Coast Community News 323 by Central Coast Newspapers

17 DECEMBER 2021

ISSUE 323

News

PM kills PEP11

This year Soroptimist International celebrated its centenary with 72,000 members in 122 countries participating in a variety of events to mark the occasion. See page 5

Out&About

High notes were heard echoing across Gosford CBD on December 4 as Central Coast Stadium hosted Coast Opera Australia’s Night of Enticements in the rafters. See page 17

The Federal Government has taken the first steps towards cancelling the PEP-11 permit for off-shore gas exploration over an 8,200 square metre area stretching from Newcastle to Wollongong, with the Central Coast a likely drilling site.

Business

See page 13 Primer Minister Scott Morrison making the announcement at Terrigal on December 16

Majority oppose water price hike – IPART Chair The vast majority of more than 2,000 submissions and responses received by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) on Central Coast Council’s proposed 34 per cent water rate hike opposed the rise. The Council has requested a huge rise in the amount it can charge for its water,wastewater, stormwater and other waterrelated services from July 1, 2022. In an exclusive interview with CCN, IPART Chair Carmel Donnelly said the community response had been extremely strong, with all submissions to be made public in the interests of transparency.

“We are part way through our review and are undertaking analysis of the proposed water pricing and are still keen to hear from community members,” Donnelly said. “We put out an issues paper in September, which attracted 175 submissions and more than 1,000 survey responses, as well as 630 quick poll responses. “In October we put out an information paper on stormwater services and received 270 survey responses and one submission from Council. “There was a very strong response with particular concerns on the affordability of the (proposed) increases.

“We acknowledge that represents hardship for some people – there have been some very tough times during COVID. “By far the majority of respondents opposed the increases and even among those who were not opposed there was a strong feeling they should be brought in gradually. “Quite a lot of other issues were raised as well. “There’s a difficult situation with Central Coast Council and the public inquiry and quite a few people raised concerns about the Council’s performance and transparency and whether or not Council had maintained infrastructure adequately and would do so into the future.

“Some people were happy with the quality of service but about a third raised the issue of water quality. “We heard (about ongoing concerns with) water quality at Davistown, Saratoga and Yattalunga and there were also concerns around water pressure, reliability of service and environmental responsibilities, particularly around the beaches.” Donnelly said a huge area of concern was that the proposal would see a large increase in service charges rather than usage charges. “Some people felt they worked very hard to manage their use of water and would not be able to have as much influence over what their bills

were going to be (with an increased service charge),” she said. “A lot of people had looked through the Council proposal carefully and drew our attention to specific details.” Donnelly said all issues raised would be looked at thoroughly and independent advisers would also be engaged before a final decision was reached. A draft report will be handed down in March next year, with another call for submissions and a public hearing to be held, ahead of the final report, which will be handed down in May and will determine prices to apply from July next year. Terry Collins

Central Coast builders have taken out a number of categories at the 2021 HIA-CSR Hunter Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards. See page 25

Sport

Ten Central Coast “ninja warriors” have qualified for the USA World Titles next year after achieving success at the Australian National Ninja League World Qualifier held in Gosford last week. See page 40

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.

PAGE 2

17 DECEMBER 2021

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NEWS

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

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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

Coast Community News would like to offer three lucky readers the chance to win a copy of Best Walks of the Central Coast, authored by Matt McClelland and Gillian & John Soutter.

and dozens of detailed maps. A summary table of walks indicating distances, facilities and highlights is included to help the reader find exactly the right walk for the occasion. chapters: Best Walks of the Central Walking Bouddi, Brisbane Water, Coast introduces the best walks for visitors and Dharug, Central West, residents alike, ranging Gosford, The Entrance from leisurely cliff-top and Further Afield. strolls to the more rugged For your chance to win, tracks deep in the bush. write your full name, Detailed descriptions address, email and telephone and maps help the reader daytime number on the back of an explore the Central Coast parks, bushland, lakes envelope and mail it to Coast Community News and coasts. Walks The book is richly The Best illustrated with over 150 Competition, PO Box full-colour photographs 1056, Gosford 2250,

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.

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Next Edition: Coast Community News 324

before 5pm on Dec 22. The winners of The Last Champion competition were Clare Smith of Kariong, Hilary Kelso of Terrigal, Jennifer Perkins of Tacoma, Allison Taylor of Kincumber, Gail Rodgers of East Gosford, Pat Taylor of Woy Woy and Maureen Monaghan of Green Point.

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Publisher: Ross Barry - CEO: Cec Bucello - Editor: Jackie Pearson, Design & Production: Justin Stanley, Lucillia Eljuga Journalists: Terry Collins, Maisy Rae, Harry Mulholland, Hayley McMahon, Nicola Riches, Skaie Hull, Merilyn Vale, Haakon Barry Head of Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff ISSN 1839-9045 - Print Post Approved - PP100001843 - Printed by Spotpress Marrickville Voice of the Peninsula

Voice of the Peninsula 10 DECEMBER 2021

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REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

News

9 DECEMBER 2021

Fast and loud at 94

Domestic manufacturing was the focus of a recent meeting outside the Kangy Angy Maintenance Facility to discuss the new intercity trains delay. See page 3

The teachers at Toukley Preschool have been recognised as some of Australia’s most outstanding educators at Futurity Investment Group’s National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA). See page 27

Preschool teachers gain national recognition for excellence

Out&About

Business

Residents in Toukley have come out fighting against an audacious move by developer Seranin to advertise a proposed boarding house that is yet to win Council approval as being “under construction”. The timing of the move has inflamed the community which is currently putting together a second round of responses to a fourth DA the developer had lodged with Council. Alarmed by the developer’s online advertisement, some of the residents have also expressed strong concerns

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that the proposed boarding house is reportedly being listed on booking websites, billed as “serviced apartments”. “I was horrified to see an advertisement for serviced apartments,” said resident, Carolyn Dring. “The truth is that it will be a boarding house for 92 people,” she said. 51 Peel St, a former nursing home that enjoys views over the lake, has been subject to ongoing contention since the first DA was lodged back in 2018. Since then, plans for a boarding house have ping ponged between the Council

and the owners of the site, Seranin. The first DA was rejected in 2018, a second withdrawn, a third refused in September 2020, while a fourth, submitted in March, resulted in the Council calling for a significant amount of further information. Open for community consultation until January 17, this time residents are being asked to respond specifically to the further information that has been supplied Seranin. Submissions have already been lodged by 10 individuals in response. The fourth DA attracted 197 community submissions in

News

July, during which time the ‘Concerned Residents of Proposal For Boarding, Toukley’ Facebook group swelled to 311 members with 26 of those joining in the last month alone. The group has a fresh set of concerns, among them an adjustment to the number of people the boarding house will accommodate. It was originally stipulated that the building would contain 65 rooms, a number that has fallen by 10 to 55. At the same time, however, the number of residents has grown from 84 to 92. Residents say that this modification, which has led to

the creation of more double rooms, was subtly introduced in the hope it would be overlooked. “How many times do we have to submit objections to Council before they will take notice of our concerns?” asked another resident, Maureen Houston. “We recognise the need for housing but 92 people in one building is an overload,” she said. The Toukley residents are also demanding clarity on the demographic make-up of those to live in the boarding house.

A Wyong based company will duplicate its production line, helping to boost its capacity and meet the growing demand, thanks to the NSW Government’s Regional Job Creation Fund. See page 21

Education

A passion for their art and a commitment to an artistic career is the common thread running through the 26 artists who received grants recently. Page 27

Continued page 4

Puzzles page 19

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

Woy Woy has been named as a strategic centre in the latest version of the NSW Government’s Regional Plan for the Central Coast. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, UDIA Central Coast Chair, Caine King, and Business NSW Central Coast Regional Director, Paula Martin, announced the plan at Gosford Leagues Park on December 6. Building upon the 2016 Central Coast Regional Plan 2036, the State Government has widened the net and extended its vision in the Draft Central Coast Regional Plan 2041, which is said to have been largely influenced by changes in the way people

work and live in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has announced an updated vision for the next 20 years on the Coast, focussing on what it is calling a “15-minute region”. The premise is to concentrate on taking a holistic approach to neighbourhoods and ensure that planning,job,infrastructure and housing decisions are coordinated with the aim of providing everything residents need withing a 15-minute walk, cycle or drive from their home. For the Woy Woy Peninsula, the plan says, the emphasis will need to be on development proposals which protect the scenic quality of the area and retain its

“unique environmental character”. “Increased housing choices will be focused close to public transport and need to consider sustainable ways of accommodating short stays for visitors,” the plan says. Woy Woy has been included in the Narara District in the plan – one of four districts covering the entire region. The government is encouraging community feedback on the revised draft plan before March 4 next year. “This is our blueprint to ensure the Central Coast prospers and the community’s feedback is critical to make sure we get it right,” Crouch said at the launch.

Rain couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of Central Coast nurses and midwives as they gathered outside Gosford Hospital on December 8 to protest unreasonable workloads...

Four community organisations and clubs on the Peninsula have received nearly $19,000 in grants to support local projects. See page 4

Central Coast Council has a huge two months of events and activities planned to help bring Town Centres back to life with a new reIMAGINE Festival aimed to support local businesses and creatives.

“Tourism will play a major role in helping our region recover from the pandemic, which is why we proposed strategies to keep public transport operating later and allow bars and galleries to open longer in our tourist hotspots. “Housing affordability is a key priority and the plan would set up a group of housing experts and service providers to track and supply the land, housing and infrastructure needed for communities to thrive.” King said the Central Coast is unique in having one Regional Plan, one Local Government Authority and one Local Aboriginal Land Council. “We must capitalise on this opportunity to act in a

cooperative manner to deliver the jobs and housing needed on the Central Coast,” he said. “Our members are up to the challenge of building smarter and more sustainable and compact communities, where daily activities are contained within a 15-minute walk or ride. “We need this strategic planning developed for both future green field and brown field developments, to provide direction and confidence for the development industry.” King said the plan sets achievable targets for infrastructure and affordable housing which was really important. Continued page 8

A local law firm has returned to its Woy Woy roots after merging with Peninsula Law last month. See page 23

Education

Peninsula teachers and principals walked out of work for 24 hours on Tuesday, December 7, as new figures show the number of vacant permanent teaching positions in NSW has increased to more than 3,000. See page 29

Puzzles page 18

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

The State Government has revisited its Regional Plan for the Central Coast and announced an updated vision for the next 20 years, focussing on what it is calling a “15-minute region”. The premise is to concentrate on taking a holistic approach to neighbourhoods and ensure that planning,job,infrastructure and housing decisions are coordinated with the aim of providing everything residents need withing a 15-minute walk, cycle or drive from their home. Building on the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036, which was

released in 2016, the government has widened the net and extended its vision in the Draft Central Coast Regional Plan 2041, largely influenced by changes in the way people work and live in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, launched the revised plan at Gosford waterfront on December 6, together with Business NSW Central Coast Regional, Director, Paula martin, and Chair of the Central Coast Chapter of Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), Caine King. The government is encouraging community

feedback on the revised draft plan before March 4 next year. “This is our blueprint to ensure the Central Coast prospers and the community’s feedback is critical to make sure we get it right,” Crouch said at the launch. “Tourism will play a major role in helping our region recover from the pandemic, which is why we proposed strategies to keep public transport operating later and allow bars and galleries to open longer in our tourist hotspots. “Housing affordability is a key priority and the Plan would set up a group of housing experts and service providers to track and supply the land, housing

and infrastructure needed for communities to thrive.” King said the Central Coast is unique in having one Regional Plan, one Local Government Authority and one Local Aboriginal Land Council. “We must capitalise on this opportunity to act in a cooperative manner to deliver the jobs and housing needed on the Central Coast,” he said. “Our members are up to the challenge of building smarter and more sustainable and compact communities, where daily activities are contained within a 15-minute walk or ride. “We need this strategic

Business The Patonga-Palm beach ferry service will be back on the water from December 17 following its acquisition by new owners, the Boathouse Group.

See page 13

planning developed for both future green field and brown field developments, to provide direction and confidence for the development industry.” King said the plan sets achievable targets for infrastructure and affordable housing which was really important. It also outlines the work that needs to be done to unlock land and make it developer ready, he said. Martin said the Central Coast is blessed with natural endowments, a talented workforce and an enviable lifestyle. Continued page 6

Workers on the Central Coast stand to benefit from the powering up of renewable energy projects, with registrations of interest now open... See page 25

Sport

A 1-0 loss and frustration met the Central Coast Mariners at Penrith Stadium on Sunday, December 5, against their undominant hosts, Macarthur FC. See page 38

Puzzles page 22

The $8.25M redevelopment of the Peninsula Recreation Precinct, which was promised in the 2019 Federal election campaign, will finally start construction in February. See page 4

Out & About

Ettalong had a taste of Hollywood on Thursday, December 2 with the premiere of a teaser for the upcoming locally produced film, Crazy Love, at Bar Toto. See page 13

Ourimbah Region Residents’ Association (ORRA) were hoping to convince Administrator Rik Hart to send the plan back to the town planners for further work. “Mr Hart is voting on what is actually contained in the plan, not what staff are advising him is in the plan,” ORRA member Brian Davies said. “I recommend that he read

and understand it and do a site visit to understand the issues that the community are raising about steep hills and fire and flood threats that make the proposed plans dangerous and unworkable.” ORRA wants a masterplan which has a coherent vision for the future of Ourimbah; that reflects the community values of the residents of Ourimbah and provides certainty for any Local Environment Plan and Development Control Plan changes. ORRA says the masterplan does not reflect the extensive community consultation held after the Councillors’

2019 decision. “Ourimbah Region Residents’ Association (ORRA) ran a survey across the whole Ourimbah region to be sure we were presenting a consensus community view,” ORRA said. “We liaised with Council staff and elected Councillors over a period of months and believed we had achieved a result that would suit all parties. “None of this consultation is mentioned in the plan and most of the community feedback has been ignored.” Member for The Entrance David Mehan shares ORRA’s concerns.

This year Soroptimist International celebrated its centenary with 72,000 members in 122 countries participating in a variety of events to mark the occasion. See page 5

Out&About

High notes were heard echoing across Gosford CBD on December 4 as Central Coast Stadium hosted Coast Opera Australia’s Night of Enticements in the rafters. See page 17

Business

See page 13

See page 10 Photo: The Boathouse Group

ORRA urges Hart to ‘read before voting’ A group of residents from Ourimbah were facing a last-ditch attempt to hold off a masterplan for Ourimbah that Central Coast Council was due to adopt on December 14.

News

PM kills PEP11

News

Health

Two years after the Black Summer bushfires threatened the Central Coast, two local volunteer emergency service organisations have been given a share of over $400,000 for projects that will assist in their recovery and strengthen their emergency response capabilities.

ISSUE 323

ISSUE 040

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Back on the water

Each year staff at Hakea Grove’s compete to have the most festive wing at the centre and this year the competition has been fierce. See page 14

Parkhouse at Kibble Park will be hosting a range of interactive art exhibitions with locally made products available for purchase

Community invited to give feedback on latest blueprint for the region

16 DECEMBER 2021

Out&About

Comedian Bob Downe will bring his high rolling cabaret Viva Bob Vegas! to the Laycock St Community Theatre in January. See page 17

Business

News

Residents of Chittaway Bay are campaigning for the installation of public bathroom amenities at Lions Park, the home to a piratethemed playground. See page 3

See page 3

Out&About

See page 5

See page 14

Woy Woy in Narara district in latest regional plan

ISSUE 269

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Still recovering

Out & About

Business

Local resident Cecily Crencice fulfilled a lifelong dream last week when she got on the back of a Harley trike.

17 DECEMBER 2021 15 DECEMBER 2021

News

Community and visitors invited to reIMAGINE Gosford

An artist has launched a solo exhibition in Woy Woy to celebrate ‘love and life’ and encourage locals to seek peace this holiday season. See page 13

Central Coast Council has a huge two months of events and activities planned to help bring Town Centres back to life... See page 13

The teachers of Toukley Preschool

Residents say Toukley can’t support boarding house

ISSUE 322

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REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

“On 27 April 2020, the then elected Councillors unanimously resolved to support the concerns of the Ourimbah Region Residents Association about the Masterplan by limiting building heights and protecting the heritage of the area,” he said. “Surprisingly, the April resolution was not referred to in the six page report prepared by Council staff for tonight’s meeting. “Ourimbah residents are rightly concerned that Council staff are seeking to ignore a legal resolution and direction made by the elected Council about the Masterplan.

“The Administrator should not adopt the staff recommendation without referencing the April resolution and confirming its continuing application.” Speaking in State Parliament in May this year, Mehan said the Ourimbah masterplan had benefited from Councillor input to staff recommendations. He made the remarks during debate on whether the Coast should have a judicial inquiry into the Council which had been put under administration and the Councillors suspended.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the provisional approval of the Pfizer vaccine for Australian children. See page 25

Sport

It was an exceptional return to football at Central Coast Stadium for the Mariners, defeating rivals Sydney FC, 2-0, on Sunday for the first home game win of the new season. Page 32

Continued page 4

Puzzles page 19

Business owners ‘furious’ about intersection upgrade Business owners surrounding the Rawson Rd and Ocean Beach Rd roundabout at Woy Woy say they are infuriated by the lack of planning and consideration from Central Coast Council regarding the proposed intersection upgrade. The detailed proposal was announced earlier this month in a joint media release from Council and Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks. Local business owners said they only heard about the project via a generic Council letter dropped off at their

premises last week. The $32.5M proposal includes a two-year plan to replace the existing single-lane roundabout with a signalised intersection, including signalised pedestrian crossings across all four sides of the intersection. The project is expected to start construction in mid-2024 and finish by mid-2026. The existing roundabout is currently encompassed by four businesses: Ocean Beach Tyrepower, Inspirations Paint, Coles Express Garage and 7/11. Store Manager of Ocean Beach Tyrepower, Vic Mostaert,

said the proposal was likely to affect their business long-term and he did not see the purpose of the upgrade. “It is an absolute waste of money – and I know it’s going to cost $32M … what a waste of money,” Mostaert said. “This roundabout works very well, we have very few accidents and the only time we get traffic is in the morning and afternoon, it banks up both ways and that’s the only time during the day. “The roundabout is very effective and efficient; it works very well as it is. “They are going to take some of our land – when we’re up

and running it won’t affect us too much – but the time to build it, it’s going to affect us a lot. “I don’t know how they are going to get five lanes across there, I think it’s going to be very difficult. “Someone nearly died at the crossing at the railway line the other week … that’s where they should be putting the money.” Mostaert said the proposal could see vehicles bypass the new intersection via his business which would put the safety of his staff and customers at risk. Store Manager of 7/11, Christie Gordon, said the

proposal would “drastically affect her business. “Having a look at the plans, it looks like there is going to be median strips down both roads which is going to impact traffic being able to get into our driveways,” Gordon said. “I also foresee there being an issue with cars turning left off Ocean Beach Rd onto Rawson Rd if that light turns red, they can come straight through my driveway and fly through the other driveway which could cause issues with traffic, people could get hit. Continued page 4

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has backed the decision of developer, Jedaclew Pty Ltd, to seek a review of the Local Planning Panel’s refusal. See page 21

Education

Ettalong Beach Public School Parents and Carers’ (P&C) Association has been awarded $10,000 to purchase ‘Big Ass Fans’, after their bid was successful in the 2021 Community Building Partnership program. See page 27

Puzzles page 18

It all starts with spirit spiritsuper.com.au

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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 Council has requested a huge rise in the amount it can charge for its water,wastewater, stormwater and other waterrelated services from July 1, 2022. In an exclusive interview with CCN, IPART Chair Carmel Donnelly said the community response had been extremely strong, with all submissions to be made public in the interests of transparency.

Central Coast builders have taken out a number of categories at the 2021 HIA-CSR Hunter Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards. See page 25

Sport

Puzzles page 22

It all starts with spirit

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

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

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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17 DECEMBER 2021

Over $30M assets sold to satisfy commercial lenders Central Coast Council is more than halfway to delivering its planned $60M asset sales program, with settled sales of $34.78M already in the bag and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with Landcom on the sale of the Gosford chambers building, with the proceeds from that to be over and above the $60M target. At its latest meeting on December 14, Council heard that the land known as Warner Industrial Park was the latest successful sale, having been valued at $19.5M and fetching

over $27M. Administrator Rik Hart said other sale negotiations were progressing well. “We continue to demonstrate to the commercial lenders that we are able to pay back the emergency bank loans that had to be obtained to reimburse the restricted funds that had been spent unlawfully on projects that the community had benefited from,” he said. “Importantly, value has been delivered back to the community with the sale of properties to date achieving just over $10M above their market valuations. “Our financial recovery plan

put in place in November last year is working and we are hitting all milestones and targets. “Together with the cost reduction measures, tightened budget management controls, asset sales and a focus on productivity gains, we are doing everything we can to ensure the organisation’s financial sustainability.” The MOU agreed to between Council and Landcom would see the Gosford chambers building plus the old Broadwater Hotel site and land behind the chambers and Central Coast Conservatorium sold to the State Government, to be

transformed into a TAFE campus and housing development. The plan would open up the current TAFE site for redevelopment too. Some of the land needs to be reclassified from community to operational land before the sale can proceed. Hart said the sale was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Gosford but warned Council was not out of the financial woods yet as he reinforced the need to see the current 15 per cent rate rise extended beyond June 2024. Terry Collins

A MoU has been signed on the sale of the Gosford chambers building to Landcom

Roving Rubies reunite After months of lockdown, a large group of Red Hatters from the Roving Rubies of the Central Coast finally got together with friends from Sydney and the Hunter Valley for a Christmas luncheon at the Kincumber Pub recently. “It was lucky we had the Val King and Hellen Meaney at the luncheon

whole of the back deck as there was a lot of chatter and laughter as many had not seen each other this year,” the club’s Queen Lillimarlene, Marlene Klintworth, said. “I asked them to wear red to celebrate all the birthdays we did not get a chance to mark and also Christmas. “Each table had to sing for

their supper and while we didn’t hear many talent scouts knocking on the door, much fun was had.” The fun social club, for women aged over 50, welcomed four new members at the luncheon. “I do hope any women who are on their own get up the courage to call me so we can

take them under our wing and get them out and about,” Klintworth said. For more information call 0412 760 725. Source: Media release, Dec 13 Roving Rubies of the Central Coast

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Please note residents will need to pay a departure fee when they leave the village.

PAGE 4

17 DECEMBER 2021

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Robertson candidate chosen for new Indigenous party The Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia has finally received registration at the 11th hour from the Australian Electoral Commission and will field a candidate for the seat of Robertson in the Federal election, due by May 2022. Former candidate, Tracey Howie, who has withdrawn from the race due to her expanding responsibilities as an Indigenous archaeologist, will be replaced by Jeff Lawson.

Lawson said his main aim was to raise awareness of environmental, cultural, and social issues being faced by Coasties, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. “I am a person who believes in action; I believe in speaking up for, and supporting, those in our community who may not have a voice or the confidence to speak up for themselves,” Lawson said. “Let’s get back to basics and remove the roadblocks that are

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helping to create a two-tiered society. “Education is a big leveller; we need to get back to free tertiary education, TAFE and university. “Current generations, Indigenous and nonIndigenous, should have the same benefits that previous generations (including many of our current politicians) had – a free tertiary education.” Lawson said Australia’s rates of youth suicide and Indigenous

incarceration are among the worst in the world. “We have a lot of issues among our mob,” he said. “Yes, there are very complex generational trauma issues, but we must start somewhere. “We need to start taking care of our youth in more imaginative ways, so they don’t end up incarcerated or contemplating suicide. “I will call for Indigenous Youth headspaces, where young people can go knowing

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they can talk to a trained Indigenous person, someone who will understand their issues like no-one else.” Lawson said he would also advocate for Recognised Indigenous Healing Services to be added to Medicare. “This service would support taking Indigenous youth onto Country where they can learn about culture and build their sense of self and community,” he said. “This type of therapy has been proven to help turn the lives around of young men and women lost in a world of selfabuse and depression. “There is absolutely no reason why this wouldn’t have the same positive results for non-Indigenous youth as well.” A Dharruk Nation official, Lawson is also the Indigenous representative for his employer, the State Transit Authority. He is a huge supporter of the support group Dads in Distress and intends to ask the Federal Government what actions it will take to reduce violence against women. “I fully back politicians like Zali Steggall and, if elected, will stand up for women in Parliament,” he said. “All major institutions should have a ‘prevention of violence against women’ officer, and that includes Parliament House.” A bus driver based at Ryde, Lawson said he would be looking to move to the Central Coast, where he has close connections and cultural ties, as soon as possible. “While I understand that the

Central Coast has a rapidly growing population and some urban development is required, I am also very passionate about preserving culturally important land,” he said. “For example, the whole Kariong ridgeline is Aboriginal Sacred Lands and should be heritage registered. “I will call for reform of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act to ensure Traditional Custodians have more rights over their own Country. “Currently all power is with the Local Land Councils which is not acceptable. “Local Land Councils are supposed to represent all Aboriginal groups in an area, and yet this is not happening. “They have too much power and can decide to develop a piece of culturally significant land against Traditional Custodians’ wishes; the Kariong Sacred Lands are a case in point.” Lawson said it was time to have Indigenous voices heard in Parliament and he wants to give the residents of the Central Coast the chance to vote for an alternate party, especially in Robertson electorate “The main parties tried to silence us by making the registration process to become a political party a bureaucratic nightmare. “But we prevailed because we have a huge swell of community support who believe it’s time to have Indigenous voices heard in Parliament.” Source: Media release, Dec 13 Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia

...would like to take this opportunity to thank our thousands of readers and advertisers for your interest and support over the past 22 years. We would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Our office will be closed on December 23, 2021 and will remain so until January 11, 2022

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17 DECEMBER 2021

Centenary marked with new park bench This year Soroptimist International celebrated its centenary with 72,000 members in 122 countries participating in a variety of events to mark the occasion. COVID restrictions meant that several of the events planned by the Brisbane Water club,

including hosting the annual Women in Service Dinner, had to be cancelled. But one thing that did get done was the placement of a bench in Gosford’s Kibble Park – the result of a collaboration between the club’s president elect, Cheryl Amey, and Belinda McRobie from Central Coast Council.

A spokesperson said the bench design is unique as it was built to support homeless people who may be sleeping rough in the park. “Once it was installed, several members of Soroptimist International Brisbane Water met to try out the new bench and to reflect on the organisation’s ‘Bright Past –

Brilliant Future’ in supporting women and girls both locally and international through awareness, action and advocacy,” the spokesperson said. Source: Media release, Dec 15 Soroptimist International Brisbane Water

Members of Soroptimist International Brisbane Water on the bench

Community says no to Peat Island proposal Around 160 people gathered at Mooney Mooney on Sunday, December 12, to show their opposition to the current planning proposal on exhibition for Peat Island and foreshore land to the west of the M1. Tracey Howie, spokesperson for the Dyarubbin Peat Island Association, said it was reassuring to see the Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, and Linda Burney, Federal Shadow Minister for Human Services, support the ongoing community campaign to save Peat Island lands. “Peat Island and adjacent foreshore lands deserve a better vision than the high-

density housing and tourism hotel being put forward by Property and Development NSW,” Howie said. “The community has been saying no to successive state government proposals for this land since it was closed as a health facility in 2011 and still Property and Development NSW don’t seem to understand our concerns,” she said. “This land has substantial cultural significance for my people, it has substantial environmental significance and it is not an appropriate location for housing. “There are so many reasons why Central Coast Council should refuse this current planning proposal which would see Peat Island and adjacent

foreshore land carved up for medium-density housing. “The lack of a plan of management to protect the Aboriginal carvings here is one of those reasons. “The lack of adherence to the NSW Government’s own planning instruments including the Coastal Management Plan and Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No 20. “How is it possible for the Central Coast Council to approve a rezoning that directly contravenes such major planning instruments? “The rezoning will also have major environmental consequences – the current wastewater treatment system in place at Brooklyn already

cannot cope with the sewage flows from Mooney Moonet at peak times so how will it cope with a brand new suburb the equivalent size of Brooklyn? “If the loss of a major Indigenous site of national cultural significance is not reason enough to stop this planning proposal perhaps the threat it poses to the river and nearby aquaculture industry might be,” Howie said. For over 12 months the Dyarubbin Peat Island Association has been developing a Better Vision for Peat Island lands – one that acknowledges, respects and preserves its cultural and environmental significance. “Our proposal would see these lands stay in public

hands via a community trust – similar to the Sydney Harbour Trust. “Our vision is that Peat Island and the adjacent foreshore could become the Cockatoo Island of the north – a stunning gateway for domestic and international travellers to the Central Coast, Sydney’s Hawkesbury River and the whole east coast of NSW. “We also believe any future use of the site needs to pay respects to its long and tumultuous use as a psychiatric facility.” Howie said she was overwhelmed by the community’s support for the campaign to Save Peat Island. “Many people who came to

the event on Sunday wrote submissions opposing the planning proposal on the spot. “We don’t have many days left now – submissions close on December 12 – so we are encouraging the community to go to yourvoiceourcoast.com. au to register their opposition to the current planning proposal. “If we can stop the current planning proposal we can then start a positive campaign to turn Peat Island lands into the stunning gateway of the Lower Hawkesbury and the Central Coast,” she said. Source: Media release, Dec 16 Tracey Howie, Dyarubbin Peat Island Association

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

Keep the whole family entertained this summer break

Families have plenty of options to keep the kids entertained over the summer break, with Central Coast Council offering an exciting range of online and face-to-face school holiday activities to keep young minds occupied and imaginations stimulated. Parents, carers and guardians can visit the School Holidays event page on Council’s website to find out everything that’s taking place over the break, and can easily search for activities by date, location and age. There is something for all ages and interests, from art and crafts to wildlife workshops, reading challenges, and much more. Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/schoolholidays for the full list of events, details and bookings.

The Coast to come alive this festive season

The Central Coast will come alive with a series of Christmas offerings, designed to bring cheer to the local community this December. Town Centres across the Coast will be teeming with festive spirit, with the return of favourite Christmas Tree and Wreath installations, accompanied by activations such as Photobooths and Roving Performances. In addition, the new reIMAGINE Festival has now started and is designed to support local businesses and creatives based on the Central Coast. The festival will include two huge months of creative activities and festive events, to help breathe excitement back into Town Centre locations across the Coast this holiday season. You can expect a program filled with a variety of Christmas activations, NYE fireworks, Australia Day pool parties, pop up shops, a range of interactive art exhibitions and more!

Council meeting

Christmas on the Coast Town Centre activities

Enjoy our free town centre activities and activations bringing cheer to the Coast this Christmas:

Monday 20 Dec at Wyong Town Park 10.00am – 2.00pm Bouncing Stilt Christmas Elves & Christmas Photobooth Tuesday 21 Dec at Toukley Village Green 10.00am – 2.00pm Roving Stilt Duo: Circus Christmas Elves and Christmas Photobooth

Wednesday 22 Dec at Kibble Park Gosford 10.00am – 2.00pm Roving Duo Christmas Candy Canes (until 12.00pm) and Christmas Photobooth (until 2.00pm)

Wednesday 22 Dec at Woy Woy Oval Forecourt 1.00pm – 3.00pm Roving Duo Christmas Candy Canes Thursday 23 Dec at Memorial Park The Entrance 10.00am – 2.00pm Top Shelf Elf and Mrs Claus and Christmas Photobooth Friday 24 Dec at Terrigal Beach Memorial 10.00am – 2.00pm Bouncing Stilt Christmas

Taking place until 30 January 2022, you will find a range of exciting community events, workshops, exhibitions, performances and classes across Gosford, Wyong, Toukley, Terrigal, Woy Woy and The Entrance.

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

To find out more about the reIMAGINE Festival and to see the full program search ‘Events’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

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

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17 DECEMBER 2021

NEWS

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Courthouses converted to solar power Solar panels will be installed on Central Coast courthouses next year as part of a new program aimed at making the state’s judicial buildings energy efficient. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the project will see photovoltaic solar panels installed on the rooftops of Gosford, Woy Woy and Wyong Courthouses. “Central Coast courthouses are some of the first in NSW to be upgraded as part of this statewide solar-energy program and we are excited to see this important work get underway,” Crouch said. “The buildings will also be fitted with energy-saving LED lighting, along with motion

Gosford courthouse

sensors in non-court areas such as meeting rooms and bathrooms. “Those lights will only switch on when activated, saving electricity.” Attorney General Mark Speakman said Stage One of the courthouse solar program involves an overall investment of $1.8M to install more than 3000 photovoltaic solar panels on 23 courthouses in Sydney and regional NSW. “While the judicial process is taking place inside these buildings, solar panels on their rooftops will be hard at work as well, contributing to a cleaner environment and saving taxpayer money,” Speakman said. Treasurer and Minister for Environment and Energy, Matt

Kean, said the projects will help propel the NSW Government toward its commitment to double NSW Government solar energy generation from 55,000 to 126,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) a year by 2024. “Courthouses in Stage One will generate an estimated 2,311 MWh of electricity per year and reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of 360 average residential households,” Kean said. The upgrades are taking place in the first half of 2022. Other courthouses will be assessed for inclusion in the solar program next financial year. Source: Media release, Dec 10 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Extra meeting for Council before Christmas Central Coast Council will hold an extraordinary meeting next Monday, December 20, at 4pm. To take place at Wyong Council Chambers, the meeting will comprise four items.

It will first look at moving to exhibit the Revised Community Strategic Plan, the Draft Delivery Program 2022-2025 (including Operational Plan 2022-23) and the Draft Resourcing Strategy, including Draft Long Term Financial Plan,

Draft Workforce Management Strategy, and Revised Asset Management Strategy. The next item on the agenda will be the Investment Report for November 2021, followed by the Monthly Finance Report for November 2021 and the

Council Sales Update. There will be a Public Forum but no Open Forum. Community members wishing to speak to an agenda item as part of the Public Forum should follow the standard procedure as outlined on

Council’s website centralcoast. nsw.gov.au The meeting will be publicly webcast. Members of the public will be permitted to attend Chambers but attendance will be limited to meet requirements of the

Public Health order and attendees must wear masks, QR code sign in and show proof of COVID vaccination.

Caring for our community • • • •

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Source: Media release, Dec 13 Central Coast Council

NEWS Funding for Lions amenities helps other groups too SHARE

East Gosford Lions Club will install new bathroom amenities at its hall which will be accessible to other community groups after being awarded $20,000 through the 2021 Community Building Partnership (CBP) program. The program requires applicants to submit detailed information of their requests, which is followed by their local MP’s approval and then assessed by an independent panel. Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, said the development is a long-awaited and muchneeded new facility for Lions Club members and the wider community.

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, with members of East Gosford Lions Club and The Makers Studio

“In true Lions Club spirit it is brilliant to see the members not only thinking of themselves in their proposal but also of their neighbouring volunteers like those who are members of The Makers Studio,” Tesch said. “It’s a real testament to the values the Lions Club shares

and I could not be prouder to have granted my approval to their submission.” The new amenities will allow for The Makers Studio Central Coast – a group made up of artists and artisans from across the region – to be selfsufficient, no longer needing to access the hall for the facilities.

Founding member, Cheryl McCoy, said the new amenities would make a big difference. “The hall actually has toilets, but if someone is using the hall those toilets are a part of the hire meaning we can’t get access to them,” she said. “The Lions have a meeting room with a bathroom, which

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17 DECEMBER 2021

we can access on the outside of the building. “But when the weather is really bad or we need to use it at night it does not always feel that safe. “The installation of these toilets means it will be much easier for us and feel much safer and we won’t have to inconvenience anyone else.” Lions Club Hall Committee Chair, Glenn Triton, said the new facility has been a priority for many years. “The new bathroom for The Makers has been one of our priorities for many years and we are delighted to now have the financial capacity to build the new facility,” Triton said. “The ongoing support of Liesl Tesch is greatly appreciated by

the Lions Club and we will move quickly to have the new amenities constructed.” The Makers Studio member, Leah Bennetts, said the move gave a sense of optimism to the group. “We really appreciate the funding because the arts are often overlooked,” she said. “At the Makers Studio the members are predominantly women of all ages. “Our whole mentality is to learn and feel happy and comfortable and it is so much more than just a creative outlet, it is a social outlet too.”

Plastic Free Avoca Beach aims to support the local community in reducing single use plastics. It has organised beach clean ups and used clothing swaps, photo and art competitions and kids craft sessions to raise awareness around single-use plastics and marine pollution. The group uses social media to share information and ideas

about environmentally conscious and sustainable initiatives. New members and supporters are always welcome - just search for Plastic Free Avoca Beach on Facebook and Instagram.

Source: Media release, Dec 14 Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch

Clean up event at Avoca Plastic Free Avoca Beach will hold a community clean-up in Hunter Park on Saturday, December 18. Registration will be open from 8:30am, with the clean-up to take place from 9-10am followed by morning tea. A spokesperson said more than eight million tons of plastic enters the ocean every year

and up to 40,000 pieces of plastic are estimated to float in every square kilometre of ocean. “Not only is this unsightly but it can be harmful to wildlife such as turtles, dolphins and seabirds who mistake it for food or get entangled in it,” the spokesperson said. “If you’re concerned about

the amount of plastic and other litter you see on our beaches and foreshores, come join our community clean up. “This event will be family friendly and inclusive – everyone is welcome. “Clean up equipment will be provided but please bring gloves and a reusable coffee cup for morning tea.”

All rubbish collected will be sorted, counted and recorded in the Australian Marine Debris Database which is used by scientists and researchers tackling the problem of marine pollution. You can register on the day or in advance at Clean Up Australia. Established in late 2019,

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17 DECEMBER 2021

NEWS

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State Government encourages ‘adopt not shop’ campaign for new pets With Christmas almost upon us, the NSW Government is encouraging Central Coast residents to welcome a new furry friend into their home by adopting, not shopping.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, holds Fitz, as wife Jill holds the other family pooch

“We know at Christmas time people often welcome a new pet into their families or give a cat or dog as a gift to a loved one,” Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said. “The Central Coast has one of NSW’s highest rates of pet ownership, so we’re asking people to ‘adopt not shop’ and

provide a forever family to furry friends in need. “As well as being fantastic new companions, rehoming abandoned or lost cats and dogs has the added benefit of reducing the burden on pounds and shelters. “(My wife) Jill and I have recently adopted our furry friend Fitz and we are so lucky to have him a part of our lives.” Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock, said free lifetime pet registration is now on offer for people who adopt a rescue pet from council pounds and animal shelters to ensure more dogs and cats find a

forever home. “There’s nothing more rewarding than giving a ‘furever’ home to a rescue dog or cat and enjoying a lifetime of loving companionship,” Hancock said. “Anyone thinking about adopting a pet this Christmas should also consider the ongoing responsibility and commitment required to care for a pet dog or cat. “Pets are a lifetime commitment. “People also need to think carefully about the type of animal that is right for them

and their circumstances including breed, size and age. “In July we introduced free lifetime pet registration for people who adopt a rescue dog or cat, which to date has saved more than $128,000 for nearly 5,000 pet owners. “We are committed to encouraging responsible pet ownership and strengthening animal welfare standards across the state.” More information on adoption options can be found on the Pet Registry website. Terry Collins

Meetings halved to save $44,000 Central Coast Council is proposing to reduce its regular meetings from twice a month to just once each month in draft amendments to its Code of Meeting Practice to go on public exhibition. The amendments are designed to provide operational savings.

They include the removal of the non-mandatory provision for Public Forums so they can instead be incorporated into a separate Public Forum Policy. Council Administrator Rik Hart said updating Council’s Code of Meeting Practice will ensure it is contemporary, fit for purpose and provide for a $44,000 operational cost

saving annually. “By adjusting the frequency of Ordinary Council Meeting from twice a month to monthly, the administrative burden for Council staff will be lessened and the running costs reduced,” Hart said. “This change is one of the many ways that Council is streamlining operations for

improved efficiencies and cost saving for financial stability and good governance. “The opportunity for the public to speak at Council meetings is an important part of the process and reflective of the meeting principles for inclusivity. “Whilst the non-mandatory provisions for Public Forums

will be removed from the Code of Meeting Practice, they will instead be incorporated into a separate Public Forum Policy to be adopted at the same time as any amended Code of Meeting Practice.” The draft amendments propose that Ordinary Meetings of Council be held at 6:30pm on the fourth Tuesday of the month

from January to November, and the second Tuesday of the month of December at the Wyong Chambers. The amended Code of Meeting Practice will be available for viewing and community input at YourVoiceOurCoast.com. Terry Collins

Central Coast Friends of Democracy Inner West de-merger poll shows that communities want local democracy On 4 December, 124 Councils had elections - but not Central Coast Council. One of the merged councils from 2016, Inner West Council, held a poll to ask their community about a de-merger option. The results are in: communities want their smaller, more local councils back. The demerge poll delivered landslide support to reestablish the former councils. With counting well advanced over 63% of people have voted YES to demerge. In all six pre-polls, Ivote and 55 of the 56 polling booths, residents voted YES to de-amalgamation with more than half the polling places recording results above 60 per cent. There was also a high level of participation, with 97 per cent of voters taking part in the non-compulsory poll.

A newly formed group, Demerge NSW Alliance (DNA) was launched in November, calling for communities to have a say about the future of their Council. “After five years of merged councils, communities remain angry about the remoteness of the bigger councils, the rate increases, the failure to deliver and the lack of representation”, said Grantly Ingram, DNA Coordinator. “To have a mega council like Inner West poll YES to demerge cannot be ignored by the state government. “ “The Local Government Act allows for councils to demerge with the NSW government paying for any demerger costs. The result of the poll must be respected.”

Meanwhile at Central Coast Council: • The Administrator rewards illegal clearing for mountain biking and allows damage in our COSS lands.

The DNA launch was supported by NSW Labor MP Greg Warren, Greens MLC David Shoebridge, Shooters, Fishers and Famers MLC Robert Borsak and Independent Wagga MP, Dr. Joe McGirr. Photo: Peter Boyle

• Council moves to reduce public council meetings from 2 each month to 1 - reducing transparency and accountability

www.ccfriendsofdemocracy.com

Make your Voice Count! CCFoD is committed to restoring local democracy to the Central Coast. Initially this means asking the question about whether our Council should demerge - or not. How does a Council demerge? A demerger happens through a review of Council boundaries and the formation of a new Council area. A proposal (to demerge) may be made; • by the Minister for Local Government or • by a council affected by the proposal or • by at least 10% of enrolled voters. The process includes a review by the Boundaries Commission and a Public Hearing before the Minister makes a decision. Who pays for a demerger? In May 2021, the rules were changed. If a Council submits a proposal and the Minister agrees to demerge, then the NSW government pays for the cost of the demerger. CCFoD believes that this should apply to any decision to demerge.

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PAGE 9

17 DECEMBER 2021

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he doesn’t support the PEP 11 gas exploration licence off Hunter coast Source: Newcastle Herald, March 4 2021

Lucy Wicks and the Morrison Government are saying NO to PEP-11. The Morrison Government will continue leading the world and our region in how we manage our ocean habitats and coastal environments. That’s why we are saying no to PEP-11. We have heard from our community and we are responding. We are also committing to a $100 million initiative to protect our oceans and marine life, support Australian Marine Parks and expand the Indigenous Protected Areas into Sea Country. Australia’s oceans economy supports 400,000 jobs across Australia and is projected to contribute $100 billion each year to our economy.

LUCY WICKS MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR ROBERTSON

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

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NEWS Community divided but Council pushes ahead with mountain biking plan

PAGE 10 17 DECEMBER 2021

Central Coast Council will move ahead with the development of a Mountain Biking Plan for the region as community feelings on the matter remain divided. Administrator Rik Hart resolved at the December 14 meeting to continue formulating the plan, with the number of unauthorised trails a continuing cause for concern. Hart accepted the Mountain Bike Feasibility Study Discussion Paper which was presented following community consultation earlier this year. Four speakers addressed the public forum prior to the meeting, two in favour of proceeding with the plan and two expressing grave concerns that Coastal Open Space System (COSS) lands were not specifically excluded from consideration as trail sites. Suspended Deputy Mayor Jane Smith agitated for COSS lands to be removed from the table. “I support Council working with the MTB community and other stakeholders to provide facilities – however, environmentally sensitive lands such as the Coastal Open Space System should be excluded from consideration,”

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she told Council. “The recommendation in the report does not reflect the importance that our community places on the COSS. “It is by far the most significant planning decision for this region. “It was visionary when it was established in 1984, (over 35 years ago) – award winning and unique in NSW. “The COSS strategy has been in place with the primary objective of protecting the biodiversity values of these natural areas. “It is about 70 per cent complete and there is still work to do. “Mountain biking beyond what is currently permitted on fire trails is not compatible with the COSS lands.” Smith suggested that the disused Kincumber Waste Facility site would be an ideal site for a mountain bike riding facility. Community activist, Joy Cooper, also spoke in support of excluding COSS lands. “Land-owners have donated their land to be put into COSS and ratepayers had a levy on their rates for the additions to COSS – we do not support in any way the use of COSS to

allow this damage to occur,” she said. “COSS should be quarantined from any further environmental damage and there should be urgent remediation of the current damage.” Long-time resident Jonathan Curtis said he had been a mountain bike rider for 10 years. “Spending time in the bush, building a personal connection to it, has been critical for my physical and mental health and is an intrinsic part of what MTB is,” he said. “The data and community feedback produced by the feasibility study clearly indicate

the unmet demand for MTB trails, and that fire and management trails do not constitute MTB.” He urged Council to plan for a sustainable trail network on the Central Coast and said while unsanctioned trails have the potential to cause environmental damage, there are several in the LGA which quite clearly have less impact than that of authorised walking and management trails in terms of their contribution to erosion and other processes that can degrade the environment. “We can look to various locations around Australia and

the world where MTB has been embraced to produce economic, public health, community cohesion and environmental benefits,” he said. Central Coast Mountain Bike Club (CCMTB) Secretary Leif Arnebark said the “shift in language and perspective within Council” emerging through research and understanding of what mountain biking is was heartening. “I look forward to continuing to work constructively with Council staff, State Government and other stakeholders to progress a strategy and ultimately a trail network that meets community needs,” he said. He said there was not one single metre of sanctioned mountain bike trail on Council managed lands, despite 30 years of asking. “Unsanctioned trails are an expression of community need,” he said. “Well planned trails can be built sustainably – any wear impact is mitigated by trail design, not by who the end user is. “Mountain bikers have a very similar ecological footprint to

that of bushwalkers, making mountain biking one of the most ecologically sustainable forms of recreation available,” Arnebark argued. Hart said the discussion paper was important in identifying the concerns of those in the community regarding balancing the protection of the environment with the growing popularity of the sport and the benefits it can bring to the region. “Council recognises the positive benefits mountain biking can have on the health and wellbeing of many groups within the community,” he said. “It is important however that as a community we look to reduce the number of unauthorised trails that can potentially compromise natural environments and heritage sites. “I believe this is something we can achieve by working toward implementing more sustainable mountain biking practices … to help provide authorised opportunities for mountain biking on the Coast to meet local demand and promote eco-tourism throughout the region.” Terry Collins

Liesl Tesch MP Member for Gosford

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Thank you, CENTRAL COAST!

As Christmas quickly approaches, it’s a great time to reflect on everything that has happened this year. Through the many obstacles we have had to face over the last 12 months, our community has shown great resilience and strength. Over the holiday period, I encourage everyone to support our many fantastic cafes, restaurants, boutiques, shops, pubs and clubs and to remember to show respect for those throughout our community during busy periods. I would also like to acknowledge all of our amazing frontline workers across the whole of the Central Coast, who have all helped to keep our region safe, during this year. On behalf of my wife Jill, my staff and I, we would like to wish you and your family a safe and joyful Christmas and a wonderful New Year. I hope everyone across the Central Coast gets the chance to have a break and relax with family, friends and other loved ones over this Christmas period - we all deserve it. I look forward to continuing to work for you all during 2022 and beyond.

Adam CROUCH mp Member for Terrigal 02 4365 1906 adamcrouchmp

terrigal@parliament.nsw.gov.au adamcrouchmp

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NEWS Funding will help river communities to plan for emergencies SHARE

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Spencer was inundated by flood waters during storms in March this year

The River Cares community group has received almost $15,000 in funding to develop a Community Emergency Plan for the Lower Hawkesbury district, incorporating a range of Central Coast suburbs including Spencer, Lower Mangrove and Wendoree Park. River Cares is one of 17 community groups affected by floods in March this year to receive funding from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), in partnership with Suncorp Group. Funded through the Rebuilding Futures program, the grants are intended to help with projects such as restoring damaged infrastructure, improving buildings and maintaining equipment needed for future disaster events,

developing local disasterresponse knowledge and skills, and providing access to services that foster recovery. River Cares President, Robyn Downham, said the grant of $14,832 would go a long way towards preparing the area, which has been totally cut off by both floods and bushfires in recent years, for future emergency weather events. “We have applied for a variety of grants programs and this is the first in which we have been successful,” Downham said. “We are really thrilled because this will really get our emergency planning up and running. “We’ve been trying to compile the plan since the floods in March with assistance from the SES, Central Coast Council, the RFS and the Department of Communities and Justice.

“So much is needed to prepare us for future events. “We need a community generator, a box trailer, electronic signage to let people know if creeks are cut off, a CB radio system and emergency packs for community members for a start.” Downham said she and fellow River Cares member Jane McCallum who runs the Spencer general store had recently completed an eightweek online course on emergency response to help them compile a comprehensive plan. “The next stage for us is to involve more of the community,” she said. “Each creek which is an offshoot from the Hawkesbury River has what we call a Hamlet Leader and we need to bring these people together to let

them know what their roles are. “Each of them is responsible for a group of people and they need to establish base stations and have CB radios to hand out to the vulnerable. “One of the biggest problems we have when there is a severe weather event is that we lose all forms of communication and it’s important to be able to keep everyone informed on what’s happening and be in touch with emergency services. “We need to have a structured, reliable dissemination of information. “We have also applied for funding under the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery grants program and hopefully that will also be successful.” Downham said the organisation would hold an open forum to involve as many

people as possible and get the community on board with emergency planning. “We need so much help including people to help out in organising storage and allocation when we get donations of things such as mattresses,” she said. “There are lots of volunteer roles which need filling.” Downham said the organisation was expecting funding from Central Coast Council towards holding regular community information days. “In the past we have been completely cut off by fires and floods and left to fend for ourselves with no communication, no electricity to drive the pumps for fresh water and no power for generators to keep things such as fridges powered,” she said.

“We are in dire straits whenever there is a big weather event but things are looking very positive for 2022.” FRR CEO Natalie Egleton said grant recipients had shown a sense of resolve and strength when it comes to rebuilding and preparing for the future. “More than 50 per cent of the applications we received for this round were for infrastructure and equipment, which shows not only the extent of the physical damage from the flooding, but also the long-term approach that these organisations are taking to the rebuilding of their communities,” she said. Suncorp Group CEO Steve Johnston said the grants will enable recipients to overcome challenges and take control of their futures. Terry Collins

Upgrade puts planning portal offline Central Coast Council’s eplanning portal will be out of action until December 20 as property and rating systems are upgraded. A Council spokesperson said a new and improved system will provide a central location

for all rates payments, property applications and certificate requests, creating a more convenient, streamlined experience for residents and ratepayers. “Council is committed to ensuring access to plans and details of development

applications during this period, however while systems upgrades are being completed, some plans will be unavailable for a selected period of the outage,” the spokesperson said. “For this short period, a message will be listed on

Council’s website providing a phone number and email address for anyone seeking plans/details of development applications during the outage period. “Council’s customer service staff will monitor incoming requests and provide plans/

relevant details by email or other means suitable for the customer. “Customers and community members can contact Council to view development applications during the short outage period by phoning 1300 463 954 or by creating an

account and submitting an enquiry via our 24/7 Customer Service Centre. Source: Media release, Dec 9 Central Coast Council

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NEWS PAGE 13 17 DECEMBER 2021

PM kills PEP11 The Federal Government has taken the first steps towards cancelling the PEP-11 permit for offshore gas exploration over an 8,200 square metre area stretching from Newcastle to Wollongong, with the Central Coast a likely drilling site. The permit expired in February, with an application for renewal by Advent Energy hanging in the balance for 10 months as environmental groups and residents waited for Federal Resources Minister, Keith Pitt, to sign off on a refusal. Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, was at Terrigal on December 16 to announce the Government, which includes Minister Pitt, has advised NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole as the joint authority partner, as well as the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA), of its intention to refuse the renewal application. “Gas is an important part of Australia’s current and future

energy mix but this is not the right project for these communities and pristine beaches and waters,” Morrison said. Liberal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, who was with the Prime Minister, said the move was an “important decision” for the Central Coast and reflected the “values and care” the community has towards the environment and oceans. Morrison said the major reasons for refusal were high levels of community opposition and the fact the Government is not satisfied that the applicant is able to raise sufficient funding to progress the work program in a timely manner and in the timeframe of the permit conditions. NOPTA, as the regulator, will grant the applicant 30 days to respond to the notice of intention to refuse the application. Environmental groups and residents have cautiously welcomed the announcement. Save Our Coast, which has been agitating for several years

for the cancellation of the permit, said the announcement was not a “final result”. SOC Director, Peter Morris, said an official notification of formal refusal would be “a fantastic outcome” for coastal communities, the environment and marine industries including tourism and fishing. “The good news is that the Federal Government has written to NOPTA and to the NSW Government saying that it intends to refuse the application to renew the permit,” he said. “The first reason it cited was the high level of community opposition. “Save Our Coast eagerly awaits confirmation from

NOPTA that the renewal application by Advent Energy has been formally refused.” SOC founder, Natasha Deen, said she was “ecstatic” to hear the permit would not be renewed and awaited formal confirmation. “Many thanks to our members, the general public, our campaign partners Surfrider Foundation and the many MPs who have spoken and acted against PEP11,” she said. SOC Northern Beaches Convenor and environmental lawyer, Kristyn Glanville, said Advent Energy had 30 days in which to appeal once it has received a notice of intention to

refuse the application from NOPTA. “Advent Energy, or some other petroleum exploration company, may make a new application to carry out exploration in the exact same location,” she said. “We can never be sure that a project like this won’t take place in the future. “We continue to call upon the Federal Government to exclude this region from the offshore petroleum titles legislation, and permanently safeguard the east coast from this kind of use.” Member for Dobell, Emma McBride, was also cautious in welcoming the announcement, saying it is not “an official end to PEP11”. “Our community has been calling for an end to PEP11 for years,” she said. “Now, on the eve of an election and 10 months after the original deadline, we learn the Government has an ‘intention’ to stop PEP-11. “But the Government has

made promises like this before and failed to follow through so how can our community trust this announcement?” Federal Labor Leader, Anthony Albanese, said while he welcomed the announcement, it was 300 days overdue. “This is a decision that … could have been made quickly in February with a stroke of a pen by Minister for Resources, Keith Pitt, who had the final decision on the future of the licence,” he said. “Extending PEP-11 has never made sense from an economic, environmental, or energy perspective. “It would have put at risk thousands of local jobs in tourism, hospitality, and recreational and commercial fishing.” Albanese said the Government had left the community “in limbo” for too long and he looked forward to official confirmation PEP11 has been rejected “once and for all”. Terry Collins

Bushfire recovery projects receive $3.6M Three Central Coast businesses will receive a critical boost through Stage Two of the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said $3.6M in funding will help deliver important infrastructure and industry improvements following the devastating bushfires of 2019-20. Crouch said Bara Barang Corporation, based in Gosford, would receive $816,433.00 to be used towards constructing an Aboriginal Cultural Economic Prosperity Project at Mangrove Mountain. “Not only will the Central Coast community now be able to fully experience an environmentally and culturally significant location right in our own backyard, but the construction phase of this project will deliver training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal young people throughout our community,” he said. The funding grant also provides $2.55M to construct a new visitor centre at Mangrove Creek Dam and $255,470 for the Central

Coast Industry Festival. Federal Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks said the projects were one part of the complete recovery journey for the Coast community. “The Stage Two Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund projects were designed with the specific recovery needs of each community in mind and guided by locally led applications,” Wicks said. “Over a year has passed since the Black Summer bushfires and we are continuing to deliver the support that the Central Coast needs. “People are rebuilding their lives and we are backing projects that will bring our community together, support tourism, provide improved or new social amenity, and increase preparedness to future bushfires. All of these things play a part in recovery.” The Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Package is one part of the $4.5B overarching bushfire support program cofunded by the Australian and NSW Governments for bushfire recovery, response and preparedness in NSW. Source: Media release, Dec 15 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, and Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, with members of Bara Barang Corporation

PAGE 14 17 DECEMBER 2021

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East Gosford Probus turns 40

East Gosford Probus Club’s 40th birthday celebration

East Gosford Probus Club celebrated its 40th birthday on December 9 with a luncheon for members at the Breakers, Wamberal. Vice president Helen Bowers said the Club was incorporated by East Gosford Rotary on November 18, 1981, with nine male members. Since then the club has grown to include 39 members, expanding to include women in 2013, and meets on the first

Thursday of each month. “We were truly locked down for many months, as we meet in Waterford Retirement Village large hall, so unfortunately we could not gather,” Bowers said. “But we stayed in regular contact. “The committee met in the early months as often as possible, using Zoom meetings. “We shared names of members and rang them frequently to chat.

“On a couple of occasions we sent flowers to all those people who do not have email as a contact, and much delight was evident with that gesture. “The email was useful for sending short, interesting videos out to members, some about the NSW Art Gallery, some really amusing ones, and some very, very, funny ones. “We had set out activities for the year, so it was quite sad that many of these were cancelled.

Library closure details All Central Coast Library Services branches will be closed from 4:30pm on December 24, 2021, resuming regular opening hours from 9:30am on January 10. Out of hours chutes will be closed during this time and no library items will be due during the closure period. The last day of operation for the Bookmobile will be December 17, 2021, and the service will recommence on January 31, 2022.

From January 10-21, Central Coast Libraries are inviting everyone back in-person or online for school holiday activities. These activities include a Zine workshop for fans of collaging, fan art, poetry and comics, and a Puppet workshop for those looking to create their own masterpiece. The popular Paints of War program is returning to Kincumber and Lake Haven Libraries where attendees can learn methods and techniques

to paint miniature models to display of use in games. The Teahouse at Gosford Regional Gallery will also be holding a story and craft session where attendees can feed the fish afterwards. Online bookclubs are also available to download from Indyreads. Programs will be available to book from December 20. Source: Media release, Dec 1 Central Coast Council

“However, in between lockdowns we managed to have a trip on the Riverboat Postman, a look at the Broken Bay Pearl Farm and a visit to the Distillery Botanica. “We also went to Gartelman’s winery on a day trip and lunched at the Elanora; so not all was lost. “We currently have 39 members but would love to have some more to join us in fun fellowship and friendship.

“Hopefully our trips in 2022 will be easier to plan, including the Mayfield Gardens at Oberon that we missed last year.” Bowers said the anniversary luncheon was a great success, with special guests including Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch, and Suzanne Evans, a Past President of East Gosford Rotary (representing President Kim Wells), under whose umbrella the Probus Club began. A letter of congratulations

was received from Probus South Pacific. “Ellen Verrier, one of our honoured guests (now aged 98) who is still spritely, flew up from Melbourne to join us in our celebrations and deliver a very happy talk to 42 people present at the Breakers.” If you would like to join, see the East Gosford Probus Club Facebook page. Terry Collins

New blood on shelter board Coast Shelter has appointed four new nonexecutive Directors to its Board following an extensive process. Joining the board are Howard Bell, Jennifer Eddy, Rob Kitchen and Alex Maitland. CEO Michael Starr said the four would bring great experience, energy and passion to the Board and thanked Board members Robert Pryke and Diana Hanks, who stepped down at the recent AGM after

many years of service to Coast Shelter: “Both Bob and Diana are much loved by staff, volunteers, clients and the wider Coast community and we wish them both well for the future,” he said. After three years as President, Margie Portass will move into the Coast Shelter Deputy President’s role with NonExecutive Director, Kian Safaei, appointed Coast Shelter President.

“I am passionate about the vision of Coast Shelter of ending homelessness and domestic violence on the Central Coast,” Safaei said. “I have been involved with the organisation since 2007 as a volunteer and as a director since 2015.and am honoured to be selected to this position. “I will endeavour to get us closer to our aim.” Source: Media release, Dec 13 Coast Shelter

The people are not fools There are tens of thousands of people in a similar situation to myself that do not agree to mandatory vaccinations or secondary boycotts being imposed by many Central Coast organisations and clubs to appease the government. Many of us have declined to get jabbed not because of being anti-vaxxers but because many of us have genuine health concerns about adverse events resulting from being vaccinated. It is impossible to get a medical exemption from any Central Coast doctor due to government policy. I have had three strokes and two serious blood clots – yet I do not qualify for a medical exemption! There are thousands of others who also have other legitimate concerns and are reluctant to succumbed to government coercion. What has happened to our great country?

FORUM See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper Our society is becoming marginalised, friction between family and friends increasing, simple things like shopping becoming an ordeal due to the fear the government has engendered into the population. This government has contradicted its own written beliefs (“we believe in individual freedom”) and cannot be trusted. The people are not fools; this will be shown in the forthcoming elections – just watch what happens to the vote of the United Australia Party and Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party.

They certainly deserve our support. Companies, organisations, businesses and clubs promoting discrimination of the unvaccinated should be boycotted and not patronised. Give them a taste of their own medicine. Hit them in their pockets. In conclusion I suggest people follow the learned advice of one the world’s leading renowned virologists, Dr Geert Vanden Bossche who advised the public: “Never Ever – allow anything, or anybody, to interfere or suppress your innate immune system, which is the first line of defence human beings have to fight off all infections – vaccinating children an absolute no go”. Just where does our government get its advice from? Not from the experts who know what they are talking about. Email, Dec 10 George Bocska, Kariong

Please use bins provided As a long-term resident of the Central Coast, I am often dismayed, during holiday periods, as I walk along our beautiful beaches, at the amount of polystyrene coffee cups, lids, ice-cream cups and slushie cups and plastic spoons and straws, also pizza boxes and take-away plastic food containers and plastic water bottles that are left on beaches, park benches and recreation areas, within walking distance of the many bins provided for visitors and residents to our beautiful coastal environment. Unfortunately, it seems that plastic and other rubbish items are not a welcome food item for the ocean creatures and cause a lot of damage to the ecology of the ocean, however (if placed in) the many bins provided for rubbish disposal (they) can then be recycled for further use in reproducing items for public and commercial use. Sometimes simple solutions of placing your rubbish in a bin (or taking it with you if there happen to be no bins) can help all of us be more considerate of others and our beautiful wonderful country where we are very lucky to live. Perhaps the Green Energy Movement groups can devote

FORUM some of their energy to educating people more about the benefits of disposal of their rubbish in the many bins provided. The numerous alcoholic beverage glass bottles being left on footpaths and beachfronts between entertainment venues (should also be) disposed of in the many bins provided rather than endangering others with broken glass, particularly small children playing innocently on the beach or walking along a footpath. We have a lady who donates

her own time in our coastal area and regularly collects rubbish left by those less considerate of others and their environment and also provides plastic empty ice-cream containers for cigarette butts which she regularly collects for disposal (also unfortunately not a preferred food item of ocean creatures) and community groups who clean up rubbish around our coastal areas. Come on Aussies, come on, we are all better than that and not stupid – put your rubbish in the bins provided or take it with you, wherever you travel! Email, Dec 14 Michelle Webb, Terrigal

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PAGE 15 17 DECEMBER 2021

Applying common sense Re the recent teachers strikes: as Charles Dickens implied, it still is “the best of times and the worst of times” and that certainly includes in schools. Everyone can and needs to do something to resolve “the existential [ie ordinary everyday] problems of life”. As a former teacher for half a century in NSW, Canadian and UK schools and as a School Counsellor for the last six years of that wonder-full career, I have a few observations. We all need to do our reasonably practicable best. I hasten to add my thanks and admiration for all involved including Departments of Education, parents, children, fellow teachers as well as endless professional and industrial organisations. I felt supported throughout my career to an extraordinary degree yet there were times for innovation and “robust” discussions. I experienced no ongoing significant discipline problems during 17 years as a Principal of various types of schools covering K-12. Perhaps it was because we made great efforts to show care, courtesy and common sense to all.

FORUM We practised and encouraged all to ensure students and other involved parties experienced respect, fun, freedom, significance and belonging. I had lots of fun presenting “magic wands” [magic is in the person, not in the wand], wearing odd socks or a Magic Cape which effectively made me invisible so I could observe better without interrupting. I was at times both Principal and Teachers Federation Representative and that was a delicate balancing act but was very helpful. My average as a Principal was a one day suspension for one pupil per year and one warning every year or two to a teacher that their “job was on the line”. My apologies to those inconvenienced [especially family] but I found it essential to be at school before the cleaners on many occasions and often stayed until midnight. This was not ideal, but necessary in my case in such a privileged, difficult and important role. I certainly do not recommend that practice as others can manage so much better than I.

The relatively low teachers’ salaries have ensured teachers could not strike often, and I urge governments not to take advantage of that. When I sought overseas experience I accepted a Canadian appointment without asking the salary. Big mistake! There was no way I could spend all that money as it was two and a half times Australian salary in a cheaper economy. In both the high schools (where) I taught there, everyone loved schools and schooling. I experienced no discipline problems. I have also known of situations that I will not identify where a teacher’s salary was below a reasonable living wage in my opinion. As with most if not all challenges of life, if everyone in society takes their part along “common sense” lines, I have no doubt there will be enough teachers in that unbelievably wonderful career and despite the urgent and critical need for more school psychologists/ counsellors at present, the need would become less critical. Email, Dec 7 John Hegarty, Wyoming

Empty buildings and broken infrastructure Why didn’t the government pay for the full amalgamation of the two councils on the Central Coast? From what I can see they only gave $20M dollars and yet it cost more than $65M. Where did the Council get the rest of the money? It also appears to the people

FORUM that the government has purchased our City Council chambers and will move the TAFE college into them. Then they intend to sell the old TAFE collage for over development for high rise housing.

I wonder where are those who really care about the city as at present it looks like a garbage dump – empty buildings broken infrastructure. It’s up to people to make their choice on the current government decisions that they have forced upon us. Email, Dec 13 Robert Findley, Point Clare

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Speak up now The Central Coast Regional Plan 2041 has been released for comment (CCN 322). On the principle of never using one word when three will do, the Plan covers 105 pages, most of them cribbed out of elementary planning textbooks, without having much new to say about the practical issues of developing a city for the 21st century. There are many statements of principle – a 15-minute city not reliant on cars, provision of infrastructure before development, supply of a full range of affordable housing, enhancement of the natural environment, promotion of local employment, integration with other regions, renewable energy targets, to name but a few – but no indication of how any of these goals are to be achieved, which

FORUM is always the crux of any planning exercise. Our modern CoordinatorGeneral seems to have been lost in the formulation of this collection of platitudes, and we now have, in her stead, a Central Coast Urban Development Programme Committee whose membership must strike fear into the hearts of anyone with the interest of the city at heart. We have the Housing Industry Association, the Property Council of Australia and the Urban Development Institute of Australia represented, but not one socialdevelopment organisation or one community-based group to suggest that there might be concerns in Central Coast about

something other than business profits. When this is coupled with the adjuration that future development must be “nimble” (polispeak for fewer development controls and less community involvement in decision-making), it is easy to see the direction being laid out for this latest iteration of the regional plan. On the beguiling coloured maps, it is interesting to see that Tuggerah is now intended to be a regional city (five years after this should have been obvious to the meanest intelligence) but that the promotion of Gosford as the “metropolitan city” (whatever that means, if it means anything, which it probably doesn’t) remains as an objective, presumably based on the SEPP for Gosford centre, although, if

Playgrounds and walkways deserve praise Recently there has been a lot of criticism in Forum letters of local Council work - or lack thereof. I agree with much that has been written but I think it only fair to hand out praise for recent Council works that have been ongoing for some time and that mean a lot to two particular groups in our society – our mothers and their children. Consider the numerous children’s playgrounds appearing across the Coast – the variety of activities from skate boarding to the swings and roundabouts to activities I can’t even name. The variation of materials used from site to site; the number of kids now involved – the opportunity for meeting, networking, just playing.

FORUM Our modern society is in the main housed in separate dwellings and with diminishing family size – many these days with one child families. This is an answer that is creative, beautiful and interactive. Not sure where they are? Google “Playing in Puddles Central Coast “ to bring up pictures and information on eight new parks from Gwandalan to Umina. The second project is also used a lot by mothers and babies. Across the Coast the creation and continuing expansion of walkways suitable for pram pushing goes on apace. These always have a flat

smooth surface and usually with trees/grass/water/ wetland on both sides. Check out the one that links Davistown to Kincumber; from Terrigal beach to the Haven; the Long Jetty and Entrance walks; Ettalong; the list goes on and on. Of course this form of construction and choice of position combines to be particularly attractive to old timers, like me, who increasingly view steps and hills as not merely fatiguing but potentially suicidal. To newcomers to our beautiful Central Coast, may I suggest that they Google “10 Central Coast stroller walks” – each is presented with map, picture and description. Email, Dec 8 Ed Raftery, Davistown

anybody is taking the slightest notice of this futile exercise, it isn’t obvious on the ground. One step forward is that the city has been divided into (more or less) rational planning districts, as opposed to the imbecile Council decision to plan by wards, so that some details begin to emerge about local priorities. It would repay the residents of each of these districts to pay close attention to what is shown, as they will be living with the results of these planning decisions far beyond 2041. Implicit in all the language of the Plan is the intention to transfer more decision-making from Central Coast Council to the state level. There are a few grudging references to Council’s taking responsibility for some

implementation elements, but it is obvious that Council is intended to be very much a second-grade player in the forum where all the important factors are weighed up. Given Council’s abysmal past performance, it is easy to see the appeal of this shift, but it must be a concern that the residents are being frozen out of the system and left with limited opportunities to make local views known. Perhaps, the intention to move developer contributions more under control of the State Government is a first step towards establishing priorities for Council to follow rather than lead. The exhibition of these kinds of documents is always an off-hand affair, to meet statutory requirements rather than in any belief that public feedback will be

worth listening to. I can recall very few instances where public comment has resulted in any significant shift in official policy. Nevertheless, the principle that silence gives consent requires that everybody voice any adverse comment that comes to mind, so that it cannot be said later that everyone was consulted and there were few objections to the proposals. Speak up now or forever hold your peace: it will avail nobody to complain in five years’ time that elements of the plan lack community backing, because, by then, we shall be set on a path from which there will be no turning back. Email, Dec 13 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

Try a permanent fix I read with great interest Administrator Rik Hart’s column in Coast News issue 320. Rik sets out the services which one would assume he considers most important. I agree with him that cleaning public toilets and fixing suburban traffic issues are very important. The one that gets me most is ‘filling potholes’.

FORUM In the nearly 40 years I have lived in the area, I have watched workers with a load of cold mix and a shovel fill potholes. Now this may come as a surprise but this method is a very temporary solution. We all know that as the offending hole is back within days or weeks depending on how soon the rains come or the

amount of traffic. What we really need is a permanent fix. Rik, how about trying a solution which will not require these same blokes to return month after month. One that will mean the particular hole is fixed and not just a continual drain on Council’s limited resources. Email, Dec 6 Laurie Powell, Woy Woy

Run like a booming dot.com We have been without library access for around 18 months due to COVID. Thankfully they recently reopened and that is appreciated. Now I read that they will be closed for “picnic day” on December 3 and then from December 24 until January 10,

FORUM 2022. Picnic Day? Goodness! Central Coast Council is in serious debt as reflected on our rate notices and will be for years. Yet Council is run like a

booming dot.com corporation flush with cash. Why are the libraries closed 17 days at Christmas? Why can’t a skeleton staff maintain a service? We deserve nothing less. Email, Dec 3 Trevor Young, East Gosford

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 17 17 DECEMBER 2021

Unique night of opera deemed a success

Mezzo Soprano Viktoria Bolonina hitting a high note at Central Coast Stadium

High notes were heard echoing across Gosford CBD on December 4 as Central Coast Stadium hosted Coast Opera Australia’s Night of Enticements in the rafters. The unique event was the first

time locals have seen and heard operatic performances since the last pandemic outbreak. Passions were high and voices were loud and clear as the three international performers wooed the audience with short arias from

popular operas. Food and drinks were served between the performances in the corporate boxes and young ballet dancers from a Umina troupe entertained between courses. One of the attendees Susan

Kurosawa, travel writer for the Australian newspaper, said “I was most impressed with the high standard of organisation and performances, the organisers should be proud”. Virginia Henderson, a past board member of Ballet Australia and Coast Opera

Australia, was delighted with the evening and used the occasion to officially pass the baton to incoming chair David Abrahams. Angela Brewer, Founder and Artistic Director of Coast Opera Australia, said “After all this waiting through the pandemic

Toys and hamper items wanted at Copa For more than 15 years, residents of Copacabana have shown up in droves to support the Salvation Army’s Christmas appeal and give a helping hand to some “not so lucky” families as the festive season approaches. Every year, in all kinds of weather, residents and visitors turn up to the local medical centre with toys and food. This year’s collection will take place on Saturday, December 18, and Sunday, December 19, from 10am-2pm. New toys and items for Christmas hampers are especially welcome, but due to COVID-19, no second-hand goods can be accepted.

Organised once again by the Navy Veterans’ Welfare Association of NSW, the event will take place in front of the Copacabana Medical Centre on both days of the weekend. Meanwhile, strong winds and heavy rain didn’t stop Santa from making his annual visit to the beachside suburb on December 11. “Out of nowhere a miracle happened and the sky turned blue, the wind abated, and Santa began his sleigh ride down from Vista Ave,” spokesperson Roque Hammal said. “True to the form, children ran from their houses to send Santa on his way. “At the flagpole lawn he was greeted by many happy people

ranging from grandparents to grandchildren. “Many goodies were dispensed in typical Aussie style before Santa made his merry way to the local shops of the beach front with every business receiving gifts for the owners and their staff. “Santa began his journey with a bag containing 300 bags of lollies and wrapped gifts galore, courtesy of the Navy Veterans’ Welfare Association. “By the time he had completed his visit to several older citizens his bag was empty and he headed back to the North Pole.” Source: Media release, Dec 15 Navy Welfare Association of NSW Last year’s event

lockdowns the Central Coast was ready for an international performances like this. “Our performers are raring to go and bring back the love of singing and high drama to audiences,” she said. CCN

PAGE 18 17 DECEMBER 2021 OUT&ABOUT

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Author releases second edition of rainforest book Tascott author and retired school teacher, Peter Fisher, has released the second edition of his book: Tales From the Rainforest: History and Heritage on the NSW Central Coast. A local bushwalker and historian, Fisher has explored at length the rainforest pockets found in the region. He has meticulously researched several of the rare and endangered sites, discovering in the process a raft of little-known stories

Peter Fisher with the new edition

which make for fascinating reading for the history-buff and/or bushwalker. Fisher is a keen amateur photographer and he contributes to photos found throughout the book, most in full colour. He said the A4 sized book, with 230 pages, will be the final edition of the book and he will not be printing additional copies. “We have far more rainforest here than most people realise,” Fisher said.

“I chose to write a book about this topic because it combines my two favourite pursuits – bush exploration and local history. “As far as I’m concerned, you can’t get any more interesting than either of these two. “It makes for a very attractive coffee table book and the perfect gift for Christmas. “It’s a one-off and nothing like it has ever been done before.” Fisher has started on his second book but is remaining mum about the topic – other

than to say it will be a fascinating local history subject. As it took four and half years for Fisher to write his first book, he expects the new one will be ready in two or three years. Tales From the Rainforest can be ordered by emailing: peterfishercentralcoast@ gmail.com or on Peter fisher’s Facebook page. Source: Media release, Nov 25 Peter Fisher

Seniors Festival promises to kick COVID Four organisations on the Central Coast have secured a share of $200,000 in State Government funding to support community events as part of the 2022 Seniors Festival. Hume Community Housing, One Direct Connect (Meals on Wheels), Toukley 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre and the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus will share almost $9,000 to host their respective events. Hume Community Housing will receive $1,000 to hold a festival at Avoca Beach; One Direct Connect attracts a grant of $930 to introduce Dance for Health

classes for seniors; The Leisure Centre has been awarded $1,000 for a Kicking COVID Concert, and Naughty Noodle receives $5,000 to host a series of dance music and theatre events as part of the celebrations. The One Direct Connect gentle dance classes will be held at Meals on Wheels Community Restaurants during the festival and will be structured to promote a healthy and active life. “This fun social activity can also improve general levels of health, immune function, brain health, and confidence,” a spokesperson said. “Dance can also assist in falls prevention, agility, and balance.

“Done with peers in a fun environment, morning tea will also be offered at the dance classes, giving the participants an opportunity to interact with other members of their community. “Meals on Wheels Central Coast will be teaming up with Dance Health Alliance, an Australian based charity, who specialise in dance classes for retirees as well as people living with dementia, chronic cognitive and movement challenges.” Classes will be held at Bateau Bay on March 22 and 31, at West Gosford on March 25 and at Woy Woy on April 1 next year. There will be no cost to attend the classes, and bookings are

essential by calling 4357 8444 or emailing admin@ccmow.com. au. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said local events aimed at engaging older people are a highlight of the Seniors Festival. “Seniors play a vital role in our community as volunteers, carers and grandparents and we want to recognise and reward their contribution with activities tailored to their interests,” Crouch said. “Local seniors are sure to enjoy the great variety of events planned across the whole of the Central Coast to celebrate the

Seniors Festival. “Events like the Hume Seniors Olympics, Dance for Health, the Kicking COVID Concert and Seniors Week Central Coast Diverse Music and Theatre 2022 will help seniors throughout our community make the most out of the Seniors Festival by staging engaging activities sure to inspire their interests.” Minister for Seniors Natalie Ward said 92 groups across NSW have been awarded grants of between $450 and $10,000 to provide opportunities for older people to participate in their communities. “We’re supporting the programs that assist older people to be

healthy and active as they age,” Ward said. “The events and activities will take place during NSW Seniors Festival from March 25-April 3 next year and provide older people with cultural, creative, sporting and recreational opportunities.” Ward said the grants align with the NSW Government’s commitment to older residents, under the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021–2031. For more information about the 2022 NSW Seniors Festival visit seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au. Terry Collins

COASTAL DIARY

A COMPREHENSIVE LISTING OF EVENTS OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS ON THE CENTRAL COAST

FRIDAY, DEC 17

www.lovecentralcoast.com/ reimagine-festival

Carols on the Coast- Presented by the Central Coast Mariners, Central Coast Stadium, ticketed, 6pm

SATURDAY, DEC 18 Central Coast Mariners v WS Wanderers, Central Coast Stadium, ticketed, 5pm

MONDAY, DEC 20 Bouncing Stilt Christmas Elves & Christmas Photobooth, Wyong Town Park, 10am - 2pm

TUESDAY, DEC 21

Roving Stilt Duo: Circus Christmas Elves and Christmas Photobooth, Toukley Village Green, 10am - 2pm WEDNESDAY, DEC 22

DECEMBER ‘21 eats

JANUARY ‘22

drinks

activities

workshops

events

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

ReIMAGINE Festival, 21/12 - 22/01,

MONDAY, DEC 27 A-League Double Header: CCM v Wellington & W-LeagueWellington FC v Newcastle Jets, Central Coast Stadium, ticketed, 3pm

Roving Duo Christmas Candy Canes (until 12.00pm) and Christmas Photobooth (until 2.00pm), FRIDAY, DEC 31 Kibble Park Gosford, CCM v Macarthur FC, 10am - 2pm

Central Coast Stadium, ticketed, 6pm

Roving Duo Christmas Candy Canes, SATURDAY, JAN 8 Woy Woy Oval Forecourt, 1pm - 3pm Western Warriors Indigenous THURSDAY, DEC 23

Join us in reimagining how we stay and play in our spaces and places and participate in an exciting program of activities for the whole family.

Bouncing Stilt Christmas, Terrigal Beach Memorial, 10am - 2pm

U14s Rugby League Team: Fundraising Concert and Auction, Everglades Country Club, ticketed, 7pm

Top Shelf Elf and Mrs Claus and Christmas Photobooth, Memorial Park The Entrance, 10am - 2pm SATURDAY, JAN 15

and win prizes, 10am

SATURDAY, JAN 22

FRIDAY, DEC 24

coastaltwist.org.au/event/ coastie-carnie-fair-day/

Terrigal Antique & Vintage Fair, Lions Community Hall 8 Russell Drysdale Street East Gosford, 15/01 - 8am - 4pm, 16/01 - 9am - 3pm, 0414 614 659 terrigalantiquevintagefair@gmail.com

FRIDAY, JAN 21

Coastal Twist: Free Beach Day, Coastal Twist: Umina Beach at the HalloQween - Pink Sydney Avenue entrance, light dance party, Register to show off your PCYC Umina Beach, 101 long or short board skills Osborne Ave Umina Beach, and win prizes, 9am free - bookings required, coastaltwist.org.au/event/ free-beach-day/ 6pm - 10pm

SATURDAY, JAN 29

CA BA RE T S HOW 8 December Featuring the Good Morning Mounties Show Band Hosted by Roy Cooper Guest Artist: JANUARY 15

LISA CROUCH Guest artist: BRIAN LORENZ

D ECEMBER 8 Guest artist: LISA CROUCH Doors open: 10am | Show: 10.30am

Members $10 | Non-Members Doors open 10am | Show 10.30am $20 – 12.30pm Members $10 I Non-Members $20 Purchase tickets at reception PURCHASE

New! Good Morning Mounties - Guest artist: Lucky Starr, Club Wyong, ticketed, 10:30am 4359 7444 CA BA RE T S HOW 29 December Featuring the Good Morning Mounties Show Band Hosted by Roy Cooper Guest Artist:

LUCKY NOV EMBER 24 Guest STARR artist: LISA CROUCH

D ECEMBER 29 Guest LUCKY STARR Doors open: 10am artist: | Show: 10.30am

TICKETS AT CLUB

Members $10 | Non-Members $20 Doors open 10am | Show 10.30am – 12.30pm Members $10 I Non-Members $20 Purchase tickets at reception RECEPTION

Club Wyong | 02 4359 7444 | 15 Margaret St, Wyong NSW 2259 | clubwyong.com.au

Halekulani Bowling Club | 02 4390 6400 | 50 Natuna Ave, Budgewoi NSW 2262 | halibowling.com.au

coastaltwist.org.au/event/halloqween/

SUNDAY, JAN 23

clubwyong.com.au Free Form Painting 2 Day Workshop With Peter Griffen, The Design Gallery, ticketed, 29 - 30/01

Coastal Twist: Bauhaus Party Futurismo, Coastal Twist: Free Coastal Twist: Naughty Noodle Fun, 5 Outdoor Festival - Coastie SUNDAY, JAN 30 Love Club - Rumpus Broken Bay Road, Ettalong Carnie Fair Day, Cabaret Dinner and Show, Car Boot Sale Woy Woy Beach, ticketed, 6pm Peninsula Recreation Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, coastaltwist.org.au/event/dance/ Peninsula Lions Club, Precinct, Umina Beach, 5 Broken Bay Rd Ettalong Dunban Road Car Park register to show off your Beach, ticketed, 6:30pm Cnr. Ocean Beach Road fur babies at the infamous coastaltwist.org.au/event/cabaret/ Woy Woy, 7am - 1pm Puparazzi Pooch Parade

Basic entries in the Coastal Diary are FREE. Send information to coastaldiary@centralcoastnews.net. ENHANCED entries using bold typeface with an address, phone number and a live link are available for a small fee. Photographs can also be added for a small fee. All display advertisers are entitled to a free enhanced entry.

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 19 17 DECEMBER 2021

Carols return to Kibble Park Families have been coming to sing Carols in Kibble Park on Christmas Eve since 1961 and while last year’s event was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, the carols are back this year. Running from 6pm to 9pm, the evening caters for young families and all those who make up the Gosford community with up to 500 people attending each year. Gosford Uniting Church has been the lead organiser running the carols since 2013. Community-building games and activities which encourage all-age participation

are organised. Music is provided by the Gosford City Brass band and singing is supplemented by the Central Coast Philharmonia Choir. Traditional carols and songs are sung by candlelight with tea and coffee provided for a gold coin donation. The atmosphere is that of a community picnic with family groups sitting around on rugs or folding chairs, with an ambience of compassion, community and respect, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. The MC ensures that everyone gets involved from the youngest

to the oldest. The evening winds up with the arrival of Santa Claus bearing a sack full of small gifts for the children at 9pm. A Gosford Uniting Church spokesperson said the carols event is particularly important this year. “COVID-19 regulations have caused our community to be isolated for such a long period of time,” the spokesperson said. “It is a great way to celebrate our coming together again as a vibrant inclusive community.” Source: Media release, Dec 14 Gosford Uniting Church

The last carols in Kibble Park in 2019

Art Society gets ready for 50th anniversary Members of the Central Coast Art Society (CCAS) are gearing up for their 50th anniversary exhibition at Gosford Regional Gallery in early 2022. The society was formed in 1971 to encourage artists from the region to meet, train and learn from other artists. For 50 years it has continued this vision by holding meetings, workshops, talks and exhibitions across the Central Coast.

As Time Goes By is an exhibition curated by the Gosford Regional Gallery which brings together different views of the Central Coast landscape captured by past and present members. The exhibition forms a map of the various times, locations and styles of CCAS members including paintings, prints, drawings and mixed media. Past members of the society have been invited to a High Tea to bring together again many of

the artists who were involved in the early days of the society. The society’s first exhibition was held on August 26, 1972, at the Kincumber School of Arts Hall. Workshops were also held at this hall, then from 1995 at the Arts Centre in East Gosford where the current Gosford Regional Gallery is situated. In 1981 the first paint out was held at Bateau Bay with 17 members attending and continues to this day run by

Indigenous artists invited to apply for advanced diploma

long-time organiser, Rose Bickley. Since then members have literally painted the Central Coast. The society’s first newsletter was printed in 1973 using a Roneo machine. These days the newsletter is emailed to members and a website and Facebook page enable activities to be

seen worldwide. The Society joined the Combined Art Societies of Sydney in 2003 giving members the opportunity to exhibit their artworks yearly in Sydney. Two exhibitions are held each year at the Gosford Regional Gallery. Today the CCAS continues the philosophy of its early founders with its members benefitting

from the creativity of local tutors conducting workshops in a variety of mediums each month as well as guest speakers and demonstrations. As time Goes By will show at the Gosford Regional Gallery from January 9 to February 27, 2022. Source: Media release, Nov 26 Carol Edwards, CCAS

GOSFORD UNITING CHURCH 129 Donnison Street, Gosford PRESENTS

Christmas Eve Community Carols

NAISDA is inviting applications for its 2022 Advanced Diploma from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance and performing artists. The course, which begins in February next year, is for practising artists aged 18 or older with advanced training or experience within dance practice. NAISDA CEO Kim Walker said the qualification addresses the importance of life-long learning and is designed especially for practising artists seeking portfolio and multi-careers in the arts industry. “We all know just how challenging the last few years have been for our artists and creative industry,” Walker said. “NAISDA’s Advanced Diploma is about developing entrepreneurial skills and professional opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance practitioners. “It is about retraining, enhancing and

diversifying skills.” With flexible learning streams, the qualification is tailored individually according to applicants’ experience and practice. The full-time course will run at NAISDA’s campus at Kariong. It is structured across 16 units with eight core and eight elective units across Community, Cultural and Professional Practices. “Now is the ideal time to dive back into training and build your skills and discipline in just 18 months with an incredible opportunity to learn from some of our leading arts companies including Bangarra Dance

Theatre, Lucy Guerin Inc, Sydney Dance Company and NT Dance Company,” Walker said. There are no pre-requisite units within the Advanced Diploma but applicants must have an in-depth knowledge or experience of dance and / or cultural practice. To find out more visit naisda. com.au/learning/courseinformation/. To apply, call or email Alfred Taahi, Advanced Diploma Coordinator on 02 4340 3118 adc@naisda.com.au. Source: Media release, Dec 13 NAISDA

7pm in Kibble Park, Gosford (if wet or smoke aﬀected, we will move into the Uni�ng Church) stay COVID-19 safe - stay socially distanced 1.5m

6pm Games for the Children An annual tradition since 1961 — Family and children friendly Drinks, Ice Cream, Candles available

FEATURING GOSFORD CITY BRASS BAND and

CENTRAL COAST PHILHARMONIA CHOIR Proudly Supported by

More Information: Phone: (02) 4325 3695 www.gosforduni�ng.net.au

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

ABC (C20/21)

Friday 17 December

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

Saturday 18 December

12:20 6:00 7:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 2:00 3:00 4:00 4:30 5:00 7:00 7:30

Sunday 19 December

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

PRIME (C61/60)

News Breakfast [s] 6:00 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] Searching For Superhuman 11:30 The Heights (PG) [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] Barrie Cassidy’s One Plus One (M) [s] The Sound [s] Glitch (M l,s,v) [s] 2:00 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) The Drum [s] 5:00 ABC News [s] Gardening Australia: 6:00 7:00 Christmas Special [s] Midsomer Murders: The Ghost Of Causton Abbey 7:40 8:00 (M v) [s] Talking Heads: Miss Fozzard 10:30 Finds Her Feet (M) [s] 11:00 ABC Late News [s] Gruen [s] Preppers: Shangri-La 2 (M l,s,v) [s] 1:30 rage (MA15+) [s] 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] Midsomer Murders (PG) [s] 12:30 Restoration Australia: Clydesdale, Victoria (PG) [s] 1:00 That Christmas (PG) [s] 2:00 Dream Gardens (PG) [s] 3:00 Landline Summer [s] Basketball: WNBL: Round 3: Southside Flyers v Melbourne Boomers *Live* From Dandenong Basketball Stadium 5:00 6:00 ABC News [s] The Larkins (PG) [s] – Pop 7:00 Larkin takes justice into his own 7:40 hands to try and rescue the 8:00 local railway station. Us (M l) [s] Total Control (MA15+) [s] 10:30 Call The Midwife (M) [s] Father Brown (M v) [s] rage Guest Programmer 1:00 (MA15+) [s] 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:00 Compass [s] Songs Of Praise [s] 11:30 ABC News At Noon [s] 12:00 Landline Summer [s] Wildflowers Of The Midwest Of WA [s] 2:00 Gardening Australia [s] Nigella’s Christmas Table [s] 3:00 Magical Land Of Oz [s] Everyone’s A Critic (PG) [s] Art Works [s] 5:00 Antiques Roadshow [s] 5:40 Quentin Blake’s Clown [s] ABC News Sunday [s] 6:00 Death In Paradise (PG) 7:00 Anthony (M) [s] Doc Martin (M) [s] 7:40 Harrow (M v) [s] 8:00 Talking Heads (M) [s] Silent Witness (M v) [s] 10:30 rage (MA15+) [s] Hive (M) [s] Death In Paradise(M) [s] 1:00 Gardening Australia [s]

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

NINE (C81/80)

6:00 Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] 9:00 Seven Morning News [s] 11:30 Movie: “The Spruces And The 12:00 Pines” (AKA ‘A Star-Crossed Christmas’) (PG) (’17) Stars: 1:45 Jonna Walsh, Nick Ballard, Tom Kemp, Ken Cheeseman 2:00 Cricket: Pre Game [s] Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v 3:00 England: Test 2: Day 2: 4:00 Session 1 *Live* From Adelaide 5:00 6:00 Oval [s] Cricket: The Lunch Break [s] 7:00 7:30 Seven News [s] Cricket: The Ashes: Session 2 *Live* From Adelaide Oval [s] 8:30 Cricket: Dinner Break [s] Cricket: The Ashes: Session 3 *Live* From Adelaide Oval [s] 10:20 Program To Be Advised Movie: “Why Him?” (MA15+) 12:10 (’16) Stars: Zoey Deutch, James Franco, Tangie 1:10 Ambrose 1:30 Home Shopping 6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 10:00 The Morning Show 12:00 Weekend [s] 12:30 Salvation Army Christmas 1:00 Special (PG) [s] 1:30 Jabba’s School Holiday Movie Special (PG) [s] Better Homes And Gardens 2:00 Cricket: Pre Game [s] 4:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v 5:00 5:30 England: Test 2: Day 3: Session 1 *Live* From Adelaide 6:00 Oval [s] 7:00 Cricket: The Lunch Break [s] Seven News [s] 7:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Session 2 *Live* From Adelaide Oval [s] 9:30 Cricket: Dinner Break [s] Cricket: The Ashes: Session 3 11:30 *Live* From Adelaide Oval [s] 1:35 Movie: “Speed” (PG) (’94) Stars: Keanu Reeves, Dennis 2:00 Hopper, Sandra Bullock, Joe 5:30 Morton, Jeff Daniels Home Shopping 6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 10:00 The Morning Show 11:00 Weekend [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Crown For Christmas” 12:00 12:30 (PG) (’15) Stars: Danica McKellar, Rupert Penry-Jones 2:00 Cricket: Pre Game [s] Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v 4:00 England: Test 2: Day 4: Session 1 *Live* From Adelaide 5:00 5:30 Oval [s] 6:00 Cricket: Tea Break [s] Cricket: The Ashes: Session 2 7:00 *Live* From Adelaide Oval [s] 8:00 Seven News [s] Cricket: The Ashes: Session 2 9:10 *Live* From Adelaide Oval [s] Cricket: Dinner Break [s] Cricket: The Ashes: Session 3 *Live* From Adelaide Oval [s] 11:40 Movie: “National Lampoon’s European Vacation” (PG) (’85) 12:30 Stars: Chevy Chase 1:00 Home Shopping 1:25

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

Today [s] Today Extra Summer (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Movie: “Wish Upon A Christmas” (PG) (’15) Stars: Larisa Oleynik Making Of Ghostbusters Afterlife [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] Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo (PG) [s] Movie: “Deck The Halls” (PG) (’06) Stars: Danny DeVito, Matthew Broderick Movie: “Last Christmas” (PG) (’97) Stars: Madison Ingoldsby, Emma Thompson The Weakest Link: Reality Special (M) [s] Destination WA [s] Home Shopping Animal Tales (PG) [s] Weekend Today [s] Today Extra Summer (PG) [s] Surfing Australia TV (PG) [s] Cybershack (PG) [s] Destination WA [s] Bondi Lifeguard World Adventures (PG) [s] Light Up Xmas Appeal [s] The Garden Gurus [s] NINE News: First At Five [s] Country House Hunters Australia [s] NINE News Saturday [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Movie: “Daddy’s Home 2” (PG) (’17) Stars: Will Ferrell Movie: “Bad Moms 2” (M d,l) (’17) Stars: Mila Kunis Movie: “The Dilemma” (M l,v) (’11) Stars: Vince Vaughn Bondi Lifeguard World Adventures (PG) [s] Home Shopping Wesley Impact With Stu Cameron (PG) [s] Easy Eats [s] Weekend Today [s] Cows For Cambodia (PG) [s] With You This Christmas [s] The Xtreme CollXtion (PG) [s] Ultimate Rush (PG) [s] Snackmasters (PG) [s] Movie: “Snowed-Inn Christmas” (PG) (’17) Stars: Bethany Joy Lenz Bondi Vet (PG) [s] NINE News: First At Five [s] RBT: Fountain Of Youth (PG) NINE News Sunday [s] 60 Minutes (PG) [s] David Attenborough’s A Perfect Planet: Weather (PG) Movie: “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” (M l,v) (’19) Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham Chicago Med: All The Lonely People (M) [s] With You This Christmas [s] The Garden Gurus [s] Talking Honey [s]

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

TEN (C10)

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 Christmas With Australian Women’s Weekly (PG) [s] 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Everyday Gourmet [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Freshly Picked [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Living Room (PG) [s] 8:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) [s] 10:00 Rhys Darby: Big In Japan (MA15+) [s] 10:30 Just For Laughs (MA15+) [s] 11:00 The Project (PG) [s] 12:00 The Late Show (PG) [s] 1:00 Home Shopping 6:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 6:30 Religious Programs [s] 7:00 Healthy Homes Australia [s] 7:30 Escape Fishing With ET [s] 8:00 All 4 Adventure [s] 9:00 Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day [s] 9:30 Studio 10 Saturday (PG) [s] 12:00 Everyday Gourmet [s] 12:30 Farm To Fork [s] 1:00 Jamie - Easy Meals At Christmas [s] 2:00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures [s] 3:00 All 4 Adventure [s] 4:00 Waltzing Jimeoin (PG) [s] 4:30 Roads Less Travelled [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 6:30 Territory Cops (PG) [s] 7:00 Football: Isuzu Ute A-League Men: Round 5: Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory *Live* From AAMI Park [s] 10:00 Ambulance UK (M d) [s] 12:00 Home Shopping 6:00 Religious Programs [s] 8:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 8:30 Freshly Picked [s] 9:00 Australia By Design (PG) [s] 9:30 Studio 10 Sunday (PG) [s] 12:00 Luca’s Key Ingredient [s] 12:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] 1:00 Farm To Fork [s] 1:30 Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day [s] 2:00 Christmas With Australian Women’s Weekly (PG) [s] 3:00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures [s] 4:00 All 4 Adventure [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) [s] 8:30 FBI: Fire And Rain (M) [s] 9:30 FBI: Checks And Balances (M) 10:30 FBI: Brother’s Keeper (M) [s] 11:30 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 12:30 Home Shopping 4:30 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)

5:00 5:15 5:30 1:00 2:00 2:15 2:45 3:45 4:15 5:05 5:30 6:00 6:30 7:30 8:30 9:25 10:20 10:50 12:00 1:40 5:00 5:15 5:30 1:00 2:00 4:00 5:40 6:30 7:30 8:30 9:25 10:25 11:20 1:30 4:30 5:00 5:15 5:30 1:00 3:00 3:00 3:30 5:00 5:30 6:30 7:35 8:30 10:15 11:10 1:00 3:00 4:40

France 24 Feature News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour The Italians The Chefs’ Line Child Genius The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) The Wonderful World Of Chocolate Jeopardy! (PG) Letters And Numbers Mastermind SBS World News France: A Journey Through Time Empire With Michael Portillo: The British Empire (M) Dig World War II (PG) SBS World News Cornwall With Simon Reeve (PG) Agatha Christie’s Criminal Games (M v) (In French) Celebrity Mastermind France 24 Feature News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Patrizio Buanne - Celebration (Part 1) The World’s Best Film Premiere Nazi Megastructures: Hitler’s Mediterranean Fortress (PG) SBS World News Celebrity Letters And Numbers (M) The World’s Greatest Hotels: George V, Paris (PG) Titanic - Dead Reckoning (PG) 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) Movie: “Bleed For This” (M l,n,v) (’16) Stars: Miles Teller, Aaron Eckhart Football: FIFA Arab Cup: Final *Live* From Al Bayt Stadium, Qatar Vice Guide To Film (MA15+) France 24 Feature News NHK World English News Worldwatch Motor Sports: Speedweek Motor Sports: Ausmoto Show FIFA World Cup 2022 Magazine Figure Skating: ISU: Grand Prix Final Italy Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) We Bugged Hitler’s Phone (PG) SBS World News Inside Harrods At Christmas (PG) Muhammad Ali (M) Michael Palin: Travels Of A Lifetime (PG) 24 Hours In Emergency: Children Of Men/ The Cards We’re Dealt (M) Chasing The Moon: Magnificent Desolation (PG) Moon Landing (PG) Bamay

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

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PAGE 20 17 DECEMBER 2021

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Monday 20 December

ABC (C20/21)

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

Thursday 23 December

Wednesday 22 December

Tuesday 21 December

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

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] The Great Acceleration (PG) The Heights (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] The Larkins (PG) [s] Glitch (M l,v) [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] Grand Designs (PG) [s] Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery Movin’ To The Country [s] ABC News [s] Outback Ringer (PG) [s] Australian Story Summer Series [s] The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Celebrating 70 Years Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat Christmas Special [s] Secrets Of Althorp With Charles Spencer (PG) [s] Call The Midwife: Christmas Special (PG) [s] Exposed - The Case Of Keli Lane (M l,v) [s]

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6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 Antiques Roadshow [s] 12:00 The Heights (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Us (M l) [s] Glitch (M l,s,v) [s] 2:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] 3:00 Grand Designs (PG) [s] Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery 4:00 5:00 (PG) [s] 6:00 Movin’ To The Country [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] The Drum [s] ABC News [s] 11:00 Outback Ringer (PG) [s] Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) Christmas In Australia (PG) Australia Remastered (PG) [s] Joanna Lumley’s Unseen Adventures (PG) [s] Christmas Sounds Better This Year [s] Ho Ho Ho! Telling Christmas 12:00 12:30 Tales [s] News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Christmas At St Paul’s [s] The Heights (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] The Cook And The Chef [s] Anthony (M) [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] Worzel Gummidge (PG) [s] Sammy J [s] ABC News [s] Outback Ringer (PG) [s] Hard Quiz: Has Beens (PG) [s] The Yearly With Charlie Pickering 2021 [s] – The team is back to wrap up the year. QI: Rejoice! (PG) [s] Would I Lie To You? At Christmas (PG) [s] A Berry Royal Christmas [s] Father Brown: The Skylark Scandal (PG) [s] Silent Witness: Death Maker (Part 1) (M) [s] rage (MA15+) [s] News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Australia Remastered [s] The Heights (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Maggie Beer’s Christmas Feast [s] QI (PG) [s] Would I Lie To You At Christmas? (PG) [s] Christmas With Poh [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] Worzel Gummidge (PG) [s] Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) [s] Movin’ To The Country [s] ABC News [s] Outback Ringer (PG) [s] Barrie Cassidy’s One Plus One: Melissa Leong (M) [s] Joanna Lumley’s Unseen Adventures (PG) [s] That Christmas (PG) [s] Lucy Worsley’s Christmas Carol Odyssey [s]

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

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6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “A Christmas Switch” 12:00 (PG) (’18) Stars: Jackie Seiden Cricket: Pre Game [s] Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v 1:45 1:50 England: Test 2: Day 5: Session 1 *Live* From Adelaide 2:00 Oval [s] 3:00 Cricket: Tea Break [s] Cricket: The Ashes: Session 2 4:00 *Live* From Adelaide Oval [s] 5:00 6:00 Seven News [s] Cricket: The Ashes: Session 2 7:00 *Live* From Adelaide Oval [s] 7:30 Cricket: Dinner Break [s] Cricket: The Ashes: Session 3 8:30 *Live* From Adelaide Oval [s] 9:40 Fantasy Island (M) [s] Motorway Patrol (PG) [s] Movie: “Girl Happy” (G) (’65) 11:00 Stars: Elvis Presley, Shelley 11:45 Fabares, Mary Ann Mobley, 12:35 Nita Talbot, Harold J Stone 1:30 Home Shopping

Today [s] Today Extra Summer (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Movie: “Four Christmases And A Wedding” (G) (’17) Stars: Arielle Kebbe, Corey Sevier Talking Honey [s] Making Of Ghostbusters Afterlife [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] RBT: Date Night/ 650 Carton (PG) [s] Australian Crime Stories: Million Dollar Mystery (M) [s] Reported Missing: Dementia (M) [s] Chicago Med: Who Can You Trust (M mp) [s] The Village: Pilot (M) [s] Tipping Point (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] 11:00 My Market Kitchen [s] 11:30 Everyday Gourmet [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (M) [s] 1:00 Jamie: Easy Meals At Christmas [s] 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:30 Inside Bold (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 8:00 Territory Cops (PG) [s] 8:30 FBI: Most Wanted (M v) [s] 10:30 The FBI Declassified (M v) [s] 11:30 The Project (PG) [s] 12:30 The Late Show (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

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Today [s] Today Extra Summer (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Movie: “The Santa Con” (PG) (’14) Stars: Barry Watson Garden Gurus Moments [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] Travel Guides: Red Centre (PG) [s] The Weakest Link: Best Of WL Punters Christmas Special (M) [s] Kath & Kim: The Mango Espadrille (PG) [s] Kath & Kim: Sitting On A Pile (PG) [s] Kath & Kim: Kicking Up A Stink (PG) [s] Christmas At Warwick Castle Tipping Point (PG) [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s]

6:00 The Talk [s] 5:00 France 24 Feature News 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 5:30 Worldwatch – Deutsche Welle (PG) [s] English News 6:00 Worldwatch 8:00 Inside Bold (PG) [s] Continues 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 1:00 PBS Newshour 11:00 Jamie’s Italian Christmas [s] 2:00 The Italians 12:00 Dr Phil (M) [s] 2:15 The Chefs’ Line 1:00 The Dog House Australia 2:45 Child Genius (PG) [s] 3:45 The Cook Up With Adam 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] Liaw (PG) 2:30 Jamie’s Easy Meals For 4:15 The Wonderful World Of Every Day [s] Chocolate (PG) 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] 5:30 Letters And Numbers 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 6:00 Mastermind 4:30 Inside Bold (PG) [s] 6:30 SBS World News 5:00 10 News First [s] 7:35 Inside Aldi At Christmas 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 8:30 Cher And The Loneliest 7:30 The Dog House Australia Elephant (PG) (PG) [s] 9:30 Lucille Ball: We Love Lucy 8:30 NCIS (M v) [s] 11:10 SBS World News 10:30 NCIS: Los Angeles (M v) [s] 11:40 Man In Room 301 (M l,s) 11:30 The Project (PG) [s] (In Finnish) 12:30 The Late Show (PG) [s] 12:35 Miss S (M d) (In Mandarin) 1:30 Home Shopping 4:30 Bamay

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “A Godwink Christmas: Meant For Love” (AKA ‘Another Christmas Coincidence’) (PG) (’19) Stars: Cindy Busby World’s Deadliest Weather: Caught On Camera (PG) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Cricket: Big Bash League: Sydney Sixers v Adelaide Strikers *Live* From The SCG Born To Kill?: Aileen Wuornos (MA15+) [s] – From 30 November 1989 through 19 November 1990, seven Florida men lie dead when Aileen Wuornos, a hitchhiking prostitute, starts breaking all the rules. The Goldbergs (PG) [s] Home Shopping

1:45 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:30 9:30 10:05 10:40 11:15 12:10 1:05

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Every Other Holiday” (AKA ‘A Holiday Wish Come True’) (PG) (’18) Stars: Schuyler Fisk, David Clayton Rogers, Dee Wallace, Glenn Morshower, Abby James World’s Deadliest Weather: Caught On Camera (PG) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Cricket: Big Bash League: Melbourne Renegades v Perth Scorchers *Live* From Marvel Stadium [s] Gordon, Gino & Fred American Road Trip: Christmas Road Trip - Three Wise Men (M) American Crime: Episode Five (M s,v) [s] Home Shopping

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

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Last Vermont Christmas” (AKA ‘The Last Christmas Home’) (PG) (’18) Stars: Erin Cahill World’s Deadliest Weather: Caught On Camera (PG) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Better Homes And Gardens Summer: Countdown To Carols [s] Woolworths Carols In The Domain [s] Movie: “Vacation” (M l,s,v) (’15) Stars: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Ed Helms, Chris Hemsworth, Christina Applegate, John Francis Daley American Crime: Episode Six (M s,v) [s] Home Shopping

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

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Today [s] Today Extra Summer (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Movie: “Christmas On The Menu” (G) (’20) Stars: Kim Shaw, Clayton James Talking Honey: Relationship Specials: Proposal Disappointment [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] Michael Bublé’s Christmas In The City [s] Movie: “Love Actually” (M l,n,s) (’03) Stars: Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Andrew Lincoln Christmas In New York Inside The Plaza [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Home Shopping Today [s] Today Extra Summer (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Movie: “The Christmas Ball” (G) (’20) Stars: Deirdre Mullins Explore [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] Great Getaways (PG) [s] – This week we are off to the Americas. From Alaska in the North down to the base of South America in Chilean Patagonia as well a stop in Central America for a bit of fun in the sun. Movie: “Miss Congeniality 2: Armed And Fabulous” (M v) (’05) Stars: Sandra Bullock New Amsterdam (M) [s] Chicago Med (M) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s]

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

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

Entertainment Tonight [s] Farm To Fork [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] Inside Bold (PG) [s] Studio 10 (PG) [s] My Market Kitchen [s] Everyday Gourmet [s] Dr Phil (M) [s] Jamie’s Quick & Easy Christmas [s] Entertainment Tonight [s] Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] Left Off The Map [s] Farm To Fork [s] Inside Bold (PG) [s] 10 News First [s] The Project (PG) [s] Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] All Aussie Adventures (PG) Bull (M l,s) [s] The Royals Revealed (PG) [s] The Project (PG) [s] Entertainment Tonight [s] Farm To Fork [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] Inside Bold (PG) [s] Studio 10 (PG) [s] My Market Kitchen [s] Everyday Gourmet [s] Dr Phil (M) [s] Jamie’s Easy Christmas Countdown [s] Entertainment Tonight [s] Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] Left Off The Map [s] Farm To Fork [s] Inside Bold (PG) [s] 10 News First [s] The Project (PG) [s] Jamie: Together At Christmas [s] Law & Order: SVU (M v) [s] The Royals Revealed (PG) [s] The Project (PG) [s]

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

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France 24 Feature News NHK World English News Worldwatch The Italians The Chefs’ Line Child Genius The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) The Wonderful World Of Chocolate (PG) Jeopardy! (PG) Letters And Numbers Mastermind SBS World News Britain’s Most Expensive Houses (PG) The Death Of Bruce Lee (M) 24 Hours In Emergency (M) SBS World News The Crimson Rivers (In French) Tell Me Who I Am (M s,v) (In Spanish/ German) North To South: The Full Journey Bamay

France 24 Feature News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour The Italians The Chefs’ Line Child Genius The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) The Wonderful World Of Chocolate Jeopardy! (PG) Letters And Numbers Mastermind SBS World News Sesame Street: 50 Years Of Sunny Days Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Lochs (M) Departure (M) SBS World News In Therapy (M l) (In French) DNA (M) (In Danish/ English/ Polish) 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s)

5:00 France 24 Feature News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Football: FIFA Arab Cup: Semi Final 2 *Live* From Al Thumama Stadium, Qatar 8:00 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 The Italians 2:15 The Chefs’ Line 2:45 Child Genius 3:45 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:15 The Wonderful World Of Chocolate 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Wonderful World Of Chocolate (PG) 8:30 Red Election (PG) (In English/ Danish/ Russian) 9:25 Bowled Over: Untold Australia (MA15+) 10:30 SBS World News 11:00 Gomorrah (MA15+) (In Italian)

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

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

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 23 DOWN IN THE GARDEN: Merry Christmas Trees, Bushes and Flowers SHARE

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Victorian Christmas Bush (Prostanthera lasianthos) and South Australian Christmas Bush, also known as Tasmanian Christmas Bush (Bursaria spinosa), both of which will grow in Coast gardens. GARDENING BOOK REVIEW: Everlastings by Bex Partridge Hardy Grant, London, 2020, ISBN: 9781784883393

CHERALYN DARCEY

The ancient tradition of bringing evergreen plants into our living areas in December was a way to celebrate life continuing during the winter months. This carried on throughout different beliefs until it coincided with the Christian Christmas observances. As the world became smaller with the advent of faster communication, shipping and evolving growing methods we have seen a blended version of this tradition across the world with plants that symbolise the time of Christmas. This week we will explore ways you can bring Christmas Cheer into your gardens and homes with plants. Christmas Trees In the 16th Century in Germany people would bring in entire evergreen trees and decorate them to become ‘Paradise Trees’ for Christmas Eve. This was symbolic of the tree from the Garden of Eden in Christianity. Queen Victoria and her German husband, Prince Albert, raised the popularity of the Christmas tree in the UK after a newspaper illustration of them with their children around the palace ‘Christmas Tree’ inspired the people of the time. From there, the modern-day Christmas tree as we know it was born and spread across the world. So, what about growing your own Christmas Tree here on the Coast? Australian native trees that will give you the Christmas look but will be far better suited to the environment here and fit in with the wildlife locals includes the magnificent, and large, Norfolk Pine (Araucaria heterophylla). Woolly Bush (Adenanthos sericeus) is perfect for small gardens growing to about 5m and with bonus vivid orangepink flowers in spring and early summer this will delight both you and your local pollinators. If you have a dinosaur lover or botanical history buff in your family, then try our Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) as your garden Christmas Tree. One of the rarest and oldest trees on Earth, it will grow comfortably indoors and in sheltered spots in the garden. How to Look after a Cut Tree Firstly, look for a tree with pliable green needles and the least number of brown needles.

Give it a good shake and if a few needles fall off, that’s ok, but lots means it’s on the way to the compost heap too soon! Once home, cut the end of the trunk off to ensure the free uptake of water. Cut off at least a few centimetres to reveal a fresh surface. The best practice is to use a tree stand as this enables the base of the trunk to sit slightly off the bottom and will leave the cut surface free to drink. For every 3cm diameter of trunk you will need at least a litre of water in your stand so for a bigger tree, place your stand in a larger container. Check water level every day and top up as needed. Keep the Christmas tree away from heat sources. Compost your tree either in your own garden, mulch up or take to your local green waste disposal centre. Poinsettias A native of Mexico, the poinsettia is a very interesting plant. Firstly, they are not vivid red flowers that you are observing at all but the red ‘bracts’ of the plant, modified leaves that surround the true flowers. Look closely and you will see that within this ring of festive red, tiny creamcoloured flowers that are the true blooms nestle within. Poinsettia flower and display their colourful bracts, not only in red but pinks, oranges, creams, and whites, in the winter. To supply the market in our Australian Summer Christmas, they are grown in cold rooms where winter is emulated. Light is limited and they are kept cool. After Christmas, you can plant your potted poinsettia out into the garden and while you won’t be enjoying their famous display next Christmas, you will have a ‘Christmas in July’ display. Tip prune in late summer to encourage flowering and be warned they have a poisonous sap so protect yourself when handling and particularly pruning. They also may not be suitable around young children and pets as they are toxic. Australian Christmas Bush Here on the Central Coast and across our state, NSW Christmas Bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum) is our Aussie festive native. People in colonial times simply looked

to flowers that reminded them of the key symbolism of the European Christmas of their birth places. Christmas bush, with its bright red flowers in tiny bell shapes and its appearance at the ‘right time’ would of more than fit the bill. Similar in ways to the poinsettia, the flowers are not the part of the plant that endear us to it. The flowers are small creamy-coloured blossoms that fall away in spring to leave sepals that turn a gorgeous red by late December. Find a full sun spot to plant your Christmas Bush and feed during spring with a native-specific fertiliser only. This is advised to increase the number of blossoms which will lead to a showier festive display. When harvesting your Christmas bush, never remove more than a third of the plant and cut branches at an angle with sharp secateurs. Remove all foliage that will sit below the waterline in your vase, change water every second day and snip drying bottom of stems as required. Other Christmas Bush varieties include

My copy is sprinkled with crushed leaves and peppered with my own little notes as I adore it. This is one of the best modern titles on the art of drying and using flowers and foliage with extensive harvesting and drying notes along with brilliant inspirations and twenty easy to follow tutorials. There are lists of flowers and foliage with best harvest times along with advice on the best drying methods for each. Within the tutorials, I love the floral crowns, hair clips and dome jar which would make a delightful and unusual gift. The popular floral hoops and botanical chandeliers are included along with lots of hints and tips to ensure longevity of your designs. Everlastings is suitable for absolute beginners through to advanced crafters and floral designers. It would be a great addition in a

17 DECEMBER 2021

gardener’s library to inspire additional ways to use the flowers and foliage they grow. GARDENING GUIDE FOR COAST GARDENERS THIS WEEK The sapsuckers are out and about. Make a note to treat your plants during the nymph stage in winter but now, hit with a strong jet from a hose, pick off by hand and drown in a bucket of soapy water. You can plant the following now: Culinary herbs, beans, beetroot, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbages, cape gooseberry,capsicum,carrot,cauliflower, celery, chicory, chilli, choko, cress, cucumber, eggplant, endive, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, marrow, melons, mustard, okra, parsnip, pumpkin, radish, rhubarb, rocket, salsify, silverbeet, spring onion, sweetcorn, squash, tomato, ageratum, alyssum, amaranths, aster, begonia, California poppy, celosia, cockscomb, coleus, cosmos, cyclamen, dahlia (seed), gazania, gerbera, marigold, nasturtium, petunia, phlox, portulaca, rudbeckia, salvia, snapdragon, sunflower, torenia, verbena, vinca, Viscaria, waratah, zinnia Next Week: Gifts from and for the Garden Cheralyn Darcey is a gardening author, community garden coordinator and along with Pete Little, hosts ‘At Home with The Gardening Gang’ 8 - 10am live every Saturday on CoastFM963. She is also co-host of @ MostlyAboutPlants a weekly botanical history & gardening podcast with Vicki White. Send your gardening questions, events, and news to: gardeningcentralcoast@ gmail.com

YOU & YOUR GARDEN: Retirement Village Gardening Club Now settled into Wood Glen Retirement Village, Erina after leaving her native England, Jill found that gardening was something she needed to almost relearn. Although entranced by the way her beloved roses and lavender seemed to flourish here, creating, and maintaining a garden was more than a little different in her Australian garden bordering the Central Coast bushland. To help in her endeavour, Jill has created ‘Green Thumbs’, a gardening social club that meets monthly for the residents of Wood Glen. They swap cuttings, seeds and advice over a cuppa and a few laughs. I was invited to come along to this month’s get together and was greeted by a bunch of plant passionate people of all levels of gardening skills. While answering questions for The Green Thumbs about their gardens, I also heard about their club and exciting future.

“We welcome anyone to Green Thumbs, you don’t have to be an experienced gardener, maybe you just want to care for a few potted plants. It’s just another lovely way to help share the knowledge while getting together.” Jill said. While focusing up to now on their own gardens, The Green Thumbs are now creating a Community Garden for residents with a focus on edible plants. This area will provide another avenue to meet, to share healthy outdoor

activities as well as create an opportunity for those with grander gardening dreams to keep growing. A Retirement Village Gardening Club just takes someone to step up and host. Like the Green Thumbs you could meet in an outdoor shelter or in inclement weather, at a central meeting room. Ask people to bring along cuttings to share and as always, you will find the conversation flows easily when those interested in gardening get together.

PAGE 24 17 DECEMBER 2021 OUT&ABOUT

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The Sentence

Author: Louise Erdrich Publisher: Corsair

Tookie is an Ojibwe woman, living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is a self-described “ugly woman”, inside and out who enjoyed lying. She has also just gotten herself into a heap of trouble. She thought she was helping a grief-stricken friend (and making a quick buck), but in fact she was committing a federal offence. She was arrested by Pollux, a tribal officer, who seems gutted by the fact he has to arrest her. She is given a severe sentence, sixty years in prison.

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CENTRAL COAST ART SOCIETY

BOOK REVIEW

She was in her thirties when this happened but hadn’t matured yet, “It was 2005, but 1999 was how I partied, drinking and drugging like I was seventeen, although my liver kept trying to tell me it was over an outraged decade older.” But that was before. Prison can change a woman. Thank goodness for books. Once in prison, her seventh grade teacher reached out and sent her a dictionary, the first word she looked up was ‘sentence’. The example given, “The door is open and Go!”. “They were two of the most beautiful sentences ever written.” There were some road bumps while she was in prison – for instance, segregation with no books was the punishment for trying to kill herself with paper.

But now she has become a model prisoner and after ten years her sentence was “commuted to time served.” Tookie gets released and tries to join the world. She gets a job at an Indigenous bookstore, owned by Louise (as an aside the author owns an independent bookstore in Minneapolis which focuses on

native American literature, wink wink). Pollux asks her to marry him, yes the same Pollux that arrested her. Life seems to be going pretty well for Tookie, until the death of Flora, “a stalker-of all things Indigenous.” She was a wannabe, “I used

to wannabe an Indian.” She was persistent in proving she was of Native American descent. She even showed Tookie a photo of her great-grandmother, “The woman in the picture looked Indianesque, or she might have just been in a bad mood”. Flora was a woman of good intentions but was quite annoying. And now she has taken to haunting the store and freaking Tookie out. But soon the ghost of Flora takes second seat to the riots and looting that takes place in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder. And then there is a pandemic. No matter how much hand sanitizer and masking the disease will affect someone close to Tookie.

While reading I kept thinking I must have missed out on an earlier book that explained Tookie more, explained Pollux more, explained their relationship more. It was a big leap from the tribal officer that arrested Tookie to the ex-tribal officer becoming her husband. I also didn’t really get the ghost story of Flora. After a while I could see why she was such an annoying customer because she was a very annoying ghost. But, despite all of that … Tookie was great, the references to books were great, the writing was great, the characters were great, the story itself was great in the beginning and end (albeit only just OK in the middle). Kim Reardon The Reluctant Book Critic

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

Progress Hall Henry Parry & Wells Street East Gosford

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

CENTRAL COAST ASBESTOS DISEASES SUPPORT GROUP

Support for those suffering with asbestos diseases and others interested in asbestos issues. You are not alone, meet with others who can share their experiences. Bring a family member or friend. 1pm at Ourimbah RSL on fourth Wed of each month. Maree 0419 418 190

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HISTORY GROUPS HENRY KENDALL COTTAGE & HISTORICAL MUSEUM

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

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

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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

POLITICAL PARTIES

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

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CENTRAL COAST GREENS LIONS CLUB OF WOY WOY Local, state wide, national and international issues and campaigns Council and parliamentary representation 3rd Thur

Make new friends & have fun while serving your community Everglades Country Club 3rd Monday of each month 0478 959 895

3rd Sun - Jan to Nov Lectures, demonstrations and Trips Away, Social Outings, centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au discussion. friendship with like minded GROW MENTAL HEALTH WOMEN’S GROUPS centralcoastgreens@gmail.com Weekly paint-outs enquiries folk SUPPORT recruit@volcc.org.au WOMEN’S HEALTH Tuesday. Phone: 0428 439 180 Geoff 0447 882 150 Small friendly groups formed Workshops: 1st and 3rd LABOR PARTY CENTRES to learn how to overcome COMMUNITY CENTRES www.henrykendallcottage.org.au Wednesdays 9.30 am to 12.30 Counselling, therapeutic and anxiety, depression and OURIMBAH / NARARA LEARN TO DANCE GOSFORD-NARARA pm, at Gosford Regional social groups, workshops, loneliness and improve mental Brisbane Water Historical Society Social ballroom dancing for all BRANCH Gallery & Art Centre. NEIGHBOURHOOD health and well being. Weekly ages, all you need is a desire Discussion/action - community domestic violence and abuse FELLOWSHIP OF Phone: 0409 666 709 issues. All services provided by CENTRE meetings at Woy Woy and to learn and dance, Issues - 3 levels of Social Meetings 1.30 pm on women for women FIRST FLEETERS School Holiday activities, Wyong. Grow is anonymous, no partner required. Government, Ourimbah Room 4th Wednesday for 4324 2533 For anyone interested playgroup, multicultural free and open to all. meet every Wed -Tuggerah - Ourimbah RSL, demonstration www.cccwhc.com.au in early history. programs, community activities 1800 558 268 7.00pm - 1st. Monday community hall , 2:00pm 4325 1420 Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. Rooms for Hire or www.grow.org.au 0410 309 494 Anne - 0409 938 345 publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au Point Clare Community Hall 4329 4477 SOROPTIMIST anneglazier@y7mail.com kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com 2nd Sat 10:30am admin@gnnc.com.au INTERNATIONAL DYING WITH DIGNITY PROBUS CLUBS 4311 6254, 4340 4435 TUGGERAH LAKES CENTRAL COAST MARINE Campaigning to give those BRISBANE WATER

ART SOCIETY WYOMING COMMUNITY suffering unrelievable terminal DISCOVERY CENTRE Join us for the fun and CENTRE or incurable illness the choice The revamped CCMDC is open. enjoyment of art! 147 Maidens Brush Rd.Venue to receive legal medical Schools and Group bookings Attend a weekly art group with Hire (Covid Rules apply) assistance to die. welcome by appointment. mentors, exhibitions, Financial Quarterly mtgs, Erina Fair. Building has special needs workshops and a monthly CounsellingCommunity Support 0434 426 486 access and toilets members meeting with guests and AssistanceNDIS robyncameron@y7mail.com Open 7 days 9am – 3pm. and prizes, held on the 4th ProviderOut of School Hours Terrigal. Thurs of the month at The CareWork Experience and 4385 5027 PROSTATE CANCER Entrance Community Centre Student Placements. ccmdc@bigpond.com SUPPORT GROUP 4333 8387 43237483 www.ccmdc.org.au Last Fri 9.30am www.tlas.org.au www.gosfordcommunity.org.au Terrigal Uniting Church president@tlas.org.au TERRIGAL WAMBERAL lizzy@gosfordcommunity.org.au 380 Terrigal Dr, Terrigal RSL SUB-BRANCH 4367 9600 CENTRAL COAST POETS Pension and welfare advocates www.pcfa.org.au INC available to assist with DVA Would you like to read, ALCOHOLICS compensation claims/benefits. MEALS ON WHEELS write and share your poetry. ANONYMOUS Breakers Country Club Delicious meals delivered free We hold workshops and create - Someone cares. Wed & Fri 10am-Midday Join us for a midday meal anthologies. Wed-Thurs-Fri 12.30pm, Meets 2nd Sat 10.30am

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

CENTRAL COAST CHORALE

One of the best (SATB) choirs on the coast. We seeks new members. Reading of music and

AVOCA BEACH PROBUS CLUB

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

EMPIRE BAY PROBUS CLUB

Friendship, fellowship, and fun in retirement. Very active club, outings, excursions, dining 3 times a month 1st Thur 1.30pm

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

INNER WHEEL CLUB GOSFORD NTH

Make friends, Make a difference! Join us and develop lasting friendships with like minded women serving our community 6.30pm 2nd Wed Phillip House, Kariong 0405 385 610 iiw.au.gosfordnorth@gmail.com

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 25 17 DECEMBER 2021

Business & Property Local builders rewarded for excellence

Construct Central Coast won the award for Spec Home

Central Coast builders have taken out a number of categories at the 2021 HIACSR Hunter Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards. Recently presented virtually, the 21st annual awards celebrated the achievements of the housing industry in the Hunter and Central Coast regions. They acknowledged the talent of the builders, contractors, designers, and manufacturers who plan and

construct quality new homes, townhouses, renovations, kitchens and bathrooms. Judged by industry professionals, winners were selected in 27 separate categories, with Central Coastbased companies taking out 10 awards. Baker Built of Green Point won the Custom Built Home $400,001-$500,000 category, while Construct Central Coast of West Gosford took out the Spec Home category. Living Green Designer Homes of Terrigal won the Custom

Built Home $1.6M-$2M award and Xcalaba Building Services of Wamberal was successful in the Outdoor Project category. Central Coast-based Mavid Construction took out the Specialised Housing award and Mennie Builders won Custom Built Home $1M-$1.6M. To the north of the region, Clarendon Homes of Warnervale was awarded the Display Home Over $625,000 award, and Hotondo Homes of Hamlyn Terrace was successful in the Project Home

Living Green Designer Homes took out the award for Custom Built Home under $2M

Over $400,000 category. Trademark Building of Yattalunga took out the Renovation/addition $500,0001-$750,000 award and Tullipan Homes of Tuggerah was successful in the HIA Professional Medium Builder/ Renovator category for the fourth year in a row. HIA Hunter Executive Director Craig Jennion congratulated all winners. “HIA members are dedicated to achieving the very best workmanship and standards in every project they

undertake,” he said. “HIA’s Awards provide a tremendous opportunity for our members to showcase their projects and highlight building and design excellence. “HIA is delighted with the exceptional quality of entries and level of competition this year. “In a year that has thrown up many challenges all winners and finalists should be proud to have reached the pinnacle of excellence as demonstrated in these awards.”

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is Australia’s largest residential building organisation. Members include builders, trade contractors (carpenters and joiners, bricklayers, plasterers, tilers and electricians to painters and roofing contractors), design professionals, kitchen and bathroom specialists, manufacturers and suppliers. Source: Media release, Dec 7 HIA Hunter

Easing restrictions an early Christmas gift for business The re-opening of NSW to the entire community from December 15 will give business owners in the region a much-needed boost in the countdown to Christmas, says Business NSW Central Coast. A number of restrictions and requirements have now been eased, with customers able to

enter premises irrespective of their vaccination status. “This is the early Christmas present business owners and their employees have been waiting for,” Business NSW Regional Director, Paula Martin, said. “A recent survey conducted by Business NSW found that 32 per cent of businesses, and 43

per cent of businesses in the visitor economy, stated their biggest challenge was ongoing restrictions related to COVID-19. “Forty-nine per cent of businesses wanted to see further relaxation of COVIDsafe rules such as mask requirements and square metre restrictions, and 43 per cent saw reopening borders as

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highest priority, so they have their wish. “NSW is only able to do this because of the way the entire community embraced the vaccination push with more than 93 per cent of eligible people now double dosed, and many now eligible for their booster shot. “Staff at businesses can get

back to doing what they do best, and that is providing outstanding customer service, rather than having to check the vaccination status of those that entire their premises. “What is important now is that people use common sense when out shopping, especially in the lead up to Christmas where shops are busy, and patience is easily lost.

“Be respectful of staff and fellow shoppers and if a particular store is packed upon entry, it is best to return when not as busy, ensuring the health and safety of staff and fellow shoppers.” Source: Media release, Dec 15 Business NSW Central Coast

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Make merry with dine and discover Central Coast residents are eligible for two extra Dine & Discover vouchers, just in time for Christmas festivities. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the expanded program will support residents across the community and encourage economic activity as part of the government’s recovery strategy. “This is about supporting people to get out and have a meal or spend the day discovering our community and at the same time supporting local businesses,” Crouch said. “Across the Central Coast we have over $20M worth of Dine and Discover vouchers yet to be redeemed. “I couldn’t think of a better time than over the Christmas period to use them. “We know how successful the Dine & Discover program was when we reopened last time, which is why we are doubling

down our efforts with an additional two $25 vouchers – one for Dine and one for Discover venues.” Minister for Digital and Customer service Victor Dominello said the vouchers would again be delivered via the ServiceNSW app. “You’ll find them in your ServiceNSW app in time for summer or you can contact ServiceNSW and they can send them to you,” Dominello said. “To date, almost 4.8 million people have taken advantage of the voucher program since its launch in March, giving businesses a $430M boost.” Residents aged 18 years and over who are yet to apply will be able to do so until the program ends and will receive all six $25 vouchers. More information is available at www.nsw.gov.au. Source: Media release, Dec 14 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, with Minister Victor Dominello

Audit office delays may impact Council’s IPART requests Administrator Rik Hart has criticised “external agencies” that were making life tough for Central Coast Council. He has reluctantly agreed to a “request” from the NSW Audit Office that Council ask the Office of Local Government for an extension of time to submit its audited 2020-2021 Financial Reports. He said he had no choice but to agree but he was disappointed. He said Council had submitted its financial statements into the NSW Audit office by August 31 in the hope of getting a speedy response and that was the fastest it had ever submitted them.

“The audit cost us three quarter of a million dollars last year because of the time the Audit Office took,” Hart said at the Council meeting on December 14. “Now I can understand that. That year’s financials included the major part of the financial situation. “But this year the financial team had the financials in within eight weeks (of the end of the financial year) and it is very disappointing to receive a request to extend (the time with the Audit office) out to the end of February: that is six months,” Hart said. “Now to be slightly fair to the audit office, there were a couple of changes we had to

make but very small.” He said the first one was about $I.5 to $1.7M around the capitalisation of IT equipment, a change made in accordance with accounting practices which council had to abide by and it was a very small change. The second one was around the revaluation of some assets. Council had put in the wrong asset number which had to be corrected. He said the corrections took about eight days to do and the Auditor General now proposed to have those accounts for six months. “And no doubt we will get charged another three quarters of a million dollars,” he said.

Hart said the council needed those audited figures back before then so they could be included in Council’s submissions to IPART. “Clearly it is a handicap to us to put our submission in to IPART if we don’t have our audited results to substantiate our financial position,” he said. He said he might be overreacting or perhaps he was expecting too much but he just wished the external agencies such as IPART and the NSW Audit Office spoke to each other. “I have no choice,” he said. Council submitted an extension request to defer the due date for lodgement of its audited 2020-2021 Financial Statements from December 17, 2021 to

February 28, 2022. It is the second request for this year. The first request was to extend them from October 31. Hart said this request to February overlapped with the time during which Council has to consider new Delivery Plans, Long Term Financial Plans and two applications to IPART. “I urge the Audit Office to prioritise the finalisation of the audit of Council’s financial statements earlier than the end of February next year. “This is because Council has notified IPART of its proposal to apply to maintain the Special Variation and that application is due by February 7, 2022.

“Council’s financial actions taken in 2020-21 and contained in the financial statements are an important part of that intended submission,” Hart said. Council has a statutory obligation to submit its audited financial statements with the NSW Office of Local Government by October 31 each year. The Audit Office of NSW advised Council that the audit of the financial statements would not be completed by that deadline and requested Council seek an extension to December 17, 2021 and now to February 28, 2022. Merilyn Vale

PAGE 28 17 DECEMBER 2021

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Julia NEWBOULD Managing Editor • Money magazine When it comes to investing in shares, it can be easy to default to the Aussie market. But this forgoes the raft of benefits on offer in international equities. Don’t box yourself inside the borders. Australia has great investment opportunities to be sure, but they’re limited. We make up roughly 2.1% of the MSCI World Index, so it follows that you’re missing exposure to 97.9% of the global market. What’s more, the Aussie market is concentrated in only a few sectors. “The Australian sharemarket has becoming increasingly concentrated into just two to three sectors, being banks, mining companies and consumer or grocery retailers, with limited exposure to those sectors exposed to the most powerful global themes,” says

Drew Meredith, director and adviser at Wattle Partners. This exposes the investor to a high degree of concentration risk. If you are wholly invested in the Australian market, then a downturn in two sectors would see your whole portfolio suffer. International exposures add much-needed diversification: the more bets you have, the less hurt you’ll feel if any one of them go bad. If you really want to max out on the diversification benefits offered by international equities, consider investing across developed and emerging countries – two markets with historically low correlations. So, movements in one won’t be felt by the other. In addition to the diversification, you get by holding international equities, they provide investors with access to sectors and thematics that, even if

available here, don’t exist on the same scale. “Despite the strength of the Australian economy, the number of truly global companies that are leaders in their respective field are severely limited, and could likely be counted on one hand,” says Meredith. “The majority of Australia’s largest companies, and hence the largest part of the index and many portfolios, were founded many decades ago, and in some cases 100 years ago, with most of these companies facing significant disruption from technologyenabled competitors. In this vein, we see international investing as a way to protect your core Australian portfolio from disruption.” Investing overseas lets you gain access to the highest quality global leaders in their industries, some of which don’t exist here. “Let’s say you’re excited about advertising tech, for instance, you’ll be able to find pure plays in Europe or the US and get exposure to that theme,” says Harvey Migotti, portfolio manager at Forager Funds Management. International equities as a

whole have also outperformed Aussie equities. As of August 31, 2021, the MSCI ACWI Index has returned 13.58% a year. By contrast, the Australian All Ords Accumulation Index has returned 10.56%pa. While these performance figures give a good indication of international equities as a whole, it would be wrong to view them as one market. The sheer diversity of the countries, sectors and stocks

Lifecycle funds look to the more distant future These days, if you haven’t made a conscious decision about where your super goes, chances are it’s in a default fund, likely to be a MySuper account (with low fees) and as likely as not in a lifecycle (or lifestage) product, which is investing your super according to a typical risk profile of someone your age. This means if you are in your 20s or 30s, you are likely to have most of your money invested in high-

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growth areas like Australian and international shares and less in fixed income and cash. Conversely, if you are in your 50s, it’s likely that you will have less money in the sharemarket and more in conservative investments. When the idea of lifecycle funds was first floated in Australia in about 2005 by the US manager Russell Investments, take-up was low. For one thing, it was a new concept and, for another, people were not engaged with making conscious decisions about their

super investment choices. At the time I thought it was a great idea. However, as I got older and my lifestage profile changed - I was less likely to agree with the de-risking timeline strategy. I preferred to keep invested in higher- risk growth investments and I still do. Fast-forward 15 years and super funds are catching up with that thinking. Aware Super recently changed its investment strategy for its MySuper Lifecycle products. “Members up to the age of 55 in our

MySuper Lifecycle option are now defaulted into our top-performing high-growth investment option, because a higher allocation to growth assets means the potential for stronger investment returns over time, while they still have a very long investment horizon and time to recover from short-term volatility,” says Debra Mika, Aware’s acting group executive for member growth. “As our members age, prepare for and enter retirement, we gradually reduce the risk in

available internationally allows astute investors the opportunity to pivot towards whichever market is outperforming. For example, while the US may lead returns over some periods, another country or region will at some point lead at others. “Consider, for instance, that the Future Fund holds just 8% in Australian equities and over 30% in global,” says Meredith. The most common risk associated with international

their portfolio by changing the investment mix. For members aged 55 and under 64, we gradually transition their investments from high growth to growth and then balanced growth options, which have progressively lower allocations to growth assets and increased allocations to defensive assets.” Members over 65 are placed into the balanced growth option unless they choose otherwise. Active Super also recently adjusted its lifecycle products so that members are invested in growth assets for longer. According to chief experience officer Heather

equities is the exchange rate. Changes in international currencies can be a good or bad thing for an investment held overseas. If the Australian dollar goes up, the value of the investment overseas goes down. By the same token, if the Aussie dollar goes down relative to the investment’s currency, you’ll realise a gain. However, this loss or gain is only realised if you sell. ANNABELLE DICKSON

Dawson, around 40% of members are in lifecycle products and it’s only when they turn 49 that their growth allocation starts to be dialled down. Active Super chief investment officer Craig Turnbull says the age at which members transition between investment stages can make a significant difference to their super. “Australians are now living and working longer. By delaying the age that we move members to lower-risk investments, we aim to help maximise their super balance and also make it last longer in retirement.” JULIA NEWBOULD

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Inner Wheel donates to children’s charity Central Coast charity We Care Connect was the winner following a Christmas stall run by the ladies of the Inner Wheel Club of Gosford North at Kincumber Village Shopping Centre on December 10. An Inner Wheel spokesperson said hand crafted Christmas gifts were in high demand on the day, with all profits going to We Care Connect. “Thanks to the support of our many customers, our club is now able to help local vulnerable children this Christmas through donating gifts and money to We Care

We Care Connect Manager, Derryck Klarkowski, receives the cheque from Inner Wheel member Susan Gaze and other members look on

Connect,” the spokesperson said. “This Wyong-based volunteer charity supports children living in poverty. “This problematic year has seen the charity’s workload

increase by 40 per cent, but the requests for help over the Christmas period have (increased by) a staggering 300 per cent. “We are pleased to be able to support this much needed and

valued charity. “Locally, our club also supports Lifeline, NG School in Kariong, headspace and many more.” Inner Wheel is a worldwide women’s service organisation

of volunteers from all walks of life wanting to make friends and help the many needy charities on the Coast, nationally and internationally. We Care Connect was started in 2016 by Derryck Klarkowski

who believes no child should be disadvantaged because of poverty. Beginning with a small group of volunteers, the charity has continued to grow, helping over 6,000 kids on the Central Coast. With 10,000 children living below the poverty line on the Central Coast, the charity’s mission is to reach more local kids and break the barrier of childhood poverty. If you are interested in Inner Wheel, see details in the Not For Profit Organisations section of this newspaper. Terry Collins

New ‘design and place’ planning policy on exhibition Central Coast Council has welcomed a new planning policy proposed by the State Government which sets out to put heathier communities, housing choice, cooler and walkable suburbs and sustainable development first. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob Stokes, said the draft Design and Place SEPP, which is now on public exhibition, would deliver NSW’s first comprehensive design policy, and offer an important opportunity to reshape the look and feel of the places we live in. “This policy will allow designers to think outside the

box and support innovation and creativity when building new homes, suburbs and cities,” Stokes said. “Great places aren’t always the product of rules and regulation, they are the result of place-based design that puts communities at their heart. “This principles-based policy is an important step in defining what matters and how through good processes and wiser decision making we can build a beautiful and prosperous future.” Stokes said key benefits of the draft Design and Place SEPP include: greater housing diversity and choice, including provisions for flexible layouts

for families, space to work or study, adequate sunlight, more storage and usable balconies; homes that are more comfortable in both winter and summer and are cost effective to heat and cool; more, and better quality parks within reach; greater permeability in new subdivisions that make it easier to walk or cycle to key destinations; beautiful and productive high streets and centres that are better for business; and commercial buildings that operate at net zero, from day one of coming online. NSW Government Architect Abbie Galvin said the proposed changes to the Apartment Design Guide and new Urban Design Guide aim to respond to

people’s changing needs – particularly to support families and those working from home. “During the pandemic we’ve seen our homes and apartments become schools, offices and gyms, and many of us have enjoyed walking or cycling more in our neighbourhoods,” she said. “This timely policy seeks to reflect our new way of living. “There’ll be quality apartments with outdoor space and plenty of room for growing families and friends. “There’ll be quality streets, public spaces and neighbourhoods that are cool and connected; places where people love to live.” The Government says it has

been working closely with industry, local government and environmental groups throughout the SEPP including regular policy working groups and will continue to work with stakeholders to get the policy right. The draft Design and Place State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) includes updates to the Apartment Design Guide, The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX), a new Urban Development Guide and Design Review Manual. A spokesperson said Central Coast Council welcomes any approach by the State Government to make the planning system less complex and easier to navigate.

“Council will continue to monitor the specific proposal put forward by the government and provide comment to any future consultation on amendments as appropriate,” the spokesperson said. Environmental groups have hailed the draft plan as “a step in the right direction” and say it provides a significant opportunity to work toward net zero emissions and a green economy. The draft SEPP is on public exhibition until February 28, 2022. For further information and to provide feedback visit planning. nsw.gov.au/design-and-placesepp. Terry Collins

Budget adjustment should speed up DAs The processing of Development Applications (DAs) will run a little more smoothly after Central Coast Council’s Development Assessment Unit received a $900,000 budget boost following increased planning fees income since July 1.

After strong activity in the first quarter of the 2021-2022 financial year saw increased planning fees income, Council has redistributed the funds to ensure it can continue supporting the needs of the community and service demand within the Coast’s growing building and

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construction sector. Administrator, Rik Hart, said the Coast will benefit from increased serviceability of DAs. “This budget adjustment will increase Council’s capacity to service the diverse and changing needs of our growing community, and importantly, do

so with minimal impacts to Council’s bottom line,” Hart said. “Council is committed to delivering responsible, balanced and sustainable development across the Coast that supports our growing region.

“This budget adjustment will provide a welcome boost to the Development Assessment Unit’s capabilities to service community needs.” Hart said during the first quarter of the 2021-2022 financial year, a high rate of development applications caused an uplift in application

fees and associated charges which created an opportunity for the budget adjustment. The adjustment has been approved for a temporary period of maximum two years and will be reviewed within the annual review cycle. Terry Collins

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Toolkit will help prevent elder abuse Central Coast Council has welcomed the news that the Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC) has developed the Ending Abuse through Simple Interventions (EASI) toolkit to help councils address the issues of elder abuse within their communities. First-of-its-kind data released by the Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC) will help local councils better safeguard older people and adults with disability from abuse in their family, home and community. Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Alister Henskens, said the data will be provided to councils as part of a new program which will help identify trends and develop strategies to respond to abuse, neglect and exploitation. “This new data will inform how communities respond to issues of abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability, by arming them with the tools they need to implement tailored solutions

and prevention initiatives,” Henskens said. The program provides a snapshot of local reporting data, including the number of reports, the main reporters and the types of abuse being reported. Minister for Seniors, Natalie

Ward, said the ADC has developed an evidence-based toolkit to help councils implement sustainable, longterm initiatives. “This is a great example of data driving good social policy that will help prevent elder abuse and create stronger

communities across our state,” Ward said. Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the initiative highlights the important role councils play in supporting their communities at a grassroots level.

“Councils are well placed to lead local solutions by bringing together the community and social services sector to help protect our most vulnerable,” she said. A Central Coast council spokesperson said the toolkit would help strengthen Council’s existing programs and strategies, including the recently adopted Positive Ageing Strategy 2021-2026 and Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2021-2025. The spokesperson said the Positive Ageing Strategy 202126, which was adopted by Council on October 2021, aims to support and assist older residents to be more resilient by continuing to raise awareness of elder abuse and neglect, through information in GOALL magazine and educating staff to identify and support older people at risk. “Council is committed to working with partners and stakeholders including Central Coast Elder Abuse Service and Legal Aid NSW to achieve this goal and is already taking an

active role in educating older residents about elder abuse and where to get help if you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse,” the spokesperson said. “Both Council’s Positive Ageing Strategy 2021-2026 and Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2021-2025 were developed in close consultation with community, and provide direction to Council for the planning, development and implementation of programs, activities, services and infrastructure to respond to the changing needs and aspirations of the Central Coast community.” The Positive Ageing Strategy 2021-2026 and Disability Inclusion Action Plan 20212025 can be accessed via Council’s website www. centralcoast.nsw.gov.au by searching ‘Strategies and Plans’. More information about the Ending Abuse through Simple Interventions toolkit is available on the ADC website. Terry Collins

Permanent telehealth ‘makes abundant sense’ Catholic Health Australia (CHA) has welcomed an announcement from the Federal Government that telehealth will become a permanent feature of primary health care. The peak body for Catholic hospitals and aged care has been advocating for telehealth to become

permanent for over a year. Health Minister Greg Hunt announced on December 13 a $106M investment over four years for permanent telehealth, which will allow GPs, specialists and allied health professionals to continue to consult with their regular patients by phone or online. CHA’s health policy manager Alex Lynch said the

announcement made abundant sense. “The mission of Catholic Health Australia members is to ensure universal access to health, especially the poor and marginalised,” he said. “Telehealth is a fantastic tool that helps our members deliver on this mission. “The update of telehealth services during COVID changed

the game completely and it’s terrific to see the government recognising that. “Since March 2020 more than 86 million COVID-19 MBS telehealth services have been delivered to 16.1 million patients. “More than 89,000 providers have used telehealth services. “We are keen to see the government announce a focus

on rural and regional support, as these are the areas of Australia that stand to benefit the most from telehealth. “When implemented correctly, telehealth provides outstanding value to patients and a high standard of care. “It will be play an enormous role in the future and the government has pulled the right rein in recognising it.

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“We look forward to further engaging with the Health Minister and other members of the government to help ensure the implementation of this policy is calibrated to deliver the most benefit to those who most need it.” Source: Media release, Dec 13 Catholic Health Australia

PAGE 32 17 DECEMBER 2021 HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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Mouth-watering chicken adobo with Jimalie

GEORGIA LIENEMANN Given the widespread impact on small businesses during the ongoing lockdowns, we’re spending the lead-up to the festive season sharing inspiration for locally inspired gift and recipe ideas. This week, we’re chatting to Jaypee Abraham from Jimalie Coconut Products about how to take traditional Filipino dish Chicken Adobo to the next level.

The story of Jimalie is one of humility, hard work, pure love and family. My grandparents planted the seeds for Jimalie over 65 years ago, in the rich volcanic soils of the Davao gulf – the ‘fruit basket of the Philippines’. Our business is a lasting legacy to them and our family coconut plantation, and to my father Jim, whose tireless work as a coconut farmer and philanthropist made this all possible. With the help of my wife Victoria, Jimalie has become a trusted supplier of premium organic coconut products throughout Australia. It’s also a family business in every sense of the word, spanning four generations. My first-born son, who was diagnosed with autism at a young age, was the inspiration for making Jimalie into the business it is today. To assist in managing his condition, we

eliminated all chemicals, preservatives and additives from our family’s diet, and soon realised the health benefits of embracing nutrient-dense whole foods, including coconut oil.

nature. The signature clarity, colour, and delicate flavour of our oil is characteristic of our gentle fine-spun centrifuge extraction method. This is a chemical-free and lowtemperature process, which allows the oil to be bottled at its freshest, within only 2 hours of husking the coconut.

Our twist on chicken adobo As the festive season fast approaches, we thought we’d share a traditional Filipino recipe known the world over – with a slight Jimalie twist. When the Spanish arrived in the Philippines in the 16th century, they noticed the native Filipinos used vinegar to marinate their pork and chicken. The name adobo chicken stems from the Spanish word ‘adobar’ in Spanish, which refers to marinade or pickling sauce. There are many versions of adobo - with over 7000 islands that make up the archipelago of the Philippines, each region has its own produce and preferred flavour profile. Visit any Filipino home in the Philippines and abroad and you’ll get their unique rendition of this favourite, but the fundamentals of this dish lie in the vinegar, soy sauce and garlic.

Here is one you can try that won’t disappoint.

The Jimalie twist that makes the chicken adobo:

Ingredients 1kg chicken wings 140ml coconut cider vinegar 100ml organic tamari sauce 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped 4cm piece ginger, finely grated 1 tsp ground black pepper 1 tbsp virgin coconut oil 1.5 tbsp coconut nectar

The vinegar

Method Add all ingredients into a bowl and let it marinate for at least an hour. (For best results, leave it to marinate overnight). Place the chicken in a lined roasting tray and cook in the oven at 180 degrees (fan forced) for 45-50 mins. Turn the wings occasionally. Garnish with finely chopped chilli or spring onion and serve with rice and steamed greens.

Jimalie Organic Coconut Cider Vinegar is an alternative to apple cider vinegar which is raw, unfiltered and contains ‘the mother’. Signature quality vinegar contains ‘the mother’ a source of beneficial bacteria, natural probiotics and enzymes. Our coconut cider vinegar is made by naturally fermenting organic coconut water from fresh coconuts. Fermented foods like coconut vinegar have traditionally been used for their alkalizing effects and restoring pH balance in the body. The oil Jimalie virgin coconut oil has a notably thinner consistency and lighter taste, closest to the raw coconut oil as it appears in

The medium chain fatty acids in virgin coconut oil help with weight management, reducing hunger and improving both oral and skin health. The nectar Jimalie coconut nectar offers a unique alternative to refined sweeteners, with all its nutrients and minerals in-tact. It is made from the sweet sap from the stems of coconut blossoms. The sap is then processed at low temperatures to produce a low GI, low fructose syrup that tastes similar to maple syrup. Where to find Jimalie You can find Jimalie Coconut products locally at Nurtured Earth Organics and at most health stores around Australia. Visit their stockist locator on their website at www.jimalie. com.au

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 33 17 DECEMBER 2021

Tame address a virtual show stopper The Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee (CCDVC) welcomed Australian of the Year, Grace Tame, to Terrigal on Saturday night, albeit virtually, for a night of hope, compassion and a showing of support for people experiencing domestic violence and abuse in the community. Over 230 people donned their finest for the gala night at the Crowne Plaza Terrigal in support of workers and those with lived experience in the domestic and family violence and abuse sector. The CCDVC Vice Chair, Sharon Walsh, who organised the event with co-chairs Nicole Harvey from Pacific Link Housing and Sharon Wilkinson from the NSW Police, said she was delighted and overwhelmed by the level of support shown by attendees. “The feedback we have received is sensational and we appreciate it beyond words,” Walsh said. “Since the event, I’ve had

numerous emails from attendees thanking us. We could not be happier with how the event went, especially considering it became a virtual event at the last minute. “I feel very grateful to have had that many people from the community supporting the event. “We wanted to put something fabulous together for the community and for workers in the domestic and family violence and abuse sector. “It was about providing hope and to highlight the fact that violence is an abuse that can affect anyone from any social and diversity group in the community. “Often when we focus on domestic violence, even in the media, we still send the message that it happens only in certain classes of women, when in fact it’s a social justice issue that is bipartisan one and affects women, children and it can happen anywhere. “Saturday’s event showed how men and women can come together to help end violence

against women, men and children.” The CCDVC had originally planned for Tame to be the keynote speaker at the not-forprofit’s inaugural dinner, but she was unable to attend in person due to Tasmania’s COVID-19 restrictions. “We chose Grace Tame [to be the keynote speaker] as she is phenomenal, authentic and highly intelligent,” Walsh said. “She has shown herself to be a phenomenal advocate for the area of child sexual abuse and

domestic violence and abuse against women, men and children. “She is unafraid to challenge those in the most powerful offices in the land. “A lot of us are looking to the younger generations who want to keep working on these issues, to keep pushing it forward [and] she is a wonderful example of what young people can achieve.” In her last keynote address for the year, Tame said she was excited and optimistic about

“this momentous paradigm shift we are now in” and the opportunities that could come with it for a better future for children and for survivors of child sexual abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence. She said her pain has enabled her to help bring a once taboo subject to the forefront of the national conversation and be in a privileged position to make further meaningful change by uniting people. With the recent launch of the Grace Tame Foundation, she said she has renewed her focus on the need for consistent, nationalised legislation on the issue of sexual assault which currently includes very different legal definitions from state to state on consent, grooming, sexual intercourse, and the age of consent. Tame said the cultures that embolden predators are still with us and the need for education on healthy, respectful relationships and how ignorance feeds the cultures of victim blaming, denial and dismissal. Regional Domestic and Family

Violence Coordinator for NSW Police, Sharon Wilkinson, emceed the event andSimone Parsons COO from Women’s Community Shelters NSW moderated a Q&A session with Tame after her speech. Tame discussed the impact of perception and validation of survivors and how language, including the media, can make a lasting impact on individuals but said she has seen a significant change on a social level, but not yet political level. The gala dinner was initially to be held in conjunction with CCDVC’s 17th annual Central Coast Connexions conference, but the conference program had to be cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. The event was not intended to be a fundraising event, but to bring government and non government and business and the broader community together to do what Grace has encouraged us all to do which is to raise our public voices and domestic and family violence and abuse. Maisy Rae

Disability exclusion still commonplace says Tesch A national plan aimed at driving action at all levels of government to improve the lives of people with disability was released on December 3 to help mark International Day for People with Disability. The Australian Disability Strategy 2021-2031 outlines seven areas for action, including: employment and financial security, inclusive homes and communities, safety, rights and justice, personal and community sport, education and learning, health and wellbeing, and community attitudes. The Strategy will employ its action areas by developing a series of targeted action plans that commit governments to specific actions and deliver public reports each year that will measure and show where more effort is needed.

An Advisory Council will also be established to allow people with disability to come forward and give their feedback on the Strategy. The NSW Government welcomed its release with Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Alister Henskens, saying the strategy builds on the State Government’s work to remove systemic and attitudinal barriers for people with disability through the NSW Disability Inclusion Plan but Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said there should be “less talk and more action”. Henskens said NSW leads the nation when it comes to supporting people with disability. “We were the first state to implement a Disability Inclusion Plan and have been at the forefront of rolling out of the NDIS,” he said.

But Tesch said the “dire need for inclusion for people with disabilities” has been in the headlines for years. “As a person with a disability, exclusion for us is still very commonplace, especially in the workplace,” she said. “Every year I make submissions to Parliament’s Disability Inclusion Plan. “This year I was asked for my input, but I found myself writing the same suggestions that I have been making for four years- with little confidence that the fundamental changes we desperately need will be taken seriously and acted upon. “I hope all Parliamentarians believe the NSW Parliament should be the ‘People’s Parliament’ however without a serious determination to fix these issues, this sentiment is only lip service. “It is hard to feel included when

parts of your own workspace are inaccessible. “This is the same battle being fought by people with disabilities in workplaces across our community. “How can people who are disabled feel included when there are so many barriers?” Tesch, who became an incomplete paraplegic after a mountain bike accident at 19-years-old, said the NSW Government has fallen short on its pledges to people with disabilities. “Prior to the 2019 NSW election, then-Premier Gladys Berejiklian outlined a number of Premier’s Priorities which included the target of 5.6 per cent of people to be employed by the NSW Public Service by 2025,” she said. “One year later, the State of the Public Sector 2020 report recorded a decrease in the

percentage of people with disabilities and admitted they were likely to fall short of their goal. “It is blatantly obvious one year on the ‘Premier’s Priority’ has been abandoned. “The report instead pointed to their employees as the real source of the decrease, claiming that when people were given the opportunity to state their disability status anonymously the sector showed a higher rate of disability employment. “This is plainly a cop out.” The report also revealed that 24.2 per cent of people with disability reported being bullied at work in the previous 12 months, almost double the rate of bullying experienced by NSW public sector employees overall (13.9 per cent). Regional areas experienced a higher rate of bullying for people with disability in the public sector,

with 28 per cent of workers noting their experience of bullying. “This only adds to the real concern of discrimination in the workplace, which is only pushing people with disability further out of the workforce,” Tesch said. “I hope we are put at the heart of everything because that’s what we want – inclusion. Ms Berejiklian’s successor needs to take this ‘Priority’ more seriously. “Disappointingly, governments across Australia fail to recognise and address disability employment gaps, with their own ambitious targets announced with fanfare often falling down the priority list.” More information about the Australian Disability Strategy is available at disabilitygateway. gov.au

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Parents encouraged to use active kids and first lap vouchers

Central Coast parents are being urged to take advantage of the state’s popular Active Kids program, with tens of millions of dollars’ worth of vouchers still to be redeemed this year due to the COVID lockdown. Premier Dominic Perrottet has also encouraged Coast

families to dive into the new First Lap learn to swim program, which started on December 1. “Now that sport is back up and running, we’re keen to remind parents to use these excellent NSW Government cost-saving measures so kids can get back to playing sport and learning to swim without breaking the family budget,”

Perrottet said. “With COVID restrictions stopping sport for several months, around 430,000 children are yet to use their Active Kids vouchers this year, meaning there is around $86M worth of vouchers still up for grabs.” Every school-enrolled child in NSW is eligible for two $100 Active Kids vouchers per year

towards the cost of sport and active recreation fees. Minister for Digital and Customer Service, Victor Dominello, said the $100 First Lap learn to swim voucher and Active Kids program are among dozens of NSW Government savings to help to ease cost of living pressures for households. “Every cent counts when it comes to balancing the family

budget and claiming the First Lap voucher is now at your fingertips and available via the Service NSW app,” he said. Minster for Sport, Natalie Ward, said the First Lap program, which provides an annual $100 voucher per child, has been expanded to include not just pre-school children but also those in kindergarten in 2021 and 2022.

“With summer officially (here), there’s no better time to dive into the First Lap program and make sure your child learns vital safety skills,” she said. For more details or to download a voucher, visit the Service NSW website. Source: Media release, Dec 1 NSW Government

Parents back career pathways data project A State Government initiative designed to help secondary students make informed career choices has received the tick of approval from Central Coast Council P&C (CCCP&C). The Australian-first data project has identified close to 30,000 different pathways from education to work and the factors that impact employment

and earning outcomes. The Government’s Pathways for the Future Pilot Project Summary Insights report maps the work and study trends of 3.5 million students in senior secondary school through to tertiary study and into employment. Under the School Success Model schools will be able to track the career pathways of their students, with the

Education Department setting targets for schools on their students’ pathways in 2023. Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the findings are a great tool to inform student pathways and will ensure NSW has the highest quality education system to prepare a dynamic and skilled workforce. “This project is an opportunity for students to see how Re

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decisions made in Year 10 can influence their future education and employment and for schools to utilise the data to achieve the best outcomes for their students,” Mitchell said. “This is also a game changer for students and parents. “It means that you can look at the career journeys of people who studied similar subjects in high school and see what employment outcomes it led to.” Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Geoff Lee, said the ground-breaking data found that completing an apprenticeship or traineeship can increase the chance of earning above minimum wage by age 24 by almost 13 percentage points. “This data will help us make evidence-backed decisions to boost students’ employment

prospects when they leave school, whether that’s through a traineeship, a trade or a highly qualified role,” Lee said. “The data will be used to help address skills shortages and gaps in the education system, while offering young people greater choice by arming them with the tools to make informed decisions on pathways to work.” CCC P&C spokesperson, Sharryn Brownlee, said the organisation was pleased to see the NSW Government realise it needs to put proper systems in place to track students to ensure no more children slip through the cracks. “Students need much more than what is currently offered to help them decide their future, many parents feel,” she said.

“Being able to have factual data, not just anecdotal data, to help inform them support their children’s choices is a real life changer. “The ‘Pathways for the Future’ project is sure to demonstrate what is really needed to support students and their learning to make sure they have sound knowledge of career opportunities and post school destination options. “Hopefully, this pilot project will be rolled out across the state to ensure no students are missed. “The data and further information, that will be now be better collated, will really help schools to know what subjects to offer and where their previous students have achieved.” Terry Collins

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EDUCATION & SCIENCE PAGE 35 17 DECEMBER 2021

Emily excited to be New Colombo scholar Former Gosford High School student Emily Simpson is bound for Hong Kong next year, thanks to a New Colombo Plan scholarship. She is one of four exceptional University of Newcastle students to secure the prestigious scholarship. Simpson, 21, has been studying Civil Engineering at Newcastle uni for two years and said receiving the scholarship was “surreal”. “My dad is an engineer so I was familiar with that field growing up,” she said. “I have always had a love for joining English with maths and the consulting side of civil engineering just gelled with me; I love the mechanics of it.” Simpson said there was a rigorous process involved in applying for the scholarship. “First you have to go through the rounds to be accepted by the university as an applicant it is willing to put forward,” she said.

“Then after being chosen by the uni, there was quite a rigmarole involved to go through the application process with the Department of Foreign Affairs. “It will be an incredible experience, “I will be going to one of the top ranked universities in the world in Hong Kong for six months followed by a sixmonth internship. “Hopefully I will live on campus for the first six months and they will provide accommodation close to the workplace for the internship. “It will be my first time living out of home – and it will be overseas. “But I love travelling and am so excited by this awesome opportunity.” Simpson said continuing her civil engineering studies overseas would be invaluable. “At Newcastle uni we focus on activities around us – it will be so interesting to see another side of that in Hong

Emily Simpson

Kong,” she said. She hopes to leave for the adventure in July next year. “My parents know I’m a bit of a go-getter so although they were a bit shocked I had applied for the scholarship, because it’s a big step, they are

proud and excited,” she said. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Marise Payne, said the program gives Australia’s best and brightest undergraduate students opportunities to undertake semester-based study and

internships or mentorships in the Indo-Pacific region. The Australian Government initiative is designed to strengthen ties between Australia and the Indo-Pacific, with the scholarship program offering recipients unique opportunities to enrich their learning and global citizenship. Simpson will join fellow students Jake Stephens, Katherine Birrell and Chelsea Harris, who will study in Samoa, Fiji and Japan as the four develop their skills in fields such as development issues, cross-linguistic communication and construction technology and management. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global), Professor Kent Anderson, said he was impressed with the calibre of scholars representing the university of Newcastle as Australia re-engages with the Indo-Pacific following the progressive reopening of international borders and

travel into 2022. “The New Colombo Plan scholarship program is about building knowledge, linking people, equipping leaders and increasing Australia’s engagement with the IndoPacific,” Anderson said. “I congratulate Jake, Katherine, Chelsea and Emily who have each earned a unique and valuable opportunity to enhance their global awareness and broaden their knowledge. “I wish them well as they continue to achieve excellence.” The scholars will visit their host countries in 2022 to undertake semester study or honours research as well as completing internships and language training. In 2022, around a quarter of the 125 scholars from all over Australia are from regional and rural areas, over a quarter speak a language other than English at home, and more than half are women. Terry Collins

More must be done to manage diverse needs – Brownlee Central Coast Council P&C (CCCP&C) has welcomed a State Government announcement of more support for teachers in managing complex student behaviour but says more needs to be done. Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell, said 130 new student wellbeing specialists would be appointed to public schools across the state, joining the more than 2,000 staff who already provide wellbeing and behaviour support in schools on a daily basis. The new positions include: 32 new behaviour specialists, to join the 36 specialists already

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recruited in 2021; 88 new leadership positions in schools with seven or more support classes; and five new Inclusive Education Coordinators to oversee behaviour and inclusion at schools across the state. Mitchell said the additional positions will play a key role in the implementation of the NSW Government’s Student Behaviour Strategy. “I want the education system focused on keeping kids in school not kicking them out and enabling that requires deeper and more holistic support for schools,” she said. “This package will better equip principals and staff in

NSW schools with the skills and support to respond to complex behaviours in the classroom. “These new positions will form part of a wraparound support package, co-designed with key education stakeholders and experts, to ensure the Behaviour Strategy’s policies and procedures are implemented effectively next year.” CCCP&C spokesperson, Sharryn Brownlee, said parents were pleased to see the continuing focus and investment in NSW to support the needs of students with complex behaviours. “The recent Government announcements are most

welcome, but more needs to be done and done sooner,” she said. “There are over 2,200 schools, 90,000 staff and they all need to have access to specialists training and support as soon as possible to ensure every child’s needs are met. “While the education system has a genuine role here so do universities. “Universities need to provide a better and more useful Special Education component across multiple years, to the Teachers Training courses they offer. “Teachers are confiding they are often unprepared to know

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how to support some of the most vulnerable children in the system. “Teachers care a great deal about their students (that is what brought them to teaching in the first place) but when they do not have the skills, knowledge or support required, it has led to unacceptable levels of student suspension often of very young children with complex needs. “These children just need the right support and the right setting to succeed. “Parents are often struggling as well and they tell us that knowing there is not the support their child needs is very, very stressful for the

entire family. “Every child’s needs must be recognised and catered for across the entire education system. “The reality is that this generation of parents, grandparents and the wider community expect universities to train every teacher to be able to support the wide range of students they will encounter. “They also expect taxpayers funds in the education budget to be expended to meet the needs of every child in every school.” Terry Collins

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SPORT PAGE 37 17 DECEMBER 2021

Clean sheet for home win against Sydney FC FOOTBALL It was an exceptional return to football at Central Coast Stadium for the Mariners, defeating rivals Sydney FC, 2-0, on Sunday for the first home game win of the new season. Upon securing two unanswered goals prior to the 20th minute, and before a single Sydney shot at goal, the boys in yellow had every opportunity to carry on with more goals if every boot on the field had been shooting straight. The team’s overall presence and desire with the ball led to their advantage being found, doubled and then maintained throughout a physical 90 minutes. Cy Goddard was hard to handle on the left wing but was still denied an opening Mariners goal despite coming closest with a dangerous out of the box shot on target in the seventh minute. In midfield, new academy product Harry Steele once again partnered with captain Oliver Bozanic together orchestrating most of the first half’s play to ensure the team stability through high possession in attack and high pressure in defence. The latter of these tactics led to the opening goal in the 13th minute, afforded due to Bozanic’s alert slide tackle on Harry Van der Saag, giving to the South American attacking duo the disrupted defensive line needed to carve the route on goal. Once recovering the loose ball, Matheus Moresche supplied the final pass into the penalty area, leaving Ureña unmarked against

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Sydney keeper Andrew Redmayne for a clinical finish. The Mariners momentum reaped its second reward three minutes later, marked as an own goal for Sydney’s Anthony Caceres. This time it was Academy product Jacob Farrell who executed the slide tackle steal against Van der Saag allowing Moresche the time to take possession and work a crossfield pass to the forward surging Lewis Miller on the right. After successfully gliding past Sydney defender, Joel King, the low cross from Miller raced back toward the ready boot of Moresche, now lined up right in front of goal, forcing the desperate intercept from Caceres that ended with the ball in his own net. With a two-goal deficit and 70 minutes of regular time still to play, Sydney FC were left counting on a drop in Mariner concentration levels to help them back into the game. Head Coach Nick Montgomery’s new squad showed resilience against the rising Sydney attack to keep the southern travellers at bay, record their first clean sheet this

season and defeat the boys in blue at home for the first time in four years. “I’m super proud of the young boys but they’ve still got a lot to learn and a lot of improvement to go,” reported Monty at the post-game press conference. “We’ve started every game this season on the front foot quite quickly… I think what was different (today) is we were a bit more clinical. “I’ve spent a couple of years with these young boys (as an Academy coach) and to be honest they’re growing every week. “Every training session, every game, they’re learning, and you only learn by experience so sometimes you have to just throw them in and they’ll sink or swim. “Morseche, the Brazilian boy: I think he’s got bags of ability, and (with) Marcos Ureña they’re creating a good partnership.” Ureña agrees that his partnership with Moresche has great potential, in lieu of Matt Simon and new signing, Nicolai Müller, both reported to be at the back end of their recovery from

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pre-season injuries. “We Latinos always understand each other outside and inside the field, and it’s very important to get these partners in the field,” Ureña said at the game’s conclusion. “Moresche has come in to give us more of a passing game and we’re happy to have him. “In the last couple of games we created a lot of chances but we now see that we can score. “The chances are there so we knew it was just about timing, and we’re happy that finally we get back home and we can give this for our families and fans who really deserve it. “This club is special you know, this is the reason why I want to be here longer, and today is a special day.” With newfound confidence in

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themselves, the Mariners have a week to prepare for their Match Week Five encounter against the Western Sydney Wanderers, to be played again at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday, December 18.

This will precede their FFA Cup Quarter Final clash against the Leichhardt Tigers, scheduled to be played at Leichhardt Oval on Tuesday, December 21. CCN

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January 2022 Public Exhibition Notiﬁcation of Herbicide Use

Central Coast Council will be applying Glyphosate 360 and Metasulfuron-methyl between January 2022 to June 2022 to specific waterways and drainage lines within the local government area for the purpose of waterway, ecosystem and asset protection. Glyphosate is registered for use in Australia by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. Non-chemical methods of weed control are also utilised wherever practicable. During application, signage will be clearly displayed to notify application of herbicides to waterways and will include information on the herbicide being applied, the location details, the dates and the weed Council is managing. During signposted periods, the public is advised not to use, drink or swim in the water until signage is removed. For further information or to obtain a copy of the Safety Date Sheet (SDS) for the product, please contact Council's Environmental Infrastructure Section on 1300 463 954. This notification is provided in accordance with Council's Pesticide Use Notification Plan and the Environmental Protection Licence 7643 which is available for viewing at the Wyong Administration Building or may be viewed on Council's website www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au. David Farmer Chief Executive Officer December 2021 Central Coast Council Office 2 Hely St Wyong 8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday | Ph 1300 463 954 Chief Executive Officer David Farmer

PAGE 38 17 DECEMBER 2021 SPORT

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Club will continue to require full vaccination SAILING Gosford Sailing Club will continue to admit only fully vaccinated patrons beyond the December 15 relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. The club said in a statement this week that it had implemented numerous measures to alleviate the risk of COVID-19 transmission. “However the level of mitigation from excluding those who are not fully vaccinated cannot be achieved through other available controls,” the statement said. “The GSC Board’s priority has

Gosford Sailing Club

always been, and continues to be, the safety and wellbeing of our members, guests and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic above all else. “As such, the Board has made the decision to permit entry only to fully vaccinated members and guests beyond Wednesday, December 15. “This decision will also affect sailing events, training programs, courses, and all volunteer activities where any non-vaccinated sailor will not be allowed to partake (further details will be available soon via the Sailing Office). “This decision was not

taken lightly. “In conjunction with avoiding the financial impact the club would suffer if it were to shut down for any period of time, we are committed to serving our community by providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all, and we believe these measures will enable us to continue to do so.” The decision will be reviewed by January 31, 2022, factoring in the COVID-19 climate in Australia at the time. Source: Media release, Dec 11 Gosford Sailing Club

Fourth for Formston at Pismo PARA SURFING The 2021 ISA World Para Surfing Championship went ahead at Pismo Beach, California from December 6 to 11, with Wamberal’s Matt Formston and Umina’s Jack Jackson both competing with the Australian ‘Irukandjis’ team. Despite scoring the two best waves all competition in the Men Vision Impaired 2 (VI 2) category, a fourth-place finish was rewarded to Formston after an underwhelming final, with Jackson finishing behind him in fifth. Overall, the Irukandjis placed sixth out of 24 countries, with victory going the way of the hosting American team, Spain in second, and then Brazil, Costa Rica and Hawaii, then England in seventh. With the competition centred beneath the long pier of Pismo Beach, the surf remained relatively consistent throughout the week, breaking lightly both ways and beneath four feet for

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non-challenging conditions. Two rounds of three-person heats in the VI 2 category took place on Wednesday and Friday last week, with four placements in the Saturday final determined by each competitor’s two best single wave scores across the two heats. In Round One, Jackson put together his best performance to score his highest two waves for a combined score of 12.94, finishing second behind eventual silver medallist, Miguel Flavio from Brazil. The goofy footer showed favour for his forehand side, combining manoeuvres with growing confidence, on more than one occasion steering himself delicately beneath the pier. “I was just getting the left right in there, you know, milking it all the way in until I couldn’t anymore, threading the needle through the pier,” explained Jackson to commentator, Ben Wei, filling the Californian up with a healthy portion of Aussie lingo. “Then that rip between the

Wamberal’s Matt Formston earning an almost perfect single wave score of 9.00

pier helps a lot getting out, makes the paddle quick with no duck diving, it’s pretty good aye?” Formston competed in the following heat, scoring his second-best wave of the competition on his forehand, finding smooth curving lines along two turns for a score of 8.83. At the end of the day, both Aussies were in the top four out

of nine, hoping to maintain their positioning with another strong performance in Round Two. On Friday, Formston and Jackson competed against each other, wherein the former prevailed with a new high score and the latter underperformed to fall out of the top four. Although awarded a score of 9.00, Formston’s second wave of the heat could have been a perfect 10.00 if it has not been

for a final slip atop the wave’s crest. Again on his forehand, Formston rode the wave from trough to lip for three turns, ending with an unbalancing floater manoeuvre that tipped him off into the white water – nonetheless securing him the topmost two wave score of 17.83 across the two rounds. In the following day’s final, this great form seemed to be lacking in Formston’s performance, where upon falling behind in the score early caused him to stay behind in fourth place. Costa Rican, Roy Calderon came away with the win, with Flavio in second and Hawaiian, Aaron Paulk in third. Throughout the finals day, five other Australians competed for a shot at gold, each of which ended up making it onto the podium. Jocelyn Neumuller finished first in the Women Prone 2 final, with Samantha Bloom behind her in third. Mark Stewart also came first in the Men Kneel, whilst Kirk

Watson and Sarah Jane Gibson placed second in the Men VI 1 and Women VI 2. A fourth-place copper medal will have to suffice for threetime World Para Surf Champion, Matt Formston. At only 19, Jack Jackson will take a lot away from his opening bout in global competitive para surfing and will surely work to return to the Championship next year. In the meantime, the veteranapprentice pair can focus their attention onto a documentary film project which takes vision impaired big wave surfing as its central focus. With the conclusion of Pismo Beach, the two Coasties have their intentions set on hunting big waves in Fiji and Indonesia – “charging big waves on coral” as Matt puts it. The film, titled ‘The Blind Sea’ is being made by Australian filmmaking collective, Brick Studios and will be in production around the world over the next 12 months. CCN

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

TIDE CHART

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

Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

0122 0.54 0158 0.55 0233 0.56 0310 0.57 0346 0.58 0426 0.60 0506 0.62 0756 1.69 0832 1.73 0908 1.76 0944 1.78 1020 1.78 1059 1.76 1137 1.73 FRI 1436 0.49 SAT 1514 0.44 SUN 1550 0.41 MON 1627 0.40 TUE 1703 0.41 WED 1743 0.43 THU 1823 0.45 2023 1.29 2103 1.29 2143 1.29 2221 1.28 2300 1.27 2340 1.26 0023 1.25 0111 1.26 0203 1.28 0300 1.33 0357 1.42 0453 1.53 0548 1.66 0550 0.65 0640 0.68 0735 0.70 0840 0.71 0951 0.68 1106 0.62 1217 0.51 FRI 1218 1.68 SAT 1302 1.62 SUN 1352 1.56 MON 1449 1.49 TUE 1554 1.44 WED 1703 1.41 THU 1811 1.39 1906 0.46 1951 0.47 2039 0.47 2130 0.47 2221 0.46 2314 0.45

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

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PAGE 39 17 DECEMBER 2021

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Ninjas take on the world

Cameron McLintock came first in the state

NINJA WARRIOR Ten Central Coast “ninja warriors” have qualified for the USA World Titles next year after achieving success at the Australian NNL (National Ninja League) World Qualifier held at the Australian Warrior Fitness gym in Gosford last week. As the popularity of Channel Nine’s Australian Ninja Warrior TV show grows, the sport of Ninja Warrior is rapidly growing. Originally beginning in Japan, the sport is rapidly spread through the USA, UK and

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Europe and now is quickly gaining a following in Australia. Australian Warrior Fitness owner, Cameron McLintock, has competed at the World Championships and was a semi-finalist and course tester on Season 5 of Australian Ninja Warrior. He is passionate about showing kids how to have fun and develop their fitness as well as training dedicated professional adults in the Ninja sport. He also qualified first as the overall point scorer in the 2020/2021 Ninja Challenge League Competition and holds

a position on the International Board of the NNL, the leading association of Ninja Warrior in the USA and the governing body of the Ninja sport. “Last weekend, Ninjas flocked to North Gosford to compete at the Australian world qualifier,” he said. “Celebrity ninjas including Dylan James (the Rocket Man), Judith Carroll, Matt Read and Travis Edwards were among the competitors battling to take out the State title. “The NSW final was two brutal stages with cash prizes and trophies up for grabs. “Only those competitors who

completed stage one under the allocated time limit progressed to stage two. “Stage two was gruelling and not for the faint-hearted with only (the Coast’s) Cameron McLintock completing the course and taking home first in the state. “We train a lot of kids and adults here at AWF and as the year progresses, their skills improve, and the standard never ceases to amaze me. “This year we had 15 children qualify for the Nationals and six of these qualified for the World Championships. “At AWF we believe

competitions gives the kids a focus and sense of achievement so we also host end of term competition for eight-to-12 year-olds. “I’m pleased that on the Coast, the sport is rapidly growing in acceptance as a school sport and also throughout the OSHC Centres as a preferred school holiday program. “The government’s support through the Creative Kids and Active Kids vouchers has played a huge part in making Ninja Warrior affordable to all families and helped us build a fantastic ninja community on

the Coast.” Central Coast ninjas Melody O’Donoghue of Point Clare, Micah Hobbs of Kincumber, Casey McLaren of Saratoga, Oliver Maughan of Wyoming, Rocky Croot of Narara and Hunter Maughan of Wyoming qualified for the world titles in the kids and teens divisions and Cameron McLintock of Green Point, Dylan James of Berkeley Vale, Samantha Palmer of Umina and Gillian Hobbs of Kincumber qualified in the adult division. Source: Media release, Dec 13 Australian Warrior Fitness

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