Coast Community News 370

Candlelight concerts come to the Coast

Wyong Hospital palliative care unit gets $13.6M boost

Planning is underway for a dedicated palliative care unit at Wyong Hospital –Elsie’s Retreat – following the NSW Government’s announcement of $13.6M towards the project.

Construction timeframes will be confirmed as planning progresses and space for the 12-bed unit is refurbished and upgraded.

The Wyong Hospital Elsie’s Retreat will be the second dedicated palliative care unit on the Central Coast, with the

other at Gosford Hospital which opened in April 202 1.

Elsie’s Retreat is one of the ongoing projects of the Lions of Wyoming/ East Gosford Centennial which the “Orange Army” started more than 12 years ago to make good on a promise Oana McBride made to close friend and neighbour Elsie, who passed away from breast cancer while in a nursing home.

Committee member of Elsie’s Retreat Project, Margaret Pearce, said there was a

definite need for a second palliative care unit because of the rapid growth in the north and that the Gosford unit was always full with a waiting list.

“A huge thank you goes out to the community because the almost 10,000 people who signed our petitions was the push needed to get this unit,” she said.

“As a Lions club we can only do so much but with the community behind us we can achieve a lot.”

In the lead-up to the eventual

opening of Wyong Elsie’s Retreat, Pearce is again calling

Anyone

Leading entertainment discovery platform Fever will bring its critically acclaimed Candlelight Concerts series to the Central Coast this summer, with the first concert scheduled for January 19, 2023, at Avoca Beach Theatre.

The two concerts will be illuminated by thousands of candles

who can help should phone Margaret Pearce on

Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes helps out in WA

Boat crew members from Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes were in new waters when they headed to Western Australia recently to assist the SES in operating boats on swiftflowing rivers following flooding.

A spokesperson said the skill sets of Marine Rescue personnel are readily adaptable to different environments.

Three boat crew members were also deployed to Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge, doing various tasks but predominantly driving boats provided by the SES.

They joined members from the NSW SES, WA SES, NSW Fire and Rescue and Surf Lifesaving working as multiagency teams to assist local residents affected by the floods.

But the task is not over yet.

It is expected that further volunteers will be needed right

up to Christmas and two more members have volunteered and are currently deployed to the Parkes area.

Meanwhile Marine Rescue Tuggerah lakes continues to concentrate on its main role of

saving lives in its primary area of operations.

Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes has openings for new members in both boat crew and radio operator streams.

Interested people can contact

Unit Commander Bob Sutton on 0488 442 051 for more information or visit marinerescuensw.com.au.

Model of MV Krait on display at The Entrance

Terrigal

anchored in the busy Japaneseoccupied waterway

Central Coast Newspapers

Pty Ltd (CCN) is a locally owned and operated, independent news media business, providing local print and digital news to communities across the Central Coast.

CCN publishes the Coast Community News weekly with over 40,000 copies available via more than 250 distribution points all across the Central Coast.

Most stories can be viewed on coastcommunitynews.com.au

CCN seeks to uphold the core purpose of the free press, that is,

to provide real, public-interest journalism without fear or prejudice, to keep communities informed about local issues and events and to ensure powerful interest groups, public and private, are held to account.

Our news content is originated through our own team of experienced, local journalists as well as external sources, including media releases

The wooden hulled vessel is famous for its used during World War II in raids against Japanese shipping in Singapore harbour and is on permanent display at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney.

The 21m 60 tonne former Japanese fishing vessel carried 14 members of the top-secret World War II Z Special Unit from Australia to Singapore in September 1943.

In what was known as Operation Jaywick they sank 40,000 tons of enemy shipping

The model built by the men’s shed is not only an example of the exceptional skills of this group of tradesmen, but also highlights their dedication to detail and their pride in the project.

“With this in mind it was felt that the model should be made available to the general public to view,” a spokesperson said.

The RSL sub-branch thanked and acknowledged Terrigal Men’s Shed for the generous donation.

Source: Media release, Nov 24 The Entrance Long Jetty RSL Sub-branch

IN MEMORIAM

CRUM (nee Sims), Ellenor Marjorie

It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Ellenor Crum who passed away at the age of 85, on the 20th of November 2022.

She was loved and cherished by many people including: her husband Colin (dec); her children and spouses, Colin & Linley, David & Tanya, Peter & Kerry, Barbara, Geoffrey & Lisa, and her dear friend Heinz. Her grandchildren, James, Glen, Ben, Joshua, Luke, Laura, Andrew, Melissa, Trent, Brett, Zac, Anton, and her many great grandchildren.

Family and friends of Ellenor are invited to attend her funeral service to be held at the Rose Chapel, Palmdale Lawn Cemetery & Memorial Park, Palmdale Road, Palmdale, on Monday 5 December 2022 commencing at 1.00 pm, followed by burial within the Palmdale grounds. For those unable to attend you may view the live stream of the service on the Creightons Funerals Service website.

Source: Media release, Nov 30 Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes

The model is on display in the Entrance Long Jetty RSL Sub-branch museum

Wyong Hospital palliative care unit gets $13.6M boost

From page 1

“The new palliative care unit will respond to increasing community needs in the northern part of the Central Coast and provide access for patients who require hospitalbased support due to acute clinical or social needs,” Taylor said.

Parliamentary Secretary for Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said that once operational, this unit would provide the

community the support it needs in a homely environment, with access to single rooms, family amenities and an outdoor space.

“I would like to thank the Orange Army of Elsie’s Retreat volunteers for their incredible support and campaigning to make this dream become a reality,” he said.

Crouch said the $13.6M funding for Wyong Elsie’s Retreat is part of the NSW

Government’s $93M Enhancing End of Life Care program and, also, there is $743M towards palliative care and specialist health services in the 2022/23 NSW Budget to ensure NSW residents have access to the highest quality care and pain management services at the end of their life.

Sue Murray

The sale was held on November 26 at a Umina Beach home.

“The home, being on the corner of a major road, was an eye-catching venue attracting many keen customers,” a spokesperson said.

“With saleable quality vintage items such as linen, antique books, pictures and paintings

and Australian pottery, interested customers were keen to buy.

“The garage sale items were many and varied, with the ‘leftovers’ going to local charity outlets which included Fairhaven.”

Members of Kariong/ Somersby Rotary pitched in to help with transporting and erecting the stalls.

“Inner Wheel and Rotary have a long friendship as both are service clubs and often work together to aid those in need,” the spokesperson said.

The funds raised will be donated to such organisations as: We Care Connect, Lifeline, NG School, Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.

The Inner Wheel Club of Gosford North is part of an international women’s organisation which creates friendship, service and understanding.

“Our club of 40 friendly ladies meets one a month, has a dinner and morning tea monthly, fundraises through handcraft stalls and fashion

parades and supports our national project – Cord Blood Research – through various means,” the spokesperson said.

“Our international theme this year is Work Wonders and that is what we are doing through the friendship of like-minded women working together to make a difference and improve lives.”

For details on joining the club call 0417 480 549.

Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor and Parliamentary Secretary Central Coast Adam Crouch (both centre) at Wyong Hospital with representatives from Elsie’s Retreat and Central Coast Local Health District

Source: Media release, Nov 29

The Inner Wheel Club of Gosford North

Empire Bay boatshed to be razed and replaced with replica

After many months of uncertainty, the decision has finally been made to tear down the historic Empire Bay boatshed and replace it with a replica.

The news follows a huge community campaign over several years to save the heritage listed marina, with an Empire Bay Heritage Boat Shed Association formed in November to ramp up pressure on the State Government.

With the marine structures to be removed due to significant contamination, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said while he acknowledged diverse community sentiment toward the former marina the safety of the community was paramount.

“I know there are many in the community that want to see the Empire Bay site preserved, but today the engineers advised why this just wasn’t possible,” Crouch said on November 30.

“It is crucial that the site is

maintained as usable public open space, and work has already started on assessing the feasibility and costs of building a replica structure on the site.

“Given the site adjoins an established residential area without legal vehicle access, parking or sewerage, a lot of work needs to be done.”

Crouch said he was committed to working with the community, including the Empire Bay Heritage Boat Shed Association, to explore how the site can be reactivated for community use.

“I’d like to see if we can rebuild something which acknowledges the local boating history and creates an asset that is accessible to the entire community,” he said.

Empire Bay Heritage Boatshed Association spokesperson Errol Baker said while he was disappointed that the original structure will be demolished, the replica building was good news for Empire Bay.

“Our engineer and the government’s engineers had some good discussions, but in the end the government is driven by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPAD),” he said.

“However, the replica will have elements of the original structure throughout, after consultation with a heritage expert.

“This will provide our community with the confidence

that the true heritage of the historic boat shed is honoured in the new building.”

Baker said he had been assured funding would be available for the project.

“We would like to see the replica building become a maritime museum,” he said.

“We must honour the families who once lived here and the area’s rich boating history – we have to save something.”

Baker said he had already been offered many artefacts to go in the museum.

Crouch said Crown Lands is currently addressing planning requirements for the removal of the boatshed and remediation work.

A Remedial Action Plan will also be prepared to clean up the site as a matter of priority and address NSW EPA regulatory requirements, he said.

Crown Lands, which owns the site, said the decision for removal of the marina structures and a full and safe remediation of contamination on the site had been made for several reasons.

Executive Director of Land and Asset Management Greg Sullivan said a detailed site investigation had found elevated concentrations of contaminants on site including anti-fouling agents (tributyltin), heavy metals (lead, zinc and copper) and hydrocarbons (fuel and oil), from the marina’s former operations.

Chloe named Joey Scout of the Year

Broken Bay Joey Scout Chloe McLennan has been named Scout of the Year at Scouts NSW’s annual awards.

Six Scouts from across the state were recognised with Scout of the Year 2022 awards for making an exceptional contribution to Scouts and made a difference in their wider community – one Joey Scout, one Cub Scout, one Scout, one Venturer Scout, and one Rover Scout and a People’s Choice winner.

There were 19 finalists among the six categories.

Chloe won her award for her

work towards the No Poverty United Nations Sustainable Development Goal in 2022.

She saw the devastating effects of floods in Lismore on the community and especially on the children who lost all their possessions.

At just eight years of age, Chloe decided to start up a book collection, initially asking family and friends for donations.

On two Saturday mornings she also set up a book drop-off at her Scout Hall.

Chloe then delivered the collected books to We Care Connect.

She been a Joey Scout for

over two years after joining Scouts in Year 1 of primary school.

“Scouts is always fun; we always do something different, and I made three new friends,” she said.

Although she started her time with Scouts this year with a broken arm, she still managed to enjoy plenty of activities including Stacking Cups.

“Next year I’m looking forward to going on night bushwalks and camping with the older Cub Scouts,” she said.

SafeWork NSW had also issued a notice that the underground fuel tanks and associated equipment including all fuel lines and vents must be removed.

“Building condition and structural engineer’s reports found the boatshed has major structural defects,is structurally unsound and unsafe, and is likely to collapse during the work that is required to properly remediate the site,” Sullivan said.

“The jetties are also dilapidated and unsafe.”

Once the boatshed, underground fuel tanks, jetties, slipway, and a concrete hardstand area are removed, further contamination testing will be undertaken to determine full remediation requirements.

Further information will be made available on the Crown Lands website at crownland. nsw.gov.au/whats-happening/ notifications/empire-baymarina.

said Chloe and the other “powerhouse young people” had created epic communitybased projects and helped changed the world in 2022.

“On behalf of Scouts NSW, I thank all our finalists and congratulate our Scout of the Year award winners,” he said.

“I look forward to them continuing to inspire their Scouting peers and wider communities.”

More details on scouting are available at https://joinscouts. com.au/.

Scouts NSW Chief commissioner Neville Tomkins

Source: Media release, Nov 28 Scouts NSW

Chloe McLennan with Scouts NSW Sate Youth Council Chair Jennifer Riley and Assistant Chief Commissioner Youth Engagement Meg Cummins

Terry Collins

The Empire Bay Marina site

Labor endorses Sam Boughton as candidate for Terrigal

Physiotherapist Sam Boughton will be the Labor candidate in next March’s 2023 NSW State Election.

Sitting Liberal Member Adam Crouch will be running for his third term, but Boughton says it is time for “a new wave”.

Boughton, who works in aged care on the Central Coast, went to primary school at Terrigal and Holgate Public Schools and finished schooling at Central Coast Adventist School.

He completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University of Newcastle and has gone on to work in public hospitals, private practices, and residential aged care facilities in the region.

Boughton has also volunteered at the MatchamHolgate Rural Fire Service for many years and is an avid surfer.

He said he decided to run because “our education and healthcare systems are in crisis, our environment is not being prioritised, and the cost of living continues to go up under the current NSW State Liberal Government”.

Boughton said he wants to bring a fresh approach to the seat of Terrigal.

“I was raised here and have lived here my whole life; I know this area like the back of my hand,” he said.

“I decided to run for politics because I want to be a fresh change for this community.

“I have spent years working as a physiotherapist where I have met a range of people from across the community.

“I have heard what is

important to my community; good schools, adequately funded and staffed healthcare, and the protection of our unique environment.

“If I am given the privilege and honour of representing our community and the people of the Terrigal electorate, I will be a fresh change that will never take this area for granted.

Terrigal is the only seat on the

Central Coast, state or federal, which is held by the Liberals.

Labor MPs from across the Central Coast gathered at Terrigal Beach on November 26 to show a united team and endorse Sam’s candidacy.

“Sam is the kind of candidate that can bring a fresh approach to Terrigal,

Member for Wyong and Shadow Minister for the Central

Coast, David Harris, said.

“This is a tired 12-year-old government that has run out of ideas and has overseen cost of living increases, shortages in our nurses and teachers and a massive housing crisis.

“It’s time for change.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said Boughton would bring the voice of the younger generation to NSW Parliament.

“For too long the people of Terrigal have suffered under stale representation and Sam represents fresh change,” she said.

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said it would be a tough election for Labor in Terrigal.

“We have never held it in its entire history; we are the underdogs,” he said.

“Yet, we will not let this dissuade our team and we will lead a strong campaign to gain the confidence of the people of Terrigal.”

Federal Labor MPs also lent their support.

Member for Dobell Emma McBride said she was confident Boughton would be a strong representative for the Central Coast and Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said the new candidate knows the issues that are important in his community.

“As an emergency doctor, I welcome another Labor candidate with a background in healthcare, which is an important issue on the Central Coast,” he said.

Terry Collins

Sam Boughton (third from left) with Central Coast Labor MPs

This article has a video story on our website

Air League girls do Coast proud

The 88th NSW Air League Group review returned to Olympic Park, Athletics Oval on November 27 after a two-year break from face-to-face proceedings and a rescheduled delay due to wet weather, with the Central Coast putting on a great showing.

Central Coast Squadron, Australian Air League Doyalson Girls came home with a bus load of awards and achievements including an individual award of Overall NSW Cadet of the Year to Squadron Sergeant Lara Wilbow.

Girls from Wadalba, Lake Haven, Hamlyn Terrace, Warnervale, Tuggerawong and Wyongah represented the

squadron. Lara Wilbow of Warnervale came home with numerous

awards including Senior Cadet of the Year and Overall Cadet of the Year.

She also took first place in the Photography Non-Aircraft Senior Category and the Aircraft model Senior Category and was awarded her General Diploma and Aviation Diploma.

She will now represent NSW at the National Cadet of the Year Assessments to be held in February, 2023.

Doyalson Squadron maintained commitment and dedication even during lockdown with cadets Alannah Bryant and Brya Davies also completing their General Diplomas and Squadron Officer in Command Pam Price receiving her Aviation Diploma and achieving 35 years of Service.

Local tradies come to rescue at Breakaway

Local tradies gathered at San Remo’s Breakaway disability facility on Friday, November 25 to put in a day’s hard work and to help those less fortunate.

Breakaway advocate, Gary Blaschke, said the special camp was built 40 years ago as a Rotary club project with many volunteers doing work along the way.

“As costs are rising and

maintenance is inevitable, Breakaway’s Infrastructure Committee called on local tradies to help out and do a day of work as their contribution to this unique facility,” he said.

“Many promised, yet failed to show, except for a handful from Home and Hosed, a one-stop shop for your home needs.

“Scott, Jaren, Greg and Blake worked tirelessly repairing cabins and doing odd jobs.

“Mick and Steve from Gwandalan did repairs to downpipes, carpentry and painting while Breakaway volunteers cooked up a treat on the barbeque and the women from the Auxiliary came up with the tasty cakes and slices that the boys quickly put away during smoko.

“Shane the regular groundsman put in extra time and supported everyone with Dave doing his magic on the

No more train disruptions

It looks like industrial action on the Central Coast rail network is on hold, at least for now, with both the NW Government and rail unions taking credit for a major step in overcoming ongoing disputes over safety, wages and conditions.

Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) Secretary Alex Claessens said the Government has finally agreed to sign a deed committing it to making safety changes to the New Intercity Fleet.

The government has also

agreed to a number of outstanding claims from workers and to arbitrate in the Fair Work Commission on the remaining items, he said.

“After a long dispute, rail workers have finally forced the NSW Government to commit to providing safe trains and a fair enterprise agreement,” he said.

“While we’re not at the finish line yet, (we) have pushed the government to the point where a fair agreement is firmly within reach.

“We knew that eventually common-sense would prevail

and the government would come to the table with a commitment to deliver the safe

the fair enterprise agreement commuters and workers deserve.

“There is still more work to be done, but this is a significant step forward in this long running dispute.

“This win for workers means there is no need for the industrial action planned for next week.”

A NSW Government spokesperson said ongoing disruptions to the Sydney rail network had forced it to “put the people of Sydney first”.

“For too long school kids, people going to work and small businesses have had their lives and businesses turned upside down by industrial action by

During the review Doyalson Squadron was also awarded first place in Education Theory, second place in Education Practical, first place in Overall Education and third place for Flag Party.

More awards were received by cadets Evie Wade (first place in Photography Non Aircraft Cadet Category) and Ruby Davies (first place in Photography Non-Aircraft Junior Category).

sensory trail for the disabled.

“A beer or two was the order of the day late into the afternoon where further stories were told and friendships were made.

“Thank you to those who came to our rescue and made a pleasurable day of maintenance work,” Blaschke said.

the rail unions,” the spokesperson said.

“We have now agreed to a Fair Work Commission process which will result in a vote by the Combined Rail Unions and an ongoing arbitration process on a small number of outstanding items.

“While these Fair Work Commission processes are underway, the Combined Rail Unions have agreed not to undertake any industrial action.”

Source: Media release, Nov 28 Central Coast Squadron, Australian Air League Doyalson Girls

Members of Central Coast Squadron, Australian Air League Doyalson Girls with their awards

trains and

Terry Collins

Commuters have experienced delays at Gosford Station during the conflict

Source: Gary Blaschke Breakaway Advocate

One of the Home and Hosed tradies volunteering at Breakaway

ADMINISTRATOR MESSAGE

Annual Report shows strong results

Central Coast Council’s Annual Report 2021-2022 has been released, providing a comprehensive account of Council’s performance from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.

Despite significant challenges during the 12-month period, including the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, La Niña wet weather conditions and Council’s financial situation, Council was able to achieve some significant outcomes.

Below are just a few of highlights.

• Central Coast Local Environmental Plan 2022 (CCLEP 2022) and Central Coast Development Control Plan 2022 (CCDCP 2022) finalised, providing a uniform set of planning controls for the entire Central Coast

• Preparation and endorsement of the Central Coast Water Security Plan

• ECO Destination Certification for the Central Coast, recognised by Ecotourism Australia (we are one of the first regions in the country to be recognised!)

• A full calendar of community events and activities even through COVID-19 restrictions, including Chromefest, the Harvest Festival, Taste of Toukley, Senior Week, Youth Week and many more

• Completion of the hallmark Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf

• Delivery of essential and community infrastructure across the region, including play spaces, road upgrades, shared pathways and more

I sincerely thank the community of the Central Coast for standing by this organisation in tough times. Together, we can look forward to continued improvement in 2022-2023.

For more information, search ‘annual report 2021-2022’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Rik Hart, Administrator

Council meeting dates for early 2023 are 24 January, 28 February and 28 March 2023.

For more on Council meetings, including how to attend, live stream or access agendas and meeting search ‘council meetings’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Working together to end domestic abuse

For this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Genderbased Violence, join the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee’s Walk Against Domestic Violence. Commencing at 10am, Wednesday 7 December, supporters will meet at Coast Shelter (346 Mann Street, Gosford), before making their way into Kibble Park to hear from speakers and visit stalls.

For more information, search ‘walk against domestic violence’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

International Day of People with Disability

On 3 December, we celebrate International Day of People with Disability to increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions. You are invited to Westfield Tuggerah, 6 December, to participate in the ‘Live My Experience’ immersive VR experience with Council.

For more, search ‘international day of people with disability’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Christmas events in town centres

This month from 1 to 19 Dec, there is a Christmas Window Display Competition at Gosford, Wyong, The Entrance and Toukley town centres. There’s also events in December such as carols, Christmas photos, live entertainment and more running across the coast.

Search ‘christmas on the coast’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

The Coast gets into the Christmas spirit!

The Coast launches into the festive season from 1 December, with a fantastic array of Christmas offerings. Christmas tree and decorations will be in key town centre locations. For the first time businesses in some areas are also taking part in a Christmas Window Display Competition.

For more information, search ‘christmas on the coast’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Local students graduated from Ngura

Congratulations to the latest graduates of Council’s Ngura program! Ngura (meaning place), provides local Indigenous students with guidance on finding their place in our community. It’s all about healthy living, lifestyle, setting goals and connecting to community and culture.

For more information, search ‘youth programs’ online at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Search

Central Coast Council

New marine wildlife group to launch on Coast

A new wildlife group is set to be launched on the Coast on Saturday, December 10.

Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast (MWRCC) will have its official launch at The Entrance Boat Shed at 10am.

The group comprises current and former members of ASTR, ORRCA, Sea Shepherd, Greenpeace, WIRES and Wildlife ARC, as well as vets, academics, and people from all walks of life.

Well known marine wildlife advocate and activist Cathy Gilmore is spearheading the organisation.

“We believe that it is time the Central Coast looked after its own marine wildlife, and not be under the control or directed by groups that aren’t based locally,” Gilmore said.

“We have the local knowledge and are set up to respond and help injured animals more quickly.

“This also means that donations and money fundraised will go directly into helping our local marine creatures, and not get tied up elsewhere in the state.”

The organisation plans to have rehabilitation facilities and rescue kits placed in

strategic locations around the region.

MWRCC will also be in touch with Indigenous groups to learn the traditional importance of the local marine environment and its inhabitants.

“We want to work with these groups and share knowledge between us,” Gilmore said.

“This is an opportunity to help save and protect our local marine wildlife, so if you have passion and commitment, then you are more than welcome to join us.”

New jet ski and support vehicle for Central Coast lifesavers

Volunteer lifesavers across the Central Coast will be better prepared for the coming summer season with the NSW Government to deliver a new jet ski and support vehicle to every Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) branch in the state.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said the new assets will enhance the ability of lifesavers to respond to emergencies and save lives.

“The addition of a jet ski and fully kitted out support vehicle will boost the ability of our lifesavers to respond to

emergencies in the water and help people when they get into trouble,” Crouch said.

“Jet skis are highly versatile because they are fast and agile, and I know this new equipment will be put to good use by our local lifesavers this summer.”

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the 11 jet skis and 4WD vehicles, representing a $1M investment, will give lifesavers the ability to get to people in trouble in the water quickly, and also allow them to reach those in treacherous locations like off rock platforms.

“Because of its speed and

Leading entertainment discovery platform Fever will bring its critically acclaimed Candlelight Concerts series to the Central Coast this summer, with the first concert scheduled for January 19, 2023, at Avoca Beach Theatre.

After appearing at more than 100 cities worldwide in various spectacular locations, the Candlelight Concerts summer series will tour a selection of

manoeuvrability, the jet ski is one of the most important tools used by Surf Life Saving NSW,” she said.

“Our 20,000 lifesavers will be better prepared than ever before and ready for a big summer, but safety is a shared responsibility so I’m respectfully

asking beachgoers to follow advice, avoid unnecessary risks and swim between the flags.”

Over the past two years, jet skis have been used in 704 rescues and 271 emergency call outs and have spent nearly 23,000 hours on the water helping lifesavers keep swimmers, surfers and boaters safe.

Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) President George Shales said the speed of response, agility and ability to get close to rock platforms make the jet skis a life-saving asset.

“Overall, Surf Life Saving

Candlelight concerts come to the Coast

new Australian locations in a bid to boost visibility for local musicians and celebrate unique venues.

Illuminated by thousands of candles, the Central Coast edition will offer two concert sessions at 6.30pm and 8.30pm with performances by a yet-to-be-announced local string quartet ensemble.

The quartet is set to perform a rendition of Hans Zimmer’s greatest film scores, including

Circle of Life from The Lion King; Cornfield Chase from Interstellar; The Star Wars Medley; The Dark Knight Suite – No. 3; and Time from Inception.

Plans are currently underway to launch further open-air and summer city concerts along the east coast.

Tickets for the special Candlelight Concerts summer series can be purchased on the Fever App via Apple Store and Google Play, or on the

Fever website.

Often referred to as an elitist and inaccessible genre, classical music has long been considered out-of-reach for many.

When launched in New York, Madrid and Paris in 2019, the Candlelight Concerts’ main focus was to showcase the music of composers such as Vivaldi, Chopin or Beethoven, and to bring traditional classical music closer to a

new demographic.

Today over 70 per cent of Candlelight Concert attendees are under the age of 40 – most of whom have never attended a classical music concert before.

Fever’s ever-growing list of programs feature a wide variety of themes and genres beyond classical, such as jazz, pop, film soundtracks and ballet, showcasing the best hits of contemporary artists

NSW’s core mission is to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities,” he said.

“The delivery of a fleet of new rescue watercraft to our branches helps us deliver on our mission.

In providing state-of-the-art support operations equipment and vessels to our branches, we increase our capacity to save lives and, indeed, build better communities.”

Patrolled beach locations, patrol times and live weather updates are available on the BeachSafe app or website.

including Queen, Coldplay, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Fleetwood Mac and more.

Fever creates visibility and opportunities for fantastic musicians with a variety of qualifications and origins.

These young, talented and local musicians bring the unique Candlelight Concert experience to life.

The NSW Government is helping reduce your cost of living by giving you more ways to save, including:

• Up to $285 Low Income Household Energy Rebate

• Up to $110 Gas Rebate

• $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card

Use the Savings Finder to see which vouchers and rebates you’re eligible for or book an appointment with a Savings Specialist.

service.nsw.gov.au

Source: Media release, Nov 25 Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast

Cathy Gilmore will spearhead the organisation

Terry Collins

Some of the new support vehicles to be delivered

Source: Media release, Nov 28 Fever

Two-truck crash holds up M1 commuters

Motorists on the M1 experienced significant peak hour delays on November 24, after two trucks crashed at Cowan at around 6am.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews had to use hydraulic tools to cut one driver free from the wreckage after a pantech and a B-double tanker, carrying combustible oil, collided in the southbound lanes of the M1 near Brooklyn Rd.

The impact trapped the tanker driver inside his vehicle.

Firefighters used a step ladder to reach the truck’s cabin and carry out the delicate, hour-long rescue mission.

Once freed, the driver was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics on-scene.

Source: Media release, Nov 24 FRNSW

Body found in bushland at Brooklyn

Police have confirmed a body found in bushland at Brooklyn on Friday morning, November 25 is Robert Hay who had been reported missing earlier that month.

On Tuesday, November 22, Hay’s gold-coloured Nissan Pulsar was located near the M1 Motorway at Brooklyn, sparking a search of the area involving Police, the SES and Rural Fire Service.

Hay, aged 51, was last seen

at a home on Parkhill Rd, Wyoming at about 5pm on Monday, November 14.

Unable to be located since, officers attached to Brisbane Water Police Area Command were notified by family and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Assault at Gwandalan service station

Tuggerah Lakes Police are investigating an alleged assault on a service station attendant and offences related to failing to pay for petrol.

The incidents occurred at about 7pm on Saturday, November 13 November at the Metro Service Station in Gwandalan.

Images taken from CCTV footage at the time of the incidents depict a male person that could assist police with

their inquiries.

Anyone with information about this incident, or knows the person depicted in the images, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au and quote the Police reference number E 92001634.

Help police to locate young brothers

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate two brothers who have been reported missing.

Shountai Pughe, aged 11, and Talekai Pughe, aged 13, were last seen leaving a home in Watanobbi, on Monday, November 21.

When they did not return, officers attached to Tuggerah

Lakes Police District were notified and commenced inquiries to locate them.

Family and police hold concerns for the welfare of the boys due to their ages.

Shountai is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, of slim build and with short black hair.

Talekai is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, of solid build and with short black hair.

Anyone with information is urged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: NSW Police

Anyone with information about these incidents should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.com.au Information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

Source: Tuggerah Lakes Police

Firefighters conducted a delicate rescue mission

This man could assist police inquiries

Source: NSW Police

Robert Hay

Talekai Pughe

Shountai-Pughe

Norah Head National Surfing Reserve

It’s official; the Dedication Ceremony for the Norah Head National Surfing Reserve was recently announced on 26 November at Soldiers Beach Headland. Welcome to Country was performed by Bronwyn Chambers and her grandson Jack from Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council followed by the plaque being unveiled.

Steve Curran designed the plaque incor porating a small map, cardinal directions, the establishment date, and the motto of all Surfing Reserves "Share, Respect, Preserve".

Congratulations to Committee Chairper son Debbie MaGuigan and Secretary Jill

Secomb who developed the vision and engaged all the community stakeholders.

The stakeholders included Local Aborigi nal Elders and Darkinjung Local Aborigi nal Land Council, NSW Crown Lands, and a wide range of individuals from both the surfing and broader community, Norah Head Surfing Fraternity, Norah Head Bowling and Sports Club, Women in the Waves, Volunteer Land Care groups, Norah Head Ratepayers and Coastcare Association, Soldiers Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, Central Coast Council, members of Federal and State Parliament, Norah Head Lighthouse Trust, Norah Head Surf Coach ing, Norah Head Tourist Park and other local businesses.

David Harris MP and a Volunteer Surf Lifesaver at Soldiers Beach has been supporting this special dedication along with his colleague Emma McBride MP.

“I congratulate the community and organi sations for your hard work and coming together to make this special moment a part of history”, David said.

The Norah Head National Surfing Reserve is recognised by natural beauty and cultural significance, a place consid ered sacred by the local and national surfing community, quality of the waves and a long-term surf lifesaving club with significant history.

Pearl Beach Art Trail on this Saturday

The Pearl Beach Art Trail is set to take place on Saturday, December 3 from 10am-4pm, with 25 exhibitors to open their studios at 13 venues.

On show will be an eclectic and colourful selection of art, cards, jewellery, handicrafts, ceramics, pottery, clothing, sculptures and much more.

Each venue will be highlighted with a red flag.

This will be the fifth Art Trail and a great opportunity to shop for Christmas.

A route map with details of the trail and addresses of the exhibitors will be available at the local cafe.

You can find more information on the art trail by visiting: www.

pearlbeachprogress.org.au and also by visiting #pearlbeachartists on Instagram.

For more details call 0412 141 721.

Source: Media release, Nov 25 Pearl Beach Progress Associatio

A good start to creating more affordable housing - RDACC

Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDACC) has supported Central Coast Council’s announcement that Pacific Link Housing is to be its official partner in the first stage of its Affordable Housing Land Proposal program.

“As a key driver of affordable housing initiatives across the region, RDACC supports collaboration between all levels of government and industry to address this critical regional issue,” Deputy Chair Anna Cruckshank said.

“With the Central Coast’s population expected to increase by 15 per cent to 404,265 people by 2041,

affordable housing is a major economic and social issue we all need to work together to address.

“Based on our current population projections, the Central Coast will need in excess of 78,000 homes to accommodate our population growth within less than two decades.

CEO and Director Regional Development, John Mouland, said RDACC has been working with its partners to implement affordable housing solutions.

“In September this year, a collaboration between RDACC, Business NSW and Pacific Link Housing brought together over 100 business and community leaders at the inaugural Central Coast Housing Forum to

discuss the impact of housing affordability gaps for the region,” he said.

“This event facilitated collaboration between industry, government and regional stakeholders to provide input into our way forward.

“Outcomes of the forum will help us to accelerate development and plan for the various housing needs of the Central Coast as a future city.”

Following the event, Pacific Link Housing, in partnership with key regional stakeholders including RDACC, produced a paper on the State of Affordable Housing on the Central Coast in 2022, which represents the culmination of forum ideas and sets out the elements needed to see more affordable housing

delivered on the Central Coast.

NSW Department of Planning and Environment Deputy Secretary of Planning Policy Brett Whitworth said the Department was seeking feedback on proposed changes to its state-wide housing policy, to better enable the planning and delivery of housing for people with particular needs.

“We’re proposing a 25 per cent increase to the infill affordable housing floor space bonus available, to make it easier to plan for and deliver affordable housing.

“We’re also reviewing our existing affordable housing contribution scheme guidance, to see where further improvements can be made.”

Whitworth said the proposed changes would help tackle homelessness as well.

“A stable home is still out of reach for some in our community, but the Government is committed to halving the number of people sleeping rough by 2025,” he said.

“We are proposing changes to planning rules that would make it easier for empty buildings and vacant land to be used for temporary accommodation, with on-site support services, including counselling and medical services.

“We’re also proposing to support our $554M commitment to fast-track new and upgraded social and Aboriginal housing, by allowing

the NSW Land and Housing Corporation and Aboriginal Housing Office to self-assess developments of up to 75 homes and speeding up the assessment of projects larger than this through the State Significant Development pathway.”

For more information and to lodge a submission on the full list of proposed changes to the Housing State Environmental Planning Policy and design guide by Monday, December 19, visit: www.planning.nsw. gov.au/housing-sepp.

Source: Media release, Nov 22 Regional Development Australia Central Coast

Lakes Festival a huge success

The Lakes Festival returned in full swing this month with more than 20,000 people attending events surrounding the waterways across the 10-day program and close to $3.5M injected into the region’s economy.

Central Coast Council Unit Manager Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard, said it was the biggest ever program of

events for this festival, with more than 30 individual events presented across the region.

“The Lakes Festival is one our region’s biggest and most exciting events, with this year’s festival injecting $3.472M into our local economy,” he said.

“The Light Up The Lake event alone attracted an estimated 8,000 attendees, which is an increase of 2000 since the event last ran in 2019.

“This is a great feat and something that all Council staff and local businesses who were involved in the event should be proud of given the festival has been cancelled for the past two years due to the pandemic.

“Wet weather this year also prevented a few planned events going ahead.”

Council worked with over 30 local businesses to deliver events including old favourites such as

Terrigal beach markets, Toukley Arts and Craft Fair, Breakfast with the Birds and SUP Yoga.

Some new events were Waterside Weaving, Creative Nature Children’s Corner, Sunset Social: Latin on the Lake and the Women’s Surf Day to name a few.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said it was great to see locals and visitors connecting once again.

“Our local community and

regional events continue to grow with the help and ideas from amazing local businesses,” he said.

“The Lakes Festival has always been a favourite on Council’s event calendar and the success of this year’s event has undoubtedly brought with it an important boost to our local economy and businesses.”

If you would like to be part of 2023 Lakes Festival event,

Council will be seeking Expressions of Interest from new and returning businesses, companies, organisations and community groups with bold, innovative and ‘out of the box’ ideas from Monday February 6, 2023.

Keep an eye out on Council website for more information.

Media release, Nov 25 Central Coast Council

Source:

The festival injected almost $3.5M into the region’s economy

James Brothers win national busking competition

Central Coast duo The James Brothers have taken out the Australian Nation Busking Championships 2022, held on November 26 at Cooma.

Five winners of the Central Coast heat, held in October, went on to compete at the nationals, with folk duo The James Brothers being named winner in the Open Division, taking home $300 in prizes and the winner’s trophy.

Sophie Goodwin came runner-up in the Secondary category, while Lil G (Gemma Egan) came second in the Primary School category, also taking second place in the People’s Choice award.

The Night Owls were highly commended in the Open category.

The Australian National Busking Championships is an Australia-wide network of

busking festivals.

This year’s heats were held in Queensland, the, ACT and Victoria, with the NSW heat held at The Entrance.

The annual event celebrates the rich diversity of Australian

music and street performance culture.

The Rotary Clubs of Erina and The Entrance worked together to host the inaugural Central Coast heat, held at Memorial Park, which saw a huge range

of performers showcase their talents and attracted an audience of more than 2000.

Prizes totalling $4,000 were sponsored by local businesses, Rotary Clubs and individuals to support individuals who devote

their time, energy and enthusiasm as performers in the Central Coast region.

The James Brothers have also recently returned from the inaugural international busking competition.

“We’re excited to have made it into the finals for The Buskers World Cup, which was held in South Korea,” they said.

“It certainly was a different experience; at one gig we stopped the traffic at a major junction!”

An Erina Rotary Club spokesperson said the theme of this year’s National Festival was to encourage, mentor, promote and develop career pathways for emerging musicians and performing artists of all ages and all music genres.

“We’re so proud that our NSW champions were so well received in Cooma and made a great impact on their audiences

at the finals,” the spokesperson said.

“Our two Rotary Clubs, with the support of Central Coast Council, recognised that by hosting a regional heat here on the Central Coast we could enrich our community culturally and economically as part of a national network.

“The closing concert, in which all the finalists performed, was a treat for everyone – including the performers who enthusiastically encouraged each other, with cheers and genuine fellowship.”

Judges at the national finals were Australian country music star James Blundell, Gympie Muster organizer Oz Bayldon and a local screen music composer.

Potters to hold annual ceramics sale

Central Coast Potters Society (CCPS) will hold its annual sale of ceramics at Gosford Regional Gallery’s Community Gallery from December 2-14.

The exhibition follows a successful Open Day held on November 26-17 at the potters’ workshop, where both visitors and members had a wonderful day playing with clay.

A highlight was the Great Pottery Throwdown challenges for members throughout the day.

The sale will include beautiful hand-made ceramics by local ceramic artists and potters.

On offer will be sculptural, functional and decorative pieces from around 20 members.

The sale will be a great opportunity to pick up

Christmas gifts for friends and family plus a piece of art to keep for yourself as you support local community artisans.

CCPS is a non-profit, community organisation of like-minded volunteers who love clay.

First established in 1968, it offers courses for anyone interested in getting creative with clay, as well as memberonly activities such as raku and pit firings, member exhibitions and sales events.

The sale will open from 9.30am-4pm daily between December 2 and 14 in the Community Gallery at Gosford Regional Gallery, 36 Webb St, East Gosford.

More details are available at www.ccpotters.org.

Source: Media release, Nov 28

Source: Media release, Nov 27 Rotary The Entrance and Erina

The James Brothers performing in the national finals

Central Coast Potters Society

The Art House at Wyong has commenced its first Creator and Resident program, supporting 24 local artists in projects ranging from musical theatre to dance, poetry, visual arts, music, circus, theatre, film and television and multidisciplinary practices.

Collectively the projects engage over 130 creatives in collaboration, mentorship and services, providing the opportunity to develop skills, gain exposure and increase their capacity as artists.

The Art House gets behind creatives

The program comes after the appointment of Craig Bary in the role of Creative Producer in June.

Running alongside the program is a recently launched initiative which gathers Central Coast creatives for events such as industry networking nights, panel discussions, and masterclasses.

Bary said the next five years will be an exciting time for The Art House as it shifts its focus from not only presenting work but creating and developing works with local artists and creatives.

Artists participating in the program are: Ruth Tiffen and Andrew Sampford, Andrew Worboys and Cypress Bartlett, John AD Fraser, Kat Alexander, Joshua Maxwell, Melinda Arnold and Jerry Retford, Yantra de Vilder, Alex Alexander, Luke William Wright, Danielle Brame Whiting, Mike McCarthy, Kassidy Waters, Kris Reddaway, Luke Gallen, Daniel Widdowson, Stuart Smith, Hilton Denis, Marnie Lane, Sophia Ndaba, Emily Taylor and Will Small.

Source: Media release, Nov 30 The Art House

Christmas comes to the Coast

Christmas is coming and the Central Coast is gearing up for the festive season.

Central Coast Council’s Christmas tree, decorations and wreath installations have returned to Gosford, Wyong, The Entrance and Toukley.

Council’s Christmas on the Coast continues from December 1-24 across the four town centres, with a series of seasonal events and activities including DIY Christmas photos, Christmas carols and other live entertainment.

Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie

Smith, said individual businesses are also getting into the Christmas spirit across the four town centres with a trail of Christmas window displays.

“For the first time businesses located in Gosford, Wyong, The Entrance and Toukley are taking part in the festivities with a Christmas Window Display Competition,” she said.

“Visitors and residents are encouraged to plan a ‘window display’ trail and vote for their favourite via a QR code for a chance to win a $250 gift card.

“Voting opens December 1 and closes December 19 with

the winners to be announced on December 21.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the Christmas activations will provide support and a boost for local businesses.

“Christmas on the Coast

activities will bring festive joy to our community and I encourage locals and visitors to spend time enjoying and supporting the businesses in and around our town centres,” he said. Here are just some of the

activities on offer.

On Saturday, December 3, a Wyong Community Christmas Carols and firework display will be presented by Bendigo Bank in Alison Rd from 5-9pm.

Also on December 3, Tinsel Time in Toukley will be presented on The Village Green from 5-9pm by Together 4 Toukley and Toukley Neighbourhood Centre.

Also at the village Green, Christmas photos and post a letter to Santa will be available at various times from December 3-12 and there will be live entertainment with carollers

from 11am-noon on Wednesday, December 7, and Sunday, December 11.

Christmas Eve Community Carols will be held in Kibble Park, Gosford from 6.30-9pm (presented by Gosford Uniting Church) and Memorial Park, The Entrance from 6-9pm (presented by JC Entertainment) on December 24.

To find out more about festive activities taking place on the Coast this December, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.

Media release, Nov 25 Central Coast Council

The

The creatives involved in the program

Source:

There will be a variety of Christmas activities across the region

ABC (C20/21)

6:00 News Breakfast [s]

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From Optus Stadium [s]

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12:00 Movie: “The Christmas Cure” (G) (’17) Stars: Brooke Nevin

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10:55 Movie: “I Don’t Know How She Does It” (PG) (’11) Stars: Sarah Jessica Parker, Pierce Brosnan

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12:30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo: Tree Roo (PG) [s]

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2:00 Golf: Australian Open *Live* From Victoria Golf Club And Kingston Heath Golf Club [s]

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5:30 Program To Be Advised

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7:30 Movie: “Justice League” (M v) (’17) Stars: Ben Affleck

9:50 Movie: “Birds Of Prey” (MA15+) (’20) Stars: Margot Robbie

11:50 Movie: “The Disappointments Room” (MA15+) (’16) Stars: Kate Beckinsale, Mel Raido

6:00 The Living Room [s]

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2:30 Good Chef Bad Chef [s]

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3:30 My Market Kitchen [s]

4:00 Farm To Fork [s]

4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s]

5:00 10 News First [s]

6:30 The Project (PG) [s]

7:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) [s]

8:30 The Flatshare: Meet Cute (M) [s]

9:30 Just For Laughs Australia (M l,s) [s]

10:00 Just For Laughs Uncut (M) [s]

10:30 Rhys Nicholson: Live At Darlinghurst Theatre (M) [s]

6:00 Reel Action [s]

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7:00 Tough Tested [s]

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12:00 Well Traveller (PG) [s]

12:30 The Offroad Adventure Show

1:30 Healthy Homes Australia [s]

2:00 All 4 Adventure [s]

3:00 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures [s]

4:00 Farm To Fork [s]

4:30 Taste Of Australia With Hayden Quinn [s]

5:00 10 News First [s]

6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s]

6:30 Hungry (PG) [s]

7:00 Jamie’s One-Pan Wonders [s]

7:30 Blue Bloods: Heroes (M) [s]

5:30 Football: Group E: Japan v Spain *Live*

8:30 Football: Group F: Croatia v Belgium *Replay*

11:30 Football: Group E: Japan v Spain *Replay*

2:30 Football: Group F: Croatia v Canada *Replay*

5:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show

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7:35 Engineering Reborn (PG)

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9:35 Tutankhamun With Bettany Hughes (PG)

10:30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (PG)

11:20 The Fade (PG)

11:30 Football: FIFA World Cup Classic Matches: 2014: Australia v Netherlands *Replay*

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5:30 Football: Group G: Cameroon v Brazil *Live*

8:30 Football: Group H: Korea Republic v Portugal *Replay*

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2:30 Football: Group G: Cameroon v Brazil *Replay*

5:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show

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7:35 Michael Palin: Travels Of A Lifetime (PG)

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9:25 Titanic: Genesis Of A Giant (PG) (In English/ French)

10:25 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (PG)

11:20 Best Wishes (PG)

12:40 Repco Supercars Highlights 2022: Valo Adelaide 500 - Day 1 - Highlights [s]

1:20 Cross Court [s]

8:30 CSI: Vegas: Burned (M v) [s]

11:30 Football: FIFA World Cup Classic Matches: 2010: Netherlands v Brazil *Replay*

12:45 rage Guest Programmer (MA15+) [s]

5:00 rage (PG) [s]

2:00 Home Shopping

6:00 Home Shopping

7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s]

10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) [s]

12:00 Border Security International (PG) [s]

12:30 Cricket: Pre Game [s]

1:20 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 1: Day 5 *Live*

From Optus Stadium [s]

3:20 Cricket: The Lunch Break [s]

4:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 1: Day 5 *Live*

From Optus Stadium [s]

6:00 Seven News [s]

7:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 1: Day 5 *Live*

From Optus Stadium [s]

1:45 Explore [s]

2:00 Home Shopping

5:30 Skippy - The Bush Kangaroo

6:00 Drive TV [s]

6:30 A Current Affair (PG) [s]

7:00 Weekend Today [s]

10:00 Fishing Australia [s]

10:30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo (PG) [s]

11:30 Great Australian Detour [s]

12:00 Golf: Australian Open *Live* From Victoria Golf Club And Kingston Heath Golf Club [s]

5:00 NINE News: First At Five [s]

5:30 RBT: Donut Family (PG) [s]

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7:00 Snackmasters: Arnott’s Tim Tam & Iced Vovo (PG) [s]

8:40 60 Minutes (PG) [s]

9:40 NINE News Late [s]

9:30 NCIS: Love Lost (M) [s]

10:30 My Life Is Murder (M) [s] 11:30 FBI: Most Wanted (M v) [s]

12:30 Football: FIFA World Cup Classic Matches: 1998: Netherlands v Argentina 6:00

6:00 Religious Programs [s]

8:00 Freshly Picked With Simon Toohey [s]

8:30 Luca’s Key Ingredient [s]

9:00 Destination Dessert [s]

9:30 Studio 10: Sunday (PG) [s]

12:00 The Challenge Australia (M) [s]

2:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s]

2:30 Jamie’s One-Pan Wonders (PG) [s]

3:00 Cook With Luke [s]

3:30 Well Traveller (PG) [s]

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5:30 Football: RO16: Group C Winner v Group D Runner-up *Live* From Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan

8:30 Football: RO16: Group A Winner v Group B Runner-up *Replay*

11:30 Football: RO16: Group C Winner v Group D Runner-up *Replay*

2:30 Football: RO16: Group A Winner v Group B Runner-up *Replay*

5:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show

6:30 SBS World News

7:30 Treasures Of Cyprus (PG)

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7:30 Death In Paradise (PG) [s]

8:30 Movie: “Judy” (PG) (’19) Stars: Renée Zellweger

10:25 Ridley Road (PG) [s]

11:25 Mystery Road: Origin (M l) [s]

12:25 The Heights (PG) [s]

9:00 Movie: “The Rock” (M s,v) (’96) Stars: Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris, John Spencer, David Morse, William Forsythe

11:45 Autopsy USA: Muhammad Ali (MA15+) [s]

12:45 Repco Supercars Highlights

2:00 Home Shopping

10:10 The First 48: Love Hate/ A Soldier’s Life (M v) [s]

11:10 Untold Crime Stories: The Railway Murders (MA15+) [s]

12:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s]

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7:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) [s]

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9:30 FBI: Short Squeeze (M v) [s]

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11:30 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 12:30 Home Shopping

8:30 The Relics Of EgyptExploring The Largest Museum In The World (PG) (In English/ French)

9:30 The Colosseum: A Jewel In Rome’s Crown (PG) (In English/ French)

10:30 The Real Peaky Blinders: Street Fighting Gangs (M)

ABC (C20/21)

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4:10 Long Lost Family (PG) [s]

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6:00 The Drum [s]

7:00 ABC News [s]

7:30 7.30 (PG) [s]

8:00 Australian Story: Luc Longley: One Giant Leap (Part 1) (PG) [s]

8:35 Media Watch (PG) [s]

8:50 A League Of Her Own (PG) [s]

10:05 Our Dawn [s]

10:35 ABC Late News [s]

10:50 The Business [s]

11:10 Q+A [s]

12:10 The Pacific - In The Wake Of Captain Cook With Sam Neill

1:00 Operation Buffalo (M l) [s]

1:55 Total Control (MA15+) [s]

6:00 News Breakfast [s]

9:00 ABC News Mornings [s]

10:00 Kurt Fearnley’s One Plus One

10:30 Dream Gardens (PG) [s]

11:00 Restoration Australia (PG) [s]

12:00 ABC News At Noon [s]

1:00 Shetland (M l) [s]

2:00 Call The Midwife (PG) [s]

3:00 Gardening Australia [s]

4:10 Long Lost Family (PG) [s]

5:00 Back Roads (PG) [s]

5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) [s]

6:00 The Drum [s]

7:00 ABC News [s]

7:30 7.30 [s]

8:00 Stuff The British Stole (PG) [s]

8:30 Love On The Spectrum (PG) [s]

9:30 Fake Or Fortune?: De Chirico (PG) [s]

10:30 Summer Love: Marion & Eddy (MA15+) [s]

11:35 A League Of Her Own (PG) [s]

12:50 Media Watch [s]

1:05 Baby Surgeons (M) [s]

1:55 Ask The Doctor (PG) [s]

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s]

10:00 The Great Acceleration (PG) [s]

11:00 Australia Remastered: Wild Alps [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 12:30 National Press Club Address 1:40 Media Watch (PG) [s] 2:00 Call The Midwife (PG) [s] 3:00 Gardening Australia [s] 4:10 Long Lost Family (PG) [s] 4:55 Back Roads (PG) [s]

5:25 Hard Quiz (PG) [s]

6:00 The Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 [s]

8:00 Hard Quiz: Kids Special (PG) [s]

8:35 Wil Anderson - Wilogical (M l,s) [s]

9:35 Would I Lie To You?: The Unseen Bits (PG) [s]

10:05 Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M)

10:50 ABC Late News [s]

11:05 The Business [s]

PRIME (C61/60) NINE (C81/80) TEN (C10) SBS (C30)

6:00 Sunrise [s]

9:00 The Morning Show [s]

11:30 Seven Morning News [s]

12:00 Movie: “Every Other Holiday” (AKA ‘A Holiday Wish Come True’) (PG) (’18) Stars: Schuyler Fisk, David Clayton Rogers, Dee Wallace, Glenn Morshower, Abby James Witherspoon

2:00 Australia’s Deadliest (PG) [s]

3:00 The Chase UK (PG) [s]

4:00 Seven News At 4 [s]

5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) [s]

6:00 Seven News [s]

7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) [s]

7:30 Motorway Patrol (PG) [s]

8:00 Highway Cops (PG) [s]

8:30 9-1-1: Red Flag (M) [s]

9:30 S.W.A.T.: Local Heroes (M l,v) [s]

10:30 S.W.A.T.: Lockdown (M l,v) [s]

11:30 Heartbreak Island Australia (M l) [s]

12:30 Home Shopping

6:00 Sunrise [s]

9:00 The Morning Show [s]

11:30 Seven Morning News [s]

12:00 Movie: “Mistletoe & Menorahs” (AKA ‘A Merry Holiday’) (PG) (’19) Stars: Kelley Jakle

2:00 Australia’s Deadliest (PG) [s]

3:00 The Chase UK (PG) [s]

4:00 Seven News At 4 [s]

5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) [s]

6:00 Seven News [s]

7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) [s] Two young woman from Malaysia have had their plane tickets paid for by someone they don’t know. That’s a red flag for Border Force and the investigation is stepped up.

7:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) [s]

8:30 The Good Doctor (M v) [s]

9:30 S.W.A.T.: Whistleblower/ Veritas Vincit (M l,v) [s]

11:30 Chicago Fire: Halfway To The Moon (M) [s]

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s]

11:30 Seven Morning News [s]

12:00 Movie: “The Perfect Christmas Present” (AKA ‘Mr. Christmas’) (PG) (’17) Stars: Sam Page

2:00 Border Security International (PG) [s]

2:30 Program To Be Advised

3:00 The Chase UK (PG) [s]

4:00 Seven News At 4 [s]

5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) [s]

6:00 Seven News [s]

7:00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer: Crackers About Christmas [s]

8:30 Movie: “Groundhog Day” (PG) (’93) A jaded Pittsburgh weatherman finds himself inexplicably trapped in a small town as he lives the same day over and over again. Stars: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky

11:40 Australia’s Deadliest (PG) [s]

1:00 Home Shopping

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “Karen Kingsbury’s Maggie’s Christmas Miracle” (PG) (’17) Stars: Jill Wagner 2:00 Cricket: Pre Game [s]

3:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 1 *Live*

From Adelaide Oval [s]

5:00 Cricket: Tea Break [s]

5:40 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 1 *Live*

From Adelaide Oval [s]

6:00 Seven News [s]

7:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 1 *Live*

From Adelaide Oval [s]

7:40 Cricket: Dinner Break [s]

8:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 1 *Live*

From Adelaide Oval [s]

10:30 Heroes & Legends: Sport Hall Of Fame (PG) [s]

12:00 Fantasy Island: The Big Five Oh (M) [s]

6:00 Today [s]

9:00 Today Extra [s]

11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s]

12:00 Movie: “A Christmas Comeback” (AKA ‘Rock And Roll Christmas’) (PG) (’19)

Stars: Beverley Mitchell

1:45 Explore [s]

2:00 Pointless (PG) [s]

3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s]

4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s]

5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s]

6:00 NINE News [s]

7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s]

7:30 Snackmasters: Domino’s Loaded Pepperoni Cheesy Crust Pizza (PG) [s]

8:40 Inside The Superbrands: Heinz [s]

9:40 Suburban Gangsters: Catch And Kill (MA15+) [s]

10:40 NINE News Late [s]

11:10 The Equalizer: The Room Where It Happens (M v) [s]

12:00 Almost Family: Notorious AF (M) [s]

6:00 Today [s]

9:00 Today Extra [s]

11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s]

12:00 Movie: “Christmas Ever After” (G) (’20) Stars: Ali Stroker, Daniel di Tomasso, Bill Marchant

1:45 Explore [s]

2:00 Pointless (PG) [s]

3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s]

4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s]

5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s]

6:00 NINE News [s]

7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s]

7:30 Travel Guides: Whitsundays (PG) [s]

8:30 Movie: “The Dish” (PG) (’00)

Stars: Sam Neill

10:30 NINE News Late [s]

11:00 Skin A&E (M) [s]

11:50 Bluff City Law: Need To Know (M) [s]

12:40 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 4:00 Religious Programs 4:30 A Current Affair (PG) [s]

6:00 Today [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “A Christmas Movie Christmas” (G) (’19) Stars: Brant Daugherty

1:45 Garden Gurus Moments [s]

2:00 Pointless (PG) [s]

3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s]

4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s]

5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s]

6:00 NINE News [s]

7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s]

7:30 Country Home Rescue With Shaynna Blaze (PG) [s]

8:30 Dream Listings Byron Bay (PG) [s]

9:30 Escape To The Chateau (PG) [s] 10:30 NINE News Late [s]

11:00 Family Law: Wicked Games (M s) [s]

11:50 Bluff City: Ave Maria (PG) [s] 12:40 Tipping Point (PG) [s]

1:30 Home Shopping

4:00 Religious Programs

6:00 Today [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “The Christmas Ball” (G) (’20) Stars: Deirdre Mullins, Nick Hendrix, Caroline Langrishe, Richard Lintern, Anna Wilson-Jones

1:45 Garden Gurus Moments [s]

Pointless (PG) [s]

6:00 The Talk [s]

7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s]

7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s]

8:00 10 News First [s]

8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s]

12:00 Dr Phil (M) [s]

1:00 Program To Be Advised

2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s]

2:30 Good Chef Bad Chef [s]

3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s]

3:30 My Market Kitchen [s]

4:00 Farm To Fork [s]

4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s]

5:00 10 News First [s]

6:30 The Project (PG) [s]

7:30 The Challenge Australia: A Wonderful Bachy Holiday (M) [s]

8:30 Ghosts (M) [s]

9:00 FBI: Most Wanted: Gold Diggers/ Invisible/ Prophet (M) [s]

12:00 The Project (PG) [s]

1:00 The Late Show (PG) [s]

6:00 The Talk [s]

7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s]

7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s]

8:00 10 News First [s]

8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s]

12:00 Dr Phil (M) [s]

1:00 Program To Be Advised

2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s]

2:30 Good Chef Bad Chef [s]

3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s]

3:30 My Market Kitchen [s]

4:00 Farm To Fork [s]

4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s]

5:00 10 News First [s]

6:30 The Project (PG) [s]

7:30 The Challenge Australia (M) [s]

8:30 NCIS: Turkey Trot/ Last Dance (M v) [s]

10:30 NCIS: Hawaii: Vanishing Act (M v) [s] 11:30 The Project (PG) [s] 12:30 The Late Show (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

6:00 The Talk [s]

7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s]

7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s]

8:00 10 News First [s]

8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s]

12:00 Dr Phil (M) [s]

1:00 Program To Be Advised

2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s]

2:30 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s]

3:30 My Market Kitchen [s]

4:00 Farm To Fork [s]

4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s]

5:00 10 News First [s]

6:30 The Project (PG) [s]

7:30 2022 AACTA Awards (PG) [s]

9:30 My Life Is Murder (M) [s]

10:30 Bull: Prison Break (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]

5:30 Football: RO16: Group B Winner v Group A Runner-up *Live*

8:30 Football: RO16: Group D Winner v Group C Runner-up *Replay*

11:30 Football: RO16: Group B Winner v Group A Runner-up *Replay*

2:30 Football: RO16: Group C Winner v Group D Runner-up *Replay*

5:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show

6:30 SBS World News

7:30 Celebrity Letters And Numbers (PG)

8:30 24 Hours In Emergency: On The Edge (M l)

9:25 Zelenskyy: The Story (M v) (In English/ Ukrainian)

10:30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s)

11:30 Football: FIFA World Cup Classic Matches: 1998: Croatia v Germany *Replay*

5:30 Football: RO16: Group G Winner v Group H Runner-up *Live* From Stadium 947, Ras Abu Aboud

8:30 Football: RO16: Group E Winner v Group F Runner-up *Replay*

11:30 Football: RO16: Group G Winner v Group H Runner-up *Replay* 2:30 Football: RO16: Group D Winner v Group C Runner-up *Replay*

5:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show

6:30 SBS World News

7:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: Chris Bath (PG)

8:30 Norfolk Island With Ray Martin: Chasing The Light (PG) 9:40 Inside Air Force One (M) 10:30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (PG)

11:30 Football: FIFA World Cup Classic Matches: 1990: England v Cameroon *Replay*

5:30 Football: RO16: Group H Winner v Group G Runner-up *Live*

8:30 Football: RO16: Group F Winner v Group E Runner-up *Replay*

11:30 Football: RO16: Group H Winner v Group G Runner-up *Replay*

2:30 Football: RO16: Group E Winner v Group F Runner-up *Replay* 5:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show

6:30 SBS World News

7:30 The Toys That Built The World: Clash Of The Toy Titans (PG) 8:25 The Airport: Back In The Skies (PG) 9:20 Tokyo Vice (PG) (In Japanese/ English) 10:25 SBS World News

10:55 Dignity: Colony (M) (In German/ Spanish) 11:50 The Night Manager (M)

5:00 Worldwatch 9:00 Peer To Peer: John Kerry/ Shouzi Chew (PG) 10:00 Paul O’Grady Little Heroes 11:00 The Shape Of History (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Saving Lives At Sea (PG) 3:00 Luke Nguyen’s Railway Vietnam 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:00 The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys: Norway (PG) 4:50 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers (PG) 5:30 Football: FIFA World Cup Extra 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys: Colorado To Utah, USA (PG) 8:30 Costco: Is It Really Worth It? (PG) 9:30 War Of The Worlds (MA15+) (In English/ French) 10:25 SBS World News Late

Breakers supports Samaritans Christmas lunch with $10,000 grant

Breakers Country Club has given a $10,000 grant to Samaritans to support its annual Christmas Day luncheon at Wyong, which hosts 400 vulnerable people.

The Hunter and Central Coast’s largest Christmas celebration has been hosted by Samaritans for the past 22 years, offering individuals and families experiencing homelessness, disadvantage or loneliness much needed compassion on Christmas Day.

“2022 has been another difficult year for many people but it has also been a year of hope and excitement as lockdowns were lifted and we were able to see our friends and family more easily,” Samaritans spokesperson Sharyn Becker said.

“At this year’s event we want to celebrate and enjoy all the amazing things about Christmas that we haven’t been able to over the last couple of years including enjoying a decent lunch with

entertainment and the opportunity to meet other people experiencing similar situations.

“We expect to host more than 400 people this year for our Central Coast festive lunch which includes decorating our

venue in all-things-Christmas and providing a wonderful day of joy for attendees with local musicians entertaining our special guests and a visit from the big man in red himself.”

Samaritans are all too aware that Christmas can be a time

where those who are struggling with loneliness, homelessness and other vulnerable circumstances are at a heightened risk.

“The festive period is a time when support services see people experience increased

levels of depression, serious mental health concerns and domestic and family violence,” Becker said.

“Through this event we aim to fill a big gap in our local community on what should be – for everyone – one of the most joyous days of the year.

“On the day, the guests are looked after by incredible volunteers, who give up their Christmas Day to help people celebrate in a safe and friendly atmosphere.

“We couldn’t put on such an event without the generous support of organisations like Mounties Group.”

The $10,000 pledged to the event was made possible through the 2022 ClubGRANTS scheme and Mounties Group’s Central Coast venues will also be participating in the Samaritans Christmas Giving Tree Appeal.

Breakers Country Club, Club Wyong and Halekulani Bowling Club are now accepting donations from members and the community via gifts for

adults and children in need.

“This year it’s no surprise that Samaritans are anticipating an increased demand for its Christmas assistance,” Mounties Group CEO Dale Hunt said.

“As a charity which relies on the generosity of the local community, we ask that you give generously in the form of suitable gifts to this appeal.

“A wide range of toys and gifts are required like gift vouchers, toys, sports equipment, beach towels, bags and books for children, youth and adults.

“Your generosity will help Samaritans to bring smiles to many faces on Christmas Day.”

Suitable gifts donated to the Samaritans Christmas Giving Tree Appeal can be dropped off to the three venues until Monday, December 19.

This story takes place in a town called Adams, New Hampshire in 2019 … seems like you either write about the time before the pandemic or you have to write about the pandemic.

But I digress.

Olivia is back in Adams living in her childhood house with her son Asher.

She keeps bees, just like her father did.

Olivia’s husband is a successful surgeon in Boston, but he was abusive, and for her safety she had to leave.

She has no contact with him now and has sole custody of Asher.

Asher is handsome, popular and athletic.

He is the full package. But there is something missing.

He wishes he knew his father.

Asher is captain of the ice hockey team, and in New Hampshire, ice hockey is the sport.

He is close friends with Maya, whom he has known from a very young age.

It is Asher’s senior year in high school and there is a new

kid in town, named Lily.

Lily has scars, physical ones which she tries hides with bracelets and mental ones which she hides with a gorgeous smile.

Lily is smart.

“Lily is ridiculously smart. She’s like Google, Asher said. But cuter.”

She is also athletic, on the fencing team and talented, she plays the cello.

Seems like she is the full package too.

Lily and her mother ended up in Adams after fleeing Seattle.

Lily also has no relationship with her father, but unlike

Asher, she doesn’t feel like anything is missing.

But being new in school is always difficult, but more so for Lily who has come to be distrustful of her peers.

Ava, Lily’s mother seems more nervous than Lily is on her first day at Adams High School, home of the Fighting Presidents (hilarious).

Lily is introduced to the crew when Dirk, friend of Asher, tries to hit on Lily in a very sleezy way.

Asher, the knight in shining

armour, comes to her rescue and afterwards Asher, Maya and Lily become close friends.

The book is centred around the death of Lily.

Asher was the one to find her and claims that when he went to the house, she was on the bottom of the stairs, not moving.

If that was true, why didn’t he call for help?

The book alternates between the narration of Olivia and Lily, with Jodi Picoult writing Olivia’s view and Jennifer

Finney Boylan writing Lily’s story.

Olivia’s point of view centres on the aftermath of the night Asher called her from the police station and the subsequent trial.

During that time, she will remember when she lived with Brenden, Asher’s father and the circumstances of that relationship and the event that made her move out.

Lily’s chapters will focus on her relationship with Asher, and the prevoius years of her life and how she ended up in Adam, New Hampshire.

And the honey?

Lots to learn about honey and how labour-intensive bee keeping is (thank you beekeepers for what you do!)

And then there was the ending.

I channelled the John McEnroe in me and thought, “You cannot be serious!”

Source: Media release, Nov 29 Breakers Country Club

Mounties venues are also accepting donations for the Samaritans’ Christmas appeal

Kim Reardon

The Reluctant Book Critic

Linda Emery Lawyer

EnergyCo has prepared a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Waratah Super Battery project at the former Munmorah power station.

It’s a 212-page document, along with hundreds of pages in accompanying reports, which describes the super battery project in technical terms and assesses the impacts on the environment and surrounding communities.

The State Government, through Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo), is developing the Waratah Super Battery to ensure reliable, affordable energy supplies following the planned closure of Eraring Power station in 2025, seven

Business & Property

EIS released for

Battery at Munmorah

years earlier than scheduled, as well as Vales Point Power Station in 2029.

It will be the largest standby network battery in the southern hemisphere and, together with other minor transmission upgrades, will be capable of discharging up to 850 megawatts and storing up to 1,680 megawatt hours of back-up power.

Transgrid will be the network operator and Akaysha Energy the service provider responsible for constructing and operating the battery energy storage system.

There will be 2,600 battery units each containing a group of lithium-iron phosphate batteries in steel-walled noncombustible housings 3.3m high, 1.6m wide and 2.5m

deep and spaced over 14ha.

The batteries have a life of about 20 years, with degraded units progressively replaced or upgraded, and at end-of-life they will be disposed of or recycled.

The project site on Scenic Dr, Colongra, is surrounded by residential suburbs of Doyalson, San Remo, Buff Point, Budgewoi and the closest, Halekulani, only 600m away, as well as Koala Park and Colongra Swamp Nature Reserve.

During initial stages of public and stakeholder consultation, the EIS says there was neutral to broad support for the beneficial use of the former power station site and integrity of the power supply, however, concerns focussed largely on

fire risk, contaminated land and water, and noise.

The EIS sets out a range of fire safety and fire protection systems, detailed in a Fire Safety Study prepared in consultation with Fire and Rescue NSW.

A risk assessment says “based on industry knowledge of the battery storage technology and considering that large battery energy storage system are a relatively new technology, the project has been considered potentially hazardous and a Level 2 PHA (Preliminary Hazard Analysis) has been prepared for the Waratah Super Battery,” the EIS says.

“The only scenarios that could lead to significant off-site impacts and require further

assessment in the hazard analysis are thermal runaway (fire) of lithium-iron batteries and EMF (electromagnetic fields)” – and the EIS contains a detailed explanation of both.

The EIS also covers radiant heat and appropriate separation distance between battery units, citing the findings of the 2021 Victorian Big Battery fire which also highlighted the importance of a monitoring system.

Following approval by the Minister for Planning, the project is expected to take 18 to 24 months to get up-andrunning with an estimated 150 jobs through construction and 10 to 15 when operational.

It is expected to start in early 2023 (subject to approvals) and the project could be

constructed in stages with the first 350MW to be operational by November 2024 and final stage, up to 850MW, by March 2025, prior to the closure of Eraring power station.

If and when the project is decommissioned, the land would be rehabilitated to an agreed standard.

To view the EIS and provide feedback, go to the Department of Planning and Environment’s website – www.planningportal. nsw.gov.au/major-projects/ projects/waratah-superbattery-energy-storagesystem

Public consultation closes on Thursday, December 8.

Indicative layout of the Waratah Super Battery

Sue Murray

Loyal IT Solutions celebrates 20 years

Loyal IT Solutions at North Gosford is celebrating 20 years of delivering quality IT services to Central Coast businesses.

Michael and Julie Goodwin began the business in 2002, working from their family home with their three young sons.

The business comprises a team of 12 staff with technical, project management, admin,

sales, procurement and reception skills.

In conjunction with the business, Michael volunteers in the community.

He has been involved as a director at Coast Shelter for five years, raising funds for and participating in the annual Sleepout for the past 10 years and cooking at the community centre for 10 years.

He has been president of Gosford City Rotary as well as being an active member for 12 years, has served four years on the board of Central Coast Community Council and is a proud sponsor and supporter of the Central Coast Mariners.

“I am immensely proud of my little business and achieving this milestone,” he said.

“I look forward to many more

years of providing IT services to the business community.”

Loyal IT Solutions provides technical services, hardware, software and solutions to businesses.

Source: Media release, Nov 29 Loyal IT solutions

Top

Coastal Steel Fabrications of Somersby has been named the 2022 NSW winner of the Best Small Project award by the Australian Steel Institute (ASI).

The award was granted for the company’s complex structural steel work on architecturally designed Oceano, a residential project which used structural steel as its key building material and cantilevered off a 60-degree sloping block overlooking Copacabana beach.

Coastal Steel Fabrications manufactured and installed 55

tonnes of structural steel for the project and the ASI recognised the challenges that Coastal Steel faced in terms of the difficulty of the steep terrain of the block, the limited street/ site access and the sheer scale of structural steel required.

Director Mick Cossar said Coastal Steel Fabrications was extremely proud and honoured to win the award.

“One of the most challenging things with this job but what we are most proud of is the installation,” he said.

“Typically installing steel on the side of a hill is challenging enough.

“But throw in a battle axe block, one-way tight access, 55 tonnes of steel and a cantilevered house and we had

our work cut out for us.”

Cossar said large, prefabricated truss sections were pre-assembled off-site at

the factory, which meant installation could proceed quickly.

“Co-ordinating with builders and engineers was vital to ensure we considered all elements,” he said.

“The project was always intended to showcase steel.

“Along with being the key structural element, exposed steel is featured on the interior and exterior making for an impressive sight.”

Cossar paid tribute to the many sub-contractors who worked on the job.

Coastal Steel Fabrications has been operating for over 25

years, specialising in all forms of structural steel work including supply, fabrication and installation.

Its client base is wide ranging.

“We undertake projects for local builders and homeowners but also work on large projects for some of Australia’s bestknown construction companies completing residential, commercial and infrastructure projects,” a spokesperson said.

You can find more about us the company at https:// coastalsteel.com.au/.

New service in Gosford to support job seekers

Leading social enterprise MTC Australia has launched a much-needed job seeker support service on the Central Coast.

MTC’s first Central Coast centre at Gosford opened on November 29 and will deliver Workforce Australia SelfEmployment Assistance and Skills for Education and Employment.

Co-located with MAX Employment, the MTC Gosford

team will help job seekers improve their English language, job search, and computer skills.

Budding entrepreneurs will now be able to learn new skills and get the support they need to set themselves on the path to business success through Self-Employment Assistance.

Member for Terrigal and Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, attended the launch and said businesses in the region were

desperate for staff and keen to employ locals to help build a successful community.

“The Central Coast is a very rapidly growing region and the opportunity for students and job seekers is that they have become incredibly valuable,” he said.

“We’ve got record unemployment here, a six per cent youth unemployment rate and a three per cent annual unemployment rate and that means that businesses are

crying out for staff.

“I want to congratulate MTC Australia and MAX Employment for teaming up to support people on the Central Coast.

“The opportunity for businesses on the Coast is limitless – we have 345,000 people living here now and we’re forecast to grow to more than 400,000 by 2041.”

Staff at Loyal IT Solutions are celebrating 20 years

Source: Media release, Nov 29 MTC Australia

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch, MAX Employment Regional Manager Sarah Hawthorne and MTC Australia Acting General Manager of Education and Training Subhi Madi at the launch

Source: Media release, Nov 29 Coastal Steel Fabrications

The home under construction

Green light for overhaul of Bateau Bay aged care village

A $148M redevelopment of Nareen Gardens retirement village at Bateau Bay has been approved by the Central Coast Hunter Regional Planning Panel.

The local community waged a strong campaign against the bulk and scale of the new “vertical” multi-storey development in Bias Ave, which would overshadow neighbours and cause traffic congestion and noise in surrounding streets.

Owners of the village, Uniting NSW.ACT subsequently scaled back the development by 20 percent by removing one building completely, removing the top floors from three buildings and reducing the size of two buildings on Altona Ave.

Spokesperson for the Bateau Bay Community Collective (Nareen Gardens Development), Erin Breneger, said this type of “vertical village” is suited to high density city or inner-city locations, not a coastal village setting such as Bateau Bay.

“As a community we feel completely let down by our Council, our local Members of Parliament and the Planning Panel’s decision to approve it,” she said.

“To say we are bitterly disappointed would be an understatement.

“There doesn’t seem to be any evidence that the Panel’s decision factored in our concerns or requests and the onus has been put back on Uniting to now conduct community consultation when we requested these requirements to be addressed as part of the determination.

“Bateau Bay will be changed forever – the quiet leafy treelined beach town will now be taken over by construction and harmful emissions for the next

five years

“Shame on Central Coast Council and I truly hope developers don’t propose three or four storey buildings in any of their backyards.

“Anyway, all I can say is that we fought a good fight,” Breneger said.

The Regional Planning Panel’s Determination Report said they were satisfied the development would deliver a better environment for ageing in place requirements with 180 independent living units and a residential aged care home for

160 seniors.

The Panel acknowledged that more effective communication and consultation by Uniting earlier in the planning process could have alleviated community concerns.

One of the conditions of approval was that Uniting establish a communication/ liaison strategy with the local community in recognition of concerns raised by the community, with a particular focus on the management of construction impacts.

Uniting Director Property and

Housing, Simon Furness, said the community would be closely updated as the development progresses with planning for staged construction to start soon, including engaging a builder.

“Across the next decade, Uniting will be focusing on delivering excellent community services, designed to support people to age in place with comfort and dignity,” he said.

“These services are thoughtfully co-located, allowing residents to access the appropriate care as their needs change.

“Individuals can transition to residential aged care while living in the same community as friends and partners, or receive increased support in their independent living apartment.

“This design also includes a village green, barbeque area, children’s playground and resident clubroom.

“Uniting has designed these services to boost physical health and wellbeing, along with creating designated spaces for social connection.

Residents will be able to enjoy meaningful interactions with local community members.

“As a purpose-driven organisation, Uniting will continue to prioritise the wellbeing and comfort of current residents and employees.

“Our purpose is to create meaningful communities where seniors can be genuinely cared for and age with dignity,” Mr Furness said.

“Uniting’s first priority is always to our residents, both now and into the future, and we’ve designed a village that will fulfil key needs on the Central Coast,” Furness said.

Sue Murray

Expansion for 178 more storage units in Wyong

Dulmison Ave Pty Ltd has plans for another expansion with a $4.31M investment to boost its warehouse and storage unit complex in Wyong.

Plans have been submitted to Central Coast Council for 16 storage units with mezzanines and 162 self-storage units at the rear of 8 Dulmison Ave.

The overall site has been developed and subdivided into

four lots in stages since 2017 with a northern boundary formed to contain development away from wetlands, part of which will be acquired by Council.

A Council Planning report says there wouldn’t be any adverse impacts on the wetlands from the new development, water quality was satisfactory, and an existing stormwater basin would be filled and a new one

constructed.

There will be 44 car parking spaces for the additional storage units to be built over 4,510sqm with vehicular access via the existing driveway at the end of Dulmison Ave and extended to the new development.

Sue Murray

The new “vertical village” at Nareen Gardens

New storage units at Wyong

Best place for a beginner to start investing

WITH Michelle BALTAZAR Editor-in-Chief • Money magazine

The most important aspect for beginners to consider in investing is a process and a journey.

Gaining experience and achieving a greater appreci ation of one’s risk tolerance, patience and emotional traits will assist you over the longer term in making more informed decisions.

No matter what stage of investing you are at, the first thing to assess is how much time and effort you want to commit, bearing in mind that markets are ever changing and evolving?

For a beginner, I always suggest a good starting point is investing indirectly through a one-size-fits-all financial product, such as an exchange traded fund (ETF).

An ETF offers exposure to a basket or group of companies (shares) that reflect an index, such as the S&P/ASX 200 (the top 200 shares listed in Australia) or a theme, such as

quality shares, decarbonisation or cybersecurity.

An ETF is one listed share (entity), representing an under lying group of shares , that you can buy and sell on the market,

The product removes the need for beginners to make the more challenging decisions of direct stock picking and differ ent price levels.

But a new investor does not have to rely solely on ETF products; they can evolve as their experience grows with their savings and over time develop the confidence to select and invest directly in individual shares.

The key difference between an ETF and buying a share directly is you are concentrat ing your investment risk into one company when you invest directly in individual shares.

So, where are we now in the investment cycle?

and the US, means investors are now being offered much more attractive entry-level prices.

The first lesson for beginners is that timing the markets is, for most people, very challenging.

term and bear market volatility (falling and rising share prices like a roller-coaster) causing a lot of fear.

Therefore, they should look two to three years out, with the risks of earnings recessions continuing to potentially weigh on share prices over the short

With a record 3022 new listings globally in 2021 raising a combined $US601.2 billion ($816 billion), how did Australia’s initial public offering (IPO) market fare in 2022?

In tough conditions, investors have been picky about what companies they welcome onto the stockmar

In the later part of 2022, selling across global equity markets, including Australia ket, but it was a miner’s world in 2022 as investors welcome new mining companies with open arms.

Beginners should not try to focus on trading the markets – as many newcomers have discovered, it is not as easy as it may seem in bull markets such as 2020-21.

Investing one’s savings for

the medium to longer term will allow the companies to grow earnings and dividends, which – all things being equal – will generate not only capital appre ciation in the share price, but also growth in dividend income.

My preferred stocks to buy are normally in the quality category, with a proven track record, strong cashflows,

Mix of good, bad and ugly in the listings business

bandwagon was Lithium Plus Minerals (LPM).

The global movement to ward a greener, more sustain able future paved the way for Belararox (ASX: BRX), a battery metals mineral exploration company, to soar.

Also jumping on the battery

More recently, Southern Palladium (SPD) boarded the IPO train to success-town.

With the good, come the bad and the ugly.

In the current uncertain and inflation-plagued environment, investor appetite for retail and technology stocks is low, es

pecially for debutants whose value proposition doesn’t stand out among competitors.

Beforepay (B4P) took the risk of jumping into the IPO pool and it hasn’t paid off.

Investors have been steer ing clear of high-risk fintech shares, especially in the buy now, pay later and alternative payments space.

Unfortunately, debuting in the post-lockdown era when new competitors in the meal kit delivery space were con stantly popping up, My Foodie Box struggled to take off into investors’ portfolios.

The overall consensus of the IPO market in 2022 is that investors are doing their research and making informed

dividend growth and a robust balance sheet as well as a solid competitive advantage.

Quality companies exist across all sectors, from con sumer discretionary (consumer products) to cyclicals (banks, resources, housing) and defen sives (healthcare).

DANIELLE ECUYER, investor, author and founder of Shareplicity

decisions before investing in market newcomers.

This is due to tighter finan cial pressures through inflation and subsequent interest rate hikes, global economic turbulence and higher demand for meaningful products and services in everyday life.

GRADY WULFF, market analyst at Bell Direct

New cyber security program for secondary schools

Central Coast secondary students will be taught the skills of the future with an Australian-first cyber security course developed collaboratively by the NSW Department of Education, industry and Cyber Security NSW.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Victor Dominello, said the nationleading program, rolling out to schools across the state, would provide students with a highly immersive experience to strengthen their cyber skills under the 2021 NSW Cyber Security Strategy.

“From learning the fundamentals of cyber security and its important impact on day-to-day life to building hardware and gaining handson experience with coding, we are preparing our students for future careers in cyber,” Dominello said.

“Cyber Security NSW has played an important role in developing the learning programs and resources which will be used in the delivery of the cyber security topic in NSW classrooms.

“Whether it is learning how data is sent from one device to another, how cyber technology

is used in cities and regions, or understanding the importance cyber security has across different parts of people’s lives – as technology grows and evolves, it is important we give students the skills they need for a digital world.”

Cyber Security NSW has also invested in the development of Cyber City, a complete, opensource platform to help

teachers deliver the new cyber security curriculum, including the new iSTEM Cyber Security specialised topic.

Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell, said iSTEM was a studentcentred elective that integrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“Cyber City gives teachers the tools to create relevant and

engaging lessons for students,” she said.

“This is teaching skills beyond just awareness, empowering the future cyber security workforce of Australia.

“Through hands-on learning and simulations, students will build, maintain and automate essential infrastructures such as hydro dams, power grids or satellite telecommunications

on a smart city network in the classroom.

“We want to show our students that cyber security is more than inputting code in a computer, in fact 60 per cent of the industry are not coders.”

The Cyber City program is being piloted and will be ready for release in 2023.

Educators are invited to register their interest to

participate or integrate the cyber security learning experiences in their classrooms from 2023.

For more information about Cyber City, visit: https:// cybercity.education/about-us/.

Source: Media release, Nov 21 NSW Government

Ministers Sarah Mitchell and Victor Dominello check out the new course

Mingara Relay for Life raises over $100,000

The 2022 Mingara Relay For Life, held on November 12-13, raised more than $100,000 for Cancer Council.

Fifty-three teams made up of more than 550 participants spent 17 hours walking or running around the circuit at Mingara Regional Athletics Centre to celebrate cancer survivorship, remember loved ones lost and fight back against cancer, raising $104,765 along the way.

The community fundraising event saw friends, families and colleagues raise money in the lead up to the overnight event with team members taking turns walking around the track to signify that cancer never rests, so neither do we.

The sun was shining to celebrate the event’s 22nd year.

With one in two Australians diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, Committee Chair Ray Davidson welcomed the success.

“Relay for Life was initially important to me to honour and remember a family member who succumbed to cancer,” he said.

“It was then to raise awareness and funds for research and for me, as someone who was diagnosed with cancer, to be around others who were also going through what I was.”

Every dollar raised will go towards funding Cancer Council’s vital research, prevention, and support

programs, many of which help locals like Davidson.

Underpinned by research, local lives have been saved by improvements in cancer prevention, screening, and treatment over the past 20 years.

But statistics still show an estimated 134,000 new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed in Australia this year.

Plans for Relay For Life 2023 are already underway and Cancer Council is encouraging Coasties to be part of the movement.

Details at www.relayforlife. org.au.

Archie’s date with the PM to highlight juvenile arthritis

Berkeley Vale youngster

Archie Lamond-Chafe was one of 13 children from around the country living with juvenile arthritis to be invited to have afternoon tea with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at The Lodge in Canberra recently.

Archie even got to kick a football around with the PM.

The Juvenile Arthritis Foundation (JAFA) said the event was significant in raising awareness of the disease and increase specialist services to treat it.

Albanese heard from the 13 children, their parents and JAFA representatives how children are living with daily pain, struggling to keep up at school and having difficulty accessing the medical care they need.

Archie’s mother, Renee Chafe, said she started to notice he was different to other children when he was three.

“He would wake up crying nearly every night, he would be upset in the mornings, he wouldn’t go for a walk or ride his bike, and he wanted me to

carry him everywhere,” she said.

“At day care they noticed he wouldn’t socialise with the other kids or talk to anyone.

“That Christmas he started limping and by Christmas morning he couldn’t walk.

“On Boxing Day, I took him to the Emergency Department and they sent us home saying it was a reaction to a viral infection he had recently.

“That night he woke up every hour screaming and punching his knees and by the next morning he couldn’t stand.

“I took him back to the ED; this time they consulted with Westmead Hospital and a paediatric rheumatologist got them to do a few different blood tests and X-rays.

“Archie was put on a strong anti-inflammatory medication and his pain finally started to be more manageable (although) he still kept limping.

“A few months after Christmas we got an appointment in Sydney with this same paediatric rheumatologist.

“Archie was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

and went into Westmead Hospital to get corticosteroid injections into the joints of his knees and ankles to prevent joint damage and help manage his pain.

“He has some deformity in his knees, which he may grow out of because of his age.”

Chafe said Archie’s ankles

and feet are also affected.

“He takes strong antiinflammatories when the pain gets too much, or he starts limping,” she said.

“He has regular appointments with a paediatric rheumatologist in Sydney and has threemonthly check-ups with an ophthalmologist as loss of

vision is also possible for children who have juvenile arthritis.

“Next year he starts school.

“I am unsure how he will go as he often gets fatigued and/ or is in pain and needs to be able to rest at these times.”

JAFA Chair Andrew Harrison said juvenile arthritis affects up to 10,000 children in Australia but is virtually unrecognised.

“For these children to be able to speak directly to Mr Albanese about living with juvenile arthritis is a huge step forward in the work we have been doing and goes a long way to helping put JA on the map,” he said.

“We are sincerely grateful to have the opportunity to engage with the highest level of political leadership with the aim of working together to help these children.”

JAFA founder, Associate Professor Ruth Colagiuri, said, a diagnosis of juvenile arthritis can occur as early as 12 months of age and can mean a lifetime of pain and disability.

“Much of this burden could be avoided by earlier diagnosis and referral to specialist

paediatric rheumatology services,” she said.

“This would ensure that no child remains undiagnosed until they develop disabling joint complications and loss of vision.

Chair of the Australian Paediatric Rheumatology Group, Dr Ben Whitehead, said Australian services for children with arthritis fall well below paediatric rheumatology standards in other equivalent countries, and below Australian standards for other serious chronic childhood diseases.

In March this year, a landmark Parliamentary Inquiry into Childhood Rheumatic Diseases made 15 recommendations to the Federal Parliament including tripling the paediatric rheumatology workforce by 2030.

JAFA is the primary organisation representing children with juvenile arthritis and their families in Australia and was named Emerging Non-profit of the Year in the 2021 Third Sector Awards.

Terry Collins

Renee Chafe and Archie Lamond Chafe with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon

Source: Media release, Nov 23 Mingara Relay for Life

More than 550 people took part

Help budding Coast soccer star get to the US

FOOTBALL

Central Coast junior soccer player Anika Francis of Davistown has been accepted into a top athletic academy in Florida but might be unable to accept the life-changing opportunity if a fundraising campaign set up by her mother can’t help raise the necessary fees to get her there.

The IMG Academy has a host of successful alumni, including tennis great Serena Williams.

“The opportunity is out of this world … and so are the fees,” Anika’s mother Megan Francis said.

“It will cost me $64,000 a year to send her.

“I’m a single mum with limited supports and have started a fundraising page via Australian Sports Foundation.”

Francis is trying to raise $25,000 to secure Anika’s place and get her to the US but intends to fund the annual fees herself.

Anika plays in the Mariners’ U16s and played a friendly game against the Mt Druitt Rangers in the U20s recently.

“She is the striker and scored five of the six goals,” Francis said.

“Her dream is to go over the USA and really get developed

and then come back to Australia with the aim of playing W League for the Mariners, in overseas competitions and hopefully with the Matildas.

“So far, the community has raised $3.000.

Anika, 15, has been playing soccer since she was 11.

“I just love the community of soccer and the game is so fun,” she said.

“I love connecting with the ball and expressing myself on the field.

“This opportunity is very important – a really good chance to go over there and put in the amount of time I need to

Women’s cricket powers ahead

CRICKET

While the men’s Diggers @ The Entrance First Grade comp took a break on the weekend as the rep team competed in the McDonalds Country Cricket NSW Men’s Country Championships in Orange, the women’s Ibis Styles The Entrance First Grade comp powered ahead.

In a show-stopping Pink Stumps Day match, Terrigal

Matcham 8/287 easily defeated Kincumber Avoca 9/96, with a huge part of this win credited to Grace Dignam scoring a colossal 169 not out of her team’s 287 runs.

This was the highest ever score in a women’s first grade match for Terrigal-Matcham.

The match also featured some star bowling from Sophie McCrae, taking 4 for 41 off six overs, making sure Terrigal Matcham had to work for the big win.

Northern Power 4/69 also scored a win against Narara Wyoming 9/68, with some strong batting from Jessica Dowling (14 off 18) and AlexBobbi Smith (14 off 23).

Dowling also had a great bowling session taking 3 of the 4 wickets for Narara Wyoming, for just 8 runs off 4 overs.

Northern Power’s Kerry Seymour finished 34 not out off 45 balls, while Sam Thomas, Cat Grant and Kylie Clarke each took two wickets.

Lisarow Ourimbah 0/78 didn’t take long to defeat Wyong 9/76, with Molly Kidd not out for 55 and Sophie Karczmarc not out for 16 in a two-woman batting show.

Piper Hooke took 4 wickets for just 3 runs off 4 overs.

Captain Jacinta Crawford did the lion’s share of the batting for Wyong, managing 48 runs off 72 balls before being caught out by Rachel Scarr.

advance in the sport.”

Anika’s plan is to finish her schooling at the academy and perhaps go on to a US college.

“Soccer is massive over there – there are a lot more resources and scouting opportunities,” she said.

“I would hopefully get some offers to play in America but if not I plan to come back to Australia to rejoin the Mariners and advance my dream of becoming a professional soccer player.”

Donations to help Anika get to the Us can be made at the asf website.

Terry Collins

Anika Francis in action on the soccer field

Source: Media release, Nov 28 Central Coast Cricket

Star batter Grace Dignam

This weekend the Central Coast welcomes Vegan Fest again to Gosford.

A plant-based day of markets, entertainment, and demonstrations down at Leagues Club Park on Saturday 4th December and a great opportunity for those wanting to explore a bit more about the vegan lifestyle.

It’s a popular event on our calendar, growing larger every time it is held which prompted me to explore ‘Vegan Gardening’.

While it may seem that gardening in itself is a vegan, as it’s all about growing plants, that’s not exactly true because there is much more to living as a vegan than simply not eating meat.

In Veganic Gardening, as vegan based gardening is often called, there is also a dedication to not using any animal products directly or indirectly while working organically.

As all gardeners are aware, soil preparation and fertilisation are important first steps in any garden and this is where the differences between traditional

and vegan gardening will be most noticeable.

Many of the popular, especially organic, fertilisers are created from animal byproducts like manure, blood, bone or even entire carcasses, such as fish emulsions.

It would seem obvious that fertilisers that include actual parts of animals would not be acceptable in a vegan garden, but you may be wondering why animal manures are not.

The answer is that the use of animals in the production of products is also often thought of as cruel in the ethics of veganism.

So, using manures/products that contain these manures is supporting these animalbased industries.

However, not all vegans have this view and some do accept the use of manures in gardening.

While there are a few vegan branded fertilisers now on the market, my early inspection showed level of some minerals that seemed a bit

high for my liking.

My advice is to do your own research on these types of fertilisers and their contents before using them.

Natural fertilisers and plant tonics that would be considered vegan and are also safe to use include seaweed, green manure crops and composts created from vegetation only.

Making your own liquid fertilisers, called ‘teas’, from plants is also an option as this concentrates the goodness from botanical matter ready to give your garden a super boost.

To brew a fertilising tea, soak cuttings in water in covered containers for a few weeks.

Some suggested plants that can be used include, comfrey, nettles, grass clippings, dandelions, yarrow, borage and most weeds.

Looking after what you plant in your garden is vital and even more so as your fertilisers are not going to be as nutrientdense without the use of manures.

Garden soil will need to be protected from leeching out any goodness it does hold and the best way to do this is with mulch.

An organic, easily composted material will be best so that your mulching does double duty and feeds the garden as it breaks down.

Mulch also helps retain water, keep the soil cool in summer and warm in winter and can hold back some pests.

Speaking of bugs that we don’t want in the garden, pest control will of course need to be organic but most vegan practices I have found do frown on killing insects and to this end, companion planting as well as sacrificial planting will be the best options to implement.

Sacrificial planting is simply planting a crop of something on the perimeter of your garden that is more desirable for the bugs.

Things like lettuce and kale are suggestions.

Companion planting will

include plants that have aromas and attributes that pests don’t like but can also include plants that help other plants to thrive usually via reactions in the soil.

An example is basil and tomatoes.

Barrier pest control methods like netting to deter birds and insects work exceptionally well, just make sure holes are small enough to not capture creatures.

Copper tape will turn back snails and slugs and not do them harm but you will find the popular methods of using crushed eggshells or beer traps are not acceptable.

Two other living creatures that are often seen in gardens and raise vegan debate are bees and worms.

Many vegans do not eat honey as the keeping of bees to work for us is thought to be exploitive and so having them in the garden unless they are wild is out.

Gardeners don’t just keep bees to create honey of course,

they also help with the pollination of plants.

All is not lost as you can still invite them in naturally but growing plants that have beeattracting flowers like borage, basils, lavender, yarrow, dandelion, bottlebrush, eucalyptus, grevillea and westringia.

Worms enrich the soil via their castings and help aerate it as well and while worm farms seem to be given the green light by some vegan gardeners but not others and those plastic fully contained units are probably not ok with any vegan.

Rather, encourage worms to the garden by using worm towers and by adding sheets of damp cardboard and finely chopped vegetation.

Vegan gardening is possible with a bit of planning and the dedication to follow through with a completely plant based plan and if you have vegan garden, I’d love to see it in action.

WITH CHERALYN DARCEY

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch was inducted into the NSW Hall of Champions this week in recognition of her remarkable career in parasports.

Tesch attended five Paralympic Games with the Australian wheelchair basketball team, where she won silver medals at the 2000 and 2004 Paralympics and a bronze in 2008.

She then switched to parasailing, securing gold medals in the SKUD18 class at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games.

Tesch said the news had come “out of the blue”.

“As a Labor MP I was surprised to receive an email from Sports Minister Alister Henskens,” she said.

“I thought at first it would be something to do with politics and it took a while for it to sink in that he was advising me I was to be inducted into the Hall of Champions.

“I didn’t really believe it for a few days – it was not something I had been aiming for.”

But Tesch said when she actually absorbed the news, she felt it was an “incredible honour”.

“The night itself was quite amazing,” she said.

“There I was in the company of these wonderful Australian sporting heroes – people like

Dawn Fraser and Louise Sauvage.

“Craig Johnston was there – I grew up watching him play soccer – and basketball great Brad Dalton, who was always a hero of mine.”

Tesch said she was particularly proud of her achievements being a regional athlete.

“I did move to Sydney for a

short time to train but most of my training was done here on the Central Coast,” she said.

“There were not a lot of resources for para-athletes back then – we didn’t have access to a lot of things others had.

“But I always pushed myself to be the best I could be and

Tesch inducted into NSW Hall of Champions

tried to be innovative- staying ahead of the curve and learning from others.

Tesch said many people who knew her as a politician were surprised to learn of her history as a para-athlete.

“People sometimes forget that all parliamentarians have a life before they sign up for

public service,” she said.

Since 1979, 377 sportsmen and women representing 56 sports have been added to the Honour Roll.

They include such sporting icons as Sir Donald Bradman, Dawn Fraser, Shane Gould and Dally Messenger. More recent champions include

Ian

Athletes are approved for induction by the Minister for Sport following recommendations from the Hall of Champions Selection Committee and New South Wales peak sporting bodies.

Killcare Warriors win U9 FDA Cup in nail-biter

FOOTBALL

On November 19, as the world turned to the World Cup Football in Qatar, Killcare’s own won the local equivalent in an extraordinary match.

The Killcare Warriors, a team of nine-year-olds, came from third on the competition ladder to beat the two top-placed teams and take out the 2022 U9 Football Development League Cup.

Coach Jeremy Cox said Killcare players Artie Cox, Artie Ferrier, Axel Harrington, Bay Steinweide, Jack McKinney,

Jett Lukins, Oli Simmonds, Roy McKinney, Miles Bush and Xavier Knight maintained a critical presence wherever they were on the field.

“On finals day, in the first ‘must win’ knock out, Killcare beat the elegant Stingrays (they had only managed a draw previously) 1-0, to proceed to the grand final.

“Then they were up against unbeaten and highly-respected ECSS-U8.

“After an intense battle for each inch of pitch, for every minute of the match, scores were even at 1-1 when the final

whistle blew.

“It came down to a penalty shoot-out with Killcare winning the nail-biting match 4-2.

“It was a joy to watch.

“Each player drew on some form of indomitable energy from deep within; it was an uplifting experience to be part of.”

Cox praised the “elegance and sportsmanship” of the Warriors’ opponents and FDL organisers for creating “a wonderful structure for the local kids to thrive”.

“The community rallied around the competition with great support from Coast Home

Loans who provided teams with full kits, 6sPhysio who provided impressive onsite physios to respond immediately to any injuries, and Belle movement who provide free passes for player of the matches,” he said.

“Frameless Designs also sponsored the event.”

More information, including the FDL competition scheduled for February 2023, can be found at www.football developmentleague.com.au/.

Thorpe, Layne Beachley and Michael O’Loughlin.

Terry Collins

Liesl Tesch is inducted into the NSW Hall of Champions

Source: Media release, Nov 23 Killcare Warriors

Jett Lukins

Tesch took gold at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games