Sunrise meditation for International Women’s Day

For the third successive year, Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch is inviting women and men of all ages to take part in a sunrise beach meditation to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8.

The Sit. Ocean Beach will take place at 7am at Ocean Beach Surf Club.

“I’m grateful to have this wonderful occasion to bring all people together to celebrate this important day – and what could be a better location than our very own picturesque Ocean Beach?” Tesch said.

“With our busy lives, we often don’t make the time to sit, contemplate and enjoy nature.

“That’s why I’ve been an advocate for The Sit. Ocean Beach since it started on the Peninsula in 2020 and I am proud to be co-hosting our third International Women’s Day sunrise meditation and cuppa get together.”

The Sit. Ocean Beach Leader Sam Wiggins said the event would be more than just meditation.

“It’s about giving time to yourself, your community, your friendships and being there for one and other,” he said.

Following the event, community members are invited to join Tesch and The Sit. Ocean Beach leaders for a cuppa and chat at Ocean Beach Café.

If you are unable to make it to the event, Tesch encourages community members to post a photo with #EmbraceEquity to show solidarity for this year’s International Women’s Day theme.

“This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate women, form new connections and discuss what embracing equity means to you,” she said.

“I really look forward to seeing everyone there and hearing their stories.

“Together, let’s unite as men and women and embrace equity.”

Hotshots head for Wyong

The Sydney Hotshots will strut their stuff at Wyong Leagues Club on Saturday, March 4, with doors opening at 7.30pm.

The new two-hour Secret Fantasies production has been choreographed and developed by Australia’s leading professionals and features a hand-picked cast.

The high energy show features a mix of top dance routines, eye-catching costumes and acrobatics.

Members of the cast were selected from hundreds of men nationwide and put though an intensive Hotshots Bootcamp and come from various backgrounds including tradies, policemen, farmers and firemen.

Hosted by Paul Reynolds (an original cast member of

Manpower Australia and Las Vegas headliner), the show will make for an entertaining evening.

The Sydney Hotshots have been see on Studio 10, Sunrise, AGT and Good Morning New Zealand. Bookings are available at stickytickets.com.au.

SATURDAY 11 MARCH 2023

3.00 – 5.30 pm

High

Primary school student: Free BYO

Picnic, rug and chairs

Umina Beach singer eliminated from Australian Idol

An impressive rendition of Katy Perry’s Waking Up In Vegas couldn’t save Jasey Fox of Umina Beach, who was eliminated from Australian Idol following the first public vote on February 27.

After making the top 12 the week before, Fox was one of the four lowest scoring contestants on February 27, each of whom was given the chance for a last chance performance, with Fox one of the two eliminated.

He has done the Central Coast proud with some powerhouse performances throughout the season.

Growing up on the Coast and attending Umina Public School, Fox said entertaining was in his blood.

“I grew up as a dancer,” he said.

“My sister is a dancer as well and my father is a musician so performing was all around me.

“But I found my own way.

“After studying musical theatre at uni, I decided it was more me to do pop music and I moved to Japan for three years, working at Tokyo Disneyland Universal Studios.

“I played a lot of gigs, learning my craft; it was amazing.”

Fox returned to Australia just before the first COVID wave in 2020 and spent the next few years writing for other artists and working on his own sound.

“Idol popped up when I was in the right place and felt the time was right – and it was quite a wild ride,” he said.

“Waiting for the decision each week was very scary- you just never knew what was going to happen but I decided to just do my best all the time and push myself.

“I felt like I grew a lot – constantly on my toes.”

While the four judges made elimination decisions earlier in the show, audience vote took over when the final 12 was announced.

Fox, who is 26, will now concentrate on furthering his career in the music industry.

He describes his style as mainstream pop, with a lot of dance pop, and said he had been influenced by such artists as ABBA, Queen and Kate Bush.

Terry Collins

Mardi Gras colours from Coastal Twist cheered on

The Central Coast’s own Sydney Mardi Gras float was well received by both crowds and fashion critics last weekend.

The Coastal Twist float was accepted into the event for the fourth time this year, and each time has been recognised for the quality costumes and dance routines held along the 2 kilometre route.

The float theme this year was Galactic Love, ‘reflecting a mission to spread love and inclusion throughout the galaxy’.

The costumes reflected the galactic theme with splashes of blues, whites and oranges together with neon lights.

The Central float was broadcast across SBS and ABC and syndicated across dozens of international TV and online channels.

Coastal Twist was a finalist for best float design in 2021 and this year’s float creativity secured its participation and included 80 local people.

Meanwhile back in Ettalong, the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus hosted a Mardi Gras viewing bbq as part of the official extended program.

Creative Director Glitta Supernova said “It was a wonderful opportunity for people all across the Coast to come together and celebrate our diverse communities”

“It was a real community shindig, it was such a beautiful experience,” she said.

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras grew from gay rights parades held annually since 1978 when many participants were arrested for staging the event.

These days the NSW Police, government agencies, corporates and many community action groups march together to celebrate diversity and inclusion.

Friday 3 March

International Women’s Day Luncheon and Launch of Central Coast Festival of Women

Ettalong Diggers, The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach NSW 2257

Friday 3 March Women in Art - Exhibition Launch

The Entrance Gallery, The Entrance Community Centre, Norberta St, The Entrance NSW 2261

Saturday 4 March

Women in Art Exhibition (4-17 March)

Entrance Gallery, The Entrance Community Centre, Norberta St, The Entrance NSW 2261

Saturday 4 March

International Women’s Day Expo and Artisan’s Market

Entrance Community Centre, Battley Ave, The Entrance NSW 2261

Sunday 5 March

Country Club, 64 Dover Road Wamberal NSW 2260

Wednesday

March

Recreation Club, Mingara Drive, Tumbi Umbi NSW 2261

Wednesday 8 March