Coast Community News 313 by Central Coast Newspapers

8 OCTOBER 2021

ISSUE 313

Yarn Bomb project aims to help end violence

News

Residents will have their chance to learn more and ask questions about State Government plans to rejuvenate Peat Island and Mooney Mooney at a series of community information webinars. See page 3

Out&About

Heavyweights of the Australian and international music scene will lend their support to Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD) Day on October 15. See page 17

Knitters and crocheters across the Central Coast have been hard at work during lockdown preparing for a vibrant installation set to take pride of place at Terrigal from November 19 to December 17.

Health

See page 17 Soroptimist International Brisbane Water is one group contributing to the project

Executives not listed to appear at Public Inquiry The Commissioner of the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council intends to interview some witnesses in private and it is still unclear if some senior Council staff will be interviewed at all. The office of the Commissioner has released a list of witnesses for the Public Inquiry but none of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) at the time the crisis occurred is on the list. Resident Kevin Brooks received the list and an email from the Commissioner’s Office that said: “The witness list does not include persons from whom the Commissioner will

hear in private.” It said the witness list was a matter for the Commissioner, Roslyn McCulloch, and was signed by her assistant officer. Brooks said this seemed to continue the theme of a “not so public” inquiry. “Why are some witnesses being allowed to provide their testimony in secret despite this being a ‘public’ inquiry,” he said. “First the submissions aren’t made public, then the video link doesn’t work, and now we learn some testimony will be given in secret – whilst current executives in posts at the time won’t face any public questions at all.

“No wonder 22,400 petitioned for a genuinely independent judicial inquiry rather than this State Government alternative.” Brooks said the list contains past executives who left before the crisis and also executives who joined after the crisis. These include current Administrator Rik Hart, CEO David Farmer and CFO Natalia Cowley. But executives who were at Council at the time of the crisis and are still at Council are not on the list. “You have to wonder if Council executives who kept their jobs despite the financial collapse have now been declared some

sort of protected species,” Brooks said. “These executives were responsible for managing budgets in their own departments. “They were responsible for providing reports and recommendations to the governing body. “And they were part of a collective leadership team. “How can they not have questions to answer at this inquiry?” The Office of the Commissioner said in exceptional circumstances, the Commissioner may exercise her discretion to hear oral

submissions from a person wishing to make such submissions in confidence. During Day Three, the Commissioner said on the livestream that “Pursuant to my discretion under section 12B of the Royal Commissions Act,” some witnesses would give evidence in private. “I make decisions about those matters having regard to the particular circumstances of the witnesses and the impact that their giving of evidence might have on their current or future employment, on their mental health or other factors such as that,” she said. Continued page 4

October is Mental Health Month and Central Coast Council has pulled together a program of online courses and activities to get residents to reflect on their mental wellbeing. See page 31

Sport

Storm Roux has re-joined the Central Coast Mariners on a oneyear deal after spending three years with Melbourne Victory. See page 39

Puzzles page 22

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.

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PAGE 2 8 OCTOBER 2021 CCN

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

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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

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. 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

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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.

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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.

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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

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2250 - Bucketty, Calga, Central Mangrove, East Gosford, Erina, Erina Fair, Glenworth Valley, Gosford, Greengrove, Holgate, Kariong, Kulnura, Lisarow, Lower Mangrove, Mangrove Creek, Mangrove Mountain, Matcham, Mooney Mooney Creek, Mount White, Narara, Niagara Park, North Gosford, Peats Ridge, Point Clare, Point Frederick, Somersby, Springfield, Tascott, Ten Mile Hollow, Upper Mangrove, Wendoree Park, West Gosford, Wyoming 2251 - Avoca Beach, Bensville, Bouddi, Copacabana, Davistown, Green Point, Kincumber, MacMasters Beach, Picketts Valley, Saratoga, Yattalunga 2260 - Forresters Beach, North Avoca, Terrigal, Wamberal

Publisher: Ross Barry - CEO: Cec Bucello - 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

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REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

News

International tourism precinct planned for Bushells Ridge

The Watch Officer at Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes received a call from a distressed vessel out on the lake on Saturday, September 25. See page 8

Out&About

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.

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.

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

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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

Artists exhibit Bouddi inspired works

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 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.

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.

Business

Health

See page 21

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

Health

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.

See page 27

Hundreds of workers took industrial strike action last Friday at The Entrance in a show of unity for the nationwide #ReclaimTheLine protest against the government’s “no jab, no job” mandate.

Continued page 6

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

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

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

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

News

It has been revealed the Commissioner of the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council intends to interview some witnesses in private. It is still unclear if all members of Council’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the most senior members of staff, will be interviewed at all. The office of the Commissioner has released a list of witnesses for the public inquiry. None of the existing ELT, who were part of the ELT when the crisis occurred, are on the list. Resident, Kevin Brooks, received the list and an email from the Commissioner’s office that said: “The witness list does not include persons from whom the Commissioner will hear …

in private.” Brooks said this seemed to continue the theme of a “not so public” inquiry. “Why are some witnesses being allowed to provide their testimony in secret despite this being a ‘public’ inquiry,” he said. “First the submissions aren’t made public, then the video link doesn’t work, and now we learn some testimony will be given in secret – whilst current executives in post at the time won’t face any public questions at all. “No wonder 22,400 petitioned for a genuinely independent judicial inquiry rather than this State Government alternative.” Mr Brooks said the list included past executives who left before the crisis and

executives who joined after the crisis. Executives who were at Council at the time of the crisis and are still at Council are not on the list. “You have to wonder if Council executives who kept their jobs despite the financial collapse have now been declared some sort of protected species,” Brooks said. “These executives were responsible for managing budgets in their own departments. “They were responsible for providing reports and recommendations to the governing body. “And they were part of a collective leadership team.

“How can they not have questions to answer at this inquiry?” CCN has asked for clarification from the office of the Commissioner but has not received an answer at the time of publication. MPs Adam Crouch and David Mehan were asked for comment. Mehan said: “The Commissioner owes the Coast a detailed explanation as to why further secrecy is necessary. “Further secrecy undermine public’s confidence in the inquiry and will undermine efforts to rebuild public in our Council. “The Commissioner is supposed to have wide ranging powers but she seems to be limiting her call on the

Yarn Bomb aims to help end violence

The Country Women’s Association’s Woy Woy Branch has put together dozens of bags to help those in need in a cross-club collaboration with the Gosford Rotary Club.

With the warmer weather approaching, local authorities have encouraged residents to be prepared for the fire season and emergencies. See page 13

Health

Out&About

More Public Inquiry coverage, see Page 4 & 5 Merilyn Vale

Sport

Australian Cricket has released the fourth edition of the Press for Progress report and it is heavily supported by Cricket NSW’s powerful commitment to growing the involvement of women and girls in the sport. See page 27

Puzzles page 18

Coast takes another spin on regional status roundabout The State Government’s roadmap out of lockdown has met with mixed reactions because Central Coast residents, unlike others, will not be allowed to travel to regional NSW until the state reaches its 80 per cent fully vaccinated target. The NSW Government said adjustments had been made to the 70 per cent roadmap due to ‘updated health advice’. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, confirmed that residents would not be able to freely travel to other parts of regional NSW even after the 70

per cent target is met on October 11. “This is because the Central Coast’s daily COVID-19 case numbers are consistently too high,” he said. “Our region is recording approximately 30 new COVID-19 cases per day. “This is even higher than most local government areas across Sydney. “Clearly, we are not out of the woods. “NSW Health has identified the growing COVID-19 case numbers on the Central Coast and in the Illawarra as two of the most concerning areas in the state.

“If our case numbers decline and if vaccination rates continue to rise between now and 11 October, I will absolutely advocate for this Health decision to be reconsidered.” During September the Central Coast was removed from Greater Sydney for COVID health order purposes but this latest announcement appears to have ‘returned’ the Coast to being part of Greater Sydney as restrictions are eased. Local Labor MPs said they were furious about the backflip on the Coast’s classification even if it is likely to only last two weeks and Federal Member for Robertson has also

expressed concern. Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, said she was angered by the decision, noting that fully vaccinated Sydney residents could travel to the Coast from October 11. “We fought so hard to become a region, yet they’ve pushed us back in with Greater Sydney again,” Tesch said. “We’re not allowed to travel; Newcastle is allowed to come here; Sydney is allowed to come here and yet the Government has completely taken that regional victory from Coasties and absolutely squashed us. “There’s no health regulations

pointing it out, there’s no press releases to the local media to keep Coasties informed, there’s no communication with local members of parliament. “It’s a really disappointing … slap in the face for people on the Central Coast right now. “If Newcastle has those case numbers and is allowed to travel, why are we locked in? “So, lets open it up to Coasties to have that freedom to travel to the regions and let’s think about that hard Sydney border which is what we’ve been promised.” Continued page 4

Executives not listed to appear at Public Inquiry A Pearl Beach local and member of the Central Coast Volunteer Support Group has urged cyclists and road users to be more aware. See page 25

Sport

It’s good news for any fitness bunnies out there following the Peninsula Leisure Centre’s announcement it will reopen several of its services on Monday, October 11. See page 32

Puzzles page 18

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

The office of the Commissioner has released a list of witnesses for the Public Inquiry but none of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) at the time the crisis occurred is on the list. Resident Kevin Brooks received the list and an email from the Commissioner’s Office that said: “The witness list does not include persons from whom the Commissioner will

October is Mental Health Month and Central Coast Council has pulled together a program of online courses and activities to get residents to reflect on their mental wellbeing. See page 31

Sport

Storm Roux has re-joined the Central Coast Mariners on a oneyear deal after spending three years with Melbourne Victory. See page 40

Puzzles page 22

spiritsuper.com.au

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

The Commissioner of the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council intends to interview some witnesses in private and it is still unclear if some senior Council staff will be interviewed at all.

It all starts with spirit

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

Health

See page 17

Central Council Council Public Inquiry coverage from Page 4 Kidney disease that affects 1.7M Australians, and in October 2021 the Kidney Community is seeking public support See page 25

Heavyweights of the Australian and international music scene will lend their support to Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD) Day on October 15. See page 17

Knitters and crocheters across the Central Coast have been hard at work during lockdown preparing for a vibrant installation set to take pride of place at Terrigal from November 19 to December 17.

See page 15

resources of the Office of Local Government at every opportunity and undermines her own claim to be independent.” Brooks’ questions come as the majority of the submissions to the Inquiry were made public after a GIPA request from a Woy Woy Peninsula resident was successful. The Public Inquiry was called in April by Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock six months after she suspended the Councillors in October last year. The Councillors were suspended when the Council made public its sudden and substantial cash flow issues.

News

Residents will have their chance to learn more and ask questions about State Government plans to rejuvenate Peat Island and Mooney Mooney at a series of community information webinars. See page 3

A new COVID-19 vaccination clinic aimed at supporting the Indigenous community has opened its doors in Umina. See page 3

Out & About

Health

Susan and Troy Thomas

Executives not listed to give public evidence at Council Inquiry

ISSUE 313

ISSUE 030

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

CWA has it in the bag

The Local Planning Panel deferred a decision on a block of units at The Entrance pending detailed evidence from the applicant... See page 21

See 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.

7 OCTOBER 2021

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.

News

White Ribbon has issued a challenge to Australian men to understand and own their role in creating a future where women and children are safe See page 8

See page 10

See page 13

ISSUE 259

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Strike opposes forced vaccines for workers

Business

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.

8 OCTOBER 2021 6 OCTOBER 2021

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 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

ISSUE 029

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

See page 13

See page 5

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).

30 SEPTEMBER 2021

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.

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PAGE 3 8 OCTOBER 2021

Webinars a chance to ask questions about Peat Island proposal Residents will have their chance to learn more and ask questions about State Government plans to rejuvenate Peat Island and Mooney Mooney at a series of community information webinars. Interest is expected to be high, with some residents already expressing concerns about the inclusion of more than 250 residences in the planning. John Andrews, who is a member of the Mooney Mooney-Cheero Progress Association, said many would be shocked by the proposal to build 267 residences in the area, particularly some on land west of the M1. Andrews said two-three-

An aerial view of Peat Island

storey homes would not fit in with the historic buildings in the area and the land between the M1 and the island should also be zoned tourism and nor for private dwellings.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, is encouraging anyone with an interest in the future of the area to attend one of the three online community

information sessions. “The proposal to rezone Peat Island and affiliated Government-owned land on the mainland at Mooney Mooney seeks to strike the balance between future land

uses and achieving the best social and economic outcomes for the community,” Crouch said. “Many people are keen to understand more about the NSW Government’s vision to breathe new life into old assets and open Peat Island to the public, while also creating new housing, community facilities and job opportunities for Mooney Mooney. “Three webinars will be held to provide further information and give people an opportunity to ask questions about this proposal.” Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, said the NSW Government had consulted widely and listened to the community’s feedback to develop a proposal that

delivered a balance of social and economic outcomes for the area. “This is about developing a viable vision that will allow long-dormant governmentowned land and property to be put to better uses and encourage investment that will result in the renewal of civil infrastructure to service the local community,” Pavey said. The webinars will be held on: Thursday, October 14, 12.301.30pm; Tuesday, November 16, 4.30-5.30pm; and Wednesday, December 8 from 6-7pm. To register for a webinar, go to: https://bit.ly/2ZzGWRL. Terry Collins

Asset sales net $55M but details stay secret Central Coast Council has so far amassed $55M in its asset sales program, but residents won’t be privy to just what has been sold and for how much until July next year.

Administrator Rik Hart said $55M had so far been achieved under the three tranches of asset sales instituted in efforts to mitigate some of Council’s huge debt, with some sales completed and others under contract but not yet settled.

“It is an ongoing process and whilst under contract, settlement of (some of these sales) will take a lot longer than for your average house,” he said. “With some sales not yet

settled, we are not proposing to release any details.” Hart said Council would not take a “piecemeal” approach by releasing details of some sales while others awaited settlement.

“All sales are scheduled to be completed by the end of the financial year and a report will go to Council at that time,” he said. The report will be available to the public at that time,

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Hart said. He confirmed an environmentally sensitive parcel of Doyalson land was among the sales. Terry Collins

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Service cuts to come if rates don’t stay at 15 per cent Libraries, childcare centres, sports grounds, outdoor swimming pools and theatres could be some of the services to be cut back if Central Coast Council is unsuccessful in its attempt to have the 15 per cent rate increase which came into effect on July 1 extended by seven years. The rise comprises a 2 per cent cap set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal

(IPART) and a 13 per cent Special Rate Variation (SRV) which was granted by the regulator for a three-year period, but Council wants to see that period extended to 10 years. Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said a proposal on which services might need to be cut if the rise was not extended would be released to the public before the end of the year. “I have asked staff to start work on what services could be at risk

EVERY THING MUST GO

if the rate rise is not extended,” he said. “We want to minimise disruption to the community. “This wouldn’t be our choice, but if IPART decides not to grant the extension of the rate rise, we want to have a plan in place.” Hart said rather than services being cut altogether, savings would probably be made by “little bits of a lot of things”. “We will obviously not be introducing any service cuts

which would endanger public safety, break the law or harm the environment,” he said. “But we need to look at areas where our revenue is less than costs. “Many of our community facilities do not break even and are subsidised by the Council. “It might be easier to list those services which we do not have to subsidise. “Leisure centres, which have indoor pools, gyms and cafes

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rates, Hart said Council needed to somehow recoup an estimated $25.8M per annum in income lost when IPART reduced water rates in 2019. He said it was “intriguing” that MPs of both political parties on the Coast “say they’re there for the people” but will not support a continuation of the 15 per cent rate rise structure. Hart said forward figures compiled on the assumption Council would keep its 15 per cent rate rise and be granted a 34 per cent water and sewerage rates rise showed that ratepayers would still be paying less than their counterparts in the neighbouring LGAs of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle in 2022-23. “We looked at what average total rates might look like based on typical residential water consumption,” he said. The average Central Coast Council ratepayer would be looking at a total rates bill of $2,671, while Lake Macquarie counterparts would be paying $2,750 and Newcastle ratepayers $2,848, he said. Terry Collins

Executives not listed to appear at Public Inquiry From page 1

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associated with them, break even or return a small surplus. “We do make money out of holiday parks and there is a positive cashflow from the airport. “But things such as sports grounds and buildings we lease out to community groups are subsidised. “I have asked staff to report on what would have the least impact on the community. “It could be things like reducing hours of operation as opposed to closure (of some facilities). “Where we have two similar services close to each other we might look at closing one.” Hart said a business plan was expected to be finalised and made public sometime in November. The application for an extension of the rate rise was “unique”, Hart said. While applications for a rate rise are usually to get something new for community, asking for an extension was asking IPART to allow council to“keep”something it already had, he said. Amid community backlash over news Council would also apply for a 34 per cent increase in water

A spokesperson for the Office of Local Government said the Commissioner determined the processes and procedures for the inquiry. “This is an independent process and a matter for the Commissioner,” the spokesperson said. Member for The Entrance, David Mehan, said it was a further disappointment for the Central Coast people who have been expecting an open public inquiry. “The Commissioner owes the Coast a detailed explanation as to why further secrecy is necessary,” he said. “Further secrecy undermines the public’s confidence in the inquiry and will undermine efforts to rebuild public trust in our Council. “The Commissioner is supposed to have wide ranging powers but she seems to be limiting her call on the resources of the Office of Local Government at every opportunity and undermines her own claim to be independent of government.” Coast News also asked Terrigal MP, Adam Crouch, to comment but did not receive a reply. Earlier in the inquiry when

technical difficulties saw the suspended Mayor, Lisa Matthews’, testimony completed in private, Mr Crouch said the community had waited months to watch Councillors and Council senior staff be questioned by the Commissioner but has been let down by the Public Inquiry’s technical problems. “It’s important that every minute of the proceedings is open and accessible to everyone in our community,” Mr Crouch said. Brooks’ questions came as the majority of the submissions to the inquiry became public after a GIPA request from a Woy Woy Peninsula resident was successful. The Public Inquiry was called in April by Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock, six months after she suspended the Councillors in October last year. The Councillors were suspended when the Council made public its sudden and substantial cash flow issues. More on the Public Inquiry, Page XX Merilyn Vale More on the Public Inquiry, Page 6, 8 and 12

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NEWS

PAGE 5 8 OCTOBER 2021

Crouch happy to knock on new Premier’s door for funds Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, says he will have no hesitation in “banging on the door” of new NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet, to agitate for more money for the region. Perrottet was sworn in at 2pm on Tuesday, October 5, following the resignation just days earlier of Gladys Berejiklian as she prepares to face an investigation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). As Government Whip, it was Crouch’s role to count the votes in the ballot for a new leader of the NSW Liberal Party and announce the result, with Planning Minister Rob Stokes the other nominee for the top job. “It’s an exciting time – it was an interesting day, they don’t happen too often but it’s one of those things that obviously need to be done very quickly,” Crouch said. “Dom’s been up [to the Coast] a number of times for business events and obviously as Treasurer it’s a slightly different portfolio. “But I have absolutely no

hesitation in bringing Dom up to show him the Central Coast and to see all the good things we have as a region. “But also, the fact that we have to focus on continuing to deliver all of the infrastructure that we need from one end of the Coast to the other, whether it be roads, hospitals, schools … that is the focus we need to have. “I have no hesitation in banging on his door to get money for the Central Coast and that will continue.” Crouch has worked closely with former Premier Gladys Berejiklian and over the long weekend posted a photograph of himself with Berejiklian on social media and told followers he would be pleased to pass on their messages. Perrottet says he wants NSW to bounce back stronger, safer and more successful than ever before and there will be no Cabinet reshuffle until at least later in the year. Stuart Ayres, the Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, was elected Deputy Leader of the party and the new Treasurer will be Matt Kean, the Minister for Energy

New Premier Dominic Perrottet

and Environment. The new Deputy Premier will be The National Party’s Paul Toole following the resignation of John Barilaro. “We are at an incredibly important juncture, on Monday (October 11) the state opens up and we want to get people back to work and businesses opening again, and that is the sole focus of our government today,” says Perrottet. Central Coast Labor MPs are calling on the new Premier and his leadership team to quickly affirm their commitment to supporting the Central Coast. “The new Premier must give

the Coast, and NSW, certainty as we move towards … staged reopening of the state,” they say. “It’s time for the NSW Government to refocus on the people of NSW and end the chaos of the past few days. “At one of the most critical times in the state’s history, during a health pandemic and economic uncertainty, we have seen the Premier, the Deputy Premier and a Senior Minister step down, causing massive instability at a time when cool heads and a steady hand is needed.” Shadow Minister for Central

Coast and Wyong MP, David Harris, says we will have to wait to see if this “tired Liberal State Government” will be reenergised by the change of leadership. “Much of the Government’s direction was already determined by Dominic Perrottet in his role as Treasurer,” he says. “The new Premier already has a cloud over his leadership following the iCare worker’s compensation controversy and the questionable status of Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) highlighted by the NSW Auditor General. “The Government still has two other MPs under investigation and will rely on the vote of independent members to pass legislation at least until the future of those MPs is determined and byelections are held for the resigning members.” Member for The Entrance, David Mehan, label Perrottet as “the most conservative the state has seen” which, he says, is the last thing we need on the Central Coast. “He has already committed to further privatisation

(Westconnex) and creation of slush funds (Westinvest) which will go to propping up Liberal/ National Party seats rather than serving the people of NSW,” Mehan says. Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, says the departure of Gladys Berejiklian is another blow to the voice of women in parliaments across Australia. “The government is now down to 28 per cent female representation in NSW Parliament with no women putting up the hand for the leadership role,” she says. “To date Perrottet has delivered a very ‘blue’ COVID stimulus package, whilst women’s employment has been hardest hit by COVID – with women a majority on front line protecting the people of NSW – so we will be keeping the pressure on for additional ‘pink’ investment in traditionally female sectors of our economy. “The people of NSW need to be reminded – with over a year to the election – that this man has already overseen the sale of over $93B worth of public assets in NSW.” Terry Collins

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NEWS

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Two administrators criticise merger model The period of 16 months was not long enough to bed down the amalgamation of the former Wyong and Gosford Councils, said Central Coast Council’s first Administrator Ian Reynolds in his submission to the Public Inquiry. He said all NSW councils were given the same time period but it was not long enough for the Central Coast given the complexity of issues involved in merging the two entities. He said more funding “would have been desirable” given the complexity, saying funding was also set at a standard level for all merged councils. All councils received $10M for the costs of merging. Reynolds’ comments were in a two-page submission to the office of Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch who is running the Public Inquiry into the Council. Another submission by the current Administrator, Rik Hart, made many of the same points and warned that many more councils could end up under administration as a result of financial difficulties. Reynold made five concise points on one page and included

a covering letter in which he said he hoped his observations would assist the Commissioner in her deliberations. In his third observation, Reynolds said it was his view that the employment protections of no forced redundancies provided tactical assistance to the new Council by allaying concerns regarding job security, but “mitigated against the potential to capture strategic advantages from the merger such as achieving structural efficiencies”. On the financial status of the former Gosford Council, he said it became apparent that its financial status was not clear at the commencement of the Administration period. “Establishing that position entailed considerable resourcing by the merged Council,” he said. “In my view, the need to allocate resources to determining and addressing that situation, over and above the challenge of consolidating the new entity, was unfortunate.” Reynolds also suggested an “End State” report to the State Government was needed. “In my view, it would potentially be of use to Government to require an ‘End State’ report in

Current Administrator Rik Hart

First Administrator following amalgamation, Ian Reynolds

relation to a merged Council to assist the Government in managing the transfer to an elected Council and any residual issues arising from the merger.” The current Administrator Rik Hart’s submission questioned the depth of State Government’s “fit for the future” reporting that was used to decide which councils should merge and he too criticised the State Government’s funding. “Several NSW Government decisions as part of the merger policy for Councils, has been a hindrance to their success, both in a financial and governance sense,” Hart said. “For example, ‘protecting’ noncontract employment for three years has had the effect of denying the types of savings that

most merged organisations achieve. “Councils were also restricted for three years in applying rate harmonisation resulting in Central Coast Council maintaining two separate IT systems. “There was also a total misunderstanding of the requirements for councils to merge successfully through limited funding provided to councils to merge. “Central Coast Council received only $10M despite an external expectation of over $60M.” Hart went on to outline broader issues. “Central Coast Council’s financial crisis has clearly identified a system in need of change,” he said.

“The Public Inquiry presents an opportunity to look at the system as a whole and ask the question if the frameworks and legislation in place continue to serve their purpose. “It appears to be a very ‘old world’ NSW councils operate in when compared to other states. “I acknowledge this is out of scope of the Terms of Reference for the Public Inquiry however what has occurred here at Central Coast Council only highlights the underlying issues that led to a dysfunctional operation.” He said these issues included the local government model not current; financial model is broken; application of legislation at odds between state government agencies and ineffective dialogue between state and local government on the needs of local government operations and how to best financially support those. He said the Office of Local Government recommendation that local councils no longer have to report on their unrestricted cash position could result in more councils breaching their use of both internally and externally restricted funds. “In my opinion, it would be

sensible for all councils to report on a quarterly basis on their unrestricted and internally and externally restricted funds and that the Auditor General, as part of their audit of councils, in the future audit the balance of those funds at year end,” he said. “In summarising, if the broader items mentioned above are not addressed there is the likelihood of more councils going down the pathway of administration (as a result of financial difficulties).” Hart’s and Reynolds’ submissions are two of 104 sent to the Commissioner. Both men are expected to front the public hearings in the next three weeks. Hearings continue tomorrow with witnesses expected to be livestreamed during questioning. The hearings were adjourned last week after technical issues meant the public did not see the testimony of the first witness called, suspended Mayor Lisa Matthews. Suspended Deputy Mayor Jane Smith also gave some evidence on day two before the technical issues again called a halt to proceedings.

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PAGE 8 8 OCTOBER 2021

NEWS

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Murphy reluctant to act as financial chief – Inquiry Former CEO Gary Murphy told the Council Public Inquiry that he reluctantly took on the added burden of Chief Financial Officer of Central Coast Council in August 2020 when the person acting in the position, Carlton Oldfield, stepped down. Murphy said he was reluctant to take on the position since being CEO was a full time role

but there was no alternative in the short term until he was able to appoint the current CFO Natalia Cowley. Cowley arrived immediately after the financial crisis in October 2020, the crisis which resulted in the Councillors being suspended and an administrator brought in to replace them. The administrator sacked CEO Murphy as one of his first decisions.

Murphy was giving his testimony at day four of the hearings of the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council. The inquiry was called in April of this year. Murphy said he did not have CPA (certified practising accountant) or other training so he utilised staff within the organisation while he was CFO. “There was another staff member within the innovation and futures area who was a

qualified CPA, and I would pass any concerns that I had, including reports or journals, to her and ask for her professional opinion on that before I made a decision,” Murphy said. Murphy became CEO in July 2018 at a time when the Council had been without a CFO for some months. The Council remained without a permanent CFO until Craig Norman joined Council in 2019. However, Norman then left

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the organisation in April 2020. Murphy said Norman left for personal reasons. “I also have to say that I did put a fair degree of pressure on him to deliver the PwC (Price Waterhouse Cooper) report that I commissioned, and also to address the budgeting process, but he left of his own volition in April 2020,” Murphy told the Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch. Murphy faced questioning for

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Final days to have a say on future plan for water supply Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to check out the draft Central Coast Water Security Plan (CCWSP), as they only have until October 12 to provide feedback.

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about an hour on day four. On day five and six, October 7 and 8, eight of the Councillors will give their testimony live. Watch the youtube vision on the Office of Local Government channel. So far, suspended Councillors Jane Smith, Lisa Matthews, Richard Mehrtens, Chris Holstein and Greg Best have appeared at the hearings.

This draft plan has been developed in line with the NSW Water Strategy, which was recently released by Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey. Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader, said that Council considered the NSW Water Strategy throughout the development of the CCWSP. “As guided by the NSW Water Strategy, the CCWSP has considered a range of possible climate scenarios and tested different supply and demand portfolios as part of our decision-making process,” he said. “We took an ‘all options on the table’ approach and considered a range of potential water futures to ensure the supply system remains resilient and flexible into the future. “The first pillar of the CCWSP is to conserve and use water efficiently. “Council will be integrating these actions within the upcoming state-wide water efficiency framework currently being developed by the NSW Government. “The second pillar of the CCWSP is to maximise the efficient use of existing supply sources including recycled water for irrigation. “This aligns with a range of measures described in the

NSW Water Strategy, as outlined by Minister Pavey. “The final pillar of the CCWSP is the development of new supplies of water that are independent of rainfall. “This aligns with the aim of the NSW Water Strategy to increase the resilience of urban water supply schemes to future droughts, increasing population and the impacts of climate change.” Administrator, Rik Hart, said that this plan will ensure that the Central Coast has a resilient and sustainable water supply, now and for future generations. “This is an important plan for the Coast – and while its development involved a multitude of investigations and analysis, it also involved having meaningful conversations with the community. “It is now time for you to provide Council with your final input. “We encourage everyone to not only jump online and take a look at the plan, but also take a look at our factsheets, video and frequently asked questions, before filling out our online feedback form,” Hart said. The draft Central Coast Water Security Plan is on public exhibition until October 12 it coincides with Council’s request to IPART for a 34 per cent increase in water, sewer and drainage rates. Council encourages everyone to check it out and provide their final feedback by visiting yourvoiceourcoast.com Source: Central Coast Council

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PAGE 9 8 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.

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PAGE 10 8 OCTOBER 2021

NEWS

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Strike action taken to oppose forced vaccines for workers

Steve McDonald

Hundreds of workers took industrial strike action last Friday at The Entrance in a show of unity for the nationwide #ReclaimTheLine protest against the government’s “no jab, no job” mandate. The collective strike held at numerous locations around the country, simultaneously at 11am on October 1, was organised by National Education United (NEU). The NEU is a newly created and fast-growing alliance of more than 18,000 teachers and workers from multiple

Hundreds of workers protested

industries who are fighting State Government forced vaccination mandates. NEU spokesman, Christian Marchegiani, said the industrial dispute represented a show of support for anyone facing medical discrimination and the threat of losing their jobs. The #ReclaimTheLine strikes support workers including teachers, police, paramedics, aged care workers, healthcare workers, firefighters, construction workers, airline staff, miners and truck drivers. “At no other time in living history have ordinary

Australians faced such an unimaginable threat to their freedoms – freedoms that until now, we have taken for granted,” Marchegiani said. “The Governments’ No Jab, No Job policies are being implemented through coercion, manipulation or ‘incentives’, and everyday Aussies are losing their rights to work. “There is also a frightening danger of Australia seeing vaccination passports for the first time. “Is this really the type of society we want live in? “Each of us has to decide

where we draw our line in the sand and to take relevant action, with courage and heart. “It is appalling that we’re being mandated to take an experimental vaccine that has been inadequately tested. “The vaccine has already resulted in multiple adverse effects, including hundreds of deaths in Australia alone, and the long-term side effects are obviously unknown. “We will protest peacefully and respectfully in a united stand for freedom, liberty and medical freedoms.” Spokesperson at The

Entrance rally in Memorial Park, Steve McDonald, said #ReclaimTheLine was not an anti-vax protest. “We have people here that are vaccinated, but they’re standing with us because they believe in our right to choose,” he said. “It’s really important that we make a stand because our freedoms are being eroded, our human rights are being threatened. “If the government is really serious about workplace safety we need to consider that whether you’re vaccinated or

not the virus can still spread, it can still be contracted, you can still transmit it … there are other options to make the workplace safe. “We’re aware now that the government is releasing rapid antigen test kits on November 1 which essentially will give you instant results. “It’s a more equitable solution to give people a chance to take a rapid antigen test rather than to be forced to take a vaccine that they may have hesitancy about for good reason,” McDonald said. Sue Murray

Central Coast Friends of Democracy ICAC is essential for our democracy One of CCFoD’s focus areas is supporting calls for a stronger NSW ICAC and a Federal Integrity Commission with teeth.The events of recent weeks have highlighted that these independent integrity commissions are essential for our democracy. The CCFoD makes no comment or assumptions about the current proceedings involving the former Premier, Ms. Berejiklian. That process needs to take its course. However, it is concerning that the tone of some of the recent commentary seeks to blame ICAC for doing its important work. This has become a standard technique of some —trying to change the narrative, spread misinformation, blaming the messenger and bullying in an attempt to force others to back down. Instead we should be applauding that we have ICAC. Now, more than ever, we need strong independent integrity commissions.

Within the last few years there have been media reports that raise concerns including: • Federal sports rorts • Federal commuter carpark fund • Leppington triangle purchase • Camellia contaminated land sale • a $252million Stronger Communities Fund intended for merged councils with $90 million going to Hornsby Council (not merged). There are suggestions that there will be moves to undermine or weaken ICAC in the future. No matter what political party you support, our community must protect our independent integrity commissions. It is through the work of individuals, journalists, and agencies that are willing to speak “truth to power” that democracy is protected —not an easy task. Together we need to shift the dial towards the kind of politics that we want.

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The Central Coast Friends of Democracy (CCFoD) initiative was launched on 12 May 2021 with the aim of strengthening our democracy. Our focus areas include: • restoring local democracy and reclaiming our Council • a stronger NSW ICAC and a Federal Integrity Commission with teeth • urgent action on climate change • active and resilient local communities and neighbourhoods. If you also care about these things – then register on our website to receive updates.

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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 8 OCTOBER 2021

PAGE 12 8 OCTOBER 2021

NEWS Former Wyong Mayor permitted to ask one question of Smith SHARE

The last Mayor of Wyong’s cross examination of the first Mayor of Central Coast turned out to be a fizzer on Day Four of the hearings of the Public Inquiry into the financial crisis of Central Coast Council. Former Wyong Shire Council Mayor, Doug Eaton, was acting as legal counsel for suspended Councillor, Greg Best, and he wanted to ask the first Mayor, suspended Councillor Jane Smith, about the process and the decision to hire Gary Murphy as CEO in 2018. Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch ruled against that question saying there was no purpose in going behind the Council’s decision. She said there appeared to have been an appropriate procedure followed. However, she allowed Eaton to ask Smith about monitoring the

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

CEO’s performance. Smith’s legal counsel, Pat Williams, argued against allowing Eaton to question Smith. “Otherwise, Commissioner, this process runs the risk of potentially laying itself open to the very kind of political machinations which have been discussed in the submissions before this inquiry already and by the Administrator,” Williams said. “It lays itself open to the possibility for any of the Councillors, or persons who have made a submission to this inquiry, saying that they ought to be given a right to cross-examine a particular witness, because they have a particularly strong interest in one issue that may arise,” Williams said. Nicholas Simone, appearing on behalf of Gary Murphy, concurred with Williams. “The only point I would add to that is that Mr Eaton has submitted in his personal capacity

a submission to this inquiry, and that as part of that submission, he is critical of Mr Murphy and the recruitment of Mr Murphy,” Simone said. “It appears that he now makes an application to cross-examine, yet it is unclear whether he wishes to cross-examine in his personal capacity and relating to those interests, or whether the application is brought via his representation of Mr Best.” Before making a decision, the Commissioner took a short break but came back and allowed the second question. “I remain concerned about your relationship as a submitter as well as a solicitor, but that’s a matter for you in these proceedings,” Commissioner McCulloch said. Eaton had to reform his question when both the Commissioner and Williams said they had trouble understanding the question.

Eaton then simplified the question: “What then did the Council and the Mayor do about ensuring that the general manager was monitored in respect of the financial performance of the Council,” Eaton asked. Smith answered: “Commissioner, in relation to the KPIs established in the performance management agreement, as I indicated in the submission, it recognised that some of those KPIs could not be determined because the financial reports were not available at that point in time. “I think in terms of monitoring the financials, that then came down to when those financial reports were available through the normal processes of Council, such as the quarterly budgets,” Smith said. The Commissioner then asked if Murphy’s performance was then reviewed formally or

informally at that point and Smith said no. She said the only way of formally reviewing the CEO’s performance was through the performance review process. “The finances were then monitored through the normal processes of Council where all Councillors have the opportunity to raise concerns and raise issues.” The cross examination came early on Day Four which started with Smith continuing her testimony after she had been questioned in private earlier on the first and second days of the inquiry when technical difficulties meant the public could not see the livestream. Smith was asked only one question before the cross examination. She was asked how she had coped with the impact of the fallout on you, both during your time at the Council and at the end of

the Council’s term. “Commissioner, I think there was a lot of commentary in the community that was fed by Councillors,” Smith said. “I think a lot of the issues and a lot of the conduct in the chamber was weaponised. “There was a lot of misinformation spread both in the chamber, outside the chamber by the community, by state MPs. “Personally, I tried not to engage in that. I think from my point of view I had enough to do without trying to chase every bit of misinformation and correct it. “It just seemed to be a futile exercise. “I think unfortunately that does allow it to continue, and so my strategy may not be the right strategy, but it was the one that I had to do to be able to do my job,” she said. Merilyn Vale

Over 200 new COVID cases in seven days as restrictions ease

The Coast is on track to take the first step out of lockdown with the easing of restrictions for fullyvaccinated adults updated by Premier Dominic Perrottet on October 7. From

October

11,

fully

vaccinated adults will be able to have up to 10 visitors in their home (not counting children 12 and under). The cap on outdoor gatherings will be 30 people and 100 people for weddings and funerals. Indoor pools will re-open for lessons, squad training, lap

swimming, and rehab activities. The return to face-to-face learning for school children will be completed in two stages, on October 18 and 25. “Vaccinations are the key to life returning to normal and … it’s important people continue to turn out in droves to be

vaccinated,” Perrottet said. The news comes as Delta outbreak case numbers on the Coast reached 933 on October 7 (341 still active). On October 1, 36 new cases were announced, 14 in isolation whilst infectious; on October 2, 30 more were confirmed, only

six in isolation while infectious. October 3 saw 43 more cases confirmed, 18 of whom were in isolation; on October 4 came 32 new cases, 14 were in isolation while infectious. On October 5, 28 cases were announced, 10 were in isolation whilst infectious; 30 were

confirmed on October 6, with 16 in isolation. October 7 saw numbers soar to 933 with 21 new cases, 14 infectious in the community. Terry Collins

Caring for our community • • • •

204/1 Bryant Drive PO Box 3763 Tuggerah NSW 2259

COVID-19 Medicare NDIS Centrelink

02 4353 0127

• • • •

NBN Veterans’ Affairs Jobs & Training Congratulatory Messages

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

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

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PAGE 13 8 OCTOBER 2021

NSW has reached the 70% milestone and our lockdown will end on Monday

 

Restrictions will ease for everyone in NSW as part of a 3 stage roadmap.



70%, fully vaccinated people When we reach 70% 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

At the 70% and 80% milestones, only those who are fully vaccinated (aged 16+) and with medical exemptions can participate.

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 8 OCTOBER 2021 ON THE BEAT

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Routine stop yields various charges

Terrigal residents want anti-social car park behaviour to stop

Terrigal residents are fed up with ever-growing antisocial behaviour at the Wilson Rd carpark and say Central Coast Council and police are not doing enough to combat the problem.

“In the two years since we moved from North Avoca to the Pine Tree Lane apartment complex, we have witnessed public urination, been subject to abuse hurled at us on our balcony, listened to the nearconstant skateboarding and watched on as car meet after car meet rev their engines,” one resident said. “Our pleas to Central Coast Council have fallen on deaf ears. “The police station in Terrigal is not manned on weekends so our calls are redirected to Gosford who are too busy to help. “Efforts to contact the security guards have been impossible as there is no contact number located within the parking complex. “The ongoing anti-social behaviour is affecting our livelihood here in Terrigal. “We cannot use our balcony without being watched by the

daily crowds of teenagers using the roof as a social hangout. “Our evenings are soundtracked by the thumping dance music that accompanies the lockdown gym classes taking place on the third floor, and we are woken in the night regularly by shouting, smashing bottles and thundering car exhausts.” The resident said no one seems prepared to take responsibility for management of the carpark. “We are at a loss about how to fix this issue,” he said. “Real estate in the Terrigal bowl is some of the most expensive on the Coast and Terrigal itself is one of the most desirable holiday destinations in Australia.

“How is the Council allowing such an eye-sore and magnet for anti-social behaviour to exist in its current state? “I can assure you that we are not the only residents in this area angered by this situation.” Brisbane Water Police District Commander, Superintendent Darryl Jobson, said Terrigal Police Station is operational and staffed seven days a week, between the hours of 8am and 8pm. “Outside of these hours, calls divert to Gosford Police Station, which is operational 24/7,” Jobson said. “Every day, a car crew is deployed to the Terrigal sector within the Brisbane Water Police District (PD). “This forms part of the larger

district response and will respond to calls for service based on priority. “Similarly, response cars deployed into other parts of the district will attend the Terrigal sector based on prioritisation. “Other proactive patrols and taskings are allocated daily within the Brisbane Water PD to target areas with alcoholrelated violence, malicious damage and anti-social behaviour. “In 2021, Brisbane Water PD have attended less than a dozen calls for service related to the Wilson Road carpark in response to anti-social behaviour. “Members of the community are encouraged to continue reporting anti-social behaviour to their local police or to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. “Police continue to liaise with community stakeholders and residents to form the basis for future proactive taskings in the area.” Central Coast Council was approached for comment but had not responded at the time of going to press. Terry Collins

A routine stop of a car on the M1 at Mooney Mooney on October 2 yielded quite a result for police.

Just before 4:30pm officers from Brisbane Water Highway Patrol stopped a Holden Cruze and discovered the driver – a 26-year-old woman – and the two passengers – two men, aged 34 and 38 – were not from the same household and could not provide a reasonable excuse for being away from home. The woman’s provisional licence had expired and she also returned a positive result to a roadside drug test. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, police seized a baton, electronic stun device, flick knife, prohibited drugs and $30,450 in cash. All three people were arrested and taken to Gosford Police Station, where the woman was charged with three counts of possessing a prohibited weapon and not complying with health directions. She was also issued an infringement notice for driving with an expired licence and granted conditional bail to appear at Gosford Local Court on October 28.

The older man was charged with not complying with a public health order. He appeared before Newcastle Bail Court on October 3 and was granted bail to reappear at the same court on October 28. The younger man was issued a $1000 PIN for not complying with public health orders. Overall, the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command praised the behaviour of road-users across the state over the long weekend. Commander, Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty, said police were encouraged to see that the majority of motorists following the road rules over the long weekend. “There were less cars on the road than previous years because of current stay-at-home orders, and the vast majority of those who were out, drove safely,” Hegarty said. “With the rest of NSW preparing to re-open next week, police are urging all road users to continue to be patient, drive to the conditions and look out for others, to ensure everyone makes it safely to and from their destinations.” Source: Media release, Oct 5 NSW Police media

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

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PAGE 15 8 OCTOBER 2021

PAGE 16 8 OCTOBER 2021

FORUM Baking yellow cake FORUM SHARE

I read with interest Godfrey Franz’s letter (Forum, CCN312) with positive lines re nuclear power.

Australia is sitting on around 60 per cent of the world’s uranium 92 and yet just the word nuclear is a naughty word where many people immediately think Chernobyl and Fukushima (and others) where disaster has struck. The technology which was used is totally old hat and

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should in no way be compared with the high technology of creating nuclear power of today. The new technologies are using CMSR – Compact Molten Salt Reactor – which is safe, better for the environment and inexpensive. Certain countries are developing nuclear power units the size of a container (can be

Direct democracy ‘our only hope’

mobile) (which) have a life span of around 24 years after which time they can be recycled. This will be a huge part of energy for the future. Thorium 90 is another uranium on which much research is being done. I (hope) Australia will get in there, not only supplying the flour but also baking the bread. Email, Oct 6 Inger Terp, North Avoca

More support for nuclear FORUM

I have just read two letters in the October 1 edition that mention the word nuclear energy.

How pleased I was to see this, as I believe it is the answer to the so called global warming problem for Australia. As Godfrey Franz states in his letter, France produces 75 per

cent of (its) energy needs with nuclear energy; I say why can’t we? We have the raw material in abundance. Those who oppose this do not know what they are afraid of and have little or no knowledge

of what is achievable with modern engineering and safety methods. I will not be holding my breath for a breakthrough in Australia with this but hope for sensible reasoning to prevail in high places. Email, Oct 4 Charles E Simonds, Wamberal

Education versus denial and hope FORUM

Bruce Hyland’s letter on education (CCN312) needs to be reproduced and placed on the desk of not only every NSW member of parliament but also those of Federal members.

The picture he so effectively paints is a sad reflection on the education we offer our young people. This fundamental responsibility, COVID aside, is

largely ignored by our governments. There has been a patchwork warped policy response to the Gonski reforms, mostly looking for ways around them. As Bruce Hyland points out the fundamental issue is the provision of adequately trained practitioners. Sadly there is no evidence of

a long-term, coherent plan either from the Government or the Department to meet this challenge. Compare Hyand’s column with the generalised waffle from the Departmental spokesperson later in the publication which is basically denial and hope. Thank you Bruce Hyland. Email, Oct 5 Gus Plater, Saratoga

Caught in a grammatical trap FORUM

“Climate Change” is such a comforting use of the English language.

How could changes to the climate be a danger? Hasn’t climate always changed? (I’ll bet you’ve heard that one before). Take another look at that comforting phrase – you are being caught up in a grammatical trap.

“Change” is part of the definition, built into the meaning of “Climate”. But the “change” we are facing now is change of a scale and magnitude that has never existed before – well, not since the last Mass Extinction. How can the forthcoming International Meeting reach

any useful conclusion if it is conducted under the banner of this cosy marketing phrase which stifles debate by implying that no further change is necessary. Please speak, write, say it for what it is – Climate Collapse, Climate Catastrophe, Climate Disaster – or just Armageddon? Email, Sep 30 Margaret McGowan, Erina

Not content with loading ratepayers with massive rate increases, the Administrator now wants to force a 34 per cent hike in water rates on suffering residents (CCN312). The reason for this increase is to provide “reliable water supply, wastewater, stormwater and other water services”, but surely this is the minimum that anybody could possibly expect from a water-management authority, so where is the justification for a huge price rise? Is the Administrator admitting that the service has been run so incompetently for so many years that we now have to make up the gap in performance by extraordinary extra payments? Where are the details of the problems to be overcome, what are the proposed solutions, where is the business plan and

HYLAND BYTES what management changes will be made to improve efficiency? It is easy to take the view that money will solve all, when it is somebody else’s money, but what has been done so far doesn’t inspire belief that matters are being handled as well as they might be. Even if we pay more, with the same people in charge, what guarantee do we have that our extra rates will bring about an improvement? To judge by the present level of capability in meeting stormwater requirements, it would take a considerable boost in confidence to imagine that more money will certainly produce better results. Perhaps, the extra money will go to producing better designed “Water over road” signs. It can’t be to fund sewerage

works, because new developments (even as small as granny flats) have to pay a sewerage levy to cover any additional capacity requirements. Perhaps we could institute a system of increased payments AFTER we have seen improved performance: IPART could grant an increase from July 2023, on condition that a 2022/23 review shows results to justify the change. If everyone sits idly by, IPART will approve this change or will approve it in part or will approve it on a temporary basis. Every ratepayer who is concerned about this matter must let his views be known to IPART via the website. This is a case where the exercise of direct democracy is the only hope of a just outcome. Email, Oct 3 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

Sandstone cuttings could be a feature Our Hawksbury sandstone is an enormous but wasted natural asset. The numerous road cuttings on the M1 between Sydney and Gosford are dirty, stained and blackened. They are really a disgrace, unattractive and off-putting, detracting from what should be one of the world’s great drives. If clean, those cuttings would be a basically beautiful honey colour, like the sand of our beaches. The drive would be transformed into a visual

FORUM See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper delight, through bush, across the Hawksbury River, lined by golden sandstone. A long term, expensive and

ongoing project, but would be well worth it. The drive would complement Sydney Harbour, the Bridge, and the Opera House as one of the world’s great tourist destinations. From the Gosford viewpoint, just cleaning the sandstone on the sides of southern entry and exit to the city (iKariong Hill) would transform that entry. It should be a priority. But the whole length of the M1 should be cleaned up. Email, Sep 24 Michael Hunter, Avoca Beach

Life in the fast lane FORUM

I was in the “12 items or less [sic]” line in Coles Wyoming the other day, when I observed the woman in front of me checking about something like 20 items. The cashier understandably

did not object. I did, however, and was abused for my trouble. What is it that gives some people a sense of entitlement?

I ended up pondering what would happen if say a 10 per cent surcharge was added if the sign was ignored for abusing the privilege of the “quick lane”. Email, Sep 29 Dave Horsfall, North Gosford

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 17 8 OCTOBER 2021

Yarn Bomb project aims to help end violence

Knitters and crocheters across the Central Coast have been hard at work during lockdown preparing for a vibrant installation set to take pride of place at Terrigal from November 19-December 17. Zonta Club of Central Coast has joined with local organisations, families and individuals to create hundreds

of brightly coloured squares, shapes and decorations which are set to adorn trees along the foreshore calling for an end to domestic and family violence. With permission from Central Coast Council, the project involves local organisations including the Breakers Club Bowlers, CWA Woy Woy, Kamira Farm, Soroptimists and Coast Shelter as well as many individuals and families.

“In Australia, one in four women, and one in 13 men, experience physical, sexual or emotional violence at the hands of a partner (Dept of Social Security 2019),” a spokesperson said. “On the Central Coast police are seeing a rise in crimes of intimidation, harassment, stalking and sexual assault. “The Yarn Bomb project shows in a colourful and

inclusive way what we can do to end the scourge of domestic and family violence.” Zonta Club of Central Coast supports survivors of domestic violence, education programs and health initiatives, with committees for the Advancement of Women, Advocacy, Service, Fundraising and Membership. The club’s service projects provide financial and in-kind

support, especially to survivors of domestic violence including clothing for mothers and children, personal care kits for women in refuges, and home start-up kits for families starting again. The club also undertakes advocacy work especially related to the advancement of women and girls, promoting justice and universal respect for human rights and

Welcome return to stage for Tom As theatres prepare to once more open their doors to the public following lockdown, Copacabana actor Tom Kelly is set to appear in a new production at Newtown’s Fringe HQ in November. Postponed from a planned July season due to COVID restrictions, Three Winters Green by Campion Decent follows eight people through three years of their lives. It follows the characters from school through to drag; from dreams on a couch through to reality in a city; from alcohol through to realisation. Lives are changed, ambitions thwarted, boundaries redefined and a common goal forged. For Kelly, the play marks a welcome return to the stage after a COVID enforced hiatus. “To be going back on stage feels indescribable,” he said. “Every single day in lockdown

actors have been practising in their homes preparing for live theatre to return. “Seeing that first audience will be amazing.” Kelly plays two very different characters in Three Winters Green. “The play is about the AIDS crisis,” he said. “It’s a gorgeous piece of theatre in which a bunch of different types of people go through that experience and I am working alongside some incredible LGBTQIA performers to tell this story. “AIDS had an incredible impact on the gay community and the ramifications can still be felt today; it’s an important story to be told. “I play Mick, who is a stereotypical ignorant jock and Martin, who is gay. “It’s quite a challenge playing two such very different characters. “Mick is almost the

comic relief. “Surrounded by a lot of gay people, his mindset develops and changes throughout the play. “Martin is dying from AIDS – a much more intense and gutwrenching character to play. “It is really difficult to go back and forth between the two characters – but both of their stories have as happy an ending as possible. “It’s about the connection and love they are able to share with others in the face of adversity.” Kelly has an impressive number of acting credits. He has performed in Les Misérables (Riverside Theatres), South Pacific (Laycock Street Theatre), The Credeaux Canvas (Lambert House Enterprises) and as understudy in Mamma Mia! And We Will Rock You at Riverside Theatres. He also sings as a member of Peak Entertainment’s touring

live music show The Rock Anthology, playing theatre venues all across Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast. Kelly is currently studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education/Arts at the University of Sydney, and trains vocals with Todd Keys. Director of Three Winters Green, Les Solomon, said the current COVID climate gave the play new relevance. “The play was always about how a group of friends form a community and find ways to cope with a pandemic,” he said. “Seeing it in the light of the world we are living in today makes the play both historic and an exercise in bonding.” Three Winters Green will play at Fringe HQ (Formerly Old 505 Theatre), Newtown, from November 10-20. Terry Collins

fundamental freedoms. The club participates in International Women’s Day and 16 Days of Activism against Domestic Violence. Older women are at increasing risk of homelessness and this cohort is a new focus for its advocacy activities. Terry Collins

PAGE 18 8 OCTOBER 2021 OUT&ABOUT

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Superstars support day for making a difference Heavyweights of the Australian and international music scene will lend their support to Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD) Day on October 15. The annual campaign, now in its seventh year, coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month, and is inspired by young people who have overcome personal adversity with the support of the Central Coastbased charity and are now in a position to give back as a voice for others. Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, UK producer Joel Corry, singer/ songwriters Calum Scott, Thandi Phoenix and Canadian

Thandi Phoenix

Jessia are just some of the superstars who are backing the initiative on October 15, along with Universal Music Australia, ARN, iHeartRadio, Pedestrian. TV, Brag Media, Spotify, Yahoo, Tik Tok, Twitch, Network Ten, MTV, APRA AMCOS, AIM, Kaimera & UnLtd. All you need to do to participate is dedicate a song to someone in need on October 15 with the hashtag #ThisSongIsForYou and tag @ mmadaustralia. With over 26,400 reports of child abuse and neglect every year, 27,680 young people homeless on any given night and suicide still the leading cause of death for young people, a creative response to

youth crises in Australian communities is critical, a MADD spokesperson said. “The transformative power of music has been harnessed by the charity for almost two decades to break down barriers and reach young people in need through welfare support and creative therapy, nationwide.” MMAD graduate April said MMAD Day showed her she wasn’t alone. “It’s the best day for young people who have been struggling,” she said. “By sharing song lyrics that helped you through some difficult times, you could help another young person feeling the same way.”

Young people supported by the charity may suffer mentally, physically, emotionally, socially or financially from challenges linked to childhood experiences. For many, the opportunity to express their emotions through lyrics, find purpose in music, belonging in community and specialist support through mentoring, has helped them to not only survive, but learn to thrive. Help connect young people to MMAD by tagging @ MMADAustralia alongside your song dedication on your socials. Source: Media release, Oct 1 Musicians Making A Difference

Cyclists asked to think of vision-impaired pedestrians A Pearl Beach local and member of the Central Coast Volunteer Support Group has urged cyclists and road users to be more aware ahead of International White Cane Day (IWCD) which falls on October 15. As a pedestrian who has impaired vision Robert Lillico has become very reliant on his hearing to determine when it is safe to cross the road. He said this approach is

problematic when it comes to cyclists as he is unable to hear their bikes. On several occasions he has had near misses with bicycles on footpaths and running red lights. The local support group, who are helping raise money for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, said IWCD was an important day on the Guide Dogs’ calendar as the white cane is the mobility tool of choice for the majority of Guide Dogs clients.

Group President, Merran Rudder, said every dollar from the community counts. “Guide Dogs NSW/ACT only receives minimal government funding,” Rudder said. “We appreciate the Central Coast community who continue to visit our stalls and the support given to us by Central Coast Shopping Centres who provide space for our fundraising stalls.” The group, which was formed in 1982, have been active in

fundraising across the Central Coast, managing several fundraising stalls at shopping centres, handing out information and selling merchandise. IWCD aims to celebrate the achievements of people with blindness or low vision and highlight the white cane as a life changing symbol and tool of independence. Source: Media release, Sep 28 Central Coast Support Group

Jennifer treasures rewards of volunteering Jennifer Cameron of Erina has been named the Central Coast’s Senior Volunteer of the Year at a special ceremony for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards. The awards are run by the Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding effort of volunteers working across all sections of communities throughout the state. Cameron, who has worked as a volunteer with Riding for the Disabled, based at Somersby, for almost 25 years, said the recognition came as a total surprise.

“I have always had horses growing up in the UK and come from an agricultural career so one day I volunteered to groom the horses at Riding for the Disabled and the rest is history,” she said. “I have done just about everything except act as treasurer for the group and have just been elected to the board. “I am also a regional representative for the Hunter and in that role I keep an eye on four centres which can be challenging. “Of course we are not riding at the moment and we will just have to see how things pan out next year. “We’ll take it slowly (when we

reopen) – it will almost be like opening a new centre – and see how it goes.” Cameron said the rewards of working with disabled riders were numerous. “The hair still stands up on the back of my neck when I see a child who is in a wheelchair suddenly up on a horse, looking me in the eye,” she said. “It is amazing, too, what effect the animals can have on autistic children. “We’ve had children who have never spoken – they get on a horse and suddenly they are speaking.”

Cameron said the organisation was training up new coaches in preparation for reopening. “It will be quite an exercise,” she said. “You have to have horses with the right temperament and then you have to match each rider with the right horse. “But it’s amazing what these riders can achieve when they’re enthused.” The awards are supported by principal partners the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and ClubsNSW, which represents the state’s 1,400 notfor-profit clubs.

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Ben Bradley from Davistown RSL was named Club Volunteer of the Year. Bradley took part in this year’s Central Coast Cancer Council’s Dancing with the Stars, personally raising $33,000 for support services for cancer patients and their families. He has previously supported the executive sleep out for Coast Shelter. Other Central Coast winners were: Jilliby Public School Bus Manager Michael Kay (Central Coast Volunteer of the Year); Jade Cook of Shelly Beach Surf Club (Young Volunteer of the Year) and the team at Shelly Beach Surf

Club, named Volunteer Team of the Year. The Centre for Volunteering CEO, Gemma Rygate, said the past 12 months had been tough for everyone. “But volunteers have continued to dig deep to support their local communities through this adversity,” she said. “In many cases they’ve had to find totally new ways of volunteering through the pandemic, but they’ve never given up, they’ve worked around it and shown enormous resilience.” Terry Collins

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 19 8 OCTOBER 2021

Time for a boat safety check Local boaties are being urged to check their vessels and safety equipment before heading out on the water this month, because many have been sitting idle during the COVID-19 lockdown. Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance, said Transport for NSW expected this to be the biggest boating season ever. “Whether you’re fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding or water skiing … please make sure you follow the rules to ensure a day out on the water doesn’t end in tragedy,” Constance said. “We’ve seen an increase in the number of people applying

for new boating licenses over the last year, so if you’re thinking of buying a secondhand boat be sure to check it over properly. “Lifejackets are the most important safety equipment on any recreational vessel. “In NSW you must service inflatable lifejackets once a year or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. “Remember to check them every time before you get on the water.” Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner, Stacey Tannos, said with around two thirds of all calls to Marine Rescue relating to problems with engines, batteries and fuel, now is the time to get your vessel ready for the

boating season. “Simple things such as changing the fuel, oil and oil filter, checking the engine, gearbox and propeller; charging the battery, testing the electronics and making sure you have the required safety equipment can mean the difference between a safe and enjoyable day on the water and a potentially lifethreatening situation,” Tannos said. For more information about boating safety or to view the boating safety checklist, visit the NSW Government’s website. Source: Media release, Oct 1 Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance

Put on a happy pair of socks McDonald’s restaurants all over the Central Coast are gearing up for McHappy Day on November 13. Actress, director and entrepreneur, Eva Longoria, has come on board as ambassador for Ronald McDonald House Charity’s (RMHC) annual McHappy Day’s 30th year. On McHappy Day, the charity will be raising money to help seriously ill and injured children and their families stay together and close to the care they need while undergoing treatment or surgery in hospital. Community members can support RMHC on McHappy Day by picking up a pair of silly socks or helping hands from their local McDonald’s or via McDelivery. Another way the community

The Family Room at Gosford Hospital

can get behind the fundraiser is by buying a Big Mac on McHappy day, with $2 being donated to RMHC for every Big Mac sold. Donations can be made directly to RMHC by visiting

their website. These funds will support the 18 Ronald McDonald Houses around Australia, and the many Family Rooms like the one at Gosford Hospital, as well as Family Retreats and a national

Learning Program to support families through their child’s challenging hospital journey. Since the RMHC Family Room was opened at Gosford Hospital in 2013, there have been 9,650 family visits, providing refuge

for families of children being treated at the hospital. Ronald McDonald House Charities CEO, Barbara Ryan, said this year’s McHappy Day will be as important as ever. “Over the past year, our staff

and volunteers have worked tirelessly to provide a safe environment for someone of the most vulnerable members of our community,” Ryan said. “McHappy Day is such as important occasion for our charity and we’re delighted to have the passionate and inspiring Eva Longoria on board as the McHappy Day Ambassador to help raise awareness of the fundraiser. “Over the past 30 years the McHappy Day family has helped raise over $56M to keep Australian families of seriously ill and injured children together in their time of need and we’re calling on everyone’s support again this year to continue to help when it is needed most.” Source: Media release, Sep 23 Ronald McDonald House Charities

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ABC (C20/21)

Friday 8 October

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Saturday 9 October

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Sunday 10 October

10:15 11:10 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 4:10 5:00 5:30 6:30 7:00 7:40 8:40 9:35 10:25 11:15

PRIME (C61/60)

News Breakfast [s] 6:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 9:00 Q&A [s] 11:30 Grand Designs: 12:00 The Street (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] 2:00 Foreign Correspondent [s] That Pacific Sports Show [s] 3:00 4:00 The Bletchley Circle - San 5:00 Francisco (M v) [s] 6:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 7:00 Escape From The City [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) The Drum [s] ABC News [s] Gardening Australia: Floral Garlands And Tropical Fruit [s] Des (M l) [s] Capital (M l) [s] 8:30 Talking Heads: A Lady Of Letters (M l) [s] ABC Late News [s] 12:30 The Vaccine [s] Question Everything [s] Frayed (MA15+) [s] rage (MA15+) [s] 1:30 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 Midsomer Murders (PG) [s] Restoration Australia (PG) [s] 5:30 The School That Tried To 6:00 End Racism (PG) [s] 7:00 Dream Gardens: Toowoomba (PG) [s] Landline [s] Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico (PG) [s] The Repair Shop [s] ABC News [s] Grantchester (PG) [s] 10:15 Shetland (M l,v) [s] Fires (M l) [s] – Dairy farmers Kath and Duncan return to their farm in the aftermath of the fire while grief and blame threaten to tear the family apart. Mrs Wilson (M) [s] rage Guest Programmer 1:00 (MA15+) [s] 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 (PG) [s] Todd Sampson’s Life On The Line (PG) [s] Secrets Of The Museum [s] 4:00 Program To Be Advised 5:00 Art Works [s] 5:30 Antiques Roadshow [s] 6:00 Back Roads [s] 7:00 ABC News Sunday [s] 8:50 Restoration Australia [s] Fires (M) [s] We Hunt Together (MA15+) [s] 9:50 11:50 Les Norton: Misery At The Selebo (MA15+) [s] 1:00 Silent Witness (MA15+) [s]

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

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Who Killed JonBenét?” (M s,v) (’16) Stars: Eion Bailey, Julia Campbell, Michel Gil House Of Wellness (PG) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Better Homes And Gardens [s] – Joh catches up with Peter Rush, an artist who makes sculptures from driftwood. Melissa visits Lambley Gardens. Karen makes saffron scones with middle eastern citrus and date jam. Movie: “Pearl Harbor” (M) (’01) Stars: Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.: All Roads Lead (M v) [s] Home Shopping Home Shopping [s] Weekend Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven’s Horse Racing: Randwick/ Caulfield [s] Seven News At 5 [s] Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Movie: “Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets” (PG) (’02) – As their second year at Hogwarts begins, Harry Potter and his friends find themselves facing new challenges and dangers at the wizarding school. Stars: Emma Watson Movie: “X-Men United” (M v) (’03) – The X-Men band together to find a mutant assassin who has made an attempt on the President’s life, while the Mutant Academy is attacked by military forces. Stars: Hugh Jackman Home Shopping Home Shopping Weekend Sunrise [s] The Morning Show Weekend House Of Wellness (PG) [s] Beach Cops (PG) [s] Border Security International (PG) [s] Movie: “The Maltese Falcon” (PG) (’41) – A private detective takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a gorgeous liar, and their quest for a priceless statuette. Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor Better Homes And Gardens Seven News At 5 [s] Sydney Weekender [s] Seven News [s] Hey Hey We’re 50 (PG) [s] Manhunt: The Night Stalker (M l,v) [s] The Real Manhunter (M v) [s] The Blacklist: Ivan Stepanov (MA15+) [s] Home Shopping

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

TEN (C10)

NINE (C81/80)

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

Today [s] 6:00 Today Extra (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] The Block: Hallway, Laundry And Powder Room Week (PG) 8:00 Talking Honey - Princess 12:00 Diana: Life After Charles (PG) 1:00 Driving Test (PG) [s] 2:00 Pointless (PG) [s] 2:30 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 3:30 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 4:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] 4:30 Country House Hunters Australia: Barossa Valley, SA/ 5:00 Noosa Hinterland, Queensland 6:30 Movie: “Downton Abbey” (PG) 7:30 (’19) Stars: Stephen Campbell 8:30 Moore, Michael Fox 9:30 Movie: “Elizabeth” (MA15+) 10:30 (’98) Stars: Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush 12:00 Talking Honey - Princess 1:00 Diana: Death And Legacy (PG) Home Shopping 2:00 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] Good Food Kitchen [s] 9:00 Animal Embassy (PG) [s] The Block: Living Room And Dining Room Reveal/ Hallway, 9:30 12:00 Laundry And Powder Room 1:00 Week (PG) [s] 2:00 The Garden Gurus [s] NINE News: First At Five [s] 2:30 Getaway (PG) [s] NINE News Saturday [s] 3:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 3:30 Movie: “Bohemian Rhapsody” 4:00 (M) (’18) Stars: Rami Malek 4:30 The Show Must Go On - The Queen + Adam Lambert Story 5:00 (M) [s] 6:00 Pearson: The Deputy Mayor 7:00 (M) [s] 8:00 Rivals [s] 10:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 1:00 Home Shopping 5:00 Animal Tales (PG) [s] 6:00 Weekend Today [s] 8:00 Sunday Footy Show (PG) [s] 8:30 The Xtreme CollXtion (PG) [s] 9:00 9:30 Fishing Australia (PG) [s] 12:00 Ultimate Rush (PG) [s] 1:10 Explore [s] 1:30 Movie: “Curse Of The Pink 2:00 Panther” (PG) (’83) Stars: David Niven, Robert Wagner 2:30 The Block: Hallway, Laundry 3:00 And Powder Room Week (PG) 3:30 4:00 NINE News: First At Five [s] 4:30 RBT: Designated Driver (PG) NINE News Sunday [s] 5:00 The Block: Hallway, Laundry And Powder Room Week (PG) 6:30 60 Minutes (M) [s] 7:30 NINE News Late [s] The First 48: 9:00 10:00 Murder In Treme (M) [s] 11:00 Cold Case - New Leads Wanted: Do Trieu (MA15+) [s] 12:00 Dr Christian Jessen Will See 1:00 2:00 You Now (MA15+) [s] The Garden Gurus [s] 4:30

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

Football: World Cup Qualifier: Socceroos v Oman *Live* From Khalifa International Stadium, Qatar [s] Studio 10 (PG) [s] Dr Phil (PG) [s] The Living Room [s] Entertainment Tonight [s] Farm To Fork [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] Left Off My Map [s] Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 10 News First [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Living Room [s] Program To Be Advised Program To Be Advised Rhys Nicholson: Live At Darlinghurst Theatre (MA15+) The Project (PG) [s] The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] Home Shopping Reel Action [s] Religious Programs [s] Healthy Homes [s] Escape Fishing With ET [s] Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures [s] Taste Of Australia With Hayden Quinn [s] Studio 10 Saturday (PG) [s] The Living Room [s] The Dog House UK (PG) [s] Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] My Market Kitchen [s] What’s Up Down Under [s] Roads Less Travelled [s] Farm To Fork (PG) [s] Taste Of Australia With Hayden Quinn [s] 10 News First [s] Making It Australia [s] [s] The Dog House UK (PG) [s] Ambulance UK (M d) [s] Program To Be Advised Home Shopping Religious Programs Religious Programs [s] Roads Less Travelled [s] Waltzing Jimeoin (PG) [s] Destination Dessert (PG) [s] Studio 10 Sunday (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Three Veg And Meat [s] Healthy Homes Australia [s] Everyday Gourmet [s] My Market Kitchen [s] Good Chef Bad Chef [s] Roads Less Travelled [s] Waltzing Jimeoin (PG) [s] Taste Of Australia With Hayden Quinn [s] 10 News First [s] The Sunday Project (PG) [s] Celebrity MasterChef Australia (PG) [s] CSI: Vegas: Legacy (M) [s] FBI: Hacktivist (M) [s] FBI: Appearances (PG) [s] FBI: Closure (M) [s] The Sunday Project (PG) [s] Home Shopping 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

SBS (C30)

5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:05 Police And Sting: The Story Of The Songs (PG) 3:00 NITV News: Nula 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Walking Britain’s Lost Railways (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Legends Of The Pharaohs: Egypts First Pyramid (PG) (In English/ French) 8:30 The Hunt For Shackleton’s Ice Ship (PG) 10:05 SBS World News 10:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 11:25 The Eagle (M l,v) (In Danish/ Icelandic/ English) 3:50 Huang’s World (M l) 4:45 Destination Flavour Japan Bitesize 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Motor Sports: Superbike World Championship 3:00 Cycling: CRO Race 2021 Highlights 4:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 4:30 Five Billion Pound Super Sewer 5:40 The Buildings That Fought Hitler (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Celebrity Letters And Numbers 8:35 Battle Of Britain: 3 Days To Save The UK (PG) 9:30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 11:15 Movie: “Molly’s Game” (PG) (’17) Stars: Jessica Chastain 1:50 Movie: “A Monster Calls” (PG) (’16) Stars: Tom Holland 3:50 Huang’s World (M l 4:50 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 Speedweek 3:00 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Magazine 3:30 Cycling: Paris-Roubaix Men’s Race Highlights 4:35 Cycling: Paris-Roubaix Women’s Race Highlights 5:40 The Buildings That Fought Hitler (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Inside Central Station (M) 8:30 The Department: Australia Uncovered (PG) 10:10 Life Of Earth From Space 11:10 How ‘Mad’ Are You? (M l) 12:05 24 Hours In Emergency: Roll With The Punches (M) 1:00 Backtrack Boys (MA15+) 2:55 Cocaine - Living With The Cartels (MA15+) 3:50 Sinkholes - Deadly Drops: The Terror On Your Doorstep (PG) 4:45 Destination Flavour Singapore Bitesize

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

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PAGE 20 8 OCTOBER 2021

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Tuesday 12 October

Monday 11 October

ABC (C20/21)

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

Thursday 14 October

Wednesday 13 October

2:30 6:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 1:35 2:00 3:00 4:10 5:10 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:05 9:50 10:15 11:00 11:15 11:30 12:15 12:30 6:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 1:00 1:30 2:00 3:00 4:10 5:10 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)

NINE (C81/80)

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

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] Escape From The City (PG) 3:00 Grand Designs Australia (PG) 4:00 The Drum [s] 5:00 ABC News [s] 6:00 7.30 [s] 7:00 Australian Story [s] 7:30 Four Corners [s] Media Watch (PG) [s] 8:30 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] Midsomer Murders (PG) [s] 11:20 rage (MA15+) [s] 12:30 The Drum [s]

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Hidden Intentions” (M s,v) (’18) Stars: Ashlynn Yennie, Chris McKenna The Real Manhunter: The Murder Of Bridie Skehan (M v) 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: Determination (PG) [s] Movie: “Deadpool 2” (MA15+) (’18) – Foul-mouthed mutant mercenary Deadpool brings together a team of fellow mutant rogues to protect a young boy with supernatural abilities from the brutal, timetravelling cyborg Cable. Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Wade Wilson Station 19 (M v) [s] Home Shopping

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] 2:00 Shetland (M l,v) [s] 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] 8:45 7.30 [s] The Greek Islands [s] Step Into Paradise (PG) [s] Gatwick: The Last Chance Hotel (M d,l) [s] ABC Late News [s] The Business [s] Q&A [s] 9:45 China Tonight [s] Manolo - The Boy Who Made 11:15 Shoes For Lizards (M l,s) [s] 11:45 The Bletchley Circle - San Francisco: Iron In War (M v) 12:30

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Honor Student” (M s,v) (’14) Stars: Josie Loren The Real Manhunter: The Dream City Cinema Fire (M) [s] 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: Debrief (PG) Highway Patrol Special: Dumb Decisions (M) [s] – Nine times out of 10, if you’re pulled over by the Highway Patrol it’s because you’ve made a Dumb Decision. In tonight’s one-hour special we’ll count down some of the worst. Inside Chernobyl (PG) [s] The Latest Seven News [s] The Goldbergs: Airplane! (M v) [s] Home Shopping

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

News Breakfast [s] 6:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 9:00 Don’t Stop The Music [s] 11:30 The Repair Shop [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] National Press Club Address Media Watch (PG) [s] The Bletchley Circle - San Francisco (M v) [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] Escape From The City [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) The Drum [s] 2:00 ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 3:00 Gruen [s] 4:00 Frayed (MA15+) [s] 5:00 Back (MA15+) [s] 6:00 Program To Be Advised 7:00 ABC Late News [s] 7:30 The Business [s] 9:30 Four Corners [s] 10:30 Media Watch (PG) [s] 11:00 Silent Witness: Family (Part 2) 12:00 (MA15+) 12:30

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Wicked Mom’s Club” (PG) (’17) – Mandy is a new mom is town and at first, she is welcomed to a circle of elite moms, but when her daughter outperforms power mom Olivia’s daughter, she finds herself ostracised. Stars: Jessica Blackmore The Real Manhunter: The Murder Of Christophen Donovan (M v) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised The Rookie (M d,v) [s] The Latest Seven News [s] Chicago Fire (M) [s] The Windsors (M l,s) [s] Home Shopping

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

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] Harry Seidler: Modernist [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] How Extra (PG) [s] The Bletchley Circle - San Francisco (M v) [s] 2:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 2:30 Escape From The City [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 3:00 The Drum [s] 4:00 Sammy J (PG) [s] 5:00 ABC News [s] 6:00 7.30 [s] 7:00 Foreign Correspondent [s] 7:30 Q&A [s] Program To Be Advised You Can’t Ask That (M l) [s] ABC Late News [s] 10:30 The Business [s] 11:00 Big Weather (And How To 12:30 Survive It) [s]

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Stranger At The Door” (M v) (’04) – A married couple’s adopted son turns up at their home after several years, and has bad intentions for them. Stars: Linda Purl, Andrew Kraulis, Perry King, Meredith Henderson, Sophie Gendron 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: Women’s Big Bash League: Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Stars *Live* From Blundstone Arena [s] The Latest Seven News [s] Program To Be Advised Home Shopping

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

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)

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

8:45 10:15 11:15 11:45 12:40 1:30

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

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

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

11:45 12:35

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

TEN (C10)

PAGE 21 8 OCTOBER 2021

SBS (C30)

Today [s] Today Extra (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] The Block: Hallway, Laundry And Powder Room Week Reveal (PG) [s] Getaway (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: Backyard Week (PG) [s] – The Blockheads start backyard week with amazing landscaping and entertainment areas planned. Love Island Australia (M) [s] Program To Be Advised NINE News Late [s] The Arrangement: Suite Revenge (M l,s,v) [s] New Amsterdam: Rituals (M) [s] Home Shopping

6:00 The Talk [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 2:00 Inside Central Station: 7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful Man Falls In Train (M) (PG) [s] 3:00 Where Are You Really From? 8:00 Studio 10 (PG) [s] (PG) 12:00 Dr Phil (M) [s] 3:30 Destination Flavour China 1:00 Program To Be Advised Bitesize 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Liaw (PG) 3:30 Freshly Picked [s] 4:05 The Supervet (PG) 4:00 Everyday Gourmet [s] 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 5:30 Letters And Numbers (PG) [s] 6:00 Mastermind 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 SBS World News 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 10 Mistakes: Deepwater 7:30 Celebrity MasterChef Horizon (M) Australia (PG) [s] 8:30 Saved By A Stranger (M) 8:30 Have You Been Paying 9:35 24 Hours In Emergency: Attention? (MA15+) [s] Everybody Needs Somebody 9:30 Just For Laughs Uncut (M) (MA15+) [s] 10:30 SBS World News 10:00 Just For Laughs (MA15+) [s] 11:00 Bosch (MA15+) 10:30 Program To Be Advised 11:45 An Ordinary Woman (M l) 11:30 The Project (PG) [s] (In Russian) 12:30 The Late Show (PG) [s] 1:25 Deep State (MA15+) 1:30 Home Shopping 3:25 Huang’s World (M l,v)

Today [s] Today Extra (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] The Block: Backyard Week (PG) [s] Talking Honey - Princess Diana [s] Driving Test (PG) (M) [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: Backyard Week (PG) [s] Love Island Australia (M) [s] Travel Guides: New Zealand (PG) [s] NINE News Late [s] Reverie: The Key (M v) [s] – Mara’s personal tragedy finally comes to a head. 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 Dog House Australia (PG) [s] 8:30 The Cheap Seats (M l) [s] 9:25 NCIS: Los Angeles: Subject 17 (M v) [s] 10:25 NCIS: Los Angeles: Cash Flow (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 2:00 Whitney Houston - The Story Of The Songs (PG) 2:55 Where Are You Really From? (PG) 3:25 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 3:55 Remarkable Places To Eat (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Great Canadian Railroad Journeys: Skagway To Vancouver (M) 8:30 Insight 9:30 Dateline 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) 4:10 Huang’s World (M l)

Today [s] Today Extra (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] The Block: Backyard Week (PG) [s] Desperate Housewives: In A World Where The Kings Are Employers (M) [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: Backyard Week (PG) [s] Love Island Australia (M) [s] Botched: Melting Mounds And Unlucky Charms (M) [s] NINE News Late [s] Confessions Of A Serial Killer With Piers Morgan (MA15+) [s] Pearson: The Former City (M) 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 The Graham Norton Show (M) [s] 8:30 Bull: Gone (M) [s] 9:30 Bull: Law Of The Jungle (M) [s] 10:30 Bull: Under The Influence (M) 11:30 The Project (PG) [s] 12:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS Mornings

5:30 Worldwatch – Deutsche Welle English News 6:00 France 24 News 6:30 Al Jazeera English News 7:00 Worldwatch Continues 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Dateline 2:30 Insight 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:00 Remarkable Places To Eat (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Australia’s Health Revolution (M) 8:35 24 Hours In Emergency: Into The Light (M) 9:30 New Gold Mountain (M d,l,v) 10:35 SBS World News 11:05 Atlantic Crossing (M v) (In Norwegian/ English) 12:05 The Killing (M l) (In Danish) 4:30 Vice Guide To Film (M l,v)

Today [s] Today Extra (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] The Block: Backyard Week (PG) [s] Desperate Housewives: Crime Doesn’t Pay (M) [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] Program To Be Advised Love Island Australia (M) [s] Love Island Australia Aftershow (M) [s] NINE News Late [s] Reported Missing: Joshua And Katie (M) [s] – Twelveyear-old Joshua disappears into the night after a row, and 13-year-old Katie walks out of home leaving a suicide note. The Fix: The Wire (M) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s]

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 Ambulance Australia (PG) [s] 8:30 Gogglebox (PG) [s] 9:30 Program To Be Advised 10:30 Blue Bloods: Times Like These (M v) [s] 11:30 The Project (PG) [s] 12:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS Mornings [s]

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

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

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

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

France 24 Feature News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Metallica: The Story Of The Songs (M l) Where Are You Really From? (PG) The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) Remarkable Places To Eat (PG) Jeopardy! (PG) Letters And Numbers Mastermind SBS World News Coastal Devon And Cornwall With Michael Po (PG) Back To The Titanic (PG) New Gold Mountain (M d,l,v) SBS World News Gomorrah (MA15+) (In Italian) Mr Mercedes (MA15+) The Name Of The Rose (M) Huang’s World (M l) Destination Flavour

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

PAGE 22 8 OCTOBER 2021

PUZZLES

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

ACROSS

60. Computer symbol 62. Army chaplains 65. Gangland executioner (3,3) 67. Altogether (2,3) 69. Noisy confused fight 70. Heart or lung 72. Before now 73. Licit 75. Large wading bird 77. Football arbiter 79. Lead-in 81. Deer 82. Put up with 84. Quotes 85. Relieves 86. Resound 87. Most heated 88. Castrate

1. Skull 4. False courage 8. The ... of Capri 11. Mutineer 13. Innocent 15. Perverse fate 17. Geological age 18. Longing (to know) 20. Border 21. Duped (3,2) 24. Oral sense 27. Negative vote 28. Lethal 30. Levied 31. Athletic sprints 33. Expects 34. Scandinavian language 35. Word indicating DOWN action 36. Gifted 1. Inheritor 39. Defeated people 2. Smell 42. Alternate 3. Wolf’s home 44. Single 4. Haemorrhaged 45. Rubs with abrasive 5. Sports grounds 46. Lay off (worker) 6. Waned 48. Shy 7. Individuals 49. Bumps into 8. Creeping plant (acquaintance) 9. Paris river 50. Unspoilt paradise 10. Jittery 52. Come next 12. Local regulation 54. Shadow-box 14. Thoughts 55. Respond 16. Firearm 56. Nook the alphabet once only. 19. Flu symptom, ... 57. Grain tips

MISSING LINK

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

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

Missing Link Solution:

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Q U S I T E X E I T E S

congestion 22. Pass (of time) 23. Water mammals 25. Bends to circumstances 26. Clans 29. Sensationalist (press) 32. Cantonese lunch, yum ... 35. Small trace 37. Bread maker 38. Natural abrasion 40. More senior 41. Holy person 42. Stench 43. Sloped walkways 44. Tarnish (reputation) 47. Stopping 51. Pine tree leaf 52. Skin disease 53. Weirder 54. Religious lecture 58. Straighten 59. Health spring 61. Possessed 63. Apportion 64. Pick 65. Harass with questions 66. Districts 68. V-shaped cut 71. Emerge 72. Attendant 74. Deep wound 76. Help (criminal) 78. Family war 80. City, ... de Janeiro 83. Scrounge

K FF Q K K U N GZ AI RP K R S U NU E A E MR H Z O D L Y A V E RT ES AO W O O O D D N E S S O I T EDM I S OW L S L O P B T E C L I P S E T S A SS HL EN I G UH S B E G P S O Y A E E J U I C Y Z E B N N S W T K R Q U A C K S E

V T RD A A I X N TI M EA E X S EI SS E A Y E R A S L

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 23 8 OCTOBER 2021

DOWN IN THE GARDEN: Growing Flowering Shrubs grow in semi-shade and it known for its orange-gold upright flowers, giving it its name. Can be pruned if needed but very easy care. Wild Fuchsia (Correa jezabell) Once this beauty is established, it will reward you with stunning red bell-shaped flowers and peforms exceptionally well for those with coastal gardens. Loves semi-shade the best. Traditional Favourites

CHERALYN DARCEY

Annuals are great for a fast and easy splash of colour in the garden but if you are ready to enter a long-term commitment with a flowering plant at your place, you may find that a blossoming shrub is your answer. While the focus is usually on feature trees, flower beds and veggie plots, often we overlook the shrubbery, which can be a way to weave the elements of our garden together. There is a difference of opinion both cultural and scientific surrounding what a shrub is. The most accepted definition is that a shrub is no more than six metres in height and has no main trunk. Sometimes you will see the term ‘large shrub/small tree’, and this is because the lines are starting to blur between the two. A good example is the Tea Tree (Leptospermum spp.) which has species that are often described as such and has a main trunk. To throw a bit more into the mix, the term ‘bush’ means shrub in case you were asking and so yes, a rose bush is a shrub. For the benefit of your garden planning, I’m going to suggest medium sized bushy foliaged plants that are generally known as shrubs. These are just a few of my favourites that will work well in coast gardens and flower throughout the year. Native Beauties Dwarf Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.) is found in many hybridised colours and forms and makes a great addition to native gardens or even modern cottage styles. A sun-lover; they also tolerate semi shade. Robyn Gordon Grevillea (Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’) will flower throughout the year and to ensure a bushy compact growth you will need to prune it to form. This one can cause allergies so if a concern, look for other small varieties such as ‘lanigera’, ‘rhyolitica’ and ‘Lady O’. Requires full sun. Blue Gem Westringia (Westringia ‘Blue Gem’) There are many westringias available that will work nicely as a flowering native shrub but look out for this one as it flowers prolifically and has a wonderful bushy growth habit as well. Prefers full sun but will tolerate semi-shade. Birthday Candles Banksia (Banksia spinulosa) loves full sun but will also

Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) Find a semi shade position and this gorgeous shrub will love you. Generally, hydrangeas are not too difficult to grow but you need to be mindful that they are deciduous over winter. They will however, reward you with blossoms from summer through to autumn. Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) will grow well in temperate areas and is blue flower-lover’s dream that blossoms throughout the year. Prune hard to encourage thicker growth and you will also find that Plumbago can grow as a climber as well. Needs full sun. Mexican Shrimp Plant (Justicia brandegeeana) These remind me of my grandmother who had them growing as a small hedge. They are easy to grow, prefer a semi-shade position but will tolerate full sun and hate wet feet so take care not to over-water. Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius) is a favourite of many as it is almost self-care in nature plus you get those delightfully fragrant orange blossom scented blooms. They must be pruned straight after flowering to ensure a compact growth and prefer full sun to part-shade. Hebe (Hebe spp.) The foliage of the hebe is beautiful and comes in a vast array of colours and patterns but each summer you will also be gifted with stunning flower spikes that will bring additional interest to your garden. They are low maintenance and like sun to

part-shade. Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica) is often thought of as a small tree but by a lot of gardeners as a large shrub and I’ll include it as it really is well loved and a great addition to the garden. They are exceptionally easy to grow and long-lived once established. With over 20,000 cultivars, you will find one that will suit your place but on the most part they prefer semi-shade and can be pruned to shape and size. No matter which shrub you choose, think of them as the mid-ground for your garden design. They should sit between the height of your trees and the taller of your garden beds and can

provide low hedging or taller path borders. If you balance the flowering seasons, you can always have something adding to the fragrance and beauty of your garden throughout the year.

gardening hacks to help your plants blossom. Gardening Hacks includes helpful tips like: Saving your eggshells, which can serve as everything from an organic seed starter to a natural snail and slug repellent. Adding a pinch of cinnamon to help prevent fungal diseases that might prevent your GARDENING BOOK REVIEW plants from maturing. Using the IMAGE: Gardening Hacks (image newspaper to help deter weeds from optional) sprouting. Creating your own DIY seed Gardening Hacks, 300+ Time and packet catalogue to help keep your Money Saving Hacks by Jon VanZile seeds organized as your garden grows. 2021, Adams Media ISBN: 9781507215814 A valuable book for TASKS & TIPS FOR YOU THIS WEEK beginners and a handy reminder, and a fun book, for those with green Time to refresh your garden soil. You thumbs. Make your garden flourish may need to top up and you will need with these 300 easy and inexpensive to add compost, nutrients and balance your soil. Either use a pH testing kit or take samples to one of the many friendly gardening centres on the Coast who will happily test for you. 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. A few things in season: avocado, banana, blueberries, mango, asparagus, broad beans, silverbeet, passionfruit, oranges.

YOU & YOUR GARDEN Flannel Flowers, Michelle Morris Across the Central Coast, Sydney and beyond, it is Flannel Flower (Actinotus helianthi) blooming time. A serious note from your gardening correspondent, it is illegal to pick them or any Australian Native Flowers growing in the wild, so be like our Coastie Gardener of the Week, Michelle, and grow your own! These are her beauties that she planted as small seedlings last year and up they have come. Well done Michelle, these are fabulous! A few tips for growing them. First, ensure you purchase from a registered grower. Plant your flannel flowers in a sunny, well-drained protected spot. You need to take care while wedding or working around these plants as they don’t do well if their roots are disturbed. Tip prune after flowering as this will encourage branching help keep the plant’s shape. You can also grow Flannel Flower is pots, just keep to the same sort of advice when growing.

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 8 OCTOBER 2021 OUT&ABOUT

CCN

Malibu Rising Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid Publisher: Hutchinson London

Malibu Rising kept showing up on the list of books to read this summer. I kept putting it off because the last couple reviews on Amazon were not great. Yep, I am that person – there could be 100 great reviews but will focus on the few that are terrible (I do this for books, restaurants, hotels). It is a trait that annoys my husband to no end, but after passing this book up for weeks I finally bought a copy. The book is set in Malibu California in the 1980’s. Nina Riva is a swimsuit model, but her passion is surfing. Brandon, her tennis pro husband bought them a “glass-

CCN

BOOK REVIEW

and-concrete mansion” on a cliff. It is sleek and white and soleless. Nina would have much preferred the kind of house that she grew up in – a modest bungalow. Brandon has just left Nina to be with Carrie Soto, another tennis pro. But this kind of setback won’t deter Nina from throwing her annual party. Flash back to 1956 when Mick Riva meets June Costas. June’s parents own a seafood shack. June has dreams of NOT working in the restaurant, “Pacific Fish was both June’s duty and her inheritance.” June is seventeen and already wants more, she dreams of owning a house with double sinks in the bathroom. June is at the beach one day,

a break from working in the restaurant when Mick Riva notices her. Mick is a singer and is determined to make it big. He is also very good looking. June’s parents want June to meet someone that can help her run the restaurant. Someone practical, not someone that looks like Monty Cliff. Mick gets gigs at restaurants,

then a casino in Vegas and soon he makes it big. June gets pregnant and the wedding is moved forward. Nina is born and Mick buys June a house with two sinks, her dream. June is happy. Soon other children follow. Mick makes it very big, but, well … he has a problem keeping it in his pants. Nina and her siblings, Jay,

Hud and Kit are close. They had a tough childhood, which is ironic seeing how their father is so famous. They have overcome obstacles, and each seems to be doing ok. Jay with his surfing, Hud with photography and Kit … well Kit is young, but she may be the next big surfer. Anyway, the party is coming up and it will be fun. Invitation is word of mouth, but one person has been getting a written invitation for the past few years, maybe this is the year they will attend. Now, remember how I tend to focus on the few bad reviews? Well I should have gone with my gut. Malibu Rising explores the inner lives of the rich and famous, showing us what life is really like behind the camera, people behaving badly.

It fall well short on many levels. Too many characters, too much switching. And who the heck has a party and the guest list is…. anyone. Anyone that hears about the party is invited. For real? There is drugs, sex and rock and roll. The house gets trashed. Is this to epitomise the excess of the 1980’s? Or does it just show how awful the rich and famous can be. The back story of how Nina’s parents met was interesting, but the more famous Mick got the more vapid he became. And the party was just ridiculous. 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

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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

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HEALTH GROUPS

SERVICE GROUPS

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 25 8 OCTOBER 2021

Business & Property Resource and campaign aim to boost economy Two initiatives have been launched by Central Coast Council to assist the hundreds of local businesses preparing to reopen as the easing of COVID restrictions draws closer. Every dollar spent on the Coast results in up to 63 cents being kept in the community so Council has launched a buy local campaign and an improved business support website. Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan, said small businesses are the heart of the region’s growing economy. “We’re encouraging our community to always buy local first,” Vaughan said. “Buying from a local business creates up to 4.6 times the economic impact over money spent at a non-local business. “Buying locally not only means accessing often superior and bespoke products and services but you’ll also be contributing to a significant

Rhonda’s Bar and Restaurant at Terrigal Photo: Shan Rose Photography

boost for our economy. “Our Love Central Coast website (lovecentralcoast. com) features a wide range of community and consumer facing businesses and makes it easier than ever to buy local and love local. “We’ll be flying Buy Local, Support Local and Love Local flags in our town centres and we’ll be using our

communication channels to encourage everyone to support the incredible small businesses that contribute so much to the Coast. “Many of our local businesses have been hit hard by restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19 so we’ve developed a new resource section on our website to provide a useful overview of

the support, grants and resources that are available.” The new business support section of Council’s website features: information on how to connect with Council for advice on required permits and approvals; relevant resources provided by Council; links to other services and support such as Business Connect, Easy to do Business, the NSW

Small Business Commissioner and The Business Centre; and information about Central Coast business networks such as the Chambers of Commerce. Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said buying from local small businesses provides direct support for the region’s economy. “The quality and diversity of small businesses on the Coast

is remarkable,” Hart said. “Every time we buy a product or service from a local operator, the multiplier effect comes into play – the more a dollar circulates in a defined region, and the faster it circulates, the more income, wealth and jobs it creates. “I’d encourage community members to buy local products and services whenever possible – there is a great chance you’ll discover fantastic local providers and become a firm Love Local advocate.” Community members can explore a range of exceptional local small businesses on the Love Central Coast website – lovecentralcoast.com/plan Local small business operators can access the new business resource by searching ‘Business’ on Council’s website – centralcoast.nsw.gov.au Source: Media release, Oct 1 Central Coast Council

Coast records high housing sales volumes Median house prices on the Central Coast continue to grow steadily, with more surges in sales and rental pricing expected over the next 12 months, a new report has found. The Market Pressure Review Report by data-driven buyer’s agency InvestorKit reveals an 18.4 per cent increase in median house prices in Gosford, and a 16.7 per cent increase in Wyong since September, 2020. Despite a decline in the number of new listings, monthly sales volumes continue to

grow and rentals are also seeing higher demand in the region. The report analysed eight regions along the NSW coast including: Gosford, Wyong, Lake Macquarie - East, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, and Richmond Valley – Coastal. It used pressure indicators to demonstrate changes in sales, rental prices and stock levels. Market pressure indicators refer to median price, sale days on the market, monthly listings, monthly sale volume, vendor discounting, vacancy rates, rents and yields.

The higher the market pressure, the greater the shortterm capital growth and rental price growth. With total monthly listings declining 38 per cent over the 12 months to the end of July 2021, the number of days a property has been on the market has also fallen significantly, the report found. Monthly sales volumes continued to grow across the eight regions, with Gosford (31.3 per cent) and Wyong (25.3 per cent) the best performers. During early 2021, Wyong saw a rise in median rents due

to market pressure and with a very low vacancy rate the area is facing a rental crisis, the report found. InvestorKit founder, Arjun Paliwal, said property market pressure for the NSW northern coastal markets is currently some of the highest in the country. “(This is) good news for those already in the market but problematic for prospective buyers due to the extremely high competition,” he said. “Similar to the sales market, rental data in the NSW North Coast is reflecting similar intense market pressures.

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“Among those renting, we can expect to see a surge in rental pricing and demand, which is already sitting at crisis levels. “However, investors can expect a healthy gross rental yield for most of the coastal cities of around four per cent, but this will fall closer to the major hubs of Sydney. “There are many factors contributing to this market pressure, including historically low cash rates, greater access to credit and owner-occupier finance take up, localised job market strengths and recovery, government spending/

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stimulus, higher household savings ratios, flexibility of working from home, years of low investor activity reducing supply, and changing lifestyle preferences. “We expect that market pressure over the next 12 months will remain intense, sales and rental pricing will continue to surge, and the north coast regions will continue to outperform our capital cities over 2022.”

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 27 Map shows coastal management progress SHARE

The State Government has released a new interactive map which allows residents to check Council’s progress on preparing three Coastal Management Programs (CMPs) for the region, Council is working on CMPs for Tuggerah Lakes, Open Coast and Coastal Lagoons (which includes The Entrance North, Terrigal and

Wamberal Beach). Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock, said the new map would allow the community to see what work was underway to help manage local coastlines. “Now our coastal communities can jump online and easily see progress on their council’s CMP, as well as how many grants their council has received through the NSW

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Government’s Coastal and Estuary Program,” Hancock said. “In addition to links to the relevant local council’s website for more information, the new map has clickable colourcoded icons to reflect which stage in the process the CMP is up to. “It’s a valuable asset that is going to help facilitate local communities to engage even

8 OCTOBER 2021

more with councils and their efforts to protect and preserve their precious coastline.” View the map at www. environment.nsw.gov.au/ topics/water/coasts/coastal management/programs/ coastal-managementprogram-progress. Source: Media release, Oct 1 Minister for Local Government

Micro grants and JobSaver to end on November 30 The NSW Government has decided to extend the JobSaver program to November 30 with payments tapering to 15 per cent of payroll after the state hits the 80 per cent vaccinated milestone later this month. Business NSW Central Coast said many of the region’s businesses and workers would suffer as the payments dwindled. When NSW reaches the 70 per cent double vaccination rate on Monday, October 11, JobSaver payments will be tapered from 40 per cent to 30 per cent of weekly payroll. When the state achieves the 80 per cent double vaccination rate in late October, the Commonwealth will end its contributions to Job Saver. At that time, the NSW

Government will “go it alone” and continue to fund its 50 per cent contribution to the program, with payments to be tapered from 30 per cent to 15 per cent of weekly payroll. “Whilst the NSW Government has provided certainty to business as they prepare for reopening and will help provide a softer landing for many businesses across the state, there will be some businesses who won’t be able to snap back into action as readily as others.” Business NSW Regional Director, Paula Martin, said. “For those businesses who are significantly impacted like the events industry, large hospitality venues and tourism providers this support is likely to be insufficient for them. “The support package has worked to date as the two

elements of the Commonwealth supporting employees with the disaster payments, and both Commonwealth and State governments supporting businesses with JobSaver, hit the mark in keeping businesses going. “Unfortunately some employees in industries heavily impacted by restrictions and border closures will be left with the difficult decision of staying with their existing employer and having no income or leaving a job they love to keep food on the table. “We need to watch the withdrawal of Commonwealth support very closely. “Losing key staff will reduce the capacity of those businesses and act as a hand brake to their recovery once the economy bounces back.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said local small business owners have received over $40M in JobSaver payments to date. “Extending the JobSaver payments until November 30, which is seven weeks after the lockdown ends, will give Central Coast businesses confidence to re-open and set themselves up for a bumper summer season,” he said. “Business owners and workers have been through so much in the last 18 months and the NSW Government is doing everything possible to help them bounce back from the pandemic.” The tapering of funds will see individuals on the program experience a reduction in weekly financial support from $1,000 to $375 in just eight weeks.

When asked if this economic support was adequate, Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the winding down of the payments would provide certainty for locals. “The winding down of the COVID-19 disaster payment will provide businesses and households with the certainty they need to plan for the future,” Wicks said. “For those who haven’t already returned to the workforce following the end of the temporary payment as the economy opens up, the social security system will support eligible individuals back into work. “The Federal Treasurer continues to work with the states and territories in lockdown on tapering business support payments once vaccination rates

hit 70 per cent in those jurisdictions. “The Morrison Government has provided more than $13B in direct business and household support in response to the delta outbreak alone. “As restrictions ease, the economy is well positioned to bounce back.” The JobSaver payments are expected to end completely on November 30, coinciding with the further relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. After NSW reaches the 80 per cent double vaccination target, the Micro-business grant will continue to be available at a rate of $750 a fortnight, before ceasing on November 30. Terry collins and Maisy Rae

Advisors to lead businesses into ‘new normal’ Business NSW Central Coast has elected a new Regional Advisory Council, with Milestone Belanova Director, Barbara Ketley, taking the helm as President. Rod Dever, who is Learning and Development Coordinator for APM Employment Services, has been elected Vice President. Business NSW Regional Director, Paula Martin, said this year’s Advisory Council

members combine a wealth of valuable business experience and have put up their hands to continue the regional advocacy performed by outgoing members. “Business NSW is the peak business group representing all business across the Central Coast and the business challenges have been and will continue to be large,” Martin said. “We will have our work cut

out for us as we help business navigate through a reopen and then establish a new operating normal.” Barbara Ketley replaces immediate past President, Frank Sammut, who led the Regional Advisory Council for four years. “I’d like to thank Frank for his tireless work to support the growth of industry across the Coast including providing valuable guidance to the local

Chambers of Commerce.” Ketley said. “During Frank’s time he supported major initiatives from helping business manage COVID compliance through to programs to help resolve our growing skills shortages. “Our new Regional Advisory Council will be a valuable asset to the region, and I am looking forward to continuing the great work led by the previous Regional Advisory Council.”

Other members of the Advisory Council include: Frank Sammut, Chief Executive Officer Central Coast Industry Connect; Nicole Redmond, Corporate Services Manager Norths Construction & Building; Jared Hirst, Chief Executive Officer Servers Australia; Raylee McLeod, Owner Family Chips; Jenni Allan, Chief Executive Officer ADSII Home Living; Russell Cooper, Chief Executive Officer Gosford RSL; Melanie Smith, Westfield

Centre Manager; Matthew Lusted, Owner LA Commercial and President Business Wyong; Martin LaMarchant, Director Bishop Collins; Matthew Wales, Owner Wales & Associates and President Peninsula Chamber of Commerce; and Bob Diaz, Owner ProDive Central Coast and President The Entrance Chamber of Commerce. Source: Media release, Sep 27 Business NSW Central Coast

PAGE 28 8 OCTOBER 2021

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‘Honest mistake’: ATO won’t pursue small businesses for $180m in overpaid JobKeeper WITH

Julia NEWBOULD Managing Editor • Money magazine The Australian Tax Office announced it will not pursue businesses that took advantage of JobKeeper despite raking in large profits, nor will it ask small businesses to repay $180 million claimed in error. The ATO revealed that over one million businesses received nearly $89 billion in JobKeeper payments, a wage subsidy introduced by the federal government for businesses that struggled financially at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. The Senate Economics Legislation Committee’s Inquiry into the Coronavirus Economic Response Package Amendment (Ending JobKeeper Profiteering) Bill 2021 on September 10 revealed that the ATO overpaid

$470 million. Small businesses erroneously claimed $180 million in JobKeeper says ATO. It has recovered $194 million to date and is currently pursuing $89 million, of which $6 million is in dispute. “We have determined not to pursue $180 million, mostly from small businesses, where there have been honest mistakes: usually because the employers claimed it in good faith and passed it on to their employees,” the ATO said. Only 75 businesses have come forward to return their JobKeeper payments; 62 have repaid $203 million. Further, the tax office said it “has not undertaken analysis of companies that received JobKeeper and have since returned a profit, as the level of profitability was not an eli-

gibility criterion”. “In addition, JobKeeper is determined at an employing entity level and relevant profits are determined at a head company level. Profitability is also typically determined annually, not quarterly or monthly,” the ATO said. The committee did not receive a breakdown of which industries relied most on JobKeeper. Many large ASX-listed com-

panies that claimed JobSeeker payments have been slammed by the media for largely profiting during the pandemic yet refuse to repay the government. Federal Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said in a Gold Coast-based radio interview that the legislation doesn’t require the repayment of JobKeeper “but I think there’s actually a responsibility on many of those businesses now -

CBA to Wesfarmers: Australia’s top dividends Australia has a love affair with dividends, especially when they’re fully franked. After coming off the boil due to COVID-19, dividends are back in a big way. “Despite the severity of the recession last year, global dividends in aggregate will likely regain their pre-pandemic levels within the next 12 months,” says Jane Shoemake, client portfolio manager on the

global equity income team at Janus Henderson. Here are some of the standout dividends Aussie income investors are in line to receive. Commonwealth Bank In the 12 months to June 30, 2021, CBA booked a $1.4 billion increase in cash profit to $8.7 billion. As a result, on September 29 CBA shareholders will receive a $2 fully-franked dividend, bringing the total for the year to

$3.50 a share fully franked. BHP BHP will reward shareholders on September 21 with a final fully-franked dividend of $2.71 per share. Coupled with its interim dividend of $1.31, this brings the total FY21 dividend to $4.10, a 151% increase on FY20. Rio Tinto Not to be outdone by BHP, Rio will provide its shareholders with a $7.60 per share dividend on September 23. That brings the full-year

dividend to $12.77. CSL CSL finished the 2021 financial year with a $3.27 billion profit. Despite COVID disruptions, the company was still able to manufacture 50 million AstraZeneca doses out of its Melbourne production facility. The company will reward its shareholders on September 30 with a final dividend of US$1.18 per share, franked at 10%, bringing the full-year dividend to about US$2.22 per share.

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if they are doing well, they need to do a bit of soul-searching”. JobKeeper was established so that the government could keep employees connected with their workplace and keep businesses afloat during the initial stages of the COVID pandemic, Andrews said. “That has actually been a very good strategy and many businesses do say that it was only JobKeeper that enabled

them to keep trading to the point that they are now; so that was the purpose of it and that’s what was achieved. On that basis the money was dispersed. It was never set up so that it would need to be repaid in the event that the businesses did not suffer the downturns that were considered the eligibility criteria in the first instance,” she said. KARREN VERGARA

That’s a 10% increase on last financial year. Fortescue Metals Group Thanks to increases in the iron ore price, Fortescue posted FY21 net profit after tax of US$10.3 billion, up 117% from FY20. This has allowed the mining giant to return fully-franked fullyear dividend to $3.58 per share (including a $2.11 final dividend), the largest dividend in its history and more than double the dividend of FY20. Wesfarmers Bunnings has been

allowed to remain open through most of the pandemic, helping to push Wesfarmers profit up by 16% in the financial year. On October 7, the company will pay a fully-franked ordinary final dividend of 90 cents per share, taking the full-year ordinary dividend to $1.78 per share. But that’s not all. Pending shareholder approval, which it will surely get, Wesfarmers will also pay out a $2 per share dividend in December. DAVID THORNTON

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 29 8 OCTOBER 2021

Housing taskforce to prepare recommendations An independent report recently released by the State Government highlighted the need for collaboration between all levels of government, the housing development industry and the community to develop the right type of housing where people need it, especially in areas such as the Central Coast. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob Stokes, said the Regional Housing Taskforce report details feedback from consultation with more than 500 people across regional NSW, with recommendations to be made to the Government in October. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said boosting housing supply will be crucial to supporting the growth of the region,particularly as COVID-19 makes more people realise the benefits of living outside of Greater Sydney. “In addition to the pressures caused by COVID-19 there will

be an extra 95,250 people calling the Central Coast region home by 2041,” Crouch said. He said feedback from those who made an online submission or took part in virtual meetings with the Regional Housing Taskforce and its chair, Garry Fielding, had been incorporated into the report. “The Central Coast is a unique

part of regional NSW and it is important that the NSW Government considers this when it delivers and implements policy,” Crouch said. “The Taskforce will now prepare recommendations for the NSW Government to consider, and I look forward to seeing how these support and respond to the needs of the

Central Coast community.” Minister Stokes said the report gives a clear picture of the unique factors affecting housing in each regional community. “The report confirms COVID-19 has accelerated an existing trend of people moving from the city to the bush, and this has had an acute impact on

regional housing markets,” he said. “The findings tell us what regional communities need to better support their housing needs and I look forward to receiving the taskforce’s detailed recommendations in October.” Fielding said the taskforce would now prepare its

recommendations. “The community’s feedback will be used to develop recommendations outlining how the planning system can address housing needs and stimulate supply,” Fielding said. “I want to thank each person who gave us their time and ideas to help us prepare such a comprehensive report that identifies housing trends, what we’ve heard, detailed findings and the next steps.” Among key issues raised were: greater prioritisation on the coordination and delivery of infrastructure to support new homes; calls to speed up planning processes and reduce duplication, particularly where opportunities to provide housing are time-critical; and demand for more affordable and diverse housing in line with changing demographics, jobs growth, natural disasters, and migration trends. To review the findings, visit: www.planningportal.nsw.gov. au/regional-housing. Terry Collins

Visitor economy gets two week head start Following the release of the NSW Government’s three phases to reopen, Business NSW Central Coast has welcomed the announcement that travel to the Central Coast will be allowed two weeks earlier than other regions. “Once the State reaches the 70 per cent double dose vaccination rate (on October 11), the Central Coast will be #BacktoBusiness and won’t have to wait for a visitor economy reboot like other regions,” Regional Director, Paula Martin, said. “This is the day we have been eagerly waiting for and businesses are already telling

me that they are getting enquiries and bookings for accommodation and experiences post October 11. “Our visitor economy has been on its knees with operators in tourism, retail and

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accommodation having their doors closed for 97 days. “Sydney is our primary market for visitation and tourism and businesses have felt the absence of these visitors.

“It’s impacted jobs and we are clearly seeing the overall effects of job displacement across the region with over 16,000 locals recorded on Jobseeker in August. “Reopening with a two-week

head start means that business can plan for their staffing needs, order product and prepare their COVID safe plans and procedures for when the visitor economy fires up again. “We have 536,000 Dine and

Discover vouchers yet to be used. “This means we can inject $13M into our economy straight away. “Let’s get behind #BacktoBusiness Day and support our local business to welcome back customers. “It’s an important step for the business recovery across the Central Coast as the region looks to bounce back as quickly as possible from the ravages of the pandemic.” Source: Media release, Sep 29 Business NSW Central Coast

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GPs remain backbone of the vaccination rollout Latest vaccination figures from the Primary Health Network Hunter New England and Central Coast have indicated that over 70% of COVID-19 vaccinations in the region are occurring in general practice settings. CEO of the Public Health Network, Richard Nankervis, said experiences over flu and childhood vaccinations have shown that most patients want to be vaccinate by their usual general practitioner. “People have an existing relationship with their GP and the practice ‘provides a safe environment’ where a GP

knows their patient’s history and have the necessary training and facilities to manage rare adverse reactions,” Nankervis said. “GPs have the expertise and experience to help patients understand the benefits of vaccination, as well as knowing what rare side effects to watch out for. “Of course, it is also important to acknowledge the great work that all staff in general practices; the nurses, receptionists and administration staff have done and continue to do doing during the pandemic to protect our community from COVID-19.”

While the PHN is ‘pleased’ with the increasing vaccination rates across the region, it is urging all eligible unvaccinated people to see their GP. Executive Director John Baillie, who is in charge of the PHN’s vaccine rollout program, said the longer people wait for a vaccine, the more at risk they are of contracting COVID-19. We’ve seen how quickly the Delta strain spreads, the symptoms are more severe and it’s affecting younger people and children too,’ Baillie said. ‘Unfortunately, we are seeing community transmission of the virus in our region and people

are at risk of catching the virus – it can be deadly, and we are seeing many patients suffer the effects of long COVID even after they have recovered from the virus. “It is not worth waiting. “Get vaccinated as soon as you can, it not only protects yourself, but also your loved ones and the community.” For more information, or to book a vaccination appointment, visit: https:// covid-vaccine.healthdirect. gov.au/eligibility?lang=en Source: Media release, Sept 24 Primary Health Network Hunter New England and Central Coast

Private hospital uses surgical cloning in cancer treatment Gosford Private Hospital has been powering on with its innovative measures during lockdown, with the completion of new, groundbreaking neurosurgery that is transforming patient lives through Vertical Surgical Cloning. Experienced neurosurgeon, Dr Marc Coughlan, recently completed surgery for a Central Coast patient, removing a cancerous spinal tumour by replacing the affected area with a 3D replica of the patient’s own vertebrae through a vertebrectomy. Coughlan said it was a bold, new frontier for the hospital and for neurosurgery. “This kind of surgery is exciting because it is often for patients who are in a great deal of pain or are at risk due to cancer so it provides the opportunity to dramatically transform their lives,” he said.

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virtual surgical planning, providing better stability and load sharing and consequently reduce stress hot-spots. “This type of technology also means that these surgeries are

significantly more time efficient and can help a wide range of patients experiencing invasive tumours or issues that mean an off the shelf implant would not work for them.”

Hospital CEO and Healthe Care Australia Regional Manager, Matt Kelly, said he was proud that the hospital was able to play host to such innovative surgical milestones. “It is incredibly important that even during challenging times such as the times we find ourselves in that we continue to innovate, push barriers and embrace technological advancements where possible,” Kelly said. “This cutting-edge surgery and technology has the capacity to improve the lives of many in our Central Coast community and it’s our responsibility as a premier health facility to continue delivering high quality care to the region. Central Coast resident, 69 year-old Dianne Tandy, said she didn’t think twice about signing up for the surgical procedure.

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“I was diagnosed with breast cancer which has since metastasised to my spine and prior to the surgery with Dr Coughlan, I was in daily, endless agony due to a tumour in my spine,” Tandy said. “It was no question for me, if it could improve my day-to-day life I was happy to give it a shot and it was amazing to note the difference post-surgery in terms of pain and discomfort. “If I can help someone else who may benefit from following this treatment and surgical pathway then it is worth it 100 per cent.” Tandy will be undergoing further neurosurgery in October for another tumour located within her brain under Dr Coughlan. Source: Media release, Oct 6 Gosford Private Hospital

PAGE 32 8 OCTOBER 2021 HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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Starting over in Spring: The Japanese art of Kaizen

GEORGIA LIENEMANN Just like Spring cleaning is a yearly routine for many, cleansing the body and reestablishing healthy habits at this time of year is a long-held tradition, coaxing our sluggish bodies back into balance after Winter. However, clearly this is no ordinary Spring! We’re at the tail end of an unprecedented ordeal and now blessed with the prospect of regaining some sense of normalcy and longawaited freedom. The hardship endured by many in the face of extended lockdowns and the hefty toll it took on people’s health mean that there’s an even greater need for some restorative Springtime rituals this year. I’ve spoken with one too many friends who are mentally exhausted, depressed and physically out of shape, with their health having taken a back seat in favour of mere survival. They’ve made dedicated attempts to get back on track, only to fall off the wagon. I’d hazard a guess that the most people are in the same boat. We’re spent. And it’s completely understandable. So, I thought I’d spend the next few weeks addressing strategies that can assist in ‘starting over’ this Spring. If you like the idea of resetting your body to factory settings, I’ll be presenting simple mindset and lifestyle shifts that will help kickstart permanent change. Small steps, huge changes There are two ways to achieve

such a transformation. The gradual, baby-steps method and the more radical overhaul. Having been a devotee to many intense detoxes, diets and cleanses in my time – and granted, they have their place – in most cases, change is more permanent when it’s gradually implemented. Frequent small wins tend to build resolve and momentum. And momentum can’t be underestimated when it comes to making longer term changes that you’re hoping will stick. Every time we accomplish something, no matter how small or menial the task, we receive a small hit of dopamine which activates the reward centre in our brains and a brings a level of satisfaction that keeps us motivated towards larger goals. The Japanese art of Kaizen The Japanese have a name for this implementation of small, continuous improvements. They refer to is as ‘Kaizen’ and the practice has been adopted by large multinational corporations as a driver of big internal change – because it works. The effectiveness comes from the fact that these small

habits allow a bypassing of the fear response, which is what sees us procrastinating even when we know it’s time to make a change. The idea of completely overhauling your diet, lifestyle and thought patterns when you’ve let yourself go, is justifiably overwhelming. Adding a glass of lemon water to your morning routine? Totally doable. Not scary at all. The secret is to make each task so small that you cannot fail. Remembering that any new habit is only effort until it’s routine, once a task has become integrated and you can manage doing it on autopilot, naturally you can add another – or make the current task slightly more challenging. The trap is avoiding the tendency of becoming too ambitious, too soon – a product of our societal conditioning. The goal is to keep every incremental improvement laughably small. Set yourself up for success The easiest place to start is where you already have established habits or routine. If you’re already cooking

dinner, can you take an extra few minutes to whip up a healthy mid-morning snack and have it waiting in the fridge to avoid the temptation of less ideal options? If you’re picking the kids up from school, can you arrive early and go for a quick walk nearby? Whatever task you decide on, if it results in a fear response, you’re aiming too big and it’s worth lowering the bar. Perhaps you simply don sneakers to pick the kids up and park a bit further away than usual, enjoying a short walk to the gate. They might enjoy the casual walk back with you, with that additional, relaxing time to connect. Preparing your environment is half the battle One of the best tips I’ve ever integrated is to set up your environment for success. If your goal is to increase your energy levels by staying more hydrated, that might involve setting a glass of water next to your bed the night before so that it’s ready to drink in the morning or having a bottle of lemon water on your desk as you work.

If the preparation step itself becomes routine, taking the action is usually a no-brainer because you’re already halfway there. Don’t underestimate the longterm impacts These tiny changes, made continually over time, can snowball into permanent habits that create drastic transformations in every area of your life. As someone who never thought they would be free from the intense food cravings and cyclical periods of overindulgence followed by restrictive eating patterns that plagued me for nearly two decades, I am still astounded that a real, permanent state of balance has been achieved in that area of my life. And it was predominantly the ongoing implementation of more nutrient dense food choices over time that allowed that to happen. The change has been so gradual that it’s only when I think back to how addictive food was for me and how prevalent emotional eating was in my 20’s that I see how far I’ve come. I would never have believed a different state of

existence was possible. But it’s possible for each of us, in any area of our lives that we choose. Applying Kaizen this Spring So, what do you want to achieve, this Spring? To start with, it’s important to get really clear on your bigger picture desires. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be making suggestions with regard to health – but you might have other areas of your life that need an upgrade as well. Maybe you’d like to reestablish a post-lockdown lust for life by dedicating more time to new hobbies? Perhaps there’s improvements to be made in your relationship, career or family dynamic? Ponder the results you’re after and start thinking about some of the behaviours that might be required to achieve them. Then consider the smallest step you could possibly take in order to form these behaviours. We’ll elaborate on this over the coming weeks, but what’s one small change you implement this week?

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 33 8 OCTOBER 2021

Council provides tune in tools for mental health month October is Mental Health Month and Central Coast Council has pulled together a program of online courses and activities to get residents to reflect on their mental wellbeing. Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughn, said Council was asking residents to Tune In to what is happening to them and around them. “This year, the National Mental Health Month campaign is asking people to Tune In to yourself, Tune In to others, Tune In to your communities, and Tune In to stigma,” Vaughan said. “Council is partnering with a range of service providers, not just to help the community learn more about mental health, but to give residents practical tools and support to build mental resilience and look after their mental wellbeing.

“Our program includes online webinars with Mental Health organisations like Mind Blank, an Accidental Counselling training course with the Lifeline Direct Training Support Team, plus online mindfulness craft workshops, stretch and relaxation classes and more.” Council Administrator, Rik

Hart, said this was part of Council’s longstanding commitment to work with the community to solve a range of social and health issues that may impact community wellbeing and vulnerable people. “From devastating bushfires, droughts and floods to a global

pandemic, major economic downturns and social isolation, there is no denying that the past few years have paid a heavy toll on the mental health of our community,” Hart said. “Key to our community’s recovery from these events is Council’s role in connecting those who need support with

education, information and advice, so we are helping to start those important conversations. “We aim to reduce the stigma around mental health issues and connect locals to great programs that they can access.” Events scheduled for Mental

Health Month on the Coast include the ManKind PodcastSeries Three Rebuilding the Man, which is a podcast discussing a broader understanding of masculinity for the next generation. Another event is Babushka Paper Dolls with Vanja, an activity that was a part of the Make your Mark program held during Sydney Craft Week 2020 and has been made available for Coast Residents. Other programs made available from Sydney Craft Week 2020 are Origami Making with Junko where participants will learn the art of origami, and Paper Craft with Mel where participants will learn how to approach paper cutting from the what to the how using a photograph as a template. For more information search online at: wellbeing at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au Source: Media release, Oct 1 Central Coast Council

Iris challenges locals to tune in for 10 days The Iris Foundation is encouraging Coasties to take up the Tune In For Ten challenge for Mental Health Month during October. The challenge is simple – every day for 10 days, tune into other people and find ways to give. Brighten someone’s day – that someone can even be you. “It is well known that giving and helping others can reduce stress, minimise depression and provide a sense of purpose,” a spokesperson said. “Taking time to ‘tune in’ to other people creates significant benefits to emotional well-

being and happiness for all involved. “Create an action for 10 days and it will not only start to stick, but also you will start to see benefits from those actions. “Giving doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming to make an impact. “A short note of encouragement has the power to change someone’s day, as does a simple smile. “Tuning in means being present, actively connecting with yourself, the people around you and the wider community. “Giving to others is one way that people create, maintain,

and strengthen their social connections. “It can really make a difference, especially for people who are vulnerable or struggling. “For the giver, it can bring new perspective to their own circumstances, creating deeper connections and a more positive outlook. “Iris Foundation is deeply committed to strengthening connections as a means to reducing the risk of poor mental health and suicide,” Executive Officer, Sue Liptrott, said. “A lot of people are doing it tough right now, and ‘Tune In for Ten’ is a good reminder to

check in with those we care about.” Some simple actions which could be taken include: send a hand written note to someone that inspires you and tell them why; say hello to three strangers and give a smile; do something unexpected and special for someone you love; let cars merge in front of you with a gracious nod; do something nice for your neighbour; listen without distractions; call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while; or pick up five pieces of rubbish. Source: Media release, Oct 1 Iris Foundation

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Lifeline wants continuing support for those at risk

Recently released figures show that suicide rates in Australia dropped in 2020 compared with 2019 numbers. Lifeline in the Hunter Central Coast spokesperson, Robert Sams, welcomed the news but said more needs to be done. Latest statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveal that 3,139 Australians lost their lives to suicide in 2020 – a 5.4 per cent decrease from 2019. “The small reduction in rates of suicide shows that as a community we can reduce suicide but that we need to do more,” Sams said. “Tragically, 3139 people still took their lives in Australia, 876 in NSW. “Those deaths will have lasting impacts on other people. “While the data does not give specific regional rates we know that rates of suicide are higher in regional areas. “Lifeline in the Hunter Central Coast will continue to work with other Lifeline centres, governments, organisations

and communities on the goal of having our region and nation free of suicide. “Lifeline is here for anyone in our community who is in crisis – 24/7. “There is hope; please do not suffer in silence.” Lifeline Australia Chairman, John Brogden, said it was encouraging that fewer Australians died by suicide in the middle of the 2020 COVID pandemic than in the previous year. “Last year, the aftermath of the bushfires and the impact of the ongoing pandemic had a dramatic impact on many people’s mental health,” he said. “Calls to Lifeline rose significantly, with daily figures reaching a 2020 high of 3,326 calls a day. “It is reassuring to see that the service provided by Lifeline, other organisations and professionals has had a positive impact and saved lives. “Thanks to additional government funding and increased support from our corporate partners and

Lifeline in the Hunter Central Coast spokesperson, Robert Sams

fundraising, Lifeline has been able to answer a record number of calls and help more people than ever before. “The positive news is that people who need support are reaching out for it, and we’ve

been able to deliver it. “The fact that people’s worst fears of increased suicide deaths during COVID have not been realised in this ABS data is an important milestone.

“Over the past year, the Australian Government, and the NSW and Victorian Governments are to be commended for their record spending commitments to mental health, especially to help those in crisis, not just during the pandemic, but into the future as we emerge into a post COVID world. “The challenge now is to maintain and build on this, to ensure that people at risk continue to be supported. “Over the past two years we have demonstrated to even more people that we are here to help them. “Now we have to ensure that level of service is there for them into the future, so that everyone who needs support has access to it.” The average daily number of calls Lifeline received in 2020 was a record 2,868, up from the 2019 average of 2,533. That number has continued to rise in 2021, with average daily call volume rising to 3,064. Figures show that the 33 busiest days in Lifeline’s 58year history have all been

recorded in 2021. Brogden called on the community to reach out to each other, especially during lockdowns and as we approach the holiday season. “The past couple of years have been very tough for so many Australians and that has shown in how many people have turned to Lifeline for help,” he said. “It is a reminder that a great many people are suffering at the moment and many of them are alone, particularly in those areas currently in lockdown. “We all have the power to make a positive difference in the lives of another person. “If you know someone is having a difficult time, if you know someone might be alone, please do reach out to them. “By checking in with someone to make sure they’re doing OK, you can show that you care; that can make all the difference.” If you are in need of help call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Source: Media release, Sep 29 Lifeline

Leaders asked to tune in to mental health The NSW Government has launched a new Workplace Pulse Check tool to help businesses improve their mental health support and access relevant training and materials from SafeWork NSW. Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson, said by undertaking the pulse check as

part of October’s Mental Health Month, business owners and managers can implement the right proactive measures to support their staff’s mental health while at work. “Research consistently tells us that mentally healthy workplaces have more productive staff who feel more positive about work, with less absenteeism and better

retention rates,” Anderson said. “By completing a pulse check, you will be able to establish how your business is doing in terms of its approach to mental health, as well as receive advice on how to provide a supportive culture for your employees.” To help businesses become mentally healthy, SafeWork is

offering free, one-on-one practical coaching for small and medium sized businesses, as well as mental health training workshops tailored for employers, managers and employees. Minister for Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor, said business leaders can play a substantial role in supporting their employees mental health at

work. “There are so many things business leaders can do to ensure their workplace is mentally healthy – from regular check-ins and discussions around mental health, to proactively identifying and addressing risks,” Taylor said. “Mental Health Month is a great time to do a pulse check and start making your

workplace a happier and healthier one for everyone.” To access the Mentally Healthy Workplaces Workplace Pulse Check go to www. mentalhealthatwork.nsw.gov. au. Source: Media release, Sep 30 NSW Government

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EDUCATION & SCIENCE PAGE 35 OCTOBER 2021

Students, parents and teachers prepare for return to school Parents and students on the Central Coast have welcomed the announcement of an earlier return to face-to-face teaching in the region, with a staggered return for the region’s schoolchildren to begin on October 18, a week earlier than first announced. New NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announced on October 7 that the staggered return would begin with Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12 students returning on October 18, with all other years now returning one week later on October 25 as stages two and three of the return are combined. While some regional schools returned on October 5, the Central Coast, along with other regions still under lockdown, will stick to the staggered return from October 18. Minister for Education, Sarah Mitchell, said an additional week of quality face-to-face learning for students is worth having and can be achieved in a safe and sensible way. “Bringing the return forward allows schools to keep their plans for a staggered return and provides time for staff to

get their second dose,” Mitchell said. “From October 18, all staff that need to be on site must be fully vaccinated. “I know there remain some concerns in the community around a return to school, but students, staff and parents should feel confident that this approach allows enough time to make schools as COVID safe as possible.” The final date for staff to receive two doses of the COVID vaccine remains November 8, unless staff have a medical

exemption. The public health advice for parents to keep their children home from early childhood education and care services where possible will also be lifted from October 18. Central Coast Council of P&Cs (CCCP&C) spokesperson, Sharryn Brownlee, said lockdown has been a very stressful time for students, as they missed their classmates and shared learning as well as the important socialisation that happens daily in schools. “They have also missed

having their teacher to support them with schoolwork,” Brownlee said. “It has also been very stressful for parents as they juggled competing demands of family, work and schooling. “Try as parents might, most are not teachers and they cannot replace the interaction and collegiality, as well as the stability and structure of school and the classroom. “The days have been topsy turvy and uncertain, especially this time through the recent COVID lockdown.

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“Some students have been keeping up with online and paper-based lessons provided by the school but, many have struggled. “Some struggled from the lack of technology, others from poor, or no internet, some unable to find a quiet place to work around younger and older siblings, as well as parents not being able to help them as they were also trying to work from home. “A week does matter and being back at school sooner will allow extra time to assess where children are in their learning and what measures are needed to help them. “Parents are very pleased to see the high rate of teacher vaccination and pleased it is mandatory. “With the end of the year approaching, students and parents are worried that children may be left behind, but much has been done to ensure there are extra staff and extra resources available in every school for every child to help them settle in and catch up. “Across the country and across the world, we have seen that most children are very resilient, and with parent and teacher support, students of all

ages can look to their future with confidence.” Not everyone is happy with the decision, with the Independent Education Union, which represents 32,000 teachers and support staff in the non-government sector, frustrated by the lack of consultation with principals, teachers and school support staff through their union. NSW/ACT Branch Acting Secretary, Carol Matthews, said there are no government guidelines in place about ventilation and air filtration in schools and the NSW Government, unlike the Victorian Government, is not funding non-government schools to achieve improvements. “NSW non-government schools are only just starting to take steps in this area,” she said. She said the union is also concerned about the potential for outbreaks in schools and what this will mean. “Will impacted schools need to close again, leading to more disruption?” she said. Terry Collins

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groups all across the country, but representing the issues that matter here”, community organiser Bronwyn McDonald said. The Wilderness Society’s Community Groups are volunteerbased and locally organised, and the larger National Wilderness Society guides and supports the groups to build capacity in their local communities. “It’s about getting new people on board and rallying people together for one issue - protecting nature,” McDonald said. The local groups organise information sessions, run their own workshops, meet politicians, and campaign for the Wilderness Society. “It is about going beyond signing petitions,” McDonald said. “It’s about learning the skills used to advocate and rally for a central cause; active, rather than passive support.” McDonald said an empowered, organised community is best poised to accomplish change locally and a successful Central Coast Wilderness Society group will be a welcome addition to the environment movement in the area. Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to attend an online information session on October 13 between 7pm and 8.30pm. Details at https://wilderness. nationbuilder.com/nat_ welcome_night_ october2021_20210915. You can also follow the Central Coast Wilderness Society on Facebook.

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SCIENCE & EDUCATION

PAGE 37 8 OCTOBER 2021

Students take part in maths competition On October 6 more than 3,000 Central Coast students from 34 schools took to their screens for the annual Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition. Delivered digitally for the first time, the exam tested the numeracy and problem-solving skills of Year Five and Six students from 363 NSW schools, with more than 22,000 students taking part statewide. Newcastle Permanent CEO, Bernadette Inglis, said the organisation wasn’t going to let the current COVID-19 lockdowns stand in the way of the 2021 competition. “There’s no doubt COVID-19 has created many barriers to

student learning, but time and again teachers and students have proved their resilience and found new ways of working,” she said. “We know how much students across regional NSW look forward to this competition each year, so we’ve done the same, adapting to an online solution. “Giving back to our community is at the heart of who we are as a customer owned organisation, and we’re delighted to give local students something to get excited about, which we can see they are, by the record number of registered participants this year.” With students from 363 schools in regional NSW taking part, the competition is about encouraging students at all

Peat Island and Mooney Mooney planning proposal

Notice of 1080 baiting

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.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting an aerial baiting program using fresh meat containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.

View the planning proposal at the Central Coast Council portal yourvoiceourcoast.com/pipp

The program will be conducted in Brisbane Water and Popran National Parks.

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.

Aerial baiting is scheduled to be undertaken between 11 October 2021 and 17 October 2021.

1. Join an online community information session on the following dates:

The program is designed to minimise the impact of foxes on wildlife, especially after the 2019-2020 bushfires, and to minimise the impact of wild dogs and foxes on neighbouring stock.

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.

All baiting locations will be identified by signs.

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

FORT DENISON

BLZ_LP2887

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

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

FRI

15 FRI

0359 0.22 1016 1.79 1632 0.22 2239 1.64 0521 1.24 1051 0.66 1722 1.61

For further information please call NPWS CENTRAL COAST AREA OFFICE on (02) 4320 4200.

TIDE CHART

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Please be reminded that domestic pets are not permitted on NPWS Estate. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

skill levels to get enthusiastic about maths and challenge their problem-solving skills, Inglis said. “Providing an opportunity for students to experience maths in real life situations in a fun way is also really important,” she said. The Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition has continually grown from when it was first held in 1981 with just 2,337 students participating. It is the largest and longest-

running competition of its kind in Australia, with more than half a million students having participated since its inception. Awards will be presented later in the year with top performers invited to compete in the annual Newcastle Permanent Primary School Online Mathematics Team Challenge in May 2022. Source: Media release, Oct 6 Newcastle Permanent

TAFE teachers not offered permanent posts The NSW Teachers Federation (NSWTF) says TAFE teachers on the Central Coast and throughout the state have been “snubbed” by a recent State Government decision not to offer permanent jobs to casual teachers in the TAFE workforce. “Long-awaited changes to casual employment laws should have been a gamechanger for thousands of longterm, part-time casual TAFE teachers, but they were stunningly snubbed,” NSWTF President Angelo Gavrielatos said. “TAFE NSW, after six months of deliberation, advised that it was not obliged to offer permanent jobs to any of the more than 7,700 part-time casual teachers in its workforce. “September 24 was the deadline for all medium to large employers to indicate to employees whether they would offer their casual staff who have been employed for more than 12 months conversion to permanent positions. “An email late on the day of the deadline from TAFE Managing Director, Steffen Faurby, to TAFE NSW part-time casual teachers cited ‘reasonable grounds’ for the basis of the decision not to offer them permanency.” Gavrielatos said part-time casual TAFE teachers, who

have dedicated years of fulltime service to the education of countless Australians, had a reasonable expectation of attaining less-precarious employment. “Our members are outraged and disappointed; so many thousands of them have taught full-time teaching loads, and more, for years,” he said. “These teachers work alongside their permanent colleagues. “They do exactly the same job, have exactly the same responsibilities, have exactly the same requirements to maintain currency and competency, yet are not afforded security of employment. “This is a disgrace.” Gavrielatos said an announcement that the State Government would spend $1M on recruitment of teachers from outside the TAFE system “added insult to injury”. “One would doubt these new recruits would be enticed by the prospect of casual jobs,” he said. “Why were the long-term casuals not made offers of permanency? “How many of these new positions will be ongoing permanent posts while the part-time casuals are overlooked?” Source: Media release, Oct 1 NSW Teachers Federation

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

Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

0440 0.28 0028 1.39 0410 1.19 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 2045 0.42 2203 0.44 2313 0.42 0010 0.39 0057 0.36 0136 0.34 0211 0.34 0242 0.36 0311 0.39 0617 1.32 0703 1.41 0744 1.50 0821 1.56 0856 1.61 0929 1.65 SAT 1158 0.59 SUN 1255 0.52 MON 1343 0.46 TUE 1426 0.42 WED 1505 0.40 THU 1544 0.40 1820 1.62 1910 1.63 1953 1.62 2031 1.58 2109 1.53 2145 1.47

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

PAGE 38 8 OCTOBER 2021 SPORT

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Greyhound racing benefits from more funding GREYHOUND RACING Greyhound racers on the Central Coast will benefit from a 23 per cent increase in prizemoney and returns for participants in 202122, with the new record total of $47M doubling the figure that was paid just six years ago. Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) Chief Executive Officer, Tony Mestrov, said he was delighted to continue “a hugely positive upwards trend” in returns paid to the industry’s participants. Prizemoney and returns paid to participants will have increased by a collective $55M, or 46 per cent, over the fiveyear period from 2018-22 compared with the previous five years (2013-17). “The sustained growth of the overall industry in NSW is being driven by investments in a strong wagering product and the success of GRNSW’s animal welfare initiatives as a part of industry reform, which is

Greyhounds in full flight at Gosford track Photo: Noel Fisher

creating greater levels of confidence,” Mestrov said. “Our owners, trainers and breeders are the lifeblood of the industry and have been through an extraordinary period of transformation in recent years. “GRNSW is delighted to be in the position to significantly increase the income opportunities and offset costs

for participants while at the same time managing its wholeof-industry investment in a responsible way.” From November 1, prizemoney for provincial maiden events will increase by $440 per race, while there will be an increase of $800 across all grades for provincial events 440m and above from December 1.

GRNSW will also be expanding its successful Middle-Distance Series to the Central West and Northern Rivers regions. “It’s the prizemoney that fuels the livelihoods of thousands of participants and many more thousands in the regional and rural local communities where 75 per cent of our participant base resides,” Mestrov said. “Any increase in prizemoney

has a positive knock-on effect to local communities which share the bulk of more than $500M that the NSW greyhound industry contributes to the State’s economy. “It is especially pleasing this year to announce such a big boost given the resilience our participants shown yet again over the past 18 months, taking full responsibility and care to

co-operate and help navigate our industry through COVID-19 and its restrictions. “It’s not long ago that the industry had its line-in-thesand moment, and we are continually reminded of 2016 and the events which led to a non-negotiable requirement for participants to be the forefront of change and reform that has taken place since that point. “To be able to repay those efforts with a 100 per cent increase in prizemoney and travel subsidies from $23.5M in 2016 to $47M this year is another validation of the industry’s progress and achievements.” GRNSW will also provide participants with more than $1.5M in additional support through the Homing Assistance Scheme, the Racing Injury Rebate Scheme, and the Greyhound Care Scheme. Source: Media release, Oct 30 Greyhound Racing NSW

Action plan for tennis on exhibition TENNIS Central Coast Council has been working with Tennis NSW on an action plan to improve participation in the sport and improve the region’s courts. The draft Central Coast Tennis Facilities Action Plan went to Council’s meeting on September 28 and is now on exhibition for public feedback. Council owns 30 of the 32 tennis centres across the local government area with an asset portfolio valued at $13M. Of those, 14 clubs affiliated

CCN

with Tennis NSW operate at Council facilities with more than 3,000 members. Another eight Council venues are unaffiliated with operating clubs, a further eight are open to the public free of charge, and two are privately owned. Of the 30 Council-owned tennis venues, 22 have active coaching operators. Many sites have inadequate lighting levels for commercial or competition use and there are a number of sites where the condition of the courts is a result of inadequate recurrent investment, a report

to Council said. To bring the court portfolio up to a safe playable standard and maintain it will require a significant investment in capital and operational expenditure, with six sites requiring works within three years. The draft plan envisages allocating a total $1.02M up to and including the 2024/25 capital works budget. Council will also seek funding through Tennis Australia, state and federal grant programs for renewals, upgrades and new tennis facilities.

Some of the planning proposals in the five-year action plan include redevelopment of regional scale tennis facilities at Wyong and Gosford to host events that generate sports tourism benefits for the regional economy. Another proposal is a subregional tennis centre in the Warnervale area. Administrator Rik Hart said the draft Tennis Facilities Action Plan would ensure they were properly maintained, managed and any opportunities around them were realised.

“The draft action plan sets the vision for the region which is to have a network of high-quality, inclusive tennis facilities that contribute to the active and social lifestyles of our community,” he said. “People might not know that many tennis courts managed by Council remain open, unlocked and free for public use and this is one of the many services that we deliver yearon-year for our ratepayers. “This action plan is a positive step to ensure that Council is making smart, calculated decisions around facility

planning and improvements, that these community facilities continue to remain open and fit for purpose for all to enjoy and may even encourage more people to get into the sport,” Hart said. The draft Central Coast Tennis Facilities Action Plan 2021 will be placed on public exhibition on yourvoiceourcoast.com for community feedback in coming weeks. Sue Murray

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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

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SPORT PAGE 39 8 OCTOBER 2021

Roux returns to strengthen defence FOOTBALL Storm Roux has re-joined the Central Coast Mariners on a one-year deal after spending three years with Melbourne Victory. The right back racked up over 100 appearances in yellow and navy, spanning five years between 2013 and 2018. He will be welcomed back to the Coast after making 72 appearances for Melbourne Victory and amassing over 14,000 minutes of A-League football in total. While not known for his goal scoring on the Coast, his recent stint in Melbourne saw him produce his best return in front of goal, totalling five in Victory colours. Born in South Africa and moving to New Zealand at an early age, Roux played most of his teenage years in Western Australia, after migrating from across the ditch, where he

made his A-League debut for Perth Glory in 2013 before moving to the Mariners after their 2012/13 success. Roux is very keen to get back into the swing of things with the club he is so familiar with and a coach that he played alongside in the past. “I am very happy to return to the Mariners where I started my career and spent so much of my time,” he said. This club means a lot to my family and I and I’m excited to be a part of Monty’s [Nick Montgomery] squad and build on what was achieved last season.” Head Coach Nick Montgomery said Roux had developed into a great attacking full-back before moving onto Melbourne Victory. “I think bringing Storm back to the Coast will add competition for places, plus his experience and good character will be a great example to our younger

players,” he said. “At 29, he is at a good age to continue his development and improve areas of his game, giving him the licence to be a key player for us once more.” Mariners Head of Football, Ken Schembri, said racking up 170 A-League appearances was a great testament to Storm’s consistent performances over the years. “With only a few vacancies in our squad we have been searching for an available, experienced player to help our younger squad members, plus someone who can give us more depth in defence, and I believe we have done that with Storm,” he said. Roux will join up with the squad immediately ahead of the opening weekend of the A-League Men’s season against Newcastle Jets on November 21. Source: Central Coast Mariners Storm Roux has rejoined the Mariners

Miller aims to cement starting position FOOTBALL Central Coast Mariners are gearing up for the new season of the A-Leagues which is expected to launch for the Yellow and Navy side on November 21 away against Newcastle Jets. In their 10th week of preseason training, defender Lewis Miller said he was enjoying working under new coach Nick Montgomery and was excited for the new season to kick off. “All the boys are really glad to be back, we’re really enjoying it,” Lewis said.

“It’s been brutal as you’d expect from a coach like Monty who has so much experience from playing in the Premier League for Sheffield United, so we’re happy to be back, and we’re going to give it 100 per cent this year. “Monty wants everyone to put in 100 per cent on the pitch regardless of the position you are. “You give it all for the team. “We’re not individuals, we’re a unit, and it’s all about unity and coming together. “I genuinely think we’ll have a good season this year if we follow his principles. “I respect Monty as a coach,

I think he’s a great guy and he knows what he’s talking about and I really think he’s a great leader, and I am glad to have so much time with him and I really think that will help me improve my game.” Talking about his goals for the upcoming season, Miller said he wished to achieve a starting position in the side and further develop his skills as a player. “Last year I was on here and there, and this year I want to cement a starting position and I generally think that if I play to my ability then I can be one of the best young footballers in the comp,” he said. “Every single game is a game

to enjoy so I’m just keen to get back out there, it’s been a long time.” Miller made 13 appearances last season and has made 32 appearances with the club since joining the A-League side on a scholarship contract in October 2019. He signed a two-year deal in 2020 after coming through the Mariners Youth Academy. Despite growing up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Miller said Umina was his ‘second home’ after spending a lot of time at the beachside suburb with his family.

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. What an exciting week and long weekend. We are now starting to get a good flow of mother and calf humpback pairs visiting our coastline. It’s great to see the young whales copy their mother’s behaviors; learning to breach, tail slap and other ways of learning to be a whale. Great places to see whales are Cromarty Hill, The Haven, The Skillion, Captain Cook Lookout (Copacabana) and Killcare Heights.

Dolphins are also very active at the moment with some great sightings at Foresters, Wamberal, Terrigal, Avoca and Macmasters Beaches. There are several pods that call our coast home. The most recognizable pod is “B” pod. The B is for the Darkinjung word ‘Baruwaluwy”, which means dolphin. Seals are also plentiful at the moment on our coast, with the animals making themselves at home in places like The Haven, North Avoca, Whinney Bay and Cape Three Points. 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

Harry Mulholland

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Challenger Series continues in Portugal Shelly Beach’s Molly Picklum winning her opening heat at the Vissla Pro Ericeira, Portugal, October 4 Photo: WSL/Poullenot

SURFING The Challenger Series continues with the Vissla Pro Ericeira in Portugal, and Avoca Beach’s Macy Callaghan has advanced through to the Round of 16. Avoca’s Wade Carmichael and Shelly Beach’s Molly Picklum were also active in the contest but have now been eliminated, leaving Callaghan as the Central Coast’s remaining representative. Beginning on Sunday, October 3, with the opening men’s heats, the surfing conditions have been gradually improving

throughout the week within a three to six foot range and lightening wind conditions. Although the waters of the Portuguese west coast have at times proven difficult to read, Callaghan has so far excelled with two wins in consecutive heats. In her opening Round of 32, a long wave down the forehand line with many turns brought Callaghan an early top score of 7.00, and this still remains her highest scored wave of the competition. She followed this up late in the heat with a 5.30 to slip ahead of second place from

Hawaii, Luana Silva, and move forward into the next round. Here, she again moved herself into an early lead with a two-wave score of 11.34 within six minutes (out of 30). This turned out to be enough on its own to win the heat and qualify for the next round, yet Macy nonetheless stayed active and improved on her second wave score twice, in the end reaching 13.17 total. Now, Macy will prepare for the upcoming Round of 16, this being the competition’s opening one-on-one elimination heat, where she will face up against Hawaiian

surfer, Bettylou Sakura Johnson. Molly Picklum came very close to advancing as well but was overtaken in second place late by Brazilian surfer, Silvana Lima. Experiencing low power ocean conditions, finding the right wave became an important factor and there was little opportunity for the surfers to break away from mid-range scores and each other. Two strong early waves came for Picklum on her second and third attempts, granting her a two-wave score of 12.80 and the lead in the heat.

With six minutes to go, Brazilian Summer Macedo overtook Picklum with a 7.57 wave and managed to maintain this lead until the end. Brazilian Silvana Lima then picked out the best wave of the heat, scoring a 8.50 to soar from fourth into second place and push Picklum out into third. The score was announced by the judges with only 30 seconds remaining and there was no further chance for Picklum to take on the two Brazilian leads. Along with Wade, who also performed well early in the competition before being

eliminated, Picklum will now look to the upcoming third stop in this Challenger Series as her next chance to score important qualification points for this season’s Championship Tour. This will be held between October 16 – 24 on the SouthWestern French Coast, in Landes, and is the third of four Challenger Series events to be had before Christmas. In the meantime, Callaghan stays active in the Portuguese contest and is in the running for 10,000 qualification points to be awarded to the victor. CCN

Avoca Beach’s Macy Callaghan winning her opening heat at the Vissla Pro Ericeira, Portugal, October 5 Photo: WSL/Poullenot