Rocket ship blasts off for a refresh

out in one piece and trucked offsite for the repair work to begin.

The refresh will include replacing corroded metal that has reached the end of its design, removing rust, upgrading access points to be more accessible and painting the rocket in its original colours.

It is expected to be completed by the end of June.

The park will remain open during the duration of the project work.

Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said Council understands the importance of the rocket ship to the community and its number one priority is to preserve it for the future.

“Many of our employees have a personal connection to the rocket, (having played) playing on it themselves in years gone by and now taking their own kids to enjoy it,” she said.

“To help facilitate the final design we’re asking the community to vote on their preferred option.

“The first option will be essential repairs only with the rocket ship retaining its classic look, while the second allows for the top portion of the structure to re-open to the public for the first time in years, with a return of the refurbished rocket (to contain) an extra slide to bring it up to current standards.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the project acknowledges both the past and future rocket ship design.

“We are completing this project now so that we can safely repair the rocket ship structure to meet the very high Australia standards,” he said.

“The team is committed to respecting the history of the rocket ship and is looking to install an information board at

Funding boost for Fairhaven upgrade

Fairhaven has received $40,000 from the State Government to refurbish its Point Clare base, including upgrades to the roof and accessibility around the site.

For six decades the disability services provider has helped local people living with disability secure jobs and accommodation and has enabled them and their families to the broader community.

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, joined staff, volunteers and community members to celebrate the grant from the 2022 Community Building Partnership Program.

“Fairhaven has been so dedicated to enriching the lives of people living with disability across the Central Coast for the past 60 years,” Tesch said.

“It is a great friendly place to call in for a coffee or a meal and you can always find great treasures in the recycled and up-cycled every-day markets.

“Fairhaven’s key site at Point Clare – also known as The Hub – will be refurbished through the increased funding, and I cannot be more delighted that such a deserving organisation will be able to continue to offer programs and services to people living with disability for many more years to come.”

Fairhaven Interim CEO Rhona