Coast Community News 337

8 APRIL 2022

ISSUE 337

News

Coast health workers at breaking point

The PEP11 permit for offshore petroleum exploration has been officially cancelled, although the licence holder has already signposted a possible legal appeal against the decision. See page 3

Out&About

Indie-folk outfit, Little Quirks have briefly returned home in the middle of their tour across Australia, America and the UK, and are developing a new album, ‘The Rain’.

See page 13

Dozens of health workers at Gosford Hospital walked off the job for two hours at 10am on April 7 as the strain of COVID, exhaustion and higher cost of living mounts.

See page 9

Business

Health workers gathered outside Gosford Hospital

Central Coast to be part of six-region ‘megacity’ It’s official – the Central Coast is to be combined with five other cities to form a ‘megacity’, a move which has been applauded by both sides of the political spectrum and the business community in the region.

The recent passing of the Greater Cities Commission Bill 2022 in State Parliament will see the Greater Cities Commission bringing together the Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle, Central Coast, Greater Sydney and IllawarraShoalhaven to create a globally competitive city region, with City Commissioners to be appointed from each of the regions involved.

The Bill received support from all Coast MPs with an

amendment which ensures the Coast’s Commissioner will reside in the region and be reviewed in five years’ time.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, described the Bill as “an excellent piece of legislation” which will establish a framework for the region’s priorities.

“Having a Central Coast local as the Commissioner to implement the priorities of our region is absolutely appropriate,” Crouch said.

He said major priorities for the region included locating a university campus in the Gosford city centre, expanding the health services in Gosford to support the Central Coast’s growing population to generate more local jobs and facilitating faster transport connections

between regional centres.

While welcoming a recent allocation of $1B in the Federal budget to increase the speed of rail between Wyong and Tuggerah, Crouch said more needed to be done.

A fourth priority would be increasing the amount of serviced industrial land on the Central Coast to support expanded industries such as food technology and advanced manufacturing without local government “roadblocks”, he said.

“That brings me to the fifth priority, which is streamlining the planning process to remove barriers, such as uncertainty and wait times, for businesses that want to locate on the Central Coast,” Crouch said.

He said a sixth priority for the region was establishing a

high-speed internet network in the region.

Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris, said he hoped the appointment of a dedicated commissioner would result in better coordination for the region.

“There are people wanting to invest but are held back by infrastructure delivery, particularly access to sewerage,” he said.

“There needs to be a concerted effort to match infrastructure requirements with growth so that more local jobs can be delivered.”

While supporting the Bill with amendments, Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, said the establishment of the Greater Cities Commission was a band aid solution to a much larger problem of continued poor

planning on the Central Coast.

“We need to see actual investment in properly planned infrastructure with futureproofing for our community,” she said.

“It is great to talk about taking our region forward, yet there needs to be substantial investment in delivering appropriate infrastructure seamlessly for a population that is set to rise from 360,000 to 415,000 by 2036,” she said.

“I hope that with this new strategy we will finally see infrastructure improve as population increases.”

Central Coast Council CEO, David Farmer, said the inclusion of the Central Coast in the plan highlighted the strategic importance of the region.

Continued page 6

While Business NSW Central Coast has welcomed the Federal Budget, Regional Director Paula Martin says it is now time to focus ...

See page 21

Sport

The Central Coast Mariners completed a 5 – 0 win over Wellington Phoenix at Central Coast Stadium, Tuesday evening April 6, boosting them to within striking distance of the top five with seven games still in hand.

See page 32

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.

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Freak waves flood Avoca Beach carpark

Heavy storms late last week saw freak waves flood the carpark and Ficus Ave at Avoca Beach, travelling over the berm and into Avoca Lagoon.

A Central Coast Council spokesperson said crews were on site to clean up and sand over the carpark.

“Once the swell reduced, the water retreated naturally as the lagoon was already opened,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the swell and tidal conditions on Friday and Saturday resulted in wave run-ups into all coastal lagoons and Tuggerah Lakes.

At Cockrane Lagoon, waves ran over the berm raising the levels of the lagoon.

“Once conditions allowed, Council crews opened the lagoon on Monday evening, April 4, (to allow) water to flow back out to sea,” the spokesperson said.

“Throughout weather events, Council continues to actively monitor, assess and liaise with external agencies such as the NSW SES around impacts to the coastal foreshores and waterways on the Central Coast, and issue warnings on Council’s Facebook page to the community.

“Since the March storms, debris has continued to wash ashore at southern beaches such as Patonga and Umina as a result of the floodwaters coming down from the upper Hawkesbury River.

“Council crews were at Patonga

Beach over the weekend to collect and remove debris.

“Since March 12, Council has collected and removed more than 269 tonnes of debris.”

The spokesperson said Wamberal Beach had suffered limited impact from the past week’s sea conditions and weather.

With more heavy rain forecast from April 7, Council will continue to monitor the situation.

All coastal lagoons, including The Entrance Channel, are currently open and below alert level and being monitored.

Source: Media release, Apr 7 Central Coast Council

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PEP11 ‘dead in the water’ … almost The PEP11 permit for offshore petroleum exploration has been officially cancelled, although the licence holder has already sign-posted a possible legal appeal against the decision.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison took the final step to reject the application for the Offshore Petroleum Exploration Permit PEP-11 last week, more than a year after it expired in February 2021.

The permit allowed for offshore exploration along a wide stretch of the eastern coastline, with the Central Coast a likely drill site.

Morrison said the Government’s decision under section 59(3) of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 to propose to refuse the application had been formalised.

“PEP-11 is officially dead in the water,” he said.

“I said the project would not proceed on our watch, and that is exactly what has happened.

“The decision has been finalised to ensure PEP-11 will not go ahead.”

The decision was made with the agreement of the NSW

Dr Natasha Deen (right) from Save Our Coast delivers their petition to Zali Stegalls MP in Feb 2020

Government as part of the joint Authority and the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) has advised the applicant of the decision.

The Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 has been at the centre of a community campaign that started in earnest four years ago by Newcastle woman Dr Natasha Deen Her Save Our Coast campaign collected more than 80,000 written signatures, that were presented to Federal Parliament

by Warrigah MP, Zali Steggall, in February 2020.

Federal Labor and Liberal parties subsequently joined the NSW Government, the Greens and coastal councils in expressing their opposition to the proposal.

Steggall then moved a motion in Federal Parliament that would have paved the way for a private member’s bill in October 2021 to kill off the permit, only to be thwarted by local member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, who rose to speak against the motion.

Peter Morris, a Director of Save Our Coast, said the organisation was thrilled that the application to extend the exploration license was rejected.

“It is a game changer that one of the reasons was public opposition to the project,” he said.

“Save Our Coast has worked for over three years to alert the public to the horrendous risks posed by offshore gas.

“Our coastline, our economy and our marine life are now safe from the risk of catastrophic

consequences.

“Over 80,000 people joined our cause and politicians were forced to take notice.

“We extend our sincere thanks to the public and our partner organisations for bringing on this result.”

Morris said the group was now calling on the Government to revoke the PEP11 permit altogether so the threat can never return.

“With the increasing urgency to curtail use of fossil fuels, it is a timely decision, he said.

NEWS

Wicks said last week the decision to kill off PEP-11 was “fantastic news” for Central Coast residents.

“People who enjoy the surfing, fishing and boating lifestyle (know this) will be preserved for future generations,” she said.

Asset Energy Limited (an investee company of BPH) and Bounty Oil & Gas, as the PEP 11 Joint Venture, announced that they have been given notice that NOPTA has refused the Joint Venture Application initially submitted on December 24, 2019, for a secondary work program variation and a 24-month suspension of the Permit Year 4 Work Program Commitment and the corresponding 24-month extension of the Permit Term.

“The Joint Venture has statutory legal rights to seek a review of the decision referred to in the notice under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 and is obtaining legal advice on such review process,” a spokesperson said.

Asset Energy declined to comment further at this time.

Mother’s Day Morning Tea We welcome you to attend our complimentary Morning Tea at Palmdale Lawn Cemetery and Memorial Park this Mother’s Day. Where: Palmdale Lawn Cemetery & Memorial Park, Palmdale Road, Palmdale NSW 2258 When: 8:30am until Noon this Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a particularly special time of year - time to stay emotionally, spiritually and symbolically connected to our loved ones.

Visiting a memorial site can offer solace and comfort on family days like these. Our beautiful Palmdale Lawn Cemetery and Memorial Garden offer the perfect setting for ongoing reflection and remembrance.

(02) 4362 1203

PAGE 3 8 APRIL 2022

palmdalegroup.com.au

Terry Collins

PAGE 4 8 APRIL 2022

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Albanese pledges better future in Budget reply In his Budget reply speech, Labor Leader, Anthony Albanese, outlined a range of measures he would introduce if elected to “build a better future”.

Albanese said Labor’s plans would: boost the economy with stronger wages and more secure work; invest in Australian skills, jobs, and manufacturing; back clean energy and build new infrastructure across the country; make childcare and power bills cheaper; protect Medicare; build more affordable housing; and fix the crisis in aged care.

Describing the Budget as “a bunch of last-minute, one-off handouts for problems that have been a decade in the making”, Albanese said the past two years had exposed some fundamental weaknesses in the economy.

“Too many people are working jobs that don’t pay the bills, or let them plan for their future,” he said.

“Too many businesses can’t find skilled staff and too many industries are at the end of global supply chains, at the mercy of an uncertain world.”

Labor leader Anthony Albanese with Labor’s Robertson candidate Dr Gordon Reid and Dobell MP Emma McBride

He said Labor’s plan for growth and prosperity was based on five pillars.

The Powering Australia plan would drive investment in cheap, renewable energy, he said.

“We’ll create 604,000 new jobs by 2030, with five out of every six in the regions, and lower power bills for households and businesses alike.”

The Future Made in Australia plan would focus on making more things here, diversifying the economy and revitalising

the regions.

Albanese said investing in infrastructure would be a major move, calling roads, rail, ports, and high-speed broadband the building blocks of a stronger, more connected and more efficient economy.

Plans for secure work and more opportunities for training would see more university places, 465,000 fee-free TAFE places, and the creation of Jobs and Skills Australia.

Albanese said the fifth pillar, cheaper childcare, would be

good for productivity, workforce participation and economic growth.

He said a Labor Government would work with premiers and chief ministers across the political spectrum to achieve common objectives in health care and implement all recommendations of the Respect@Work report.

“We will create a National Anti-Corruption Commission because public money should always be invested in the public interest,” he said.

He said there would be an increase in defence spending, but it needed to improve technology and capabilities.

Wait times for claims by veterans would be cut and new veterans’ hubs would be rolled out across the country.

“We will establish a Disaster Ready Fund, because Australians deserve a plan to mitigate the ever-intensifying impact of natural disasters,” he said.

Albanese said a Labor Government would act on

climate change and seize the chance to transform the country into a renewable energy superpower.

“Exporting resources will always be important to Australia’s economy but we should also use our resources – like our minerals and rare earths – to make products like batteries here, instead of just shipping them offshore and importing the finished goods,” he said.

Albanese also announced five measures to address the aged care crisis.

Every aged care facility would be required to have a registered nurse on site at all times.

Every Australian living in aged care would receive a minimum of 215 minutes of care per day, as recommended by the royal commission.

He said a Labor Government would back a real pay rise for aged care workers and work with the sector to develop and implement mandatory nutrition standards for aged care homes.

And he said Labor would deliver new funding, more staff and better support to the aged care sector.

Terry Collins

Liesl Tesch MP Member for Gosford

Schools and education Community Recognition Awards

Anniversary & birthday messages Fair Trading Hospitals and health Main roads

Police and Emergency Services Public housing

Trains and public transport

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

How can I help?

20 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy NSW 2256

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

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Labor MPs: Federal Budget ‘misses the mark’ Last week’s Federal Budget has received a mixed reaction on the Coast, with Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, saying it delivers the next stage of the Government’s plan to build a strong economy and Labor Candidate Dr Gordon Reid describing it as “an election ploy”.

Member for Dobell, Emma McBride, said it “misses the mark” for the Central Coast.

Wicks said the Budget would create more jobs, guarantee essential services and keep Australians safe.

“More Australians are in work than ever before and the unemployment rate is now forecast to reach 3¾ per cent in 2022, the lowest rate in close to 50 years,” she said.

Wicks said the Budget provided temporary and targeted cost-of-living relief for households and tax relief for small businesses; delivered more jobs; made record investments in health, education, roads, rail, dams and renewable energy; and invested in stronger defence, borders and security.

“The Government is investing an unprecedented $37.9B in regional Australia and priority

Lucy Wicks

infrastructure across the nation to create jobs and unlock the economic potential in our regions,” she said.

But Dr Reid said the Liberals had just sprayed money at voters to try to win the Federal Election in May. “As a local Emergency Department doctor, I have seen first-hand the Liberal Government’s neglect of our health system,” he said.

“We have a GP shortage crisis here on the Central Coast, yet the Budget does nothing to address this problem.

“What we need is a government committed to Australia’s long-term future – a government that will tackle the rising cost-of-living pressures after the May election, not just before it.

“We need action on housing

affordability and the rising rental stress that’s taking a toll in regional areas like the Central Coast.

“We need to fund TAFE properly and invest in training our next generation of workers.

We need to ensure our students can bounce back after COVID-19 and for our schools to be able to respond to future pandemic disruptions.

“We need to make sure childcare is affordable and that there are places available for when you need them.

“And we need a government that will listen to the science and take climate change seriously.”

Reid is not alone in his criticism.

Member for Dobell, Emma McBride, said the Budget was focused on short-term fixes.

“The past three years have been tough, and what Coasties really need is a proper wage rise, not a one-off patch job that barely covers the cost of a week’s rent,” she said.

“While infrastructure investment on the Central Coast is welcome, the Government has made promises like this before and they have failed to deliver for our region.”

McBride said Labor would make childcare cheaper, strengthen Medicare, deliver cleaner and cheaper energy, build more affordable housing, and introduce fee-free TAFE to tackle the skills crisis if elected.

She said the Budget had neglected the aged care crisis.

Central Coast group, Action on Housing Older Women (AHOW), described the Budget as a “huge disappointment”.

Convenor, Deb Tipper, said it did not acknowledge the seriousness of the lack of housing, especially for older women.

“Following another year of pandemic impacting budgets through higher housing rental prices, general cost-of-living expenses and petrol prices, exacerbated by significant climate-related natural disasters, there is nothing to support any additional affordable housing stock for those needing it,” she said.

Tipper said that since launching in March last year, the group had worked with numerous organisations exploring options for addressing the significant issue of housing older women on the Central Coast.

“Safe, affordable housing for

everyone is a key equity issue and members of AHOW were looking to the national government for some action to increase the supply of housing,” she said.

President of Central Coast Commuters Association, Eddie Ellis, said he was pleased to hear about additional funds for Woy Woy, but disappointed by the lack of progress and information on the Gosford commuter car park.

“However, we are disappointed in the lack of progress for extra parking at Gosford station with $30M being granted over three years ago by the Federal Government,” he said.

“It is still in the planning stage, after being taken over by Transport for NSW … they are looking for an alternative site within 400m to 500m from Gosford station.

“We have stated that this distance would be too far from the station for commuters and other train travellers, and that the current car park should be increased in height.

“I have even suggested another architect should take an independent look at the project.

“This architect has previously

carried out Federal Government projects at less than half the cost per square metre of the same projects as the NSW Government.”

Peak advisory body Catholic Health Australia (CHA) CEO, Pat Garcia, said: “Additional training places are all very well, but the sector is struggling to attract and retain aged care workers because they are simply not paid enough for the essential and demanding caring role they perform for the Australian community.”

The Australian Patients Association (APA) has criticised a lack of relief in paying for prescription medicines, with the safety net threshold lowered from $1542.10 to $1457.10 from July 1 for general patients. “(This is) a reduction of just $85 or two scripts at the maximum co-payment of $42.50,” APA CEO, Stephen Mason, said.

“Patients who are struggling to afford their medicines from week to week are not helped at all by this Budget,” he said.

He urged the Government to make medicines more affordable at the cash register.

Terry Collins and Maisy Rae

Central Coast Friends of Democracy On 4 April, the United Nations released the Report on Mitigation of Climate Change. Below are extracts from the comments made by the UN Secretary General: The jury has reached a verdict. And it is damning.

This report of the IPCC is a litany of broken climate promises. It is a file of shame, cataloguing the empty pledges that put us firmly on track towards an unlivable world.

We are on a fast track to climate disaster: Major cities under water.

Unprecedented heatwaves. Terrifying storms. Widespread water shortages.

The extinction of a million species of plants and animals.

This is not fiction or exaggeration.

Some government and business leaders are saying one thing – but doing another. Simply put, they are lying. And the results will be catastrophic.

But high-emitting governments and corporations are not just turning a blind eye; they are adding fuel to the flames. They are choking our planet, based on their vested interests and historic investments in fossil fuels, when cheaper, renewable solutions provide green jobs, energy security, and greater price stability.

Investing in new fossil fuels infrastructure is moral and economic madness.... we must triple the speed of the shift to renewable energy.…It means governments ending the funding of coal, not just abroad, but at home. It means protecting forests and ecosystems as powerful climate solutions.

Leaders must lead. But all of us can do our part....I am appealing directly to you: Demand that renewable energy is introduced now – at speed and at scale.

Demand an end to coal-fired power.

Demand an end to all fossil fuel subsidies.

Climate promises and plans must be turned into reality and action, now.

It is time to stop burning our planet, and start investing in the abundant renewable energy all around us.

Instead of changing the climate, it’s time to change the politics There is no doubt that both the major political parties have failed our community on climate change—and we are experiencing the devastating consequences here and now. It will only get worse. There is no sign of politicians at any level making real changes to address the problems that our community faces.

• In 2021-22, Australian Federal and state governments provided a total of $11.6 billion worth of spending and tax breaks to assist fossil fuel industries. This is a 12% increase on the previous year’s figure and 56 times the budget of the National Recovery and Resilience Agency. The total value of budgeted fossil fuel assistance over the life of projects and the forward estimates of ongoing programs is $55.3 billion. By contrast, the balance of Australia’s Emergency Response Fund was $4.8 billion in December 2021. (The Australia Institute) • On 14 March 2022, NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts announced he was discontinuing Minister’s Planning Principles, including a requirement to consider the risks of floods and fires before building new homes (SMH) • On 1 April 2022, approval was given to the Whitehaven underground coal mine extension in Narrabri.

This is projected to produce nearly half a billion tonnes of carbon emissions. (Lock the Gate) • On 5 April 2022, the NSW Planning Minister announced at a developer’s lunch event that he had scrapped the Design and Place SEPP (State Environmental Planning Policy). This would have required all developments to mitigate and adapt to the risks of climate change - as well as other initiatives to create more liveable and sustainable neighbourhoods and developments.(SMH) • On 19 March 2022, Adam Crouch (MP for Terrigal) criticised Central Coast Council for being concerned about climate change impacts on the Central Coast (ABC Radio Interview). This was at the same time that local residents were facing extreme weather events and flooding evacuations— after significant bushfires and coastal erosion events during the past 2 years.

www.ccfriendsofdemocracy.com

PO Box 106, Terrigal 2260 email: admin@ccfriendsofdemocracy.com

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“All stops must be taken” to stop permanent Mangrove Mountain landfill – Tesch Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, has demanded a transparent process going forward concerning the Mangrove Mountain tip site, saying a Land and Environment ruling on the matter handed down on March 25 was “incredibly disappointing”.

“The decision by the Land and Environment Court … allows court orders made in 2014 to stand – allowing a maximum of 1.14 million cubic metres of landfill to de deposited at the site - a continuation of the massive environmental and public health disaster,” Tesch said.

“Many in our community believe that the Coast shouldn’t be the tip for the rest of the state, and yet this decision leaves the door open for more waste to be deposited at Mangrove Mountain.”

Tesch said the legally complex outcome indicates that under

the 2014 court orders, the waste company Verde Terra has 10 years to complete its planned construction of an 18hole golf course using landfill at the Mangrove Mountain Golf Club site.

“This allows an additional 340,000 tonnes of waste to be delivered at the top of the Central Coast water catchment,” she said.

Tesch said the decision

places significant pressure on Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart, and staff to deliver the best possible outcome for the Central Coast.

“According to Justice Pepper, the court may grant a new development consent to accommodate new 2016 Landfill Guidelines,” she said.

“The only positive is that new guidelines for solid waste landfills were introduced in

2016, which are more demanding and require cells to be lined and we know that 85 per cent of the Mangrove Mountain dump is unlined.

“This could give Council reason to require a new DA and for the EPA to require cell lining before it issues an Environmental Protection Licence (EPL).”

Tesch said the ball was now firmly in Central Coast Council’s

court and the people of the Central Coast expect the Administrator to impose the highest possible level of protections for the catchment.

“The original permission for the landfill was provided by the Gosford City Council in 2014 without consultation with the then elected councillors,” she said.

“Now the pressure is on the Council Administrator to

oversee a transparent decision that will protect our water catchment today and for future generations.

“Gosford City Council and Central Coast Council’s historic failures regarding the Mangrove Mountain landfill site were clearly outlined by Justice Pepper, and we need certainty to ensure any future undertakings at the site undergo due diligence, with a transparent process that ensures the best possible environmental protection for our community.

“The people of the Central Coast rely on the Environmental Protection Agency and Central Coast Council to ensure Verde Terra complies with all necessary environmental protection responsibilities moving forward.”

Source: Media release, Apr 6 Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch

Central Coast to be part of six-region ‘megacity’ From page 1 “Bringing the Central Coast into strategic planning alongside Newcastle, Wollongong and Sydney has the prospects of seeing more opportunities open up for funding big game changing infrastructure to benefit the whole region,” Farmer said.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said the Greater Sydney Commission recognised that it was important for Council to have a seat at the table in planning and delivering on the strategic vision for the region.

The move has also been welcomed by Business NSW Central Coast, which says it is a positive step forward for the Central Coast and the state.

“Business NSW sees the megacity strategy as an opportunity to fully shape the region including the Gosford CBD for future employment growth particularly in areas where we are seeing high demand for jobs in health, professional services, technology and data driven sectors,” Regional Director, Paula Martin, said.

Sarah Winter has been

Adam Crouch

Sarah Winter

appointed Executive Director Central Coast with a City Commissioner yet to be appointed in consultation with

Central Coast Council.

Minister for Cities, Rob Stokes, said by bringing

Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong together with Sydney regions in strategic planning, the cities would be more prosperous, safer, cleaner, smarter and more fun to live in or visit.

“Like San Francisco’s Bay Area, the Netherlands’ Randstad and China’s Pearl River Delta, a region of interconnected cities can be more productive, resilient and innovative than cities standing alone,” he said.

“With three international airports, three deep water ports and six of the world’s top 200

universities, we have an enviable base to build our future.

“Thinking laterally will deliver better jobs, housing, education, health and lifestyle opportunities for a population which is expected to hit eight million in the next two decades.”

The Commission will develop a six cities strategic plan for discussion in mid-2022, before the finalisation of a new Region Plan by the end of 2023.

Terry Collins

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A Labor Government will A Labor Government will address GP shortages A Labor Government will STOP PEP11 A Labor Government will support small business A Labor Government will stop the RORTS A Labor Government will build affordable housing A Labor Government will make child care cheaper A Labor Government will buy AUS made

Contact Dr Gordon Reid on 0406 393 334 or email gordon@drgordonreid.com.au Authorised by Bob Nanva, Australian Labor Party (NSW Branch), Level 9, 377 Sussex St Sydney NSW 2000.

Gordon Reid labor will.indd 1

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Council roadwork at Saratoga results in driveway too steep to negotiate

When Dee Hanna and her family bought their Saratoga home just under 12 months ago, one of the factors which influenced their decision was plans for Central Coast Council to provide a double driveway at the premises as part of an upgrade of Davistown Rd. But what has happened since has turned into a nightmare for the three-car family, which is accusing Council of poor planning resulting in a driveway so steep they are scared to drive their cars down it.

“We thought having a double driveway would be great because we were thinking of buying a boat,” Hanna said.

“We didn’t get all the paperwork on the plans before we bought and didn’t realise the work involved raising the road by quite a lot.

“On January 10 the contractors started work, beginning by demolishing the existing driveway and what followed has been terrible.

“When the driveway was finally completed, it was so

Dee Hanna attempts to negotiate her impossibly steep driveway

steep that we couldn’t drive our vehicles down it without scraping the bottom of the cars.”

Hanna said whether cars are driven in nose first or reversed, one end of them scrapes on the steep driveway, estimated by a structural engineer to be almost a 30 degree incline.

“The second driveway, beside the existing carport, is so narrow that a car cannot be

parked so that both driver and passenger doors can be opened,” she said.

“So, if someone wants to get in the passenger side doors they have to balance on a narrow ledge beside our property and the adjoining one just to open the door.”

To further exacerbate the family’s woes, since the raising of the road there is a steady run-off of water down the side

steps to the house, where water pools dangerously, seeping into the brickwork.

“We’re not quite sure where this water is coming from but there wasn’t an issue prior to the roadworks and we are very worried about the long-term effect on our brickwork,” Hanna said.

She said Council had been slow to respond to the family’s concerns, despite repeated

complaints.

“There is no on-street parking now and we often have to park at the top of the driveway, blocking the footpath,” she said.

“It’s extremely dangerous – I have already twisted my ankle once while trying to walk down the driveway.

Two weeks ago, Hanna says she was informed by Council that surveyors would measure

Terry Collins

New bus for special assistance school at Kariong

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the levels and get back to her with a plan.

“We have heard nothing since.”

A spokesperson said Council has been progressively upgrading Davistown Rd over many years to provide improved travel, pedestrian and safety for motorists and pedestrians.

“Davistown Rd is a key road which carries a high volume of traffic, accommodates bus services, and is the main road servicing residential areas of Yattalunga, Saratoga and Davistown,” the spokesperson said.

“Due to the terrain, and to accommodate travel lanes, bus infrastructure, and pedestrian pathways, some adjustments to the road have been necessary and resulted in modifications to private driveways.

“Council is continuing to investigate and liaise with the owners of (the house) to address the concerns with their modified driveway access and water ponding concerns.”

RTO ID 90084

NG Central School at Kariong will soon have a new bus to transport students to the school from all over the Coast, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the State Government’s 2021 Community Building Partnership program.

The special assistance school offers an alternative pathway for students in Years 9-12 who are struggling with mainstream education.

Principal Andrea Cingi said students from a variety of suburbs, including Kincumber, Gosford and the Peninsula, attended the school.

“Some have to get on a bus, a train and then another bus,” she said.

“This adds to the difficulty of going to school for most

students and with this bus, the school will be able to pick up students straight from home.

“We want to make schooling as simple to get to as possible.

With so many scary and concerning events unfolding around the world, students need to be able to access school easily and conveniently.

“This bus will also assist us to get students to and from excursions and special events.

By investing in this bus, we are breaking down one of many barriers to these students’ education.”

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, popped into the school to announce the funding.

“NG Central School is an outstanding school that provides tailored education and training to students who

might struggle with the standard school model or methods,” Tesch said.

“It also provides pathways for students to enter into postschooling employment in priority industries such as horticulture, hospitality, construction, retail and automotive work.

“This funding will help ensure students who live on the Peninsula or in Gosford are able to get to school in a timely manner and not have to make several connecting journeys to get to school.”

Registered and accredited as a special assistance school with the NSW Education Standards Authority, the school also provides benevolent relief to students in need.

“At NG Central, we make it our mission to think outside the box when it comes to teaching and learning so that students feel engaged, supported and like they belong,” the school website says.

NG Central School is located at Green Central, 2 Kangoo Rd, Kariong.

Source: Media release, Mar 30 Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch

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NEWS

PAGE 9 8 APRIL 2022

Spencer left out of flood relief package The River Cares group is incensed that the townships of the Lower Hawkesbury, including Spencer and Gunderman, have been excluded from the State Government’s Back Home flood relief package, with residents in the Central Coast local government area (LGA) not eligible to apply.

River Cares President, Robyn Downham, said it was “frustrating and infuriating” that nearby towns such as Wisemans Ferry and St Albans were eligible because they were in the Hawkesbury LGA, when Spencer and Gunderman were just as heavily impacted by recent flooding.

“Roughly 20 households in this area, and possibly more, were severely impacted,” Downham said.

“The water was coming through and taking everything out – garden furniture, tools and generators from sheds, pumps, mowers – all sorts of machinery.

Downham said there was significant property damage to houses with roofs collapsing and foundations shaken and a mould situation has

Dozens of health workers at Gosford Hospital walked off the job for two hours at 10am on April 7, joining industrial action held across the state as the strain of COVID, exhaustion and higher cost of living mounts.

Workers exited the hospital at 10am to gather outside and discuss further action.

The Health Services Union (HSU) announced it would proceed with mass industrial action involving thousands of health and hospital workers across ambulance, cleaning, allied health, admin, security, catering and wards will, following a hearing earlier this week at the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.

The HSU said that after weighing arguments from the Union and Ministry of Health, the Commission has opted for a conciliation hearing next week.

It said this comes after repeated attempts by the HSU to open up the state’s hospital awards and begin genuine bargaining for productivitybased pay rises had “fallen on deaf ears”.

Under the NSW wages cap, public sector pay increase cannot legally exceed 2.5 per cent.

Many Spencer residents, including from the caravan park, were forced to evacuate

become prevalent.

“One family I know lost computers, laptops, clothing and mementos as the water impacted the lower level of their home and many were forced to evacuate, particularly from the Spencer caravan park, which went underwater.

“Insurance claims are stressful, with some not covered by their policies and with no money to pay for

repairs.”

Downham said the communities of the Lower Hawkesbury were “always forgotten” and many residents were still waiting for tradesmen to remove mould and repaint before they could move back into their homes.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said he had spoken to the residents of Spencer and

raised their concerns with the Premier and Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience, Steph Cooke.

“I will continue to advocate for the Spencer community,” he said.

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, said the decision to exclude Central Coast river communities from the Back Home grant funding needs to be addressed.

“I have written an urgent letter to Minister Dominello urging the NSW Government to reconsider this negligent decision,” Tesch said.

“Locals in Spencer and Gunderman have suffered severe damage to their properties and possessions due to the recent flooding of the Hawkesbury River.

“While their neighbours in the Hawkesbury LGA across the

Coast health workers at breaking point

The HSU is campaigning for a 5.5 per cent pay rise to account for the impact of the pandemic, and the surging cost of living, along with a broader shift that replaces the State wage cap with genuine bargaining to reflect the enhanced skills and productivity of the health workforce.

“Health and hospital workers are at breaking point,” HSU NSW Secretary, Gerard Hayes, said.

“They were exposed to COVID without a vaccine or appropriate protective equipment for months, then they endured exhaustion and anxiety and now they have been rewarded with surging prices and a collapse in real wages.

“Being called a hero doesn’t put money in the bank when

you’re skint before pay day.”

Greens MP and wellbeing spokesperson,Cate Faehrmann has backed the workers.

“The Government’s policy of capping wage rises at 2.5 per cent doesn’t even keep up with inflation,” she said.

“A fair pay rise for healthcare workers in NSW is well overdue.

“Let’s be clear: what the State Government is offering is a pay cut.

“By refusing to negotiate, they’re effectively cutting the wages of healthcare workers during a pandemic and risking the full-scale collapse of our healthcare system.

“This is the third health sector strike we’ve seen in NSW in six weeks.

“Workers are burnt out and

desperate for things to change.”

Faehrmann said with prices rising, housing costs skyrocketing, and pressures from chronic understaffing at work, workers were leaving the health system in droves.

Separately, the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) has held talks with the NSW Government this week over the need for staffing improvements and better pay for nurses and midwives.

Off the back of last Thursday’s second statewide strike, the NSWNMA met with Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Finance Minister Damien Tudehope to discuss the widespread staffing crisis gripping the public health system.

NSWNMA General Secretary, Brett Holmes, welcomed the discussions and reiterated the need for the NSW Government to address short staffing issues throughout metropolitan and regional health facilities.

“We had the opportunity to discuss the dire staffing crisis in our public hospitals, as well as the extraordinary lengths nurses and midwives are having to go to maintaining health services,” he said.

“There is an awareness by government that we need more nurses and midwives to deliver safe patient care and how unsustainable the current working conditions are, particularly for the future.

“We appreciate the pandemic has created challenges for the health system, but it has

river are eligible for these much needed funds, local communities affected on the Central Coast will miss out on this vital assistance.”

Tesch said during the flooding residents were left cut off from electricity, telecommunications and resources while suffering devastating possession and property loss.

“It is believed that at least 20 local households in Spencer and Gunderman will meet the critical need criteria under the Back Home grant scheme and will be unable to access vital support under the scheme due to their postcode.

“Until substantial government support is provided, residents in these areas are left unable to return to their homes and are forced in to live in temporary accommodation.”

The $112M Back Home grants program was announced by the State Government this week but cash grants of up to $20,000 are available only for residents in the LGAs of the Hawkesbury, Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed.

Terry Collins

exposed a myriad of issues, including the need for our nursing and midwifery workforce to be enhanced beyond its normal annual growth.

“It took a huge amount of courage for our members to participate in last week’s 24hour statewide strike – they were angry their ongoing pleas for help and support had been ignored.

Holmes said the NSWNMA would continue campaigning for shift by shift nurse-topatient ratios, better maternity staffing, improvements in regional health services and fair pay.

Meanwhile, the NSWNMA has been summoned to the Supreme Court next week for breaching orders issued by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission in relation to strike actions held on 15 February and 31 March.

The NSWNMA maintains the recent industrial actions were necessary to advocate for safe patient care and for the wellbeing of a burnout nursing and midwifery workforce across NSW. Source: Media Releases, Apr 6 HSU and NSWNMA Media release, Apr 7 Greens MP, Cate Faehrmann

PAGE 10 8 APRIL 2022

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Vania Holt withdraws from Robertson federal election Independent candidate for Robertson, Vania Holt, has announced she will no longer run in the upcoming federal election, citing the financial strain candidates face.

In September 2021 Holt was unveiled as the New Liberals candidate for Robertson, vowing to change political culture and champion environmental causes if elected.

In November 2021, Holt announced she would contest the seat as an independent instead and would push for a federal ICAC and a climatepositive economic plan.

Holt said it was with “considerable regret” she had

Vania Holt

decided to withdraw.

“I would like to apologise to my supporters, friends and family who have encouraged me to stand for the coming federal election,” Holt said.

“I was always motivated by a deep sense of justice and fairness and most of all to return independent communitybased representation to the Federal Parliament.

“I have learned much from the last few months of campaigning, particularly how concerned locals are with the state of federal politics and the disfunction and corrupted processes that have developed over the last 15 years.”

Holt said that despite her withdrawal she still believed

communities were best-served by independents.

“Major party politics is seriously flawed – citizens and taxpayers are paying a massive cost for this wasteful, unfair and often spiteful culture,” Holt said.

“I do believe that independent community-based candidates … answer to their communities and are free of party politics, shadowy political donors and often-hidden lobby groups.

“I have discovered that running a competitive federal election campaign is incredibly expensive – and the electoral rules that were changed by the major parties a few years back have made it even more expensive. This effectively

excludes many good people from running for Parliament.

“I am currently returning the campaign donations I managed to attract and would like to take the opportunity to thank those people in the community who are really looking for change.”

In February, Holt challenged other local candidates to disclose all donations over $1,000 made to their political campaigns amidst a national discussion about donation disclosures.

Holt championed the Action for Robertson community group for their work in giving local voters an anonymous space to share their concerns.

Maisy Rae

Download the work safety app Central Coast workers are being urged to download an app to make workplaces safer for employees.

The Speak Up Save Lives app allows workers to anonymously raise safety concerns with SafeWork NSW.

Last year alone saw 560 reports trigger interventions in high-risk safety issues.

Minister for Fair Trading, Eleni Petinos, said anonymity is a major concern for workers, who fear speaking up could lead to punishment or even the loss of their jobs.

“Speaking up can be intimidating,” she said.

“I want to reassure workers that any identifying features of your submission will not be made visible to your employer.

“I urge anyone who sees anything risky or unsafe at work to please immediately report it – we all have our part to play to ensuring everyone’s safety.”

The app has helped SafeWork NSW prevent injuries and

deaths, with 1,297 reports since its inception two years ago.

“In January, we received a report about scaffolding on a construction site that had no edge protection, no safety ties and was within proximity of live power lines,” Petinos said.

“Inspectors attended the site and issued a prohibition notice immediately.

“Somebody could have easily fallen to their death or been

electrocuted.

Petinos said, in another example, inspectors responded to reports of unsafe demolition and found unlicensed removalists dismantling a storm damaged house riddled with asbestos.

“Not only was the house at risk of structural collapse but improper asbestos removal can release deadly particles into the surrounding air.”

Businesses are still required

to report all notifiable incidents, including death, serious injury or illness, or a dangerous incident, by calling 13 10 50 immediately.

Find details of the app at https://speakup.safework. nsw.gov.au/ or search the app store for Speak Up Save Lives.

Source: Media release, Apr 1 NSW Government

Animal Justice Party to run in Robertson Bird-lover Patrick Murphy has announced he will stand as the Animal Justice Party’s candidate for Robertson in the upcoming federal election.

Dangerous working conditions can be reported through the app

As an animal lover and environmentalist, Murphy said he was keen to speak out on these issues, which he believes are not getting the attention they deserve at a federal level.

“For too long animals and the environment have been neglected and ignored by those

in power … I am standing for the seat of Robertson to change that,” Murphy said.

“I will fight to end the barbaric live export trade, ensure our kangaroos, koalas and all our unique wildlife are protected, end the destruction caused by coal seam gas, and I will not stop until we get real action to address the climate emergency.

“Climate change is a key issue for my electorate, and this will be my main focus.”

Murphy is also an advocate for indigenous rights, marine

life and the banning of 1080 poison.

“We’re the change people are looking for,” Murphy said.

“People are feeling let down and ignored by the major parties, and they want to get good value for their ‘number 1 vote’ in the polling booth.”

Murphy will launch his candidacy at 12pm on April 3 at Erina Shopping Centre Centre in Meeting Room 2, behind the library.

Maisy Rae

Patrick Murphy

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PAGE 11 8 APRIL 2022

Round Two of the NSW Government's 2022 Infrastructure Grants Program Applications are open to not-for-profit organisations and associations across the Central Coast for construction, alteration, renovation, completion and fit-out of buildings and community infrastructure

Now Open

For more information and program criteria contact terrigal@parliament.nsw.gov.au or scan the QR code

Applications Close Friday 15th April

Arts and culture Emergency preparedness Sport and recreation

Matcham Valley Pony Club Past Recipients of Infrastructure Grant Funding

PAGE 12 8 APRIL 2022

FORUM

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Artwork lost as Macmasters amenities block upgraded

Workers’ comp payment confusion

I would like to raise awareness of Council’s demolition of the amenities block at Macmasters Beach, which has a public art piece by local exhibiting artist John Oates.

It will be replaced with a stark contrasting urban toilet with no plans to return the aesthetic of public art.

I understand it may be difficult to preserve this artwork. Other such murals were conducted on boards that were then affixed to the buildings so they can be removed for any construction matters and replaced to maintain the sense of place and beautification that such murals bring to our beaches and surrounding areas so popular with tourists.

This has occurred at Heazlett Park at Avoca Beach and is also planned for Wamberal surf club

The featured artwork at Macmasters Beach

FORUM amenities.

Both of these have/had the removable panels, but Avoca’s mural – by renowned public and community artist, Suzanne Holman – was removed and not returned to the new facility.

Public art not only crates a

unique sense of place and pride in one’s local area but creates employment for local artists and is a successful strategy for reducing illegal graffiti.

Editor’s note: A Council spokesperson said while discussions with the original artist were undertaken during the consultation phase, the

artwork could not be retained, being painted directly onto the brick. Council will liaise with the community to provide an opportunity for community artwork to be affixed to the new amenities building on a removable panel.

Email, Apr 5 Fiona Morrison, Avoca Beach

A question for Lucy Wicks and Gordon Reid.

FORUM

After many years of having meetings and sending emails asking Members of Parliament and Opposition candidates what they can do about my concerns, I have either got no response or “it’s too hard”.

So now I would like to put this question to both the candidates in a public forum.

Why is it that people on workers’ compensation payments who injured themselves at work pay tax on their weekly compensation payments, when these payments are classified as not real earnings and, because of this classification, the worker

doesn’t receive the compulsory superannuation guarantee payment?

My argument has been for years that if my payment is a taxable income then compulsory super should be paid – or don’t tax my benefit.

I await with interest any response either candidate will give.

I hope they don’t just throw out the line that workers’ comp is State and tax is Federal again.

Something can be done if they want.

Email, Apr 7 Carl Veugen, Umina Beach

Budget ‘winners’ haven’t really won To describe motorists, lowincome earners and first house buyers as “big winners” in the federal Budget requires an extraordinary leap of faith (“Budget wins for motorists, low- to middleincome earners and first home buyers”, PP 053).

Motorists will gain the advantage, for a brief period, of a temporary reduction in excise duty – which might or might not flow through to consumers, depending on the reliability of the oil companies in passing on this windfall, after which the price will, presumably, revert to current levels.

Apart from the political backlash that is sure to ensue when the concession is withdrawn, how will the Government make up the

FORUM See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions.

Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper revenue shortfall, which will be substantial?

It will mean cuts in services, increased borrowings or deepening debt (or all three), so motorists will still wind up paying for this measly handout in ways that they might find even less palatable than bearing the price at the pump.

This is the old sleight-of-hand trick of appearing to confer a

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benefit while not mentioning that the recipient will suffer in other ways.

Pensioners and job-seekers will receive a derisory single payment of $250 to boost their lifestyle, at a time when the JobSeeker payment is below poverty level and falling even further behind with increasing inflation.

This supplement of 68 cents a day is little more than an insult and is obviously only intended to allow SloMo to say he is doing “something” about the plight of low-income earners, after a decade of doing nothing.

A similar thing might be said about the tax offset, which will mean that “some people may get up to $1,500 back”.

What it will mean in reality is most people will get very little

and a good number will get nothing at all.

This is from a Government that has enacted massive tax reductions for the wealthy and skewed the tax system so the richest pay little in tax or, in many cases, nothing at all.

As for the first home buyer grant, we have ample evidence the only effect of these handouts is to push prices even higher and make the accumulation of a deposit even further out of reach for the average citizen.

The Government is, of course, terrified that any attempt to correct the market will result in a fall in values, thus detrimentally affecting its main electoral base.

With respect to other measures of importance, the changes in parental leave (the

stingiest in the OECD) will have no impact, because the amounts being paid will be insufficient for an ordinary wage-earner to live on; the budget of agencies dealing with climate change will be cut by 35 per cent (pretty clear evidence of the strength of SloMo’s commitment to net zero emissions); there is no provision for improvement of the aged-care system, which is in desperate straits; and no attempt has been made to tackle the home-care crisis, which forces aged-care responsibilities onto families and voluntary carers who are already over-stretched.

On the other hand, we have tens of billions of dollars in concealed pork-barrelling funds, hidden as unspecified “regional projects”, ready to be rolled out in marginal

electorates.

All this and deficits for the next 10 years.

Churchill’s old maxim that anything the government promises you is going to be paid for with money the government took from you in the first place has now been changed to anything the government promises you will be paid for by putting it on your credit card.

What is disheartening is the Opposition seems to have little to offer as an alternative.

SloMo’s jibe that Albanese hopes to slide into office unnoticed has some potency.

What is the point of changing the Government when the Opposition is pretty much only offering more of the same?

Email, Apr 3 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

FREE SEMINAR Wills & Estates Seminar

Experienced down-to-earth help and advice throughout the Central Coast

AVOIDING ESTATE PLANNING TRAPS

As part of the 2022 Brazel Moore Seminar Series, this free public seminar is being given by Brazel Moore Lawyers to help people understand what to expect so they know where they stand in –

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The theme is to educate people about the options and choices available to them… alerting you to the pitfalls and procedures in dealing with Estate Planning, Wills, Powers of Attorney & Appointments of Guardian and how you should best deal with them.

Geoff Brazel, Solicitor, will present the seminar on Wills, Powers of Attorney & Appointments of Guardian to help you through the maze of legal regulation.

The seminar will be presented in a friendly relaxed atmosphere and there will be plenty of time for your questions.

You’ll be helped a lot in understanding the system and will then be able to confidently consider what Estate Planning steps you need to take to properly plan for your own Will, Power of Attorney or Appointment of Guardian.

WHEN: 19 April 2022 TIME: 6.45pm to 8.00pm WHERE: Breakers Country Club Terrigal HOW: Call 4324 7699 to reserve your spot now!

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 13 8 APRIL 2022

Getting Quirky

The Little Quirks Trio of Abbey, Mia and Jaymi Toole

The Central Coast’s indiefolk outfit, Little Quirks have briefly returned home in the middle of their tour across Australia, America and the UK, and are developing a new album, ‘The Rain’.

The two sisters and cousin, Abbey, Mia and Jaymi Toole have a short break to catch their breath after touring Australia and before travelling to the USA for the 2022 South

by Southwest Festival (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, March 11-20.

This was the first chance for the Quirks to live perform their latest single, ‘The Rain’, their first creative endeavour under a new contract with Glassnote Records.

“Since I was very young, I’ve always loved the rain,” said

Abbey Toole, singer-songwriter & guitarist for the Quirks.

“That’s where the premise of the song was born, because I just have always loved it and I love being in it.

“I wanted the song to feel that way about the rain, to be joyous, fun and ‘chanty’, to have that wonderful running in the rain, dancing in the rain feeling.

“Starting in Australia, that was our first time playing The Rain, and it was so great to be playing again and to be around people and dancing.

“Then we started our tour of the US, and that was so cool – I’d never been before – and the SXSW Festival was just incredible.

“We got to tour around Memphis and record at Sun

Studio, we played in Nashville and went to New York, we’re pretty over the moon about it.

“We got to play in this beautiful, big church: from our earlier gig, word had got around and we managed to pack it out.

“It ended in a standing ovation, so we were so excited about that, and I think we were buzzing about that for hours.”

Now the band look forward to more performances in Australia, including the National Folk Festival 2022 in Canberra, April 15.

“We’ve done that the last couple of years – when it wasn’t COVID time – so we love playing for that festival,” continued Abbey.

“We’ve got a really fun show supporting the Wiggles at Qudos Bank Arena, and a few

other gigs preparing for our tour in the UK and Scotland in May. “So, we’ve got some really awesome things coming up

and through all that we’ll be recording for our new album.”

This next leg of their tour includes The Great Escape 2022 festival in Brighton, UK,

from May 11-14, as well as Knockengorroch in Scotland from May 19-22.

Haakon Barry.

PAGE 14 OUT&ABOUT 8 APRIL 2022

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Big music event for youth at Kincumber Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre’s Youth Space will host a music event on April 22 designed to take the Central Coast by storm.

Shacked and Muzzle will play on the night

The Youth Space has been fitted out with stage, lighting, sound desk, recording studio, projector and street art on the walls in preparation for Make Way 2.

Kicking off the night will be the Kincumber High School band Big Foot and The Falcons, who have been playing blues and progressive rock covers around the Coast.

They will play thoughtful originals and covers from the likes of Deep Purple and King Crimson.

Next will be Shacked and Muzzle, playing psychedelic

funk rock infused with a healthy helping of heaviness.

Their influences range from Psychedelic Porn Crumpets to King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard and Turtle Custard.

Headliners WURM the Band are a four-piece grungeoriented Central Coast group.

There will be stacks of surprises on the night.

The event will take place between 6.30pm and 10pm at Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre.

Tickets are $5, including food and can be found at https:// www.kincumbernc.com.au/ latest-news/315-make-way2-live-music-event.

Source: Media release, Apr 4 Kincumber Youth Centre

Coles' staff, shoppers raise money for paediatric services Coles staff on the Central Coast have embraced a fundraising appeal by the retail giant to support paediatric programs at NSW hospitals through the Curing Homesickness initiative.

Funds raised in NSW will support the virtualKIDS service at Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and enable John Hunter Children’s Hospital in Newcastle to pilot an early transfer home service for Neonatal Intensive Care

Unit patients.

Until April 12, Coles shoppers can buy a $2 donation card at the checkout to support Curing Homesickness.

Shoppers can also support the cause by buying jars of Mum’s Sause pasta or pizza sauce throughout the year, with 50c per jar going to a children’s hospital foundation or paediatric service.

Coles’ Central Coast Regional Manager, David Murray, said staff were excited to raise money for Sydney Children’s

Hospitals Foundation’s paediatric-specific virtual hospital.

“It’s a cause very close to the heart of our team members and customers, as we know how travel to major hospitals can be a challenge for Central Coast kids and families,” he said.

“With the funds raised this year, we hope our community can play a part to the virtual hospital.”

Curing Homesickness director Nicola Stokes said funds raised will provide much-

needed support for sick kids and their families across Australia.

“We hope Coles shoppers can join us in supporting this simple, effective campaign to make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of sick kids,” she said.

“We believe kids don’t belong in hospital; they belong at home.

“By purchasing a $2 Curing Homesickness card or a Mum’s Sause pasta or pizza sauce, you’ll be helping to fund vital

projects to minimise the amount of time kids spend in hospitals.”

Coles and its customers have already raised over $3.4M for Curing Homesickness in just under three years.

Coles Chief Sustainability, Property & Export Officer Thinus Keevé said other projects to benefit included play therapy toys in WA and SA, meningococcal vaccines for adolescents in remote Indigenous communities in the NT, and a ground-breaking

program that aims to improve the survival rate and quality of life for premature babies at Monash Children’s Hospital.

“The need is ongoing and we hope our customers will get behind this important cause to fund vital new projects which can make a real difference to sick children and their families,” Keevé said.

For more information about Curing Homesickness, visit www.curinghomesickness. org.

Terry Collins

DO YOU HAVE THE

TO BUILD AN ARTS CAREER, BUT JUST LACK THE RESOURCES?

NIAMH WATSON (NEAV) With a BFA grant and professional mentoring, Neav has been able to grow her singing and song writing talents to launch her debut EP.

2022 BFA online Awards applications open 1 April and close May 29.

Grants of up to $5,000 to help you develop your career in the arts are available to successful applicants, aged 15 to 30 years.

Visit bouddiarts.org.au for full application details.

SATURDAY APRIL 23

Laycock Street Theatre, Wyoming Tickets: darrencoggan.com E 4323 3233 www.darrencoggan.com

@darrencoggan

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 15 8 APRIL 2022

Melinda goes GOLD in ode to Doris Day Bouddi Peninsula local and singer-songwriter, Melinda Schneider, has celebrated a new milestone in her career with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) officially certifying her album in ode to Doris Day with a GOLD status.

ARIA’s certification of the ‘Melinda Does Doris’ album signifies 35,000 sales.

Schneider said there is no time more fitting with this album accreditation, as Doris would have celebrated her 100th birthday this month.

“When my record label, Universal Music gave me the news that my ‘Melinda Does Doris’ album had reached Gold status, I was over the moon,” Schneider said.

“This Doris project has been a labour of love and a dream come true for me and to be able to celebrate this Gold album on what would have been Doris’ 100th birthday makes the news even more special.”

With millions of fans around the world, none were bigger than Schneider who has spent the best part of the past twelve years celebrating the life and the songs of Doris Day.

Local performer Melinda Schneider

What started as a homage to one of her musical heroes, soon turned in to a successful capital city season of her theatre stage show DORIS, and sell-out tours of her concert production Melinda Does Doris: A Tribute to Doris Day (2015 – 2018) and A Farewell To Doris (2019 – 2022) across regional Australia.

“Performing her classic songs and writing a stage show about her incredible life and career, as well as being able to bring it to huge venues all around Australia, including the Sydney Opera House are special times that will make me forever proud,” she said.

Released in 2010, Melinda Does Doris debuted at #1 on

the ARIA Jazz and Blues chart, remaining there for 9 weeks.

Schneider will perform one more ‘A Farewell to Doris’ concert performance at Cremorne’s Orpheum Theatre on May 8 for a special Mothers’ Day matinee performance then moving on to touring her Love Songs Tour.

The tour is said to be inspired

by the unconditional love Schneider has found with her long-time partner, Mark Gable, whom she will marry in September 2022.

In the performance, she will perform a selection of her own original love songs spanning her 40 years in entertainment together with some timeless classics from the likes of Carole

King, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton and more.

Schneider will also preview new songs from her forthcoming 15th studio album to be released later in 2022.

The tour kicks off at Tamworth Country Music Festival on April 22.

WHAT’S ON AT B R E A K E R S

Maisy Rae

SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE

EGG-CITING EASTER

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

$1,000 EASTER RAFFLE

EASTER EGG HUNT

Sunday 10 April Tickets on sale 3pm | Raffle starts 5pm

Thursday 14 April 6pm & 6.30pm | $5 per ticket

$6,500 MEAT, SEAFOOD & EASTER RAFFLE

FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT ON THE DECK

Thursday 14 April Tickets on sale 5pm | Raffle starts 7pm

Wednesday 20 April Encanto | 6.30pm

EASTER FOOD SPECIALS

BACK TO SCHOOL KIDS DISCO

Friday 15 - Monday 18 April Skillion Brasserie

Friday 22 April 5pm-8pm | $5 per ticket

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02 4384 2661 64 Dover Rd, Wamberal

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ABC (C20/21)

Friday 8 April

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

8:30 9:25 10:10 10:30 11:00 6:00 7:00 9:00 10:30

Saturday 9 April

12:00 12:30 2:00 2:50 3:35 4:30 5:00

7:00 7:30 8:15 9:05 10:05 11:05

Sunday 10 April

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

PRIME (C61/60)

News Breakfast [s] 6:00 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] Q+A (M) [s] 11:30 Grand Designs [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] Deep Water (M l,n,s) [s] Father Brown (M) [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) [s] Escape From The City [s] George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] The Drum [s] ABC News [s] 2:00 3:00 Gardening Australia [s] – 4:00 Costa finds a bushland roof garden in inner-city Sydney and 5:00 Sophie Thomson explores the 6:00 7:00 world of pollen.

Smother (M) [s] 8:30 Grantchester (M v) [s] ABC Late News [s] Shaun Micallef’s MAD AS HELL (MA15+) [s] 11:15 12:30 Tomorrow Tonight [s] 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:00 rage (PG) [s] rage Guest Programmer 12:00 (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] 5:00 Midsomer Murders (PG) [s] 5:30 Grantchester (M v) [s] Father Brown (PG) [s] 6:30 Grand Designs (PG) [s] 7:00 Landline [s] Basketball: WNBL: Grand 7:30 Final: Game 3: Melbourne Boomers v Perth Lynx *Live* From Melbourne Sports Centre [s] ABC News [s] Father Brown: The Requiem For The Dead (PG) [s] Unforgotten (M l) [s] 9:35 Troppo (M l) [s] Call The Midwife (PG) [s] Victoria: London Bridge Is 11:40 Falling Down (PG) [s] 12:10 rage Guest Programmer 1:30 (MA15+) [s] 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:00 Insiders [s] Offsiders [s] 12:00 The World This Week [s] 1:00 Compass [s] 1:30 Songs Of Praise [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Landline [s] 3:00 Gardening Australia [s] 3:30 Australia’s Ocean Odyssey Back In Time For Dinner [s] 4:00 Tomorrow Tonight (PG) [s] 5:00 Art Works [s] 5:30 Antiques Roadshow [s] 6:00 Compass (PG) [s] 7:00 ABC News Sunday [s] Grand Designs New Zealand: 7:30 Copper Curve (PG) [s] Troppo (M l) [s] 8:30 Killing Eve (M v) [s] Harrow (M v) [s] Top Of The Lake: China Girl: 11:30 12:30 Birthday (M l,s) [s] Growing Up Gracefully (M) [s] rage (MA15+) [s]

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

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

TEN (C10)

NINE (C81/80)

6:00 Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] 9:00 Seven Morning News [s] 11:30 12:00 Movie: “My Life As A Dead Girl” (M) (’15) – When runaway teenager Chelsea is killed by 1:45 her friend Brittany’s pimp, Brittany returns to what’s left of 2:00 3:00 the family Chelsea left years ago. Brittany does her best to 4:00 get by under her new identity. 5:00 6:00 Stars: Cassandra Scerbo, Keegan Connor Tracy, Kirsten 7:00 Zien, Kyra Zagorsky 7:30 House Of Wellness (PG) [s] 9:55 The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] 10:35 The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Better Homes And Gardens (PG) [s] Movie: “Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix” (PG) 12:40 (’07) Stars: Daniel Radcliffe 1:30 Program To Be Advised 4:00 Home Shopping 6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 10:00 The Morning Show 12:00 Weekend (PG) [s] 12:30 Seven’s Horse Racing: 1:00 Randwick/ Caulfield *Live* [s] 1:30 Seven News At 5 [s] Border Security - Australia’s 2:00 2:30 Front Line (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Border Security - Australia’s 4:30 5:00 Front Line (PG) [s] Movie: “Sister Act” (PG) (’92) – 5:30 6:00 After witnessing a murder, a second-rate lounge singer goes 7:00 undercover in a convent, and 7:30 transforms the nuns into a 8:30 singing sensation. Stars: Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Najimy, Wendy Makkena Movie: “The Hangover Part III” 10:30 (MA15+) (’13) Stars: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis 12:30 Motorway Patrol (PG) [s] Repco Supercars Highlights 1:10 2:00 Home Shopping 6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 10:00 The Morning Show 11:00 Weekend (PG) [s] 1:00 House Of Wellness (PG) [s] Jabba’s Movies (PG) [s] 3:30 Movie: “Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach” (PG) (’88) Stars: Bubba Smith 6:00 Surveillance Oz (PG) [s] Border Security International 7:00 8:00 (PG) [s] Better Homes And Gardens Seven News At 5 [s] Sydney Weekender [s] Seven News [s] Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) [s] Code 1 - Minute By Minute: The Killer Storm (M) [s] 10:00 Movie: “The Help” (M) (’11) 10:30 Stars: Emma Stone The Blacklist: The SPK (M) [s] Repco Supercars Highlights 11:30 2022: F1 Australian GP - Day 3 12:30 - Highlights [s]

Today [s] 6:00 Today Extra [s] 7:00 7:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] Movie: “Blueprint To The Heart” (PG) (’20) Stars: Laura 8:00 12:00 Mitchell, Dennis Andres Garden Gurus Moments [s] 1:00 Pointless (PG) [s] 2:50 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 3:30 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 4:00 4:30 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] 5:00 6:30 NRL: Broncos v Roosters *Live* From Suncorp Stadium 7:30 NRL: Golden Point (M) [s] Movie: “Navy Seals” (M l,v) (’90) – While rescuing a naval helicopter crew, an elite US 8:40 commando team discovers a secret cache of American made 9:40 nuclear missiles. Stars: Charlie 10:40 Sheen, Michael Biehn Tipping Point (PG) [s] 11:40 Home Shopping 12:40 Religious Programs 1:30 6:00 Easy Eats [s] 6:30 Weekend Today [s] 7:00 Today Extra Saturday [s] Suncorp One House (PG) [s] 7:30 The Rebound [s] 8:30 Great Australian Detour [s] 9:30 Outback & Under [s] 10:00 The Pet Rescuers (PG) [s] Movie: “Housesitter” (PG) (’92) Stars: Goldie Hawn The Garden Gurus [s] 5:30 NINE News: First At Five [s] 6:30 Getaway [s] 7:00 NINE News Saturday [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Space Invaders: Steve And Maria (PG) [s] Movie: “Bridget Jones’s Diary: 10:00 The Edge Of Reason” (M d,l,s) 11:00 (’04) Stars: Celia Imrie Movie: “Two Weeks Notice” (PG) (’02) Stars: Sandra Bullock, Hugh Grant Outback & Under [s] 12:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 5:00 Home Shopping 6:00 Easy Eats [s] Weekend Today [s] 6:30 Sports Sunday (PG) [s] 7:00 Sunday Footy Show (PG) [s] 8:00 9:00 NRL: Women’s Premiership: Grand Final: Teams TBA *Live* 9:30 NRL: Sharks v Tigers *Live* 10:00 From PointsBet Stadium, Woolooware [s] NINE News Sunday [s] 60 Minutes (M) [s] 5:30 Janet Jackson (M) [s] – A look 6:30 at the career of Janet Jackson, 7:30 one of the bestselling and highest-earning artists in music history. She has enjoyed immense levels of success, experienced incredible tragedy, and endured a tumultuous private life.

NINE News Late [s] 8:30 Australian Crime Stories: 9:30 Billy The Texan (M) [s] Untold Crime Stories: The 10:30 Wests (M) [s] 11:30 Ultimate Rush (PG) [s]

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

SBS (C30)

The Talk (PG) [s] 5:30 Worldwatch – Deutsche Welle Judge Judy (PG) [s] English News 6:00 France 24 The Bold And The Beautiful News 6:30 Al Jazeera English (PG) [s] News 7:00 Worldwatch Studio 10 (PG) [s] Continues Dr Phil (M) [s] 1:00 PBS Newshour Australian Survivor (PG) [s] 2:00 Arabia With Levison Wood: Entertainment Tonight [s] Dangerous Legacy (M) Farm To Fork [s] 3:00 NITV News: Nula Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 3:45 Cook Up With Adam Liaw The Bold And The Beautiful 4:15 The Architecture The (PG) [s] Railways Built: Kings Cross 10 News First [s] (PG) The Project (PG) [s] 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) The Living Room (PG) [s] – Dr 5:30 Letters And Numbers Chris has no idea what he’s in 6:00 Mastermind for with Miguel as his guide on 6:30 SBS World News a tour of Melbourne.

7:35 Britain’s Secret Islands (PG) The Dog House Australia 8:30 World’s Most Scenic Railway (PG) [s] Journeys (PG) First Dates Australia (M) [s] 9:20 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces Would I Lie To You? 10:20 SBS World News Australia (M l) [s] 10:50 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does The Project (PG) [s] Countdown (M l,s) The Late Show (PG) [s] 11:45 Agatha Christie’s Criminal Home Shopping Games (M v) (In French) 5:30 Worldwatch Good Chef Bad Chef [s] Religious Programs [s] 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Small Business Secrets (PG) Escape Fishing With ET [s] 2:30 Figure Skating: ISU World Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures [s] Championships All 4 Adventure [s] 4:00 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Magazine Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] Motor Sports: Australian 4:40 Spending Secrets Of The Formula 1 Grand Prix *Live* Royals 5:35 The Secret History Of World From Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit [s] War II: The Battle Of Britain 10 News First [s] (PG) 6:30 SBS World News Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] Football: Isuzu Ute A-League 7:30 Celebrity Letters And Men: Round 23: Melbourne Numbers (M) Victory v Melbourne City *Live* 8:30 Philip: Prince, Husband, From AAMI Park [s] Father (PG) Ambulance Australia (PG) [s] 9:30 World’s Greatest Bridges: Ambulance UK (PG) [s] – As Severn Bridge (PG) 10:20 Anne Boleyn - Arrest, Trial, protesters begin flooding Execution (M) [s] London and blocking the roads, the entire computer system 11:15 Movie: “The Happy Prince” (PG) (’18) Stars: Colin Firth (In used to respond to 999 calls crashes.

English/ French/ Italian/ Latin) 1:10 Movie: “The Pianist” (M) (’02) Home Shopping Stars: Adrien Brody Religious Programs Religious Programs [s] 5:30 Worldwatch Farm To Fork [s] 7:00 Small Business Secrets (PG) 7:30 Worldwatch Religious Programs [s] All 4 Adventure [s] 12:30 Motor Sports: ProMX Luca’s Key Ingredient [s] Championships *Live* From Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] Mackay 3:30 Cycling: Tour Of Flanders Motor Sports: Australian 4:30 Football: Countdown To Formula 1 Grand Prix *Live* From Melbourne Grand Prix Qatar 5:00 Small Business Secrets (PG) Circuit [s] 5:30 The Secret History Of World 10 News First [s] The Sunday Project (PG) [s] War II: The Blitz (PG) 6:30 SBS World News The Graham Norton Show 7:30 Easter Island: The Ancient (M l,s) [s] – Join Graham Norton as he chats with Will Builders (In English/ French/ Spanish) Smith, Tom Holland, Miriam Margolyes, Salma Hayek, Lady 8:30 This Is Joan Collins (M) – Full Gaga, Dame Judi Dench, of never-before-seen home movie footage and thrilling Daniel Craig, Zendaya, Ed archive, this epic film gives us Sheeran and more!

FBI: Never Trust A Stranger an intimate and revealing glimpse into one of the world’s (M v) [s] FBI: Unreasonable Doubt most iconic figures.

(M v) [s] 10:20 Secrets Of The Cadbury FBI: Liar’s Poker (M v) [s] Chocolate Factory The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 11:10 Whitney (M l)

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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Thursday 14 April

Wednesday 13 April

Tuesday 12 April

Monday 11 April

ABC (C20/21)

6:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 1:55 2:50 3:40 4:40 5:25 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:20 9:35 10:05 10:20 10:40 11:45 12:30 6:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:10 12:00 1:00 2:00 2:45 3:40 4:40 5:30 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:30 10:30 10:45 11:00 11:45 6:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 1:40 2:00 2:50 3:40 4:40 5:25 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:35 6:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 1:00 1:30 2:00 2:50 3:40 4:40 5:30 6:00 6:55 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:35 10:05 10:20

PRIME (C61/60)

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Landline [s] Antiques Roadshow [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Victoria (PG) [s] Smother [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) [s] Escape From The City (PG) [s] George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] The Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] Australian Story [s] Four Corners [s] Media Watch (PG) [s] China Tonight [s] ABC Late News [s] The Business [s] Q+A (PG) [s] Deep Water (M l,s) [s] Glitch (M l,s,v) [s]

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

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Foreign Correspondent [s] Rosie Batty’s One Plus One Grand Designs New Zealand ABC News At Noon [s] Unforgotten (M l) [s] Deep Water (M l,v) [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) [s] Escape From The City [s] George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] The Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] People’s Republic Of Mallacoota (M l) [s] A Dog’s World With Tony Armstrong: Happiness [s] The Poles Revealed: (PG) [s] ABC Late News [s] The Business [s] Four Corners [s] Media Watch (PG) [s]

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

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Four Corners [s] Scottish Vets Down Under (PG) [s] People’s Republic Of Mallacoota (M l) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] National Press Club Address Media Watch (PG) [s] Deep Water (M l,n,s) [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) [s] Escape From The City [s] George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] The Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] Shaun Micallef’s MAD AS HELL (M) [s] Tomorrow Tonight [s] Melbourne Comedy Festival (PG) [s]

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

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Australian Story [s] How Deadly World (PG) [s] The Poles Revealed [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] Shaun Micallef’s MAD AS HELL (M) [s] Deep Water (M l,n,s) [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) [s] Escape From The City [s] George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] The Drum [s] Sammy J (PG) [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] Foreign Correspondent [s] Q+A (M) [s] Rosie Batty’s One Plus One: Di Morrissey [s] ABC Late News [s] The Business [s]

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

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

10:50 11:20 12:30

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

2:00 2:30 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:45 10:45 11:15

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

10:30 11:00 12:00 12:30

NINE (C81/80)

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

TEN (C10)

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “At Home In Mitford” (G) (’17) Stars: Andie MacDowell 1:40 Highway Cops (PG) [s] Border Patrol (PG) [s] 2:00 The Chase UK (PG) [s] 3:00 Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] 4:00 5:00 Seven News [s] 6:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] 7:00 Movie: “The Proposal” (PG) 7:30 (’15) – When a high-powered book editor faces deportation to 8:30 her native Canada, the quickthinking exec proposes to her 9:25 young tormented assistant, he 10:20 agrees with a few conditions of 10:50 his own. Stars: Sandra Bullock, 11:50 Ryan Reynolds 12:40 The Latest Seven News [s] 1:30 The Resident: The Thinnest 4:00 Veil (M) [s] 4:30 Home Shopping

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Movie: “Eat, Drink And Be Married” (PG) (’19) Stars: Jocelyn Hudon, Jake Foy Talking Honey: Representation Matters [s] Pointless (PG) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Mega Zoo (PG) [s] La Brea: Father And Sons (M v) [s] La Brea: Topanga (M v) [s] NINE News Late [s] 100% Footy (M) [s] Bluff City Law: Ave Maria (PG) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] Home Shopping Religious Programs A Current Affair (PG) [s]

6:00 The Talk [s] 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 8:00 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (M) [s] 1:00 The Dog House Australia (PG) [s] 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Everyday Gourmet [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Farm To Fork [s] 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Dog House Australia (PG) [s] 8:30 Would I Lie To You? Australia (M) [s] 9:30 FBI: Most Wanted: Decriminalized (M) [s] 10:30 FBI: Most Wanted: Ironbound (M) [s] 11:30 The Project (PG) [s]

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “The Sweetest Heart” 12:00 (G) (’18) Stars: Julie Gonzalo, Chris McNally, Tammy Gillis, Victor Zinck Jr., Andrea Brooks, 1:50 2:00 Jordan Burtchett, Clayton 3:00 James, Jill Teed 4:00 Highway Cops (PG) [s] 5:00 Border Patrol (PG) [s] 6:00 The Chase UK (PG) [s] 7:00 Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] 7:30 8:30 Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] 9:30 Police Strike Force (PG) [s] 10:30 11:00 The Rookie: Heart Beat (PG) [s] 11:25 The Rookie: End Game (PG) [s] 12:20 The Latest Seven News [s] 1:05 The Resident: Ask Your 1:30 Doctor (M) [s] 4:00 Motorway Patrol (PG) [s] 4:30 Home Shopping

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Movie: “Forever In My Heart” (G) (’19) Stars: Merritt Patterson, Jack Turner Explore [s] Pointless (PG) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Program To Be Advised Program To Be Advised NINE News Late [s] Mr Mayor: Hearts Before Parts (PG) [s] Murdered By Morning: Last Call (M l,v) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] Outback & Under [s] Home Shopping Religious Programs A Current Affair (PG) [s]

6:00 The Talk [s] 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 8:00 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (M) [s] 1:00 The Dog House Australia (PG) [s] 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Everyday Gourmet [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Farm To Fork [s] 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Dog House Australia (PG) [s] 8:30 NCIS: Sound Off (M v) [s] 9:30 NCIS: Los Angeles: Pandora’s Box (M v) [s] 10:30 NCIS: On Fire (M v) [s] 11:30 The Project (PG) [s] 12:30 The Late Show (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Movie: “Made For You, With Love” (G) (’19) Stars: Edy Ganem, Brendon Zub Garden Gurus Moments [s] Pointless (PG) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Travel Guides: Sunshine Coast (PG) [s] Movie: “Crocodile Dundee II” (PG) (’88) Stars: Paul Hogan, Linda Kozlowski, John Meillon NINE News Late [s] Damian Lewis: Spy Wars: A Perfect Traitor (M) [s] Grand Hotel: Art Of Darkness (M) [s] Hello SA (PG) [s] Home Shopping Religious Programs

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 Jamie’s Quick & Easy Food 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Farm To Fork [s] 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 Ambulance Australia (PG) [s] 9:30 Bull: The Diana Affair (PG) [s] 10:30 This Is Us: The Guitar Man (PG) [s] – Kevin takes the twins to the cabin in hopes of proving himself as a father.

11:30 The Project (PG) [s] 12:30 The Late Show (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Travel Guides: Sunshine Coast (PG) [s] Space Invaders: Steve And Maria (PG) [s] Pointless (PG) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] NRL: Raiders v Cowboys *Live* From GIO Stadium [s] NRL: Knock Off (M) [s] NINE News Late [s] New Amsterdam: Radical (M) [s] URBEX: Enter At Your Own Risk: Unafraid (M l) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] Home Shopping Religious Programs A Current Affair (PG) [s]

6:00 The Talk (PG) [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 First Dates Australia (PG) [s] 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Farm To Fork [s] 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 First Dates Australia (PG) [s] 8:30 Gogglebox Australia (PG) [s] 9:30 Program To Be Advised 10:30 Blue Bloods: Long Lost (M) [s] 11:30 The Project (PG) [s] 12:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS Mornings [s]

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “A Perfect Day” (PG) (’06) Stars: Christopher Lloyd, Frances Conroy, Rob Lowe, Paget Brewster, Rowena King Highway Cops (PG) [s] Border Patrol (PG) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] Billy Connolly: My Absolute Pleasure (M) [s] America’s Got Talent Extreme (PG) [s] The Latest Seven News [s] Front Bar (M) [s] – Join Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher as they share a laugh about the world of sport and catch up with stars of yesteryear and today.

Home Shopping

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

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Cinderella” (G) (’15) Stars: Cate Blanchett Kochie’s Business Builders Dog Patrol (PG) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] Movie: “Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows - Part 1” (PG) (’10) – Harry, Ron and Hermione set out on their perilous mission to track down and destroy the secret to Voldemort’s immortality and destruction, the Horcruxes.

Stars: Alan Rickman The Latest Seven News [s] Criminal Confessions: Professional Suspect (M) [s] Crazy On A Plane (PG) [s] Home Shopping

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

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

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

1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 9:50 10:35 11:05 11:55 12:45 1:30 4:00 4:30

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

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

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

PAGE 17 18 MARCH 2022

SBS (C30)

5:30 Worldwatch 2:00 Watergate: The Burglary (M l) 2:50 Secrets Of The Department Store: Inside Fortnum And Mason - The Queen’s Grocer (PG) 3:45 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:15 The Architecture The Railways Built (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Britain By Beach (PG) 8:30 Secrets Of The Tower Of London (PG) – It’s June and the Tower is bringing out the big guns to celebrate the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation in 1953.

9:25 Expedition With Steve Backshall (PG) 10:25 SBS World News 10:55 Beneath The Surface (MA15+) (In German/ Danish) 5:30 1:00 2:00 2:50 3:45 4:15 5:05 5:30 6:00 6:30 7:30 8:30 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 1:45 4:30 5:30 1:00 2:00 2:30 3:45 4:15 5:05 5:30 6:00 6:30 7:35 8:30 9:35 10:30 11:00 12:50 1:55 2:40

Worldwatch PBS Newshour Watergate: Coverup (M l) Inside The Savoy - London’s Most Famous Hotel (PG) The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) The Architecture The Railways Built: Metroland (PG) Jeopardy! (PG) Letters And Numbers Mastermind (PG) SBS World News Great British Railway Journeys (PG) Insight: Brain Hacks (PG) Dateline: Butterflies v Cartels (PG) The Feed SBS World News The Point Thin Blue Line (MA15+) (In Swedish) Blood (MA15+) Vice Guide To Film (MA15+) Worldwatch PBS Newshour Dateline: Butterflies v Cartels Insight: Brain Hacks (PG) Cook Up With Adam Liaw The Architecture The Railways Built (PG) Jeopardy! (PG) Letters And Numbers Mastermind SBS World News Tony Robinson - Britain’s Greatest River: Cutty Sark (PG) Rise Of The Nazis - Dictators At War: Stalingrad (M) The Responder (MA15+) SBS World News Red Light (MA15+) (In Dutch/ Flemish) The Handmaid’s Tale: Vows (MA15+) The Good Fight: And The Detente Had An End (M l) The Crimson Rivers: The Last Hunt (Part 1) (M) (In French)

5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Watergate: Things Fall Apart (M l) 2:50 Inside Marks And Spencer (PG) 3:45 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:15 The Architecture The Railways Built: Snowdown (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Every Family Has A Secret: Linda Lawless And Lisa Bird (PG) 8:30 Ancient Invisible Cities: Cairo (PG) 9:30 Four Lives (M) 10:30 SBS World News 11:00 Gomorrah (MA15+) (In Italian) 12:50 Fargo: The Pretend War/ The Birthplace Of Civilisation/ Camp Elegance/ Layaway (MA15+)

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

PAGE 18 8 APRIL 2022

PUZZLES

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65. Surfeit (4) Across 70. Try (7) 1. Seafarer (7) 4. Intrepid (9) 72. Final demand (9) 9. Own (7) 75. Hide (7) 13. Direction (5) 77. Endured (9) 15. Periodic publications (9) 78. Circumference (9) 16. Meat eater (9) 79. Additional (5) 17. Permitted (7) 80. Withstands (7) 18. Part of a staircase (9) 81. Moved downward (9) 19. Peculiarity (7) 82. Show (7) 20. Impartial (4) 21. Hackneyed (5) Down 23. Varieties (5) 1. Garrulous (9) 25. Epic (6) 2. Located inward (5) 30. Cowered (7) 3. Annoy (8) 31. Juicy (9) 4. Sustenance (11) 33. Huge (7) 5. Rising warm air current (7) 34. Benefit (7) 6. Tree (5) 36. Exactly the same (9) 7. Alleviating (6) 37. Velocity (5) 8. Rescue (4) 39. Distant but visible (6) 9. First-class (9) 41. Novel (3) 10. Illegal act (5) 42. Secret agent (3) 11. Rule (5) 44. Deciduous horn (6) 12. Adapt (7) 49. Mistake (5) 51. Musical instrument (9) 16. Aerial (7) 21. Useful device (6) 53. Disagreement (7) 23. Bird of prey (5) 55. Funny (7) 25. Oval (7) 56.

Agressively hostile (9) the alphabet once only.

27. Quisling (7) 57. Vivacious (7) 28. Reprimands (7) 59. Blood vessel (6) 29. Of the city (5) 61. Confectionery (5) 63. Mode (5) 32. Hide (7)

MISSING LINK Fill in each letter of

MISSING LINK

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

K

Y

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

K BO A A

H E U E

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L S A U S U E L O N E S MU A F K OD T N U L E L E E N E I E D M S A O Y E C B P D N K U D O S O O Z E S

Missing Link Solution:

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

E X A L T

U A A D N E E X N L K

U I Y T K

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K Q BOGU S H A A U L A D E SMA N X T N E E L E L E R E E X I T

Q

F

J U I C Y T S

K

V

K V B A N E ASDE O RI E W A N T M A R S S A M SA ESX S E SEE U P SS EES P I AT C E B R A R RL R

D S I X T H

Z E R O S N W

42. Disregard (6) 43. Stress (7) 44. Newspaper feature (7) 46. Do away with (7) 47. Planet (5) 50. Social group (6) 52. Exoneration (11) 53. Go in (5) 55. Ambiguous (7) 57. Plan (9) 60. Uproarious (9) 61. Disallow (8) 62. Long flag (7) 65. Baggage (7) 67. Select (6) 69. Deduce (5) 70. Stop (5) 72. Clan (5) 73. Tropical fruit (5) 74. Assist (4)

© Lovatts Puzzles

© Lovatts Puzzles

Q F T U B S U G AER S K AI MA H L L Y O P RUES A U O O D D N E D O W LS T ID G O T W EEC L I G P S A SRHE LN A U RB A SEP G G J U I C Y Z B I E T K

40. Band of supporters (7)

S

© Lovatts Puzzles

Missing Link Solution:

37. Cure-all (7)

T

A

Missing Link Solution:

36. Ferocious (6)

S I

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

Missing Link Solution:

J B H E A L S E A OP U S Z N EW ODD N U K U E V E N

© Lovatts Puzzles

E B A S E MISSING A LINK L R E Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

U S U M R S T I G A S SD S K N E S E OU W A R G UA R E H A O P SIE EL R E A A N T A S P O O D D N E S I TA C E WB L I D E SRE R T C L P S EE RE O RS AUS I S E S S E G A

35. Aged (7)

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 19 8 APRIL 2022

Reptile Park’s April Fool’s Day joke

This edited picture appeared on the Facebook page

The Australian Reptile Park’s social media lit up on April 1 when an April Fool’s Day joke went viral.

“In a dangerous and deadly world-first, the Australian Reptile Park is excited to announce that they have done

what everyone said they could not do; they took the infamous Elvis the giant Saltwater Crocodile down to Terrigal Beach for enrichment!” the post read.

“Families, including young children, watched on in amazement as the 4.5 metre

predator splashed around in the shallows and caught a few waves alongside local surfers.

“Elvis gained world-wide attention in 2011 when he stole his keeper’s lawnmower, earning him the title of ‘Australia’s Crankiest Crocodile’.

“Since then, many of Elvis’s videos find themselves going viral and he has become loved all over the world.

“Although 55, Elvis still is one handsome crocodile with all of his limbs and teeth and is often called the ‘George Clooney’ of the Crocodile world.”

Although the post went viral, people were not taken in by the ruse, even though Park Director, Tim Faulkner, added fuel to the fire by saying it should have been done sooner.

Responses on the Facebook post described the stunt as “the best April Fool’s joke ever”

with one person even suggesting taking Elvis to the beach could be a good shark deterrent!

Terry Collins

Learn FRENCH with

Packed program of activities for school holidays

CENTRAL COAST

WWW.AFCENTRALCOAST.ORG.AU With the April school holidays fast approaching, Central Coast Council has developed a jam-packed program of online and face-to-face activities and events.

Parents, carers and guardians can head to the School Holidays What’s On page on Council’s website to see what’s taking place. There’s something on offer for all ages, interests and abilities, from heritage tours, live entertainment and escape rooms to sports challenges, Easter crafts and skills workshops.

Gosford, Toukley, The Entrance and Wyong town centres will host a variety of

interactive activities and workshops as part of Council’s Social Spaces event.

Families can head to Memorial Park and Waterfront Plaza at The Entrance on Easter Saturday to meet a roving giant Easter bunny.

Council will hold pop-up dining experiences to light up communal spaces across the four town centres, with live entertainment, an array of dinner options and a vibrant atmosphere.

At Council’s libraries, kids can get involved in activities designed to activate young minds.

They can explore robotics with Ozobots, enter the world

of tabletop gaming with Paints of War, challenge family and friends playing a selection of board games, decorate a skateboard deck, create colourful pictures using a simple sand art technique, or get their hands dirty by creating their own unique papier-mache bowl.

Council’s Youth Services and local youth providers are also running events and workshops to help young people build skills, explore their passions, connect and be inspired in celebration of National Youth Week.

There will be something for all ages, interests and abilities, from a skate and scooter

competition to robotics workshops and live-streaming the first Central Coast Youth Week Awards.

Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov. au/schoolholidays for more details and bookings.

For youth activities, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ youthweek2022 For pop-up dining, visit lovecentralcoast.com/ socialspaces For library school holiday programs, visit centralcoast. nsw.gov.au/libraries/whatson.

Source: Media release, Apr 7 Central Coast Council

We offer the most effective way to learn French with our methods, developed over 130 years • Very experienced teachers • Individual attention ST! O C • Small classes LOW • Limited Places

For more information ring: East Gosford: Félix Ph: 4339 1151 Bateau Bay: Patricia Ph: 4333 6634 Alliance Française de la Côte Centrale is a Not for Profit organization , registered with the ACNC

PAGE 20 OUT&ABOUT 8 APRIL 2022

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Local theatre-maker inspired by climate protests Local writer and queer theatre-maker, Joshua Maxwell, is set to have his play, Very Happy Children with Bright and Wonderful Futures, published nationally in hard copy via PlayLab. Joshua has worked professionally in the arts industry since he was young and is passionate about providing young people with a platform to be seen and heard in the performing arts space.

Locally, Joshua is known as the co-founder and Artistic Director of charitable production company, Jopuka.

Inspired by the Black Summer bushfires and subsequent climate protests, Very Happy Children with Bright and Wonderful Futures blends activism with performance.

Writing and producing the play over the last two years, the production is told through the eyes of young climate activists whose views are dismissed even as bushfires threaten their hometown.

“I am incredibly honoured to have this play published by PlayLab as it’s been one of the most enduring projects I have ever worked on, coupled with themes that are deeply personal to me,” Joshua said.

“This play is by young people, for young people, and it was inspired in large part by the climate protests of 2019-20 and the subsequent demonisation by right-wing media and some politicians of

Joshua Maxwell,

its largely young participants.

“The teen protagonists in the play are in turn hopeful, angry, disappointed and terrified as their world crumbles around them, but the production resounds with hope in the next generation and their passion to change the world for the better,” he said.

Author: Sarah Penner Publisher: Affirm Press Nella is an apothecary In London 1791, just as her mother was.

Nella’s mother dispensed tonics, oils and elixirs to help women in all that ails them.

There weren’t many places that catered to women back then, so the help Nella’s mother offered was invaluable.

Back in Nella’s mother’s days, it was a “reputable” women’s apothecary.

Nella also dispenses tonics, oils and elixirs to help women.

But the apothecary is no longer reputable.

Nella has to hide what she is doing.

She has a false wall … she hides in the back.

equality referendum campaign in 2018 and action against climate change.

The origins of the story pay homage to Joshua’s activist roots.

“I was standing in the middle of the School Strike 4 Climate Action in Adelaide in March

2019 (and) I was just so inspired by the voice these young people had and just knew I wanted to bring that moment to the stage.

“I hope sharing this play makes an impact in some big or small way and that’s ideally action on climate change.

“This work is my response to the climate, but also my contribution … if I can make a bigger contribution as the play grows,then I will wholeheartedly commit to that,” he said.

She knows that what she is going to do will kill her master.

But she believes this has set off a series of events that has haunted her and is searching for a tonic of her own that will keep the ghosts at bay.

Eliza’s presence will be dangerous for Nella.

In Caroline’s search about the origins of the vial she enlists the help of Gaynor who works at the British Library and has access to the old maps of London.

Could a crude etching on the vial lead to its origins?

Caroline’s husband surprises her by showing up in London and begging Caroline to forgive him.

She is not sure how to process this or if she is ready to go back to life as she knew it.

But what lengths will James go to in order to get Caroline back.

History does have a way of repeating.

Chapters alternate between the points of view of Nella and Eliza in 1791 to Caroline.

Discovering Nella’s story was interesting, but I felt there was more to tell.

She seemed to suffer from many ailments, but as an apothecary, she didn’t seem to try to heal herself.

Eliza was entertaining but Caroline was annoying.

And how Caroline is able to uncover a mystery three centuries later is pretty farfetched.

Scratch that, it’s really farfetched.

I enjoyed the story of Nella and felt that could have been a book on its own without the distraction of Caroline.

As an aside, Fox Broadcasting Company is doing a television adaption of this story.

Nicola Riches

BOOK Review

CCN

The Lost Apothecary

Aside from his writing credentials, Joshua was Central Coast Council’s Arts Cultural and Entertainment Citizen of The Year and Central Coast Volunteer of the Year in 2020.

He has also been heavily involved with other movements, particularly the marriage

Nella sells poison.

What happened to Nella that made her do this?

Three centuries later Caroline, who lives in Ohio, is in London for her anniversary, but aren’t anniversaries supposed to be celebrated together?

Turns out that right before the trip Caroline found out that her husband, James, has been unfaithful.

So, Caroline decides to take the trip solo which will give her time to think.

Think about all the sacrifices she has made for James.

Sacrificing her dream to go to Cambridge to study history.

But opportunities for history majors were rare, so she had to take a job keeping the books for her father’s farm.

That was not her dream, facing reality was not her dream.

This is her first time in London and not wanting to stick to an

itinerary that was customised for a couple Caroline meets a quirky local that talks her into going mudlarking.

Mudlarking means digging in the mud on the River Thames looking for treasures.

And by a stroke of luck Caroline stumbles across a vial.

As a history major this discovery churns up all of the dreams Caroline thought were

dead.

Turns out they were just dormant, waiting for a chance to spring up.

Back in time, Nella gets a letter from a new client that needs her services.

But as the client comes to collect the goods, Nella is surprised to find it is a twelveyear-old girl.

Eliza is a lady’s maid and knows why she is at Nella’s.

Kim Reardon The Reluctant Book Critic

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 21 8 APRIL 2022

Business & Property Gosford CBD pivotal to recovery says Business NSW While Business NSW Central Coast has welcomed the Federal Budget, Regional Director Paula Martin says it is now time to focus on the recovery of the region post-lockdowns.

“This is a ‘steady as you go’ budget, signalling the conclusion of a pandemic supported fiscal situation and we are now starting to see programs and initiatives about recovery,” Martin said.

“The infrastructure spend is a good start, especially the $1B investment in faster rail for the region – anything that shortens the time frame for commuters improves their health and wellbeing (and) one of benefits we saw out of the pandemic was that many locals were working from home and spending locally.

Martin said reducing the cost

Gosford CBD

of living for locals as announced in the Budget was also good news, but that more needs to be done to reinvigorate the waterfront at

Gosford and to reinvigorate the night-time economy.

“We need a focus on reinvigorating the CBD to foster job growth – we need to see

programs and investment opportunities for businesses to grow,” she said.

“Breaking down the red tape around development would

help and we need to get more serious about skilled migration as well as upskilling our local workers.”

Martin said job vacancies in

the region were around 800900 pre-pandemic but were now close to 1,800.

“The tourism and hospitality sectors have been missing out on seasonal workers,” she said.

Martin said the housing shortage also needed to be addressed.

“It is very difficult for local businesses to expand if their people have nowhere to live,” she said.

“The further we push locals out of region because of housing affordability the more it impacts on health and wellbeing.”

Martin said with the Coast being largely a tourist economy, more programs needed to be introduced to encourage tourism activity.

Terry Collins

Record number of apprentices on Coast The Central Coast now has 2,800 apprentices in training, the highest number on record, with more to come, Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, has announced.

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, was on the Coast this week to make the announcement with Wicks.

“There are more trade apprentices on the Central Coast right now than ever before,” Robert said.

“Together with Lucy Wicks and Liberal candidate for Dobell, Michael Feneley, the Morrison Government will deliver a strong economic plan that will see more people on the Central Coast get skilled and get into a job.”

Wicks said the federal Budget, released last week, will lead to more opportunities for apprentices and trainees on the Coast, with expanded wage subsidies and direct payments to apprentices of up to $5,000 to help them stay in, and complete, their apprenticeship.

“The number of apprentices and trainees in training right now in the electorate of Robertson has increased by 22 per cent from Labor’s last year in office (2013).

“The Budget also recognises that small businesses are the backbone of the Australian economy with reduced taxes and new incentives to invest

and grow on the Central Coast.”

Wicks said around 7,700 Central Coast small businesses will have access to a new 20 per cent bonus deduction for training and upskilling their employees.

“The boost will support businesses to invest in the training and upskilling of their employees while reducing their tax bill,” she said.

The new Technology Investment Boost would encourage local small businesses to go digital, which will benefit 32,400 businesses across the Central Coast, she said.

“These businesses will have access to a new bonus 20 per cent deduction on digital and technology expenses such as buying computers, online sales

platforms, accounting software, cyber security and cloud computing.”

Robert said the Government was continuing tax incentives that will allow around 32,400 local businesses to write off the full value of any eligible asset they purchase.

“Additionally around 11,500 businesses across the Central Coast will be able to use the extended loss carry back measure to support cash flow and confidence,” he said.

“This has already helped businesses invest more in the local economy and to create local jobs and will continue to do so.”

Source: Media release, Apr 4 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks

Minister Stuart Robert with Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, Terrigal Electrical owner, Ryan Wilson, and his apprentices

Law

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More social housing for Coast A new affordable housing complex at East Gosford will be one of three Central Coast projects to benefit from a partnership between the NSW government and Pacific Link Housing.

Two other projects will be delivered at Canton Beach and Warnervale, with a total of 17 social housing homes between the three complexes.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the funding comes from the Together Home program, which helps tenants into longer-term social housing with wraparound supports.

“It builds on the work Pacific Link Housing, specialist homelessness services and the community are doing to prevent and respond to homelessness in our region by providing stability to help people get their

Pacific Link Housing CEO, Ian Lynch, with Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, and Minister for Families and Communities and Disability Services, Natasha Maclaren-Jones

lives back on track,” Crouch said.

He said the projects would also create local construction jobs.

Pacific Link Housing CEO, Ian Lynch, said the three projects combined are worth more than $11.4M, including the NSW Government’s $4.9M Together Home Transition program co-

New NAB branch opens at Erina Building works have concluded on the new NAB $2.4M banking hub at Erina and the doors are open.

The new format branch, in Fountain Plaza, brings together the bank’s business and retail banking teams, providing customers in the region with one convenient location for all their banking needs.

“Over the years we have seen the use of digital channels grow in popularity with our customers, and it’s important we keep adapting to meet customer needs,” a spokesperson said.

“In addition to the new-look design and open plan layout of the branch, locals will be able to experience new meeting spaces, our new self-service digital bar, Business Express Deposit and Change machine, and a Smart ATM.

contribution, and will deliver 25 properties, 17 of them social housing units.

“Not only will this supply accommodation for people in need, but it will also provide a

customers and businesses for 162 years, with everything from their everyday banking to purchasing a home and supporting local businesses to prosper.

“While banking has changed significantly over this time, the one thing that has remained constant is our commitment to serving customers well, however they choose to interact with us.

Source: Media release, Apr 1 NAB

Terry Collins

Program offers mental health coaching to businesses Almost 200 Central Coast businesses have signed up for a new program highlighting the importance of mentally healthy workplaces.

“The new Erina branch is part of our $160M branch transformation program.

Erina branch manager, Allyson Urquhart, said staff were keen to welcome customers to the new branch.

“Our new branch has been designed specifically to meet changing customer behaviour, with more meeting spaces to have important conversations, as well as more digital banking services for our busy customers,” she said.

“NAB has been helping local

welcome boost for the local economy,” Lynch said.

He said the East Gosford project would deliver five social housing homes, Warnervale six and the Canton Beach project

six more plus eight other mixed-tenancy homes.

Minister for Families and Communities and Disability Services, Natasha MaclarenJones, said the $122.1M Together Home program had already helped 728 people with housing needs and 870 with support services.

Of this, $35.5M has been allocated for 150 dwellings to address long-term housing needs.

“In partnership with the community housing sector, this transition program will help more people break the cycle of homelessness for good,” Maclaren-Jones said.

The Together Home program was first rolled out in July 2020 and will support more than 1,054 people sleeping rough into housing.

SafeWork NSW has teamed up with Sydney Football Club (Sydney FC) for the Coaching, Training, Success program.

The program provides businesses with free coaching resources, with 186 businesses in the region already registered.

Minister for Fair Trading, Eleni Petinos, said nearly one in six Australians were experiencing mental ill health at work.

“I’m delighted Sydney FC has partnered with SafeWork NSW to help raise mental health awareness in the workplace

with the new campaign,” Petinos said.

“Sydney FC understands how training and coaching play a vital role on and off the field and takes proactive measures such as flexible work arrangements, workload management and ensuring staff and players have a work-life balance.

“There is an urgent need for small business owners to create sustainable mentally healthy workplaces, especially as more workers head back into the office.”

Minister for Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor, said the campaign would shine a light on the positive impact training and coaching can have on work culture.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health,” she said.

“That’s why the NSW Government is offering free, tailored coaching to businesses, delivered by The Black Dog Institute.”

Each business can access up to four hours of free coaching delivered online or by phone.

Coaching targets mental health issues such as bullying, stress and change.

For further information head to: www.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth-at-work/free-trainingand-coaching Source: Media release, Apr 2, NSW Government

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Council wants out of care of Mooney Mooney reserve

Deerubbun Reserve at Mooney Mooney

Central Coast Council will move to divest itself of the care, control and management responsibilities for a public reserve at Mooney Mooney.

CEO David Farmer will write to the Governor of NSW requesting a proclamation from July 31, 1953 be revoked.

Back in 1953, the Governor put the former Gosford Shire Council in charge of maintaining the public reserve but the land

is now owned by Transport for NSW. A 30.48m-wide transmission line managed by Ausgrid runs though the 3.76 hectares.

A historic grave on the site is managed by Transport for NSW. The remainder of the land supports a mix of native vegetation, disturbed regrowth vegetation and exotic grassland, according to Council.

There are no community

facilities on the land, and Council does not actively manage the public reserve.

Revocation of Council’s care, control and management responsibilities would result in those responsibilities being transferred to Transport for NSW as owner of the land.

Any potential costs or liability would then become the responsibility of Transport for NSW. Council said the request to revoke the responsibilities has

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to be directed to the current Governor of NSW. “Removing Council’s care, control and management responsibilities for Lot 9 DP

863305 would eliminate the need for Council to expend resources to manage issues such as rock fall and slope instability that may affect

adjacent roads and/or the Deerubbun Reserve car park,” Council said.

Merilyn Vale

Resident speaks up on water prices Residents face significant price increases, Carmel Donnelly, chair of the the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, (IPART) said at a public hearing this week.

Donnelly was speaking at the zoom meeting into water and sewer charges that Central Coast Council will apply from July 1.

The meeting started with Woy Woy peninsula resident Aurora Walker giving the inquiry a good indication of community anger about the proposed rises.

Walker said it was “very evident” that both IPART and Council didn’t care about ratepayers.

“Both organisations are hell bent on wasting people’s time in engaging ratepayers in time wasting exercises, just so that they and Central Coast Council can say ‘we have engaged with ratepayers’,” Walker said and left the electronic meeting soon after.

She was one of about 20 community members to attend the meeting which also included 31 employees of either IPART or Council or Sydney or Hunter Water.

The hearing heard from representatives of The Davistown Progress Association and the Central Coast Chamber of Commerce.

Davistown resident Jenny McCulla said Upgrades to both the 30-year old wastewater and ineffective stormwater

system was becoming essential to avoid flooding after east coast lows, and periods of heavy rain.

“Much staff time and money has been spent on remedial works over recent years as the system has been breaking down with 400 homes without proper sewerage services two years back,” she said.

“Residents need to be guaranteed this will not be repeated.”

IPART held the public inquiry to hear from the community in response to Council’s proposed price hike of 34 per cent.

IPART has made a draft decision, so not yet a final decision, to allow the council to be able to charge residents the equivalent of a 25 per cent rate hike.

The final decision will be known in May. IPART sets the maximum prices Central Coast Council can charge customers for water, wastewater and other services it provides as a Water Supply Authority.

IPART is proposing that a typical household water, wastewater and stormwater bill would rise 19 per cent this year with a further 4% increase each year from 2023-24 to 2025-26 and that’s without including any CPI increases which may be added later.

The biggest increase would be seen in a 109 per cent increase in service charges from $87.29 now to 182.37 from July one and increasing by 18 per cent every year after

that.

Waste water prices will be harmonised between the former Wyong and Gosford council areas meaning that some residents will see larger price hikes than others.

The northern residents will see a jump in waste water prices from $488 to $563 in the first year and increasing every year after while Woy Woy peninsula and Gosford residents will jump from $525 to $563.

Waste water prices for apartments will jump to $521.

Stormwater prices also go up as do water usage charges.

All up, residents will pay 25 per cent more than they do now.

Residents can still have their say in three ways but only until April 14.

Send in a written submission: https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/ Home/Reviews/Lodge-asubmission?openforms_ id=922debf9-0915-463bbee155ae0c82f644&timeline_ id=13573&cta_type=have_ your_say Ring through a verbal submission: 02 92908400.

Fill out this survey: https:// www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home/ Reviews/Lodge-asubmission?openforms_ id=922debf9-0915-463bbee155ae0c82f644&timeline_ id=13573&cta_type=have_ your_say Merilyn Vale

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 25 8 APRIL 2022

Whither democracy as committees “paused”?

Members of a variety of advisory committees have spoken out in anger and frustration at Central Coast Council’s decision to “pause” the committees and a former Councillor has called it the death of democracy on the Coast.

The Council has a dozen advisory groups which have traditionally worked with Council to provide both free professional advice and community input from topics such as water management, heritage issues, companion animals, playgroups, women’s issues, social inclusion and pedestrian and mobility issues.

The Council decided in February to review its advisory groups and their terms of reference and, last week, the groups received emails from Council advising of a pause with no time frame included.

Former Councillor Jeff Sundstrom on Central Coast Council Watch facebook page

commented: “Councillors gone, community gone – I guess the death of democracy is now complete … who voted for this?”

A source from the Status of Women’s Advisory Group (SOWAG) says volunteer community representatives who spend countless hours and share their skills, knowledge and networks are being treated with disdain.

Less than a month ago SOWAG facilitated an invitation only forum to recognise International Women’s Day (IWD) with Administrator Rick Hart giving a welcome.

The forum was held online and involved about 30 women from the community.

“The aim was for them to be a voice to Council on a number of topics,” a source said.

Within a week, two staff members who were going to write up a report on what was discussed at the forum resigned.

Now, all committees have received advice of their suspension.

A Council staffer sent out a clarifying email on the practical implications for SOWAG. “Effectively the actions of the Advisory Groups have been placed on hold – not just meetings.

“Given that reality we will pause any follow-up from the IWD Forum for now until the review is finalised.”

The source said what made the whole thing more annoying was that only two months ago, the committee had welcomed three new community representatives to the committee in good faith.

They were expecting to be part of something of value not only to the community but to Council.

Some committees have had recent meetings cancelled as staff were tied up with disaster responses to the flood events.

Other committees such as the

animal companion advisory committee has not met since the middle of last year.

A member of the Coastal Open Space System (COSS) committee said community representatives had been banging their heads against a brick wall trying to get some action on COSS land.

“We noted land that has been sold off even though it was bought for environmental purposes,” the source said.

“All questions we have are usually put on notice or not really answered satisfactorily.

“The administrator has never met with us despite requests and now we have been told the committee is temporarily suspended.”

A list of requests in the committee’s activity log will now be “paused”.

These requests included identifying some existing conservation reserves in the former Wyong LGA to be considered for trial under the

COSS branding and to identify likely tasks required in order to proceed with such a project.

The committee also wanted staff to provide a presentation at a future meeting on the way Council property sale negotiations were carried out and possible new ways of thinking for Council negotiating on land that had high environmental values.

Meanwhile CCN has asked Council for clarification on the status of the Mangrove Mountain Landfill and Spencer Illegal Dumping Advisory Committee (MMASAC) which has not met since the commencement of legal proceedings by Council in the NSW Land and Environment Court.

“On two occasions, community members of this committee have requested a meeting to discuss the situation at Spencer (outcome of EPA prosecutions for illegal dumping, the effect of flooding on illegal dump sites) but these

requests were declined by Council,” a source said.

“Due to the now available judgement of the LEC in Verde Terra Pty Ltd v Central Coast Council and Central Coast Council v Environment Protection Authority, the community representatives have now secured the holding of a meeting on Monday April 11.”

The source said Administrator Rik Hart and CEO David Farmer have agreed to discuss the effect of the complex 136-page judgement for a total of 30 minutes.

Council has not confirmed if the meeting will go ahead.

The Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee is not suspended as it is a mandatory committee under State legislation.

Council told Coast News that a report would go to the May meeting of the Council-underadministration.

Merilyn Vale

Lisarow land to be rezoned residential A parcel of land near Lisarow shops is in the final stages of being rezoned from business to residential.

Bounded by Pacific Highway, Parsons Road and Newling Street, the site is accessed from Newling Street which provides access to an adjoining residential area.

No public submissions were received when Central Coast Council publicly exhibited the plan from November 19 to December 17 last year.

The Planning Proposal will rezone the site from B2 Local Centre to R1 General Residential by amending the Local Environment Policy (LEP).

The rezoning requires the LEP’s relevant mapping layers to be amended.

The minimum lot size will remain at 550m2, but the height of buildings will come down from 11.5m to 11m and the floor space ratio will change depending on the size of each block and type of residential housing such as units and whether onsite parking is located in basements or not.

Council said the rezoning was considered to have strategic merit as the site was unsuitable for commercial and retail uses

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Lisarow land open for residential development

as it lacks main road exposure and fronts a residential street.

The site is located at the rear of the existing retail development and is elevated meaning that there is limited opportunity for any future commercial development on the land to be integrated with the adjoining retail uses.

“The proposal will expand the available housing choice in Lisarow by providing the opportunity for either low or medium density housing, or a combination thereof, in an area with all necessary infrastructure and services available i.e. being located adjacent to a

shopping centre, high school and within walking distance of bus stops, the railway station, primary school and sporting fields,” Council said.

Busways provides a regular service to Gosford from a bus stop located along Parsons Road, at Lisarow Plaza.

Lisarow Train Station is located just 800 metres northeast of the land.

The land is primarily cleared of vegetation and slopes downhill to the north away from Newling Street.

The site has an area of 11,710m2.

Merilyn Vale

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PAGE 26 8 APRIL 2022

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Brought to you by moneymag.com.au

CREATING FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Lifeline offered to struggling small businesses WITH

Michelle BALTAZAR Editor-in-Chief • Money magazine Small businesses have until June this year to take advantage of a special loan designed for those affected by the pandemic and last year’s floods. Under the federal government’s SME Recovery Loan Scheme, participating banks and financial institutions offer business loans with zero to low interest rates and with more flexible repayment terms.

The name of the product varies between lenders – and not everyone offers it – but if you’re a small business owner who can demonstrate the impact of Covid or the floods on your business in 2021, you can simply contact your bank and find out the loan that falls under this scheme instead of a conventional business loan or extending your current loan. Features include: Backed by a 50% government guarantee: Part of the reason the loans have a different set of terms is that the government guarantees 50%

of the loan. This contrasts with an earlier version of the loan in 2020, which had a 80% guarantee. It’s best to check with your bank or lender about how your loan would be structured if you’ve already applied for a similar product but under the earlier scheme with the higher 80% guarantee.

The original scheme stopped taking applications at the end of December, but it was extended until June albeit with the lower guarantee.

Capped at 7.5%pa interest rate: The government has also secured small business owners the pre-condition that no bank can charge more than 7.5%pa interest rate under this scheme.

This means that loan applicants can get a better deal than comparable personal loans or commercial loans in the market.

A scan of the major banks – ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac – shows that interest rates offered are often less than half this capped rate. For example, NAB offers a

2.8%pa variable rate for secured loans depending on eligibility and 3.95%pa for unsecured loan up to $250,000.

Commonwealth Bank is worth including in your shortlist with its zero per cent interest offer on its Business Boost loan, but check all the fees and penalties that come with the contract. It is also only available until June.

Secured versus unsecured: The rates vary depending on the amount you borrow and what security you can use against the loan. It’s best to check with your lender, but in

general the percentage difference can be as much as 1% or more depending on the asset.

Suncorp Bank, for example, offers a low 2.39%pa variable rate for secured loans, rising to 4.69%pa if unsecured. For unsecured loans, the maximum amount most lenders would approve is $250,000.

Repayment holidays: A big drawcard of this loan is the option to take a repayment holiday. Some banks offer six months while others can offer up to a year or two, depending on individual circumstances.

Under the government

mandate, two years is the maximum period allowed to defer repayments. As all loans under this scheme are for a loan period of up to 10 years only, deferring payments for a couple of years means you will have eight years to pay the full amount (the loan, under its more favourable lower interest rate, cannot be extended beyond this amount).

The consequence of temporarily stopping your repayments include additional interest on top of your pre-negotiated rate.

(For example, it could be a 0.3% additional interest if you ask for a repayment holiday).

Fees and waivers: Another reason small business owners should look into this loan before the June deadline is the lower servicing costs. You still have to cover any government-related fees or valuation fees if the loan is secured against commercial property, but there are generally no upfront or ongoing fees.

Some lenders do charge establishment fees while others, if you want a redraw facility, charge a fixed amount (usually a few hundred dollars) every $5000 increment that you draw down from the loan.

Grant Cairns, executive general manager in business lending for Commonwealth Bank, says it offers financial assistance, on a case-by-case basis, for flood-affected businesses.

This includes loan restructuring and merchant fee waivers.

“We understand each business is facing different challenges and opportunities at this time and encourage our customers to speak to us about how we can help meet their business needs,” he says.

For eligibility rules and a list of participating lenders, go to treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/ sme-recovery-loan-scheme.

MICHELLE BALTAZAR

Aussies try to be responsible investors Four in five Australians expect their money in banks, superannuation and other funds to be invested responsibly, with 17% already holding ethical and responsible products, according to the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA).

In “From Values to Riches 2022: Charting Consumer Demand for Responsible Investing in Australia”, the RIAA reports that 72% are concerned with “greenwashing” and 74% would consider moving to another provider if they found out their current fund was investing in companies engaged in activities inconsistent with their values.

“There is a more discerning consumer out there today,” says RIAA chief executive Simon O’Connor. “One, we’re seeing more of them are already investing responsibly and ethically – there’s an increase of 28% from 2020 – and two, more are understanding that there are credible claims and less credible claims with super funds

and banks, and they are getting smart at running the ruler over those claims.”

According to the RIAA, 84% of respondents believe it is important their super fund or bank commits to reducing greenhouse emissions, 83% want targets for emissions reductions and 81% want to see them pledge to achieve net zero

by 2050. Social issues are also rising up the agenda – 74% of Australians say social issues are important when they think about investing their money, up from 64% in 2020.

The RIAA also found a mismatch between the social and environmental issues between what consumers are concerned about and what products offer –

67% want to avoid animal cruelty, testing and animal products while only 32% of investment providers offer such products.

Nearly two-thirds of Australians also want to avoid investments that violate human rights, while only 39% of responsible investment providers deliver products that meet this criterion.

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HEALTH & EDUCATION

PAGE 27 8 APRIL 2022

Kincumber, Bouddi DPA status to attract GPs GP clinics in the Kincumber to Box Head area can now recruit overseas-trained doctors and bonded medical practitioners after a campaign by Saratoga Medical Practice was successful in having the area granted Distribution Priority Area (DPA) status.

Suburbs including Saratoga, Davistown, Kincumber, Bouddi, Bensville, Killcare, Empire Bay, St Huberts Island, Copacabana and surrounds are now classified as DPA following an application to the Federal Government’s “exceptional circumstances” review coordinated with help from the Primary Health Network (PHN).

Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the successful application from Saratoga Medical means local medical practices in the catchment have more opportunity to address local GP doctor shortages.

“This change gives local GP practices a larger pool of doctors to recruit from, which should make it easier for clinics to secure more doctors in the Kincumber to Box Head region,” Wicks said.

Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, with Saratoga Medical Centre General Manager Claudine Restom, Dr Jaimie Rees and Richard Nankervis and Sandra Howden from the PHN

“The DPA classification identifies regions where people find it harder to see a doctor, based on the needs of the community.

“Although the classification is updated each year, several medical practices in this area indicated they had experienced much higher demand during the pandemic period and had

found it especially difficult to recruit doctors to the area.”

Wicks said the DPA classification does not guarantee a doctor, but it allows medical practices in DPA catchments to recruit doctors subject to location restrictions, such as those who trained overseas.

Students who have accepted a Commonwealth Supported Place in an Australian medical course in return for a commitment to work in a regional, rural and remote area at the end of their studies must also work in a DPA. “Having enough doctors is fundamental to any community and that’s even more true when

you live or work in a regional area like the Central Coast,” Wicks said.

The Federal Government set up the review process to ensure an area’s DPA status was based on up-to-date information, supported vulnerable patient cohorts and was responsive to significant workforce and population changes.

The Primary Health Network is a federally funded not-forprofit organisation that helps general practices recruit GPs. “A review for upgrade to a DPA status has to come from a practice, but once they come to us we can help them,” Hunter, New England and Central Coast PHN spokesperson, Rebecca Brennan, said.

“If a practice is successful in having DPA status reviewed, as Saratoga Medical was, the status applies to all practices in the area – in this case, five or six practices.”

Brennan said PHN had also helped recruit 12 new doctors to the Coast through its Sea Change grants – specific grants for doctors coming to the area from out of region.

PHN CEO, Richard Nankervis, said the team was well on the way to achieving a target, set

by Wicks, of 20 new GPs in the Robertson electorate by the end of the financial year.

“We have been successful in recruiting doctors from across the country, including from Sydney and regional Victoria,” he said.

Terry Collins

Recognised for work in LGBTQ+ inclusion in healthcare Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) has taken two awards at the inaugural Australian Pride in Health and Wellbeing Awards.

The awards recognised a variety of role models, allies and organisations dedicated to LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Australian health and wellbeing sector.

CCLHD Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Erin Heine, won the Out Role Model award, recognising their contribution to LGBTQ+ inclusion.

“The Out Role Model is something that really means a lot to me,” Heine said.

“I’m very proud of the work that I have been doing and that the team has been doing to

improve our services to be more welcoming and inclusive to LGBTQ+ people.

“I would like to thank Central Coast Local Health District for ensuring there is a focus on such important work.”

CCLHD HIV and Related Programs Health Promotion Officer, Jason van Ritten, was the recipient of the LGBTQ+ Ally award for his contribution as someone who does not identify as LGBTQ+ but has made a significant contribution to LGBTQ+ inclusion in the healthcare sector.

“I’m very honoured to be able to receive this award and recognition,” he said.

“I look forward to continuing to build on what we have achieved over the past

few years.”

CCLHD Chief Executive, Scott McLachlan, said the awards were well deserved recognition for such important work.

“It is wonderful to see Erin and Jason recognised for their achievements both in ensuring we are an inclusive workforce and that we provide trusted, safe and inclusive care for our patients and carers,” he said.

“Thank you both for your passion and commitment to implementing change within the system that has allowed our LGBTQ+ community to feel safe and access inclusive healthcare.”

Source: Media release, Apr 6 Central Coast Local Health District

Newspapers

Jason van Ritten and Erin Heine

Central Coast

CCN

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PAGE 28 8 APRIL 2022

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DOWN IN THE GARDEN: Grow Stunning Sweet Peas

CHERALYN DARCEY

Need something to look forward to?

I’m going to promise you a stunningly beautiful spring this year because now is the time to get your Sweet Peas planted.

Don’t wait, don’t hesitate! Get these divinely pretty annuals in now, and you will be rewarded with gorgeous blossoms once the coming winter rolls away.

Just to be clear, sweet peas do grow rather like common garden peas but that’s where the similarity stops.

Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are not edible.

They are however stunning additions to your garden and will bring delight to your home all spring long.

Sweet Peas originated in the regions of Southern Italy and Sicily.

History tells us that they were collected by Father Cupani, a 17th Century Franciscan monk, who cultivated them in the gardens of his monastery after finding them growing wild on the hillsides of Sicily.

These first wildflowers had deep blue lower petals, the wings, (upper petals), were purple, and the fragrance was described as an extraordinary.

Moving forward in time, it was a Scottish horticulturalist, Henry Eckford (1823 - 1905) who perfected the breading of the Sweet Pea into the beloved and popular annual we know today.

In temperate regions of Australia Sweet Peas are planted on St Patricks Day (17th March) for no other reason that I know of other than it being a handy reference point.

Early autumn is ideal but wait until the soil temperature has dropped to around 15c.

They can also be planted in early Spring for a successive display.

Position is everything with Sweet Peas as they can be a tad finicky.

Ideally full sun on the plant and cool roots with moist soil but not overly wet.

The other thing to be aware of is that not all Sweet Peas are fragrant.

Some of the types, particularly a few hybrids, have more brilliant colours and greater size than stronger fragrance.

There is no rule of thumb here, just make sure that you read the description closely when selecting your seeds or seedlings if you are more drawn to a particular attribution.

Then again, you can always follow my lead this year and grow them all!

Let’s Get Growing Full sun and a well-prepared soil are the keys to getting your new friends off to a flying start.

Soil needs to be rich and friable (loose and free draining).

The soil is also best if it has a pH of close to 6.5 for Sweet Peas.

Due to all the recent rain, it very well may be lower, indicating it is too acidic.

To adjust try adding poultry manure as this can work very well and for a faster result, the addition of lime can be tried at a rate of 100 grams every square meter.

Should your soil read at a level higher than 6.5 then it means the soil is too alkaline and this can be adjusted by adding composts and manures to your soil.

Although there are dwarf varieties out there, nearly all Sweet Peas need a support to grow upon.

If your soil is balanced, add some well-rotted, manure and water well two weeks before your planned planting date.

The vast majority of Sweet Pea growers insist that you must soak your seeds in warm water for half a day before planting and there is merit in this.

Hard seeds may need to be scarified as well.

This involved scraping the end from which the roots will appear along a piece of glass paper.

FORT DENISON

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

poppy, primula, snapdragon, statice, stock, sweet pea, wallflower HAVE YOU GOT A GARDEN OR GARDENING TOPIC TO SHARE?

Plant into place or in paper seedling pots and water well.

You may water lightly again once the top centimetre dries out.

Plant out when they are about 8cm in height and give them at least 10cm spacing or as directed for type.

Use a seaweed-based emulsion to encourage healthy growth and roots and once flowers appear you may like to use a liquid fertiliser or a potash formula to encourage additional blossoming.

Keep soil moist but not soggy.

Once they arrive, picking your Sweet Peas encourages more blossoms to form so don’t be shy.

To harvest the seeds for next season, leave a few flowers to die on the plant and then wait until the pods turn light brown.

Collect before they split and then dry out indoors for a few weeks by placing inside a sealed brown paper bag.

Place this in a warm place and shake every few days until the seeds are released.

Take the seeds out and then store in either the fridge, freezer or a paper envelop in a sealed container.

Resources: sweetpeaspecialistsaustralia.com and diggers.com.au The Challenges Failure to germinate happens because the soil is too soft, and scarification has not occurred.

Another reason is old and incorrectly stored seeds.

If you are collecting your own seeds or have recently obtained some, store in an air-tight container in the freezer.

Ensure they are completely dry first though.

Label well as the seeds are highly toxic.

Bud drop can occur due to a variety of factors including sudden fluctuation in temperature, low sunlight caused by continual cloud cover and too much nitrogen in the soil.

Fungal problems are the main challenges that you may face when growing Sweet Peas.

If noticed, (usually a white power-like appearance) remove affected foliage immediately and use a sprayon fungicide as directed by the manufacturer.

If you are facing a particularly wet season, it may be best to increase the spacing between plants to allow for greater airflow to help prevent fungal diseases.

Also don’t let the plants completely dry out once planted.

Sweet Pee Tepee

GARDENING GUIDE FOR COAST GARDENERS THIS WEEK Now is the best time to plant for Spring colour.

You can also plant the following: culinary herbs, artichokes, broad beans, broccoli, cabbages, cress, leek, lettuce, mustard, onions, peas, radishes, shallots, spring onions, silverbeet, spinach, turnips, ageratum, alyssum, calendula, candytuft, carnation, columbine, cornflower, delphinium, dianthus, everlasting daisy, forget-menot, foxglove, godetia, gypsophila, hollyhock, larkspur, nigella, pansy, polyanthus,

Down in the Garden is looking for Central Coast gardeners who would like to share their garden with us. all gardens and gardeners are welcome contact: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail. com 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.

Archived articles can be found on Cheralyn’s Blog: www.florasphere.com Send your gardening questions, events, and news to: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail. com

GARDENING BOOK REVIEW While we are talking growing flowers this week, let’s explore Clare Foster and Sabine Rüber’s beautiful book, ‘The Flower Garden, how to grow flowers from seed’.

Here’s one for the kids, grandkids, or you! As Sweet Peas will need a trellis to climb upon, why not make a large person-sized tepee out of bamboo or wooden poles?

Grow your Sweet Peas up the sides to cover and come spring you will have the perfect jungle hideaway, fairy-fort or meditation hut right in your very own garden.

The challenge is on! Grow yours and send us pictures.

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This is an exceptionally clear reference book that ticks a lot of boxes for me.

Finding the information you are looking for is easy, quick, and completely understandable and yes, the images are lovely.

Easily one of the best beginner flower gardening books on the market at the moment as it invites new gardeners in without making them feel overwhelmed at all.

For the more experienced, you may find this a bit too basic, but as a beautiful hard cover with insightful botanical history information for each

flower within, it still makes for a gorgeous coffee table read.

Top points for the ‘How to Use Your Flowers’ section that includes a Sweet Pea Arch tutorial, instructions on planting a Mini Wildflower Meadow and Planning a Cut Flower Garden.

ISBN: 9781786274090, 208 pages, Laurence King Publishing

LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000 Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

0030 1.55 0128 1.50 0237 1.47 0349 1.49 0449 1.55 0537 1.62 0009 0.62 0730 0.69 0840 0.71 0949 0.69 1048 0.64 1134 0.57 1213 0.50 0620 1.68 FRI 1323 1.16 SAT 1439 1.14 SUN 1601 1.17 MON 1701 1.25 TUE 1745 1.34 WED 1823 1.44 THU 1247 0.43 1842 0.84 1955 0.88 2228 0.81 1859 1.55 2118 0.87 2322 0.72 0053 0.53 0137 0.44 0312 0.34 0403 0.33 0600 0.41 0223 0.38 0459 0.36 0701 1.72 0744 1.73 0915 1.65 1006 1.56 1200 1.36 0829 1.71 1100 1.46 FRI 1322 0.38 SAT 1357 0.36 SUN 1433 0.36 MON 1512 0.40 TUE 1554 0.47 WED 1639 0.56 THU 1730 0.65 1934 1.67 2013 1.77 2052 1.86 2135 1.91 2221 1.92 2311 1.89

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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HEALTH & EDUCATION

PAGE 29 8 APRIL 2022

STIRRING CHANGE ... The delicious perks of buying whole chicken And therefore, we enjoy chicken as a bit of a luxury food item – much like our Grandparents’ would have. We treat ourselves to one pastureraised chicken per week. We usually buy a whole bird and make it last for several meals.

And there is something deeply satisfying and nostalgic about this weekly ritual.

Bucking the trend

GEORGIA LIENEMANN We’ve been exploring the countless benefits of sourcing quality meat products on the column recently and how this invariably leads to the conclusion that shopping with local producers is a no-brainer.

When our family first weighed up the superior nutritional value of pasture-raised chicken, as well as all the environmental and ethical boxes it ticks, we found it surprisingly easy to justify a permanent shift in our buying habits. We now shop exclusively with small-scale, local farms.

The only drawback – which pales into insignificance compared to the benefits (one of which is unparalleled flavour!)

– is that they cost a little more than your average supermarket chicken.

According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural Resource Economics and Sciences, chicken is now the most popular meat eaten in Australia, ahead of all red meats.

In fact, the average Australian eats 44kg of chicken per year – up 40kg from 1960! That’s mainly because so many corners are cut in the largescale industrial model and the resulting chicken is cheap to produce. Although as we touched on last week, the house of cards can tumble rather swiftly with the global shortages encroaching on us at the present time.

Our days of carefree feasting are likely numbered.

Good quality poultry and moderation The other reason I recommend limiting poultry is that chicken (and to a lesser degree, duck and turkey) have a very high ratio of polyunsaturated fatty

acids – and in particular, omega 6 fatty acids – when compared with other meats.

One of the underlying contributors to our modern health crisis is a hugely imbalanced omega-3 : omega-6 ratio, which negatively affects the functioning of every single cell and has far-reaching and devastating consequences in the body.

On a traditional diet, this ratio hovers around 1:3, but with our move away from traditional fats to refined ‘vegetable’ oils (seed

oils like canola, sunflower and safflower), it is now at 1:25, or upwards of 1:40 for those consuming a heavily processed diet!

There are numerous ways to restore a healthy balance and repair the function of our cells.

The most important one is to steer clear of refined seed oils wherever possible. The benefits of this can’t be overstated.

Another is to eat foods that are particularly high in omega 6, such as poultry, nuts and seeds, in moderation. This suggestion

seems to provoke mild panic in people whenever it is offered, and I’m often asked what ‘moderation’ looks like. As a loose guide, it might be consuming poultry several times each week and a small handful of nuts or seeds each day.

Benefits of whole bird

buying

the

It’s cheaper than buying individual cuts It offers more balanced

nutrition as you have access to every part of the animal – each one offering a different profile of nutrients. The bones and skin are rich in nutrients that are only found in trace amounts in the meat, for example.

Broth made from the bones and skin has a protein sparing effect – meaning that less meat can meet our protein needs.

Nose-to-tail eating reduces waste and honours the life of the animal More parts involved allows for more creativity at mealtimes

Roast chicken on a bed of rustic vegetables

Roasting chicken on top of your vegetables is a game-changer. And if you’re sourcing pasture-raised chicken, they have much higher levels of gelatin.

That means a delicious sticky, salty glaze for your veggies. There’s nothing quite like it.

This recipe takes literally 10 minutes to prepare as there’s no need to peel or dice the vegies. You have the option if you’d like to. Take this rustic formula and run with it – you can use this method with any vegetables of your choice.

Given that chickens vary in size, use the following as a rough guide to cooking

times: 20-25 minutes per 500g.

1 whole chicken Carrots, whole unpeeled and washed Sweet potato, washed and halved lengthways Pumpkin, seeds removed, sliced into 2cm wedges Handful of rosemary or thyme sprigs Olive oil 1 medium onion, peeled and left whole 1 whole apple, stem removed 50g butter 1 head of garlic salt and pepper

Stuffing: 1 onion, quartered Sprigs of thyme or rosemary 3 cloves of garlic, peeled Gravy: 1 tbsp of flour cups of chicken or vegetable stock Remove the chicken from the fridge 30 minutes prior to cooking. Preheat the oven to 250°C. Toss the vegetables and rosemary in just enough olive oil to cover and spread evenly over

your roasting pan.

Brush the onion and apple with a little oil and place them in the corners of your pan. Sprinkle salt over the lot. Optional: rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.

Season the cavity with salt and pepper and fill it with the stuffing ingredients.

Starting at the neck, use your fingers to slide the butter under the skin and spread it evenly.

Then rub the remaining butter left on your hands over the surface of the bird, so that the skin is completely covered. Season it liberally with salt and pepper.

Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the centre of the roasting pan and roast for 15 minutes on 250°C. Prepare the head of garlic, by cutting it in half horizontally, so that the individual cloves are exposed on each half.

Drizzle liberally with olive oil.

After the 15 minutes is up, add the garlic to your roasting pan and reduce the heat to 180°C. Cook for 45-60 minutes or until the chicken juices run clear when the thigh is pierced with a skewer. Allow it to stand for 10 minutes, prior to serving. Using tongs, transfer the chicken and vegetables from the roasting pan into a large serving dish.

For gravy: place the roasting pan on the stove over low heat and stir in the flour until it forms a paste. Add ¼ cup of chicken stock, then whisk until thickened. Continue to add more stock, a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Serve with a refreshing side salad or some lightly steamed greens to balance the meal.

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SPORT PAGE 31 8 APRIL 2022

Central Coast surfers top Australian rankings SURFING Macy Callaghan and Joel Vaughan, both from the Central Coast, have topped the Australian/Oceania Qualifying Series (QS) Rankings in the Men and Women conferences, with the final tally in after the completion of the World Surf League’s Newcastle Surfest QS 5000.

In the final event at Mereweather Beach from March 29 to April 3, Callaghan earned her second QS event win this season, following her recent hometown win against Molly Picklum in the Central Coast Pro. In her Newcastle Surfest final, the Avoca Beach local and North Shelly Boardrider brought precision to her execution to post a two-wave total of 14.84, from only two wave attempts all heat.

Macy Callaghan wins the final of the Newcastle Surfest Women’s Pro QS500. Photo:

Macy Callaghan wins the final of the Newcastle Surfest Women’s Pro QS500

WSL/Gary Luke After missing out on requalification for the Championship Tour, Callaghan has reawakened her chances of reaching the top tier of world

surfing, now dependent on her preparation and performance in the upcoming Challenger Series.

“I feel like I’ve put in a lot of hard work over the years, and

to see it come back to me with two wins feels amazing,” Macy said.

“Especially that they’re both so close to my home – that’s really special. I’ve been

Photo: WSL/Gary Luke

competing at Surfest since I was 15. I won the cadet cup back then, then I won my first Pro Junior and now this – Newcastle has been good to me.

“This is a great way to finish the QS season and I’m looking forward to heading into the Challenger Series feeling positive and keen to give it a good go.”

Joel Vaughan wins the Central Coast Pro Junior, March 19.

Photo credit: WSL/Natalie Meredith For North Shelly Beach’s Joel Vaughan, topping the Men’s QS rankings is the result of consistent results throughout the entire Series.

Reaching the quarter finals in the Newcastle Surfest followed a win at the Great Lakes Pro and two second places at the Tweed Coast and Phillip Island Pros.

With QS rankings finalised, the attention of the nine male and seven female top seeds from Australia and New Zealand will turn to season’s Challenger Series, scheduled to start in May. Haakon Barry

Rugby season kicks off on April 9 … weather permitting After the scheduled opening round of the Central Coast Rugby Union 2022 competition was cancelled last week due to ground closures, organisers hope Round Two games will go ahead this Saturday, April 9.

Round One games were cancelled on April 2 when Central Coast Council closed all grounds in the region due to soggy conditions, with the Board to meet this week to decide how to accommodate the abandoned clashes.

Meanwhile, it’s full steam ahead with Round Two. “Last season was extremely different, with many new experiences brought upon local rugby due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” spokesperson Larry Thomson said.

“The fact that the 2021 season finished in June was a massive disappointment to all concerned.

“We are hoping this season will be a much more normal one.

Thomson said the extremely wet weather in recent weeks meant teams had found it almost impossible to have a normal team training session.

“All teams will be a little underdone in their preparation so upset results could easily result.

“The first few weeks will be very important in telling us the form and prospects of teams this year.”

Round Two sees four Swietelsky Premier 1 matches, all of which are expected to be extremely close.

The match of the day will be the clash between Terrigal and The Lakes at The Haven.

Terrigal will be slightly favoured

to win as reigning Premiers.

Withgreatdepthandexperience, Terrigal is coached this year again

by Michael Farrelly.

The Lakes were having a wonderful year in 2021 and were right in the picture when the season was curtailed and are expected to be strong again in 2022 under coach Marshall Hemopo.

The second game will see Warnervale take on Kariong at Kariong Oval.

These two teams had differing seasons last year with Kariong well positioned when the season was cut short while Warnervale had yet to get a win in 2021 despite several very close results.

Kariong seems to be well prepared under new head coach Louise Ferris while Warnervale has Glen Gallagher in charge as

POSITION VACANT SCHOOL CANTEEN LICENCE KINCUMBER HIGH SCHOOL Tenders are called for the licence of the school canteen for the school year commencing on 18 July 2022 for a term of 3 years with an option to renew for 2 years. Annual school enrolments will be approximately 1030.

General enquiries and requests for a Tender Information Package should be referred to: Linda Dowling School Administrative Manager Ph: 4369 1555 or email: linda.dowling@det.nsw.edu.au Tenders must be sent electronically and noted in the subject line “Commercial in Confidence - School Canteen Tender” and sent to: The Principal, Brent Walker Email: brent.walker@det.nsw.edu.au Tenders close at 3pm on Friday 6 May, 2022.

Mandatory Criteria: All employees must hold a current working with children check.

club coach and is reported to have strengthened the player roster this year.

Hornsby travels to Heazlett Park to play Avoca Beach.

The match will be played under lights, kicking off at 6pm – the first night game at Heazlett with the new lights.

Avoca Beach may go into the match as slight favourites because of the home ground advantage and the strong experience new coach Michael Burgess will bring to the squad.

Hornsby is coached this year by Tristan Jones and Chris Woutersz, so the match sees many new faces both off the paddock as well as on the playing field.

Gosford and the Ourimbah Razorbacks meet at Gosford Showground in what should prove an exciting clash with the Razorbacks going in as firm favourites.

Ourimbah performed well last year and Gosford is coming back into the competition after being forced to withdraw in 2021.

They have a new coach in Jack Pike but will go into the clash with a very inexperienced squad of players.

The Bay Rugby Club will only be playing in the President’s Cup once again this year.

On Saturday they will play Woy Woy at Woy Woy Oval in their first match and the result of this match is almost impossible to predict.

Saturday also sees the start of the Central Coast Women’s 10’s competition.

This year the clubs continue with 10-a-side rugby and there

will be seven teams in this year’s competition.

It will take several weeks before these teams sort themselves out but it all makes for some interesting rugby in the opening rounds of this year’s competition.

This weekend will see Hornsby

play two matches, against Avoca Beach and the Razorbacks.

Terrigal will play The Lakes, and Kariong will host Warnervale.

Source: Media release, April 4 Larry Thomson, Central Coast Rugby Union

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of Aboriginal Consultation Ausgrid is proposing to undertake ground disturbing works to replace two electricity poles in Davistown NSW. The proposed works are in proximity to previously recorded Aboriginal sites and associated areas of potential archaeological deposits. The nature of these sites cannot be investigated in accordance with the requirements of the Code of Practice for Archaeological Investigation in New South Wales and an application for an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) in accordance with Part 6 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 will be required to undertake the initial investigation.

Aboriginal parties who hold relevant cultural information about the Davistown area and who wish to be consulted regarding the cultural heritage investigations relating to the proposed works are invited to register their interest in this project.

Consultation will assist Ausgrid in determining the potential impact of the proposed works on Aboriginal cultural heritage and this information will inform the preparation of the required AHIP application. The consultation will also assist the Department of Premier and Cabinet – Heritage NSW in the consideration and determination of the AHIP application.

Registrations of Interest should be provided by no later than 22 April 2022 to: Robyn Coombes Environmental Officer – Asset Management RCoombes@ausgrid.com.au Mobile: 0439 361 483

PAGE 32 SPORT 8 APRIL 2022

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Five goal frenzy The Mariners celebrate five goals in Gosford against Wellington Phoenix

FOOTBALL The Central Coast Mariners completed a 5 – 0 win over Wellington Phoenix at Central Coast Stadium, Tuesday evening April 6, boosting them to within striking distance of the top five with seven games still in hand.

Five different scorers added to the end result, continuing goal streaks for the team’s main strikers and launching the count for a new entry netter.

Both Marcos Urena and Jason Cummings delivered successful penalty shots to add to their season tally, the former jumping to tied-third top goalscorer in the A-League and the latter making it four goals

in three games.

Beni N’Kololo and Matt Hatch each scored from general play with carefully crafted shots requiring accuracy and spatial awareness.

From a 24th minute corner, a one-two play between N’Kololo and Josh Nisbet presented the former with an abundance of space on an acute angle at the edge of the penalty area – his first touch shot curving through the sky to find the inside of the side post.

Hatch’s goal came late in extra time, once more due to the left back’s speed on the counter attack, put away with a dink shot leaving Phoenix keeper, Oliver Sail on his knees.

In the middle of all the wellknown Mariner names – and

the desecrated Phoenix defense – was A-League debutante Garang Kuol, younger brother of ex-Mariner Alou, scoring on his debut with an immaculate volley.

Lewis Miller launched the ball forward down the middle line of the field, with Kuol darting in-between the centre backs to find the gold at the end of the rainbow.

A slight touch on the dropping ball was all Kuol needed to wrong foot Phoenix keeper, Oliver Sails and trickle the ball over the line.

The prolific victory resulted from maintained attacking pressure with the ball, turned into an ever-rising scoreboard pressure beginning with Urena’s eighth minute goal.

The ill discipline of the Phoenix defence continued to haunt their performance with the Mariners posting a total of ten shots on target for a 50% success rate, whilst suffering no cards nor giving away any fouls.

Meanwhile, it was an unusually quiet evening in goal for Mark Birighitti who was not once disturbed with the requirement for a save.

For Head Coach, Nick Montgomery, the evening’s result was the surplus of a rising form that began at the start of the season.

“We started the season really well, we were aggressive on the front foot, played a lot of attacking football,” Monty said.

“We just had that period after

Christmas where we’d been smashed with COVID, the games were cancelled and we struggled to get that rhythm and that same confidence going, but the performances were there.

“We stuck to our principles and remained disciplined, and obviously bringing Jason (Cummings) in as well gave us a little boost.

“We’ve been short on players all season, we’ve had players out injured or sick most weeks, and fortunately we’ve got a lot of good young players at this club that I’ve worked with for a couple of years and I’ve got full belief in them, I’m not afraid to put them in.

“Garang Kuol, who everybody is talking about, he’s just come

back from a knee injury, he’s not fit but when you put him on he’s going to take every chance at scoring a goal, so delighted for him getting his first.”

With seven more matches to be had over the next month, Monty continues to prioritise variety and depth in his squad, and five separate goalscorers in one game is a sure sign of progress.

The next challenge the Mariners face will be Sydney FC at Central Coast Stadium, Saturday April 9 – a win in this game will leap-frog them above their blue rivals who currently sit precariously in fifth place on the table.

Haakon Barry