to benefit from the easing restrictions.

NSW Labor has called for clarification on some of the measures, particularly around: necessary protections for cafes, gyms, restaurants, pubs and other businesses enforcing public health measures; contingencies for businesses if staff test positive; how contact tracing and isolating will work once we reopen; whether the police will be able to inquire as to someone’s vaccination status; and if the Service NSW vaccination proof app will be ready for October 11. The news comes as case numbers on the Central Coast rose to 713 on September 30, with 212 new positive results

announced in the past week and 310 cases active as at October 30. On September 24, 34 cases were announced, only nine of whom were in isolation whilst infectious, and on September 25, 31 more were confirmed, again with only nine in isolation during their infectious period. September 26 saw the announcement of 30 more positive cases, with four in isolation whilst infectious and on September 27, 29 more were confirmed, with only two in isolation during the critical infectious period. On September 28 the region’s third death during the current

outbreak was confirmed, with the death of a man in his 70s at Gosford Hospital and 29 more positive cases were confirmed, with nine in isolation whilst infectious. September 29 saw 23 more cases announced, nine on whom were in isolation during the infectious period, and on September 30, 36 new cases were confirmed, with 12 of them in isolation whilst infectious. Residents are reminded to continue to check the NSW Health website for Central Coast exposure sites. Terry Collins

Serving the Central Coast community with honesty and care ensuring that the Funeral Services we provide reflect the true meaning of someone's life. Floral Services / Pre Paid Funerals / After Service Catering

W: mackayfamilyfunerals.com.au | E: admin@mackayfunerals.com | A: 249 Pacific Hwy Ourimbah NSW 2258 | P: 4362 2733

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

PAGE 13 1 OCTOBER 2021

The lockdown will end on Monday 11 October, which is the first Monday after we reach the 70% milestone.

 

The Premier has announced a 3 stage roadmap NSW for restrictions to ease for everyone in NSW. At the 70% and 80% milestones, only those who are fully vaccinated (aged 16+) and with medical exemptions can participate.



Due to the Central Coast region’s consistently 70%, fully high case numbers, when we reach 70% vaccinated people will be able to travel between the Central Coast and Sydney.

 

80%, fully vaccinated people When we reach 80% will be able to travel anywhere in NSW.



Since 21 August, the NSW Government’s Public Health Orders have classified the Central Coast NSW region as part of Regional NSW.



More information is available at: www.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19

This is a safe way of re-opening so that our Hospitals and Health staff are not overwhelmed.

Adam Crouch MP

Member for Terrigal

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

terrigal@parliament.nsw.gov.au adamcrouchmp

adamcrouchmp

PAGE 14 1 OCTOBER 2021

NEWS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Social network celebrates fun and friendship The 37 Probus Clubs on the Central Coast are set to celebrate Probus Day on October 1 and throughout the month, with many activities going virtual in view of COVID-19 restrictions.

Probus clubs on the Central Coast hope to resume outdoor activities once COVID restrictions are eased

The social network for retirees and semi-retirees has been active in NSW for more than 45 years. The theme for this year’s Probus Day is ‘Celebrate Probus – do a friend a favour’. “Probus is all about fun and friendship in retirement and provides senior members of our community with the opportunity to make new friends, experience new

hobbies, participate in a wide variety of activities and enjoy listening to interesting guest speakers,” NSW Director Bill Killinger said. “There are thousands of retirees and semi-retirees across Australia who will be celebrating Probus Day with special morning teas, lunches, themed meetings, events and so much more. “The current restrictions will not prevent our community from celebrating Probus Day with many of the activities going virtual. “The benefits of social connections in the mature generation are well documented – they have a positive affect

both physically and mentally.” Killinger said members would be doing their friends a favour by helping them to join, stay engaged and connected through their local Probus Club. “The Probus message is clear, we all need to focus on our social well-being,” he said. “Probus clubs across the country are inviting anyone that is retired or semi-retired to consider joining their local club to experience Probus fun and friendship.” Go to www. probussouthpacific.org to find your nearest Probus Club. Source: Media release, Sep 29 Probus NSW

Treasurer announces beginning of end for COVID payment Thousands of Central Coast residents receiving the temporary COVID-19 Disaster Payment in place since June 2020 will see changes in applying for the benefit as part of the economic recovery plan for NSW. Under the payment, eligible recipients received $750 per week if they lost over 20 hours

of work, $450 per week if they lost between eight and 20 hours and $200 per week for those on income support payments who lost over eight hours of work. Federal Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, announced that the temporary payment will begin to transition once any state reaches 70 per cent full vaccination of its population (16 years and older).

Once NSW reaches 70 per cent full vaccination, expected to be on October 11, the automatic renewal of the temporary payment will end and individuals will have to reapply each week for as long as the Central Coast remains classified as a Commonwealth Hotspot. Where a Commonwealth Hotspot remains in place and NSW reaches 80 per cent full

vaccination of its population (16 years and older), the temporary payment will step down over a period of two weeks before ending. In the first week after NSW has reached 80 per cent vaccination there will be a flat payment of $450 for those who have lost more than eight hours of work, while those on income support will receive $100.

In the second week, the payment will be brought into line with JobSeeker at $320 for the week for those who have lost more than eight hours of work, while the payment will end for those on income support. For those who haven’t already returned to the workforce following the end of the temporary payment “the social security system will support

eligible individuals back into work”. The Government will leave the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment in place until June 30, 2022. Source: Media release, Sep 29 Federal Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg

Long weekend free of double demerits Motorists will be given a reprieve this October long weekend with a hold placed on traditional double-demerits for driving infringements. Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said the customary

double-demerits process would be suspended for the duration of the October long weekend to give the people of NSW a break. “It’s been a long, tough COVID-blighted year in NSW and the long weekend marks a point in this journey where we can see the finishing line,”

Elliott said. “Stay-at-home orders continue to apply to much of NSW, so the only people on the roads in lockdown areas should be those with a reasonable excuse. “This is in no way a green light for drivers to break the rules, and Traffic and Highway

Patrol officers will be out in force as usual, but this weekend we won’t be doubling-up the demerits. “I urge all drivers out on NSW roads this coming weekend to take care while driving, obey the road rules and directions of police, and stay safe,” Elliott said.

NSW Police Commissioner, Michael Fuller APM, reminded drivers that Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will still be active this long weekend to keep the state’s roads safe. “Drivers who break the rules will be stopped and fined, and will still get demerit points off their licence, but it will not be

twice the number of demerits. “Stick to the speed limit, put your phone down and observe the road rules.” Source: Media release, Sep 27 Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

NEWS

PAGE 15 1 OCTOBER 2021

Local doctor stands for Labor in Robertson Central Coast Doctor and Wiradjuri man, Gordon Reid, will stand for the hotly contested seat of Robertson at the next Federal election as the Labor candidate. Reid was joined by the Labor Party Leader,Anthony Albanese, Labor Senator Deborah O’Neill and Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, at Umina Surf Life Saving Club on September 27 to confirm his candidacy. Spending the last five years working as a doctor at Woy Woy, Gosford and Wyong Hospitals, the 29-year-old said he felt honoured to stand for election in his hometown. “I’ve lived and worked on the Central Coast for my entire life,” Reid said. “I know there is a lot of hard work ahead and I’m fully committed to doing my very best to highlight local issues and get a better deal for our community. “My family has been involved in the Labor Party on the Central Coast for three generations and it was Labor values that brought me to a career in medicine and caring for others. “As a local, I understand what’s important to our community and I know firsthand that the Central Coast wants someone to represent them and to let their voices be heard in the Federal Parliament.”

Labor leader Anthony Albanese with candidate for Robertson, Gordon Reid

Reid attended Umina Beach Public School and Central Coast Grammar School before studying medicine at Newcastle University. Most recently he has served as an emergency doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said it was this work that will help shape his policy decisions. “I love working in the emergency department – as a doctor, I can help that patient and extend that help to their family – but in this role, with my expertise from the health

system, I’m able to help change the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of Central Coast residents,” Reid said. “I have been humbled by the crisis to work alongside health colleagues on the Central Coast – I’m very proud to work alongside them. “I will be advocating for the health needs of residents, supporting increased access and increased affordability of primary care and general practitioner services. “It’s sitting down and talking with our local GPs and finding

out how best we can support them and how we can improve patient access to their services. “I had a shift just prior to this latest lockdown, and there were almost 100 people in that department and there was a significant proportion of them that were there because they couldn’t get in to see their GP, or they couldn’t afford it because they’re no longer bulk billing. “I will be a champion for better health services for my community and a strong advocate for good local jobs in

the region.” Albanese said Reid would be an “outstanding” Member for Robertson. “This is an amazing candidate for Labor, and I want to thank Dr Reid for putting himself forward, for having the courage to stand for Labor at a Federal level,” Albanese said. “He represents the best opportunity to have serious representation here on the Coast. “He’s a proud Coastie, he will bring that health expertise and experience to our national

parliament and I’m very confident that we can win this electorate.” Despite sitting Member, Lucy Wicks, increasing her margin to 4 per cent at the last election, Reid said he was confident in securing enough support to win the seat. Wicks has held the seat since 2013. “I’m very confident because we are going to be listening to the issues in the electorate,” Reid said. “Coasties deserve better than an invisible MP who has failed for eight years to deliver for our community and stood by watching as we’ve been continually overlooked. “The Government has failed on the vaccination roll-out, failed on health services, failed on aged care and failed on PEP11, and most importantly failed to deliver adequate economic support for our communities. “[We are] going to listen to their concerns and move forward and progress the Coast with a bold, new fresh vision. “Coming out of the pandemic, we need to make change for the better. “A Labor Government and a Labor MP will always make sure that Robertson gets its fair share and that Coasties have a strong voice in Canberra.” Terry Collins and Maisy Rae

Grants available for local projects Not-for-profit and charity organisations on the Central Coast seeking funding for local projects have until midnight on October 22 to apply for a grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation as part of its latest funding round. The Charitable Foundation has $800,000 on offer to support community-based organisations across regional NSW that require funding for a new or existing project aiming to address disadvantage or empower new opportunities for marginalised or isolated people. “In the context of continuous restrictions and lockdowns, local charities and not-forprofit organisations have found carrying out their normal work more difficult and complex, and in some cases impossible,” said Charitable Foundation Executive Officer, Graham Batten. “All at a time when they are needed more than ever, with the growing impact of COVID-19

being felt across Australia, and the world. “While COVID-19 is a global problem, we’re looking local. “We believe we can make a real difference by supporting grass-roots organisations, embedded in their local communities across regional

NSW. “That’s why we want to hear from charities and not-forprofit groups; together we can help to rewrite the future, for the better.” Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has a long history of supporting

regional communities. Since 2003 its grant program has invested more than $23M in 512 projects and initiatives to help local communities’ most vulnerable people. Applying for a Charitable Foundation funding grant is a straight-forward process,

completed via an application portal on its website. The Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation distributes approximately $1.5M in grants each year to facilitate charitable projects that address disadvantage, marginalisation, and isolation in local communities

throughout the Hunter, Central West, Central Coast, New England, Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers regions of NSW. Source: Media release, Sep 28 Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation

PAGE 16 1 OCTOBER 2021

FORUM

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Education short-changed for electioneering Our education system seems to have been in difficulty for some time, and the latest figures indicate that it is not getting better (“Teacher shortage in 18 schools”, CCN 311). The teacher shortage on the Central Coast is not unique to the region, but, beyond some token attempt to lure students into teacher-training courses, nobody in government cares. It is bad enough that there isn’t a sufficient number of teachers to give proper attention to our children, but it is probably even worse that teachers are, by all accounts, teaching subjects in which they are not qualified, for lack of any proper person for the job. This must be stressful for the teachers, and, of course, it is difficult to see how children can possibly be adequately instructed in a subject by a teacher who is, I suppose, reading a few pages ahead of them in the textbook. Obviously, the main reason is that teachers are poorly paid,

HYLAND BYTES reflecting the low priority that our government puts on education. Perhaps the government prefers an electorate that is just literate enough to vote but not knowledgeable enough to make a reasoned judgement about political issues and policies. Unfortunately for politicians, they might find that, with the weedlike spread of influencers on social media, this policy could backfire on them. Particularly in the USA, we are already seeing how considerable blocs of voters can be rallied to support political candidates (often of extremist views) that could pose a threat to the comfortable status quo our representatives are accustomed to. This might be the only thought that could focus attention on what is needed in the education sector, if we are to continue to be the lucky country we have been in the past. The first thing that is needed

is bigger budgets, especially for subjects we need to emphasise, to deal with the technological changes rapidly coming upon us. Then we have to improve the status of teachers, so that they are seen as more than just caretakers in a space where children are parked for the day to keep them off the streets. We have to redistribute our teaching resources, so that disadvantaged children get a fair share of educational opportunity. In this respect, the policy of our federal government is a shameful disgrace: how can we accept the lavishing of heated indoor swimming pools on the wealthiest schools in the country, when other schools can’t even provide basic supplies to students. Pork-barrelling for votes will always be with us, but to short-change our children’s education for electioneering advantage should be too low even for our politicians. Email, Sep 27 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

Disputing climate with a nod to nuclear I refer to the letter by Rafaele Joudry of Narara (CCN 311). Your correspondent paints a typically catastrophic scenario but perhaps forgets about the regular occurrence of natural disasters throughout known history. It’s interesting that the IPCC makes such grand proclamations that we only have “10 years to cut global emissions” in order to set some non-existent planetary thermostat to a “perfect” level. We have had decades of catastrophic models and hysterical prognostications that have been repeatedly proven faulty or exaggerated

FORUM – but gravely declared – such as that “children will never again see snow” and “if rain falls, it will not fill our dams and rivers”. Remember Al Gore said the world will end in 2014 and Tim Flannery said all our dams and rivers would dry up and we would become a dust bowl. Indeed, “we must demand our governments bring their resources to bear” to prioritise reliable low-emission energy (if you wish) and catch up with the rest of the civilised world (and no small number of developing nations), by

developing our own nuclear power industry – at least it will provide reliable baseload energy, which is essential to underpin our enviable standard of living. France generates 75 per cent of its energy needs with nuclear power, it is also their biggest export – yes nuclear generated power. Mr Joudry should tour the 40km water’s edge of Brisbane Water and try to find a scrap of evidence that the water is rising or that it is getting warmer - just a clue, look at the thousands of poles in the water. Email, Sep 28 Godfrey Franz, Gosford

Questioning slow vaccination rate I have noticed Adam Crouch’s huge full-page ad regarding the number of people on the Coast who aren’t vaccinated. Two weeks ago it was 60,000 and in the last issue it was 50,000.

CCN

What is wrong with these people that they can’t look after their family, friends, and themselves by being vaccinated? It’s free for heaven’s sake! Email, Sep 28 Diane Wilkinson, Narara

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

Follow the trail I’d like to invite residents to take a walk in our Coastal Open Space System (COSS). I’m the type of person that complies to the law, to signage and reasonable requests, especially to preserve special things in nature or our natural areas. I’m inviting residents to take a walk off the usual trails in COSS during lockdown to take a look at what is hidden in our bushland – the damage and destruction. Not the flowers and trees which, by the way, are magnificent. Take the time to note a pink or red ribbon on a tree, or a broken sapling or damaged tree trunk and walk on the narrow track you see just beyond that. Take time to see the extensive earth works which are invading our bushland at an ever-increasing rate. Take time to wonder who did this and why they feel so entitled

FORUM that they undertake this damage? What motivated them to think they have the right to dig holes, build mounds, create retaining walls, break up and relocate rocks and cut down saplings to create structures for the thrill of the ride. What gives these people the sense that they have the right to destroy endangered ecological communities and sensitive bushland for their personal trail? Why do they feel entitled to create such devastation and take from not just us but from our children and their children the magnificent natural beauty of the bush. It is difficult to articulate my emotions concerning this destruction, and to attempt to justify in my mind why fellow humans feel they have a right to break laws and feel justified in their actions.

The Gosford area is the way it is because of activists of the past with long-term thinking. Determined, strong of voice, educated and passionate individuals like Allen and Beryl Strom and Marie Byles who saw the beauty and environmental value of the area. We have a responsibility as residents and caretakers of this area to ensure these magical and magnificent places are kept and not sliced up bit by bit. So take time to go off the official tracks and see for yourself the destruction and damage occurring. See how they use chainsaws, spades and other tools to create their own trails while they destroy what doesn’t belong to only them or us, as we are merely the custodians for future generations. Email, Sep 29 Joy Cooper, Green Point

Every citizen needs to fix climate problem I agree with Raphael Joudry (Forum, September 24) that we need to act promptly and effectively to reduce emissions; but instead of looking only at the government to solve the problem, we should look at the root cause of our emissions, which is every individual Australian. The media and environmental warriors focus entirely on the manner in which electricity is produced to solve the emissions problem. Changing to more environmentally sensitive production is vital but changing the pattern of consumption of energy is also essential, particularly as it will reduce emissions in the shorter term while the transition to more environmentally sensitive power production can be implemented. Most passenger vehicles sold in Australia are now 250 to 300 kg of steel, aluminium and plastic heavier than they were 50 years ago (up from 1350kg to 1650kg for a five-person vehicle). Many are far heavier, but still only carry very few people. The emissions savings by not producing and applying that extra material, plus the energy saving

FORUM of not transporting that extra weight every time the vehicle is used would generate a substantial reduction in the demand for energy. While I accept that part of the extra weight has safety benefits, the majority is purely for luxury and human energy saving devices within the vehicle. Count how many electric motors there are in the modern motor car to save the driver and passengers using their muscles to open windows, vents and doors. Similarly, home air-conditioning. It is perfectly comfortable to live between 15° and 25°C, yet so many homes, shops and offices have air-conditioning running 24 hours a day to maintain a temperature of 23°, consuming an enormous amount of electricity to achieve that. This is something that every individual can control, but doesn’t, because they have been educated to believe that only the government can solve the emissions problem. Power production is demand driven. Energy producers only produce as much as they can sell. So reducing demand

immediately reduces production and emissions. The elephant in the room, of course, is nuclear power to generate electricity. One of the reasons people are against nuclear is because it takes so long to come online. Had we started building a couple of modern technology, decent sized reactors 10 years ago, they would now be operating and we could close down our coal-fired power stations. But every day that the fear mongers and parliaments reject the superiority of nuclear to produce our ongoing energy needs, extends the time which coal and gas will be used to produce that power. It’s time Australian citizens let their Parliamentary representatives know that the vast majority are prepared to accept nuclear power for electricity production so the government can reject the loud minority against it. Instead of saying “the government” should fix this problem, we should accept that it is every citizen’s responsibility to solve this problem and get on with doing so.

YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE

Email, Sep 27 Ian Frost, Pretty Beach

CALL 02 4325 7369 OR SEE WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 17 1 OCTOBER 2021

Artists exhibit Bouddi inspired works Leah Bennetts with her works, Waratah Patch and Hanasaki - Red Crab

Meg Lewer of Wagstaffe and Leah Bennetts of Pretty Beach are just two of more than 20 artists who will be featured in an online art show to be presented by the Bouddi Society from October 2-12. Lewer looks to Bouddi National Park for inspiration for her artworks, which are always paired with an inspirational poem, song or quote. “I do not paint the landscape; the sensation and experience of applying the mediums, become the landscape,” Lewer said. “After many years of painting and drawing, I felt I could not

express an emotional response to my vision using conventional methods and began experimenting with Spirit Based Inks. “Acid free, fast drying and translucent, they hum with a creative energy of their own. “I love colour, its subtlety, boldness, restfulness and cheekiness and these inks swirl and move of their own accord, but they need manipulation and control to reign in their playfulness and allow me to echo the spirit and aura of the subject. “Adding other mediums within the body of the painting allows the viewer his own interpretation of the work, a place he can escape to, and

the creation of his own story.” Lewer’s artworks aim to capture the beauty of nature with whimsical romanticism. “I find great inspiration in the beautiful Bouddi National Park, which is at my back door, and the sound of the Brisbane Water,” she said. With a main focus on printmaking, painting and textile arts, Bennetts draws much inspiration for her art from the deep connection she feels to the “vast natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, flora and fauna, along with the people who reside here, past and present”. A graduate of Newcastle Art School where she completed an Advanced Diploma of Visual

Art, majoring in printmaking and painting, Bennetts has been a finalist in the Gosford Art Prize and the Newcastle Emerging Artist Prize and received a Highly Commended in Art In The Open. Before concentrating entirely on her art making she had a successful career in the fashion industry and in the performing arts working in costume for film, television and theatre. She is also a graduate of Dress Design at the National Art School (East Sydney Tech) and a Bachelor Of Dramatic Art (Costume) from NIDA. An active member of The Makers Studio Inc, Bennetts is a regular participant in The

Bouddi Art Trail and the Bouddi Society exhibitions and is involved with Art In The Open (5 Lands Walk). “I am very happy to be part of this fundraiser art show,” she said. “It is wonderful to be able to contribute to this worthy foundation which does so much to support upcoming visual and performing artists on the Central Coast.” The customary Art Show at Wagstaffe, held each year on the October long weekend, has been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, with the online show to be held in its place. The theme of the show is Bouddi Life and all artwork will

be to that theme, with the show open to all artists who reside on the Bouddi Peninsula or have close ties with it. More than 20 artists will exhibit, ranging from professionals to hobbyists, with art forms including traditional paintings in oils and acrylics, limited edition prints, ceramics and wood sculptures. Art work will be for sale and can be purchased directly from the artist. The show will be hosted on the Bouddi Society Website in the Artshow folder; www. bouddisociety.org.au/ artshow. Terry Collins

PAGE 18 1 OCTOBER 2021

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 19 1 OCTOBER 2021

New album from ‘that Gosford band’ More than 25 years after they first made a splash on the Central Coast music scene in the early 90s, three original members of the band Malakye Grind have reunited to put out a new album, with Music for Midnight People debuting at #47 on the Australian iTunes charts in midSeptember. The album also made its way into Top 20 Australian Streams via the Play MPE charts along with Baker Boy, Birds of Tokyo and Paul Kelly. Band member, Rob Smith, said the album was completed in the midst of COVID-19 lockdowns across two continents. Based in the US since 2014, Smith said the new album combines a lot of different influences experienced by band members over the years. “We had the luxury of time and we’re really happy with the way it turned out,” he said. “With no deadline, we could get everything right and make the album the way we wanted

The band in the early 90s with original drummer Matt Dorahy

it made. “We were a bit surprised when it went into the charts. “We’re just a band from Gosford.” Smith joined forces with guitarist, Pat Burke, and bass player, Brook Rees, in the very early 90s, when they were all high school students, Smith at Henry Kendall and Burke and Rees at Gosford High.

“We formed to enter YIPA and just went from there,” Smith said. The band went on to score successful releases and soldout home turf concerts and is considered by many to be one of the original pioneering bands of the Central Coast music scene. Receiving its first major radio airplay with the single Mind Buzz, the band played hundreds

of shows in Australia gathering a following of committed fans before disbanding, with members moving on to different areas of the Australian and US music industries. Smith, who also featured in several Gosford Musical Society productions in the 90s, relocated with his family to Los Angeles in 2014 to pursue work opportunities. “The band got together for a

one-off gig at Erina Leagues Club in 2011 and we’ve stayed in touch ever since,’” he said. “Pat and I kept doing rough demos and Brook had written a few songs; over the last 10 years we had probably done demos of 30 songs between us. “Just as COVID was starting to hit in Oz the first time (in early 2020) Brook and Pat were going to get together to do

some tracking but that all went out the window, with Brook now based in Queensland and Pat still on the Coast. “But due to the wonders of technology, they were able to get some demos together remotely and I was able to add the vocals from LA and we had something that looked like the bare bones of an album. “Brook secured Dave Sanders from Byron Bay as session drummer and we had the album mixed in Sydney, with none of us in the same room at the same time. “Somehow the chemistry has remained intact.” Smith said the band members were still writing songs and he hoped to get back to Australia for some live gigs in the nottoo-distant future. Meanwhile the band has signed with UK-based music production label Extreme Music (Sony Publishing) for its music to be used on film and television in the US and the UK. Terry Collins

Rush sculptures to feature on television show The team from television show Better Homes and Gardens visited the Coast on September 23 to film an episode on Central Coast artist Peter Rush.

Better Homes and Gardens Film Crew with Peter Rush at Chittaway Bay on September 23

FREECALL - 1800 891 691 4324 7699

131-133 Donnison Street Gosford brazelmoorelawyers.com.au

The crew and host, Johanna Griggs, filmed segments at Spencer Wharf, featuring the Egyptian inspired sculpture Serenity, and Kulnura One Stop Jerry’s Café, featuring the piece The Laughing Owl, as

well as interviewing Rush at Chittaway Bay to learn about his new sculpture, a polar bear made from driftwood currently in Tuggerah Lake. On his Instagram page, Rush says the Polar Bear is made of local weeds which bleach in the sun when the lake drops, and the body is made with lantana found on site bound with flax. Harry Mulholland

Serenity at Spencer Wharf Photo: Tim Freer

WORKING WITH YOU At Brazel Moore Lawyers, we are still here to help through the lockdown.

We are offering zoom or telephone appointments and lockdown is a great time to get on top of any legal issues. We have a friendly and experienced team of lawyers, paralegals and support staff to care for all of your legal needs. We pride ourselves on taking the time to listen carefully to you so we can properly assess your legal problem or business opportunity. We live here and are part of your community. We are committed to looking after your legal matters in your time of need. • Conveyancing: • Buying & Selling Domestic Property • Buying and Selling Investment Property • Buying and Selling Businesses • Leasing • Criminal Law

• C ompensation including – • Personal Injury Claims • Medical Negligence Claims • Public Liability Claims • Motor Vehicle Accident Claims • Historical Sexual and Institutional Abuse Claims • Workers Compensation Claims

• P robate & Estates • C hallenging Wills • E state Planning including – • Wills • Powers of Attorney • Appointments of Enduring Guardian

• Family Law including – • Divorce • Property Settlement • Children’s Orders • All other areas of general legal practice.

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

ABC (C20/21)

Friday 1 October

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

Saturday 2 October

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

Sunday 3 October

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

PRIME (C61/60)

News Breakfast [s] 6:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 9:00 Q&A [s] 11:30 Grand Designs (PG) [s] 12:00 1:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 2:00 Foreign Correspondent [s] That Pacific Sports Show [s] 2:30 The Capture (M l,v) [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:00 The Repair Shop [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 5:00 6:00 The Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] Gardening Australia [s] Des (M l) [s] – In 1983 Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen was arrested after the discovery of human remains which had blocked a drain near his London home. 8:30 Capital (M l) [s] You Can’t Ask That (M l) [s] ABC Late News [s] 11:00 The Vaccine [s] Question Everything [s] 12:00 Frayed (MA15+) [s] 1:00 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:00 rage (PG) [s] rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 5:00 Grand Designs: 5:30 The Street (M l) [s] Restoration Australia (PG) [s] 6:00 The School That Tried To 7:00 End Racism (PG) [s] Further Back In Time For Dinner: The 1940s (PG) [s] Landline [s] Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico (PG) [s] The Repair Shop [s] ABC News [s] Grantchester (PG) [s] Shetland (M l,v) [s] 10:00 Fires (M l) [s] Mrs Wilson (M) [s] rage Guest Programmer 12:00 (MA15+) [s] Daylight Saving Begins Clocks move forward one hour 1:00 to 3:00am 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:00 Insiders [s] 12:00 Offsiders [s] 1:00 The World This Week [s] 1:30 Compass [s] Songs Of Praise [s] 2:00 ABC News At Noon [s] Landline [s] Gardening Australia [s] Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico 4:00 5:00 (PG) [s] Todd Sampson’s Life On The 5:30 6:00 Line: Friction (PG) [s] 7:00 Secrets Of The Museum [s] Art Works [s] 8:05 Antiques Roadshow [s] Back Roads [s] 8:35 ABC News Sunday [s] Restoration Australia: Lyons 9:40 Fires (M) [s] We Hunt Together (MA15+) [s] Les Norton: Bush League 12:00 (MA15+) [s] Silent Witness: (MA15+) [s] China’s Artful Dissident (M) 1:00

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

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

TEN (C10)

NINE (C81/80)

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] House Of Wellness (PG) [s] 12:00 The Chase UK (PG) [s] 2:00 Cricket: Pre Game [s] 3:00 Cricket: Women’s Test Cricket: 4:00 Test 1: Australia v India: Day 2 5:00 *Live* [s] 6:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 7:00 The Chase Australia (PG) [s] 7:30 Seven News [s] Better Homes And Gardens 8:00 [s] – Joh visits the home of former Olympian and SAS contestant Jana Pittman. Adam 8:30 meets a teenage blacksmith. Dr Harry shares the latest news from the Australian Reptile 11:20 Park. Movie: “Crazy Rich Asians” (M) (’18) Stars: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh Program To Be Advised 1:20 Program To Be Advised 1:30 Home Shopping 6:00 Home Shopping [s] 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 10:00 The Morning Show [s] 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: 12:30 Randwick/ Flemington [s] 1:00 Seven News At 5 [s] Border Security - Australia’s 1:30 2:30 Front Line (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Movie: “Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone” (PG) (’01) 4:30 5:00 – A boy learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned 5:30 6:00 son of two powerful wizards, 7:00 and is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft 7:30 and Wizardry to learn how to 9:45 become a wizard himself. Stars: Emma Watson Movie: “X-Men” (M h,v) (’00) 11:50 Stars: Hugh Jackman, James 12:45 McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence 1:00 Marvel’s Agents Of 2:00 S.H.I.E.L.D.: Inside Voices 3:00 (M v) [s] 5:30 Home Shopping 6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] The Morning Show Weekend 10:00 House Of Wellness (PG) [s] 11:00 1:00 Beach Cops (PG) [s] 1:15 Border Security International (PG) [s] Movie: “Viva Las Vegas” (G) (’64) Stars: Elvis Presley, Ann-Margret, Cesare Danova 3:05 Better Homes And Gardens 3:45 Seven News At 5 [s] Sydney Weekender [s] Seven News [s] 5:35 Homicide: With Ron Iddles 6:00 (PG) [s] 6:30 Border Security - Australia’s 7:30 Front Line (PG) [s] Manhunt: The Night Stalker (M v) [s] 9:30 Movie: “Ladies In Black” (PG) 10:30 (’18) Stars: Julia Ormond, 11:00 Angourie Rice, Rachael Taylor Orange Is The New Brown 12:00 (M) [s] Home Shopping 1:00

Today [s] 6:00 Today Extra (PG) [s] 7:00 NINE’s Morning News [s] 7:30 Global Citizen Live [s] Pointless (PG) [s] 8:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 12:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 1:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] 2:00 2:30 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 3:00 Country House Hunters 3:30 Australia: Encounter Bay, 4:00 South Australia [s] Country House Hunters 4:30 Australia: Langwarrin [s] Movie: “Catch Me If You Can” 5:00 6:30 (PG) (’02) Stars: Leonardo 7:30 DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Amy 8:30 Adams, Christopher Walken Movie: “The Founder” (M l) (’16) Stars: Michael Keaton, 9:30 Nick Offerman, John Carroll Lynch, Linda Cardellini, B.J. 11:00 Novak, Laura Dern Explore [s] 12:00 Home Shopping 1:00 6:00 Animal Tales (PG) [s] 6:30 Weekend Today [s] Today Extra - Saturday (PG) 7:00 7:30 Rivals [s] 8:00 Destination WA [s] Cybershack (PG) [s] The Hundred With Andy Lee 9:00 9:30 The Block: Kitchen Week/ Living Room And Dining Room 12:00 1:00 Week (PG) [s] 2:00 The Garden Gurus [s] NINE News: First At Five [s] 2:30 Getaway (PG) [s] 3:00 NINE News Saturday [s] 3:30 A Current Affair (PG) [s] Movie: “Bumblebee” (M v) (’18) 4:00 4:30 Stars: Hailee Steinfeld Movie: “Pacific Rim: Uprising” 5:00 6:00 (M) (’18) Stars: John Boyega Pearson: The Superintendent 6:30 (M) [s] 7:00 Explore [s] Program To Be Advised 9:00 Daylight Savings Starts 10:00 Home Shopping 11:00 Wesley Impact (PG) [s] 1:00 Animal Tales (PG) [s] 6:00 Weekend Today [s] 8:00 Sports Sunday (PG) [s] 8:30 Sunday Footy Show (PG) [s] 9:00 NRL: Grand Final Edition [s] 9:30 NRL: Intrust Super League: 12:00 Preliminary Final 1: Wynnum- 1:10 Manly Seagulls v Tweed 1:30 Seagulls *Live* [s] 2:00 NRL: Grand Final Day [s] 2:30 NRL: Intrust Super League: 3:00 Preliminary Final 2: North 3:30 Devils v Burleigh Bears *Live* 4:00 NRL: Grand Final Day [s] 4:30 NINE News Sunday [s] 5:00 NRL: Pre Match [s] 6:30 NRL: Grand Final: Penrith 7:30 Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs *Live* [s] 8:30 NRL: Post Match [s] 9:30 NINE News Late [s] The First 48: Soldier Down/ 10:30 Blood Vendetta (M) [s] 11:30 Cold Case - New Leads 12:30 Wanted (MA15+) [s] 1:30 Rivals [s] 4:30

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

SBS (C30)

The Talk [s] 5:30 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 11:00 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 11:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 1:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 2:00 Young Talent Time 2:50 Unmasked (PG) [s] 3:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 3:30 Farm To Fork [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:40 Left Off My Map [s] Everyday Gourmet [s] 4:10 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 5:30 The Project (PG) [s] 6:00 The Living Room [s] 6:30 Have You Been Paying 7:35 Attention? (M n) [s] 8:30 The Graham Norton Show (PG) [s] 9:35 Becky Lucas: Live At Enmore Cafe (MA15+) [s] 10:25 The Project (PG) [s] 10:55 The Late Show (PG) [s] Reel Action [s] 5:30 Religious Programs [s] 11:00 Healthy Homes [s] Escape Fishing With ET [s] 11:30 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 1:00 Adventures [s] 2:00 Taste Of Australia [s] Studio 10 Saturday (PG) [s] 2:05 The Living Room [s] The Dog House UK (PG) [s] 3:00 Everyday Gourmet [s] Jamie’s Easy Meals For 4:00 Every Day [s] 5:30 What’s Up Down Under [s] 6:30 Roads Less Travelled [s] 7:35 Farm To Fork (PG) [s] Taste Of Australia [s] 8:35 10 News First [s] Jamie’s Easy Meals For 9:35 Every Day [s] Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 11:20 The Dog House UK (PG) [s] Ambulance UK (M d) [s] FBI (M v) [s] 1:00 NCIS (M v) [s] 3:00 Home Shopping Religious Programs [s] 5:30 Roads Less Travelled [s] 1:00 Waltzing Jimeoin (PG) [s] 3:00 Destination Dessert (PG) [s] Studio 10 Sunday (PG) [s] 3:55 Program To Be Advised Farm To Fork [s] 4:00 Healthy Homes Australia [s] Everyday Gourmet [s] 4:30 My Market Kitchen [s] 5:40 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] Roads Less Travelled [s] 6:30 Waltzing Jimeoin (PG) [s] 7:30 Taste Of Australia [s] 8:30 10 News First [s] The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 9:30 The Masked Singer Australia (PG) [s] 11:10 FBI: All That Glitter (M) [s] FBI: Most Wanted: Exposed 12:05 (PG) [s] 1:40 FBI: International: Pilot (M) [s] 2:50 FBI: What Lies Beneath (M) [s] The Sunday Project (PG) [s] Home Shopping 3:50 CBS Mornings [s]

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 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) Worldwatch PBS Newshour Yulubidyi - Until The End (M) Welcome To Country (PG) NITV News: Nula Destination Flavour China Bitesize The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) Walking Britain’s Lost Railways: Durham (PG) Jeopardy! (PG) Letters And Numbers Mastermind SBS World News Curse Of The Mummy (PG) World’s Most Extraordinary Homes: Israel (PG) Inside Marks And Spencer (PG) SBS World News 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) Worldwatch NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) Worldwatch PBS Newshour Destination Flavour China Bitesize Motor Sports: Superbike World Championship, Spain Australia’s Forgotten Islands (PG) Rosemary’s Way (PG) The Battle Of Normandy (PG) SBS World News Celebrity Letters And Numbers Battle Of Britain: 3 Days To Save The UK (PG) 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) Movie: “The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir” (M l,v) (’18) Stars: Dhanush The Twinning Reaction (PG) Child Of Our Time: Turning 20 (PG) Worldwatch Speedweek Motor Sports: Superbike World Championship Destination Flavour China Bitesize Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) The Lost Season The Buildings That Fought Hitler (PG) SBS World News Inside Central Station (M) The Truth About Anxiety: Celia Pacquola (PG) Scotland: 1000 Years Of History (PG) 24 Hours In Emergency: Leap Of Faith (M) Food Fighter (M l) Blitzed - Nazis On Drugs (PG) Sinkholes - Deadly Drops: The Terror On Your Doorstep (PG) Football: FIFA Futsal World Cup: Final *Live*

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

SOLID BATHROOMS Advert

Builders Licence Number 204179C

PAGE 20 1 OCTOBER 2021

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

“Thank you, Scott, for your excellent advice and well-priced solution for our new bathroom.”

and workmanship is managed by one project manager and is fully insured.

“Each of your tradespeople who worked on our new bathroom were prompt, polite, tidy and talented.”

In addition, any reconfigurations are easily managed, for example, if a wall needs to be pulled down or a bath removed to have a larger walk in shower, you know the builder can manage this efficiently.

“I recommend Solid Bathrooms without any hesitation.”

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

Monday 4 October

ABC (C20/21)

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

Thursday 7 October

Wednesday 6 October

Tuesday 5 October

12:35 1:20 2:20 4:25 6:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:10 5:10 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:05 8:30 9:30 10:35 10:50 11:05 12:10 12:40 1:40 6:00 9:00 10:00 11:05 12:00 12:30 1:35 2:00 3:00 4:05 5:05 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:50 10:20 11:00 11:15 11:30 12:20 12:35 6:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 1:00 1:30 2:00 3:00 4:05 5:05 6:00 6:55 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:35 10:25 10:40 10:55 11:15

PRIME (C61/60)

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

TEN (C10)

NINE (C81/80)

PAGE 21 1 OCTOBER 2021

SBS (C30)

News Breakfast [s] 6:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 9:00 Landline [s] 11:30 Restoration Australia [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] Grantchester (PG) [s] Des (M l) [s] 2:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 3:00 The Repair Shop [s] 4:00 Grand Designs Australia (PG) 5:00 The Drum [s] 6:00 ABC News [s] 7:00 7.30 [s] 7:30 Australian Story [s] 8:30 Four Corners [s] Media Watch (PG) [s] China Tonight [s] Road To Now (M v) [s] ABC Late News [s] The Business [s] The School That Tried To End Racism (PG) [s] We Hunt Together (MA15+) [s] 10:45 11:15 Doing It In Public (PG) [s] rage (MA15+) [s] 12:30 The Drum [s]

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “Stop The Wedding” (PG) (’18) Stars: Niall Matter, 12:10 Lini Evans, Alan Thicke Program To Be Advised 2:00 The Chase UK (PG) [s] 3:00 Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] 4:00 5:00 Seven News [s] 6:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] 7:00 SAS Australia: Grit (PG) [s] 7:30 Movie: “Deadpool” (MA15+) (’15) – A fast talking mercenary with a morbid sense of humour 9:00 is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with 10:30 11:00 accelerated healing powers and a quest for revenge. Stars: Gina Carano, Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, TJ Miller The Latest Seven News [s] Station 19: Comfortably Numb 12:00 1:00 (M v) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

Today [s] Today Extra (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Explore [s] Movie: “The Pink Panther 2” (PG) (’09) Stars: Steve Martin, Jean Reno, Emily Mortimer Pointless (PG) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] The Block: Living Room And Dining Room Reveal (PG) [s] Controlling Britney Spears (M) [s] NINE News Late [s] The Arrangement: Truth (M l,s,v) [s] – Megan and Kyle confront a dark truth from Kyle’s past, putting both of them at odds with Terence. New Amsterdam: Pilot (M) [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Home Shopping

6:00 The Talk [s] 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 8:00 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (M) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Farm To Fork [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Freshly Picked [s] 4:00 Everyday Gourmet [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Masked Singer Australia (PG) [s] 8:30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (MA15+) [s] 9:30 Just For Laughs (MA15+) [s] 10:00 Rhys Nicholson: Live At Darlinghurst Theatre (M) [s] 11:30 The Project (PG) [s] 12:30 The Late Show (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

6:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Inside Central Station: Rain (M) 3:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:00 The Supervet (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 10 Mistakes: Hindenburg (M) 8:30 Secret Scotland: Isles Of Lewis And Harris (PG) 9:25 24 Hours In Emergency: Lasting Legacy (M) 10:20 SBS World News 10:50 Outlier (MA15+) (In Norwegian/ Saami) 11:40 An Ordinary Woman (M l) (In Russian) 4:35 The September Issue (M l) 4:10 Vice Guide To Film (M l,v) 4:50 Destination Flavour Japan Bitesize

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 Four Corners [s] 12:00 Antiques Roadshow [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Shetland (M l,v) [s] 2:00 The Bletchley Circle - San 3:00 Francisco (M v) [s] 4:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 5:00 Escape From The City [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 6:00 7:00 The Drum [s] 7:30 ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] The Greek Islands With Julia Bradbury: Crete [s] The School That Tried To 8:30 End Racism (PG) [s] How To Live Younger [s] 9:30 ABC Late News [s] 10:30 The Business [s] 11:15 Q&A [s] China Tonight [s] The Cult Of The Family (M) [s] 12:00 The Bletchley Circle - San 1:30 Francisco (M v) [s]

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Girl Followed” (AKA ‘A Deadly Connection’) (M) (’20) Stars: Heather McComb Program To Be Advised The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] SAS Australia: Pressure (PG) [s] – Recruits are put under extreme pressure in a high speed, high intensity tactical driving mission. Australia: Now And Then: Rebels (M l) [s] S.W.A.T.: Animus (M v) [s] The Latest Seven News [s] Station 19: Say Her Name (M v) [s] The Real Dirty Dancing (PG) [s] Home Shopping

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

9:40 11:10 12:00 1:00 1:30

Today [s] Today Extra (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] The Block: Living Room And Dining Room Reveal (PG) [s] Getaway [s] Pointless (PG) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] The Block: Hallway, Laundry And Powder Room Week (PG) The Weakest Link (PG) [s] – Hosted by comedian and actress Magda Szubanski, The Weakest Link is a massively successful global quiz program known for its fast pace and quick wit. Travel Guides: Bali (PG) [s] Reverie: Despedida (M v) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Home Shopping

6:00 The Talk [s] 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 8:00 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (M) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Farm To Fork [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Freshly Picked [s] 4:00 Everyday Gourmet [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Masked Singer Australia (PG) [s] 8:30 The Cheap Seats (M l) [s] 9:25 NCIS: Blood And Treasure (M v) [s] 10:05 NCIS: Los Angeles: Angry Karen (M v) [s] 11:25 The Project (PG) [s] 12:25 The Late Show (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:05 Madonna - The Story Of The Songs 3:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:30 Destination Flavour China Bitesize 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Walking Britain’s Lost Railways: North Wales (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Great Alaskan Railroad Journeys (M) 8:30 Insight: Rage 9:30 Dateline: Women Of Everest 10:00 The Feed 10:30 SBS World News 11:00 The Point 11:30 Cacciatore: The Hunter (MA15+) 12:40 The A Word (M l,s)

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] The Recording Studio (PG) 11:30 12:00 The Repair Shop [s] ABC News At Noon [s] National Press Club Address Media Watch (PG) [s] 2:00 The Bletchley Circle - San 3:00 Francisco (M v) [s] 4:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 5:00 Escape From The City [s] 6:00 Grand Designs Australia (PG) 7:00 The Drum [s] 7:30 ABC News [s] 8:30 7.30 [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] Question Everything [s] Frayed (MA15+) [s] Would I Lie To You?: The Best Bits (PG) [s] Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M) ABC Late News [s] The Business [s] 10:30 Four Corners [s] 11:00 Media Watch (PG) [s] 12:00 Silent Witness (MA15+) 12:30

Sunrise [s] 6:00 The Morning Show [s] 9:00 Seven Morning News [s] 11:30 Movie: “Deadly Lessons” (AKA 12:00 ‘A Stolen Past’) (M v) (’18) Stars: Jessica Barth 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:00 The Chase UK (PG) [s] 3:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 4:00 The Chase Australia (PG) [s] 5:00 Seven News [s] 6:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] 7:00 SAS Australia: Drive (PG) [s] 7:30 Movie: “Unstoppable” (M l) (’10) – With an unmanned, half- 8:40 mile-long freight train barrelling 9:40 toward a city, a veteran engineer and a young conductor race against the 10:40 clock to prevent a catastrophe. 11:10 Stars: Denzel Washington, Chris Pine, Rosario Dawson The Latest Seven News [s] 12:05 Chicago Fire: Double Red (M) The Windsors (M) [s] 1:00 Home Shopping 1:30

Today [s] Today Extra (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] The Block: Hallway, Laundry And Powder Room Week (PG) Travel Guides: Bali (PG) [s] Pointless (PG) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] The Block: Hallway, Laundry And Powder Room Week (PG) Paramedics (PG) [s] Botched: Would You Like Pepperoni On Those Boobs? (M) [s] NINE News Late [s] Serial Killer With Piers Morgan: Alejandro Henriquez (MA15+) [s] Pearson: The Union Leader (M) [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Home Shopping

6:00 The Talk [s] 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 8:00 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Farm To Fork [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Freshly Picked [s] 4:00 Everyday Gourmet [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 Making It Australia (PG) [s] 9:00 Bull: Truth And Reconciliation (PG) [s] 10:00 Bull: Evidence To The Contrary (M) [s] 11:00 Bull: But For The Grace (M) [s] 12:00 The Project (PG) [s] 1:00 The Late Show (PG) [s] 2:00 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS Mornings [s]

5:00 5:15 5:30 1:00 2:00 2:30 3:30

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 Australian Story [s] The Greek Islands With Julia 12:00 Bradbury [s] How To Live Younger [s] 2:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 2:30 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] Question Everything [s] 3:00 The Bletchley Circle - San 4:00 Francisco (M v) [s] 5:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 6:00 Escape From The City [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 7:00 7:30 The Drum [s] Sammy J (PG) [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] 10:30 Foreign Correspondent [s] 11:00 Q&A [s] Secrets Of The Museum [s] 12:00 You Can’t Ask That (M l,s) [s] ABC Late News [s] The Business [s] Manolo - The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards (M l,s) [s] 12:30

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Social Media Murders” (M) (’19) Stars: Avaah Blackwell, Hayley Festeryga Kochie’s Business Builders Border Security International (PG) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] Cricket: T20 International Women: Australia v India: Match 1 *Live* From Metricon Stadium, Carrara [s] The Latest Seven News [s] Program To Be Advised Black-ish: Dre At Home Order (PG) [s] – Dre underestimates how hard operating during a pandemic will be for the Johnsons. Home Shopping

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

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

1:30 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:40

6:00 9:00 11:30 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:40

11:15 11:45 12:35 1:30

6:00 Today [s] 7:00 Today Extra (PG) [s] 7:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] The Block: Hallway, Laundry And Powder Room Week (PG) 8:00 World’s Greatest Cities (PG) 12:00 1:00 Pointless (PG) [s] 2:30 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 3:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 3:30 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 4:00 NINE News [s] 4:30 A Current Affair (PG) [s] The Block: Hallway, Laundry And Powder Room Week (PG) 5:00 Movie: “Jack Reacher” (M l,v) 6:30 (’12) – After five random people 7:30 are murdered in a small town, a 8:30 homicide investigator is thrust 9:30 into a conspiracy riddled 10:30 investigation where the truth is 11:30 anything but clear cut. Stars: 12:30 Tom Cruise, Lee Child NINE News Late [s] 1:30 The Fix: Revenge (M) [s] 5:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] Home Shopping

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

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

The Talk [s] 5:30 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 1:00 The Bold And The Beautiful 2:05 (PG) [s] Studio 10 (PG) [s] 3:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised 3:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:40 Freshly Picked [s] Everyday Gourmet [s] 4:10 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:05 10 News First [s] 5:30 The Project (PG) [s] 6:00 Making It Australia (PG) [s] 6:30 Gogglebox (PG) [s] 7:35 Program To Be Advised Blue Bloods: Hate Is Hate (M) The Project (PG) [s] 8:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 9:30 Home Shopping 10:35 Football: World Cup Qualifier: 11:05 Socceroos v Oman *Live* From Khalifa International Stadium 11:55

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

France 24 Feature News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Dateline: Women Of Everest Insight: Rage Destination Flavour China Bitesize The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) Walking Britain’s Lost Railways: Royal Deeside (PG) Jeopardy! (PG) Letters And Numbers Mastermind SBS World News Coastal Ireland With Adrian Dunbar (PG) Lost For Words (PG) War Of The Worlds (MA15+) SBS World News Atlantic Crossing (M v) (In Norwegian/ English) The Killing (M l) (In Danish) Vice Guide To Film (M l,v) Destination Flavour Worldwatch PBS Newshour Celine Dion: The Story Of The Songs Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) [s] Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) Walking Britain’s Lost Railways: Norfolk (PG) Jeopardy! (PG) Letters And Numbers Mastermind SBS World News Walking Britain’s Lost Railways: Northern Ireland (PG) Lost Temple Of The Inca (M) (In Spanish) The Victim (MA15+) SBS World News Criminal Planet: Red Market Organ Trafficking (MA15+) Mr Mercedes (MA15+)

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

PAGE 22 1 OCTOBER 2021

PUZZLES

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

ACROSS

60. Greasy 62. Whichever 65. Admires grudgingly 67. Phone kiosk 69. Strand 70. Wise guy, smart ... 72. Cloth border 73. Body fluid lumps 75. Muddle 77. Wine colour 79. From Emerald Isle 81. Knockouts (1,2) 82. Bring about 84. Cooking herb 85. Proper name 86. Medicine portion 87. Humility 88. Deer

1. Feeble 4. Speech 8. Pronounced 11. ... of Troy 13. Built-up (zone) 15. Lament for the dead 17. Genetic code carrier (1,1,1) 18. Beneath 20. Aegean or Caspian 21. Household job 24. Light-ray tool 27. Cane spirit 28. Love 30. Prank 31. Rage 33. Mother 34. Sexually pure DOWN 35. Use computer keyboard 1. Problems 36. Exam 2. Leading 39. Affixed with spikes 3. Barrel 42. Lower leg joint 4. Atop 44. Gain (respect) 5. Intense 45. Seeking damages 6. Inclined letter style from 7. Convent dwellers 46. US university 8. Hippy city, ... Francisco 48. Allege 9. Tennis champ, ... 49. Windmill blades Agassi 50. Forest plant 10. Student sleeping hall 52. French hat 12. Stretchy material 54. Religious offshoot 14. Scorched 55. Is brave enough 16. Shady 56. Tardiest the alphabet once only. 57. Nobleman 19. European currency

MISSING LINK

Fill in each letter of

units 22. Narcotic drug 23. Spans 25. Feeling sore 26. Readily 29. Outdoors (4-3) 32. Attain 35. Slow flow 37. Incident 38. Nervously 40. Equipped 41. Beach hills 42. Divine messenger 43. Roof edges 44. Restaurant patron 47. Milk sugar 51. Dirt-like 52. Totally deprived 53. Turned (hide) into leather 54. Story told in episodes 58. Fossil resin 59. Zodiac sign 61. Lagoons 63. Irritating 64. Gambled 65. Scratches out 66. Choose (government) 68. Neglects 71. Hardhearted 72. Posterior 74. Look 76. Import levy 78. Young society entrants 80. That woman 83. Pub drink

MISSING LINK Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only. Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

C B D O O L B U E A O T A L A R E S T O O G O OM I N L R E N N G O O R U A T D T

Z I P

E E T E O I FL O T S

N U A Y S C K U D O S

E S E E

Y A MISSING LINKR K A L A

B A O Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only. U I S A L R A O T M SI U I A RF IK D N E L A HN O I E L R E A A N T E L E U EA AO O D D N E S R LE E W DL S E E YP S E A T O CEL E ES S EI S F AA S R S U C ES G E A

RUR D X A S O O I L T EM O U S E K S I E I S A E E Y N S S K E E P S B P E D Y O O Z E S © Lovatts Puzzles

Missing Link Solution:

L B J U E F E A R O T A K U L A R G E S T MCCN O O G O V E N OM I N A L D R EW N B L O I N G O U F O Y E R Q U A C T D T H

E X A L T

U I Y T K

E B R

R E A M S

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS Missing Link Solution: Missing Link Solution:

Missing Link Solution:

K F K UN Z I P RUR E R Z D V E T S O OM O I T EM I S E L OP B S T S L E I GH S SO Y A E E Y

T A L X I T A I X E E D

Y FA Q K B KU O GA ALRA K R S NA E A U MI H J O S L Y A B R RA EG AO W T O O D D N E S S I I N FD I D E OW L S P U S N T E C L I P S E E S A SL HE CN T U UR S B E G P D R EW L E J U I C Y Z E B O E Y V T K R F A I R S M S

F O R D A T M E A L X E X LE E A ES M E A Y E S R A A L Q U I C K E H V Z A I N A

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 23 1 OCTOBER 2021

DOWN IN THE GARDEN: How to Grow Zinnias and Sunflowers Don’t overdo the fertiliser, about half what is recommended for other flowering plants will be sufficient. Water with care as zinnias are prone to fungal disease. To harvest, wiggle the stem at about 20cm down and if it feels stiff, not soft, it is ready to cut. Zinnias really respond well to a bit of additional aftercare once cut in the form of a flower preservative mixture. This can be store-bought, but you can make your own: to every 4 cups of warm water add 1 teaspoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of either bleach or vinegar. Stir to dissolve the sugar and allow to CHERALYN DARCEY reach room temperature before using. I’m loving lime ‘Green Envy’, ‘Salmon Need a happy boost in your life? Queen’ and the ‘Purple Prince’ this If you start now, you can easily have year. love to dig them up for a midnight a garden bed full of dazzlingly cut munch. Sunflowers flowers that will not only make your garden look delightful as they grow, but The King (and Queen) of happiness, If you follow my directions for zinnias you will also have a luscious supply of adored by artists the world over and so above, then you will have strong seedlings to pop in your garden within flowers for your home and for giving. easy to grow. a few weeks. I’ve chosen zinnias and sunflowers These days this North American as they can be sown by seed right now native can be found in a myriad of Check out the directions for spacing and are bright, cheerful, and rather colours and sizes so even if you haven’t particular to your selected varieties. easy to grow. Plus, I’m giving you my got the room for a ‘Russian Giant’ you Get your stakes in early for those that tips this week to ensure a bountiful can certainly still tuck in a few ‘Dwarf are going to be tall so that you do not disturb their roots later. crop and long-lasting blossoms. Sunsations’. Flowering plants will be one of three Sunflowers can be found in either the Harvest when the yellow bracts start types: annuals, which will complete more common singular stem or multi to unfurl and like all cut flowers, their life span within one year; branching and while you can ‘pinch remove all the foliage that will sit below biennials, which will grow one year and out’ the multi-branching to encourage the waterline in your vase. then flower and die the next; or they more blooms, this cannot be done with What’s a bract I hear some of you say? will be perennials, and these will live the singular sunflowers. beyond two years. You can plant the seeds directly into A sunflower is a composite flower. Zinnias and Sunflowers are both position, but I find possum and friends The centre is made up of countless annuals and this means fast growth and quick results (flowers!). Don’t forget to save your seeds for next year. Zinnias

tiny flowers all bunched together and what looks like large golden petals are a type of modified leaf. Sunflowers do not require any flower preservative or feeding but you should remove refresh the water and clean the stem stems and vase every few days. Seed Resources You can find a great selection of seeds at your local garden centre and here are a few of my favourite online seed companies: theseedcollection. com.au, diggers.com.au, edenseeds. com.au TASKS & TIPS FOR YOU THIS WEEK Make sure you are giving your seedlings a light watering of a seaweed-based solution as it will give

YOU & YOUR GARDEN - Brian Dye, From Tired Cottage Garden to Australian Native Paradise

These cheerful annuals are now available in a sunburst of colours, particularly by seed. Along with Dahlias, they are enjoying a big comeback in both the gardening and floristry worlds. There are now many different sizes of zinnias as well as interesting shapes such as pom-poms to daisy-like to fascinating spiky-petalled blossoms. To ensure a steady supply of blossoms through their season, try ‘successive planting’ by planting out a bed every 3 weeks. Although you certainly can sow your zinnia seeds directly in the ground a few weeks after the last frost, I’m more of a fan of sowing my seeds in degradable paper pots placed in trays first and raised in my little greenhouses to avoid the danger of spring pests as well as cold snaps. Once the seedings are about a month old, I take trays out to their eventual planting spot and leave for a week or so to acclimatise. Either way, you will need to space them out at least 30cm apart, depending on type, in well-draining soil. Once the first bud comes up, cut down the stems to just above a set of leaves to encourage the zinnia to branch out and produce more flowers. This technique is called ‘pinching out’.

Radio Presenter Brian Dye and his wife Adele transformed a neglected cottage garden of overgrown and failing plants in Umina. “We started out as a cottage garden and we had things like Agapanthus, Strelitzia, Oleander and we pretty much ripped out all of that and now we have an Australian Native Garden with a verge garden out the front as well. On the verge we have two large Prostrate Wattles, Geraldton Wax, two types of flowering Gums and a massive Calliandra.”

They have had fungal issues with the established Lilli Pillies but are working at present to overcome this. Their inspiration came from Adele wanting to have a garden that was part of the surrounding bush, and it is a great example of dedication to a vision and a willingness to get in there a give it a go. The addition of flowering natives still gives the garden a colourful feel that is the hallmark of the cottage garden but with a greater cohesiveness to the surrounding environment.

them strength to help fight off the bugs and disease. This week, you could plant artichokes, asparagus crowns, cape gooseberry, capsicum, beetroot, climbing and dwarf beans, cabbage, carrot, celery, chicory, choko, cress, cucumbers, eggplants, endive, melons, squashes, lettuce, spring onions, parsnip, peas, potatoes, radish, rhubarb crowns, salsify, silverbeet, sweet corn, alyssum, calendula, California poppy, carnation, celosia, chrysanthemum, cosmos, dahlia, dianthus, everlasting daisies, gazania, gerbera, marigold, petunia, salvia, zinnia, kangaroo paw, nasturtium, snapdragon, salvia. MOON GARDENING GUIDE: 11th 17th SEP With the waning moon in Taurus on Saturday this will be good day for planting root crops and tending to them. Sunday and Monday the moon settles into Gemini which will indicates an effective time for weeding and pest control. On Tuesday the waning moon enters Cancer which means that (it a good time for) taking cuttings from plants and thinning out seedlings. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday the waxing moon is in Pisces and this the best time to sow and plant above ground crops. Late Tuesday night the moon will move into Cancer making Tuesday day a good time for planting fruiting trees. With the last quarter of the waning moon in Cancer occurring on Wednesday you will need to make this a rest day. Thursday and Friday, the waning Cancer moon make these great days for soil enrichment, garden bed preparation and pest control. Cheralyn Darcey is a gardening author, community garden coordinator and along with Pete Little, hosts ‘At Home with The Gardening Gang’ 8 - 10am every Saturday on CoastFM963. She is also co-host of @ MostlyAboutPlants a weekly gardening podcast with Vicki White. Send your gardening questions, events, and news to: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail. com

PAGE 24 1 OCTOBER 2021 OUT&ABOUT

CCN

Not a Happy Family Author: Shari Lapena Publisher: Bantam Press

The Merton house is a mansion. Located in the Hudson Valley of New York, “on its vast expanse of lawn, presented like a cake on a platter.” In the garage sits a Porsche 911, which Fred drives in the summer, a Lexus for winter and the Mercedes for Sheila. The children grew up in the house and have moved away. But not too far. They will gather together for Easter dinner. Fred and Sheila have three children. Their son Dan is married to Lisa. He has modelled his life to run his father’s company, but that isn’t going to happen now as Fred sold the company because

CCN

BOOK REVIEW

he had no faith in Dan and thought Dan would run it into the ground. Money is tight since Dan is now unemployed and has locked all his savings into an investment scheme run by his sister’s friend Rose. And for some archaic reason he won’t let Lisa get a job. At Easter dinner he asks his father for a loan. Catherine is a dermatologist, which is a doctor so it is a profession that Fred can get behind. He is married to Ted, a dentist. With their double income they can afford their lovely home, but Catherine wants to live in her childhood home, for it is grander than hers. She has fantasies about hosting parties in that house, “and in her fantasy she’s never very old. Not much older than she is

now. Certainly not as old as she would be if her parents lived a long life and died of natural causes.” Jenna is an artist, a sculptor. Not a profession Fred can get behind – and her work is too obscene to display in the house. She is the odd one out with her black leather biker jacket, heavy black eyeliner and a

purple streak in her hair. As the family gather around the table for Easter dinner Fred announces that he has decided to sell the house. The very house that Catherine has dreams of owning one day. Catherine tries to talk him out of it. Did Catherine have expectations that the house would be hers? Fred is not sorry as the

decision has been made. Fred then tops off the night with a speech about how much Dan and Jenna have been a disappointment for him. He is proud of Catherine as she is a doctor, but she hasn’t been able to produce any grandchildren. At least he picks on them all equally. No one hangs around for dessert. When Irena, the long-time cleaning lady, arrives the next day for work, she discovers an awful scene. But did she tamper with evidence? Police will investigate but it seems the children are more concerned about the will then who killed their parents. There was not one character that was likeable Maybe Irena… yeah, she was ok.

But the others … just awful. Are there really people like that out there? I hope not – but I fear so. Shari Lapena is well-known as the author of best-selling novel The Couple Next Door, and pushes deeper into the psychological murder-mystery thriller with Not a Happy Family. I have mixed feelings about her latest offering. As you know, its hard for me to get behind a story when the characters are so grotesque. But, while it has some complexities, it is an easy and engrossing read that centres in on twisted family relationships and the perils of secrets and Lapena cleverly creates a sense of tension and suspicion. Oh, and the ending really got me. Kim Reardon The Reluctant Book Critic

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS

ARTS & CULTURE 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 ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE

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

CENTRAL COAST ART SOCIETY

We meet the second Saturday each month. Wyoming Memorial Community Hall. Contact us by email info@centralcoastpoets.com.au

or you may ring Clive 0419120347

HANDWEAVERS, SPINNERS AND TEXTILE ARTS GUILD

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

COMMUNITY GROUPS CENTRAL COAST CARAVANNERS

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

Lectures, demonstrations and discussion. Weekly paint-outs enquiries Tuesday. Phone: 0428 439 180 Workshops: 1st and 3rd COMMUNITY LEGAL Wednesdays 9.30 am to 12.30 CENTRE pm, at Gosford Regional Not for profit service providing Gallery & Art Centre. free legal advice Phone: 0409 666 709 Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm Social Meetings 1.30 pm on 4353 4988 4th Wednesday for contact@centralcoastclc.org.au demonstration 4325 1420

publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au

TUGGERAH LAKES ART SOCIETY

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

LEARN TO DANCE

Social ballroom dancing for all ages, all you need is a desire to learn and dance, no partner required. meet every Wed -Tuggerah community hall, 2:00pm Anne - 0409 938 345

Join us for the fun and enjoyment of art! Attend a weekly art group with mentors, exhibitions, anneglazier@y7mail.com workshops and a monthly members meeting with guests CENTRAL COAST MARINE and prizes, held on the 4th DISCOVERY CENTRE Thurs of the month at The Entrance Community Centre The revamped CCMDC is open. Schools and Group bookings 4333 8387 welcome by appointment. www.tlas.org.au Building has special needs president@tlas.org.au access and toilets Open 7 days 9am – 3pm. CENTRAL COAST POETS Terrigal. INC 4385 5027 Would you like to read, ccmdc@bigpond.com write and share your poetry. www.ccmdc.org.au We hold workshops and create anthologies.

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

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

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

able to sing harmony would be an advantage. See our website for details and upcoming concert. 4307 9355

Club Umina, Melbourne Ave, Umina Beach Visitors Welcome. 0414 280 375

www.centralcoastchorale.org

PROBUS CLUB OF KARIONG

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

Meets at Everglades Country Club Woy Woy, at 10am 3rd Tuesday each month. Enjoy a wide variety of Guest Speakers, Social outing and activities with Friendship Fellowship and Fun. 0407934003

newcastlesagroup@gmail.com Enjoy a diverse range of courses and activities for Support for those suffering POLITICAL PARTIES seniors. Keep your mind active with asbestos diseases and and make new friends. others interested in asbestos HENRY KENDALL 0408 704 701 issues. You are not alone, meet CENTRAL COAST GREENS LIONS CLUB OF WOY WOY www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au COTTAGE & with others who can share Local, state wide, national and Make new friends & have fun HISTORICAL MUSEUM their experiences. Bring a international issues and while serving your community VOLUNTEERING Visit our c1838 Cottage & family member or friend. campaigns Everglades Country Club Museum with exhibits of early 1pm at Ourimbah RSL on Council and parliamentary CENTRAL COAST 3rd Monday of each month settlers. School and group fourth Wed of each month. representation Refer potential volunteers to 0478 959 895 bookings. Members & Maree 0419 418 190 3rd Thur community organisations & volunteers welcome. Open centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au provide support to them. WOMEN’S GROUPS Wed/Sat/Sun 10.30am centralcoastgreens@gmail.com Training to volunteers and GROW MENTAL HEALTH 2:30pm. West Gosford WOMEN’S HEALTH managers of volunteers Info SUPPORT 4325 2270 sessions held regularly. LABOR PARTY CENTRES Small friendly groups formed www.henrykendallcottage.org.au 4329 7122 Counselling, therapeutic and to learn how to overcome OURIMBAH / NARARA Brisbane Water Historical Society recruit@volcc.org.au social groups, workshops, anxiety, depression and BRANCH loneliness and improve mental Discussion/action - community domestic violence and abuse FELLOWSHIP OF KINCUMBER MENS SHED health and well being. Weekly issues. All services provided by Issues - 3 levels of Kincumber mens shed in women for women FIRST FLEETERS meetings at Woy Woy and Government, Ourimbah Room association with Kincumber 4324 2533 For anyone interested Wyong. Grow is anonymous, - Ourimbah RSL, www.cccwhc.com.au Uniting Church op shop. in early history. free and open to all. 7.00pm - 1st. Monday Selling tools, machinery, Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. 1800 558 268 0410 309 494 clothing, books and household Point Clare Community Hall or www.grow.org.au SOROPTIMIST kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com items. on the first Saturday of 2nd Sat 10:30am INTERNATIONAL PROBUS CLUBS each month 8am - 12pm 4311 6254, 4340 4435 DYING WITH DIGNITY BRISBANE WATER 4369 7222 Campaigning to give those Making a difference in the lives AVOCA BEACH sparkes2251@outlook.com suffering unrelievable terminal of women & girls through or incurable illness the choice PROBUS CLUB awareness, advocacy & action COMMUNITY CENTRES COASTAL A CAPPELLA to receive legal medical with a great social program, 2nd Thur 7 pm Award winning women’s assistance to die. guest speakers and optional Breakers Country Club, a cappella chorus. Quarterly mtgs, Erina Fair. bistro lunches. Google our Dover Rd, Wamberal GOSFORD-NARARA Music education provided. 0434 426 486 name for our fully informative sibrisbanewater@siswp.org NEIGHBOURHOOD Rehearsals Tuesday 7pm @ robyncameron@y7mail.com www.siswp.org newsletter. Meet 10am, 3rd CENTRE Red Tree Theatre Tuggerah. Mon each month at Avoca School Holiday activities, Performance opportunities. Beach Bowling Club. INNER WHEEL CLUB PROSTATE CANCER playgroup, multicultural Hire us for your next event. avocaprobus@gmail.com GOSFORD NTH SUPPORT GROUP programs, community activities 0412 948 450 Make friends, Make a Last Fri 9.30am Rooms for Hire coastalacappella@gmail.com EMPIRE BAY difference! Terrigal Uniting Church 4329 4477 PROBUS CLUB Join us and develop lasting 380 Terrigal Dr, Terrigal admin@gnnc.com.au CENTRAL COAST Friendship, fellowship, friendships with like minded 4367 9600 and fun in retirement. women serving our community CHORALE www.pcfa.org.au Very active club, outings, 6.30pm 2nd Wed One of the best (SATB) excursions, dining Phillip House, Kariong choirs on the coast. MEALS ON WHEELS ALCOHOLICS 3 times a month 0405 385 610 We seeks new members. Delicious meals delivered free ANONYMOUS iiw.au.gosfordnorth@gmail.com 1st Thur 1.30pm Reading of music and Join us for a midday meal - Someone cares.

HISTORY GROUPS

MUSIC

HEALTH GROUPS

SERVICE GROUPS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 25 1 OCTOBER 2021

Business & Property State significant waterfront tower on exhibition The Community Environment Network (CEN) is encouraging residents to have their say on the first stage of the proposed Central Coast Quarter development in Gosford before the cut-off date of October 18. Under consideration by the NSW Planning Department as a State Significant Development (SSD), CEN says the project, at 26-30 Mann St, could easily have slipped through the cracks as an “insignificant” development. Initially released in May as a major project, the DA has been re-released as an SDD following CEN intervention. “In May, CEN wrote to the NSW Planning Department asking why (the application for a) 26-level mixed use building including car parking and associated works was listed by the Department as a major project and not a State Significant Development,” Chair, Gary Chestnut, said. “This was the north tower of the Central Coast Quarter, definitely a significant project. “We were initially told the building didn’t meet the criteria to be an SSD and

An artist’s impression of Central Coast Quarter

(were) welcomed to make a submission. “On May 9 CEN wrote back to the Department, this time pointing out that the Department was required under both the Act and the Community Participation Plan to exhibit the DA for the northern tower for a minimum of 28 days and comply fully with SSD provisions.

“We drew the Department’s attention to Clause 12 in the State and Regional Development SEPP that applies specifically to concept development applications such as the application approved for the former Gosford School site in August 2020.” While the total project has been granted concept approval, each individual stage needs to

be submitted as a separate DA and while those individual stages might fall under the financial threshold for an SSD, the total project cost of $150M means that each stage should meet SSD requirements, Chestnut said. The difference he said, is that an SSD application requires a full Environmental Impact Statement to be prepared,

whereas a major project does not. “The consequence of this is that the determining authority has to be much more vigilant,” Chestnut said. “It makes for a much more rigorous and transparent decision making process.” Following CEN’s latter in May, it was advised that the application had been withdrawn

and in July all of the proper steps for the tower to be considered as a State Significant Development were commenced. “Last week the Department wrote to confirm that the exhibition period for the Central Coast Quarter Stage 1 has commenced so we now wish to encourage the community and especially Gosford City residents to take full advantage of this opportunity to provide feedback on the development proposed through the NSW Planning Major Projects Website,” Chestnut said. The northern tower is proposed to comprise highquality residential dwellings providing a variety of apartment types to suit the needs and lifestyles of existing and future residents of Gosford. It also includes the creation and embellishment of a new public, open-air through site link which will improve pedestrian accessibility to Gosford waterfront and the city centre. See details on the State Government planning website: https://www.planningportal. nsw.gov.au/major-projects/ project/42296. Terry Collins

Back to business day worth celebrating Business NSW Central Coast is calling on business owners, their employees and customers to share how they are planning to celebrate the re-opening of their favourite businesses in the region when the state reaches the 70 per cent double-vaccination target, expected to be on October 11. “We are on track to reach the 70 per cent double vaccination milestone quicker than expected, thanks to the NSW community’s strong participation in the push to reopen,” Regional Director, Paula Martin, said. “We have named reopening day ‘back-to-business day’ because that’s what it is for hundreds of thousands of business owners and their employees across our state.

“We’d love people to use the hashtag #backtobusiness in their social media posts from today, to share with us how they are going to celebrate on the day. “Business owners may want to share what they’ve missed most, how they will re-engage with their customers. “It might be through some opening week specials, buyone-get-one free offers, or simply decorating their stores and building that party atmosphere. “We’d like customers to share how they’ll support their local business when it reopens. “Many people are already talking about ‘paying it forward’ so their local business can have some much-needed cashflow. “The support we have seen so far for our local businesses

Paula Martin

has been overwhelming.” Martin said the #backtobusiness campaign is about celebrating businesses across the Central Coast that have been decimated by the lockdowns – and showing the gratitude, strength and

resilience of the community. “I expect #backtobusiness day will be a real celebration, done in a COVID-safe way,” she said. “I would love to see Central Coast Council dress up our town centres, as I expect cafes,

restaurants, shopping centres and hotels will be very busy. “This has been four months of uncertainty and difficulty for many business owners and their employees. “This is our opportunity to show our support and celebrate our local businesses getting #backtobusiness.” Martin said confirmation of the three phases of reopening for NSW from Premier Gladys Berejiklian on September 27 was a positive step that will provide much needed certainty to business. “The Government has announced rules which will determine what can and can’t happen as the population reaches 70 and 80 per cent double vaccination rates, as well as when liberties apply to all residents, irrespective of vaccination status,” Martin said.

“It’s been an uncertain time for many businesses with lots of confusion about which businesses will be able to open and under what rules. “The release of the Public Health Orders in coming days will reconfirm that the onus will be on individuals to do the right thing and abide by the rules. “Business owners can’t be expected to also act as security guards; so long as they have a COVID-safe plan and appropriate registration in place at their entry, they can get on with the business of being in business. “A number of greater freedoms will come into place at the 80 per cent double vaccination rate, which on current trends could be as soon as October 25.” Terry Collins

PAGE 26 1 OCTOBER 2021

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

DUCTED PACKAGES FULLY INSTALLED ALL WITH 5 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY

STAY WARM THIS WINTER! PACKAGE 1

DUCTED PACKAGE 2

7kW COOLING & 8kW HEATING • IDEAL FOR 3 BEDROOMS ONLY

12.5kW COOLING & 14kW HEATING INVERTER • 6 OUTLETS WITH 2 ZONES

NEW MODE L

4995

6995

DUCTED PACKAGE 5 14kW COOLING & 16kW HEATING INVERTER • 8 OUTLETS WITH 2 ZONES

8845

DUCTED PACKAGE 6 20kW 3 PHASE • 10 OUTLETS WITH 3 ZONES

NO DEPO 3 6 M O S IT NTHS

INTER ES FREE T After $450 CASH BACK

LY FUL LLED TA INS

10995

*Via Redemption, Conditions Apply.

NEW MODE L

(Fujitsu only)

DUCTED PACKAGE 3

DUCTED PACKAGE 4

12.5kW DUCTED SYSTEM WITH 14kW HEATING • 6 OUTLETS WITH 2 ZONES

14kW COOLING & 16kW HEATING INVERTER • 8 OUTLETS WITH 2 ZONES

7995

After $300 CASH BACK*

LY FUL LLED A T INS

3HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM 7.1kW Cooling, 8.0kW Heating

LY FUL LLED TA INS

After $350 CASH BACK*

*Via Redemption, Conditions Apply.

BONU S BACK LIT E C TO U C O H WA CO NT LL ROL

*Via Redemption, Conditions Apply.

3HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM 7.1kW COOLING, 8kW HEATING

LY FUL LLED TA 5 YEARS INS PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY! UP TO 17 METRE REACH

2295

After $200 CASH BACK*

LY FUL LLED DAIKIN A T 3HP INVERTER REVERSE I N S CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM 7.1kW COOLING, 8kW HEATING

*Via Redemption, Conditions Apply.

5 YEARS

2695

PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

5 YEARS

PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

LY FUL LLED A T INS

1HP

2295

$ 3HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM 7.1kW Cooling, 8.0kW Heating

8945

BONU S BACK LIT E C TO U C O H WA CO NT LL ROL

After $200 CASH BACK* *Via Redemption, Conditions Apply.

5 YEARS

1HP

PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

2295

5 YEARS

PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

MULTIHEAD PACKAGE • 1 Outdoor and 2 Indoor Units • Ideal for 2 Bedrooms • Individual Control for Every Room

LY FUL LLED TA INS

5 YEARS

PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

5 YEARS

PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

3295

LY FUL LLED TA INS

5 YEARS

PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

1.5HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM 3.5kW Cooling, 4kW Heating

1695

1HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM 2.5kW Cooling, 3.0kW Heating

1349

2HP REVERSE CYCLE 5.1kW Cooling, 5.1kW Heating

1495

2/8 Kerta Rd, Kincumber, NSW 2251

www.globalrez.com.au WE SELL ALL THE MAJOR BRANDS. COMMERCIAL QUOTES ARE WELCOMED.

3/11 Accolade Ave, Morisset, NSW 2264 ph: 9371 1611 ph: 1300 781 855 Email: sales@globalrez.com.au

* Terms and Conditions apply. All prices are based on Single Story Homes and Back to Back installation on split systems or extra charges apply. Finance is subject to approval check with store for conditions and charges. Ducted Air conditioning pricing is based on single storey homes only or extra charges apply. Licence number 215189c.

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 27 1 OCTOBER 2021

Emergency response training on offer With hundreds, if not thousands of Central Coast businesses impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns, many have neglected keeping their emergency response plans up to date. A new fully-subsidised initiative from the NSW Government is set to address that, with a Business Continuity and Emergency Response Planning program set to kick off in the region on October 11. The eight-week program is funded by Training Services NSW, Hunter & Central Coast and has been developed by Astute Training who will deliver the program. The Business Continuity & Emergency Response Planning program aims to guide individuals and teams whose duty, responsibility or role is to develop and implement emergency response plans. It will focus on those businesses hit particularly hard within the hospitality and tourism industry as well as community-based organisations, although it is not

limited to these sectors. With two sessions in each of the eight weeks of the program, it will address planning for COVID recovery and for emergencies such as flood, fire and drought. The program will help participants build resilience, plan for disaster and interruptions and be able to

effectively react in an emergency. It is also designed to assist organisations meet their statutory and regulatory obligations and reduce risk and liability for key stakeholders. Over eight weeks learners will understand how to ensure a plan stays relevant and compliant in the years ahead.

Participants could include General Operations, Operational Managers, CEOs, Board Members and business owners. Plans developed over the eight weeks will be reviewed and critiqued by facilitators, subject matter experts and industry peers and will need to be signed off and agreed to internally.

The 16 sessions will run from between two and two and a half hours in length, with the opportunity for additional sessions with learning peers and facilitators if so desired. Each week learners will be presented with a series of elements that the plan must contain and the same content will be spoken to by the facilitators and external subject

matter experts. After each session attendees will be required to complete a section of their plan by working with work colleagues and stakeholders with the support of Astute team. At the end of seven weeks plans will be finalised and ready for review from a panel made up of the Astute team and those external stakeholders that have contributed along the way. This will provide an opportunity for refinements following review and feedback. On the completion of the course, participants will have completed four units of competency from a Certificate IV in Community Services CHC42015 with the option to complete a full Certificate IV in Community Services if desired. More details can be found at https://study.astutetraining. edu.au/bcp-hr or by calling Astute Training on 4732 5088 or 0404 035 249. Terry Collins

Surf club alterations get unanimous approval Alterations and additions to Terrigal Surf Club have been approved by the Central Coast Local Planning Panel, which says the proposal is in the public interest. The $1.2M renovations will see an enlarged cafe seating area enclosed on the ground floor and extensions upstairs to provide a new training room, gym and storage and a new deck on north-eastern side and the north-western side over the ground level café

and seating area. Existing trees beside the surf club which are identified as significant will be pruned back but an Arboricultural Impact Report identified the measures to be implemented to protect the long-term health of the trees. The Council report to the planning panel said a number of submissions on behalf of developments on the opposite side of Terrigal Esplanade raised the issue of view loss due to the additional height on the ends of the

existing building. The Council response in part said: “Views around the ends of the surf club will be retained, albeit interrupted by the existing trees which form part of the viewing quality in this location.” One submission complained that the proposal would lead to privatisation of Terrigal Beach. The Council report responded: “Surf life saving clubs should be located on or close to the beach as far as possible in order to fulfil their function in supporting the

Mangrove DISTRICT

MARKETS A

NOW AT CORNERLGEORGE DOWNES O DRIVE and BLOODTREE ROAD C

• home style preserves & Food and more

O W EVERY SATURDAY ALL WEATHER 8.30am N to 3pm NEW STALLS WELCOME PHONE MARGARET 4374 1255

activities of the club.” It said the land remained Crown land and the building was owned by the Council. “It is a public facility and asset which encourages tourism and the public to the beach and adjoining shops. “It is an essential public safety facility,” Council said.

“Council’s recreational and property section have no objections to the proposal,” Council said. “The Crown Lands Office has granted consent to the lodgement of the application. “A condition of consent will require the amendment of the current lease or a new lease

prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate.” The panel said there were no significant issues or impacts identified with the proposal and it was approved unanimously at the September 23 meeting.

ATTENTION BUILDERS LOOKING FOR TILERS?

Merilyn Vale

Homes to NV has a team of 4 licenced tilers, to tackle those big tiling jobs in a fraction of the time, keeping you ahead of schedule. Call Justin on 0439 589 426

PAGE 28 1 OCTOBER 2021

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Brought to you by moneymag.com.au

CREATING FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Your 4-step guide to investing in ETFs for the first time WITH

Julia NEWBOULD Managing Editor • Money magazine How to invest in ETFs for the first time is simple - and can be done in these four steps. 1. Choose your broker As the name suggests, exchange traded funds (ETFs) are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), and the only way to buy listed investments is through a registered stock broker. The good news is that there are plenty of low-cost online brokers to choose from. Just Google online brokers. Don’t just focus on brokerage. Take a tour of the platform to make sure you’re comfortable with the layout, and check features like the availability of quality research. 2. Open a broking account Once you’ve selected an online broker, you’ll need to set up a cash account linked to your broker’s online trading account.

This account holds money to buy ETFs and collects the proceeds if you sell any ETFs. Some brokers specify which bank your linked account needs to be held with. Others are more flexible. Either way, setting up a cash account is pretty straightforward though it’s quicker and easier if you’re already a customer of the bank specified by your broker. If that’s not the case, you’ll need to open a new account by providing 100 points of ID such as your driver’s licence and passport plus your tax file number. Once your application is submitted you can usually begin trading in as little as 24 hours. 3. Decide how much to invest The minimum marketable parcel on the ASX is $500, so you’ll need at least this amount plus brokerage for your first trade. While it can be tempting to

start small, trading with small sums will increase the cost of brokerage as a percentage of your trade. As a guide, brokerage of $15 works out to 3% off a $500 trade, but falls to 1.5% on a $1,000 trade. If you’re strapped for cash, it’s possible to invest with just $50 and pay brokerage of only $2 by signing up to the CommSec Pocket app. It can be a money saver but you’ll only

get a choice of seven ETFs and they may not be the ones you’re interested in. 4. Buy your first ETF Placing a buy order is where things start to get real. Log in to your online trading account, select the ‘trading’ option, and fill in the details of the ETF you want to buy. Each ETF has its own three- or four-digit ASX code - you can use this to

identify your preferred ETF, but be sure to get it right. The codes can be similar for entirely different ETFs. Your first trade will be a ‘buy’, so select this option from the online menu. Enter the quantity of fund units you’d like to purchase, or set a dollar limit for your trade. You’ll likely be asked to choose between a ‘market’ order, which means you’re

happy to pay the current market value that the ETF units are trading for. Or, you can select a ‘limit’ order, which lets you nominate the maximum price you’re willing to pay per unit. Next, you’ll be asked to review your order. Check that everything is correct, and click the button to complete your trade. You’ve just become an investor in exchange traded funds! NICOLA FIELD

always really difficult and personally taxing. Those conversations need to be had with eyes wide open on that,” Barry said. Elsewhere, LGIAsuper chief executive Kate Farrar said Your Future, Your Super (YFYS) can be a tool for super funds to use to select potential merger partners. “I do think that YFYS and the business criticality of the longterm relative performance

history, which is not necessarily correlated with either outright return or volatility, does mean that performance relative to YFYS is likely to be a driver of merger partner selection going forwards,” she said. “In this sense, the policy will no doubt be achieving part of its policy intention and there is an important area of crossover and nexus between mergers and investments.”

Super mergers don’t always lead to scale benefits Super mergers don’t always lead to scale benefits There is a misunderstanding that superannuation fund mergers will automatically lead to scale benefits for members, according to Spirit Super’s chief investment officer. Speaking at the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) ASI 2021 conference Ross Barry cautioned that scale benefits

do not deliver themselves. “The danger is that you go into a merger and sit back and think that all of a sudden scale benefits are going to full out of the sky and you’re going to operate at a lower cost base. That doesn’t happen unless you make it happen,” Barry said. “It involves some very hard negotiations and tough conversations with fund managers and asset managers.”

Barry noted that these negotiations have to happen in good faith as a super fund may approach a fund manager that has created value for members over a long time. “You are going to ask them for some kind of fee discount or scale benefit, and I think that requires a bit of commitment. The danger in this is if you find yourself back in that room two years later asking for the same thing again,” he said.

“One observation I’ve made is that some managers are pushing back now. Some managers are actually sacking their super funds as clients as they can get a better margin elsewhere.” Instead, Barry said if a fund is going to deliver scale benefits there has to be some rationalisation that can be of internal resources or of manager line-up. “Those conversations are

DON’T MISS MAGAZINE’S BEST OF THE BEST BUMPER EDITION $69SA.V9IN9 G 30% THIS DECEMBER SUBSCRIBE BEFORE NOVEMBER 13, 2021 TO RECEIVE YOUR COPY.

Visit moneymag.com.au and click subscribe

ANNABELLE DICKSON

Scan me with your phone camera

APPLY CODE: 32110MON

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 29 1 OCTOBER 2021

Faster exit payments for village residents The Retirement Villages Residents Association (RVRA) has successfully lobbied the NSW Government to change regulations which had disadvantaged the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie regions. In July the Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson, announced comprehensive retirement village reforms to increase accountability and transparency from operators about management costs and service fees, and improve residents’ access to “exit entitlements”. Previously, vacating residents could wait years for their units

President, Jim Gibbons

to be sold by the operator before they received their exit entitlements. Under the reforms, if a resident vacates a unit and it remains unsold after six months in areas classified metropolitan, or 12 months in

regions, residents will be eligible to receive their exit entitlements if the village operator has not taken reasonable steps to facilitate a sale. RVRA President, Jim Gibbons, said because of a bureaucratic mistake, the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie were omitted from regulations to the Retirement Villages Act 1999 which required operators to collect data on village vacancy rates every six months. He said this was because the two locations were identified as regional areas and therefore subject to 12-month buyback requirements. “Retirement village residents

in the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie were shocked earlier this year when regulations were issued which have disadvantaged them because someone in government had arbitrarily decided that operators should be given up to 12 months before being held to account,” Gibbons said. Original consultation documents provided by the Minister listed the Central Coast as a metropolitan LGA which meant a six-month period before an exit entitlement could be claimed. “The Minister has heard the protests from the RVRA and residents in these LGAs and has acted sensibly to resolve

the issue,” Gibbons said. Minister Anderson said the NSW Government had always engaged in extensive consultation with both retirement village residents and operators and would continue to do so. “When we embarked on our reforms no data existed that gave us an accurate picture of the sale times of retirement village units across NSW,” he said. The data collected will reveal information about vacancies and the time it took to fill them. Gibbons said this would be important because it would influence the time it took for departed residents to be paid

out their exit entitlements and protect them from unreasonable delays. “Until now, there has been no data available to inform rational decisions about how quickly village operators should be required to return monies they owed departed residents. “The current rules are based on guesswork and now this will change and retirement operators across NSW now have to provide the vacancy data.” There are 43 retirement villages on the Central Coast with more than 8,000 residents and major plans for more. Sue Murray

Regional panel will review refusal of six towers The proponent of a Development Application (DA) for six towers of units in Gosford which was refused by the Regional Planning Panel in October last year has asked for a

review of the decision. The Panel refused the $148M development at the corner of Mann St and Dwyer St, North Gosford, for reasons including height, bulk and setbacks. Applicant Ken Schmidt

Peat Island and Mooney Mooney planning proposal Property and Development NSW proposes to rezone Peat Island and Mooney Mooney. The aim is to revitalise this treasured location through new housing, community facilities and job opportunities. The department has submitted the proposal to Central Coast Council. The proposal has also been released to the public for feedback from Monday 20 September to Monday 20 December 2021. View the planning proposal at the Central Coast Council portal yourvoiceourcoast.com/pipp During the exhibition period, we invite you to join one of our information sessions or get in touch with our team if you have questions. 1. Join an online community information session on the following dates: Thursday 14 October 2021 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm Tuesday 16 November 2021 from 4:30pm to 5:30pm Wednesday 8 December 2021 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm To register for a session please use the QR code below.

2. Call 1800 749 232

For more information, to ask questions or sign up for project updates, please visit our website: dpie.nsw.gov.au/peat-mooney

BLZ_LP2887

3. Send an email PDNSW_Projects@property.nsw.gov.au

submitted an amended application for 339 units across six blocks with some commercial and cafe premises. The original application was first submitted in 2016 when bonus heights were allowed. Under the revised submission, two of the blocks would be 14 storeys high and the rest would be seven to eight storeys. The application said the design of the four smaller tower blocks was consistent with numerous recently approved or constructed developments within the area and “the design of the two taller tower blocks is consistent with the Waterside development which forms the southern Gateway of the City Centre”. “Portions of blocks one and four are located within the B4 zone and are also permitted to have an allowable building height of 46.8m,” the application said. “The southwest portion of block one’s roof is sitting above the 23.4m height limit, however this portion of the building can have a building height limit of 46.8m and therefore complies. “All of block four achieves a maximum building height of 23.13m and complies with all the applicable building height limits.” The applicant said the proposed development was therefore of a type and form which was consistent with Council’s stated objectives of the B4 zone as well as the vision outlined within the Gosford City Centre Statement of Strategic Intent. “The design of the development includes landscape boulevards along the Mann St frontages giving a lush, landscaped entry to Gosford,” the application said. “This is enhanced by the height of the two slimline corner tower blocks which have been designed generally at the same RL (Reduced Level) creating a classic gateway statement.”

Two blocks are located on the eastern side of Mann St, and the remaining four on the western side of Mann St.” The two main tower blocks, which are sited on the eastern and western sides of Mann St, provide ground level commercial and retail uses, with residential units above. The remaining tower blocks are

residential only, comprising a mix of studio, one-, two- and threebedroom units. The eastern and western tower blocks each share a common podium and basement carparking levels respectively, with vehicular access gained from Dwyer St for the western tower blocks (blocks three to six) and from Dwyer and Hills Sts for the eastern tower blocks (blocks one and two).

The application submitted under the review has: reduced building heights for all tower blocks; reduced the number of units to 339; and increased setbacks and building separation. A date for the Panel to assess the application was not known at time of publication. Merilyn Vale

*OUTLINE INDICATIVE ONLY

For Sale

4 London Drive, North Wyong – Land Area: 4,272m²*

– Building Area: 2,486m²* – New Long Term Lease

Murray Pettinger 0402 857 564

*(approx)

Online Auction Wednesday, 20 October 2021 at 10:30am

Angus Grier 0412 666 444

PAGE 30 1 OCTOBER 2021

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

COME IN FOR A FREE ASSESSMENT COSMETIC DENTISTRY • DENTAL IMPLANTS • SINGLE TOOTH REPLACEMENT • FULL MOUTH REHABILITATION OVER 4-6 IMPLANTS • IMPLANT SUPPORTED DENTURES

COME IN AND BRIGHTEN UP YOUR SMILE!

WE ACCEPT HOSPITAL VOUCHERS AND VETERAN AFFAIRS

NO GAP

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCED & GENTLE DENTIST FOR YOUR FAMILY?

Exam and Clean appointment for Private Dental Health Insurance patients. Not with a Health Fund? Just pay $179 Includes FREE Xrays worth $160 Full Comprehensive Exam, Clean and Polish, OPG X-rays, Treatment Planning and Fluoride

A whiter brighter Smile in one hour PHILIPS Zoom White speed in chair teeth whitening special - only $595 (normally $950)

NOW ACCEPTING % INTEREST ON PAYMENT PLANS 90

COMPREHENSIVE EXAM CLEAN, FLUORIDE & X- RAYS

FOR KIDS ONLY.

COSMETIC

al Lifel

al Lifeline

Bulk Bill Under New Medicare's CDBS. 000 Free Dental Care- Ask us the Details) ental Sealants # Customized Mouth Guards

ford Train Station

w.dentallifeline.com.au

We provide reasons to smile

$1,000 Free Dental Care for children age 2 to 17 Ask us for the Details

BOOK ONLINE

PORCELAIN VENEERS | FREE CONSULTATION | INVISALIGN

Dr. Meena Gambhir

Dr. Namita Mehta

YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE

Saturday Appointments Available - We accept Veteran’s Affairs patients Shop 1, 201 Mann Street, Opposite Gosford Train Station, Gosford - gosford@dentallifeline.com.au | dentallifeline.com.au

CCN

GOSFORD - BONDI - HORNSBY CALL 02 4325 7369 OR SEE WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 31 1 OCTOBER 2021

1700 people leave Gosford Emergency without treatment Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, is calling for more staff at Gosford Hospital‘s Emergency Department, with the latest Bureau of Health Information quarterly report indicating a rise of 395.5 per cent in people leaving the ED without or before treatment. “The number of people leaving ED before treatment between the period of April to June this year, in comparison to the same period last year, has risen from 345 to 1,706,” Tesch said. Tesch said attendance at the ED had risen by 37.1 per cent, an increase of 10,928 since the same period last year. “It is undeniably clear that our local Emergency Department is becoming busier, especially with the many new locals we are welcoming to the Coast,” she said. “Staff at Gosford Hospital are already working ‘over and above’, regularly working overtime and double shifts, not taking holidays, and clearly need greater support.

“These results indicate that we need more staff pumped into our hospital to ensure that our locals are being given the attention they need. “If this trend increases I have grave fears that this will deter thousands of Coasties from seeking medical assistance when they need it. “While there was a drop in presentations to the Emergency Department in the same period last year, it is clear that from 2016 the presentations at the hospital have overall been on an incline,” Tesch said. “There is no denying our population has increased and our local hospitals are struggling to keep up. “The results are clear – we need more staff.” A spokesperson for Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) said an increase in emergency department (ED) presentations had been anticipated as the system recovered from the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and that staff levels in the region’s hospitals had increased by almost 30 per cent between

mid-2012 and mid-2021. “(Emergency Departments) at both Gosford and Wyong hospitals were significantly busier during the April to June quarter compared to the same quarter last year, with just the first week of the current outbreak recorded in this quarter,” the spokesperson said. “Overall, Gosford and Wyong Hospitals received 40,364 emergency department attendances during the quarter, compared to 29,436 for the same quarter in 2020, an increase of 37.1per cent. “While a proportion of this increase can be explained by a decrease in the number of

people presenting to emergency departments during the height of the initial COVID outbreak in NSW, the number of attendances has also increased in comparison to the April to June 2019 quarter (36,902 people). “The significant increase in the number of patients attending emergency departments compared to the same quarter last year has impacted on the length of time patients have waited to start treatment. “The percentage of all patients starting treatment on time was 51.3 per cent, a 25.9 percentage point decline from 2020.

“Patients leaving the emergency department within four hours also declined, down to 50.5 per cent from 62.2 per cent. “The District is always looking for ways to improve access to care and the experience of our patients. “We have implemented a number of projects which aim to streamline processes to allow patients to commence treatment more quickly and increase the number of bed spaces available within the emergency departments. “In the Gosford Hospital Emergency Department, we have doubled the capacity of the Emergency Department Short Stay Unit (EDSSU), increasing bed numbers from six to 12. “The EDSSU provides care for patients who require shortterm assessment, treatment and observation, freeing up emergency department beds for other patients. “At Wyong Hospital, we have implemented a daily ‘huddle’ between ED staff and all departments.

“This whole-of-hospital approach ensures emergency department patients requiring hospital admission are transferred to an inpatient unit as soon as possible, allowing ED staff to focus on patients arriving. “The team has also implemented a daily discharge multi-disciplinary team meeting to assist with discharge and free up inpatient beds earlier in the day. “We have also placed Patient Experience Officers in the ED, to help patients navigate the emergency department. “The 2020-21 budget for CCLHD was more than $919 million; this is an increase of more than $31.7 million on the 2019-20 budget. “Between mid-2012 and mid-2021, CCLHD increased its workforce by an additional 1,265 full-time equivalent staff – an increase of 28.7 per cent including 239 more doctors, 519 more nurses and midwives and 131 more allied health staff.” Terry Collins

40 pharmacies to dispense latest vaccine arrival The Moderna COVID-19 vaccination has arrived on the Central Coast, with 23 community pharmacies across the region now administering it. Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the pharmacies are part of the first tranche of

Australian pharmacies to receive and dispense Moderna. “I’ve already heard from local residents who have been able to book themselves a Moderna vaccine from their local pharmacist,” Wicks said. “We will see another 17 local pharmacies able to administer Moderna by late this week,

which will bring our total number of pharmacies administering Moderna to 40. “The Central Coast is well on our way to achieving the 70 and 80 per cent targets, with over 80 per cent of people across our region having had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.” The Therapeutic Goods

Administration (TGA) has approved, and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has recommended, the use of the Moderna vaccine forAustralians aged 12 and over. Australia has an advance purchase agreement with Moderna to secure 25 million

doses of the vaccine – 10 million this year and 15 million in 2022. The Federal Government has also secured an additional one million Moderna COVID-19 vaccine doses through the European Union. Find a pharmacy near you dispensing Moderna and book

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

Call Call 4339 4339 1222 1222 Email Email info@pacificsleep.com.au info@pacificsleep.com.au || pacificsleep.com.au pacificsleep.com.au || Pacific Pacific Sleep Sleep is is an an approved approved DVA DVA supplier supplier North Gosford Specialist Centre, Suite 2, 14-18 Jarrett Street | Toukley 45 Canton Beach Road

a vaccination at https://covidvaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/ eligibility?lang=en or https:// www.findapharmacy.com.au/ our-services/vaccinationservices-covid-19. Source: Media release, Sep 24 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks

PAGE 32 1 OCTOBER 2021 HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Fine dining at home: Chef Suleyman Kirbancioglu and Safran

This is the final instalment of our lockdown special.

In lieu of being able to head out for dinner, we’ve been embarking on a virtual tour of the coast’s best eating establishments. We’ve asked chefs to inspire

us with recipes that we can make at home, bringing the fine dining experience into our own kitchens. This week we’re talking to Chef Suleyman Kirbancioglu from Safran Restaurant in Ettalong. Safran was established eight years ago with the desire to showcase Turkish cuisine on the Central Coast. Turkish cuisine has a rich and vibrant

GEORGIA LIENEMANN

SULEYMAN KIRBANCIOGLU

history that goes way beyond the common offerings of dips, kebabs, and pide. Growing up in Turkey, and training under some of Turkey’s best chefs, Safran is a way to express my love of Turkish cuisine in a contemporary way. Inspired primarily by the Ottoman Palace kitchens, I draw upon traditional recipes and techniques, presenting them with a modern interpretation that reflects the current culinary scene in Turkey and Australia. Being awarded an Australian Good Food Guide Chefs Hat in 2020 and 2021, has been a massive achievement for myself, my wife and business partner Natalie, and the whole Safran team. Over lockdown, we’ve been busy renovating the restaurant

and creating new menus, so we’re excited to get back to Dine In soon! At the moment, we’re open Wednesday to Saturday evenings, offering a relaxed version of Safran. These meals are more casual and traditional than our usual Dine In style, but still feature some high-quality produce like Margra Lamb and full blood 9+ Wagyu. Our spiral borek pastries, and Middle Eastern style BBQ chickens have been very popular. We’ve also put together a weekly “Sofra” dinner pack. Sofra refers to a table set with many dishes to share. So, each week we put together a pack featuring a variety of different dishes to share between two people. The Sofra packs are available on Thursday evenings and are advertised on our socials.

Grilled Prawn, Pastirma Butter, & Fava Puree Serves 4 This entrée style dish was one of our most popular in 2020. It is a combination of Aegean Sea and Central Anatolian regions. Pastirma (not to be confused with pastrami), is a salted cured beef, coated in a spice paste then dried for many weeks. Combined with the butter & prawns, it is a unique and delicious combination. Fava bean puree is a traditional meze. Whilst not normally served with prawns and pastirma, the creamy texture and mild taste pairs perfectly. FAVA PUREE 1 cup dried split fava beans, washed & drained 2 cup chicken stock 1 small brown onion, diced 1 tbs olive oil 1⁄2 cup cream 1 tbsp butter

Salt & Pepper Fry onion in olive oil until soft. Add fava beans & the chicken stock. Simmer until beans are soft, approx. 30 mins. Add cream, butter, and seasoning. Bring back to the boil, then remove from heat. Puree until smooth with hand blender. PASTIRMA BUTTER 100gms diced pastirma (use Italian bresaola if you can’t get pastirma) 30gms pine nuts 1tsp sweet paprika 1tsp Aleppo pepper flakes (use 1/2tsp regular chilli flakes if you can’t get Aleppo pepper) 1tbs butter 1tbs olive oil juice of 1⁄2 lemon Chopped parsley to taste

In a small fry pan, heat olive oil and add pine nuts. Lightly brown, then add pastirma. Cook until crispy. Add paprika, pepper flakes, butter, lemon juice, parsley, salt. PRAWNS 8 green king prawns, shell removed Olive oil, & salt Coat prawns in olive oil and salt. Grill on BBQ or griddle pan, 2 minutes each side. TO ASSEMBLE: Per person: On a small plate or bowl, place a large spoonful of fava puree. Using the back of a spoon, create a small well in the puree. Slice two prawns into smaller pieces and add on top of puree. Drizzle over a generous serve of the Pastirma butter. Garnish with micro greens, or dill. Afiyet alson! (bon appetite!)

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 33 1 OCTOBER 2021

Choose your own challenge for charity Lifeline Central Coast is challenging Coasties to challenge themselves this October to raise funds for its suicide prevention services. The inaugural Challenge Yourself for Mental Health campaign is asking residents to choose their own challenge, register for the program and attract sponsors during Mental Health Month. Lifeline senior business development manager, Pat Calabria, said Lifeline is supporting many people to navigate the mental health challenges of living through the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is an opportunity to challenge yourself to achieve

better health or mental health while helping others to overcome their mental health challenges,” Calabria said. “With its retail shops closed during lockdowns, Lifeline Central Coast is facing its own challenges in responding to a 25 per cent increase in demand for its services. “Many people don’t realise that while Lifeline receives some wonderful government and grant funding, local Lifeline centres rely on their shops, community donations and fundraising to keep all of its services running. “We don’t want people to suffer in silence; we want to be there to listen and to offer hope and support to each and every person

Lifeline senior business development manager, Pat Calabria

who needs us.” Nationally, Lifeline takes a call from someone every 30 seconds

and it expects to respond to more than one million calls for help this year.

As well as its 13 11 14 service, locally Lifeline provides free counselling sessions as well as bereavement support groups and other community programs. Nine Australians die every day by suicide and more than 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt each year. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44. Calabria said challenges could range from giving up coffee or sugar to getting fitter or making some space for better self-care. Challenge ideas could include: learning something new – a new language or hobby; getting healthier – give up or cut back on coffee, sugar or alcohol; getting

fitter – set yourself a run, ride, walk or swim challenge; have a digital detox – give up or cut back on screen time or social media; and better self-care – read some books or take up yoga. All funds raised will go to Lifeline Hunter Central Coast services. To sign up for the challenge see the link on the Lifeline Hunter Central Coast Facebook page. If you don’t want to challenge yourself but would like to donate go to Lifeline’s website – CentralCoast.lifeline.org.au. If this story causes issues for you, call Lifeline 24 hours on 13 11 14. Source: Media release, Sep 28 Lifeline Central Coast

New vaping laws in force today Vapers and GPS on the Central Coast have been warned to prepare for changes to vaping laws from October 1. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is reminding GPs and residents of the changes, which will see nicotine vaping products, such as nicotine e-cigarettes, nicotine pods and liquid nicotine available only by prescription as a smoking cessation tool. People will no longer be able to buy these products or import them from overseas websites without a valid prescription. GPs can prescribe nicotine vaping products by becoming an

Authorised Prescriber through the Special Access Scheme or providing a prescription for three months’ supply via the Personal Importation Scheme. The RACGP has produced evidence-based guidance for health professionals to support smoking cessation. The guidance covers the evidence on effectiveness of nicotine vaping products for supporting smoking cessation, their place in therapy and the practicalities of prescribing them. In the absence of an evidence base for how to prescribe these products for therapeutic use, RACGP has advised GPs that it’s reasonable to opt not to prescribe nicotine vaping products as they

not approved therapeutic products. GPs have been advised that, if prescribing, they should: use the Authorised Prescriber or Special Access Scheme instead of the Personal Importation Scheme; avoid prescribing free-base nicotine at concentrations over 20mg/mL and limit the quantity of nicotine vaping products per prescription to a maximum of three months’ supply; avoid the use of flavours or limit these to just tobacco flavour; and provide follow up as well as behavioural support. RACGP President, Dr Karen Price, encouraged all GPs to familiarise themselves with the changes.

“GPs have a lot on their plate right now but it’s important that they are aware of what these changes to vaping laws mean for them and their patients,” she said. “Prescriptions for nicotine vaping products are not a firstline treatment for smoking cessation and should only be tried when other measures, such as nicotine replacement therapy with behavioural support, have failed. “It will be the job of GPs in communities across Australia to apply discretion and judgment when considering the patient’s individual circumstances. “Those who do have a prescription will be able to obtain

5@5

nicotine vaping products by filling the prescription via a pharmacy.” Price said a webinar organised by Quitline and accredited by the RACGP would be available to GPs on October 5. “A prescription for these products should only be used as a last resort, vaping is not a riskfree, harmless version of smoking cigarettes,” she said. “These are addictive and harmful products that can prove fatal if ingested in certain amounts.” Price also urged people seeking access to nicotine vaping products to be patient and respectful of GPs and practice staff.

“I understand that these changes will take some people by surprise,” she said. “Please don’t take your frustrations out on GPs, practice managers, nurses, receptionists or administrative workers. “They are not the ones who made these rules and GPs will only be able to prescribe these products as a last line treatment for smoking cessation.” Price said there was a range of quit smoking therapies available, which patients could discuss with their GP. Source: Media release, Sep 29 Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

CCN

WEEKLY NEWS BRIEF

PLUS 100s of interviews on our website

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

PAGE 34 1 OCTOBER 2021 HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Shining a light on how to manage mental health With mental health continually in the spotlight, particularly since COVID-19 restrictions first came into force in March, 2020, the Black Dog Institute is offering free mental health training for eligible NSW workplaces and one of the first to jump on board was Baltimore Aircoil Company Australia, based at Somersby. Funded by the NSW Government, the expert-led training comes at a time when managers, leaders, and employers are being asked to play a pivotal role in their teams’ wellbeing. With many unsure how to support their employees, the training proves you don’t need to be a mental health expert to make a difference. Baltimore Aircoil Company Australia HR Manager, Sue Salmon, said the online training

had proved invaluable for 16 managers, 14 of whom are based at Somersby and two in the company’s small SouthAustralian office. “The feedback from our managers was fabulous,” Salmon said. “Two professionals ran the course extremely well and we found the content very helpful. “It really shed a light on what our managers can do day to day. “We all made commitments on what we could do in our own behaviour to connect with our people. “We’re about to embark on doing some more with Black Dog and intend to take part in the One Foot Forward Challenge in October.” Salmon said the online course helped demystify the subject of mental health. “It gave our managers tools to build a connection with staff – to really get to know their

Sue Salmon at Baltimore Aircoil Company Australia

employees,” she said. “Some of the tips were simple; like, instead of sitting at your desk eating lunch, start eating in the canteen and have conversations. “Often you can pick up when people aren’t doing so well. “Some of our managers were

surprised to learn they should connect with anyone having difficulties, not step back feeling they don’t want to intrude and leave them to it. “We learnt practical tips on starting a conversation and what managers might be able to do to help, such as work adjustments

and encouraging anyone struggling to seek help from a GP or health practitioner. “We’re all busy but it’s about taking that time to connect and forming relationships so if someone needs to flag something they already have a connection.” Salmon said a staff survey conducted two years ago found the top item listed as a concern was mental health. “And now, through lockdowns, mental health help has become more imperative,” she said. “Our staff work from home where possible but as a manufacturer we are considered essential and we have many staff members still in the workplace.” The Black Dog Institute says 85 per cent of managers who take the course report an increase in confidence to manage mental health issues in the workplace. The easy-to-do programs provide practical strategies to influence positive mental health

at work at an individual, team and organisational level. More than 15,000 people across NSW have already completed the NSW Governmentfunded training, with 98 per cent reporting they would recommend it to others. “Poor mental ill-health not only impacts the individual, but can have a ripple effect across the workplace, and within their communities,” Black Dog Institute Workplace facilitator, Carol Newall, said. “This training helps businesses keep employees healthy and ensure they’re coping at work.” Training is available at no cost to NSW Businesses with up to 200 workers and not-for-profits of any size. It is available online with flexible options to suit the workplace and you can apply at mentalhealthatwork.nsw.gov.au Terry Collins

Make October a marathon month With the Central Coast ranking 17th out of 28 regions in NSW for heart attack hospital admissions, the Heart Foundation is encouraging Coasties to participate in its annual fitness and fundraising challenge, MyMarathon, during October. “The Central Coast’s rate of heart attack hospital admissions is 14.9 out of every 10,000 people; this is three per cent above the state average,” a Heart Foundation spokesperson said. “Out of 28 regions in NSW, the Central Coast region ranks 18th in terms of deaths from coronary

heart disease (62.3 out of every 100,000 people) and the region ranks 15th in hospitalisations from coronary heart disease. “In terms of heart disease risk factors, around 35 per cent of adults living in the Central Coast region are obese; about 17 per cent smoke; and around 66 per cent are not physically active enough for good health.” The spokesperson said while the region has one of the state’s lowest rates of high blood pressure around one in five adults has elevated blood pressure, which is a key risk factor for heart disease. Former Test cricketer and

Australian Cricket Team coach, Darren “Boof” Lehmann, is lacing up for his second year in MyMarathon and has vowed to double his kilometres. MyMarathon participants will have the entire month of October to walk or run the distance of a marathon (42.2km), while also helping to raise money for lifesaving heart disease research. Lehmann had a heart attack in a Gold Coast hotel room on his 50th birthday in February 2020. “I woke up at 4.30am with cold sweats,” he said. “I couldn’t breathe; it felt like someone was standing on my chest.

“I knew something wasn’t right. “I called the hotel doctor and he organised an ambulance; I remember texting my wife, Andrea, to tell her what was going on.” Angiograms revealed significant blockages in three of his coronary arteries and two days later he had triple-bypass surgery at Brisbane’s Prince Charles Hospital. “Before my heart attack, I was a smoker and I ate all the wrong foods,” he said. “I was a good exerciser, but still carrying too much weight; what a wake-up call.” After his operation, Lehmann

quit smoking, switched to a healthier diet and continues to exercise regularly. “For me, MyMarathon is about improving your heart health, raising awareness of the Heart Foundation and heart disease, and getting everyone to understand that a heart attack can happen to you at any stage,” he said. “So, let’s get active and get outdoors – whether that’s in your backyard, a local park or city streets – and let’s help raise vital funds to support heart disease research.” Heart Foundation Director of Active Living, Adjunct Professor

Trevor Shilton, said just about anyone can get involved, regardless of age, location, background or fitness level. “You decide the pace and you decide the place,” he said. “You can do it in four hours, four days or four weeks; you can do it on your own or part of a team with friends or colleagues; you can walk, run or wheel; you can do it anywhere you like – it’s a very flexible way to complete a marathon.” Find full details at MyMarathon. com.au. Source: Media release, Sep 29 Heart Foundation

THE

‘GOOD NEWS’ with Skaie Hull brought to you by

GOODNEWS@CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

EDUCATION & SCIENCE PAGE 35 OCTOBER 2021

Educator on her way to national recognition Central Coast mum Barbara Wallisch loves children. With two adopted daughters of her own, Wallisch has fostered more than 50 children over 28 years and in 2016 she became an early childhood education and care professional registered with Coastwide Family Day Care. Wallisch is one of 69 regional educators selected in the 2021 Family Day Care Australia Excellence in Family Day Care Awards. A registered nurse, she had been fostering for years when a friend suggested she would be a good fit for Family Day Care. “I thought, yes I would love to work with children in my own

home and I care for four children, aged one to four every day,” she said. “I love it; I really enjoy the work. “I usually look after the children until they go to preschool and have cared for dozens over the past five years. “I also still have two longterm foster children with me.” The Family Day Care Australia Excellence in Family Day Care Awards is the only national awards program dedicated specifically to recognising the work and achievements of the 12,000-strong community of family day care educators across Australia. Celebrating its 10th year, the 2021 awards shine a light on the care provided to more than

93,000 children, in natural and nurturing home leaning environments across the country. Family Day Care Australia Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Paterson, said educators like Wallisch provide vital support to children, families and communities all across Australia. “The flexible, high quality early education provided by educators like Barbara is what makes family day care so unique and is the reason why so many families chose family day care,” he said. The awards also profile the opportunities the sector affords early childhood professionals, he said. “Family day care offers a

career like no other; our qualified educators run their own small business from home, combining their passion for early childhood education with the opportunity to build a flexible, rewarding and secure financial future,” Paterson said. “We think that’s pretty special.” Wallisch is now in the running to be named as one of four national educator finalists, to be announced on October 26. The national finalists will then attend the 2021 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards presentation early next year, where the National Educator of the Year will be named. Terry Collins

Barbara Wallisch

Plans to recruit ‘standout’ international teachers The NSW Government will address a shortage of teachers on the Central Coast and throughout the state with a new campaign targeted at overseas and interstate STEM teachers. The Government will spend $13.5M on a program to bring more than 500 qualified STEM teachers from other countries and states into NSW classrooms.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, Sarah Mitchell, said the plan to recruit “standout” international and interstate teachers is part of a broader strategy to boost and sustain a high-quality teaching workforce. “Our education system is amongst the largest in the world, and I am confident that by opening the door to more high-quality teachers from other jurisdictions, we will also

become amongst the highest performing in the world,” Mitchell said. The initiative builds upon the Government’s recently announced new employmentbased pathways into teaching and is aligned with the Productivity Commission’s White Paper recommendation to leverage the status of NSW to entice teachers. “NSW is an incredible place to live and work – attracting the

best teachers from around the world will help turbocharge our recovery from the pandemic by ensuring our students have access to more high quality teachers,” Mitchell said. “Our state has the biggest education system in the southern hemisphere and we should be using that position to attract the best teachers from around the country and the world to help our students get ahead.”

The overseas focus will be on countries whose teachers have high potential to succeed in the NSW public system such as Canada and the UK. Four hundred and sixty teachers will be recruited between 2022-23, and 100 in 2023-24. Working alongside other agencies, including the Commonwealth Government, the Department of Education will help successful recruits

with relocation and other support including Australian border control measures, quarantine and visa requirements. The initiative forms part of the NSW Government’s new Teacher Supply Strategy. Source: Media releases, Sep 27 NSW Education Department

CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEXT EDITION TO GET THE LATEST LOCAL NEWS? Then satisfy that need for free by listening to a podcast of our daily local news bulletin at www.coastcommunitynews.com.au Or, get it from our facebook page www.facebook.com/coastcommunitynews Or, follow us on twitter twitter.com/CoastComNews Or see our end of week video news, 5@5 – NEWS www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Daily local news as it happens from Central Coast Newspapers

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

TRADE SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING

Central Coast

24 Hour Service Fast, Local and Friendly Quality Technicians

BUILDERS Licensed 271472C

FREE QUOTES

• Fully Licenced & Insured 0488 816 810 • 5 year Installation Warranty • 100% Service Satisfaction • No Hidden Surprises HEATING • COOLING • ELECTRICAL EXPERTS 4.9 star 440+ Reviews

PENSIONER DISCOUNTS

BUILDERS

A Better Picture

Antenna & Digital

Installations & Tuning New home specialist Credit cards OK HAYWARD VIDEO All areas ray.hayward@gmail.com

0412 685 555 ASBESTOS

Asbestos Removal

0488 816 810

Totally Building & Maintenance Building Repairs & Maintenance Basic Carpentry, Bricklaying, Paving and Concreting. No Job too small Fully Insured 25 years experience

Phone John 0417 285 585

LicNo#98098R

ANTENNAS

Call Aaron

Local builder specialising in: • Bathroom renovations • Kitchen renovations • All types of maintenance • Repair works • Extensions

Call for a FREE quote No job too big or small

Lic No 309050C

PAGE 36 1 OCTOBER 2021 CLASSIFIEDS

Phone Daniel 0478 184 869

CARPENTRY

HANDYMAN ALL GENERAL APT HANDYMAN CARPENTRY SERVICES Stairs, pergolas, verandas, decks etc. Available now Call Michael Bennett Ph: 0407 281 046 Lic. 28352c

ARTWORK MGL CARPENTRY

SERVICING THE CENTRAL COAST

Fully Insured - Call Gary

Ph: Tom 0422 653 794 or 4393 9890

4341 1346

Safe Work NSW Lic. AD212564

Windows etc

0458 130 829

PAINTER

BUCELLO’S APPROVAL

Painting Services

4322 8980

Lic346302C

0410 404 664

Lic 528150c

PAINTER

CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING RATES

UNIQUE LEASE

We are a handy family of 3, retired and just relocated from SA, seeking to improve on a basic property: workshop, shearer’s quarters, stables etc. and develop into a simple home/creative studio space for long-term rent/lease. Must have connection to power and water available and include some land for gardens and chooks. Have a chat with Kim or Leila

0480363893

0421 084 650

kimdebruis@gmail.com

RUBBISH REMOVAL

TILING

Lic: AD205997

GUTTERING

Wall & Floor Tiling Property Maintenance 0439 589 426

homes2nv@gmail.com

ROOFING

ALL INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING

(includes total preparation & resurfacing) Complete Kitchens & Bathrooms All Concrete surfaces - Driveways / Garages / Paths Metal and Concrete tiled roofs Decks and Pergolas Dulux Acrilic Textures

Roof Restorations - New Roofs Re-Roofing - Gutter cleaning Repairs - Maintenance

PH:0401 781 746 LIC NO: 308180c

jakedean@jtdroofing.com

Business and In Memoriam rates

Over 25 Years Experience

The minimum size of 5cm X a single column only costs $50 + GST in mono and an extra $10 + GST for colour, a logo or a photograph.

Lic: 164611C

Classified advertisements in all 3 papers are only $40+GST each.

Having a prepaid classified advertisement run for 6 editions only costs $250 + GST and $50 + GST more for colour. For 12 editions, it is $495 + GST and $100+ GST more for colour. For 24 editions, it is only $950 + GST and $200 + GST for colour, a saving of $290 + GST.

House, office units No job too big or too small Affordable rates Call for free quote 0497 800 074

Ph: 0431 866 292

advertisements need to be paid for at the time of booking.

Most businesses choose to advertise on an ongoing basis and discounts apply for multiple bookings, if they are paid for in full, in advance.

Allways Moving Removals

Blake’s Demolition & Rubbish Removal

Central Coast Newspapers’ classified advertising rates are relatively much lower than in other newspapers and at the same time much larger than in other newspapers, with the minimum size being 50mm X 42mm. Approximately 20,000 copies of this newspaper are printed and distributed every week.

A mono 5cm advertisement only costs $33. Each additional cm costs $6.60 as does colour, and/or a photograph or a logo. Private

WANTED

Fully licensed and insured. Also will demolish sheds, garages, small buildings, bathrooms etc.

See www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

As Central Coast Newspapers are community newspapers, the cost of advertising not for profit organisations’ events is subsidised. This makes them the same rate as non business advertisements.

REMOVALS

All types of rubbish, including asbestos, removed.

Classified advertising is the cheapest form of newspaper advertising. This newspaper is also published on line on the publication date, and is also read that way by hundreds of people. All advertisements, including these classified advertising pages, appear in full on-line as an additional benefit for free.

Personal and Not For Profit Organisations

Ph: 4325 7369

lic no. 325796c

NO CALL OUT FEE Credit Cards Welcome

NO LABOUR & MATERIALS OVER $5000

Call now before the price goes up

Ph: 0410 576 613

Snap Gosford • Shop 7 Park Plaza, 131 Henry Parry Drive Gosford NSW 2250 SAME DAY SERVICE • Residential and Telephone (02) 4324 1133 • Facsimile (02) 4323 2796 gosford@snap.com.au • www.gosford.snap.com.au ALL• Email ELECTRICAL WORK Commercial Poles, Aerials & Mains Fully licensed and • Interior and Exterior Phone Data & TV • New Work and Repaints Carpenter & Joiner insured asbestos Switchboard Upgrades 40yrs Experience Free Quotes removals from Oven Stove & Hot Water Decks, Pergolas, Doors, All work guaranteed

houses, garages, sheds, bathrooms etc.

IT’S A NO BRAINER! An advertisement from this size in 20,000 newspapers from only $50 + GST per week

all home repairs including, painting, gutter cleaning + more

ELECTRICIAN CARPENTRY

RETAIL

Specialising in the Replacement of All Gutters & Downpipes www.gutterworxcentralcoast.com.au • tony@gutterworxcentralcoast.com.au

ADULT SERVICES

Sweets Open 24/7

Central Coast’s best brothel 5 Enterprise Drive - Berkeley Vale In/Out - Hiring Aussie Girls

• Full Colorbond Rand • All Work Guaranteed • Fully Licenced & Insured Please make alterations or corrections ....................................................................................................... Artwork is free and advertisers are encouraged to change their 0478 170 008 Even though we strive to ensure that artwork is advertisements frequently Call Tony 0415 876 558 0467 190 746 according to instructions errors can occur; .............................................................................................................................................................................................. PLEASE CHECK ALL INFORMATION very carefully before you sign this proof. We do not take any responsibility for any

.............................................................................................................................................................................................. This order is approved to be printed as this proof

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

SCIENCE & EDUCATION

PAGE 37 1 OCTOBER 2021

University works on safe return to campus Vice Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, Alex Zelinsky, has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement to allow a small number of international students to return to NSW before the end of the year. “While it’s too early to discuss specific details, we hope it’s not too long before we see international students start to return to our campuses when the Public Health Orders permit,” Zelinsky said. Of the 33,822 students enrolled at the University of Newcastle, 5119 are international students. Convener of the NSW ViceChancellors’ Committee, Professor Barney Glover, said after more than 18 months of planning and collaborative effort, they were delighted to see an incremental reopening of borders to international students. “We will be ready to go once

University of Newcastle Ourimbah Campus

the lockdown in NSW ends,” he said. “Universities continue to work closely with government on the logistics and we are following public health advice

regarding the Delta outbreak,” Glover said. He said international student arrivals would not impact on Australians looking to return home through Sydney.

“This pathway is industry led and funded, and it is important to note that students will be required to complete 14 days of quarantine in government supervised purpose-built

student accommodation. “We know the pilot is small scale, but it is a critical milestone that will allow us to test and refine our plans and processes before committing

to a full return. “We want to ensure a safe return for all our international students as well as keep our community safe. “The pilot will be evaluated after the first two flights with the view to scaling up as quickly as possible thereafter,” Glover said. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro, said the staggered return of students was stage one of a pilot that would slowly expand and evolve, as vaccination rates continued to rise. “The safety of the people of NSW is paramount and we are taking no risks. “All participating students will be required to be fully vaccinated with a TGArecognised COVID-19 vaccine, and strict quarantine protocols will be in place,” he said. Harry Mulholland

Department disputes union claims of teacher shortages PUBLIC NOTICE

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT NORTH GOSFORD INCLUDING 5G 2205 Mt Mouat: 43 Algwen Road, North Gosford NSW 2250 (RFNSA 2250014) The proposed facility consists of the addition of new equipment and associated works, including 5G, as follows: • Removal of existing Vodafone antennas and equipment • Installation of three (3) panel antennas, 2.7m long, on the new headframe • Installation of three (3) panel antennas, 0.8m long, on the new headframe • Installation of ancillary equipment including fifteen (15) remote radio units, antenna mounts and cabling 1. Vodafone regards the proposed installations as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”), based on the description above 2. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact Luke Norris at Axicom, 02 9495 9000, community@axicom.com.au or Level 1, 110 Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065 by Friday, 15 October 2021. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2250014.

FORT DENISON

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

FRI

0419 1.12 0942 0.74 1614 1.47 2309 0.52 0359 0.22 1016 1.79 1632 0.22 2239 1.64

The NSW Education Department has accused the NSW Teachers Federation (NSWTF) of engaging in a misleading campaign ahead of its award negotiations by claiming there is a shortage of teachers statewide and vacancies at 18 Central Coast schools alone. A spokesperson for the Education Department said the number of permanent teacher vacancies in public schools across NSW represents less than two per cent of overall teaching roles. “This is not a ‘teacher shortage’; an organisation of this size will always have a level of vacancies and this rate is low both historically for NSW schools and for systems of our size,” the spokesperson said. “Of the 18 schools (on the Central Coast) with vacancies in mid-May quoted by the NSWTF, only six schools still have vacancies. “As of September, 2021,

there are only 10 permanent teacher vacancies remaining at the schools referenced. “The Department is working closely with principals to fill the remaining vacancies. “A permanent vacancy can occur at any time of the school year for a range of reasons, including retirement, transfer or promotion. “Any vacancy occurring now is unlikely to be the same vacancy as at May this year.” The spokesperson said the number of current permanent teacher vacancies in NSW public schools represents approximately 1.85 per cent of overall teaching roles. “Given we have 74,000 teachers, this is a very low vacancy rate for an organisation of our size,” the spokesperson said. “NSW already has the most comprehensive incentives scheme in Australia and, subject to eligibility, teachers in rural and remote locations have access to a suite of financial and

TIDE CHART

non-financial incentives.” The NSWTF said in a poll of more than 4,000 of its members in its public schools conducted between August 25 and September 4, that 95 per cent of teachers and principals said shortages of teachers was a significant issue; 93 per cent said their school had difficulty recruiting casual teachers (95 per cent in country NSW); 51 per cent said there were vacant permanent or temporary positions at their school (53 per cent in country NSW); and 60 per cent of those in secondary and combined primary/ secondary schools said they have been required at some point to teach outside their area of subject expertise. With the industrial award that determines the salaries and conditions of teachers set to expire in December, the NSWTF is pushing for a salary increase of between five and seven and a half per cent a year for teachers and principals. Terry Collins

IN MEMORIAM

TAYLOR

Gwendolyn, Ruth Gwen Aged 85 years Passed peacefully 29 September, 2021

Late of Green Point Beloved Mother to Jane, Russell, and Kristine and Mother-in-law to Andrew and Kevin. Cherished Grandmother (Nanny) to Rianne, Alex, Evan, Samuel and Isabella and Great-Grandmother to Allena and Danny. “Strong and steadfast until the end leaving an immense hole in our lives.” “She is clothed with strength and dignity” – Proverbs 31:25 Family and friends are warmly invited to view the Live Stream of Gwen’s service to be held on Thursday 7 th October 2021, commencing at 10.00am at the Greenway Chapel and Memorial Gardens, 460 Avoca Drive, Green Point

02 4324 1533

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

Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

0130 0.34 0320 0.20 0514 1.20 0657 1.30 0206 0.27 0243 0.22 1044 0.66 1235 0.57 0735 1.40 0813 1.52 0852 1.63 0933 1.72 SAT 1709 1.55 SUN 1856 1.64 MON 1322 0.46 TUE 1407 0.37 WED 1453 0.29 THU 1542 0.23 2352 0.43 1938 1.72 2021 1.77 2150 1.73 2105 1.77 0028 1.39 0410 1.19 0440 0.28 0523 0.37 0131 1.27 0246 1.19 1102 1.83 1150 1.82 0611 0.48 0707 0.58 0814 0.66 0933 0.69 SAT 1727 0.24 SUN 1825 0.29 MON 1244 1.77 TUE 1344 1.70 WED 1454 1.63 THU 1611 1.60 2331 1.52 1931 0.36 2313 0.42 2045 0.42 2203 0.44

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

PAGE 38 1 OCTOBER 2021 SPORT

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Request for cut to ground fees refused by Council Central Coast Council ignored a request for an across the board cut in ground fees when it made its decision on sporting refunds at its September 28 meeting. Instead it will offer refunds only where groups have offered refunds to players despite sporting groups not charging their players for the costs of ground fees. Sports Council Secretarytreasurer, Diane Dales, said most clubs raise funds from their canteen sales to pay the Council bill for ground fees. Administrator Rik Hart went ahead with the staff recommendation to agree to a 50 per cent reduction in ground fees only where associations and clubs offered refunds to their players. “Local sporting clubs, associations and community groups are encouraged to

contact their Council Facility Manager, and we will work with each sporting group on a case-by-case basis to ensure the ongoing viability of our local winter sports sector,” Hart said. Dales addressed the September 28 Council meeting to explain that many sporting groups on the Coast were hurting financially. The Sports Council had requested a 50 per cent discount in seasonal hire fees for competition and training and a refund for scheduled training events that had been unable to proceed from June 26. “If a facility cannot be used, why should a fee be paid for such a facility?” Dales asked. “Most players are ratepayers, and the maintenance of community facilities is included in their Council rates. “Over the years Council has been placing more and more

responsibility on associations and clubs regarding maintenance of sporting grounds. “This year, like last year, basically half the winter season was lost due to the COVID pandemic and associated lockdowns.” Dales said most codes and associations did not include ground fees in their affiliation fees to clubs but billed them separately. Clubs raise money through canteen sales, fundraisers, sponsorships, and revenue from final series to pay ground fees. “Fundraising, including sponsorships, this winter and last winter, has been nearly non-existent and clubs are barely keeping their heads above water,” Dales said. “Council requires any group that hires any community facility to have public liability insurance. “This can be the highest

expenditure in their budget and is not refundable. “Clubs are in such dire straits; they are asking for refunds on as many of these costs as they possibly can. “We need all parties to come to the table.” Most sporting bodies on the Coast have lost a huge amount financially this year as well as last year due to lockdowns. Dales said some associations had paid clubs’ referee/umpire costs to help those who needed this income. “Clubs have lost all their Finals Series revenue profit along with revenue from canteens during their normal competition rounds,” Dales said. “We believe our request for a 50 per cent discount in seasonal hire fees for competition and training, plus a refund for any scheduled training event

unable to proceed is a reasonable request. “We were here earlier this year looking for a reduction in fees, which was denied. “Please don’t deny us again.” Each club will now have to face Council on a one-on-one basis. This includes community groups using Council facilities such as community halls. In the report to the Administrator, Council noted that it would be an easier process to create a credit note rather than provide a refund. “Council’s winter season users were invoiced in May for the entire winter season,” the report stated. “The total amount charged to all winter users was $387,686.83. “Of this funding, $198,558 was journaled into 2021/22 financial year in recognition

of when the facility usage would occur. “If a 50 per cent fee reduction is approved, $193,843 (being the portion of the seasonal fees charged for the period from July 1 to September 26 which was not available to the community due to the lockdown) would need to be refunded. “Community leasing/ licensing rent relief requests will be assessed on a caseby-case basis, based on financial hardship, decline in organisation’s revenue and lack of financial capacity to cover the rental fees. “Council manages over 300 community leases/licences. “The budgeted rental income from July to October 2021 is $92,384; this does not include facility hire or recovery of outgoings such as utility bills.” Merilyn Vale

Academy celebrates athletes and hopes for live finale The VIATEK Central Coast Academy of Sport Athlete Celebration was hosted on the Academy’s social media sites on Wednesday, September 29, with COVID-19 restrictions forcing the activity online. With athletes and parents watching from home a range of award winners was announced, with all sporting program athletes of the year and encouragement award winners now in the running to be announced as the overall Central Coast Academy of Sport Athlete of the Year. A spokesperson said the

CCN

Academy was hopeful that the second stage of the VIATEK CCAS Awards Evening would be held at a face to face event on Wednesday, November 10,at Mingara Recreation Club where the major award winners will be announced. “We have adjusted our awards presentation formats numerous times to ensure that we are meeting all current restrictions,” Events Manager Emily Burgess-Moore said. “When it became apparent that a face-to-face event was not possible, we felt that hosting an online presentation would be the best way forward.

“While this has added an extra challenge, we were thrilled to be able to announce the deserving award winners in an online format. “A huge congratulations to all the CCAS athletes in what has been an incredibly challenging year. “We remain hopeful that a face-to-face event will be possible for phase two of the CCAS Awards Evening.” Award winners were: AFL – Development Boys Encouragement Award, Clay Partelle; Girls Encouragement

Award, Lacy Myers; AFL – U13 Boys Encouragement Award, Kaiden McNamara; Girls Encouragement Award, Grace Ramanauskas; AFL – U15 Boys Encouragement Award, Spencer Andrews-Bohringer; Girls Encouragement Award, Taya White; AFL – U17 Boys Encouragement Award, Baxter Beams; Girls Encouragement Award, Eliza Schram; Basketball Athlete of the Year, Sophie Prior;

Basketball Encouragement Awards, Max Murray and Zoe Naylor; Golf Athlete of the Year, Riley Millers; Golf Encouragement Award, Desiree Herden and Archie Morris; Hockey Athlete of the Year, Noah Needham; Hockey Encouragement Award, Charlotte Tarleton and Ethan Shadbolt-Connors; Indigenous Program Encouragement Award, Richard Darell; Netball Encouragement Award, Makenzee Ryan,

Charlotte Rousell, Eden Mungovan; Netball Umpire of the Year, Amelia Carty; Swimming Encouragement Award, Haylie Green and Jacob Falconer; Touch Football Encouragement Award, Brandy Simpson; Triathlon Athlete of the Year, Morgan Charlton; Triathlon Encouragement Award, Wade Barr. Source: Media release, Sep 29 Central Coast Academy of Sport

ATTENTION

all sports organisations LET US HELP YOU PROMOTE YOUR SPORT Send us your sports news on anything related to the Central Coast at any level. This is not for registration days or fundraising activities, but for your core sport activity and we’ll do our best it get it in for you. We have five newspapers a fortnight, a daily radio news bulletin, a weekly video news, and a comprehensive website, all there to help you get your news out to the community.

Send to sportreports@centralcoastnews.net and include a contact telephone number and some photos

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

SPORT PAGE 39 1 OCTOBER 2021

Support to balance sport with education Coast athletes are being encouraged to balance education and career pathways with their sporting ambitions as the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) launches a $200,000 education scholarships program. The AIS is partnering with the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation to expand the AIS Education Scholarships program, which began as a $100,000 pilot last year and supported 40 athletes with educational scholarships. John Wylie said the way Australian athletes pursued their sporting goals was truly admirable but added it should not be a choice between high performance sport and education. “Our Aussie athletes are determined, resilient and tenacious in their pursuit of sporting success, but it doesn’t

have to be at the sacrifice of their other ambitions, especially education and career pathways. “Our Foundation is passionate about supporting the AIS Education Scholarship program because we want athletes to know Australians support them on their sporting journeys and we celebrate their success, but we value the transferrable attributes and skills they can

bring to life beyond sport. “On average it takes a highperformance athlete twice as long to complete a university degree because they are often juggling full-time training to represent their country. “So, education can be a challenge, but it can also bring balance and a plan. “Our ultimate success story would be to see more Australian

athletes finishing their sports careers with framed medals hanging on the walls, sitting alongside their framed university degree or trade certificate. “Education and sport can be a winning mix. “I’d encourage others to support this program. “Let’s make high performance sport a genuine career path by

supporting athlete education,” Wylie said. AIS CEO, Pete Conde said the AIS had prioritised building its Elite Athlete Education Network (EAEN) so that athletes has more options to balance their sporting careers with education. “The AIS Education scholarships will be open to categorised athletes who are

studying any of the EAENaligned tertiary institutions around Australia. “Our Elite Athlete Education Network now comprises more than 40 universities and 11 TAFEs around the country, giving athletes a greater choice and flexibility with their education support. “Our priority is to support those athletes who demonstrate a genuine commitment to study and can use their own experiences to inspire and benefit others, in sport and the broader community. “The AIS wants to support athletes to be successful in sport, education and life. “This initiative, supported by the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation, is a key component of that objective,” Conde said. Source: Australian Institute of Sport

Golfers still enjoying the green GOLF Whilst COVID has shut down most sports for the season, avid golfers still have a chance to tee up on the green as many Central Coast golf courses remain open to members only. Some changes have been made to accommodate the health restrictions such as staggered starts for groups, no clubhouse, and masks must be worn. CEO of Breakers Country Club in Wamberal, Ken Pearson, said that since lockdown started in June, the golf course has been booked out every day.

“The Clubhouse has been closed since June 26, but the golf course has been booked out every day since then. “Golfers can come and play in groups of two, and we let two groups start every five minutes. “So, we’re seeing around 250 golfers a day coming down, and 60 golfers are starting their round per hour. “Restrictions we have in place are all golfers must wear a mask and socially distance, and it’s members only so we can keep track of who is coming and playing,” Pearson said. Pearson also said that golf

club hire was still available to players without a set of clubs, however they need to be booked in advance to allow the pro shop time to sanitize them. Other restrictions at Breakers include the bubblers around the course being turned off, no hand shaking at the completion of a game, rakes have been removed from the bunkers, all pins on the green are to be left in, players must sign in using the Service NSW app and only members that live within a 10km radius of the club are able to play. Similar conditions are also inplace at Gosford Golf Club,

ensuring the health and safety of their members. Other restrictions at Gosford Golf Club include, flags being left in the hole, players having to mark their own scorecard, wearing masks in golf carts where social distancing isn’t possible, arriving at the course no earlier than 10 minutes before tee off, not being in contact with anyone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days and not entering the club if a player should be self-isolating, waiting for a COVID test result or living with someone who should be self-isolating. Harry Mulholland

Breakers Country Club Golf Course at Wamberal

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. Well, as we were predicting, we are now starting to get whales heading south, finally coming in close to shore. Most of these whales will be mothers and their new calves. These animals are going to the summer feeding grounds in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. They undertake the longest migration of any known mammal species, over 5,000 klm one way. Young whales have very thin blubber when they are born. Blubber has 3 main benefits for whales, it makes them buoyant, it provides them with insulation from

the cold and also gives their muscles and body a form of protection from predators and injury. Young whales have to develop this for their first journey south, so they consume around 200 litres of milk and gain around 100 kgs each day. The milk they drink from their mother has the consistency of “toothpaste” and is at least 35% fat. Whale sighting reports are coming in from Foresters Beach, Terrigal, North Avoca and Copacabana. Seals are still visiting our coast with reports coming in from The Haven, North Avoca, Cape Three Points, Putty Beach and in Brisbane Water. Dolphins have been regularly seen at Forresters, Wamberal, Terrigal, Avoca and Macmasters Beaches.

If you’re planning to go whale watching, remember to comply with Health Regulations and police/government directions.

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

PAGE 40 1 OCTOBER 2021 SPORT

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Terrigal Avoca’s Jack Grimmond wins best and fairest

The Terrigal Avoca men’s team pictured in 2020

AFL Players and teams from across the Central Coast have been recognised for their efforts on the AFL field at Hunter Central Coast AFL’s 2021 Elliot Davey Awards.

Jack Grimmond in action

Newspapers

Although the season was cut short due to COVID-19 restrictions, awards were still given for on-field action up to Round Nine. The Terrigal Avoca men’s team were announced minor premiers for the Black Diamond Cup and Black Diamond Plate. The Black Diamond Cup men’s best and fairest award went to Jack Grimmond from Terrigal Avoca on 13 votes. Killarney Vale’s Brandon Lloyd was recognised as the runner up for the Maurice Goolagong Trophy which recognises the player who scored the most goals. Lloyd scored 27 goals,

closely following the winner Mitchell Crawford of Newcastle City who scored 31 goals. Wyong Lakes’ Luarna Greentree was also recognised as the fifth highest goal kicker in the Black Diamond Cup Women’s Leading Goal Kicker award, scoring 14 goals. Wyong Lakes’ Justin McPhan was awarded the Black Diamond Plate Men’s Leading kicker award with 33 goals scored. Killarney Vale players Ashleigh Page and Aaron Duncan were both selected as Hunter Central Coast’s Representative players of the year for 2021. Other Coasties mentioned in the awards include Killarney Vale’s Corey Shackleton who was a joint winner with Singleton’s Nadene McBride for the James J Arnold Clubperson of the Year award. Wyong Lakes’ Lee More

was awarded the Black Diamond Plate, The Granland Medal for the highest number of best and fairest votes, tying with Cardiff’s David Graan on 13 votes. The Elliot Davey Awards recognise players from across Hunter and Central Coast teams for their efforts and achievements on the field over the last season, which was cut short at round nine when the current COVID-19 lockdown started in June. A spokesperson for Hunter Central Coast AFL said thank you to all club volunteers, players, umpires and club families for their hard work and commitment to the 2021 season. “The season didn’t end the way we would have liked it to, so we hope to see everyone in 2022 for what we hope can be a more complete season,” the spokesperson said. Harry Mulholland

Central Coast

CCN