It’s definite: Council election will not be brought forward

An e-petition lodge in State Parliament calling for the Central Coast Council election to be brought forward has failed to make an impression on Local Government Minister Wendy Tuckerman.

Organised by local resident Gregory Knott, the petition says the election date, set for September next year, is too far away.

“The Central Coast Council has been without leadership since it went into administration in October, 2020,” the petition says.

“Recently it was announced that elections would be held in line with the next round of local council elections on 14th September 2024.

“This will leave Central Coast residents without a voice for almost four years and no local democracy.

“Currently Central Coast residents have no input into local issues.

“The Central Coast is in a state of disrepair with dangerous potholes on major roads, locals parks overgrown, vandalised and some closed for extended periods.”

Despite agitation for an earlier election by several community and resident groups, the petition managed to attract only 752 signatures.

In a response to the petition, Tuckerman said a proclamation extending the period of administration for Central Coast Council had been signed on June 1, 2022.

“This extended period of administration will give Council’s CEO andAdministrator sufficient time to put measures and controls in place to address the issues uncovered by the public inquiry and to implement its recommendations before elected councillors are returned,” she said.

“I have instructed the Office of Local Government to utilise this extended period of administration to continue its work with Council and local communities throughout the LGA to develop a robust effective plan for Council’s future governance.”

Tuckerman pointed out that should an election be held before September next year, the new Council’s term would still expire on September 14, 2024.

“Holding an election on September 14, 2024, will ensure that the Council and ratepayers are not burdened with the substantial cost of holding two elections in a short period,” she said.

Member for The Entrance David Mehan, who presented the petition to Parliament, said the relatively small number of signatories suggests there is “no strong community view that a return to democracy, of itself, will fix the dissatisfaction people have with Council’s performance”.

“I expect people feel they will be able to pass judgement on the architect of our Council problem, the State Government, which forced the amalgamation on councils across the state, at the March State election,” he said.

Platinum anniversary for Judith and Albert Morris

Judith and Albert Morris of Daleys Point will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on February 21.

The two met when they were teenagers at Toronto Methodist Church and married in that same church 70 years ago, on February 21, 1953.

They have lived on the Central Coast for the last 38 years.

Mr Morris worked for Burroughs (adding machines and computers) for 33 years, rising to management level before the couple bought a health food shop at Forestville which they ran for five years before retiring to Peridon Retirement Village at Daleys Point.

They were both members of Marine Rescue.

Mr Morris was Commodore of the Central Coast branch for two years as well as being the NSW Statistics Officer for over 44 units in NSW for 11 years, collating the figures until it was all computerised. In his roles with Marine

Rescue he received several awards, including an OC (Officer Commanding) award and an award from Rotary. They have also been active in the Social Committee at the

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Having raised three children, family has always been an important part of their lives and still is.

Their travels have been curtailed due to age.

Mrs Morris is an excellent knitter and almost all of the family’s five generations have received one of her creations. The couple has shared an interest in boating.

Mr Morris built a boat in 1967 which was used for family holidays at Lake Macquarie and Myall Lakes. After retiring they regularly Brisbane Water and they even rescued a speed boat while under sail.

The couple says listening to and respecting your partner is key to a long marriage.

The couple will celebrate the special anniversary at

Amelia Cox of Brazel Moore Family Lawyers will present a FREE seminar which will help you to understand your rights, guide you through your separation in an easy to understand way and present options available to you so that you are not overwhelmed by the process.

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

You’ll be helped a lot in understanding the system and will then be able to confidently consider what steps you need to take next.

Ourimbah RSL on February 18 with some of their family, which includes three children, seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

The couple also celebrated their 90th birthdays at the club, Mr Morris in June 2021 and Mrs Morris in May last year.

Daughter Leonie Paterson said her parents were a wonderful example of what a marriage should be.

“Their eldest daughter has been married for more that 50 years and their youngest daughter is celebrating 40 years of marriage in October,” she said.

“I have requested certificates from the King and Australian politicians – they still have one from the Queen for their 60th anniversary.”