4 FEBRUARY 2022
ISSUE 328
News
Coast groups rally for refugee rights
Central Coast Administrator Rik Hart has officially endorsed the Council’s submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal... See page 6
Out&About
If you’re driving along Central Coast Hwy at West Gosford on a Monday afternoon, you are likely to be greeted by a barrage of signs saying such things as Honk for compassion, Free the refugees, It’s not illegal to seek asylum and Time for a Home.
When Lexi Nojin set about creating her HSC major artwork last year at Terrigal High School, she wanted to reflect her mixed heritage.. See page 13
Business
See page 8 The Monday vigil is held on the Central Coast Highway at West Gosford
Possible transfer of Peat Island ownership to Land Council creates controversy An announcement that the State Government and Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council (DLALC) are in talks over the possible transfer of ownership of Peat Island to the Land Council has met fierce opposition from Traditional Bloodline Owners. The Government and DLALC announced a statement of intent to negotiate the potential transfer of ownership of the island earlier this week. DLALC’s plans for the island would include the possible
development of an Aboriginal Discovery Centre and Indigenous Walking Path as well as cultural tourism opportunities to capture and help preserve the rich Aboriginal cultural heritage on and surrounding the island. Minister for Planning and Homes, Anthony Roberts, said the move would aim to reunite the site with the custodians of the land, ensuring it will be preserved and acknowledged well into the future. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the statement of intent marked another step
forward in reconciliation. “The Government recognises the significance of Peat Island, in both its Indigenous and European histories, and the impact it has had on all Australians over the last hundred years,” Crouch said. “Working with the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council gives us an opportunity to partner with a local land council to pay respect to these shared histories. “We are also working closely with local community representatives to establish a memorial in the proposed chapel precinct to remember
the residents of the island’s institutional past.” DLALC Chairperson, B J Duncan, said the move would benefit the local Aboriginal community and all Coast residents. “We will create something that showcases and preserves Aboriginal culture and contemporary Australian history in a way that respects the past use of Peat Island and its former residents,” he said. “Peat Island can become a centrepiece of Australia’s cultural tourism in NSW.” DLALC CEO, Brendan Moyle,
said the Land Council and the State Government were building a strong partnership, with a number of land claims under negotiation. “The broader Aboriginal community on the Coast is being heard,” he said. “This is an opportunity to showcase ancient history and how Aboriginal culture has grown over the centuries. “People think they have to travel to Uluru to experience Aboriginal culture but we have plenty of it right here.” Continued page 4
Lyndsey and Jon Clarke of Hotondo Homes Central Coast are celebrating the company’s recognition as the leading home builder in customer excellence... See page 21
Sport
Some of Australia’s best junior speedway riders will be on the Central Coast on Saturday, February 5, when the Under 16 Speedway Championship is up for grabs. See page 32
Puzzles page 18
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