Coast Community News 325 by Central Coast Newspapers

14 JANUARY 2022

ISSUE 325

News

Stuck in a RAT trap

As 2022 begins, we take a look at the biggest news stories on the Coast last year. See page 6

Out&About

COVID-19 concerns dominated the Central Coast over the Christmas-New Year holiday period, with residents queueing for many hours at testing clinics and a drastic shortage of homeadministered Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs).

COVID-19 has claimed another casualty, with the Coastal Twist LGBTIQ Arts & Culture festival due to take place on January 19-23 now rescheduled to September 27-October 3. See page 14

Business

See page 3 Residents line up for rapid antigen tests at Point Clare Pharmacy on January 6

MPs demand free rapid tests as COVID surge continues The push for making Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) free for all and procuring more supplies for the Central Coast has ramped up, with reporting positive results now mandatory through Service NSW and a $1,000 fine in play for failure to report. Shadow Minister for the Central Coast David Harris says the NSW and Federal Governments must not only find a way to supply free RAT

tests, but properly educate GPs in the procedures to follow when their patients contact them for help. Harris said the State Government was “caught with its pants down”, underprepared for the increase in cases and for logistical considerations during the holiday period and needed to restore the community’s confidence that the pandemic is being handled in the best possible way. “Lack of PCR testing facilities,

access to rapid antigen tests, rules around isolation and supply chain issues have plagued the Christmas period and continue to cause problems, even as we approach a planned return to school,” Harris said. “The Christmas holiday period saw many private testing facilities close for the holidays creating huge queues and uncertainty at a time when Omicron was causing a huge increase in cases.

“Access to Rapid Antigen Tests has been difficult with low supplies and high prices impacting on the community’s ability to follow government advice about self-testing, leading to businesses and families being adversely impacted.” Harris said a recent announcement by the Federal Government of free tests for some concession card holders had been badly planned, with pharmacies finding out that they are responsible for

The redevelopment of the West Gosford Shopping Centre is on track to be completed within the next few months... See page 23

sourcing the tests, including paying high prices up front and then finding out that they have to seek reimbursement from a system that has not yet been developed. With students returning to school at the end of the month, there was also a lack of vaccine supply for children with many pharmacies and GPs having to cancel appointments because promised stocks have not arrived, he said. Continued page 4

Sport

Erina Valley born and raised Justin Avendano was called up this year to play for the Melbourne Stars and then the Sydney Sixers and has hopes for more... See page 31

Puzzles page 18

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

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

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14 JANUARY 2022

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NEWS

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ABOUT US

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

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

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.

into someone else’s. And this time, there may be nowhere to run. For your chance to win, write your full name, address, email and daytime telephone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to Coast Community News The Shadow House Competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250, before 5pm on Jan 19.

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

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

Next Edition: Coast Community News 326

she flees an abusive relationship and seeks sanctuary in a rural ecovillage with her teenage son and baby daughter. Pine Ridge is idyllic: the off-grid lifestyle and remote location are perfect, and the community is welcoming – mostly. Charmed by its magnetic founder, Kit, and the natural beauty of the former farmland, Alex settles easily into her new home. But her arrival at Pine Ridge disturbs barely submerged secrets, and she’s shaken by a series of eerily familiar events that seem to be connected to the abandoned farmhouse on the hill. Alex realises that, in escaping her own shadowy past, she may have stumbled

Deadline: January 19

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

Publication date: January 21

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

Publisher: Ross Barry - CEO: Cec Bucello - Editor: Jackie Pearson - Design & Production: Justin Stanley, Lucillia Eljuga Journalists: Terry Collins, Maisy Rae, 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

22 DECEMBER 2021

ISSUE 270

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

News

23 DECEMBER 2021

SUPer Santas

A very caring Christmas Ourimbah Region Residents’ Association (ORRA) have convinced Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart to send a draft masterplan back to town planners for further work. See page 3

The Shelly Beach Malibu Club, a short and long boarding club for women, has received an injection of funding following its successful application for a Surfing NSW grant. See page 13

Business

Vales Point power station has been issued with an order to limit its emissions of nitrogen oxide. In an application to the EPA, Vales Point requested a further five-year license exemption which allows for the emission of more than 800mg per cubic metre of nitrogen oxide (NOx) per day. The EPA granted Delta an exemption to the licence, however, the exemption went hand in hand with an order to reduce current daily levels. The new ruling states that the power station must cut NOx

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levels by 35 per cent to 850 mg per cubic metre for 99 per cent of the time, and 23 per cent to 980 mg per cubic metre for the remaining one per cent, which allows for occasions when burning at higher temperatures occurs. Delta Electricity applied to continue to operate with 1,500mg per cubic metre for a further five years to January 1, 2027. Broadly seen as positive move for guaranteed air quality on the Central Coast, emissions from Vales Point remain at odds with those permitted in the Clear Air Regulation Act, which

came into effect in 2012. Eraring power station, also on Lake Macquarie, emits on average 330mg of NOx per cubic metre. Community and environmental groups engaged in a relentless campaign for Vales Point’s NOx levels to be reduced, based on health impact studies that showed the effect the pollutant can have on adults and children. In response to the campaigning, the EPA engaged in community consultation during the decision-making process for

the exemption request. This was Vales Point’s third request for an exemption. On the previous two occasions, the exemption was granted by the EPA without community consultation. The EPA received 1,800 submissions, while the issue became the subject of several protests. “This is the first time the public have had an opportunity to express their views to the EPA on this issue, so that’s significant,” said campaigning group Future Sooner’s Will Belford.

Many of those submissions called for the EPA to go further than it has and requested that Delta Electricity fit low NOx burners at the station, much like those in use at nearby Eraring and in power stations across the world. It is believed that the fitting of the low NOx burners would have resulted in a halving current emission levels. Reports suggest that low NOx burners would have cost owners Delta $90m.

Central Coast Council is inviting community feedback on what makes up the unique character of Toukley, Canton Beach, Noraville and Norah Head... See page 21

Sport

On Saturday, December 18, the Central Coast Mariners confidently defeated the Western Sydney Wanderers 2-0 at Central Coast Stadium to secure a second win in a row.

Continued page 4

Page 32

Puzzles page 19

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

See page 3

The Federal Government announced last week it has taken the first steps towards cancelling the PEP-11 permit for offshore gas exploration over an 8,200 square metre area from Newcastle to Wollongong, with waters off the Peninsula a possible drill site. Labor and independent candidates for the Federal electorate of Robertson said, however, they were unconvinced by the declaration and permit holder Asset Energy also claims the fight is not over.

The permit expired in February, with an application for renewal 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, announced last week at Terrigal that 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.

NOPTA, as the regulator, will grant the applicant 30 days to respond to the notice of intention to refuse the application. But with permit holder Asset Energy (a subsidiary of Advent Energy) foreshadowing a “consultation and assessment process that could take several months” and Labor candidates for Robertson remaining cynical, doubts are emerging that a final resolution will be reached before the next Federal election, which will take place by May next year. Morrison said last week that while gas is an important part

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.

of Australia’s current and future energy mix, this is not the right project for the “pristine beaches and waters” off the east coast of NSW. He said the major reasons for refusal were high levels of community opposition and the fact the Government was not satisfied that the applicant is able to raise sufficient funding to progress the work. 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

Kindergarten students at Woy Woy Public School received a very special delivery during Week 10 of Term 4 2021.

environment and oceans. But Asset Energy Executive Director, David Breeze, said the announcement ignored science and the need for gas and the company looked forward to working with NOPTA and the Government over an “assessment process” he said could take “several months”. “Our focus will be on addressing concerns and letting people know about the positive environmental and economic benefits which would come from our proposal,” Breeze said. Continued page 4

See page 27

Sport

Central Coast Surf Academy recently received $2,500 to help encourage women and girls into surfing as part of a new focus on equality in the sport. See page 29

Puzzles page 18

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

With major storms and bushfires likely to occur in the region in coming months, Central Coast Council is urging residents to start a conversation with their family, friends and neighbours about preparing for seasonal hazards.

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

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

13 JANUARY 2022

Scraps for Peninsula in Council’s draft three-year plan

Central Coast Football has been de-registered by both Football Australia and Football NSW after failing to reach agreement with the two associations on fees and insurance. See page 10

Out&About

See page 21

The NSW Government must find a way to provide rapid antigen tests for free, ensure the Service NSW app is working to provide recording of positive tests and properly educate GPs in the procedures to follow when their patients contact them for help, according to

Shadow Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong, David Harris. “It’s time that the politicians who are being driven by ideology get out of the way and let the health experts back in charge so that the community can have confidence that this

pandemic is being handled in the best way,” Harris said. He said the recent surge in Covid 19 cases demonstrated that both the State and Federal Governments were underprepared for the increase in cases and for logistical considerations during the holiday period.

According to Harris, they had been “caught with their pants down”. “Lack of PCR testing facilities, access to rapid antigen tests, rules around isolation and supply chain issues have plagued the Christmas period and continue to cause problems, even as we approach

Sport

a planned return to school,” Harris said. “The Christmas holiday period saw many private testing facilities close for the holidays creating huge queues and uncertainty at a time when omicron was causing a huge increase in cases. Continued page 4

The new year brought an unexpected break for the Central Coast Mariners due to the emergence of Covid-19 throughout the camp in late December, 2021. Page 32

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.

See page 6

Out&About

CCN can report that there have been five COVID-related deaths on the Coast since December 27.

On December 27 a woman in her 90s died Wyong hospital, she had received two doses of vaccine and had underlying health conditions. Then on December 30 a woman in her 70s passed away at Gosford hospital who had not been vaccinated and had underlying health conditions. A woman in her 80s passed away on January 5 in Gosford hospital where she acquired the infection.

She had received two doses of vaccine. On January 9 a man in his 70s who died at Gosford Hospital was not vaccinated and had significant underlying health conditions. The latest COVID-related death to be reported on the Coast at the time of going to press was a man in his 80s who died at Gosford Hospital from cancer. He had two doses of the vaccine but he was COVID-

COVID-19 has claimed another casualty, with the Coastal Twist LGBTIQ Arts & Culture festival due to take place on January 19-23 now rescheduled to September 27-October 3. See page 14

Business

positive at the time of his passing. CCN send our condolences to all families and loved ones of those who have passed. “The holiday period was a really difficult time, with a lot of the private test providers shutting down to give their staff a much-needed break,” according to McLachlan. “Unfortunately it was a time when a lot of people needed to get tested which put added pressure on the public clinics.

“Our staff did an amazing job working up to 12 hours a day to get people tested.” McLachlan acknowledged queues were constantly lengthy and results were taking five or six days on average to be delivered. “A lot of people were testing positive so fewer tests could be grouped together which meant the results were taking a long time to get out,” he said. Continued page 4

Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Nick Montgomery says a full Mariners squad will take the field at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday afternoon (January 15) against local rivals Newcastle Jets in the M1 Derby. See page 32

Puzzles page 18

E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

The push for making Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) free for all and procuring more supplies for the Central Coast has ramped up, with reporting positive results now mandatory through Service NSW and a $1,000 fine in play for failure to report. Shadow Minister for the Central Coast David Harris says the NSW and Federal Governments must not only find a way to supply free RAT

The redevelopment of the West Gosford Shopping Centre is on track to be completed within the next few months... See page 23

Sport

Erina Valley born and raised Justin Avendano was called up this year to play for the Melbourne Stars and then the Sydney Sixers and has hopes for more... See page 31

Puzzles page 18

It all starts with spirit spiritsuper.com.au

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

Office: Level 1.01/86-88 Mann Street Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250

MPs demand free rapid tests as COVID surge continues

See page 27

Sport

spiritsuper.com.au

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

Residents line up for rapid antigen tests at Point Clare Pharmacy on January 6

The Central Coast sub-branch of the Independent Education Union is calling for consultation and clarity from the NSW Government for students in the return to school...

It all starts with spirit

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

Five COVID deaths on Coast over holiday period Recorded COVID cases on the Central Coast over the Christmas-New Year break were in the vicinity of 8-9,000 but Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) CEO, Scott McLachlan, says in reality the numbers are probably around three times that.

Puzzles page 19

It all starts with spirit

As 2022 begins, we take a look at the biggest news stories on the Coast last year.

Ettalong singer-songwriter Jamie Lindsay is straight out of the blocks in 2022 with an uplifting new single. See page 13

Business

Education

See page 3

Government must restore community’s confidence - Harris

News

Stuck in a RAT trap

Last year was a big one for Pacific Link Housing, with the completion of a major affordable housing project on the Central Coast and a number of award wins. See page 21

No money is earmarked for the Pearl Beach Lagoon Coastal Zone Management Plan actions for stormwater treatment until year three of Central Coast Council’s latest operational plan draft.

Mardi has made it to a list of the 20 suburbs across Australia where it is currently near impossible to find a rental property.

See page 11

ISSUE 325

ISSUE 042

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

OUT & ABOUT

Business

Community invited to give feedback on latest blueprint for the region

News

Beach access is being made a lot easier this summer for people in the Coast’s northern suburbs who have limited mobility or live with a disability. See page 13

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

See page 5 Parkhouse at Kibble Park will be hosting a range of interactive art exhibitions with locally made products available for purchase

Candidates not convinced by PM’s PEP-11 announcement

Residents asked to prepare for rough weather

Out&About

Education

ISSUE 271

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

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...

Members of the Patonga Beach Progress Association have paid their respects to Patonga resident Charles ‘Charlie’ Sproul who passed away this month. See page 5

See page 13

The team from Husqvarna HQ at Tuggerah donate toys to We Care Connect

14 JANUARY 2022 12 JANUARY 2022

News

Community and visitors invited to reIMAGINE Gosford

Three restaurants on the Peninsula have been recognised in a national guide aimed at listing the hottest spots to enjoy this summer. See page 21

Over 20 Santas donned their red hats and sacks for a festive paddle along the Ettalong waterfront last weekend.

See page 15

New emission limits don’t satisfy campaigners

News

Business

Out&About

Community organisation We Care Connect has received over 1,100 requests to provide Christmas gifts to disadvantaged Central Coast children this year.

ISSUE 322

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REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

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PAGE 3

14 JANUARY 2022

Coast stuck in a RAT trap COVID-19 concerns dominated the Central Coast over the ChristmasNew Year holiday period, with residents queueing for many hours at testing clinics and a drastic shortage of homeadministered Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs). As many residents reported queueing for five hours or more at testing clinics, some only to be turned away after the lengthy wait, the Federal Government announced changes on January 6 to encourage more use of RATs to free up clinic queues. It announced up to 10 RATs would be provided over three months to various concession card holders at pharmacies and said only those with symptoms or who are close contacts should line up for a clinic test. Those who test positive on a RAT no longer need to confirm

with a clinic test and residents have been made more responsible for their own isolation periods. The only problem is that even as we went to press, a huge shortage of RATs on the Coast has left many stranded with no means of self-testing. Labor Candidate for the seat of Robertson, Dr. Gordon Reid, last week called on the Government to ensure the Coast community has access to free RATs as a matter of urgency. “The Australian Medical Association, our medical professionals and our health workers have been calling for increased testing capacity and availability for months,” Reid said. “Once again, this government is not prepared.” Reid said with RATs in short supply, he had heard reports of residents parking their cars at Central Coast clinics overnight

to secure a PCR test. “People are wanting to do the right thing and are genuinely trying,” he said. “However, with the inability to access or afford RATs, the inconceivable wait times for PCR tests and the unexpected closure of PCR testing sites, our community is feeling abandoned and vulnerable.” Reid said small businesses are short-staffed with enforced isolation absences and medical and testing staff are under

severe strain. Premier Dominic Perrotet said the first batch of 100 million RATs will be distributed to NSW essential public workers and vulnerable communities from this week. He said the NSW Government will receive 50 million tests from mid-January to February, with a further 50 million being sourced for delivery from February and into March. Vulnerable populations will be prioritised, including:

Up to 10 Rapid Antigen Tests will be provided free at pharmacies over three months (a maximum of five in a month) to people holding the following cards: . Pension Concession Card . Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card . Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold, White or Orange Card . Health Care Card . Low Income Health Card

Aboriginal communities; people receiving aged care services in the home; people with a disability in supported independent living accommodation; refugees; social housing tenants, rough sleepers and women’s refuges; and vulnerable families and children and young people in residential and out-of-home care. Meanwhile the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is calling for more RAT stocks for general practices and high-risk locations such as aged care facilities. “We must do everything possible to ensure that anyone can access a Rapid Antigen Test when they need one,” RACGP President, Dr Karen Price, said. Catholic Health Australia (CHA) says RAT tests should be free for all Australians. CHA Chief Executive Pat

Garcia said subsidising RATs only for those already receiving government payments is flawed. “Fully funding COVID-19 testing, as governments have done since the start of the pandemic, is a very costeffective way to help manage the enormous public health challenge COVID-19 presents,” Garcia said. “It is untenable to ask Australians to exercise personal responsibility for managing the risk of COVID-19 without ensuring they have the tools to do so.” The call has been seconded by the National Council of the St Vincent de Paul Society. National President Claire Victory said access to supply and cost are major issues for the Society with vulnerable people at increased risk of contracting COVID. Terry Collins

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14 JANUARY 2022

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MPs demand free rapid tests as COVID surge continues From page 1

Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris

“The community’s confidence in both the NSW Government and the Australian Government response to COVID is being undermined because of a chaotic approach since November, with both levels of government scrambling to react to the reality on the ground being experienced by communities including the Central Coast,” Harris said. “People are trying their

AUSSIE GROWN AUSSIE OWNED

hardest to be responsible and follow the rules but the basic infrastructure needed to comply either doesn’t exist, is too hard to access or doesn’t work and this is adding to the stress families are already feeling with sickness spreading through their loved ones.” Member for Dobell, Emma McBride, was also critical of the lack of availability of RATs on the Coast. “Despite having months to prepare for this latest COVID-19

outbreak, the Prime Minister has failed to shore up supply of Rapid Antigen Tests for people on the Central Coast,” she said. “With COVID-19 cases soaring across NSW and testing clinics being overrun, locals have no choice but to pay top dollar for a RAT, if they can find one. “This Government has a responsibility to secure more Rapid Antigen Tests for our community, but they’ve been too slow to act once again.

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“We’re seeing supermarket shelves stripped bare, pharmacies running out of tests and vulnerable Coasties being forced to pay outrageous prices for a simple swab.” While welcoming news that concession card holders will now be given free RATs, McBride said they should be free and accessible for all Australians. “PCR tests are free for everyone through Medicare, RATs should be too,” she said. She said the Government should have worked with pharmacies to secure supply before making the announcement about free tests for concession card holders. She said pharmacies were unlikely to receive stock before the free tests are made available in the next two weeks. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch acknowledged the frustration felt by many across the Central Coast due to having limited testing labs open to the public during the Christmas and New Year period. “Testing capacities across the Central Coast and broader NSW are currently under

pressure,” he said. “To assist in reducing this, the only people getting a PCR should be those who: have COVID-19 symptoms; live in a household with a confirmed COVID-19 positive case; or have been in a venue where NSW Health has advised there has been high transmission. “Whilst I apologise for the delays, it is important to remember that the NSW Government has no jurisdiction over whether or not private testing clinics are open. “The state-run COVID-19 testing labs at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals remained open over the busy holiday period. “To help ease the pressure on testing labs, NSW residents who return a positive rapid antigen test will no longer be required to obtain a PCR test prior to going into isolation.” Crouch said the mandatory reporting of positive RAT test results would allow case numbers to be monitored and enable the Government to plan and allocate health resources where required. Terry Collins

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NEWS

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14 JANUARY 2022

More rapid tests needed to fix supply chain Central Coast residents will have noticed a lot of empty supermarket shelves in recent weeks – but this time it’s not all due to panic buying. The Transport Workers Union (TWU) says the empty shelves underscore the Federal Government’s failure to provide Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) for transport workers, with up to 50 per cent of truck drivers absent due to COVID-19. The national Cabinet removed the requirement for truck drivers to have rolling seven days tests on January 6 but the move could be too little too late, with the TWU saying the country’s supply chain is under significant pressure. Large logistics operators are reporting up to half their workforce absent amid testing delays and the inability of workers to secure RATs. TWU National Secretary, Michael Kaine, said reports of empty supermarket shelves across Australia was a predictable outcome of the Government’s failure to prioritise rapid tests for the country’s most mobile workforce.

“The union has been told by large transport operators working out of major Australia ports that between a third and half of their workforce are missing each day,” he said. “The TWU wrote to the Prime Minister in October urging the Gvernment to provide rapid tests to road transport workers to avoid unnecessary delays and keep drivers on the road. “Instead, we have a completely predictable scenario where drivers are delivering rapid tests to be sold on the shelves of supermarkets and pharmacies - but they, like most Australians, can’t access them themselves.” Kaine said road transport is Australia’s most mobile industry and interstate truck drivers are at increased risk of virus exposure. “The TWU and Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO) have been calling on the Federal Government to implement a COVID-Safe National Transport Roadmap with rapid testing at its heart to combat the risk of COVID spreading across states and territories as other restrictions are eased,” he said.

Many shelves have been empty at local supermarkets this week

“We need to prioritise critical industries like transport. “These tests are an important weapon in the fight against the virus, and without them, the virus is hitching a ride through transport supply chains, putting workers and the industry in danger. “It’s always too little, too late with this government. “First it was the sluggish vaccine rollout that left transport workers behind, and

now it’s the failure to protect transport workers and supply chains from Omicron. “It is vital that rapid tests are free and readily available. “The Government must prioritise access to transport workers and their employers who the community is again depending upon to keep Australia moving safely.” The State Government announced on January 9 that critical workers in the food

logistics and manufacturing sectors who are close contacts will be permitted to leave selfisolation to attend work if they have no symptoms , which might see supermarket shelves restocked sooner rather than later. Workers will only be eligible to leave self-isolation if their employer determines that their absence from the workplace poses a high risk of disruption to the delivery of critical

services or activities, and they are unable to work from home. Workers to whom this applies in the agriculture, manufacturing, transport, postal and warehousing environments must wear a mask and comply with riskmanagement strategies put in place by their employer, including daily Rapid Antigen Tests. Meanwhile, timetables for public transport were adjusted from January 10 to help provide reliable services while managing staff impacts of the Omicron outbreak. Customers should plan ahead by visiting transportnsw.info to get the latest timetable information and service alerts. Customer capacity limits on public transport services due to be removed on December 31 last year, have now been extended until late January 2022. The current capacity limit of 75 per cent of customers on any public transport service will remain in place. Masks are mandatory for anyone using public transport services across the network. Terry Collins

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14 JANUARY 2022

NEWS

As 2022 begins, we take a look at the biggest news stories on the Coast last year.

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February

March

April

2021 in the rearMay

June

January

February: Ratepayers protested a proposed 15 per cent rate hike

January: A proposal for redevelopment of the Bangaloe Stud site drew opposition

The year started off with a bluebottle plague across the region. Residents were showing concern about a 10-15 per cent rate rise mooted by Central Coast Council. Residents protested a proposed caravan park development for the old Bangaloe Stud site at Kincumber after a DA for an over 55s retirement village was knocked back for the location. Meals on Wheels volunteer Paula Hardwick was named Central Coast Citizen of the Year. Acting Council CEO Rik Hart defended the projected rate rise and a developer continued to fight for approval to add a sixth level to a controversial development in Church St, Terrigal. The Local Planning Panel rejected a proposal for Mt Penang Parklands for three fast food outlets and a vehicle repair business. More than 200,000 people flocked to the region’s beaches over the Australia Day weekend, with 168 recues carried out. Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock extended the role of Council Administrator Dick Persson for three months, with councillors to remain suspended. Suspended Councillor Greg Best said if the Council were to be reinstated after that time it should offer a public apology to ratepayers for the financial mess which led to an administrator being appointed in October, 2020. Brazel Moore Lawyers in Gosford celebrated 40 years of practice and former Gosford Mayor Lawrie McKinna was appointed Chair of Regional Development Australia Central Coast. Concrete pouring began on a 41-unit social housing development in Beane St, Gosford, as concerns about housing shortages on the Coast escalated.

Dozens of angry ratepayers gathered outside the Gosford chambers to protest the proposed rate hike. Stage two of the Central Coast Conservatorium refurbishment began. The region’s Labor MPs called for more social housing with the waiting list topping 3,000. Council Administrator Dick Persson floated a referendum to reduce councillor numbers to nine. Coast Living appealed the rejection of an over 55s retirement village on the old Bangaloe Stud site, with a second application for a caravan park on the site still in play. Staff cuts continued at Council as four director positions were culled. COVID-19 restrictions began to ease. Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese was at Terrigal to call for the cancellation of the PEP 11 offshore drilling permit due to expire on February 12. After months of silence on PEP-11, Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks announced she would oppose renewal on the very day of Albanese’s visit. Council announced it would apply to IPART for a 15 per cent rate rise despite ratepayer opposition. The Leagues Club Park opened at Gosford more than two years after it was announced. An assessment was conducted on the Empire Bay boatshed as its future hung in the balance. A BMX track upgrade commenced at Terrigal. A petition calling for a judicial inquiry in Central Coast Council reached 20,000 signatures. Residents were gobsmacked to learn rates in the former Gosford LGA could rise by 42 per cent due to rates harmonisation in addition to the 15 per cent SRV. Former Gosford Deputy Mayor Keith Whitfield passed away at the age of 83 and aged care nurses on the Coast rallied to demand more government support for the sector.

March: Leagues Club Park was opened

Premier Gladys Berejiklian opened Leagues Club Park in Gosford as new Council CEO David Farmer took the reins. Pressure mounted for an inquiry into Council, with Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch saying a judicial inquiry was not likely and a public inquiry was the most likely scenario. The Community Environment Network (CEN) claimed Council’s draft Mountain Bike Strategy was flawed as it went on public exhibition and The Greens called for deamalgamation of Council. As exploration on erosion solutions for Wamberal Beach continued to divide the community, Administrator Dick Persson admitted Council had no money for any of the proposed moves. Almost 500 women marched along the Gosford waterfront in support of the March4Justice movement against genderbased violence. Hymix Australia copped fines totaling $23,000 for alleged contamination of Kincumber Creek but community activists claimed the amount was “woefully inadequate”. Another link for the shared pathway at Davistown was announced. More COVID restrictions were relaxed with people now allowed to stand up and drink at venues. Breakers and Niagara Park stadiums hosted the Junior Premier and Eastern League competition launch. A state of natural disaster was declared on the Coast after a week of torrential rain and Council’s Status of Women Advisory committee had a reprieve from being merged with other committees. Heavy rains highlighted contamination issues at Kincumber Creek with Hymix saying sediment washing off the poorly maintained Cochrone Rd was to blame.

April: A major cleanup following heavy rains was conducted

A huge cleanup was undertaken following the damaging storms in March. Sara Lee notched up 50 years on the Coast and restrictions were eased. Calls continued to be made for an official inquiry into Council and animal activists protested the Camel Races outside Gosford showground. Greater Sydney Commission outlined its keys to growth for the region in its Central Coast Strategy. Terrigal boardwalk was opened with a fanfare by the Premier. A $110M development in John Whiteway Dr, Gosford, was scaled back after objections were received and Central Coast Leagues Club’s $442M redevelopment plan moved to the next stage of consideration as a State Significant Development. There were reports Manchester United was in talks to buy the Mariners and relocate them to Sydney. The Local Government Minister ruled out a judicial inquiry into Council and calls continued for a decision on the PEP11 permit. The next stage of the upgrade on the Bouddi National Park walkway began. Housing prices continued to soar and community activists rejected proposed amendments to the over 55s lifestyle village proposed for the old Bangaloe Stud site. Tascott high jumper Nicola McDermott made history by becoming the first woman at the 2021 Australian Championships to clear 2m. Local Government Minister Hancock announced Council’s administration period would be further extended, with former acting CEO Rik Hart to replace Dick Persson from April 30 and elections postponed for a year with a public inquiry to be held into Council. Thousands attended Anzac services on the Coast after last year’s ceremonies were cancelled due to COVID-19 and a possible rezone for Gosford waterfront was mooted to open up more development.

May: COVID restrictions and lockdowns were reintroduced as the Delta variant made an appearance on the Coast

New Council CEO David Farmer opened up about his goals in the job and suspended Councillor Chris Holstein said the decision to leave councillors suspended would end his 30year political career. The Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia announced it would seek registration prior to the next Federal election with opposition to a proposed Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council development at Kariong one of its main campaign issues. A proposed rezone of Gosford Bowling Club land put an allabilities bowls program at risk. Dick Persson farewelled the Coast as his tenure as Administrator ended. Construction began on a revamp of Narara Skate Park and a DA for the Central Coast Quarter development at the southern end of Mann St, Gosford, drew mixed reactions. It was announced a new university campus would be established in the old Mitre 10 building in Mann St and Gosford Race Club hosted the Inaugural Coast Race Day, the first metro meet at the racecourse. IPART approved the 15 per cent rate rise, comprising the 2 per cent cap and a 13 per cent Special Rate Variation (SRV), for three years only. The community of Spencer called for more help from all levels of government in times of natural disaster after being cut off by bushfires and floods over many years. Calls grew for the removal of shark nets amid claims other sea creatures were being injured and the Central Coast Air Show attracted 15,000 visitors. The $217M Northside Private Hospital at West Gosford was approved as a State Significant Development.

June: Nurses rallied outside Gosford Hospital calling for nurse to patient ratios

Asset Energy called for tenders for offshore drilling equipment with no decision on the PEP11 permit renewal made. Calls for Gosford Bowling Club to be taken off Council’s assets sales list ramped up and support for the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill grew. CEN called on Council to exclude sensitive community lands from its asset sales list and the Mounties Group announcedit was in amalgamation talks with Breakers at Wamberal. A $115M hotel proposed for Racecourse Rd, Gosford, was under consideration by the NSW Planning Department. Nurses and midwives rallied to call for better nurse to patient ratios and 10 Coasties were recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. A Local Planning Panel decision to refuse a four-lot subdivision incorporating the Springfield Wetland was applauded by residents. The proponent of the contentious development in John Whiteway Dr lodged a reply to submissions but CEN said suggested modifications did not go far enough. Mariners Head Coach Alen Stajcic and Assistant Coach Nahuel Arrarte stepped down as the team bowed out of the A-League season in an elimination final. Fragments of COVID-19 were found in the Brooklyn Sewerage treatment plant and Coast Environmental Alliance criticised Council for not prosecuting a resident who illegally cleared environmentally sensitive land at Kariong. Residents of Presbyterian Aged Care at East Gosford were rattled when the facility was put on the market. Construction of the Clinical School and Research institute in the grounds of Gosford Hospital was completed.

view mirror

July

July: Hymix continued to deny responsibility for pollution of Kincumber Creek

The Central Coast went into lockdown as the Delta variant of COVID-19 impacted case numbers and the Pfizer vaccine was in short supply, with younger people urged to opt instead for the more readily available AstraZeneca. Council looked at using sand from Sydney Metro West Tunnel project to re-nourish Wamberal Beach and mooted plans to apply for the three-year SRV granted by IPART to be extended. More and more facilities were closed as lockdown looked like being extended and Hymix continued to deny responsibility for pollution of Kincumber Creek. The Local Planning Panel rejected the application for a sixth storey on the controversial Church St development at Terrigal and mandatory QR code check-in was expanded. Labor MPs came out opposing an extension of the SRV and it was revealed the Council CEO earns almost as much as the Prime Minister and more than the Premier of NSW. Kariong was in mourning as a five-week-old baby was killed by the family dog. Lockdown was extended until the end of the month. Confusion reigned over the regional status of the Coast with lockdown rules including it with Greater Sydney and a house at Avoca Beach sold for $7M as property prices continued to explode. Non-essential retail was shut down as fears emerged the lockdown would extend beyond July and Labor MPs called for a mass vaccination centre in the region. Lockdown was extended until the end of August and a referendum on the number of councillors on Central Coast Council mooted for September was deferred. Construction activity on the Coast resumed at the end of the month with strict COVID protocols. Young Gosford sailor Miles Greenwood won the 57th Sabot Nationals at Townsville.

August

September

August: Tascott local Nicola McDermott took silver in High Jump at the Olympics

September: Plans emerged for redevelopment of the Peat Island precinct

Nicola McDermott qualified for the Women’s High Jump Final at the Olympics, taking out the silver medal. Coast residents were furious when some of the region’s Pfizer supplies were re directed to Sydney high school students. Council received funding for the first stage of a walking trail around Terrigal Lagoon and Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent, both with branches on the Coast, announced they would merge. The Local Planning Panel once again rejected an over 55s retirement village on the old Bangaloe Stud site. Coast COVID numbers began to climb and there were calls from the community to retain the old Kariong Skate Bowl even after a new one is built nearby. Council invited community comment on five seawall options for Wamberal Beach, with thousands of residents remaining adamant a seawall was not the right solution for ongoing erosion problems. There was some hope of an end to lockdown when the Coast was separated from Greater Sydney with respect to Public Health Orders as case numbers continued to rise in the region. Businesses began to agitate for speedier delivery of COVID relief measures as restrictions eased for the doubly vaccinated. Concerns emerged about a Development Control Plan for the Peat Island precinct expected to be released soon. A shortage of GPs was highlighted and pressure mounted on Resources Minister Keith Pitt to deliver a decision on the renewal of the PEP11 permit. CEN called for IPART to hold off on any decision regarding extension of the SRV until after the public inquiry into Council ended and there was opposition to a proposal for a disability housing project at North Gosford. As the Paralmypics got underway in Tokyo, Coasties were rooting for local competitors, archer Peter Marchant and canoeist Dylan Littlehales.

COVID cases on the Coast continued to rise as Pfizer supplies dwindled and residents of Presbyterian Aged Care at East Gosford continued to be concerned over their futures. Central Coast Animal Care at Erina was given notice to vacate as Council consolidated animal care for the region at its Charmhaven facility. Central Coast lifesavers took out seven state awards at the Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence. Lockdown was extended yet again and staff at Council’s Gosford Chambers were put on notice for relocation to Wyong. Residents at East Gosford Presbyterian Care breathed a sigh of relief with the news they would be able to remain in their homes, with the facility being sold to a social housing provider. Bells at Killcare lodged an application to expand its number of rooms and add a wellness centre. A roadmap was revealed for bringing the Coast out of lockdown. The Mariners announced they will enter a women’s team in the W-League in 2022-23. The State Government granted $900,000 for Australian brewery Bearfarm to expand its operations to the Coast and the Dan Murphy’s site at West Gosford was listed for sale. The Central Coast Mountain Trail Bike Alliance called on Council to provide sustainable off-road cycling infrastructure as it cracked down on illegal trails and jumps. A three-month consultation period on plans for the redevelopment of the Peat Island precinct began amid concerns over a proposal for 270 homes to be provided adjacent to the island. COVID case numbers on the Central Coast topped 500 since the emergence of the Delta variant. Major intersection upgrades were announced along Manns Rd. A new exhibition period opened for the first tower of the Central Coast Quarter development in Mann St, Gosford.

October

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November

October: Patrons flocked back to pubs and clubs as lockdown ended

November: Thousands celebrated Remembrance Day across the Coast

With residents still reeling from the 15 per cent rate rise, the news came that they could face a 34 per cent rise in water rates next year. Meanwhile, Council appealed to residents to support moves to see the 13 per cent SRV extended for an extra seven years. The long-awaited public hearings for the inquiry into Council hit a technical glitch in their first week, with transcripts of witness statements published before online hearings resumed. Before public hearings concluded on October 20, the inquiry heard from CEO David Farmer, Chief Financial Officer, Natalia Cowley, Administrator Rik Hart and former Administrator Dick Persson, 13 suspended councillors and two former councillors. COVID restrictions began to ease on October 11 after 15 weeks of lockdown and Dr Gordon Reid announced he would contest the seat of Robertson for the Labor Party at the next Federal election. Hundreds of Coast workers rallied in opposition to State Government “no jab no job” policy and comments were invited on a major roundabout upgrade at Tumbi Umbi. The applicant appealed a rejection of a sixth storey on the Church St, Terrigal, development and the controversial project in John Whiteway Dr Gosford, was approved as a State Significant Development. The Central Coast Lakes Festival returned with a new expanded program and the Federal Government’s announcement of its intention to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 was described by Member for Dobell Emma McBride as a “major letdown”. Eight playspace upgrades were announced for the region and the Federal Government was called out for lack of action on $30M pledged for more commuter carparking at Gosford during the 2019 election campaign. Central Coast Leagues Club reported a profit of just over $3.5M for the 2020-21 financial year.

The new Regional Youth Support Services (RYSS) office was officially opened in Gosford. After finalising redundancies for hundreds of works, Council announced it was about to establish 72 new permanent equivalent positions. The Conservation Ark facility was opened at Somersby and further freedoms were announced for residents who had received two COVID vaccinations. Terrigal Beach was the only Coast waterway to receive a Poor rating in the 2020-21 State of the Beaches report and it was revealed rents on the Coast had risen by up to 30 per cent over the past year. The Coast sporting community was in mourning over the death of cricketing great Alan Davidson and thousands of people all over the Coast celebrated Remembrance Day on November 11. A three-year campaign by residents saw a $4.3M upgrade of footpaths at North Avoca announced by the Federal Government and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese was on the Coast again to reinforce that a Labor Government would put an end to PEP11. A second “no jab, no job” protest was held at The Entrance and Hotel Gosford reopened following an 18-month renovation. A new community group was formed to fight the proposal for housing development nearthe Peat Island. The Wamberal Beach Save Our Sand group continued to oppose a seawall at the popular beach and $9M road upgrades were completed at Copacabana. It was announced State Government money allocated for the removal of weeds from a Council-owned portion of Springfield Wetlands would also be used to clear the privately owned section and affordable housing emerged as a hot issue in the lead-up to the next Federal election. The Central Coast Steam Model Co-op in Showground Rd, Gosford, was targeted by vandals and the State Government committed $8M to build 200 new stables at Gosford racecourse.

NEWS

PAGE 7

14 JANUARY 2022

December

December: An announcement from PM Scott Morrison on PEP11 was cautiously welcomed

A $100M TAFE campus and housing development was proposed for the centre of Gosford, with Council in talks with the State Government over the purchase of the chambers building and surrounding land parcels. As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 made its appearance on the Coast, Premier Dominic Perrottet reinforced that restriction easing for all would proceed on December 15. The Australian Reptile Park was named Business of the Year by Business NSW and Tascott made a list of the 20 most family friendly suburbs in NSW. Hundreds of the region’s teachers joined statewide strike action seeking better pay and reduced workloads, the State Government unveiled its Regional Plan for the Central Coast and nurses and midwives protested staffing levels outside Gosford Hospital. An announcement by Premier Dominic Perrottet that the Coast was to be included with Greater Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle in a “six cities” vision was criticised by Labor MPs. An announcement made by Prime Minister Scott Morrison that the Federal Government would write to relevant authorities putting an end to PEP11 was met with some scepticism. The Indigenous-Aboriginal party of Australia announced that Jeff Lawson would replace Tracey Howie as its candidate for Robertson in the Federal election and Council proposed cutting its meetings from twice a month to just once per month. Council announced it would push ahead with a Mountain Biking Plan for the region, despite divided community opinion, and the Dine& Discover voucher program was extended. A sand, soil and building materials recycling centre at Somersby was approved by the NSW Government despite hundreds of objections, and construction began on the tow 15-storey tower Vue Mer housing development on Henry Parry Dr, Gosford.

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14 JANUARY 2022

NEWS

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One out of 744 survey responses made public Local resident Madeleine is not at all satisfied with Central Coast Council but she believes the best service it offers is the six curbside garbage collections per year. Madeleine is the one and only person identified from the 744 Central Coast residents who participated in a “statistically representative community survey” undertaken for Council. The survey asked respondents to choose between cutting services or continuing to pay increased rates to help Council stay on track financially. The survey allows Council to tick the “Community Consultation” box when submitting its request to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to keep its current rate rise. Last year Council was given a

one-off rise of 13 per cent plus the annual rate pegs for three years after which the 13 per cent is meant to be removed. Council will apply in February to keep that 13 per cent rate variation (RV) for another seven years. The survey found an almost 50 per cent split between those who were prepared to cop the RV for 10 years and those who preferred Council cuts services. The services the 744 respondents used the least were Warnervale Airport and councilrun child care centres but 60 per cent of the respondents didn’t have children. The survey didn’t ask how many flew planes, at least not the survey shown that Madeleine filled in. Madeleine, who is retired from paid employment and self-

identified as being in the 70 to 84 age bracket, wants less Council money spent on artworks painted on footpaths, and on parks and playgrounds in general. However, Madeleine is prepared to pay the special rate variation for another seven years. Older residents were more likely to favour the SV extension option, while younger residents favoured the reduced services option. Madeleine said it was something that residents were being forced into but the RV was “a no-brainer” because “who would want to reduce service levels”. “We are not being given any other option,” Madeleine said. The survey showed that Warnervale airport and childcare centres were the least used of services Council provided while roads and rubbish and public

toilets were most used. Respondents were most satisfied with lifesavers, libraries, leisure centres and waste services and least satisfied with council’s performance on roads, the airport, estuaries, coastal lagoons, creeks, wetlands and coastal management. But when it came time to decide where Council should spend less money, most respondents still preferred to have the same or more investment across 47 identified service areas. MicroMex Research said that a number of those who chose the reduced services option may have been doing so due to dissatisfaction with Council more than a real desire to see service levels drop. The report about the survey said that one in two respondents mentioned Council should be

held responsible for its financial situation. But these comments are not public – only Madeleine’s comments are public. Like many of the older, longterm residents who did the survey, Madeleine said she was dissatisfied with Council. Madeleine recounted how she and her husband watched an ad on TV promoting NSW tourism. “It highlighted the southern highlands, Sydney, Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens as well as other further north destinations – not one word about the Central Coast – it just beggars belief,” she said. Madeleine requested that her completed survey be identified and provided to Council. It was attached to the survey results that were presented to Council on December 20 last

year. At that meeting, the Administrator Rik Hart agreed to a raft of Council strategies going out on public exhibition over the Christmas-new year holiday period. Council needs to prove to IPART that it has met its requirements to apply for a SRV. As part of IPART’s process, Council must update its Integrated Planning and Reporting documents to identify the need for an SV and to detail the options or scenarios that are available. These documents remain on public exhibition for your comments until January 21. Go to Our Coast Your Voice to see them all. https://www. yourvoiceourcoast.com/ Merilyn Vale

Mapping system offline due to cyber attack Central Coast Council restricted use of its online mapping system for a short period from December 15 in response to global cyber security attacks. The move followed a warning of serious software vulnerability being exploited by “malicious actors” around the world, including

against organisations in Australia, issued on December 10 by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). “Now is not the time forAustralian individuals or businesses to be complacent about their cyber security,” Assistant Minister for Defence,Andrew Hastie said at the time.

“The flaw in the widely used Apache software library known as Log4j allows unauthorised users to quickly gain access to a computer system through the internet. “The Log4j software library is found in a vast array of software and used by both individuals and businesses.” Hastie advised organisations

who utiliseApache Log4j2 versions toreview their patch level and update to the latest available version, with the ACSC National Hotline 1300 CYBER1 providing assistance as required. A spokesperson said Council has a rigorous cyber-security program and collaborates with Cyber Security NSW and other partners to

protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of Council’s systems and data. “Part of this protocol includes taking proactive maintenance to ensure the security of our customer and organisational data,” the spokesperson said. “In relation to the recent global cyber security attacks, and as a

precaution only, Council’s online mapping system was restricted from the Internet from 12pm on December 15.” The spokesperson said the vendor of the online mapping system had since released a patch and the system was now restored. Terry Collins

Caring for our community • • • •

204/1 Bryant Drive PO Box 3763 Tuggerah NSW 2259

COVID-19 Medicare NDIS Centrelink

02 4353 0127

• • • •

NBN Veterans’ Affairs Jobs & Training Congratulatory Messages

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

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

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PAGE 9

14 JANUARY 2022

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

lucywicksmp.com.au

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

02 4322 2400

LucyWicksMP

PAGE 10 14 JANUARY 2022

NEWS

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Six COVID deaths on Coast since December 27 Recorded COVID cases on the Central Coast over the Christmas-New Year break were in the vicinity of 8-9,000 but Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) CEO, Scott McLachlan, says in reality the numbers are probably around three times that. CCN can report that there have been six COVID-related deaths on the Coast since December 27. On December 27 a woman in her 90s died at Wyong hospital; she had received two doses of vaccine and had underlying health conditions. Then on December 30 a woman in her 70s passed away at Gosford hospital; she had not been vaccinated and had underlying health conditions. A woman in her 80s passed away on January 5 at Gosford hospital. She died of cancer but was positive for COVID; she had received two doses of vaccine. On January 9 a man in his 70s who died at Gosford Hospital was not vaccinated and had significant underlying health conditions.

On January 11 a man in his 80s died at Gosford Hospital. He had received two doses of the vaccine and had significant underlying health conditions. A sixth death was reported on January 13 as “a person from the Central Coast” - no other details were available at the time of going to press. CCN sends condolences to all

families and loved ones of those who have passed. “The holiday period was a really difficult time, with a lot of the private test providers shutting down to give their staff a much-needed break,” according to McLachlan. “Unfortunately it was a time when a lot of people needed to get tested which put added

pressure on the public clinics. “Our staff did an amazing job working up to 12 hours a day to get people tested.” McLachlan acknowledged queues were constantly lengthy and results were taking five or six days on average to be delivered. “A lot of people were testing positive so fewer tests could be

grouped together which meant the results were taking a long time to get out,” he said. McLachlan said the situation had improved slightly with the private providers back on deck, but there is still a wait of threefour days for results. “The case numbers are really an under-representation because many people haven’t

been able to get a PCR test and there has been a shortage of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) available,” he said. “People have been out in the community, sometimes not knowing they are positive, and many may not be symptomatic. “The virus is spreading through our community and it is likely most of us will get COVID in coming weeks.” McLachlan said a huge supply of RATs expected in the region over the coming week and a reporting system now being finalised through Service NSW would allow for a more accurate count. But the emphasis now needs to be not on the number of cases, but on the number of hospitalisations, he said. As at January 11, there were 50 people in Gosford and Wyong Hospitals, six of them in intensive care. “Very few people are getting really sick and that’s a positive,” he said. “People getting their booster vaccination as they become eligible will be crucial.” Terry Collins

Liesl Tesch MP Member for Gosford

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

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FORUM

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Weekend libraries an instant hit

I commiserate with Trevor Young regarding the closure of our libraries over the Christmas period (CCN323).

FORUM

But I would go further and suggest that our libraries, or at least some of them, should open all day Saturday and even all Sunday. I lived in Canberra in the 1970s and 80s and, at first, the libraries did not open at all on the weekends. A campaign by residents (before self-government, I should add) stating that working people, and often school students, could not easily use libraries during the working week, led to a change of policy

See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper and the libraries opened all weekend. I don’t recall how they did this, perhaps by reducing week-day hours, or putting on casual staff, or closing for one day a week – but it was an instant hit.

The libraries were busy all weekend – and not just adult workers. Whole families turned up – it was difficult getting a parking space near the libraries. Libraries are for users, not just staff, so the opening hours should fit users’ needs, not staff standard working hours. Only unemployed, retired people and stay-at home mums seem to be the target group for the libraries but they would not be disadvantaged for the sake of more convenience for the rest of the community. Email, Dec 17 Geoff Robertson, The Entrance

‘Leave the regions alone’ It looks as though the Minister for Local Government has now cancelled our area (Gosford) as a City and now we are under the control of Wyong. No one has ever voted to abolish it as we are now under the dictatorial Sydney Government.

FORUM After talking to all lot our citizens over the past three to four years the majority are absolutely disgusted in that lot from Sydney. Our regions are dying and they just don’t care.

(We should) tell the government to restore our Council and leave the regions alone. Old Sydney Town closed and our great Flora Festival is gone; both bought a lot of finance into the Central Coast with tourism. Email, Dec 19 Robert Findley, Point Clare

Photo opportunity I look forward to seeing the usual beaming photos of our local member Adam Crouch or Federal member Lucy Wicks as they pose beside a line of cars at an overstretched or closed COVID testing clinic, outside a pharmacy where there are no rapid antigen

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Lofty goals for banal policy The NSW Government has announced the exhibition of a new planning policy (CCN323) that will, amongst other things, (drum-roll, please) “ensure high quality and innovative design of the built environment, create places that support the health and well-being of the community, recognise the economic, cultural and social benefits of high quality design, ensure sustainable development and conserve the environment, minimize consumption of nonrenewable energy and

FORUM reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and achieve better built form and aesthetics of buildings, streetscapes and public spaces” (phew!), although it’s not clear why global peace and the elimination of poverty have been somehow missed out. It is, therefore, a little deflating to discover that the new SEPP, appropriately titled, “State Environmental Planning Policy (Design and Place)”, will only apply to residential apartment buildings of not less than three

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storeys on at least one hectare of land. At first glance, it would seem that the goals of this new planning instrument are a little lofty for the small proportion of the built environment that they will apply to, but I suppose the principle that they can’t do any harm can always be invoked. It would, in fact, be interesting to know how many developments meeting these criteria have been carried out in Central Coast recently so that we could judge the relevance of these new standards to our own design and place concerns. If I seriously thought that these new regulations would have any effect on how local governments would deal with large-scale apartment developments, I’d be prepared to overlook the inflated language and mind-numbing banality of much of the SEPP’s content, but I suspect that, in the real world, the new formulation will have about as much impact as the regulations it replaces – none at all. The draft document is open for comment, but my advice is don’t waste your time: you will only wind up frustrated to no useful purpose. Email, Dec 20 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 13

The Sydney Hotshots are back on the Coast to sizzle with a new show at the Gosford RSL Club on Saturday, January 15. After wowing Australian and international audiences for more than 20 years, the Hotshots’ new show is a twohour production choreographed and developed by Australia’s leading professionals. The totally interactive Secret Fantasies Tour is a high-energy production, with dance routines, eye-catching costumes and acrobatics. Cast members are selected from hundreds of men nationwide and put though an intensive “Hotshots Bootcamp”. They come from all backgrounds and include tradies, policemen, farmers and firemen. The show will be hosted by Paul Reynolds. It is COVID registered, cast members are all double vaccinated and RATs will be conducted by cast and crew on the day of show. Audience contact has been minimised due to COVID. The show starts at 7:30pm on January 17 and tickets can be booked through Eventbrite.

Hotshots to sizzle on Saturday night

Source: Media release, Jan 12 Sydney Hotshots

DECEMBER ‘21 eats

JANUARY ‘22

drinks

activities

workshops

events

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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

14 JANUARY 2022

PAGE 14 14 JANUARY 2022 OUT&ABOUT

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Festival postponed but new 55+ social club launched

Photo: Lisa Haymes

• Piano • Saxophone • Clarinet

Taking enrolments now for 2022 Ph 4346 4775 info@avocamusictuition.com.au

www.avocamusictuition.com.au

COVID-19 has claimed another casualty, with the Coastal Twist LGBTIQ Arts & Culture festival due to take place on January 19-23 now rescheduled to September 27-October 3. Originally scheduled to take place over the October long weekend last year, the festival was put off until January due to health restrictions – and now is put off yet again. “Given the evolving nature of the current Omicron outbreak, it’s not just lip service when we say the safety of our artists, audiences, volunteers, crews and partners particularly our Higher Risk groups is and always will be our number one priority,” Festival director, Glitta Supernova, said. “The Twist team has worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to reduce risk, put in place multiple plans and

prepare for the worst but this time around there was simply no way forward. “A record number of cases surrounding us and close contact isolation and result times present too great a risk for the festival to take place amongst the chaos. “There is a very real sadness at seeing a year’s work snuffed out just two weeks from delivery and with thousands of hours of work undone. “We had been so very excited by the elevated and expanded January Festival program offering to be shared this summer.” Current ticket holders will receive an email detailing their options which include keeping their tickets for the new dates or cancelling and getting a full refund). Supernova said the new Foxy Silvers 55+ Social Club, ThursGAY and Drag Bingo would continue.

Foxy Silvers will launch on January 19 at Baker Street café/restaurant from 11.30am-1.30pm. The regular social club meetings will be for people of diverse sexualities and genders (LGBTQ+) aged 55 and over. Foxy Silvers is sponsored by the Coastal Twist Festival and ACON Health and is an initiative to empower older LGBTQ+ people to lead rich and stimulating social and cultural lives, while creating new friendships and building community connections. At the launch event, all registered guests will receive $5 off their coffee or meal with ACON sharing some local resources and information. You must register to attend the free event: https://events. humanitix.com/foxysilvers01

An Invitation to

Assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council

EXHIBITION 9am

HISTORY EXHIBITION

y r a t n e m i l Comp BAR-B-Q

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KINCUMBER VILLAGE SHOPS, Avoca Dive. or due to Covid concerns:

Source: Media release, Jan 3 Coastal Twist

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PAGE 15 14 JANUARY 2022

This is what working in COVID looks like.

Health workers are exhausted. Employers can’t staff their businesses. Businesses can’t stock their shops.

No planning results in bad outcomes. Scott Morrison always blames someone else. Scott Morrison has let us all down.

Do you want to help get rid of Mr Morrison and his local representative?

To volunteer scan the QR code

Authorised by Bob Nanva, Level 9, 377 Sussex Street Sydney NSW 2000.

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ABC (C20/21)

PRIME (C61/60)

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Kevin McCloud’s Top 10 (PG) 11:00 The Heights (PG) [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 12:55 Kurt Fearnley’s One Plus One (PG) [s] 1:30 Van der Valk (M v) [s] 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:00 Think Tank (PG) [s] 5:00 Restoration Australia (PG) [s 6:00 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) [s] 6:30 Summer Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 Midsomer Murders: The Lions Of Causton (PG) [s] – Barnaby gets to relive his former days of sporting glory when a death at the local Rugby Club sends Barnaby and Winter into a muddle of rucks. 9:00 The War Of The Worlds (M) [s] 10:00 Mum: April (M l) [s] 10:35 ABC Late News [s] 11:00 Van der Valk (M v) [s] 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:00 rage (PG) [s] 11:00 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 12:30 Movie: “Becoming Jane” (PG) (’07) Stars: Anne Hathaway 2:25 Midsomer Murders (PG) [s] 4:00 Throwback (PG) [s] 4:30 Landline Summer [s] 5:00 Basketball: WNBL: Round 7: Melbourne Boomers v Southside Flyers *Live* From Melbourne Sports Centre [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 The Larkins: Christmas Special (PG) [s] – The Larkins are preparing for Christmas, but there’s been burglaries in the village. 8:40 Call The Midwife (M) [s] 10:35 Father Brown: The Scales Of Justice (M v) [s] 11:20 Finding Alice (M l) [s] 12:10 rage Guest Programmer (MA15+) [s] 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:00Offsiders: Summer Edition [s] 10:30Heywire [s] 11:00Compass [s] 11:30Songs Of Praise [s] 12:00ABC News At Noon [s] 12:30Landline Summer [s] 1:00 Finding Alice (M l) [s] 1:45 Mum: April (M l) [s] 2:15 Doc Martin: Faith (PG) [s] 3:05 Aussie Inventions That Changed The World (PG) [s] 4:05 Nigel Slater’s Middle East [s] 5:00 Dream Gardens [s] 5:30 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat [s] 6:05 Australia Remastered [s] 7:00 ABC News Sunday [s] 7:40 Quoll Farm [s] 8:40 Vera: Home (M) [s] 10:10Doc Martin (PG) [s] 10:55Harrow: Pia Mater (M l,n,v) [s] 11:50McKellen (M l,s) [s] 1:20 Call The Midwife (M) [s] 2:20 rage (MA15+) [s] 3:55 Catalyst [s]

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show Summer Series [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Surveillance Oz - Dashcam (PG) [s] 12:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: Pre Game [s] 1:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: Test 5: Day 1: Session 1 *Live* [s] 3:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: The Lunch Break [s] 4:10 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: Test 5: Day 1: Session 2 *Live* [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: Test 5: Day 1: Session 3 *Live* [s] 9:00 Movie: “Horrible Bosses 2” (MA15+) (’14) Stars: Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis 11:15 Movie: “Night Shift” (M l,n,s,v) (’82) Stars: Pat Corley 1:30 Home Shopping 6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 10:00 The Morning Show Summer Series [s] 12:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: Pre Game [s] 1:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: Test 5: Day 2: Session 1 *Live* [s] 3:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: The Lunch Break [s] 4:10 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: Test 5: Day 2: Session 2 *Live* From Blundstone Arena [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: Test 5: Day 2: Session 3 *Live* From Blundstone Arena [s] 9:00 Movie: “Batman Begins” (M v) (’05) Stars: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson 11:50 World’s Deadliest Weather: Caught On Camera (PG) [s] 1:00 Home Shopping 6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 10:00 The Morning Show Summer Series [s] 12:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: Pre Game [s] 1:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: Test 5: Day 3: Session 1 *Live* From Blundstone Arena [s] 3:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: The Lunch Break [s] 4:10 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: Test 5: Day 3: Session 2 *Live* From Blundstone Arena 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: Test 5: Day 3: Session 3 *Live* From Blundstone Arena [s] 9:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: Melbourne Stars v Brisbane Heat *Live* From The MCG [s] 11:20 Criminal Confessions: Cold Justice Confessions (M v) [s] 12:30 Home Shopping

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

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

NINE (C81/80)

TEN (C10)

SBS (C30)

6:00 Today [s] 6:00 The Talk (PG) [s] 6:00 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 9:00 Today Extra Summer (PG) [s] 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 2:00 Cook Up With Adam Liaw 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “A Summer To (PG) [s] Bitesize 2:05 Gourmet Farmer Remember” (PG) (’18) Stars: 8:00 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (M) [s] 2:35 Hunting Egypt’s Lost Catherine Bell 1:45 Explore [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised Treasures: Cleopatra’s Lost Tomb (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) [s] 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Liaw (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:00 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 4:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 NINE News [s] 5:00 Motor Sports: Dakar Rally 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] (PG) [s] 6:00 Mastermind 7:30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 SBS World News Zoo: The Devil You Know (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 8:30 Movie: “Clear And Present 7:30 The Graham Norton Show 7:35 Good With Wood (M) [s] Danger” (M v) (’94) Stars: 8:30 Walking Britain’s Roman 9:30 Just For Laughs Australia (M) Harrison Ford, Willem Dafoe Roads: Ermine Street (PG) 11:20 Movie: “The Gingerbread Man” [s] – Recorded live from the 9:25 Ancient Superstructures: Sydney Opera House. (M l,n,v) (’98) – A lawyer uses Machu Picchu his power to help his lover put 10:30 Drunk History Australia 10:25 SBS World News (M l,s) [s] her father behind bars, but when 11:00 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does 11:00 The Project (PG) [s] he escapes, they are all in Countdown (M l,s) danger. Stars: Robert Downey 12:00 The Late Show With Stephen 11:50 Agatha Christie’s Criminal Jr, Kenneth Branagh Colbert (PG) [s] Games: Murder On Sale (M) 1:30 Home Shopping 1:00 Home Shopping (In French) 5:00 France 24 Feature News 6:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 6:00 Easy Eats [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 6:30 Religious Programs [s] 7:00 Weekend Today [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 10:00 Today Extra Summer (PG) [s] 7:00 Healthy Homes Australia [s] 1:00 PBS Newshour 7:30 Escape Fishing With ET [s] 12:00 Surfing Australia TV [s] 2:00 Cook Up With Adam Liaw 8:00 My Market Kitchen [s] 12:30 Bondi Lifeguard World Bitesize 8:30 Pooches At Play [s] Adventures (PG) [s] 2:05 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 9:00 Freshly Picked [s] 1:00 Making Of Ghostbusters Magazine 9:30 Studio 10: Saturday [s] Afterlife [s] 2:35 Going Places With Ernie 12:00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 1:10 Movie: “Mr Holland’s Opus” Dingo (PG) Adventures (PG) [s] (PG) (’96) Stars: Richard 3:05 London’s Great Bridges 1:00 All 4 Adventure [s] Dreyfuss, Glenne Headly 4:55 Motor Sports: Dakar Rally 4:00 Taronga: Who’s Who In The 2:00 Destination Dessert [s] 5:55 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s 2:30 Three Blue Ducks (PG) [s] Zoo (PG) [s] Lochs: The Forgotten Lands 3:00 Farm To Fork [s] 5:00 NINE News: First At Five [s] (PG) 3:30 Taste Of Australia [s] 5:30 Country House Hunters 6:30 SBS World News 4:00 Waltzing Jimeoin (PG) [s] Australia: Dinner Plain [s] 7:35 Great Escapes With Morgan 4:30 Roads Less Travelled [s] 6:00 NINE News Saturday [s] Freeman: North Country 5:00 10 News First [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] Breakout 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 7:30 Movie: “Jack Ryan: Shadow 7:00 Football: Isuzu Ute A-League 8:30 World’s Greatest Hotels: Recruit” (M l,v) (’14) Stars: Atlantis, Dubai (PG) Men: Round 10: Adelaide Kenneth Branagh, Chris Pine 9:25 World’s Most Beautiful United v Melbourne City 9:35 Movie: “The Hunt For Red Railway *Replay* [s] October” (M) (’90) Stars: Sean 10:20 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does 10:00 Ambulance UK (PG) [s] Connery, Alec Baldwin Countdown (M l,s) 12:15 Movie: “The Beguiled” (M) (’17) 12:30 Home Shopping 11:10 Dublin Murders (M l,v) 5:00 Religious Programs Stars: Nicole Kidman 5:00 France 24 Feature News 6:00 Religious Programs [s] 6:00 Easy Eats [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 8:00 Toddlers Behaving (Very) 7:00 Weekend Today [s] 5:30 Worldwatch Badly [s] 10:00 Drive TV [s] 10:00 Cycling: Road National 9:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 10:30 Golf: Jack Newton Celebrity Championships: Women’s Race 9:30 Studio 10: Sunday (PG) [s] Classic *Live* From Crowne *Live* From Buninyong, Victoria 12:00 Program To Be Advised Plaza, Hunter Valley [s] 12:00 Cycling: Road National 11:30 The Xtreme CollXtion (PG) [s] 1:30 Everyday Gourmet [s] Championships: Studio Show 2:00 My Market Kitchen [s] 12:00 Ultimate Rush (PG) [s] *Live* 2:30 Farm To Fork [s] 12:30 Great Barrier Reef [s] 1:00 Cycling: Road National 3:00 Taste Of Australia [s] 1:30 Driving Test (PG) [s] Championships: Men’s Race 3:30 Roads Less Travelled [s] 2:00 Movie: “Rocky IV” (M v) (’85) *Live* From Buninyong, Victoria 4:00 All 4 Adventure [s] Stars: Sylvester Stallone 5:00 10 News First [s] 5:30 Tony Robinson’s Forgotten 4:00 Bondi Vet (PG) [s] 6:30 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] War Stories’ Gulf: A Storm In 5:00 NINE News: First At Five [s] 7:30 I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out The Desert 5:30 RBT: Mini Moke (PG) [s] Of Here (PG) [s] 6:30 SBS World News 6:00 NINE News Sunday [s] 9:30 FBI: Grief (M) [s] 7:30 Treasures Of Istanbul (PG) 7:00 60 Minutes (PG) [s] 10:30 FBI: The Lives Of Others (M) [s] 8:30 Pompeii: Sin City (PG) 8:00 David Attenborough’s A – The son of a prominent (In English/ Italian) Perfect Planet: Making Of mommy blogger is kidnapped, 10:00 Searching For Cleopatra (M) Perfect Planet (PG) [s] and the FBI must sweep through 11:30 The Great Plague Epidemic 9:10 Movie: “High Crimes” (M s,v) her two million followers to find (PG) (’02) Stars: Ashley Judd the culprit. 12:25 24 Hours In Emergency: 11:30 Chicago Med (M) [s] 11:00 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] Call Of Duty (M) 12:20 The Bad Seed (M) [s] 1:20 Going Places With Ernie 1:10 The Xtreme CollXtion (PG) [s] 12:00 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS Mornings [s] Dingo: Darwin (PG) 1:30 Home Shopping

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

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

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

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

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TEN (C10)

PAGE 17 14 JANUARY 2022

ABC (C20/21)

PRIME (C61/60)

NINE (C81/80)

SBS (C30)

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Australia Remastered [s] 11:00 The Heights (PG) [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 The Cook And The Chef [s] 1:25 Vera (M v) [s] 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:00 Think Tank (PG) [s] 5:00 Restoration Australia (PG) [s] 6:00 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) [s] 6:30 Summer Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 [s] 8:00 Back Roads [s] 8:30 The China Century [s] 9:30 The Rise Of The Murdoch Dynasty: Kingmaker (M l) [s] 10:25 Strong Women (M l) [s] 10:55 ABC Late News [s] 11:25 Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds (PG) [s] 12:25 Call The Midwife (M) [s] 3:25 rage (MA15+) [s] 4:55 Summer Drum [s]

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show Summer Series [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Motorbike Cops (PG) 12:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: Pre Game [s] 1:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: Test 5: Day 4: Session 1 *Live* [s] 3:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: The Lunch Break [s] 4:10 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: Test 5: Day 4: Session 2 *Live* [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v England: Test 5: Day 4: Session 3 *Live* [s] 9:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades *Live* From The Blundstone Arena [s] 11:30 Fantasy Island: Welcome To The Snow Globe (Part 2) (M) [s] 12:30 Home Shopping

5:30 Today [s] 10:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Pre Show *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 11:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Day Session *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 4:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Afternoon Session *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 7:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Night Session *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 12:00 New Amsterdam: The Denominator (M) [s] – When Iggy and Kapoor discover a patient might be suffering from lead poisoning, they are forced to take on the city; Max’s unsolicited attempts to help a patient backfire. 1:00 Bondi Lifeguard World Adventures (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

6:00 The Talk [s] 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 8:00 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (M) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:45 Entertainment Tonight [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Left Off The Map [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 I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here (PG) [s] 9:00 FBI: Most Wanted: Gladiator (M) [s] 10:00 FBI: Most Wanted: Obstruction (M) [s] 11:00 The Project (PG) [s] 12:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 1:00 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS Mornings [s]

6:30 Worldwatch 2:00 Gourmet Farmer 2:30 Scanning The Nile: Lost Cities Of The Delta 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:00 Great Alaskan Railroad Journeys: Ninilchik To Wasilla (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Britain’s Scenic Railways 8:30 Secret Scotland: Stirling (PG) 9:20 24 Hours In Emergency: Guardian Angels (M) 10:15 SBS World News 10:45 The Crimson Rivers (MA15+) (In French) 11:45 Wisting (M l,v) (In Norwegian/ English) 12:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 1:35 The Kimberley Cruise: The Full Journey

6:00 The Talk [s] 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 8:00 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (M) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Left Off The Map [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 I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here (PG) [s] 9:00 NCIS: Docked (M v) [s] – NCIS investigates the death of a man on a cruise ship whose body is discovered in the ship’s sauna. 10:00 NCIS: Los Angeles: A Land Of Wolves (M v) [s] 11:00 The Project (PG) [s] 12:00 The Late Show (PG) [s] 1:00 Home Shopping

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

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Griff’s Great Australian Rail Trip [s] 11:00 The Heights (PG) [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 The Cook And The Chef [s] 1:30 Maigret In Montmartre (M) [s] 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:00 Think Tank (PG) [s] 5:00 Restoration Australia (PG) [s] 6:00 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) [s] 6:30 Summer Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 8:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) [s] 9:35 Fisk (PG) [s] 10:00 A Very English Scandal (M) [s] 11:00 ABC Late News [s] 11:30 The China Century: Unify The Motherland [s] 12:30 Silent Witness (PG) [s] 2:30 Call The Midwife (PG) [s] 3:30 rage (MA15+) [s]

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “What A Girl Wants” (PG) (’03) Stars: Colin Firth 2:15 Surveillance Oz - Dashcam (PG) [s] 2:30 Border Security International (PG) [s] 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 4:30 Cricket: Big Bash League: Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades *Live* From The Sydney Showground [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades *Live* [s] 7:45 Cricket: Big Bash League: Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes *Live* From The MCG [s] 11:30 Autopsy USA: Chris Cornell (MA15+) [s] 12:30 Home Shopping

6:00 The Talk [s] 5:30 Today [s] 5:00 France 24 Feature News 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 10:00 Tennis: Australian Open 5:15 NHK World English News Tennis: Pre Show *Live* From 7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 5:30 Worldwatch (PG) [s] Melbourne Park [s] 1:00 PBS Newshour 8:00 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 11:00 Tennis: Australian Open 2:00 Gourmet Farmer 12:00 Dr Phil (M) [s] Tennis: Day Session *Live* 2:30 Scanning The Nile: Looking 1:00 Program To Be Advised From Melbourne Park [s] For The Pharaohs Of Luxor 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 4:00 Tennis: Australian Open 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Tennis: Afternoon Session Liaw (PG) *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] 4:00 Great Canadian Railroad 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] Journeys: Skagway To 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 7:00 Tennis: Australian Open Vancouver (PG) (PG) [s] Tennis: Night Session *Live* 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:00 10 News First [s] From Melbourne Park [s] 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 11:00 Tennis: Australian Open 6:00 Mastermind 7:30 I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Tennis: Late Night Session 6:30 SBS World News Of Here (PG) [s] *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 7:30 Great Australian Railway 9:00 Bull: Frontotemporal (PG) [s] 12:00 New Amsterdam: Righteous Journeys: Canberra To 10:00 Bull: Her Own Two Feet (PG) Right Hand (M) [s] – When Melbourne (PG) [s] – Bull helps a famous social 8:40 The Royal House Of Windsor: women who are on a retreat end media influencer, take her father up in the ED, Max gets some Shadow Of A King (PG) to court to overturn his legal troubling information that could 9:35 Departure (M) guardianship over her empire. 10:25 SBS World News put a patient in jeopardy. 11:00 The Project (PG) [s] 1:00 Bondi Lifeguard World 10:55 In Therapy (M l,s) (In French) Adventures (PG) [s] 12:00 The Late Show (PG) [s] 11:55 Witch Hunt (M l,s) 1:30 Home Shopping 1:00 Home Shopping (In Norwegian)

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

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

5:30 Today [s] 10:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Pre Show *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 11:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Day Session *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 4:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Afternoon Session *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 7:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Night Session *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 11:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Late Night Session *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 12:00 New Amsterdam: Good Soldiers (M) [s] – When Kapoor introduces a patient to Iggy’s PTSD group, a creative treatment plan causes turmoil; Sharpe discovers a long-kept secret regarding a patient. 1:00 Bondi Lifeguard World Adventures (PG) [s]

Thursday 20 January

Tuesday 18 January

France 24 Feature News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Gourmet Farmer Scanning The Nile: Lost Routes To The Pyramids 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:00 Great Alaskan Railroad Journeys: Talkeetna To Juneau (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Great Continental Railway Journeys (PG) 8:40 Robson Green - Walking Hadrian’s Wall 9:35 Australia In Colour (PG) 10:35 SBS World News 11:10 Man In Room 301 (M l,s) (In Finnish) 12:05 The Looming Tower (M l,s,v) (In English/ Arabic)

5:30 Today [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 6:00 News Breakfast [s] 10:00 Tennis: Australian Open 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] Tennis: Pre Show *Live* From 10:00 Nigel Slater’s Middle East [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] Melbourne Park [s] 12:00 Motorbike Cops (PG) 11:00 The Heights (PG) [s] 12:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v 11:00 Tennis: Australian Open 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] Tennis: Day Session *Live* England: Pre Game [s] 1:00 The Big Blue [s] From Melbourne Park [s] 1:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v 1:50 The Larkins (PG) [s] England: Test 5: Day 5: Session 4:00 Tennis: Australian Open 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] Tennis: Afternoon Session 1 *Live* [s] 4:00 Think Tank (PG) [s] *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] 5:00 Restoration Australia (PG) [s] 3:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v 6:00 NINE News [s] England: The Lunch Break [s] 6:00 Julia Zemiro’s Home 4:10 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v 7:00 Tennis: Australian Open Delivery (PG) [s] Tennis: Night Session *Live* England: Test 5: Day 5: Session 6:30 Summer Drum [s] From Melbourne Park [s] 2 *Live* [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 11:00 Tennis: Australian Open 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] Tennis: Late Night Session 8:00 Anh’s Brush With Fame (M) [s] 7:00 Cricket: The Ashes: Australia v *Live* From Melbourne Park [s] England: Test 5: Day 5: Session 8:30 Old People’s Home For 4 12:00 New Amsterdam: The Karman 3 *Live* [s] Year Olds (PG) [s] Line (M) [s] – When Sharpe has 9:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: 9:30 Griff’s Great Australian a case that hits close to home, Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Rail Trip (PG) [s] she and Max team up to make Sixers *Live* From The Adelaide 10:20 QI: Past Times (PG) [s] things right for the patient; Iggy Oval [s] 10:50 ABC Late News [s] and Bloom are forced to make a 11:00 Born To Kill?: 11:25 Hawke: The Larrikin And tough call on a unique situation. Richard Chase (MA15+) [s] The Leader (MA15+) [s] 1:00 Bondi Lifeguard World 12:20 Movie: “Goldstone” (M l,v) (’16) 12:00 Absentia: Adventures (PG) [s] Me You Him Me (MA15+) [s] (In English/ Mandarin)

Wednesday 19 January

Monday 17 January

6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:20 10:35 11:05 11:55

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Back Roads [s] Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat The Heights (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] The War Of The Worlds (M) A Very English Scandal (M) ABC News Afternoons [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] Restoration Australia (PG) [s Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) [s] Summer Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 (PG) [s] Kurt Fearnley’s One Plus One: Ellie Cole (M) [s] Miriam & Alan - Lost In Scotland (M l) [s] Our Dementia Choir (PG) [s] ABC Late News [s] Aussie Inventions That Changed The World (PG) [s] The Rise Of The Murdoch Dynasty: Kingmaker (M l) [s]

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

2:15 2:30 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 9:00

12:00 1:00

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Pan” (PG) (’15) Stars: Hugh Jackman, Levi Miller, Garrett Hedlund, Rooney Mara, Adeel Akhtar, Nonso Anozie Surveillance Oz - Dashcam (PG) [s] Border Security International (PG) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) [s] Mates On A Mission: USA (PG) [s] Movie: “Blood Diamond” (MA15+) (’06) Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, Jennifer Connelly, Kagiso Kuypers, Arnold Vosloo Scandal: Lost Girls (M) [s] Home Shopping

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

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

6:00 The Talk (PG) [s] 5:00 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 5:15 7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 5:30 (PG) [s] 1:00 8:00 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 2:00 12:00 Dr Phil (M) [s] 2:30 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 3:30 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] 4:00 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:05 5:00 10 News First [s] 5:30 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 6:00 7:30 I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of 6:30 Here (PG) [s] 7:35 9:15 Law & Order: SVU: Nightmares In Drill City (M) [s] 8:30 10:00 Blue Bloods: On The Arm (M) [s] 9:35 11:05 The Project (PG) [s] 12:02 The Late Show With Stephen 10:30 Colbert (PG) [s] 11:00 1:00 Home Shopping 12:10 4:30 CBS Mornings [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

France 24 Feature News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Gourmet Farmer Scanning The Nile: Materials Convoys: A Pharaonic Task The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) Great Canadian Railroad Journeys: Vancouver Island To Kamloops (PG) Jeopardy! (PG) Letters And Numbers Mastermind SBS World News Britain’s Most Luxurious Hotels (PG) A Short History Of Living Longer: Medical Drugs La Fortuna (M d,l) (In Spanish/ English) SBS World News Gomorrah (MA15+) (In Italian) We Are Who We Are (M l) (In English/ Italian)

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

PAGE 18 14 JANUARY 2022

PUZZLES

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57. Accumulate (7) Across 59. Astonishes (8) 1. Pitiless (8) 63. Hearing organ (3) 4. Slope (8) 64. Obtain (7) 9. Cure-all (7) 66. Eggplant (9) 14. Rabid (9) 68. Become liable to (5) 16. Greek letter (5) 70. End (9) 17. Small openings (9) 71. Scottish landowner 18. Choose (5) (5) 19. Obstructions (9) 72. Sapient (9) 20. Brother or sister (7) 73. Hates (7) 21. Atmosphere (3) 74. Longing (8) 22. Insinuation (8) 75. Postponed (8) 24. Small fry (7) 25. Type of hat (6) Down 29. Announces (8) 1. Declination (7) 31. Lackadaisical (7) 2. Variety of mandarin 33. Desert plants (5) orange (9) 36. Unfathomable (7) 3. Svelte (5) 37. Mundane (7) 5. Root vegetable (6) 39. Measure of size (9) 6. Breed of dog (9) 40. Improvement (11) 7. Empowered (7) 42. Subdivided (11) 8. Surpassed (11) 45. Heedful (9) 9. Gratify (6) 48. Fruit (7) 10. Illustrious (7) 49. Large rock (7) 11. Welsh canine (5) the alphabet only. 50. Throw out (5) once 12. Tryst (11) 51. Ordinary (7) 13. Singing voice (4) 53. Teeth (8) 15. Large church building 55. Light beams (6) (9)

MISSING LINK Fill in each letter of

MISSING LINK

B S K T MISSING LINK Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only. S I E S O A MISSING R V LINK A X Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only. Y C B T E I K N U T K D O O E S I E R T I A UEL NA B IO P UT A E EI T A O S U K E A R AN E I U L A RR E S T H X O O G O A A H O IE E I C E L O V O S T S E OM I N L L L R E A A N T R E N O D E F I IU S E EO O D D N E S U A E NI TG E O ML U D E S E S W F OA NR U A K L A M T D T T C L K P S EE E I E N E R A L ES A SA S E S S E G A DO E S U I Y E B A R S T O T K R O I T O I N S Y S C B P R K U D O S O O Z E S Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

Missing Link Solution:

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

U V I V I D

F I P T R H S A T EM I M E N E R E R

T A E S S © Lovatts Puzzles

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

Missing Link Solution:

U N Z D OW I A N G OS

E X A L T

K T I T A N L X T H I S S E E L A X A L E COB S

Missing Link Solution: Missing Link Solution:

Q F S I Z S U G AER D A R MV H L Y V ORTEE A O O D D N O O W LI N E D W T E EBC L I S N E A SI HC E D BE AE L G J U I C Y M KU T

Q U A C K S K

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L T A X E S

J E E P S R Y

23. Merit (7) 26. Sentiment (7) 27. Exemplify (10) 28. Fraudulent scheme (4) 30. Light (9) 32. Unforseen (10) 34. Goes on (9) 35. Nemesis (4) 38. Deduct (5) 41. Milliners (7) 43. Keeps back (7) 44. Arrow (4) 45. Increased speed (11) 46. Scintilla (4) 47. Intricately (11) 49. Waving (9) 52. Musical instrument (9) 54. Atificial lake (9) 56. Dried grapes (7) 58. Herbaceous plant (7) 60. Lauded (7) 61. Part of a flower (6) 62. Concealed (6) 65. Unit of weight for precious stones (5) 67. Direction (4) 69. Hoard (5)

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 19 14 JANUARY 2022

DOWN IN THE GARDEN Office Plants that Thrive pebbles that are kept moist. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) does need bright light, but it can live happily in cooler temperatures and as a bonus, it can stay alive for weeks without watering. Jade Plant brings luck and financial gains. Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginate) is a ‘false palm’ meaning it looks like a palm but is not one and this leaves us with the palm feel but a plant that can tolerate cooler spaces. This plant will help heal relationships. Desk Mates CHERALYN DARCEY

Planning on a home office for 2022? Going back to work soon and want to take a green friend with you? Indoor plants can make us healthy, happy, calm, more focused and breathe a little easier, science has proved it, but can you plonk any old plant anywhere? The secret is, there is no such thing as an ‘indoor’ plant, just ones that usually live in the understories of forests and jungles, the shadier side of life on rocky outcrops, caves and cliffs and ones who are simply good at adaptation. While you must ensure that your indoor environment matches your plant’s needs to thrive there are also meanings and energies that many cultures across the world attribute to plants. Here are some of my suggestions for plants that will not only match your workspace but will bring with them some interesting and helpful energies. Almost indestructible These are the tough guys of the plant world, but you can also use selfwatering pots and devices to do the work for you and slow-release fertilisers if you want to try other plants. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is almost indestructible. It adapts, half dies and revives but if you treat it nicely this plant will love

you back. It is said that this plant brings good work ethics and increases productivity. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) can handle just about whatever you can dish up and still look amazing. Low light is also no problem for this stunner either. Said to increase security and smooth negotiations. An honourable mention goes to Spider Plant because while not as tough as most, they are easy to grow. Spider Plants (Chlorophytum colosum) are enjoying a big comeback from their 1970s heyday and why not? They are also very easy to propagate from their ‘jumping spiders’. It is said they boost mindfulness. Low light lovers You will need to find plants that can survive and hopefully thrive in these low light conditions or place a few strategic grow lights over them. Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum) will grow in filtered light to shade and can handle the top few centimetres drying out. In the Language of Plants, they are thought to build prosperity and block unwanted visitors. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) is a shady lady as well and only needs watering once a week.

GARDEN BOOK REVIEW When did our modern obsession with houseplants begin? They also feature in mass produced artworks, textiles, and designs.

The Hidden Houseplants

Histories

By Maddie & Alice Bailey, Hardie Grant London, 2021 ISBN: 9781784884055

Each of our indoor friends has a fascinating back-story and often connections with fashion, culture, and even politics. Maddie and Alice have written a gorgeously illustrated book full of the tales and histories of many of our beloved indoor green friends. Daughters of highly respected horticulturalist and author Fran Bailey, they also run the destination plant stores ‘Forest London’ and I think they have done their heritage proud with this title. It is a fresh, fascinating, and beautiful plant book for all.

Thought to help stimulate new ideas and encourage communication. Radiator Plant (Peperomia spp.) suits a desk but will tolerate a bit of shade. They are very easy to grow with a huge number of beautiful varieties available. This plant brings with it the ability to see the facts and truth. High light lovers Care needs to be taken if you have a lot of light and placement of your plants. Do not sit them on windowsills or next to window if they don’t open as it will be akin to sticking it in an oven. Move the plants into the middle of rooms. Light loving plants: Swiss Cheese Vine (Monstera obliqua) likes to be in the light and makes a lovely desk plant on a trellis or even left to run along surfaces. Can help boost opportunities and helps others see your point of view. Wax Plant (Hoya spp.) can be trained to climb up or along a support or left to cascade over an edge. They also do not need much water, preferring things on the dry side. This plant brings with it protection and prosperity. We like it hot Beware, all the ways you try to cool yourself will not be taken as well by the plants but if the area is hot, try these. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) prefers things on the warmer side and humid side so make such you mist, mist mist! In winter they can survive with a drink every few weeks. They boost interest and help those learning. Succulents and Cacti are both warmth lovers and enjoy light so don’t keep these babies in the corner. Don’t overwater as this is the usual cause of death. With various meanings, most will bring longevity and ingenuity. We like it cool Chilled environments also usually have dry air. If your workspace is just a touch on the cooler side, then you can try standing pots on trays filled with

I’ve had a few accidents with water and plants on my desks so while you can forgo flowers and plants around electronics and paperwork all together, these two can work well with you. Painted-leaf Begonia (Begonia rex) are great substitutes for flowers with their pretty colours, but they will need to be watered with rain or distilled water. These plants boost creative thinking and set a firm boundary. Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.) are the perfect desk mates because there are no pots of dirt or saucers of water to tip onto your electronics. They do need good airflow, just like you!They bring calm and peacefulness.

GARDENING GUIDE FOR COAST GARDENERS THIS WEEK 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, gazania, gerbera, marigold, nasturtium, petunia, phlox, portulaca, rudbeckia, salvia, snapdragon, sunflower, torenia, verbena, vinca, Viscaria, waratah, zinnia Next Week: Technology for Gardeners 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 Victoria White. Send your gardening questions, events, and news to: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail.com

YOU AND YOUR GARDEN Can I Plant my Christmas Poinsettia? Crystal from Woy Woy

Hi Cheralyn, I’ve heard that you can plant a poinsettia in the garden. Is that right and if so, what do I need to do? Hi Crystal, if you go down to the garden centres today, you will find a very reasonably priced plant that will turn into a rather lovely shrub that provides a burst of winter colour every year in your garden. You also may have been given or purchased a poinsettia already this Christmas and they can most certainly grow in your garden. Find a sheltered, sunny spot, but they will tolerate part shade. Dig over the soil and improve with some well-rotted cow manure or commercial soil improver about two weeks before you plan to plant. Take the poinsettia out of the pot and gently tease out the roots. Don’t remove all the soil from the root ball. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root

ball and the same depth as it. Place into the hole and then backfill, pressing down soil around the plant and water deeply. Make sure you surround with an organic mulch and keep at least 6cm from the base of the plant. Feed with a manure or weed tea or commercial liquid feed every fortnight. Your poinsettia flowers are the tiny cream-coloured blooms surrounded by bright red, but sometimes white or pink, bracts (modified leaves). This show of colour occurs naturally in winter and to make this happen in Australia for the popular Christmas potted plants they are placed in cold and dark green houses. Poinsettias are prone to aphids and thrips so a pyrethrum spray will help if you notice them. Prune back dead or dying branches in late winter to about 10cm and leave a few leaves on the stem to encourage new growth.

PAGE 20 14 JANUARY 2022 OUT&ABOUT

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Bewilderment Author: Richard Powers Publisher: Penguin

From the author of Overstory (previously reviewed) comes a story about Theo, a widower who is raising his son Robin (Robbie). Theo is an astrobiologist who lives in Wisconsin and teaches at the university. He is also working with Carl Stryker, co-authoring “a paper about detecting biosignature gases from lensing-revealed exoplanets”. Riveting stuff. However, Theo is behind on his edits for the paper, he is behind on his teaching responsibilities, grant money is scarce and there is a chance his research funding will be pulled. The government in power is

CCN

ABC - “The Friends”

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

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

CENTRAL COAST ART SOCIETY

BOOK REVIEW

unreasonable. But what is Theo to do? Robbie needs him. When we meet Theo and Robbie, they are on a camping trip. Robbie is eight and going to be nine. They are both struggling with the loss of Alyssa, Theo’s wife and Robbie’s mother, who died in a car accident. She was an environmental activist, and word is that the accident happened when she swerved to avoid hitting a possum. Robbie is having trouble at school – he is different and gets bullied. The threat of expulsion is always looming. Doctors have recommended medicating Robbie, but Theo refuses: “When a condition gets three different names over as many

decades, when it requires two subcategories to account for completely contradictory symptoms, when it goes from non-existent to the country’s most commonly diagnosed childhood disorder in the course of one generation, when two different physicians want to prescribe three different medications, there’s something wrong.”

Robbie is a sensitive to living things. Each night he says the prayer his mother taught him: “May all sentient beings be free from needless suffering.” But they are not free: “Only two percent of all animals are wild? Everything else is factory cows and factory chickens and us?”

Robbie has become addicted to watching videos of Inga Alder, a young activist. Theo is running out of options to help Robbie, until Marty Currier, an old friend of Alyssa suggests Decoded Neurofeedback. This is something that Theo and Alyssa dabbled in when Marty first started his research. Marty had kept Alyssa’s results, from all those years ago, and plans to use them to help Robbie. Now this is where I get confused. I am not sure how this all worked, maybe those smarter than me will understand, but the takeaway is that it did help Robbie. There were no more emotional outbursts, he was thriving, creating, growing. But the authoritarian government in power cut the

funding. When we leave Theo and Robbie, they are camping, and Robbie is ten. The woods always offered solace to Robbie. Can it still? I have mixed emotions about this book. Some parts were terrifying (the power of government, destruction to the environment) some parts were touching (Theo’s love for his son), but other parts were simply not interesting (descriptions of other planets and galaxies, which Theo would go on and on about). I ended up skimming these sections … there were a lot of them. But I still think it was a book worth reading. Kim Reardon The Reluctant Book Critic

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ARTS & CULTURE

CENTRAL COAST ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE

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We meet the second Saturday each month. Wyoming Memorial Community Hall. Contact us by email

Sec: 0417 384 524

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info@centralcoastpoets.com.au

or you may ring Clive 0419120347

HANDWEAVERS, SPINNERS AND TEXTILE ARTS GUILD

U3A CENTRAL COAST An opportunity for retirees to enjoy a diverse range of courses and activities • Topics to explore • Activities to interest you • Discussion groups • Outings to entertain you • Socialising and learning together 0408 704 701

Spinning and weaving, patchwork and quilting, felting and other fibre and fabric crafts, community quilting bees - Day and Night Groups www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au 4325 4743 www.cottagecrafts.net.au

COMMUNITY GROUPS CENTRAL COAST CARAVANNERS

VOLUNTEERING CENTRAL COAST

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

Progress Hall Henry Parry & Wells Street East Gosford

BETTER HEARING AUSTRALIA

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

CENTRAL COAST ASBESTOS DISEASES SUPPORT GROUP

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

Help with shopping and cooking classes 4363 7111

S.A

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

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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

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

www.centralcoastchorale.org

PROBUS CLUB OF KARIONG

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

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

SERVICE GROUPS

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

HEALTH GROUPS

MUSIC

COASTAL A CAPPELLA

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 21 14 JANUARY 2022

Business & Property

Kincumber farmer breeds crickets for protein

Mikkel Overgaard with some of the Grub Protein products

Mikkel Overgaard of Kincumber is convinced cricket-based protein will become a dietary staple in Australia and he is determined to be at the forefront. Overgaard moved to the Central Coast with his family from Denmark when he was 10 and after several years of world travels has returned to the region and established a new company. “I travelled for a few years in Europe and lived in Canada for three years,” he said. “While I was there I went to visit a farm where they were

breeding crickets for human consumption and was fascinated. “I decided I wanted to go down that route when I returned to Australia.” Overgaard bought insulated containers and started breeding crickets on his parents’ property at Bensville. “I started out selling live crickets to breeders and various outlets for reptile consumption, but the goal was always to move towards breeding them for human consumption,” he said. He has now launched Grub Protein and produces such items as cricket-based protein

powder, corn chips and pasta, as well as whole roasted crickets. “There was quite a process involved – I had to obtain the necessary approvals,” he said. “That is done now and I am approved to breed the crickets for human consumption. “As well as the items already being produced, we are working on other products such as protein balls and cookies.” While the farm is open for inspection by appointment, Overgaard sells his products online with hopes of expanding into the retail market.

“Quite a few people are fascinated to come and look at the operation but we have to follow security protocols to avoid disease and pests,” he said. Overgaard begins to breed the crickets from the age of five weeks and has around 25,000 insects on the farm. “We really think this is an upand-coming food source which is environmentally friendly,” he said. “There are plenty of health benefits – it is especially good for gut health and extremely nutritious. “It is a complete protein, containing nine amino acids.

“I realise eating insects is not for everyone but many of our customers are active young people, very health conscious. “Many of them have cut back a lot on meat consumption for environmental reasons.” Overgaard breeds the crickets from the age of five weeks and has around 25,000 insects on the farm. “They are euthanised by freezing, then boiled for sanitisation before being roasted in the oven, then blended for the protein powder with flavouring added.” Overgaard practises what he preaches.

“My partner and I love smoothies and have one every day, always adding two tablespoons of cricket protein powder,” he said. “There are many full-scale farms in Canada the size of poultry farms with millions of crickets for human consumption and it is also very popular in Europe and the US. “We are behind the eight ball but I think cricket products will play a big part in our future diet.” For details go to grubprotein. com.au. Terry Collins

PAGE 22 14 JANUARY 2022

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Brought to you by moneymag.com.au

CREATING FINANCIAL FREEDOM

More than 1 million Aussies to receive higher benefits in new year WITH

Julia NEWBOULD Managing Editor • Money magazine

Young people living away from home as well as carers who support frail aged people or disabled people or those with a medical condition will be receiving higher benefits from January 1 this year. So too will students either living at home or away from home. More than 1 million Australians on different government allowances will receive more money. The payments are in line with a 3.5% indexation rate, the highest rate since 2012. The rate of Youth Allowance for young people living away from home will increase by $17.90, from $512.50 to $537.40 per fortnight. For those aged 18 or over living at home, it will increase by $12.40, from $354.60 to $367.00 per fortnight. Singles with children will receive $23 more, lifting the rate from $656 to $679 per fortnight.

For those on a special rate of Youth Allowance who are over 22 years old, singles living away from home will have $21.40 more, increasing the fortnightly payment from $611.90 to $633.30. The qualifying threshold of the income limits of parents for students to qualify for Youth Allowance also increases by $511 per annum up to $56,137. Austudy for students will increase by $17.90, from $512.50 to $530.40 per fortnight. For singles with children, the rate will increase from $656 by $23 to $679 per fortnight. Students are allowed to earn $15 more per fortnight up to $452 to qualify for full Austudy payments. Carer Allowances to support people who care for someone with a disability, medical condition, or a frail aged person will increase from $131.90 by $4.60 to $136.50 per fortnight. Also benefit payments for the

assistance of isolated children, the youth disability support pension, mobility allowance, double orphan pension and additional child amounts paid under some social security agreements, will also increase by 3.5%. A full list of new rates and thresholds is available online. Changes to Child Care Subsidy (CCS) have been brought forward and around 250,000 families will be approximately $2200 a year better off from March 7 this year. Families with two or more children aged five years and under in care will have their CCS

rate increased by 30% for their second child and any younger children, up to a maximum rate of 95%. More than half of eligible families will receive the maximum 95% subsidy. A family earning $110,000 a year with two kids in care, four days a week, will be better off by around $100 each week. The $10,655 annual CCS cap was scrapped on 10 December last year and applied retrospectively for the whole 2021-22 financial year. Anyone who reaches the cap before this date will have any additional out-of-pocket costs

for the 2021-22 financial year reimbursed. Women leaving a violent relationship are able to access a one-off Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) of up to $5000 to help set themselves up. The payment comes in the form of $1500 in cash and the remainder in goods and services or direct payments of rental bonds, removalists, school fees and other support to establish a safe home. Violence includes physical, verbal, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic abuse. You may qualify if you are the intimate partner who is

experiencing violence, or who has experienced violence and has recently left the relationship for safety reasons and you are struggling with finances. The EVP was introduced at the end of October last year and runs for a trial period of two years. It is being run through Uniting as well as eight other organisations around Australia such as the Wesley Mission. Call 1800 RESPECT or 1800 737 732 if you are experiencing family violence and need immediate support or advice and you will be helped with information about the $5000 payment. SUSAN HELY

The money tips that Money readers are acting on this year Most of us know what we should be doing with our money, but actually doing it is another matter. We asked our readers to share the money tips they’ll finally be acting on in 2022.

Here’s what 10 readers had to say.

5 $10PO.S9 G TA E FREE

1. Boosting my savings by selling unwanted and unused goods around the house. I’m finally going to act on it! – Raelene 2. To stop wasting money on stuff and to stick to a budget so I don’t have to fret over money in my retirement. – Joshua

3. Time to start salary sacrificing into super after a pause to buy the family home. Automation, baby! – Joshua 4. I’m researching an area to buy an investment property and doing due diligence and next year I’m committed to finally buying! – Andrew

5. Source more secondhand items, and reuse , repair or upcycle what I can. Be more concious regarding buying things I really don’t need. – Melissa. 6. I’m going to forgo my weekly lotto ticket and daily bought coffee, and put that $40 into super as salary sacrifice. – Jason

7. I’m going to pay myself first. – Kim 8. Making a superannuation contribution and claiming it back on tax! Small win in the short term while investing long term too! – Alexandra 9. Invest in the stockmarket

regularly! Because it’s about time in the market, not timing the market. I’ll be dollar-cost -averaging fortnightly. – Nena 10. I’ll be asking my HR/payroll to pay extra amounts into my super before I get paid. That way, I won’t miss it. – Kim SUSAN HELY

magazine’s bumper Best of the Best issue is out now! Visit moneymag.com.au and click Best of the Best

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 23 14 JANUARY 2022

Developer says shopping centre upgrade to be complete within months

The site has been idle for several weeks

The redevelopment of the West Gosford Shopping Centre is on track to be completed within the next few months despite the fact the site has been idle for several weeks. Director of Mintus Properties, which is developing the revamp, Ben Stewart, said rumours that the project was suffering from financial difficulties were unfounded. Stewart said delays had been caused by the Christmas break

An artist’s impression of how the entry to the shopping centre will look

and material shortage but that the project was now “in the home stretch”. “The guys will be starting back on Monday, January 10,” he said. “There have been a few delays with materials and contractors because of COVID and some hold ups with certain materials. “But all the hard work has been done and the centre should be finished in the next couple of months.”

The project was approved by the Central Coast Local Planning Panel in September 2020, despite around 40 objections from nearby residents who outlined concerns regarding possible impacts of a Hungry Jack’s outlet. Residents in the adjacent townhouse complex were concerned that a proposed acoustic wall would block sunlight from their gardens, restrict daylight entering their

ground floor rooms and do little to mitigate noise. But town planner Jonathon Wood from ThinkPlanners told the panel at the time that an acoustic report had shown impacts would be acceptable given the provision of the acoustic barrier between the carpark site and the townhouses. A condition of the approval was that an acoustic assessment of operational noise emissions from the

premises must be supplied, at three months intervals for a period of 12 months after the restaurant begins operating. Hungry Jack’s has now been operational for several months. Continuing work will see fit outs on the first floor, converting existing office space to an 81 place childcare centre and a gym and major renovations to the ground level. Mintus Properties is confident of delivering an “outstanding village upgrade that locals can

be proud of. “The facelift will showcase tones and textures drawn from the Coast’s natural surrounds including stunning sandstone features and lush local landscapes creating a sense of seaside serenity,” the spokesperson said. “New designer bathrooms will enhance the overall shopping experience paired with purpose-built parents’ rooms.” Terry Collins

Chamber to continue campaigning for city campus and car parking Rod Dever has been returned as President of the Gosford Erina Business Chamber. Dever has been associated with the 74-year-old Chamber at board level since 2006. “It is a privilege to be a part of this organisation and to be able to continue working on the key projects the board has

been championing and (see them) through for the 2022 year,” he said. Also elected to the executive were Anna Cruckshank as Vice President for the 2022 year and David Evers, returned as Treasurer. The board formally recognised the valuable contribution made by outgoing Vice President

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Petrina Waddell, who capably held the role for more than nine years. Waddell made the decision not to contest an executive role owing to the demands of her external commitments and her full-time career but will remain on the board as a director. “Anna Cruckshank of Aubrey Brown Lawyers will make a

great addition to the executive and will work closely with the board to deliver a high standard of governance,” Dever said. “Anna is a successful businessperson who is highly respected and regarded in the business community and I look forward to working alongside her for this term. “We look forward to

progressing matters for the city and are still championing the development of a university campus for the city core and improved parking facilities for business and the wider community.” Source: Media release, Dec 20 Gosford Erina Business Chamber

Rod Dever

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PAGE 24 14 JANUARY 2022

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202

FREE 2022 DIARIES AVAILABLE TO CENTRAL COAST SENIORS

Seniors living across the Central Coast can now claim a free diary that alerts them of the latest scams, elder abuse, funeral information and pensions. Demand is always high for the Legal Topics for Older People diary, which will be distributed from my electorate office, in Terrigal, from today. Legal Aid NSW produces this informative and easy-to-read diary each year to help demystify legal issues that are of special interest to older people. This handy diary brings together important phone numbers and information about everything from helping your family financially, to updating a will and understanding your rights when moving into a retirement village. You’ll also find tips to help you get the most from life, with information about Seniors Cards and allowances for which you may be eligible. Seniors can pop in anytime to collect a 2022 Diary or you can contact my electorate office on 02 4365 1906 or Terrigal@parliament.nsw.gov.au, to reserve a copy.

Adam CROUCH mp Member for Terrigal

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

terrigal@parliament.nsw.gov.au adamcrouchmp adamcrouchmp

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 25 14 JANUARY 2022

Award-winning housing provider here to stay Pacific Link Housing had a big year in 2021 with the completion of a major affordable housing project on the Central Coast and a number of award wins. The social housing provider celebrated the completion of the Adira Development at Woy Woy in December, providing housing security for older women who are facing the ongoing rental affordability and availability crisis. The 12-unit mixed-tenancy complex includes a combination of social, affordable and private market rentals, specifically designed to be safe and secure for older women. One of the new residents, Kay, moved into the apartments before Christmas and said it was a blessing to have a safe home after being through a difficult time in her previous, sub-standard, private market tenancy. “I believe that everybody deserves a safe and secure home that is affordable and relevant to their circumstances, and I have found mine here at Adira,” she said. “I am so grateful to the wonderful staff at Pacific Link Housing for the opportunity to

From left, Adrian Harrington (NHFIC Chair), Ian Lynch (Pacific Link Housing CEO), Mark Glew (Pacific Link Housing Executive Manager, Property Development), Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks and Wal Edgell (Pacific Link Housing Chairman) at the opening of the Adira development

live in such a beautiful property where I feel safe and secure.” Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, attended the official opening of the complex. While on the Coast the PM announced an increase to the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation’s (NHFIC) lending cap by $500M. Wicks said the move would create more opportunities for community housing providers such as Pacific Link Housing which has received more than

$11M in low-cost financing from NHFIC. “I am pleased their latest development in Woy Woy will focus especially on getting older women into housing,” she said. The Adira development attracted a $1.6M contribution through the NSW Government’s Community Housing Innovation Fund which cemented the allocation of six units to women eligible for social housing. The remaining units are a mix of affordable housing and

private market rentals which were fully leased within a week of obtaining practical completion from the builders, Mars Building. Pacific Link Housing’s social enterprise Real Estate Agency, Key2 Realty, had a huge response in leasing the rentals, with a one-bedroom unit receiving 75 applications and 1,896 views on realestate. com. Pacific Link Housing Chairman Wal Edgell said he mixed tenancy model has proven

successful in other projects completed by the organisation. “The building’s name Adira is adopted from Hebrew meaning strong and powerful,” he said. “It is a message to residents that Pacific Link Housing is here to support them on their journey to build capacity and create improved opportunities for their future.” Pacific Link Housing also recently celebrated several award wins including a prestigious award for a mixed tenancy development recently

completed. The Property Council of Australia’s Innovation & Excellence Award for the best National Affordable Housing Development was received for Pacific Gateway, a 21-unit mixed tenancy complex built and owned by Pacific Link Housing in Glendale, Lake Macquarie. CEO Ian Lynch said receiving the award demonstrated the company is delivering quality, mixed tenancy developments, that are recognised at a national level. Three more award wins were celebrated by Pacific Link Housing including the Australasian Housing Institute’s Response to COVID-19 NSW Award and Executive Excellence NSW Award for CEO, Ian Lynch. The PowerHousing Australia National Awards also recognised the efforts of Pacific Link Housing’s Together Home Program Manager, Nicole Harvey, who was runner up in the Outstanding Achievement category.

Memorial Sites Available at Greenway Chapel & Memorial Gardens

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02 4369 2013

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Source: Media release, Jan 11 Pacific Link Housing

PAGE 26 14 JANUARY 2022

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 27 14 JANUARY 2022

Fun 4X4 day to support prostate cancer awareness Two Central Coast brothers are getting into gear for a major fundraiser to be held on January 15 to support the work of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA). Logan Grattan, 19, and his brother Ronan Grattan, 17, are inviting 4X4 enthusiasts to join them for a day of driving, food and fun in support of the cause. The brothers were inspired to give back after their uncle, Mike Berton, passed away from advanced prostate cancer last year at the age of 53. “We want to honour Uncle Mike and start a conversation about men’s health in the hope it saves even one family from going through what our family has,” Logan said. “Considering each of the guys involved in the event will have a male figure in their life, this conversation and awareness could potentially save a life.” Ronan said Mike had loved four-wheel-driving so the event

was a no-brainer. “Through 4X4 we’ve found a community of people who would never drive past someone that needed a hand without stopping to help,” he said. “This is what this fundraiser is all about – helping out where we can. “We couldn’t have done this without the help and support of our Aunty Jen, Mike’s wife, who has helped us get this off the ground.” Jen Berton, who also lives locally, said she couldn’t be prouder of her nephews. “Mike was a fit, healthy and active man,” she said. “He had no family history of prostate cancer, and it was never on the radar. “But after being tested at 51 they found a high PSA level (with further investigations showing) an aggressive form of prostate cancer. “Twenty-two months later he passed away at just 53 – leaving behind his family and

friends. “I don’t want any other family to go through what we have so I am proud of Logan and Ronan for thinking up a way to raise awareness of prostate cancer. “I know that their Uncle Mike would be so proud of them.” PCFA CEO Anne Savage commended the brothers for their commitment to helping locals impacted by prostate cancer. “Logan and Ronan are an inspiration to us all – taking up the challenge to make a difference in their local community and raise vital funds for the cause,” Savage said. “Their support will help us fund new research and support services to ensure that every man diagnosed with prostate cancer has the best chance of successfully treating this disease. “Every 30 minutes one of our fathers or sons will hear the news that he has prostate cancer.

“Alarmingly, it remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men. “Across the Central Coast alone over 3,400 men are living with prostate cancer, with an additional 300 men newly diagnosed each year. “Together, with the help of

community champions, we can continue to strive for a future free from prostate cancer.” The event on January 15 will take place from10am to 3pm at Watagans National Park. Drivers are asked to meet at Pines Picnic Area at 10am (entry through Martinsville Rd

then onto Watagans Forrest Road, Onley). Those interested in attending can RSVP via Facebook. For prostate cancer information and support, call PCFA on 1800 22 00 99. Terry Collins

Pick up your paintbrushes, Grandma Moses is back! Aged 50 or over and live on the Coast? Enter your painting or drawing by Friday 28 January for a chance to win your share of over $3000 in prize money. Artworks will be exhibited at the Gosford 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre 8-10 March. centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/grandmamoses Samuel Drew-Rumoro by Phil Meatchem, 2019 Highly Commended

Logan and Ronan Grattan

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EDUCATION & SCIENCE PAGE 29 14 JANUARY 2022

Teachers want a plan for safe return to school The Central Coast subbranch of the Independent Education Union is calling for consultation and clarity from the NSW Government as teachers, support staff and students prepare for the return to school. Given the current high COVID infection rates, the union expects the government and employers to work together on Work Health and Safety (WHS) provisions such as: ventilation in classrooms; student vaccination; access to COVID testing; booster shots for school staff; and the impact of potential staff shortages. Central Coast IEU organiser Charles Wheeler said, “Central Coast schools due are to reopen in two weeks’ time but there has been almost no communication from the NSW Government yet about how it is going to happen and how it is going to happen safely. “Teachers and support staff have to expertise to advise about best ways to proceed,” Wheeler said. He said “shortage” was the key word when discussing how schools on the Coast would need to prepare for the new school year. “There are currently 500,000 active cases [of COVID-19] in NSW and on the Central Coast there’s 10,000 give or take a few but there were only 200 active cases on the Central Coast when school finished last year so a lot has changed in a very short period of time and teachers need

certainty. “I think the biggest issue for teachers at the moment is the fact there is a dire teacher shortage on the Central Coast. “It is never easy for schools to find casual teachers as it is and this existing problem is going to be exacerbated. “Who will teach students when schools are under staffed and who will even supervise them or will schools be forced to close? “Would we be teaching face to face or remotely? “Teachers don’t know this and they need to prepare to kick off 2022 – it is very difficult for teachers to completely change their lesson delivery at the drop of a hat. “We need certainty about the mandatory status of the booster shots. “Central Coast school workers know that there is talk that a booster shot will become mandatory and as we know on the Coast it is not always easy to book in for a booster shot at the drop of a hat particularly when you are back working full time.” “If teachers and support staff require a booster to be fully vaccinated, what is the proposed timeline and what support will be in place to ensure they can access this vaccination?” said Acting Secretary of the NSW IEUA Branch, Pam Smith said. “The IEU is ready to work together with employers and the State Government to make the return to school as streamlined as possible, but there must be

consultation every step of the way, and the resources and support to help teachers and other educational staff get back to work safely needs to be in place,” she said. “At the moment, the situation is confusing for teachers, employers, parents and the union. “It is critical that everyone’s health and safety is protected, otherwise the return to school could turn into a super spreader event.” Smith told CCC that the current levels of infection in the community could exacerbate an existing shortage of casual teachers. “We are short of casual teachers - it is an issue generally in the government, Catholic and independent sectors. “Last year our members were saying it was increasingly difficult to find casuals and if there are staff that can’t return at the beginning of the school year that will certainly put pressure on the supply of casuals.” When asked whether the NSW Government was engaging with

the IEU, Smith said: “The answer is no and I am not sure they are communicating with the Teachers’ Federation in the government school sector either. “This government has a tendency for government by media release. “For example the Premier said today (Monday, January 10) there would be a focus on rapid antigen testing to schools. “He said if a child in a cohort tested positive there would be rapid antigen testing for all students in that cohort and that parents can do the testing at home and upload the results. “That sounds fine but where are they getting the supply, will the parents be able to do that and will they be able to upload or will they depend on the school? “Does that mean the child will come late to school that day, what does it actually mean?” Smith said she was aware of some schools who had purchased a supply of rapid antigen test kits last year but not all schools could afford to do so. “Supply would need to be a whole lot better than it is now,”

she said. “It is not clear where the supplies are coming from. “It is likely that supplies will be made available by the school to the parents but I didn’t read that clearly in the media release. “They are exactly the questions our members will be asking.” Smith said the IEU considered ventilation and air quality in classrooms to be a work in progress. Although vaccination eligibility for five to 11 year old children started from Monday, January 10 she said supply was an issue. “The Federal Government is certainly encouraging parents to take their children along but we are hearing that there are issues with getting a booking in the first place and if they have a booking, they are being informed supply is an issue and they will have to wait.” Access to booster shots for teachers is another issue that the IEU wants to see resolved before the start of the school year. There are two aspects of the issue - one is the availability issue of boosters. “You would think that when you are eligible you can just go and get a booster and again we are hearing that is very problematic. “I have heard from members they try to get a booster and wait two weeks or four weeks and the government’s message is to shop around but it shouldn’t be that hard. “The current impact of COVID on the supply chain means it is

not as easy to get a booster as it should be. “Then there’s the likelihood that State Governments will mandate that a booster is required to be fully vaccinated. “What is the timeline for that because if they are going to mandate it – and I believe Victoria already has for health, education and disability services - people do become eligible at different times,” she said. While there is not yet a Public Health Order in place in NSW to mandate the definition of fully vaccinated to include a third or booster shot, Smith said NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet “has referred to it”. Will schools be COVID-ready by the start of the school term? “That’s the big question and that is why the IEU is making these comments. “The Premier and Prime Minister have said they want schools to open after Australia day, with everything in place around testing, vaccination and the issue of what staff will be available. “There is a government determination for schools to open but what does it look like in practice? “Schools are at the heart of our communities. “We want schools to reopen safely for families and students and school staff and that means there needs to be consultation with staff and their unions.” Jackie Pearson

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0007 0.63 0052 0.62 0135 0.60 0215 0.58 0254 0.55 0332 0.54 0411 0.53 0647 1.59 0730 1.65 0811 1.70 0849 1.75 0927 1.78 1004 1.80 1041 1.80 FRI 1338 0.58 SAT 1420 0.51 SUN 1458 0.45 MON 1533 0.41 TUE 1608 0.38 WED 1644 0.37 THU 1718 0.37 1922 1.20 2008 1.24 2048 1.27 2126 1.29 2201 1.31 2238 1.33 2316 1.34 0451 0.53 0534 0.55 0040 1.38 0127 1.41 0218 1.45 0315 1.50 0417 1.57 1118 1.77 1157 1.72 0622 0.58 0715 0.61 0816 0.64 0929 0.64 1050 0.60 FRI 1755 0.37 SAT 1831 0.39 SUN 1238 1.65 MON 1324 1.55 TUE 1418 1.44 WED 1524 1.35 THU 1642 1.28 2356 1.36 1911 0.41 1954 0.45 2042 0.49 2137 0.53 2239 0.54

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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Avoca to host first pro surf with pay parity Some of the world’s top surfers will flock to the Central Coast early this year when the NSW Pro Surf Series returns to Avoca Beach thanks to a new threeyear partnership between the State Government and Surfing NSW. Central Coast surfing champion, Molly Picklum, joined Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, at Avoca last week to announce the move. The series will see four World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series surf competitions held in Great Lakes, Port Stephens, Maroubra and here on the Central Coast from February to March, 2022. Australian and international surfers will have the chance to gain ranking points and prize money in the

WSL Qualifying Series. Crouch said he looked forward to seeing Avoca Beach packed with competitors and spectators again, after a tough few years. “Having hundreds of competitors and spectators descend on Avoca Beach not only showcases our beautiful region to the world but injects significant tourism dollars into local businesses, accommodation providers, restaurants and retail,” he said. “The Central Coast is the perfect location for this event and I look forward to seeing our beaches and incredible local Central Coast talent featured on the world stage once again.” Crouch said the series would have a huge impact on the region’s economy as it recovers from COVID-19 lockdowns. He said the total prize pool would be $30,000 for both men and women, with the series one

Molly Picklum wasn’t impressed with MP Adam Crouch’s board skills

of the first surfing events to introduce pay parity. Picklum, originally from Shelly Beach and now living at Terrigal, won the Central Coast qualifier last year in a hard-fought battle with Avoca’s Macy Callaghan and said she was looking forward to competing again. She has recently returned from several months overseas competing in the 2021 Challenger

Series, an international surfing competition which saw events in California, Portugal, France and Hawaii from mid-September to early December. While her performance did not result in Championship Tour (CT) qualification for Picklum, she said the tour had been invaluable. “I achieved what I hoped to and surfing those beaches, especially in Hawaii, had a really positive

impact on my confidence,” she said. “The surf is incredible at some of those beaches and to compete at some of the top spots in the world was incredible. “It was really important to fly the flag for the Central Coast. “When I look at how far I’ve come in the past 12 months I’m excited to see what will happen in the next year.” Picklum said pay parity in the sport was extremely important. “It’s not as much about the money as it is about making female surfers feel valued,” she said. Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry, Stuart Ayres, said the partnership with Surfing NSW cements the state’s position as the premier destination for surf tourism in Australia.

“The NSW Pro Surf Series brings recreational tourism and economic benefits to our surfing communities by providing a coastal road trip for visiting surfers to explore the variety of breaks and experience NSW’s unique surfing culture,” he said. “These competitions will provide $1.48M in visitor expenditure to NSW coastal communities at a time when they need it most, which makes this partnership with Surfing NSW another important step forward in the recovery of the state’s regional tourism industry. “We are incredibly blessed in NSW to have some of the most spectacular coastlines in the world to host world-class surfing events.” For more information on NSW surfing events visit www.surfingnsw.com.au. Terry Collins

Derby looms ... rain, hail, shine or COVID? FOOTBALL Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Nick Montgomery says a full Mariners squad will take the field at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday afternoon (January 15) against local rivals Newcastle Jets in the M1 Derby. “We’ve probably got the strongest squad we’ve had all season,” Montgomery commented on Tuesday, January 11 in the leadup to the game. He said circumstances for the A-League side had been “difficult” over Christmas with close to 20 players and staff

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squad,” he said. “I think we did the right thing to protect not only ourselves but the public as well and unfortunately the games were postponed but we are going to play the games moving forward and it will be a heavy schedule but it is the same for every A-League club. “The morale has been really good coming off the back of a good couple of results in the A League and then the FFA cup result so obviously we were looking forward to really building. “We did what we had to do and that was really just keep everyone going.” Montgomery said the club had turned the situation into “a positive”. “I think it gave a few a little bit

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in safety and come to the stadium and really get behind us because I think it is a good game to start back with. “The boys are raring to go and we’ve got a full squad, probably the strongest squad we have had all season.” The new year brought an unexpected break for the Central Coast Mariners due to the emergence of Covid-19 throughout the camp in late December, 2021 Since defeating the Leichhardt Tigers in the FFA Cup Quarter Final with a mighty 6-0 thrashing on December 21, three Mariners’ A-League matches have been postponed. These include the Wellington Phoenix and Macarthur Bulls clashes at Central Coast Stadium on December 27 and 31 – the latter of which also disappointing

IN MEMORIAM MEMBREY Joyce Passed away peacefully at BaptistCare Orana, Point Clare on Saturday 8th January 2022,

with the cancellation of the New Year’s Eve 9pm fireworks – as well as the away fixture against Brisbane Roar on January 9. The cause of the postponements is the thorn in the side of all A-League clubs presently – as well as in the country as a whole – and the 2021/2 season will continue with the indefinite threat of further COVID-19 interruptions. The club confirmed there had been no hospitalisations and many players and staff reporting no, or very mild, symptoms. Outside of training, players are limiting social behaviours and attempting to avoid high risk settings. According to Mariners Chief Executive Officer, Shaun Mielekamp, the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) have ruled that any club with more than five unavailable players on the team list will be given the choice of postponing an upcoming match. Meanwhile, scheduling is underway for the Mariners’ FFA Cup Semi Final clash against Sydney FC who won their Quarter Final against Brisbane Roar on Wednesday, January 12.

aged 89 Years Loved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. A service to remember Joyce will be held at Greenway Chapel and Memorial Gardens, 460 Avoca Drive Green Point on Monday 17th January 2022 commencing at 2pm.

02 4324 1533

CCN

IN MEMORIAM Catherine Frances Murray (nee Harmey) 26.11.1937 – 18.12.2021

Loving wife to Eric 63 years. Devoted mother to Helen and Karen Privately cremated.

4365 2333

PAGE 32 14 JANUARY 2022 SPORT

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Avendano finding form in Big Bash

Justin Avendano opens the batting for the Sydney Sixers against the Perth Scorchers, Sunday January 9

CRICKET Whilst COVID-19 continues to deplete team sheets in the Big Bash League, Erina Valley born and raised Justin Avendano was called up this year to play for the Melbourne Stars and then the Sydney Sixers and has hopes for more top grade T20 opportunities on the horizon. The initial call up into the BBL was a surprise even following his grass roots playing for Terrigal-Matcham Cricket club and strong recent form in the NSW Premier First Grade. “I actually got the call sitting on the couch in the Blue Mountains from the batting coach of the Melbourne Stars,” Avendano said. “He told me they were playing tomorrow at 3pm, and I was thinking, ‘it’s six o’clock at

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night, I’m in the Blue Mountains three hours away from home, I’m going to have to sort my stuff out!’” “I got home at about 2am, packed bags, got an early flight to Melbourne and then played the next day at the MCG, which was absolutely incredible, in a derby match, where there was about 30,000 people spectating.” The change of pace from relaxation to big bashing was a factor in Avendano’s low run rate against the Melbourne Renegades and the Perth Scorchers. When his contract shifted to the Sydney Sixers ahead of their clash against the Scorchers, his performance improved to 23 runs from 22 balls, including two fours and one six. Avendano is awaiting another chance to line up with the

Sixers, hopeful to find his stride as an opening batsman. He is also a prospect in the mix of pool players who may be called into teams for the finals if COVID causes the regulars to miss out. “I could be playing against one team tomorrow and then potentially lining up in the Quarter Final with them two days later. “I’ve got no idea who I’m going to be playing with in a week’s time, which is really exciting but also a bit ridiculous.” The BBL’s approach to overcoming COVID may be unusual but the opportunity was well earned by Avendano on the back of his leading overall run score in the NSW First Grade with the UTS North Sydney Bears. After six matches this season

for the Bears, Avendano earned a total of 434 runs, inclusive of two centuries, one half-century, an average innings of 72.33, a strike rate of 110.7 and an innings high score of 171. The Terrigal-Matcham product found the time recently to return to his junior club and compete with the T20 team as the marquee player (guest player from another league). First grade captain, old friend of Justin and man about Terrigal-Matcham club Alex Patterson commented on what this return meant for the club on and off the pitch. “Justin’s been looking really good, though every time he’s played (for us) it’s been in difficult conditions: wet and overcast so the wickets haven’t been super good to bat on. “We’re blessed to have a player like Justin who is willing to give up his time to come and

play with us and have the odd training session. “He’s very generous with his time and it means a lot to the club to have someone who has come through our juniors and gone on to play high level cricket. “Then to see him come and give back to our community – I guess that’s what you want in community sport: guys who can make it on the TV and then give back to their cricket club. “This year we’ve run some junior academies for our youngest players, aged eight and nine plus, and he’s always happy to come down for an hour or two and run some batting drills for the young kids and they love having someone that they’ve seen on TV. “For some of the younger guys who are transitioning into higher level competitions, he’s always happy to spend some

time with them. “I think he enjoys seeing guys do well from the Central Coast, especially the Terrigal area, so he’s always happy to go down to the nets one on one with them and give them some advice, throw some balls to them, which a lot of guys like that aren’t always willing to do. “From a team perspective, it’s unfortunate we don’t have him (anymore), but I think everyone wants to see him play at that level (BBL) and we think he deserves to be there. “We are really happy to see him get a few opportunities and hopefully he can get some more. “Even though we won’t have him for the last few games, to see him play on TV is pretty special.”

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