Busy year for sister city association

After two years of disruption from COVID, the Gosford Sister City Association has a busy schedule for 2023 with two events planned to celebrate the close relationship between the Central Coast and Edogawa, Japan.

Both events will take place at the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, one in March and the other in October.

“We were pleased to receive funding from Central Coast deliver these community events,” a spokesperson said.

More than $780,000 will be spent to upgrade, restore and improve six surf clubs on the Central Coast as part of the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said money would help the clubs to create more modern, accessible facilities and ensure lifesavers have what they need to keep the community safe.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said a busy summer period highlights why our local surf clubs must be modern and fit-for-purpose.

Council

“Plans are well underway for our first event on March 26, with activities for all the family.

“Both events will showcase the Edogawa Commemorative Gardens which were gifted by Edogawa City to Gosford City in 1994.“

The garden is based on a traditional ‘shuyu’ (strolling style) garden, incorporating Japanese features.

With meandering pathways, a roofed Japanese pavilion overlooking the koi pond, raked dry stone garden and traditional Japanese teahouse, the garden offers a tranquil setting in which to relax and enjoy art and nature.

The Gosford Sister City Association will also support a Youth Wing visit from Edogawa City, with Japanese students visiting the Central Coast in August.

The first Gosford Sister City

Committee was established in 1985.

Over the past 35 years, the group has worked to support and foster Sister City relationships with Edogawa, Japan, and Nitra, Slovakia.

New members are always welcome.

For more information email gosfordsistercity@gmail.com.

“We have some of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the Central Coast, and it is crucial our surf clubs have the facilities they need to protect both visitors and locals on our beaches,” he said.

“Projects funded locally in this round include infrastructure redevelopments and amenity upgrades to surf club facilities at Copacabana, Avoca Beach, MacMasters Beach, Killcare, Toowoon Bay and North Entrance.”

Surf Life Saving NSW President George Shales said ensuring surf clubs across NSW are maintained and upgraded is vitally important.

“Our volunteers deserve safe, accessible, and secure facilities in order to train new lifesavers and support the community,” Shales said.

“Many surf life saving clubs have been on the frontline in the last year, responding to incidents and emergencies including the recent flood disaster, and they need to be able to safely store and access vital rescue equipment at short notice.”

Copacabana Surf Lifesaving Club will receive $386,554 for works including; a new, larger first aid room created under the existing patrol tower; a new multi-purpose room for training, education and community meetings; and an expanded café.

Avoca Beach Surf Lifesaving Club will use its grant of $141,554 for upgrades include new basins, taps, benches, lighting, waterproofing, and an integrated baby change table. It will also improve accessibility on the ground floor with a new auto door, nonslip foyer and stair flooring.

The club will also receive $31,364 to construct a secure awning over the club’s existing driveway and remove a temporary shipping container to provide sufficient storage space for the ABSLSC Nipper program.

MacMasters Beach Surf Lifesaving Club has been granted $53,715 to: upgrade the sewer pump system in the bathroom; change to an electric hot water system to make use of solar panels on the roof; upgrade flooring; repaint the internal clubhouse; and install and cabinetry in storage areas.

Killcare Surf Lifesaving Club will receive $34,090 to replace its gas-boosted solar hot water system with an electric boosted solar hot water system.

Two shower mixers in the club’s disabled bathroom will also be installed to treat people for marine stings.

Toowoon Bay Surf Lifesaving Club has been granted $99,000 for the construction of a weatherproof awning over the kiosk, first aid room and designated emergency evacuation area to increase safety in all weather conditions.

North Entrance Surf Lifesaving Club will use its grant of $34,080 to replace the club’s rusted steel awning and repair the cracked concrete deck.

Exposed steel rods will also be removed, replaced and treated for rust.