Coast Community News 390

Nurses still calling for safe staffing levels

Guide Dogs support group celebrates 40 years

See page 6

Out&About

In the lead-up to International Nurses Day on May 12, Central Coast members of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) were out in force throughout the region last week, reaffirming calls for safer staffing levels and increased nurse-patient ratios.

See page 3

Delta’s ‘dirty deeds’ degrading lake, says report

The Hunter Community Environment Centre is calling for a rehabilitation fund of $20M per year from Lake Macquarie power stations to replace seagrass it claims has been damaged and killed by the operations of Vales Point and Eraring power stations.

HCEC wants $12M a year from Delta Electricity and $8M from Origin Energy (Eraring) to go into a Lake Macquarie Seagrass Trust to offset seagrass loss in Wyee and Myuna bays and to help restore seagrass meadows.

HCEC also wants fines issued by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) increased ten-fold to $150,000.

These are two of seven recommendations in HCEC’s latest report – a 60-page “dirt file”

scrutinising the practices of Delta Electricity and Delta Coal’s Chain Valley and Mannering collieries.

The report – Delta’s Dirty Deeds

Done Dirt Cheap: the impacts of Vales

Point power station on Lake Macquarie – reveals 57 breaches of environment protection since 2015, and presents

new findings based on information sourced from the EPA Public Register, scientific literature, field investigations and regulatory documents obtained under laws for public access to government information (GIPA).

Vales Point power station is also being investigated by the EPA following

two significant fish kills in 2022 at Mannering Park in Wyee Bay and a report on the outcome is expected to be made public in June.

The HCEC report says that Delta Electricity and Delta Coal breaches of environmental protection licence (EPL) conditions included illegal asbestos dumping, 11 relating to water pollution and coal ash dust pollution, failure to pass a 2016 EPL compliance audit, 23 individual breaches since Delta Coal took ownership of Chain Valley Colliery in 2019, contamination of heavy metals in off-site groundwater in 2021, and the near complete loss of seagrass in Wyee Bay due to excessive thermal pollution between 2005 and 2023.

Continued page 4

Structural Pools & Spas

A slice of RuPaul comes to the Central Coast

See page 13

Girls of Steel blazing trail for female tradies

See page 21

Business Sport

Mariners win first semi-final –big home final looms large

See page 32

Puzzles page 18

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Vales Point Power Station with Wyee Bay and the outlet canal in the foreground

Kelly Falconer and fellow nurse Kathy Triggell collect letters of support

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31 Little Tern chicks fledge at Karagi Point

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Thirty-one Little Tern chicks have fledged at Karagi Point, The Entrance North, despite threats posed by the sometimespredatory Silver Gulls which swooped down in December actively hunting eggs and chicks.

Hundreds of Little Terns arrived at the site last October and wasted no time in pairing up for breeding season. They migrate from South-east Asia to Australia each year and are protected under both state

and federal threatened species legislation.

In in a first for the Central Coast, two pairs of nesting Fairy Terns were discovered among the little ones. These are more commonly found further south and their arrival provided an opportunity for Central Coast Council staff to observe the different calls and behaviours of the closelyrelated birds.

In consultation with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Biodiversity

and Conservation Division, Council installed robust temporary fencing and signage around the breeding area to protect the eggs and chicks. There were grave fears for their safety when large numbers of Silver Gull arrived on site.

Despite the Gulls, 31 Little Tern chicks were confirmed as having fledged.

While 31 is lower than the previous two seasons (56 and 96 respectively), the site is still rated as the second highest performing in NSW.

Council thanked residents for being respectful of the breeding site.

Council’s best practice management at Karagi Point, supported by the community, has resulted in record-breaking breeding success and is significantly contributing to the long-term survival of the species.

The project is also supported in part by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program.

Source: Central Coast Council Facebook

Coast children set to walk to school

School children on the Central Coast will be putting on their walking shoes on Friday, May 19, to participate in National Walk Safely to School Day.

The annual event encourages parents and carers to walk to school with primary schoolage children to promote the health and environmental benefits of walking and help develop healthy habits from an early age.

MISSING LINK

Taking place during National Road Safety Week (May 14–21), the day also aims to help children learn vital roadcrossing skills.

Students from Brooke Avenue Public School will be taking part and principal Owen Dalkeith said the message is one that a number of local families support.

“Our school is all about supporting the development of healthy, happy kids, and Walk Safely to School Day is a great

way to encourage that,” he said.

“We will be discussing the importance of being active for good health in the classroom and handing out stickers promoting the day to children walking to school.

“A number of our families walk their children to school already, so it’s an initiative that both we and the community can get behind.”

Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) health

promotion officer Nina Kingon said the day is an important reminder of the benefits of active travel.

“Starting healthy habits like walking to school supports a child’s physical and cognitive development, as well as providing an opportunity for children to make social connections too,” she said. ““There are also a number of environmental benefits, with reduced congestion on our

roads and the pollution that stems from that.

“It’s great to see schools like Brooke Avenue getting fully behind Walk Safely to School Day and we would encourage other schools and families to get involved too.

“Even if you don’t get the opportunity to walk on the day itself, walking to school safely with children whenever you can – even if only for part of the journey – will help support good physical and mental wellbeing.

“For those that need to take the car, one of the keys to a safer walking environment for school children and other vulnerable road users is slower vehicle speed, so when driving, slow down and look out for pedestrians.”

For more information on National Walk Safely to School Day, visit www.walk.com.au.

Source: Central Coast Local Health District

31 chicks have fledged at the

Photo: Andrew Robinson

Photo: Andrew Robinson

In the lead-up to International Nurses Day on May 12, Central Coast members of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) were out in force throughout the region last week, reaffirming calls for safer staffing levels and increased nurse-patient ratios.

While the NSWNMA welcomed a recent announcement that the NSW Government is to establish a Safe Staffing Working Group as an historic step towards implementing nurse-to-patient ratios in the state’s public hospitals, members were urging continued public support as the nursing profession celebrated the birthday of Florence Nightingale.

Local NSWNMA delegate Michelle Cashman said nurses took their responsibilities very seriously and endeavoured to give the best care possible to patients.

As Heritage Week drew to a close, Member for The Entrance David Mehan renewed calls for the land on which the Nissen Hut at Ourimbah formerly stood to be returned to the community.

The heritage-listed hut was demolished recently, despite a campaign led by Mehan to save it.

Donated to The University of Newcastle in the 1992 by the Ourimbah School of Arts, the hut was originally to be dismantled and re-erected on an alternative site at the Ourimbah campus, but the university deemed the building unsalvageable after dismantling began in April.

“I’m disappointed the structure couldn’t be salvaged and particularly concerned that

Nurses still calling for safe staffing levels

“Over several years our profession has been severely challenged by many factors,” she said.

“The day-to-day workloads have increased exponentially.

“Our patients’ needs have increased due to multiple reasons.

“Many patients have multiple co-morbidities and … some people have been delaying seeking care due to various reasons, not the least the lack of GP availability and the increased costs.

“The demands on our health care system have grown yet the staffing has not.

“The systems in place don’t work and staffing numbers are unsafe not just for our patients but also for our nurses.

“In fact, staffing has decreased as many nurses have left; some leaving to go to states where ratios are mandatory, some retiring early, some reducing the hours just to try to cope and sadly many

leaving the profession completely.

“Over the past three years, 40,000 nurses have left the profession Australia-wide.

“We all entered this profession because we care and want to help people yet this has been increasingly difficult as our nursing staff numbers have declined.

“We were further decimated by COVID, which continues to further challenge us and our communities.”

Cashman said staffing levels on the Central Coast are the worst in the state.

“We are in crisis.

“We gathered over 4,500 signatures in a relatively short period just prior to the State election.

“Fortunately we now have a change in government and our new state leaders want to improve the deplorable situation.

“They have formed a working party with NSWNMA

representing over 50 per cent of the members specifically to address the nursing situation and to increase the staffing numbers in most areas so that we can actually provide staff patient care.

“We know nothing will change overnight but we are very hopeful now that those in power actually want to provide safe staffing.”

Fellow NSWNMA delegate and emergency department registered nurse Kelly Falconer said it was important to continue to remind the public of the healthcare crisis.

“As a proud nurse of almost 25 years dedicated to the Central Coast, I thought … the public should know just what our crisis in nursing looks like – especially on the Coast,” she said.

“We gathered at local train stations, weekend markets and shopping centres, sports groups and parent groups, informing our community that they and their loved ones are

Future of Nissen Hut site under a cloud

the university didn’t contact me or community representatives until after the demolition had occurred,” Mehan said.

“The Nissen Hut was a World War II period structure and was used as a community hall before being donated to the university.

“(It) was neglected by the uni and was eventually boarded up and abandoned.

“The university and Central Coast Council are yet to determine the outcome of the now vacant site.

“It’s disappointing that during National Heritage Week, an historic structure like the Nissen Hut couldn’t be preserved.

“I appreciate the community’s consistent support through this matter, and I will continue to campaign for the existing land

to be returned to the community.”

Earlier this year, University Chief Operating Officer David Toll said the hut would be dismantled and stored.

Toll said the dismantling process began in April.

“Unfortunately, during dismantling it became evident that the structural steel had

incurred significant damage over many years,” he said.

“The university sought further advice from a structural engineer, who advised that the structural damage was so significant that it could not be reused or repurposed.

“Advice from Central Coast Council confirmed that the dismantling and disposal met

the Development Application approval conditions.

“It is a disappointing outcome; however, the university must take the advice regarding safety and structural integrity of the structure.

“We have been in contact with community representatives, who have acknowledged the university’s efforts in trying to retain the structure.

“The final stage of work on the site is levelling the area and laying turf to improve the amenity and safety of the site for public use in the immediate future.

“The university continues to have very productive discussions with Central Coast Council around the longer-term use of the site, which we hope to be able to provide an update

Volunteer excellence award for Peter

Central Coast resident Peter Pearce received one of the top volunteering awards during National Volunteer Week celebrations when he took out the 2023 ShelterBox Volunteer Excellence Award.

Pearce has dedicated much of his life to helping communities in need, both locally and internationally.

He received an OAM in 2016 for his community work, was named Gosford Citizen of the Year in 2014, and was recognised by Rotary

International with a Paul Harris Fellowship.

After 20 deployments as a

ShelterBox Response Team member, delivering aid to disaster affected communities around the world, Pearce decided to focus his energy on raising awareness about ShelterBox in the community.

Over the last year, he helped to raise over $14,000 from Rotary Clubs around the Central Coast for disaster relief.

He was also instrumental in arranging shopping centre activations for appeals for both the war in Ukraine and earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, raising considerable funds and promoting ShelterBox to thousands of

people.

ShelterBox Australia CEO Mike Greenslade said Pearce was an asset to the ShelterBox team and had made a significant contribution to sheltering people in need in countries like Ukraine, Türkiye, Syria and Ethiopia.

“Our volunteer workforce is the driving force behind our deployments overseas and Peter’scapacity to promote our work has been unrivalled this year,” he said.

Volunteer Program Manager Kieryn Deutrom said ShelterBox had more than 100 volunteers

missing out on vital care each and every shift they are in hospital.”

Falconer said many residents were surprised to hear how many staff hours the Coast was missing out on and the overwhelming majority asked how they could help make a change.

“We are at a loss as to why and how it got this bad,” she said.

“(We are) unable to toilet and feed (patients) and daily cares such as showers and pain relief are constantly missed and/or delayed.

“We need to do better; our government needs to listen and make change – ratios save lives.”

NSWNMA General Secretary Shaye Candish said the announcement of the working group would pave the way for the significant reforms urgently needed to repair the broken staffing system.

Terry Collins

on over the coming months.”

The Ourimbah Region Residents Association (ORRA) has also been pushing for public retention of the land.

President Di Willard said earlier this year that since the site had been given to the university by the people of Ourimbah, ORRA believes an arrangement should be made to keep it in public hands.

“We are suggesting that the site could be used as carpark for overflow parking for the Ourimbah shops and/or a public recreation green space,” she said.

“We believe there is a moral obligation on the university to return this land to the people of Ourimbah.”

Terry Collins

across Australia.

“Peter has prioritised ShelterBox over the last year which has been amazing,” Deutrom said.

“He has a natural ability to motivate others to support ShelterBox and show how their donation can positively impact a family in desperate need of shelter.”

New research shows that over half of Australians volunteer in their towns and cities, freely giving their time, energy and skills to others.

In a statement earlier this year, Minister for Social

Services Amanda Rishworth said volunteers offer the invaluable asset of time, contributing their knowledge and experiences to activities and causes out of kindness and a sense of community.

“The sector is integral to the fabric of our nation,” she said. The ShelterBox Volunteer Awards are an annual event during National Volunteer Week which is highly anticipated and celebrates the outstanding contributions of volunteers across Australia.

Source: ShelterBox

Nurses gathered outside the office of Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch, who has been a staunch advocate for increased staffing levels

Member for The Entrance David Mehan at the razed site of the Nissen Hut

Peter Pearce

Gosford RSL Sub-Branch

President Greg Mawson was in for quite a surprise at a recent meeting.

In what he has described as his “greatest honour yet”, the hard-working Mawson was awarded Life Membership of the Returned Services League of Australia by close friend and Gosford RSL Sub Branch Vice President (Derek Crawford). He now holds five life memberships for his volunteer work.

He also holds life memberships with Woy Woy JRLFC, Central Coast District JRL, Gosford City Sub Branch of the National Servicemen’s Association and the NSW National Servicemen’s Association.

After being discharged from the Army almost 40 years ago, Mawson settled down on the Central Coast.

Major honour for RSL stalwart

With a keen interest in rugby league, he began coaching and managing football teams with Woy Woy Junior Rugby League Club in 1985 and continued until 2010, helping to secure two premierships for the club (in 1987 and 1999).

In 1990 he was named Inaugural Club Person of the Year.

He also held various positions with the Central Coast Division of Junior Rugby League during this time.

His other great passion was the Gosford Sub-Branch of the National Servicemen’s Association, a voluntary charity of ex national servicemen who raise money for distribution to local charities, for which he held a variety of committee positions, including six years as president.

Under his presidency, the Sub

Branch raised more than $90,000, with Gosford Hospital Children’s Ward andl Oncology Unit and the Shirley Shuttle major recipients.

He also served as the branch’s delegate to the National Servicemen’s Association of

NSW State Conference on several occasions and was a state committee member of the NSW National Servicemen’s Association, being elected as President in 2022.

From 2010-2023 he was

principal organiser of the annual Easter Egg Parade at Gosford Hospital where the Members of Gosford City SubBranch donate money to buy Easter eggs which are distributed to patients and staff.

He has been President of the Gosford RSL Sub-Branch since 2010, also serving as delegate to the Central Coast RSL District Council of RSL Sub Branches, serving as Vice President of that organisation from 201214 and as President since.

He has also been delegate to the NSW State Conference of RSL District Councils and Sub Branches since 2010.

From 2010-2014, Mawson was a member of the Committee working with the Central Coast Regional Group in the planning of The Landings Project, which will see the southern end of

Gosford City transformed into a modern, more cosmopolitan region, including a more modern memorial park/ cenotaph.

He is the RSL’s chief representative in the region, officiating at numerous services and events and was co-organiser of the Symposium of Hope, a two-year project to make the transition of military members easier when leaving the services.

He has been active with the Gosford city Sports Council in various positions, as well as with the Central Coast (NSW) Sports Federation.

He was Inaugural Chairperson of the Defence Force Family Fun Day and has received numerous community awards and accolades.

Terry Collins

Delta’s ‘dirty deeds’ degrading lake, says report

Continued from page 1

HCEC says that compounding the effects of thermal pollution from the power station outlet on seagrass, marine species and water quality is the daily discharge of nutrients from effluent, metals/metalloids from ash dump waste as well as chlorine produced on-site to “de-foul” (ie. keep the outlet canal free of encrusted marine biota).

To our knowledge, the HCEC report says, the potential cumulative impacts of this cocktail of contaminants at the outlet canal have never been properly assessed by the EPA.

The HCEC is also calling for a Pollution Reduction Program and upgrade of power station procedures to reduce the amount of chlorine discharged into Wyee Bay.

Jo Lynch of the HCEC said that in addition to Delta’s noncompliances, the apparent cost-cutting approach taken by the management of an already outdated piece of infrastructure was seen to be exacerbating pollution and degrading the health of the lake.

“Water and sediment quality,

copious marine species and seagrass are all facing the effects,” she said.

Lynch says the loss of seagrass in Wyee Bay due to excessive thermal pollution is estimated to total about 55ha and as GIPA documents reveal, arose from successive increases to Vales Point outlet temperature limits approved by NSW EPA between 2005 and 2016.

It is a significant loss from which seagrass has not yet recovered, according to the latest Seagrass Monitoring

Project report, showing further declines over the period of 2021-2022.

Delta’s Company Secretary, Steve Gurney, strongly rejects the HCEC claims, saying they are misleading, lacking factual context and involve the select use of data to reach a conclusion favourable to HCEC’s objectives.

“Evidence of this is the claim that Delta Electricity and Delta Coal have breached their EPL for Total Suspended Solids (TSS) almost 50 times since taking ownership in 2015,” he

said.

“These are almost entirely ‘technical breaches’ of the TSS limits, resulting from elevated levels of TSS within Lake Macquarie caused by events such as storm water runoff where the TSS of the lake water being drawn into Delta’s systems is higher than Delta’s licence limit.

“This means the return of lake water is naturally above the licence limit, despite there being no contribution by Vales Point to the overall TSS levels.

“Delta employs over 500

people in high quality jobs in the region, providing an essential service to the community.

“Delta operates the Vales Point Power Station in accordance with strict environmental licence conditions, with diligent oversight by the independent Environmental Protection Authority and makes extensive data available for public scrutiny.”

NSW Environment Protection Authority CEO Tony Chappel said the information and findings in the HCEC report was being considered and the EPA would continue to work with industry to improve environmental outcomes for all communities.

“We know the community expects high standards are met and we will ensure that Vales Point acts in line with its environmental responsibilities,” he said.

“We investigate all incidents and where breaches are found we take appropriate regulatory action.

“We continue to review and consider our regulatory

approach for power stations, including Vales Point, within our legislative responsibility, by responding to new information, data, evidence and understanding of environmental risk.”

Under the terms of its licence, Delta Electricity must meet strict concentration limits that are designed to protect the environment and health of the community.

Delta is also required to undertake a range of activities including to implement a seagrass monitoring program and to address coal ash.

Chappel said the EPA was currently reviewing the seagrass monitoring report for 2021-2022 and the Coal Ash Repository water sampling plan.

The NSW Government’s response to the recommendations of the Public Works Committee Coal Ash Inquiry includes a project to monitor the environmental condition of Lake Macquarie to understand the impacts of coal ash on the environment.

Sue Murray

Gosford Sub-Branch Vice President Derek Crawford presents Greg Mawson with his award

Delta Coal’s Chain Valley Colliery on the shores of Lake Macquarie at Mannering Park

Community meeting on proposed wind farm

A community meeting will be held on Saturday, May 20, to protest an offshore wind farm planned for an area 10km off the coast from Port Stephens to Norah Head.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is proposing a Hunter Offshore Renewable Energy Area (HOREA) with turbines standing 250m above sea level.

The Love Norah Head group has organised Saturday’s meeting, asking community members to come together to “save Norah Head”.

The meeting plans to focus community efforts on reshaping the HOREA zone to stop the impact on Norah Head’s residents, businesses, visitors, neighbours, infrastructure, and environment.

“Major issues have been brushed over and rushed through to meet national political goals without appropriate consideration, assessment and meaningful consultation,” the organisers said in a Facebook post. They say there has been a complete lack of real meaningful consultation.

“The DCCEEW and the Government need to start the process again and address the Central Coast and Norah Head – not just the Hunter region,” the post says.

“Norah Head has been a gathering point for locals and neighbours for millennia.

“Tourism, whale watching, marine creatures, bird life, outdoor activities, our surfing reserve, fishing and the beautiful amenity of this region that is enjoyed by all will be impacted.

“These impacts will be felt by our local businesses and … our people now and long into the future.”

Organisers are calling for the

windfarm to be moved out at least 30km to sea.

“Allow the whales to pass and rest in our bays and sheltered coastline,” the post says.

“Move them out greater than 30km to reduce the impact on our swell.

“Move them out greater than 30km so that it will have a low impact on the visual amenity of our coast.

“Hundreds of (tall) wind turbines … only 10km off Norah Head will dominate the landscape and have a significant impact on the marine ecology.

“Move them out greater than 30km and we can have renewables and preserve

Norah Head.”

Earlier this month, Central Coast also called for more information and community consultation before the Federal Government makes its final decision on the HOREA. Submissions for the project closed on April 28 but Council said it was premature to declare the HOREA until consultation is recommenced and further updated information is available on how it will affect the community and environment, and people have the opportunity to provide informed feedback.

“There is currently insufficient information available to demonstrate the

environmental, economic and social impacts the proposed HOREA will have on the Central Coast, including on the terrestrial and marine environment, marine life and avian fauna, marine users and emergency services,” Council said in its submission. Council raised the issue of visual impact of the wind turbines, estimating they would be visible for up to 40km from the coastline.

“Clarification is required on whether the offshore renewable energy area is anticipated to increase in size, particularly to the south, with the likely expansion over time of the Hunter-Central Coast

Renewable Energy Zone,” the submission said.

It also questioned the method of anchoring wind turbines, how restrictions around specific infrastructure might impact on aircraft or emergency services such as Marine Rescue and if there will be changes to routes travelled by vessels to the Port of Newcastle or Port Kembla.

The submission said landbased impacts should also be considered.

The community meeting will be held at 3.30pm on Saturday, May 20, on the lawn in front of Marine Rescue, Maitland St, Norah Head.

Terry Collins

The Love Norah Head group wants the turbines to be at least 30km offshore

The proposed HOREA zone

Info session on the Voice to Parliament deemed a success

A recent Voice to Parliament information session held recently at Club Umina saw more than 100 Coasties attend.

Gosford Liesl Tesch.

Voice to Parliament.

More than 100 people attended the panel-led information session

The information session on just what the Voice encompasses featured panellists Jacob Smeaton from Barang Regional Alliance, Aunty Dianne O’Brien and Aunty Robyn Reid from Mingaletta Aboriginal Corporation, along with Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid and State Member for

Central Coast local and proud Kerrupjmara man, Jacob Smeaton, discussed the Uluru Statement from the Hearts’ origins and the consensus among the 250 Constitutional Convention delegates.

Reid discussed the importance of establishing the Voice to Parliament and constitutionally recognising First Nations people. He also provided an outline of the parliamentary process to update how referendums rine a

“I encourage the Central Coast community to visit the Yes Campaign website for further information and to register as a volunteer.”

Tesch said she was encouraged by residents’ willingness to learn and engage.

“It was fantastic to see so many keen local residents come out to find out more information,” she said.

Barang Regional Alliance is also set to kick off its “cuppa

conversations” initiative, through which local community groups can hold conversations and field questions about the Voice to Parliament.

Any community group wanting further information should email admin@barang. org.au.

Those wanting more information on the Voice or sign up to volunteer are encouraged to head to yes23.com.au.

Greens urge Coasties to vote Yes to the Voice

The Central Coast Greens have thrown their support behind the Yes campaign for this year’s referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

Media officer Imogen da Silva said the Greens recognised that truth-telling and Treaty making was crucial for healing the relationship between First Nations people and those who colonised their land in 1788 and beyond.

“We acknowledge that their land was never ceded and that acknowledging this truth is

essential for our national identity and collective mental and spiritual health,” she said.

“Multiple treaties need to be made with the many Nations that originally lived in what we now call Australia.

“These treaties should be constitutionally binding and made in the identifiable language of the particular nation or tribe, as well as in other languages, including English, that form part of our current multicultural landscape.

“To achieve truth and Treaty,

we need the Voice to succeed.

“We have listened to the call for such a Voice from First Nations representatives and respect that call.

“If the Voice to Parliament succeeds in the referendum but is silenced either directly or covertly by those opposed to the interests of indigenous

New home just in time for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day really was a special day for Killarney Court’s newest resident Jeanette Tuck.

Having lived at a Kempsey facility for the past three years, she was unhappy there and wanted to be closer to her family on the Central Coast. So, her daughter Debbie Mutton, who is a team leader at Killarney Court aged care home at Killarney Vale, moved her mum right into her place of work.

“Since starting work at Killarney Court over four years ago, I have always been impressed with the quality of

care that is provided,” Debbie said.

“The staff are kind, compassionate, and go above and beyond to make sure that the residents are comfortable and happy.

“I am so grateful that my mother is able to live (here).”

Jeanie has been living at Killarney Court for six weeks now and is very happy with her decision to move.

“I love living here – the staff are kind and compassionate, the food is delicious, and I enjoy the company of the other residents,” she said.

“I also appreciate the fact

that I have a private room with a fridge and kitchenette, as well as outdoor access.”

But the biggest benefit for Jeanie living at Killarney Court is that she is much closer to her family and able to see daughter Debbie every time she comes to work.

“I’m grateful to be close to my family again and it’s wonderful to see my daughter Debbie multiple times a week,” she said.

“She’s a bright light in my life.”

As an added bonus, Jeanie was able to spend Mother’s Day with her family for the first

time in three years, with COVID-19 restrictions interfering since 2020.

“I missed my family during the pandemic, and I cherish our time together, so it was wonderful to spend time with them (on Mother’s Day weekend),” she said.

Jeanie also attended a Mother’s Day Garden Party with the other residents of Killarney Court in the home’s beautiful garden.

They enjoyed sweet treats, games and making new memories.

peoples, we will stand by these representatives and continue to call for, lobby and promote truth-telling and Treaty.”

The Greens have called on all Coasties to vote yes in the referendum on the Voice, “understanding that this is not party political but cuts across all people and is ultimately for the benefit of the entire country”.

“By hearing the wishes of those whose people suffer in many areas of our society, we can enable their empowered voices to see action taken to

redress the particular challenges they face in areas such as housing, health and incarceration rates,” da Silva said.

“The Central Coast Greens see the Voice to Parliament as not just an end in itself but as a vehicle for a greater understanding of our nation’s past as well as present challenges.

“And ultimately, we believe it can lead to true reconciliation through formal treaties.”

Source: Central Coast Greens

Guide Dogs support group celebrates 40 years

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

Central Coast Support Group will celebrate its 40th birthday at an anniversary lunch on Tuesday, May 23, at the Royal Hotel, Wyong, from noon-2.30pm.

The volunteer support group formed in 1983 at an afternoon tea organised by head office at the Long Jetty RSL Club.

Over the ensuing years volunteers have been active in fundraising in the surrounding areas from The Entrance to the Peninsula.

The group continues to be visual and out and about in the community, managing a number of fundraising stalls each year at shopping centres across the Central Coast selling merchandise and raffle tickets.

Members are always available to share their experiences with visitors and discuss how guide dogs provide free services to help people with impaired vision.

The anniversary lunch will also be a fundraiser for the group.

Locally owned and managed

by Marney and Frank McQueen, the Royal Hotel in Wyong is a warm and friendly place to meet, with excellent food and fantastic entertainment.

Built in 1889, the hotel has a rich history combined with modern style and ambience.

Members of the community are invited to join with members of the Central Coast Volunteer Support Group at the dogthemed lunch.

Host Marney McQueen is a versatile performer and actor and will entertain the audience with song and humour.

Tickets are $50 and include a two-course lunch.

Tickets are available at the hotel, by calling 4352 1012 or at https://facebook.com/ events/s/fundraising-lunchat-royalhot/880165446378783/.

There will be a raffle and an opportunity to meet members of the support group and their guide dogs.

The hotel is at 40-44 Pacific Hwy, Wyong.

Source: Central Coast Support Group, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

Host Marney McQueen will entertain

Source:

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid and Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

Source: Brilliant Logic Jeanette Tuck and her daughter Debbie Mutton

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Major operation to make Patonga homes safe

A row of houses at Patonga has been protected from the danger of falling rocks thanks to a State Government investment of about $1M to stabilise a steep slope and secure large rocks.

A three-year Crown Lands project has now been completed to ensure the safety of the 50 homes.

Crown Lands managed the project on a Crown reserve after torrential rain in February 2020 dislodged large rocks which fell down a steep slope and into the rear of two properties, damaging water tanks the back of a house and a shed.

The restoration project involved geotechnical studies to assess slope stability,

removal of dangerous trees, securing parts of a cliff and boulders with steel rock bolts, breaking up unstable boulders, covering rocks on steep slopes with mesh netting and installing 170m of rock-catch fencing to stop any falling rocks.

Crown Lands will monitor the site periodically for any changes to conditions.

Member for Gosford Liesl

Tesch said materials for the complex project had to be brought in by boat.

“A helicopter was used to remove dangerous trees … and workers had to use abseiling gear in difficult to access areas with dense bush,” she said.

“This major investment to secure an unstable escarpment means the affected residents

at Patonga can resume using all parts of their properties knowing they are safe from tumbling rocks.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the project was impressive given the site on the western foreshore of Patonga Creek was only accessible by water or air.

“The very steep terrain made

Order of St John for Point Clare resident

Point Clare resident and St John Ambulance volunteer, David Cashion, was recently awarded The Order of St John by Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley.

He was one of 20 to be honoured at the St John Ambulance Australia (NSW) Investiture Ceremony, awarded in recognition for going above and beyond to devote their time, effort and expertise into helping others.

Membership within The Order of St John is an honour sanctioned by the GovernorGeneral on behalf of The Order’s Sovereign Head, His Majesty King Charles III.

Cashion joined Peninsula

Division in 2012 and is currently an Officer at Central Coast Division.

He has performed more than 1,000 hours of service at public events and more than 350 hours of administrative and logistical support.

He used his professional knowledge to conduct educational training sessions during COVID-19, as well as running workshops to teach donning and doffing procedures for personal protective equipment.

At the ceremony, he was admitted in the Order to the Grade of Member.

St John Ambulance NSW CEO Sarah Lance said volunteers

were the heart of the organisation and helped to build safer and more resilient communities.

“These volunteers have made significant contributions to their communities through their

ongoing dedication to St John Ambulance NSW,” she said.

“We are proud to recognise them and the incredible impacts they continue to make.

FAMILY FUNERALS

it difficult to access with equipment,” he said.

“Public safety was the priority as well as securing the future of these homes so it’s great to see the successful completion of this difficult project.”

“The past year has been particularly significant.

“Our volunteers provided critical support during the 2022 floods, attended over 2300 events and supported the healthcare system as it recovered from COVID-19.”

In 2022, more than 2500 volunteers dedicated their time to help keep communities safe across the state.

Commissioner of St John Ambulance NSW, Ilan Lowbeer, said the members recognised at the ceremony “continue to carry out our mission and demonstrate high levels of integrity, respect and leadership as they do so”.

“We are proud to acknowledge each of them and thank them for

The Central Coast's oldest Family owned Funeral home

their commitment to supporting our communities,” he said.

St John NSW has been working with and making a difference in communities across the state for more than 135 years to save lives through first aid. Its vision is to have one person educated, equipped, and prepared to provide first aid in every home, workplace and public gathering.

It is a self-funded, not-forprofit organisation.

To find out more about St John Ambulance NSW or to become a volunteer, call 1300 ST JOHN or visit stjohnnsw.com.au.

Source: St John Ambulance NSW

Source: Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

A worker lops dangerous trees in the area

Steel mesh being delivered

Steel mesh being delivered

David Cashion with Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley

Shifting sands at The Entrance

Sand is set to be moved from the spit at The Entrance channel to renourish the eroded northern foreshores of Karagi Point Reserve.

Central Coast Council Director Environment and Planning, Alice Howe, said the works would provide multiple benefits.

“These works will improve access and help protect the amenity and foreshore infrastructure at Karagi Reserve carpark,” she said.

“Importantly the works will also reduce the amount of sand needing to be moved from the sand spit by Council (in accordance with the Tuggerah Lakes Interim Entrance Management Procedure) should flood mitigation works be required this Winter.

“Now that the critically endangered Little Terns have flown to the northern hemisphere for our Winter, we’re taking advantage of the timing and conditions to undertake these protection works.”

Council Unit Manager Environmental Management, Luke Sulkowski, said the entrance to Tuggerah Lakes was a dynamic environment

with ever-changing conditions.

“Council actively monitors the condition of the entrance to Tuggerah Lakes and the other coastal lagoons using aerial and satellite imagery and water level gauges,” he said.

“The Entrance channel remains open, with Council prepared to intervene in accordance with our procedures if our flood intelligence tool predicts lake levels of 1.3m AHD or higher.

“Although the focus of the works at this time is to protect

and improve access and amenity around Karagi Point Reserve, this will also make it easier for Council to respond during a severe weather event when flood mitigation works may be required.

“When The Entrance channel is in a more constricted state, water levels in Tuggerah Lakes tend to be slightly higher on average.

“This natural variation in water levels is an important process which can improve water quality and amenity and

the health of the estuary, and does not materially affect flood impacts.

“The higher water levels immerse the lake’s fringing wetland habitats, assist with the distribution of wrack and improve mixing of the water between shallow nearshore areas and deeper parts of the lakes.”

Council is currently working towards the development of an Entrance Management Strategy through the Tuggerah Lakes Coastal Management

Program.

Interested community members can register their interest in staying up to date with news and opportunities to be involved.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said protecting, restoring and managing natural assets, including Tuggerah Lakes, was of high importance to Council.

The strategic management of Tuggerah Lakes and The Entrance channel is undertaken on the foundation of expert studies, estuary and coastal

management intelligence tools and the expertise of specialist consultants and Council staff,” he said.

“I encourage interested residents to read further information on the monitoring and management of Tuggerah Lakes and The Entrance channel on Council’s website and contact Council with any questions.”

To view a time-lapse video of The Entrance channel, FAQS and to read more on how Council monitors Tuggerah Lakes and the channel, go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au. Works will commence from May 22 and are anticipated to take about four weeks, weather dependant, with site preparation works commencing on May 16.

The Hutton Rd carpark and Karagi Point Reserve will be closed to the public from this time until works are completed.

The Little Tern breeding season has recently ended and the fencing around their breeding ground will also be removed at this time.

Source: Central Coast Council

Moving the sand will have dual benefits

Call for speed humps in Craigie Ave

Local residents have raised concerns about speeding drivers in Craigie Ave, Kanwal, and want to see speed humps installed.

One resident said drivers “speed down there morning and night, all day long”.

“Recently a pedestrian was killed by two young drivers,” he said.

“Going into or coming out of my driveway, cars swerve around me or almost run into me a number of times.

“The school is in our street and there’s always kids around.”

He questions why the street where the school is doesn’t have speed humps, but a number of other streets around Kanwal do.

A statement from Central Coast Council says there have been previous investigations into reported safety and speeding issues in Craigie Ave.

“In 2019 traffic surveys were undertaken in two locations along Craigie Ave, opposite the school as well as at the western end of the street,” the statement said.

“The results of these traffic surveys do not warrant the

installation of speed humps or the like.

“To improve pedestrian safety at the existing zebra pedestrian crossing, a raised platform at the intersection of Walker Ave/ Craigie Ave has been identified.

“The works to upgrade this intersection is currently unfunded, however, will continue to be considered for funding in the development of future capital works programs.

“Road renewal works were completed in 2020 in Craigie Ave, from the Pacific Hwy to Hughes Ave, to improve the road surface.

“Additionally, plans are currently in hand to improve the visibility of the pedestrian/ school crossing signage and upgrade the handrails.

“It is anticipated that these works will be completed in the next six weeks.”

Council says that any incidences of excessive speed and anti-social driver behaviour witnessed should be reported to NSW Police, as they are the responsible authority for enforcement of speed limits and addressing anti-social behaviour.

Getting a head start on a career thanks to TAFE

TAFE NSW is helping Central Coast high schoolers get a head-start on a career with a variety of Vocational Education and Training programs offering specialised industry training to Year 11 and 12 students.

Gemma Szabo is just one of the 59 Central Coast high school students gaining real world practical skills and experience by completing TAFE-Delivered Vocational Education Training at TAFE NSW Gosford.

“I decided to study individual support at TAFE NSW to gain my Certificate III and complete the traineeship now so then when I graduate high school, I have already completed one course and am one step closer to starting my career in aged care,” Szabo said.

“There is a heavy load of work to do in Year 12, but the teachers at TAFE NSW help me to balance the course assessments and traineeship with schoolwork and I can ask them for help anytime.”

Szabo said her traineeship at local aged care facility, Woy Woy Peninsula Villages, has given her the opportunity to immerse herself in the health profession and put knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to use.

“Studying at TAFE NSW has

prepared me well for my job working with the elderly and supporting them with their needs at Peninsula Villages,” she said.

“At the same time, I learn about another aspect of the job, taking the time to learn residents’ different personalities and a bit of history behind all their lives.

“It is very interesting, and I enjoy every part of working at Peninsula Villages.”

The Committee for Economic Development of Australia reports that there is a need for an extra 35,000 aged care workers per year to keep up with industry demand, with a high demand for TAFE NSW aged care graduates.

“Opportunities for healthcare jobs are growing, and I’ve been

able to use this traineeship to play a role in making a difference in the health and wellbeing of individuals in my community,” Szabo said.

Head Teacher Sue Packer said TAFE NSW aged care healthcare pathways supported students to get their foot in the door and a head start to their career.

“TAFE NSW’s Technical and Vocational Education Training course aims to give students a running start into the workforce while still at school and the opportunity to make a lasting impact in one of the most indemand industries,” she said.

To find out more about the range of healthcare courses delivered at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au.

TAFE is also helping eager

Year 11 and 12 students get a head start towards a career as a mechanic while contributing towards their HSC and ATAR.

The program offers students the option of completing teacher-led, virtually delivered courses supplemented by face-to-face training, aimed at giving teens the job-ready skills they need for the state’s most in-demand jobs.

Automotive technology students are on track to complete the hybrid learning program and finish school with a Certificate II in Automotive in addition to their HSC.

They have learned how cars and engines work and how to use traditional tools as well as the latest technology to make repairs.

Noah Sutton, a Year 12

student at Lakes Grammar Warnervale, said he wanted to leave school at the end of Year 10 for an apprenticeship but his mum wanted him to stay and get his HSC.

“The option to have this course count towards my HSC meant that we were able to compromise and I’ll obtain my HSC as well as my initial automotive qualification,” he said.

He attends classes one afternoon a week via the online classroom and practical assessments are completed at a TAFE automotive workshop over four days, once each term.

“The course is a good balance of theory and practical tasks which is great for students like me who don’t like to sit in a classroom for too long at a

time,” he said.

“It can be challenging to miss four days of regular school lessons when Year 11 and 12 are so fast paced, so it does require a fair amount of motivation and commitment to catch-up on lessons when I return from workshop assessment weeks.

“To complete the course I also had to get 70 hours of work experience and I did one full working week each with two separate mechanics but luckily one of those was in school holidays so it didn’t conflict with school.

“This course gave me a better understanding of the range of work a mechanic does, without having made a commitment to a career.

“I’d like to think that future potential employers would look favourably on me successfully completing this course prior to me entering an apprenticeship because it demonstrates my commitment and motivation to learn in the automotive field prior to being employed in the industry.”

Students interested in including a TAFE-delivered Vocational Education and Training course in their studies in 2024 should talk to their school career adviser.

Sue Murray and Terry Collins

Public forum will be held Monday prior to Tuesday Council meeting

Residents are reminded that Central Coast Council’s trial change to the Public Forum protocol comes into effect next week.

To increase the opportunity for community members to have their say on matters presented at meetings, and also to provide more time for Council staff to consider their feedback, the Public Forum will be held from 5-6pm on Monday, May 22, at the Wyong administration

building, ahead of the ordinary meeting of Council on May 23.

The new system of holding the Public Forum the day before Council meetings will be trialled for three months.

Council’s Director of Corporate Services, Marissa Racomelara, said the change aims to give more community members more time to speak.

“Currently, Public Forums are held immediately prior to each Council meeting,” she said.

“This small change to the scheduling will provide a valuable benefit for increased community participation and the opportunity for Council to thoroughly consider all feedback and respond accordingly during the Council meeting the following day.

“Community members will still be invited to register to speak at each Public Forum which will be held both in person and online during the months of

May and June and online only in July.

“No more than two speakers are permitted to speak ‘for’ or ‘against’ each item of business on the agenda for the Council meeting.

“Registered speakers can also talk to topics not included on the agenda, should timing permit.”

Administrator Rik Hart said Council wants to ensure the community’s voice is heard on matters that are important to

them.

“I’m keen to hear feedback from our community throughout this trial period; this is also part of our active plan in preparing for the elected body to return to Council in less than 18 months’ time,” he said.

Council will seek feedback from the community on the proposed change to scheduling and any amended Public Forum Policy.

The trial period will be followed

by a report to Council detailing any additional changes required based on feedback from the community and ahead of the return of an elected body.

To find out more and submit a request to speak at an upcoming Public Forum search ‘council meetings’ at centralcoast.nsw. gov.au.

Source: Central Coast Council

Sue Murray

The long straight stretch of Craigie Ave

Photo: Google Maps

Gemma Szabo

Noah Sutton: learning what it takes to be a mechanic

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate two men who are wanted on separate arrest warrants in relation to defying Apprehended Violence Orders (AVO).

Mark Elliott, aged 36, is wanted on one outstanding arrest warrant and is known to frequent the southern areas of the Central Coast.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 165cm and 170cm

Two men wanted for breaching AVOs

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.

tall, of thin build and with brown hair.

Matthew Brown, aged 45, is

wanted by police on two outstanding arrest warrants for taking and driving conveyance without consent of the owner, and contravening prohibition/ restriction in AVO.

Brown is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 165cm to 175cm tall, of large build and with brown hair.

He is also known to frequent the Brisbane Water and southern areas of the Central Coast.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate these two men and anyone with information about their whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppers.com.au

Police warn not to approach the men if they are sighted but to immediately contact Crime Stoppers.

Matthew Brown Mark Elliott

Police stepping up patrols on M1

Six police motorcycles will be patrolling the M1 as part of an ongoing highvisibility operation over the next couple of months.

NSW Police launched Operation Hondo on Sunday, May 14, to continue throughout May and June, focusing on reducing road fatalities and

trauma.

Operation Hondo will specifically target the major factors contributing to road trauma – including speed, mobile phone use, drink and drug driving and dangerous

driving behaviours such as tailgating, unsafe lane changing and vehicles not keeping to the left.

While the police motorcycles will predominantly patrol the M1 between Beresford and Wahroonga, they will be continuing the enforcement operation on local roads and

nearby suburbs. Officers will also continue regular daily tasks to ensure the safety of all motorists not just on the M1 but all surrounding roads.

Source: Tuggerah Lakes Police

Man charged after ammunition and drugs found

The Raptor Squad and Tuggerah Lakes Police have seized ammunition and drugs, and a man has been charged, following a vehicle stop at Gorokan and subsequent search of a San Remo property.

At about 12.30pm on Tuesday, May 9, police from Tuggerah Lakes Police District stopped a vehicle on Wallarah Rd,

Gorokan.

During a subsequent search of the vehicle, police allegedly located and seized 23 MDMA capsules, 18 grams of cocaine, various steroids, a mobile phone and a round of ammunition.

A 23-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken

to Wyong Police Station where he was charged on three counts of possess prohibited drug, two counts of supply prohibited drug and acquire ammunition without permit.

Following inquiries, officers from the Raptor Squad and Tuggerah Lakes Police executed a search warrant at a property on Emu Dr, San Remo, about 6.25pm.

During a search of the property, police located and seized 50g of powder believed to be MDMA, a capsule containing MDMA, two rounds of ammunition, cannabis, 30ml of testosterone and mobile phones.

The man was charged with a further three offences including possessing firearms and acquiring ammunition without

a permit.

He was also charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, owner not disclose identity of driver/passenger, and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, in relation to a pursuit alleged to have occurred on Thursday, April 13, at San Remo. He was refused bail to appear before Wyong Local Court on

Wednesday, May 10, when he was granted conditional bail to appear before the same court on Wednesday, May 24. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers. com.au

Source: NSW Police

Attempted murder charge in domestic violence case

A man has been charged with attempted murder following a domestic related stabbing at Lake Haven.

At about 9pm on Saturday, May 13, emergency services were called to a property on the Pacific Hwy, Lake Haven, following reports a woman had

been injured.

Officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District attended along with NSW Ambulance paramedics, locating a woman at the intersection of Lake Haven Dr and Stratford Ave suffering multiple stab wounds.

Police have been told the woman was injured after being involved in an altercation with a man – known to her – in the driveway of the Pacific Hwy property.

When neighbours intervened, the woman ran off and the man allegedly smashed the windows of the woman’s

vehicle before also fleeing. The 56-year-old woman was treated and taken to John Hunter Hospital where she remains in a serious but stable condition.

Police established multiple crime scenes and following a search of the area, a 68-yearold man was arrested at a

nearby home on Holly Cl, where he had allegedly broken into the premises and caused extensive damage with a hammer.

The man was taken to Wyong Police Station and charged with attempted murder (DV), cause wounding/grievous bodily harm to person with

intent to murder (DV), break and enter house – destroy property, destroy or damage property (DV) and three counts of contravene prohibition/ restriction in AVO (DV). He was refused bail.

Source: NSW Police

Source: Brisbane Water Police

FORUM - Will our roads and transport finally be addressed?

The Six Cities Commissioner Robyn Parker has committed the Commission to making it a priority to assess the transport needs of all future developments on the Coast.

Fifty years ago Gosford councillors were complaining and battling for an upgrade and

improvements to the transport system on the Coast.

Every time this promise is made it has never been honoured; will this be an exception?

Time and again development applications that come before Council are refused because the RTA states the roads are inadequate.

Developments which are before Council now have inadequate transport options. Developments being planned have totally inadequate provisions for infrastructure and transport.

It is acknowledged that future housing needs to be built in areas where there are good transport options, yet time and

again these are not being met. When are both state and federal politicians going to understand this and finally realise that we cannot continue without addressing this problem?

If the future is for another 30,000 houses to be built here on the Coast we have to have the roads and infrastructure to

support this.

Even when the much-touted waterfront development is spouted and politicians and business people jump up and down with glee nothing is said about the elephant in the room; the little matter of a major highway going through it.

When a traffic study paid for by taxpayers recommended a

FORUM - Council needs to be accountable

Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart, CEO David Farmer and senior staff do not provide the community with public services that are either of acceptable standards or that meet the reasonable expectations of the majority of the community.

Further, their deals with developers involving community assets and their decisions on development projects are, at best, questionable.

Council’s job is to provide basic services to the local government area.

(Council senior staff) are

employed to represent the residents and ratepayers by providing what the community needs and where possible doing some of the extra projects that the people want done.

They are not employed to do what either NSW government politicians or bureaucrats (or

businessmen) want.

They, along with the Office of Local Government, should have done due diligence and applied the checks and balances of governance to prevent the elected councillors from stuffing things up.

They did not.

So why are they still getting away with spending ratepayer and NSW taxpayer money without being held to account for what they do or how they do it?

Whose best interests are they serving?

All we get in response to

traffic plan for The Avenue at Kariong it was ignored and chaos prevails.

The people on the Coast need better than this.

Email May 14 Geoff Mitchell, Kariong

questions and requests for information is obfuscation, delay, denial and deceit.

To our elected MPs – how will you do your duty to the community to pursue these matters of accountability?

Email, May 12 Ian Weekley, Umina Beach

FORUM - Time to look after the Coast, Mr Minns

Chris Minns – you asked for our support before the last election and we delivered.

Labor members all over the Coast were returned with increased majorities and we had a close-run thing in Terrigal. Now is the time for some of our concerns to be addressed.

We are not in the western

suburbs of Sydney, where a simple request becomes instant policy, but would still like to see some action on the Peninsula.

For starters, how about holding a Council election now, not in September next year?

We are all aware that this is not current policy.

However, ask anyone in the street and you will be told we all

want a democratically-elected Council that will listen to what we, as ratepayers and residents, want, and not just those getrich-quick developers.

Secondly, how about an Emergency Ward at Woy Woy Hospital?

I live on Blackwall Rd and hear and see siren-blaring ambulances, stationed at Point

Clare, go roaring past all day and night.

How good it would be if we could take our sick and wounded just around the corner when an emergency occurs. Gosford Hospital is a long way away when your life is in the balance.

Also, on a statewide basis, how about re-employing

Chamber Magistrates that we could actually sit down with and discuss our legal problems.

If you think the cost of living only affects food and groceries try spending half an hour with a member of the legal fraternity – you need to take out a mortgage, if possible.

Premier, we are only a few people among the many you

represent, but would like to think that our concerns are held in the same regard as those who almost daily appear in newspapers and on television with their parochial problems. Just a few crumbs would do so much for so many.

HEIGHTS CHAPEL

Email, Apr 19 Laurie Powell, Woy Woy

A little slice of RuPaul’s Drag Race is coming to the Central Coast on May 27.

Appearing at the Naughty Noodle fun Haus at Ettalong Beach will be two of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under season one superstars, who collectively have 15 years of drag under their corsets.

Victorian chameleon Art

Simone and Sydney’s glamour bug Etcetera Etcetera will break the fourth wall and perform side-splitting numbers about their misadventures in drag and on screen in the hit national touring show, as seen on TV –Rewind the Tapes.

Art Simone has received global praise for her make-up designs for stage, screen and

A slice of RuPaul comes to Coast

photographic works and also is the current reigning Queen of Australia and has been Drag Performer of the Year for the past two years.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to tour Australia – all the way from Woop Woop to the Red Centre – and share my love of drag,” she said.

“To be able to do this and also

create safe and inclusive spaces for all makes it a dead-set bucket-list moment; I’m stoked.”

Etcetera Etcetera is one of Australia’s most well-known and visually striking drag artists, with a rich background in performance, make-up artistry, screen studies and fashion, also appearing on stages from

Australia to New York.

“Drag is for everyone,” they said.

“There’s nothing that excites me more than travelling around the country spreading the joy of self-expression.

“I’m so excited to tour with my sister Art Simone and give the Central Coast a real look inside our minds.

Traditional Graffiti plays at Everglades

The fabulous, raucous Traditional Graffiti will play for the Troubadour Folk Club at the Everglades Club in Woy Woy on Saturday, May 27 from 7pm.

This beloved and amazing folk-group brings an upbeat brand of English folk music back to Woy Woy.

For years, first as The Wheeze and Suck Band, the group has specialised in sharing warm, fun performances with plenty

of chorus singing and audience interaction across Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Led by Ian ‘The Pump’ Macintosh on melodeon (like an accordian), Traditional Graffiti offers something different in the way of a performance experience.

During Autumn and Winter, March to August, the band offers the theme Frost and Fire, performing material that is inspired by, or directly

references, the traditional, ritual and social aspects of the winter months; sometimes dark, sometimes magical, always fun and informative.

The music of Traditional Graffiti is still based around a core of UK roots music but the focus has evolved to embrace a more eclectic range of cultural influences, as well as a repertoire of irresistible original songs and tunes.

You can buy tickets on the

Troubadour Trybooking page: https://www.trybooking.com/ CHCZM, on the Troubadour website www.troubadour.org. au or by calling 0402 529 474. Limited tickets will be available at the door. For more information on Traditional Graffiti go to traditionalgraffiti.com.

Source: Troubadour Folk Club

“Let’s hope they like what they find!”

The show will be at the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus on Saturday, May 27, with doors opening at 6pm and the show to start at 7.30pm.

Online bookings only at naughtynoodle.com.au/whats-on.

Source:

Naughty Noodle Fun Haus

Art Simone and Etcetera Etcetera

Traditional Graffiti

The Hollow set to open at Peninsula Theatre

Andrew Thomson has directed multiple plays for Woy Woy Little Theatre, but tackling Agatha Christie’s The Hollow has probably been one of his biggest challenges to date.

Set to open at Peninsula Theatre on May 19 for a threeweek season, the play is classic Christie, peppered with varied and interesting characters and red herrings galore as the audience is left guessing to the end just who dunnit.

Widely recognised as the queen of crime writing, Christie produced a huge body of work including 66 novels, 20 of which she adapted for the stage, and 14 short story collections.

The play opens as Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell anticipate a relaxing, enjoyable weekend with extended family at The Hollow, their country residence just outside London.

As the various cousins begin to arrive and romantic

Curtain Bounce will present its latest show, tick, tick… BOOM!, at The Art House next month.

Written by the late Jonathan Larson, the mind behind the smash hit RENT, the play follows Jonathan’s journey as he turns 30 and struggles with his dreams and ambitions – a powerful and moving prequel. “The play was only produced after Jonathan’s death and was released by his friends and

entanglements are revealed, tension mounts until one of the guests is – you guessed it –murdered.

Enter the detective and his sergeant and the classic murder mystery is underway.

“What’s really fun about this play is that there is a real mix of connections,” Thomson said.

“Relationships revealed throughout the play are used as

an effective tool in laying suspicion on just about everyone.

“There’s lots of intrigue; everyone is pointing the finger at each other but it is not until the very end that we actually find out who did it and why.”

At the centre of the trouble we find Dr John Cristow and his devoted wife Gerda – but throw into the mix his mistress and

prominent sculptor Henrietta and his former lover and Hollywood film star Veronica, and you have a volatile brew waiting to explode.

Also visiting are Edward and Midge, whose romantic assertions are also called into question.

As the list of romantic associations grows so does the list of potential suspects.

When one of the party members is shot dead right in front of them all, nearly everyone has a motive but only one of them is the real murderer.

“It’s the first Agatha Christie play I have directed and balancing a cast of 12 has had its challenges,” Thomson said.

“We have a mix of seasoned performers and seven players new to the Woy Woy stage so

Art House set to go tick, tick … BOOM!

family, making this production an incredibly special and emotional experience,”

Director Ruth Tiffen said.

“While both shows explore the themes of love, loss and the struggles of young artists in New York City, tick, tick… BOOM! is more of a personal account of Larson’s own struggles.”

Jonathan Larson was an American composer, playwright and lyricist.

After college, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in theatre.

After struggling to find success at first and working a number of odd jobs to make ends meet, in the late 1980s he began to gain recognition for his work as a composer and lyricist.

His breakthrough came in 1996 with the premiere of RENT, a rock opera based on Puccini’s La Boheme which explored the lives of young artists struggling to survive in New York City’s East Village.

The show was a huge critical and commercial success and won Larson numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Sadly, Larson passed away on January 25, 1996, just days before the premiere of RENT off Broadway.

He was only 35 years old.

The talented cast and crew of

Curtain Bounce have worked tirelessly to bring the show to life.

“This production will feature incredible musical performances and stunning visuals, all while paying tribute to the life and legacy of Jonathan Larson,” Tiffen said. “We are so honoured to bring tick, tick… BOOM! to the stage and to the Central Coast.

it’s been great to have some new faces.

“All in all directing this play has been great fun – we’ve all been enjoying getting the story out there.

“Audiences will be surprised with every plot twist, and have no idea who the murderer really is until the very end.”

Directed with the help of Assistant Director Karen Rowe, The Hollow features an impressive cast comprising Olivia Rowe, Mark Austin, Christine Vale, Kassandra Manuela Brown, Douglas Kent, Sam Zovic, Emily Rex, Kelli Ward, Sebastian Yule, Adriana Nunez, Reuben Harris and David Rowe.

The show opens on Friday, May 19 at Peninsula Theatre with 10 performances over three weekends.

All bookings and payments are to be made online at www. woywoylt.com.

Terry Collins

“This is a powerful and moving production that will resonate with audiences of all ages as we all question our life choices and paths as we strive for success.

“We cannot wait for the community to experience it for themselves.”

With just three incredibly talented cast members on stage, the team promises to

deliver an intimate and emotionally charged performance that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

The show will be run at The Art House, Wyong, from June 8-18.

Tickets are available at www. curtainbounce.com.

Source: Curtain Bounce

The cast of The Hollow - which one is a murderer?

Director Ruth Tiffen with the cast of tick, tick ... BOOM!

The Australian Reptile Park has come to the rescue of perhaps the wildlife park’s cutest resident.

After a routine health check of the park’s nine yellow-footed rock-wallabies, the mammals team noticed that Kelly, one of the females, was pawing at her pouch.

Knowing that she was carrying a young female joey, the team quickly checked the pouch to see whether the joey, and Kelly herself, were in good health.

They could see that Kelly’s pouch had prolapsed, meaning she could no longer carry her little joey.

Luckily, the team acted fast, removing the joey from the

Early arrival for sweet little joey

pouch to ensure she would survive.

The new little bundle of joy was placed in a soft, knitted pouch to mimic the warmth, softness, and security of her mum’s.

After the joey was safely in a warm pouch, keepers assessed her age by weighing and measuring her, ensuring that she received the right amount of milk to promote healthy growth.

To their relief, the little wallaby weighed 500 grams, indicating good health despite the challenges posed by mum’s prolapsed pouch.

During the assessment, they also discovered that the joey’s tail was almost twice the length

of her body, another great indication of healthy progress.

Life Sciences Manager, Hayley Shute, said a combination of luck and passion led to the joey’s rescue.

“Our staff were able to see something was off with mum

and rescue this little joey,” she said.

“We’re very lucky to have some of the best zookeepers in the business here.

“Sadly, Australia has the worst mammal extinction rate on the planet, so the joeys are

especially important in preserving this incredible species.

“Once the joey was rescued, the team gave her mum a thorough health-check to see if there were any other health issues that might have contributed to her pouch issues.

“We’re happy to report that despite not being able to carry her baby, she is in great health and will remain with the rest of the mob at the park.”

As for the newest little resident, for the next six months the joey will get around-theclock care from keepers.

Once she’s big and strong enough, she’ll be reunited with mum and the rest of the

wallabies.

The joey is a part of the Australian Reptile Park’s vital conservation breeding project to help save the threatened species.

Yellow-footed rock-wallabies were once found throughout NSW, Queensland and South Australia, however, they have now disappeared from NSW and Queensland, with their numbers in the wild estimated at being as few as 5,000. Their decline is attributed to intense hunting in the 1800s and early 1900s for their pelts and in recent times, the introduction of feral pests such as the fox and cat.

Jesse Redwing Band returns to the mountain

Fresh off the back of a European tour, the Jesse Redwing Band is set to release its new album, Blues on the Mountain Live, at a special event on May 26.

The band will return to the historic Mangrove Mountain Hall where the album was recorded.

Jesse Redwing is one of the most soulful and authentic

blues players in Australia and has supported acts including Cedric Burnside, Jon Cleary, Cold Chisel, Nic Cester from Jet and Ana Popovic. The new album is a fully mixed and mastered live recording of his band’s first performance at Blues on the Mountain in August,2019, with a packed house dancing the night away in an evening that is fondly remembered by the

band.

Recorded on the night by Central Coast sound technician Leon Bloor, the album features a back catalogue of songs performed live such as Crawlin’ Up the Walls, which was featured on the hit Netflix show Shooter, Rubberband and Lil Flame as well as many previously unreleased tracks from the band that they performed on the night.

Source: Australian Reptile Park

The album will be launched during a special two-hour show at the Mangrove Mountain Hall on Friday, May 26, with doors opening at 7pm. Great food and light refreshments will be available on the night, BYO welcome. To book visit www.trybooking. com/CHWMR.

Source: Blues on the Mountain

The joey will receive around the clock care from keepers

Photo: Australian Reptile Park

Jesse Redwing

Two local authors will share their lived experience, transforming their wounds into wisdom, at a special book launch at Umina Beach on June 5 as part of the Words on the Waves Writers Festival.

Renee Marie Simpson’s I Want to Go Home aims to help readers find empowerment and reclaim their voice after sexual assault. As she embarks on a sailing adventure with no experience, everything goes terrifyingly wrong.

This is a must-read for survivors and allies alike. A NSW Health psychiatrist said

Self care book launch at Writers Festival

the book had an important message about healing, selflove and resilience.

“(This is) an essential read for everyone struggling with a traumatic experience that causes you to feel powerless and small,” she said.

“I think it is very clever how it focuses on the healing journey rather than the traumatic experience.

“This not only makes it more relatable for everyone but also sends a powerful, hopeful and inspiring message.

“You can’t always control what happened to you, but you can control how you face your

demons.

“And to top it all off; it is creatively written and describes

an epic adventure around the world.”

Robyn Collins never expected

to experience the sudden death of her newborn baby and the depth of grief and depression that followed.

In Return to Soul, she shares her personal story, the journey of communication and guidance from the spirit of her daughter and the insights from this essential discovery.

“Stories are often about people, and a good story is about something we can relate to or identify with,” Simpson said.

“Identifying with a story is important because it can help shape the outcome of any personal struggles we may be dealing with.

Concert will be a right royal treat

With the recent coronation on everyone’s minds, a musical program fit for a king and queen will be presented at East Gosford on May 21.

Music Director Christopher Bowen, the Central Coast Chorale with 40 singers, a chamber orchestra of 22 professional musicians and three top soloists will present a royal treat.

The program will feature soprano Elke Hook, bass Mark

Watson and tenor George Gilmour, with accompanist Lilli Naulu.

The Kings and Queens concert will celebrate the music of Purcell’s Funeral Music of Queen Mary, Handel’s Zadok the Priest and Mozart’s Coronation Mass.

The Central Coast Chorale, now 30 years old, rehearses each Wednesday evening at 7.30pm at Green Point Community Centre, 96 Koolang Rd, Green Point with former

members and new singers most welcome.

The Kings and Queens concert will be held at 2.30pm on Sunday, May 21, at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, East Gosford.

For more details call 0403 021 931 or go to www. centralcoastchorale.org.

Tickets will be available at the door with EFTPOS available.

YIPA concerts hit Laycock St

“Sharing or listening to someone talk about a lived experience you can relate to has a number of advantages.

“It can help show you’re not alone, help others make sense of the senseless, help normalise mental health conditions and disorders, reconnect the fragmented pieces of suffering and lead to hope.”

The Self Care Book Launch will take place from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on Monday, June 5, at Centered Ceramics, 246 West St, Umina Beach.

If you’re ready for something young, fresh and entertaining on stage, don’t miss the 2023 Youth In Performing Arts Concert series at Laycock St Community Theatre from Wednesday, May 17 to Saturday, May 20.

Now in its 32nd year, Youth in Performing Arts (YIPA) offers an abundance of variety with talented young performers from across the Central Coast. YIPA concerts present variety performance including vocals,

dance, instrumentals, bands, drama and much more.

Each YIPA concert is completely different to the next – there really is something for everyone.

In 2023, well over 350 individual performance items were auditioned for the annual concert series, with 112 performance items being selected.

YIPA is an important opportunity for the youth of the Central Coast to perform in a professional venue.

Along the way these young performers receive support and guidance from adults with extensive experience in the performing arts.

Many friendships are created back stage as the young performers meet others with a passion for the performing arts.

The YIPA concerts start at 7pm each night.

Book on the Laycock St Community Theatre website.

Source: YIPA

The YIPA concerts feature a wide variety of performances

Source: Renee Simpson

Robyn Collins

Featured author Renee Simpson

Source: Central Coast Chorale

The Central Coast Chorale Christopher Bowen

Photo: ingridphotography

MISSING LINK

MISSING LINK

Aboriginal artworks showcased in Ocean Songs

The Ocean Songs Art Exhibition will showcase the artworks of 12 Central Coast Aboriginal artists, jewellery and artefact makers.

This exhibition is an exciting collaboration between respected artists Garry Purchase and Kylie Cassidy as well as several emerging artists.

Purchase is of Dharawal, Bidjigal and Dhungutti descent and is now based in Kariong with his wife and three sons,

after moving to the Central Coast in 2010.

He says he only discovered his love and talent for painting a few years ago and has been a recent finalist in the Gosford Art Prize.

Cassidy is a proud Wiradjuri woman who grew up on the Central Coast, a local mother and a renowned indigenous artist from Woy Woy.

Her artwork has been recognised and was used by the Sydney Roosters for their 2020 Indigenous Round

jerseys.

Earlier this year Cassidy was named Woman of the Year for the Gosford electorate for her work in establishing The Glen for Women.

Ocean Songs Art Exhibition will be at The Entrance Gallery, Norberta Ave, The Entrance.

The opening night event will be from 6pm on Saturday, May 27, and then it will open daily from 10am-4pm for a week, closing on Sunday, June 4.

Sue Murray

Calling all poets and writers

Central Coast Speakers

Toastmasters is inviting all poets and writers to present their work at a special meeting on Wednesday, May 24.

Spokesperson Tom Haberkorn said presenters would each be given four-five minutes to promote their work to an appreciative audience.

“Members are friendly and enjoy listening to new speakers,” he said.

“This is for all of the writers, poets and storytellers in our community.

“We are going to showcase

their talents and give all who attend a chance to read one of their articles or poems to the group.

“If requested, we can offer positive feedback privately.

“Come and listen to other poets’ and writers’ works and gain inspiration.

“There are no costs involved in attending the meeting; invite your fellow writers along as well.

“Toastmasters will give you the skills and confidence you need to effectively express yourself in any situation.

“Whatever your position,

Toastmasters is the most efficient, enjoyable and affordable way to gain great

communication skills.

“By learning to effectively formulate and express your

ideas, you open an entirely new world of possibilities.

“You’ll be more persuasive and confident when giving presentations, and you’ll improve your one-on-one dealings with others.

“The environment is friendly and supportive, and the selfpaced program allows you to build confidence with speaking assignment.

“Constructive evaluation is at the heart of the Toastmasters program.

“Each time you give a presentation, an evaluator will point out your strengths and

suggest improvements.

“It’s a great way of building on the skills you already have.”

The Poets and Writers meeting will be held at Archie’s Brasserie in the Central Coast Leagues Club on Wednesday, May 24.

Arrive at 12.15pm for a 12.30pm start.

For details of this and other meetings call 0401 625 396.

Source: Central Coast Speakers Toastmasters

Garry Purchase at work

Tom Haberkorn manned a stall for the group at the Gosford Show

Photo: James Horan

In an industry dominated by men, a new generation of trailblazing women is emerging, breaking down barriers and paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive engineering workforce.

With sparks flying and torches in hand, women on the Central Coast are learning the art and science of welding through the Skill Engineer’s Girls of Steel program.

The Skill Engineer at North Gosford is a social enterprise engaging individuals in economic, social and civic activity, in collaboration with Evero Pty Ltd, a leading steel manufacturer specialising in engineering fabrication.

Business & Property

Girls of Steel blazing trail for female tradies

Together they are delivering a pioneering program that aims to tackle the ongoing shortage in the engineering sector and foster gender equality in the workplace.

The Girls of Steel program is uniquely designed to empower women to overcome any potential obstacles that might hinder them from pursuing a career in engineering, provide practical skills in fabrication including machining and welding and encourage women to thrive in viable industry employment pathways.

Women hold only one out of every 100 industry trade apprenticeships and female representation in trades is only three per cent.

Forty-seven per cent of women have left, or have considered leaving, their trade because of a lack of respect and harassment in the workplace.

However, the results of 2022 Women in Engineering Research indicate that of the women who enter the engineering profession, 80 per cent find their work dynamic and impactful and believe that they bring a unique perspective to the table.

Donna Hawkins is enthusiastic about the program and her newly learnt fabrication skills, as well as the camaraderie among participants, the mutual respect they have for one another and the productivity of

the team.

She loves being free to create anything she wishes and has already crafted 12 items, including both structural utility pieces and sculptural works. Despite being diagnosed with level two autism, Hawkins said she was thriving in the program.

“I’m really grateful to have James as our Apprentice Master in the Girls of Skill program as he’s a huge asset to our team and is always very calm, which creates a really nice environment for us to learn in,” she said.

“I had some prior experience with welding and attended art school back in 2009, but most of my recent skills I have

learned through the program.

“I would like to be employed as a Program Trades Assistant, supporting women to achieve their goals in the program and the industry.

“I am currently working towards gaining employment in the metals industry, and I love what this program has provided me with.”

Women in the program are pursuing a Certificate II in Engineering, and are formally assessed by Gimbal Training.

The Skill Engineer also offers assistance in helping participants to secure apprenticeships.

One of the participants in the current class has already

secured an apprenticeship with a local metals and engineering firm and is making impressive strides in her career development.

The Girls of Steel program is supported by the Australian Government’s initiatives to increase the participation of girls and women in STEM education and careers, including engineering.

The Girls of Steel program is now accepting enrolments, but spaces are limited. Secure your spot by visiting theskillengineer .com.au/girls-of-steel.

Source: The Skill Engineer

WHERE: Gosford RSL Club

WHEN: 23 May 2023

TIME: 6:45pm - 8:00pm

WHERE: Mingara Recreation Club

WHEN: 6 June 2023

TIME: 6:45pm - 8:00pm

Donna Hawkins – one of the Girls of Steel

The theme is to educate people about the options and choices available to them… alerting you to the pitfalls and procedures in dealing with Estate Planning, Wills, Powers of Attorney & Appointments of Guardian and how you should best deal with them.

Brazel, Solicitor, will present the seminar on Wills, Powers of Attorney & Appointments of Guardian to help you through the maze of legal regulation.

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

Moore

Calling Aboriginal service providers

Aboriginal service providers on the Central Coast are invited to put in an expression of interest for a new Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) program to offer cultural immersion training for employees as part of the department’s Aboriginal Cultural Capability Framework.

DPE Director of Aboriginal People and Cultural Affairs, Amanda McCarthy, said the framework would provide employees with comprehensive learning to improve Aboriginal cultural awareness and capabilities, enabling them to deliver the very best services in partnership with Aboriginal communities.

“Aboriginal people and cultures are so diverse that a ‘one size fits all’ approach to cultural learning won’t work,”

McCarthy said.

“Employees need to immerse themselves in their local communities or on Country with Traditional Custodians, knowledge holders and

language speakers and understand their intrinsic connections with Country and the broader community.” Through the expression of interest process, DPE aims to

establish a panel of preferred Aboriginal suppliers across NSW who can provide cultural immersion experiences and share the richness and diversity of Aboriginal culture and history

on Country.

With about 10,000 employees in the Department of Planning and Environment around NSW, the establishment of the panel represents real and tangible

economic development opportunities for Aboriginal people, communities, and business.

DPE works across a wide area of government services including Planning, Water, Aboriginal Housing, Social Housing and Property, Crown Lands, Office of Local Government and Environment, Energy, Heritage and Science. Expressions of interest will be received until June 19 to identify potential Aboriginal service providers who will be shortlisted and invited to tender for the delivery of services based on their local cultural knowledge.

Further information on the expression of interest can be found at www.tenders.nsw. gov.au

Source: Department of Planning and Environment

Business networking group celebrates 20 years

The Central Coast Small Business Networking Group (SBNG) will celebrate its 20th birthday at a special anniversary dinner on Wednesday, May 30 at Erina Leagues Club.

The event will commence at 5.30pm, with dinner to be served at 6pm.

SBNG has been supporting small businesses on the Central Coast for two decades. Its mission is to provide a platform for local entrepreneurs to network, learn from one another and grow their businesses.

SBNG holds its popular business networking meetings three times a month at convenient Central Coast

locations. The meetings are relaxed, with no pressure to make referrals or transact with other

members.

The group also presents a series of Business Showcases, workshops and other social

functions during the year. Meetings and other functions are open to all people connected to small business.

The group caters for every type of small and micro business located anywhere on the Central Coast.

With over 30 networking meetings held each year it is a non-profit incorporated association with low membership fees and no political agenda.

The anniversary dinner will celebrate the achievements of its members, sponsors, and supporters.

The evening will be filled with networking and celebration, with a keynote presentation from President Greg Elsey and an opportunity to catch up with members past and present.

The event is open to all SBNG members, sponsors, and supporters.

Virtual care for kids expands to Coast

The Coast’s Labor MPs have welcomed the announcement that the innovative virtualKIDS Urgent Care Service is to be expanded across the state.

The virtualKIDS service utilises modern technologies such as video conferencing and telehealth in order to connect families with clinical nurses.

This is to ensure that children are connected to the best care depending on the child’s needs, whether this be a trip to the emergency department, a consultation with a paediatrician or a visit to the local GP.

The program is designed to

keep children out of emergency departments and in the safety of their homes, while providing the best care pathway available.

Throughout the pilot program, which began in August 2021, two out of three children were able to receive the care needed without the need to visit an emergency department.

The service will reduce pressure on the overstretched hospital system and health care staff, reducing reliance on emergency departments.

The service is currently accessible in three local health districts with specialist paediatric hospitals, but will be expanded to all of NSW before the end of the year.

It will be especially welcome

on the Central Coast, with Bureau of Health Information (BHI) revealing the region is the second worse Local Health District in NSW for emergency treatment wait times.

Member for Wyong and Minister for the Central Coast

David Harris said urgent care of children across the Central Coast was a high priority for the Minns Government.

“We know that our local emergency departments are stretched to the limit and this is affecting the health of our

community and the heavy workload of our nurses and health workers,” he said.

“VirtualKIDS will provide families with the care they need and ease the pressure our local emergency rooms.”

Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said children would be comforted by being able to stay in their own homes while receiving the care they need.

“This is a great step towards repairing our health system,” she said.

Member for The Entrance David Mehan also applauded the move.

“This is a great way to ensure that Central Coast families have access to the right clinical pathway for their needs while helping to relieve pressure on

“We are thrilled to be celebrating our 20th anniversary with this special dinner,” Elsey said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the achievements of our members and the vital role that SBNG plays in supporting the small business community on the Central Coast.

“We look forward to a fantastic evening of celebration and networking.”

For more information about the 20th Anniversary Dinner or joining SBNG, contact info@ sbng.com.au or visit the SBNG website at www.sbng.com.au.

Source: Central Coast Small Business Networking Group

our hospital’s emergency departments,” he said.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the news would be welcomed by families in the region.

“Families across the Central Coast in need of urgent medical care are not able to access the support they need, when they need it,” she said.

“Our hospital systems are in desperate need of support and this program will greatly reduce the burden on our health care staff.

“Any pressure that we can take off our local families in their most vulnerable times is critical.”

Source: NSW Government

The DPE is looking for service providers who can provide cultural immersion experiences

A meeting of the Central Coast Small Business Networking Group

Central Coast Labor MPs (from left) Liesl Tesch, David Harris, Yasmin Catley and David Mehan

Top up your spending power in retirement

WITH Michelle BALTAZAR

Editor-in-Chief • Money magazine

Inflation hits many older people particularly hard, because once they retire and start living off their savings, it eats away at their purchasing power.

But retirees living on fixed incomes – either the pension, their super or a combination of the two – can utilise their family home to increase their spending power and improve their standard of living.

1 Downsize

This involves selling your current home and buying another to live in, but there are pluses and minuses.

Downsizing can increase your cashflow, lower your utility bills and reduce maintenance.

On the downside, selling and buying is expensive: stamp duty, real estate agent fees and moving expenses can easily add up to $50,000 or more.

Downsizing usually means you have less space and less flexibility to entertain.

Moving into a new neighbourhood can also mean you need to find new health and other service providers and are further away from friends.

Many people also have an emotional connection to a longtime family home.

If you are aged 55 or over and have lived in your home for a minimum of 10 years, you may be eligible to put some of the proceeds of downsizing into your super fund.

You can contribute up to $300,000 if you meet the conditions.

If you are part of a couple, your partner can also contribute $300,000, providing the home is sold for $600,000 or more.

There is no upper age limit on taking advantage of the downsizer contribution.

Selling the family home should have no adverse implications for age pensioners, as it is not included in the assets test and the proceeds from the sale

are exempt for up to 12 months, giving you time to buy, build or renovate another home.

2 Share your space

If your home is big enough, you could convert it to a dualoccupancy property and either sell or rent one unit.

Alternatively, you could rent out some space in your home, such as a bedroom with ensuite.

First, make sure you’re going to be comfortable sharing your home with others, so interview potential housemates and check their references.

You could also provide shortterm accommodation.

Airbnb says Australia has one

How to run your house with

Aussies can power their homes from their vehicles now, although there are lots of caveats.

Currently, there are only three cars on the market with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability: the Nissan Leaf electric car, the Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross plug-in hybrid.

The Leaf is arguably the best of that trio because it has by far the largest battery, so it would be able to feed more electricity back to your house.

You also need grid approval to hook up, something that is only available in tiny pockets of the country right now. (The Ballycroft winery in South Australia’s Barossa Valley was the first private

of the world's highest proportions of “hosts” aged over 60.

The average income across Airbnb’s senior hosts nationally is about $8000 a year.

Keep in mind renting out part of your home will have tax implications, for both income and capital gains, and could also impact any pension entitlements.

3

Tap into the equity

Reverse mortgages and equity release schemes are loans that allow people aged 60 or older to borrow against their home and not repay the lender until they move out, sell it or die.

The major banks do not offer reverse mortgages, but several

an electric vehicle

operator to set up such a system with a Nissan Leaf.)

But – and this is a biggie –you need additional hardware on your house to enable the V2G capability.

The main one available now is the Wallbox Quasar, which costs upwards of $10,000.

The expectation is that hardware will get more affordable

once alternatives hit the market and the tech matures.

We’ll also start to see more cars with V2G capability over the next few years, in part due to the connectors: the Leaf, Outlander and Eclipse Cross all use the less common CHAdeMO charging port, which has had V2G capability for years.

The more common CCS

smaller banks and specialist retirement providers do.

The largest provider, New Zealand-based Heartland, has reported that its Australian reverse mortgage portfolio jumped 20% to $1.3 billion in the six months to December 2022.

There is a “no equity guarantee”, which means a borrower’s accumulated interest cannot exceed the value of the house, and they can live there until they die or move out. No repayments are necessary until the property is sold, and the money can usually be taken as a regular payment, lump sum or combination of both.

Reverse mortgages tend to come with higher interest rates than traditional home loans.

A lower-rate alternative is the federal Home Equity Access Scheme, available through Services Australia.

It enables eligible older Australians to access a loan, either a lump sum, regular payments or a combination of the two, using their home equity as security.

If you receive the age pension, your combined loan and pension payment each fortnight under the scheme can’t be more than 1.5 times your maximum pension rate.

If you’re a self-funded retiree, the scheme can pay you up to 150% of the maximum age pension per fortnight.

Check your eligibility at centrelink.gov.au and also use the calculator on this site to find out how much you can borrow.

There are risks involved in all these schemes and they may have a long-term impact on your and your family’s finances. Moneysmart (moneysmart. gov.au) recommends getting independent advice before taking out a reverse mortgage.

PAM WALKLEY

Combo charging port used on most EVs only achieved the international standard for V2G in 2022 and it hasn’t yet been implemented on any production cars. But it is coming.

Keep in mind, too, there are lots of EVs with vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, which allows you to plug regular 230V appliances into an onboard

powerpoint (some of them plug into the charging port).

Cars with V2L functionality available in Australia include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, BYD Atto 3 and Genesis GV60.

It’s handy tech for powering camping gear or keeping a fridge and other household items powered in a blackout. CARSALES.COM.AU

Strong opposition to proposed Mangrove Mountain cattle feed station

The Mangrove Mountain community came out in force last Friday at the historic community hall to discuss a proposed cattle feed station on a recently purchased property on the corner of Ironbark and Hershon Rds.

Once briefed on the size, scale and nature of the operation, the group was unanimous in its strong opposition to what they consider to be a development “unsustainable, unsuitable and totally out of character” for the picturesque rural landscape.

“The proposed commercially driven feedlot is completely unsuitable for this rural and residential area, where many established surrounding houses and approved building envelopes would be severely and detrimentally affected by noise, water, dust and odour pollution,” local resident, business owner and meeting facilitator Alex Stewart said.

“While we appreciate the property owners’ right to lodge a development application, this particular proposal is completely unsuitable for this area and needs to be refused.

“Community members are very open to meeting with the property owner to see if we can discuss other viable options for this parcel of land.

“We wouldn’t put a rocket launching pad in a residential area, so why would we allow a cattle feedlot in one?

“We purchased our property for its conservation value, natural beauty and potential for it to be a private equestrian property where we could enjoy a peaceful lifestyle.

“Our life is currently on hold and if this thing goes ahead we would have to reconsider where we live and take a massive financial hit on our future family home.

“It was evident at the meeting that this proposal is causing residents to feel quite distressed.

“It’s worth noting that there are no other feed stations of this size and scale in Mangrove Mountain.

“We are extremely concerned that if approved, it could set a precedent that would mean the end of our way of life.”

Jessica Gottieb plans to build a dream equestrian property nearby.

“Our approved building envelope is now threatened by the perpetual noise, air, water and odour pollution which this commercial feedlot would generate for 1,000 cattle,” she said.

John Dickinson, who lives with his wife Linda on the adjoining lot and grazes a small herd of cattle, said the couple could be forced off their land if the development was approved.

“It is a well known fact that the stench of these operations is terrible,” he said.

“That alone is of great

concern to all the locals we speak to.

“There’s also the biosecurity risk of such a high density feed station, with disease and stress being factors that concern us all greatly.

“If this goes ahead, it will undoubtedly destroy our farmstay as no one will want to have a weekend away next to an unsightly and stinky feedlot.”

The group is calling on fellow Coasties to protest the development, with submissions to close on June 6, and also discussed contacting local traditional custodians regarding known Aboriginal sites in the area that may be impacted.

The proposed development would house up to 400 cattle in two sheds measuring about

84m by 24m (with the possibility of housing 999 cattle).

A Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) lodged with the application says the development, on a mostly cleared and elevated vacant parcel of rural land, would have a design capacity for 400 head of cattle at a maximum pen density of about 6.5sqm per head.

It says detailed drainage design and effective erosion and sedimentation controls would ensure all surface water runoff generated was effectively diverted, captured and released.

“Wastes (manure) will be scraped and stockpiled (no longer than two days) within a nominated area of the feedlot pens,” the SEE says.

“Trucks will attend the site

Renewed visitor centre attracts thousands

The renewed Visitor Information Centre at The Entrance has already attracted thousands of visitors since it opened to the public in April.

Officially opened by Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart on Tuesday, May 16, the centre already affectionately known as the ‘VIC’, is proving a valuable source of information for visitors wanting to know what to see and where to go on the Coast.

Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said the impact of the upgrade and improvements made to the VIC, including making it more accessible for all, is being reflected in visitor comments to staff at the Centre.

“Since it opened to the pubic in early April, there have been more than 4,371 people visit the centre,” she said.

“Visitors have included locals and people visiting the Coast looking for information on what to do and see.

“The new interactive aspects of the VIC as well as our terrific staff made up of volunteers and Council staff, are ensuring that

information is easy to access, and advice readily offered.

“The new accessible public facilities which include male, female and unisex toilets, a parents’ room and an adult accessible changeroom facility are also being appreciated by users.”

The Entrance is one of the Central Coast’s most popular tourist destinations and prior to COVID, the former centre welcomed 27,600 visitors through its doors each year.

“We are confident that the investment in the renewed VIC will help add to the Coast’s reputation as a welcoming destination, with information readily available to visitors,” Smith said.

“As well as the general renewed facilities, the updated event space will also improve our capacity to attract and host large-scale events and festivals – all overlooking the beautiful waterways that surround The Entrance.”

A practical feature of the renewed facility is that residents can pay their rates, register their dog or cat, or lodge a general enquiry through the Customer Service point

every Monday from 9am to 4.30pm.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the official opening of the updated Visitor Information Centre was the culmination of great teamwork in the design, collaboration with contractors and staff, and now the ongoing first-class customer service to visitors.

“We prioritised this important project to not only respond to what the local community want, but to also help drive

tourism and economic spend and create a year-round space for all locals and visitors to enjoy,” he said.

The completed multi-purpose facility includes: an interactive Visitor Information Centre; new and modern amenities including 24/7 adult accessible change facility and event toilets; improved layout and decking for community and visitor use; a dedicated space for local makers and creators to entice visitors to take home something from the Coast; and

and directly load all wastes (manure) on to trucks for removal and transportation off site.”

The SEE says the development proposal meets all recommended noise, dust and odour impacts to surrounding potentially sensitive receptors. A petition objecting to the proposal, which currently has more than 1,160 signatures, is available at www.change. org/p/stop-an-intensive-cattle -feedlot-proposal-mangrovemountain-nsw.

The petition can also be hand-signed at the Mangrove Mountain chemist or saddlery. More information is available on the Mangrove Mountain feedlot objectors Facebook page.

Terry Collins

an opportunity for volunteers to give back to their community they are so proud of,” she said.

The centre is managed by Council with Council staff and volunteers working there and sits under the accredited Visitor Information Centre program delivered by The Tourism Group on behalf of Destination NSW.

The Visitor Information Centre is open to the public seven days per week from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Residents and businesses wanting to enquire about booking the meeting room space located within the centre should contact 02 4304 7211.

a bookable function area with a modern event space and purpose-built green room.

Federal Member of Dobell Emma McBride said she was delighted the renewed centre was already proving its worth and providing such a great service to visitors.

“The investment by the Federal Government and Central Coast Council will help support local businesses, particularly in tourism and hospitality, as well as providing

The Entrance Visitor Information Centre Refurbishment project was jointly funded by the Australian Government and Central Coast Council.

The federal funding of $29,000 was provided through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program, which supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects.

Source: Central Coast Council

The centre’s revamped entry foyer

Uniting welcomes aged care pay rise

Uniting Care Australia, with four aged care facilities on the Central Coast, has welcomed a 15 per cent wage rise for workers in the industry announced in last week’s Federal Budget, but will continue to agitate for further pay rises.

The budget’s $11.3B investment to fund a 15 per cent pay rise for aged care workers in line with the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC) order for staff in the sector will begin in July, with the Government hoping the move will attract thousands more staff into aged care homes and help towards its promise of having nurses on duty 24/7 in all facilities.

Uniting caters for 295 residents at its Central Coast facilities: Starrett lodge at Hamlyn Terrace (80 beds);

Nareen Lodge at Bateau Bay (32 beds – dementia care);

Nareen Gardens nursing home at Bateau Bay (92 beds); and

Nareen Gardens hostel at Bateau Bay (91 beds), with a

A hundred Supertees were delivered to Wyong Hospital on May 2 and fiveyear-old Eden Searston of Erina was first in line to receive his new medical garment.

The brainchild of tradie dad Jason Sotiris, who watched his own daughter battle cancer and now devotes his life to helping sick children in hospital, the garments are designed to allow easy access for nurses and doctors and are brightening the lives of children in hospital all over the country.

Featuring Marvel characters courtesy of Disney, the medical T-shirts make the children feel like superheroes, with the latest donation to Wyong Hospital made by the Mounties Group.

For Eden, his medical journey started in 2019 when he was just 19 months old, mum Sarah Fryc said.

total of 292 staff across all four centres.

Uniting NSW/ACT Chief Executive, Tracey Burton, said going beyond the current Fair Work Commission (FWC) order that a 15 per cent pay increase must be applied to aged care workers on three base awards from July 1 was ultimately a further decision for the Commission.

“The Commission has commenced work on stage three of the process where it will consider additional increases and application of the decision to other frontline staff in aged care,” she said.

“This, we believe, is desperately needed as a number of frontline aged care workers have missed out on an increase in the interim stage

two decision.

“Uniting aged care employees are employed under the Uniting Aged Care Enterprise Agreements (with separate EAs for NSW and ACT).

“Under our EAs, all Uniting aged care employees are already paid above current modern award rates.

“Uniting advocated strongly for and paid higher than award

wages through our EA well before the Aged Care Royal Commission recommended increased wages as we believe frontline aged care workers are under-valued.

“It is good news that the Government has increased funding to deliver higher rates of pay sustainably across the sector and better reward and value aged care employees.”

Burton said the funding boost of $11.3B would not only put more money in the pockets of workers but would also go a long way towards helping Uniting to meet and mend current funding shortfalls on the Central Coast, as well as across NSW and the ACT.

“This funding and more work on the longer-term financial viability of aged care, which was flagged in the budget, is needed if we are going be able to offer older people the quality support they rightly deserve and need,” she said.

UnitingCare Australia National Director, Claerwen Little, said the increase would help retain

100 Supertees for Wyong Hospital

skilled workers and we reaffirmed the organisation’s pledge to pass the rise on to staff.

“UnitingCare Australia was the first national aged care body to publicly support a 25 per cent pay rise for workers in March 2022,” Little said.

“We boldly costed the ask and put our support behind our workforce.

“We firmly believe that all Australians should be afforded the opportunity to age to their full potential.

“Millions of Australians depend on the care sector every day to provide vital services that support individuals and communities to thrive.

“UnitingCare Australia made an individual submission to the Fair Work Commission wage case in February 2022 and has called for the wage increase to be fully funded by Government in the three Pre-Budget Submissions since then.”

Terry Collins

“He was first diagnosed at Gosford Hospital and then transferred to Westmead.”

Following extensive chemotherapy treatments, Eden has been in remission since August, 2021 but still travels to Westmead every three months for blood tests.

“The treatment was really hard on Eden at first,” Sarah

said.

“For the first two months he couldn’t even leave his room.

“But he’s a resilient little thing and by the end he was telling the nurses where to put the needle.

“He got his first Supertee in 2020 and has had several since.

“He still wears them when he goes for his blood tests – he won’t go to hospital without wearing one.

“He absolutely loves them. “When he was first diagnosed he was wearing shirts which were hard to feed tubes through – the Supertees have been a lifesaver.”

It was the first batch of

Supertee medical garments for Wyong Hospital and inventor Jason Sotiris was on hand for the delivery.

He said his dream was simple: to have a Supertee available for every child who needs one.

“So far more than 13,000 Supertees have made their way into hospitals around Australia giving already brave

How will Smart City planning affect us?

The Federal Government’s Smart Cities Plan outlines ways to maximise the potential of cities using the three pillars of smart investment, smart policy and smart technology.

Central Coast Council’s adopted Economic Development Strategy references a number of initiatives relating to the Smart City Plan with which Council aligns, but what might that

mean for our region?

Community Voice Australia

Central Coast will host a discussion on the impact the smart cities concept might have on the region on Saturday, May 20, at Kincumber.

Presenters Kate Mason and Jessica Jurd will explore such possible impacts as zoning changes, public-private partnerships and the implications on residents.

Kate Mason will explain just

what smart cities are and examine the implications of public private partnerships.

A dedicated community advocate and member of Community Voice Australia, she will highlight the importance of government transparency and informed decision making.

Jessica Jurd, a passionate member of the Hunter region, will investigate the changes in zoning required for smart city planning and explore the

children additional courage, but our dream is to help bring out the Captain America and Captain Marvel in all children in hospital,” he said.

Last year, more than 8,300 Supertees were donated to sick children across 27 hospitals nationwide.

Terry Collins

implications on the community.

Kate Mason will explain what smart cities are and their implications.

Entry will be by donation at the door.

The event will be held at Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre from 3pm to 4.30pm on Saturday, May 20.

The government hopes the pay rise will attract more workers into the sector

Eden models his new Supertee for mum Sarah, inventor Jason Sotiris, medical staff and representatives of The Mounties Group

Eden received his newest Supertee from inventor Jason Sotiris as mum Sarah watches on

Source: Community Voice Australia Central Coast

Kate Mason Jessica Jurd

Coast Connect

ADMINISTRATOR MESSAGE

Rik Hart

Sand transfer works at The Entrance

I’m very pleased to share that Council crews and machinery will be out on the sand berm at The Entrance channel in the coming weeks, commencing Council’s proactive program of works to move sand from the sand spit at The Entrance.

The sand will be relocated to the northern foreshores of Karagi Point Reserve to renourish some of the eroded areas there, which put us in a stronger position if any flood mitigation works are required this winter.

Although the focus of the works at this time is to protect and improve access and amenity around Karagi Point Reserve and the infrastructure there, these works will make it easier for Council to respond during a severe weather event, if one arises.

Protecting, restoring and managing our natural assets, including Tuggerah Lakes, is of high importance to Council and the strategic management of Tuggerah Lakes and The Entrance channel is undertaken on the foundation of expert studies, estuary and coastal management intelligence tools, and the expertise of specialist consultants and Council staff.

Council is currently working towards the development of an Entrance Management Strategy through the Tuggerah Lakes Coastal Management Program. I strongly encourage interested community members to register their interest via the link below to stay up to date with news and opportunities to be involved.

Register your interest at yourvoiceourcoast. com/waterways

To learn more, search ‘Tuggerah Lakes’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

The next Ordinary Council meeting will be held at Wyong on Tuesday 23 May 2023

On a trial basis, the public forum will be held prior to the meeting on Monday 22 May, from 5pm. centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/meetings

What would make Gosford feel safer for you?

We are calling on women, girls and genderdiverse people to help improve the perception of safety within Gosford. A survey and an interactive map have been designed to capture experiences as part of the ‘Safer Cities: Her Way Program’, a collaborative partnership program with Transport for NSW. From here we can trial solutions to address concerns.

To participate, go to yourvoiceourcoast.com/herway

Playtime on the Bay with community favourite features

The playspace at Taylor Street, Woy Woy Bay has been updated to include rubber softfall and pathway for improved accessibility, nest swing, junior swing, two slides, rocker, sensory play equipment and more. Playspace renewals are also underway at Budgewoi, Berkeley Vale, Koolewong, Wyongah, Toukley, Tuggerah, Terrigal and Blue Haven.

Find a playspace near you, search ‘playspaces’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Visitors ‘tern’ home for winter

The annual breeding season for the endangered Little Terns has again come to an end as they head back home to South-east Asia. It was another successful season with 31 fledglings taking flight, and second highest in NSW. Thanks to the support of the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the wider community. For more information, search ‘little terns’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Water and sewer forums

Last week we met with a diverse group of community members as part of our Water and Sewer engagement sessions – building on insights provided during the first round of consultations in March. We are listening to ensure our investment in water and sewer is aligned to your needs and priorities. To read more on the community forums, go to yourvoiceourcoast.com/waterservices

What’s on? Go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events

Free cat and dog microchipping

Residents can come along to microchip your furry friend for free, and you can also update their registration details and access responsible pet ownership advice, educational material and products.

Monday 22 to Friday 26 May 10am-2pm daily

SoCares

Did you know?

The State Government is planning for the Central Coast. To help them understand your needs and wants for our region, fill in the Australian Liveability Census. Your opinion may impact hundreds of planning decisions across our area. There’s a chance to win one of 50 x $100 vouchers!

Fill in the survey at https://survey. placescore.org/s3/lc23-do-nswcentralcoast

Image: Destination NSW

Budget brings health improvements for Coast

The Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network (PHN) has applauded the Labor Government following the announcement of significant investment into primary care in the 2023 Federal Budget, which was handed down last week.

Network CEO Richard Nankervis said the Budget delivered a strong recognition of and commitment to strengthening the primary care sector.

“The Labor Government’s substantial investment into primary care is a win for people

residing in the Hunter, New England and Central Coast regions,” he said.

“I thank the Government for recognising the significant challenges being faced in

primary care and providing the necessary funding to ensure that we can begin addressing these concerns.

“While details regarding the application of the initiatives remain largely unknown, the Budget gives the PHN confidence that we can continue in our work commissioning health services to meet the needs of our community, while also identifying innovative solutions to challenges that emerge within our changing population.”

The health and aged care priority areas addressed in the Budget include improving

Test your strength at Deadlift for Dementia

Lift3 Gym and Physiotherapy at Tuggerah Business Park is set to hold a Deadlift for Dementia event on Saturday, September 16, from 10am3pm and is calling for registrations.

People of all ages and fitness levels are invited to show their support for those living with dementia by participating in the fundraiser.

Registration to deadlift is $25 with four events to choose from: deadlift with a barbell; trap bar deadlift; maximum repetitions in 60 seconds (trap bar or deadlift); and tandem deadlift with a barbell.

All funds raised will benefit Dementia Australia’s critical support services for people living with dementia.

The goal is to raise $3,000 through event registrations and

donations, with more than $1,000 already accumulated.

National and world record champions of powerlifting will participate, as well as weekend warriors and regular gymgoers who want to help make a difference.

“We believe in the power of community,” Head Coach and Owner of Lift3 Carlie Hasell said.

“By coming together we can

patient access to general practice (including after hours), improving patient access to GP-led multi-disciplinary team care (including nursing and allied health).

This will make primary care more affordable for patients, improve prevention and management of ongoing and chronic conditions and reduce pressure on hospitals.

All priority areas are aligned with challenges being faced across the Hunter, New England and Central Coast region.

Key initiatives providing impact for the Hunter, New England and Central Coast PHN include: Medicare Urgent Care

Clinics; after hours care; and improvements to multidisciplinary care for management of patients with chronic conditions.

Key initiatives providing impact for general practice in the region include My Medicare, increases to bulk billing, introduction of the single employer model and other incentives such as the aged care incentive payments.

Health and aged care expenditure announced in the Budget totalled $139.2B, an increase of $5.6B compared to the March 2022-23 Budget.

Total health and aged care spending over the next four

years is forecast to be $589B, an increase of $42B from the March 2022-23 Budget allocation of $547B.

The Hunter New England Central Coast PHN works with general practice, health centres, businesses, and individuals across a 130,000sqkm area, helping to deliver innovative and locally relevant health care solutions for the 1.2 million people who live in communities across the region.

Source: Central Coast Primary Health Network

make an impact on those affected by dementia.

“This is an exciting opportunity to show your strength while also making a meaningful contribution towards helping those living with dementia receive the care they need.”

Donations can be made at www.mycause.com.au/events /deadliftfordementia

NECC PHN CEO Richard Nankervis

WITH CHERALYN DARCEY

As the weather cools down, you can still bring some summer vibes to life in your home with a selection of cacti and succulents.

Although hailing from various climates, they are synonymous with warmer temperatures and desert skies and for those new to houseplant growing, are relatively easy to care for.

Cacti and succulents, what’s the difference? For many years we believed that ‘all cacti were succulents but not all succulents cacti’ and while it does still generally hold some truth, these days progression in botanical science has meant that some cacti are being excluded from the succulent group all together.

While this scientific difference prevails, generally gardeners consider them to be all in the same bunch of plants as they have similar needs.

Succulent and Cacti Care

Although it is possible to grow these plants in containers without holes, drainage and soil aeration is much improved if your pots have holes.

Add a layer of larger gravel in the bottom to boost drainage.

Never use potting mix or

garden soil as these are too dense.

Find a commercial cacti and succulent mix or make your own by combining 50% loambased compost to 50% horticultural or bonsai grit and you may find that some plants, particularly cacti benefit from the addition of perlite to increase the drainage.

The main reason we kill succulents and cacti is that we overwater them and using distilled water or rainwater is best as the minerals in tap water can cause issues.

Water the soil not the plant and do this either carefully from above using a thin spouted vessel or even a syringe.

Fertilising is going to depend on your individual type of plant and this information can easily be found online or ask your local nursery.

Only repot if they outgrow their container or if affected by pests and disease.

Outgrowing a pot usually occurs every couple of years and can be indicated by root bound soil.

Use a small paintbrush to swipe away soil or grit that lands on the plant after potting up and be sure to add a layer of

pebbles to the surface to keep the potting medium cool and moist.

Wear gloves working with cacti and cover with a few layers of bubble wrap first when transplanting or moving.

Tidy up your plant and help it thrive by pruning away any damaged or diseased areas and by thinning out stems when the plant gets too leggy or crowded.

This will ensure more vigorous and healthy growth.

Always use very sharp scissors or secateurs and clean them often with a cloth dipped in methylated spirits to prevent cross contamination of pests and disease.

Propagation

A lot of these types of plants produce offsets.

These look like miniatures of the parent plant and grow around the base.

Most can be eased off by hand or cut with a sharp small knife to separate them. Leave offsets to dry out in a in a warm, dry place for two weeks before putting up.

Another method of reproducing more plants is by propagating through leaf

WHAT’S ON FOR PLANT LOVERS

Growing Food for Abundance Live - 25th May - 9.30am - 11.30am

An online workshop with Megan Cooke and Kerrie Anderson. Now is the time to learn how to grow your own food & have an abundance of produce.

For more details: www.facebook.com/gardentotablepermaculture

Terrarium Workshop - Saturday, 10 June 2023, 11am-12.30pm at Burbank House & Garden, 443

The Entrance Rd, Erina Heights.

Learn to design and make a closed glass terrarium to take home, complete with living plants and ornament to create interest. You’ll learn how they work so you can make more at home, and how to care for them so they last.

Everything you need to participate is provided on the day, along with a warming brew from our in-house cafe, The Leafy Green.

This workshop is designed for beginners and for those who want to improve their processes.

To book, call 43 655 396

Australiana Trivia Night with East Gosford Community Garden - Saturday 10th June, 6:30pm at East Gosford Progress Hall

Support one of our wonderful community gardens. A fun night with cash prizes for winning table and other great prizes.

Tickets at door or book at: www.trybooking.com

cuttings.

Gently pull off mature, healthy leaves from the base of plants.

Again, leave to dry for a couple of weeks and then pot up.

Seed propagation is also possible, but seeds are difficult to obtain from your own plants.

Stem cuttings can be achieved by removing a leafy stem of about 8 to10cm in length with secateurs.

Remove the bottom 3cm of leaves and leave to dry for a couple of weeks.

Pot up as with other forms of propagation mentioned.

Problem Solver

Yellowed leaves or stems can mean over or under watering, lack of light or food.

Mushy or soft leaves or stems indicates overwatering, high humidity and possibly fungal growth.

Reduce watering and increase air circulation, and wait and see.

Remove any areas that go brown or die.

Light brown raised areas could be the non-fatal ‘cactus corky scab’ and you will need to increase air circulation and reduce humidity.

Cheralyn is a horticulture author and along with Pete Little, hosts ‘At Home with The Gardening Gang’

8 - 10am live every Saturday on CoastFM96.3

cheralyn

cheralyn.darcey

Round dark spots usually mean ‘fungal leaf spot’.

Affected areas have to be removed to save the plant. Be careful not to wet leaves and stems in future when watering as this is usually the cause.

Fine brown markings, distorted growth, plant collapse and strange fibres appearing on your plants are all signs of pests.

While it helps to identify the pests, physical removal by washing the plant in very mild soapy water and quickly drying in a well-ventilated area helps.

Spider mites usually mean a death sentence for your plant, but you can try an eco-friendly pesticide and removing the infected parts.

Thrips and fungus gnats can be combated by the placement of sticky traps around your plants and vine weevils and root mealybugs will mean you need to repot and clean your roots.

Scale insect is a difficult one and you can try washing your plant, using a methylated spirit-soaked cotton bud directly on areas of infestation or a systemic pesticide.

Whole plant collapse is a sad looking problem and usually means that there is a pest or fungal disease in the roots of the plant, have a look, remove pests or fungal damaged roots and repot.

Should all the roots look affected, then the plant needs to go to the bin I’m sorry to say. Distorted growth can also mean insufficient light as well pests.

Inspect closely and if nothing has been found, try a position with more light.

Should you plant seem to not be growing in a non-dormant period, it could be any of the above so check weekly for signs of pests or disease, revise your watering method, and amount and perhaps move to a position with more favourable air movement, light and temperature.

Etiolation is a common succulent problem.

It is leggy and outstretched growth of the stem and leaves caused by a lack of sunlight and usually occurs after you have fed your plant.

Simply move the plant to an area in which it will receive more sunlight.

GARDENING PLANNER

You can plant the following now: Culinary herbs, artichokes, broad beans, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbages, cauliflower, cress, garlic, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, onions, peas, shallots, spring onions, silverbeet, spinach, ageratum, alyssum, calendula, candytuft, Canterbury bells, carnation, cineraria, columbine, cornflower, delphinium, dianthus, everlasting daisy, forgetme-not, foxglove, godetia, gypsophila, hollyhock, honesty, larkspur, linaria, lobelia, nigella, pansy, poppy, primula, snapdragon, statice, stock, sweet pea, viola, wallflower.

Lic: 164611C

Prestigious scholarship for Central Coast student

A graduate of St Brigid’s Catholic College, Lake Munmorah, Kyra Kensey has been awarded an International College of Management (ICMS)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Scholarship.

Since its inception in 2011, Sydney college’s Scholarship Program has awarded more than $13M in scholarships.

Kensey was one of 100 students receiving scholarships worth more than $1.4M at the recent 2023 awards ceremony.

“As a proud Garingi woman, this scholarship has allowed me to prosper in the ICMS oncampus environment built on the land of my ancestors and

attend classes allowing me to learn and undertake my degree at a full capacity,” she said.

“Without this scholarship I would not be able to attend college or study my chosen degree, a Bachelor of Business (Fashion and Global Brand Management).

“The scholarship has allowed me to stay on campus and meet people not only from Australia but all around the world, creating lifelong friendships.

“By studying a Bachelor of Business (Fashion and Global Brand Management) at ICMS I now have the ability to work within the fashion industry.

“The scholarship program allows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to have equal opportunities and be able to partake in their chosen degree.”

Livestreamed to a global audience, the prestigious ceremony at the ICMS Northern Beaches Campus was attended by ICMS scholarship recipients, ICMS academic faculty and ICMS industry and corporate partners.

ICMS Scholarships Chair Ann Whitelock said the scholarships program was underpinned by three important values: giving back to the community, embracing diversity and equity and inclusion.

Privately funded by ICMS and corporate partners, the scholarships are composed of accommodation and tuition waivers as well as invaluable industry placements.

Scholarships are awarded to as many different nationalities

and types of people as possible. Besides Australians, students receiving scholarships came from Nepal, Germany, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, New Zealand, France, China, Bangladesh, The Philippines, Argentina, Thailand, Kenya and the US.

The International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS) is a higher education institution with campuses in Manly and Sydney’s business district.

Founded in 1996, it is a leader in career-focused, quality education and offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees to Australian and international students.

Source: ICMS

Early childhood education gets a $72M boost

Early childhood education on the Central Coast will benefit from a $72.4M investment in the 2023-24 Federal Budget with a focus on regional and remote services and First Nations organisations.

From July, early childhood education and care will become more affordable for around 1.2 million Australian families thanks to reforms delivered by the Albanese Government.

Federal Member for Dobell Emma said more affordable early childhood education would mean real cost-of-living relief for families.

“We’re making sure the

Central Coast has a strong early childhood education and care workforce, so local children have access to the best in early learning,” she said.

The funding package will also support the skills and training of a quality and highly-trained early childhood education and care workforce through improved access to professional development opportunities, making it easier for educators to progress their careers.

“Investment in our youngest Australians is an investment in the future, that’s why we’re determined to improve the early childhood education and

care,” McBride said.

Support will be provided to enable positions to be backfilled while 75,000 early childhood educators, teachers and centre directors undertake professional development opportunities.

The funding package will also help 6,000 existing educators upskill by providing financial support to help complete onthe-job teaching placements required by teacher education courses.

Also, 2,000 early childhood educators will be able to undertake a practical exchange at a different service, with a living allowance for students

undertaking a practicum in a rural or remote location.

“This vital investment will ensure high quality early childhood educators remain in the sector, with clear opportunities for career advancement,” McBride said.

“These landmark reforms will ensure families are empowered to make the choices that are right for them when it comes to early learning, workforce participation and further education – while also boosting the economic security of women.”

PANEL BEATER

We are looking for a fully qualified and experienced panel beater to join the team in a multi dealer approved shop that has stood the test of time in Hornsby.

You must be fully qualified with a NSW tradie Licence and have first class attention to detail with good organisational skills and a “quality only” approach to work standards.

Valuable skills and attributes include:

• Speed

• Quality

• A keen eye for detail and finish

• Work well under pressure

• Weekend work available by mutual agreement

As you will have direct contact others in the team, it’s important that you have good communication skills and an approachable manner.

Job Type: Permanent Full Time

Salary: Competitive salary

Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 to 4pm

Contact: info@srautobody.com.au

Phone: (02) 9476 2558

Source: Member for Dobell Emma McBride

Investment in early childhood education

Kyra Kensey with ICMS Scholarships Chair Ann Whitelock

Terrigal still leads points table after 52-5 win

RUGBY

Match of the Day in Round 5 of the Central Coast Rugby competition on May 14 saw the Razorbacks win 21-17 over home team Gosford at Gosford Showground.

In a hard-fought battle, both teams got early penalty goals, with the Razorbacks crossing for a good forwards try midway through the first half and Gosford squaring up the match with an effective try right on half-time, locking the scores at 10-all.

The second half featured some excellent attack but some even better defence.

There were many opportunities for both teams to post further tries but wonderful defence from both teams limited the try scoring.

The Razorbacks took the lead

BASKETBALL

again early in the second half with two penalty goals to lead by 16 points to 10 for much of the remainder of the half.

A try to each team late in the match resulting in a close final score.

Best players for the Razorbacks were prop Mackenzie Zammit, centre Conor Moran and hooker Jade Strongman, while for Gosford best performers were prop Richard Harvey, centre Josh McGlynn and flanker Mitch Parker.

At Slade Park, Terrigal recorded an away victory defeating The Lakes 52-5.

Terrigal took the lead very early in the match and never looked in doubt of recording a comfortable victory.

The match was basically sealed in the first 40 minutes where Terrigal piled on 33 points to lead 33-5 at the half-

time break.

Terrigal continued to control proceedings in the shortened second half and posted a further 19 points.

The game was stopped early because of nearby lightning strikes.

Best players for Terrigal were centre Jayden Woolley, flanker Edward Bookallil, fullback Frankie Webber and No.8 Elekana Laupolo.

The Lakes were best served by halfback Bryce Lace, hooker Navitalai Naduguduivalu and lock Connor Lawson.

Terrigal remains undefeated this season and sits at the top of the competition ladder.

Home team Warnervale ran out 58-20 winners over Hornsby at Woongarrah Oval.

The first half was a fairly even struggle with Warnervale going into the half-time break with a

19-13 lead.

But in the second half Warnervale surged ahead to post a further 39 points, with Hornsby able to respond with only one converted try.

Best players for Warnervale were halfback Isaiah Niumata, flanker Jack Alipate and No.8 Tevita Piukala, while for Hornsby most effective players were lock Dominic Cole, flanker Harrison Vollmost and fiveeight Hunter Bird.

The day featured a mark of respect for the late Bill Clarke, known as ‘Grandad’ to most around Warnervale Rugby Club.

A minute’s silence before play paid tribute to the man who was on the club’s first committee as secretary and was heavily involved in the juniors program.

The Woy Woy versus Lake Macquarie clash at Woy Woy

Oval saw the home team surge to a mighty 70-3 victory.

Woy Woy controlled proceedings from start to finish, running in 10 tries during the match.

Woy Woy led 35- 3 at the halftime break and posted a further 35 points in the second half.

The win marks Woy Woy’s first victory of the season, with best players on the day flanker Bruce Folau, No.8 Sonatane Filimone Lilo and prop Paea’l Fatu’ainga Nau.

Lake Macquarie was best served by fullback Franco Quinones, five-eight Matias Furno and No.8 Jarrod Scott.

The Premier 1 points table sees Terrigal in the lead on 20, followed by Avoca Beach and The Razorbacks on 19, Gosford on 15, Warnervale on 14, Woy Woy on 6, Hornsby on 4 and The Lakes on 1.

Some exciting games in Women’s 10s matches saw victories for Avoca Beach, Hornsby and Terrigal.

Round 6 on May 20 will see Avoca Beach host Gosford at Heazlett Park, Terrigal and Woy Woy clash at The Haven oval, Warnervale take on The Lakes at Woongarrah Oval and Hornsby play the Razorbacks at Mark Taylor Oval.

In President’s Cup, the Bay Rugby Club meets Terrigal at The Haven Oval, while Gosford/ Kariong meets Avoca Beach at Heazlett Park.

And in the Women’s 10s competition, Warnervale will host The Lakes at Woongarrah Oval, Terrigal meets Woy Woy at home and Hornsby hosts the Razorbacks at Mark Taylor Oval.

Wyong Leagues Group gets the Waves rolling again

In great news for the hundreds of domestic and representative basketballers on the Coast, the Wyong Leagues Group has entered into an agreement to buy the Central Coast Waves Basketball Association.

The Association, which collapsed earlier this year following a period of financial instability, ceased operating in April leaving players and parents high and dry.

This takeover ensures that the Association will now have a stable future with the financial and management backing of a major organisation.

To facilitate the takeover, the Wyong Leagues Group will become an associate member of Basketball NSW.

The former Central Coast Waves Basketball Association will be liquidated, and Central

Coast Waves Basketball will return as a sub-club of Wyong Leagues Group.

With a successful history in sports administration covering rugby league, soccer, golf and bowls the Group will now seek

to employ staff with a strong basketball background to support Matt Smith who will head the new Waves operation. Smith has extensive previous experience with the Waves and will provide invaluable continuity from the previous

administration.

Effective immediately, the Wyong Leagues Group has appointed a basketball subcommittee and this team will assist with the reboot of basketball in the area.

Its representatives are: Sharon Coates –Waves Representative Programs; Wendy Ellis – Domestic Competitions; Paul Barkley –Grass Roots; Alicia Duke –Fundraising and the Community and Schools representative is yet to be announced.

Wyong Leagues Group CEO Ben Coghlan said: “We are very excited to have the opportunity to extend our capabilities of providing community sport to the residents on the Central Coast as we know basketball is a very popular sport.

“We would also like to personally thank Basketball NSW, particularly CEO Maria Nordstrom for working with us so swiftly given the time sensitive nature of the purchase.

“We greatly appreciate them making time to come up and meet with our executives as we worked through the process.

“Thanks also go to Central Coast Basketball at Terrigal for offering a home to Waves players during this time so that they could continue to compete in the representative competition.”

Coghlan said information about domestic competitions and when registrations open would be available in coming weeks through the existing Waves website and Facebook page.

“We understand that the uncertainty on the Association’s future has made it a tough time for both parents and children and I can assure them that as part of our organisation the Waves will have our full commitment and support and we look forward to seeing basketball return to Niagara Park,” Coghlan said.

Source: Central Coast Rugby

Terrigal defeated The Lakes at Slade Park, maintaining the points ladder lead

Warnervale and Hornsby players observed a minute’s silence in honour of the late Bill Clarke

Photo: Stacey Wilson

Source: Wyong Leagues Group

Wyong Leagues Group CEO Ben Coghlan (left) and Operations Manager-Waves Basketball Matt Smith at Niagara Park Stadium

FOOTBALL

The Central Coast Mariners continued their quest for a grand final berth by defeating rivals Adelaide United 2-1 at Coopers Stadium in Adelaide on Saturday, May 13.

The win puts the Mariners in a leading solid position coming into the return leg of the twomatch semi-final to be played at Gosford’s Industree Group

Mariners win first semi-final – big home final looms large

Stadium this Saturday night, May 20.

In last Saturday’s game, an early penalty to Adelaide in the third minute was something the home side thought would stamp the match in its favour, but it was not to be.

Goals to Mariners James McGarry in the 15th minute and Jason Cummings in the 37th minute sealed the game in the first half, in a game of attacking football that showed

the Mariners’ depth of talent.

A strong second half saw the scores unchanged until the final whistle, with the team now buoyant and ready for its return home to Gosford for the game that will decide who advances to the grand final.

Strong shots on goal from Silvera, Kaltak, N’kololo Balard and Tulio in addition to Cummings and McGarry demonstrated the diversity of play up front, from a squad that

has peaked at exactly the right time.

It was in defence that the Mariners team really excelled with keeper Vukovic and key defender Kaltak showing off their incredible talents in thwarting their opposition.

Kaltak’s indomitable attitude has put him in the running for the best defender in the league by recording 13 clearances on the night when no one else managed more than four.

Captain/keeper Danny Vukovic must surely be the greatest keeper in the A-league competition, consistently inspiring his team to do better and constantly demonstrating his own commitment with his heroic saves.

While it was a strong result against the Adelaide team, which was deemed favourite on the night by most pundits, even more remarkable was the young Central Coast team

seemed to grow under the pressure of finals football.

The club is now urging all supporters and their families to attend Saturday’s re-match at Gosford’s Industree Group Stadium on May 20 at 7.45pm, something that will help get the side into the grand final. Tickets are available via the Mariners’ website.

David Abrahams

Tebbs dominate at board riding championships

More than 130 competitors descended on North Avoca recently for the Surf Life Saving NSW Board Riding Championships, with the Coast’s own Tebb family giving a strong showing and even Bondi Rescue’s Anthony ‘Harries’ Carroll making a winning appearance.

There was a a wide range of events, from long board and short board to two new divisions

– Clubbie Board and Tag Team – which added a new element to the event first run in the 1949-50 season.

The Clubbie Board division was an “expression session” of sorts, where surfers were given the opportunity to showcase their skills on a rescue board, while the Tag Team division tested competitors’ teamwork as well as their ability in the water.

“It was strange not seeing anyone in comp rashies, with

everyone out there in wetsuits on their rescue board but it was fun,” said Kiah Tebb of Avoca Beach SLSC on the Clubbie Board event. She was a clear winner in the Open Female division, while her brother Will was victorious in the Youth Male Clubbie Board and father Nigel scraped into the medal placings by 0.10 in the Open Male to ensure it was a family affair on the podium.

The Tebbs also picked up a gold medal in the U15 Female

Short Board (Kiah), second in the 40-55 Male Longboard (Nigel), and thirds in the Youth Male Long Board (Will), Youth Female Long Board (Kiah), and U15 Male Short Board (Will). Anthony ‘Harries’ Carroll carried the flag for Bondi on the Long Board, taking out both the Open and 40-55 Male categories.

Source: Surf Life Saving

James McGary celebrates his goal in Adelaide

Kiah Tebb